W hisky or Whiskey, depending on where it comes from, is an incredibly diverse spirit with many different styles and flavor profiles on offer. So where does one start? If you are looking to collect or simply enjoy some of the finest the category has to offer, here are ten iconic Scotch and American currently available in the Sotheby’s New York Spirits auction: Whisky & Whiskey | The Camouflage Collection Part ll.
1. The Macallan 72 Year Old in Lalique, Genesis Decanter 42.0 abv NV (1 BT75)
This whisky was distilled in the 1940s and bottled in 2018 in a custom Lalique crystal decanter, with the decanter's shape resembling the design of the new Macallan Distillery, completed in 2018. Bottle no. 112 of 600, comes presented in a custom wooden presentation case designed by Burgess Studio and handcrafted by NEJ Stevenson, Royal cabinetmakers to Her Majesty the Queen. At the time of release this 72 year old was the oldest Whisky ever produced by The
Macallan.
2. The Macallan 55 Year Old in Lalique, Six Pillars, Second Edition 40.1 abv NV (1 BT70)
The Macallan 55 Year Old Lalique is the second release of the highly acclaimed Six Pillars collection. Only 420 of these stunning decanters were released in 2007. Undoubtedly many of them have been consumed or are part of the full set in the hands of collectors. This represents a very rare opportunity to acquire this bottle at auction.
3. The Macallan 50 Year Old 44.0 abv NV (1 BT75)
This very rare whisky from The Macallan Distillery aged 50 years was released in 2018, the same year the new landmark distillery opened. With only 200 bottles released yielded from a single European oak sherry cask, and only 35 of those in a 750ml format for the United States, this bottle is incredibly hard to come by.
4. The Macallan Exceptional Single Cask 2018/ASB-1683/13 53.4 abv 1950 (1 BT75)
The Macallan Exceptional Single Cask series has been popular with cultivated collectors seeking out single cask expressions at natural strength. This example is the oldest release in the series, having been distilled in 1950 and aged for 68 years in a single American Oak 1st Fill Sherry Butt. The cask only yielded 336 bottles at 53.4 abv, an unusually high strength for a whisky of this age. This represents probably the best value 60+ year old Macallan on the market.
5. The Macallan Fine & Rare 37 Year Old 43.0 abv 1937 (1 BT70)
The initial release of The Macallan Fine & Rare series was conceived in 2002 and is home to the most valuable bottle in the world, the 1926 Fine & Rare. Included in this sale we have the 1937 vintage, bottled at 37 years of age yielding the equivalent of 288 bottles (there is a younger release with the same vintage included in the series). 1937 is the second oldest vintage to be featured in the series, after the 1926.
6. Old Rip Van Winkle 25 Year Old Decanter 50.0 abv 1989 (1 BT75)
Undoubtedly the most recognizable name in the American whiskey category is Pappy Van Winkle. Presented here is the oldest release from the Van Winkle stable, the 25 Year Old. The whiskey was distilled in the Fall of 1989 and moved to stainless steel tanks before being bottled in 2017 in a custom Glencairn decanter. Also included is the certificate of authenticity signed by Julian Van Winkle III. Only 710 bottles were ever released.
7. The Macallan Fine & Rare 52 Year Old 51.7 abv 1950 (1 BT70)
Distilled in 1950, Cask No. 600 was also amongst the early releases in the collection yielding a total of 467 bottle equivalents. This is one of two releases from this vintage in the Fine & Rare series.
8. Pappy Van Winkle's 20 Year Old Family Reserve RNM Restaurant Single Barrel 90.4 Proof 1986 (1 BT75)
Arguably an even rarer offering from Van Winkle - this whiskey came from a single barrel exclusively bottled for the now closed RNM Restaurant in San Francisco’s Lower Haight neighborhood. Store picks or bar/restaurant exclusive barrels are commonly seen in the American Whiskey category, but are as close to a unicorn as one can get when it comes to Pappy Van Winkle. Although the whiskey was bottled at Buffalo Trace, it is said to have been distilled at the iconic Stitzel-Weller distillery.
9. Double Eagle Very Rare 20 Year Old 90 proof NV (1 BT75)
Distilled at the renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery, this Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the oldest and most premium offering under the Eagle Rare brand. Aged for 20 years, twice as long as the traditional offering, and presented in a stunning crystal decanter adorned with crystal stopper in the shape of an eagle.
10. Michter's Small Batch Bourbon 20 Year Old 114.2 Proof NV (1 BT75)
Today Michter’s is well known for its highly aged and premium American Whiskey offering, but older Bourbons and Rye’s were not always what the market was seeking out. Joe Magliocco of New York-based Chatham Imports, who acquired the trademark in 1996 when most American whiskeys were young and inexpensive, had a different vision - selling older premium American whiskey alongside Single Malt Scotch whisky. Today, Michter’s is one of the few whiskeys to stand alongside Van Winkle at the top of the luxury market and its 20 and 25 Year Olds are considered some of the best in the business.
