Decanter of 'exceptionally rare' whisky from Scots distillery sells for over £90,000 at auction

A decanter of an “exceptionally rare” whisky has sold for over £90,000 at auction – with all proceeds going to a Scottish museum.

Dalmore distillery’s 49-year-old single malt, presented in a co-created sculpted glass, sold for £93,570, at Sotheby’s in London on Friday.

Dalmore, housed near Invergordon, released their Luminary No.2 collection in partnership with Dundee’s V&A Museum.

The distillery said all of the proceeds of the £75,000 hammer price will go directly to the arts centre.

Only three bottles and two sculptures of the malt have ever and will ever be created, with Melodie Leung, director at Zaha Hadid Architects moulding the sculpture.

Leonie Bell, director of the museum, said: “The Dalmore and V&A Dundee partnership is ambitious.

“It brings our worlds of design, whisky, internationalism, innovation, and a deep commitment to celebrate Scotland’s unique icons, landscapes and crafts together.

“The Dalmore are generously donating the entire proceeds from the auction of the unique sculpture and decanter.

“This collaboration is invaluable to V&A Dundee and supports our work to generate joy, spark curiosity and to deepen our social impact through design.”

Only three bottles and two sculptures of the malt have ever and will ever be created. Photo: Sothebys.

The Dalmore’s master whisky makers Gregg Glass and Richard Paterson OBE matured the malt in American White Oak ex-Bourbon casks.

Ms Leung said: “Creating both the sculpture and whiskies with Gregg and Richard for the second edition of The Dalmore’s Luminary Series was a truly fascinating collaboration.

“I am delighted that collectively we’re supporting the V&A Dundee in their invaluable work inspiring the next generation of designers.”

Steven Pearson, chief marketing officer of Whyte & Mackay, said: “The Luminary series offers The Dalmore the unique opportunity to not only support our long-standing partner V&A Dundee, but to collaborate with leading architectural figures to combine the art of whisky making and design, resulting in the creation of both a whisky and sculpture, that is not only exceptionally rare, but interesting and rich in story.

“Watching The Dalmore’s Master Whisky Makers, Gregg Glass and Richard Paterson OBE, work with the incredibly talented Melodie Leung was a sight to behold.

“It was remarkable to see the development of a whisky, through the eyes of an architect and watch the sculpture take shape, with Gregg and Richard’s influences incorporated.

The £75,000 hammer price will go to the arts centre (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Sotheby's) — The £75,000 hammer price will go to the arts centre (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for Sotheby’s)

“Luminary No.2 has been a true partnership between Melodie, Gregg and Richard and this project will have an everlasting influence on our design philosophy.”

Jonny Fowle, global head of spirits at Sotheby’s, said: “This is a thoroughly deserved result for a true collector’s piece that combines to brilliant effect a highly aged liquid, a high concept design and a worthy cause.

“The Dalmore is an icon of the whisky world and this second iteration in their Luminary series encapsulates all the key elements collectors are looking for in today’s premium whisky market.”