A RARE decanter of Scotch whisky pulled in over four times the estimated amount when it was auctioned off for charity.
The unique crystal decanter – which sold for £286,000 ($460,000) – holds 1.5 litres of Macallan 64-year-old whisky.
It was estimated to bring in around £61,981 ($100,000), but exceeded expectations at the auction held in the early hours of this morning (Tue).
Before going on sale, the single malt whisky was showcased around the world to generate interest, and at every stop along the way a 10cl bottle of the spirit was auctioned off with two special tumbler.
Raising cash for charity:water, the 10cl bottles had already collected £89,845 ($89,845), with more than a quarter of that total coming from a £25,408 ($41,000) sale in Taipei.
The charity was set up to provide access to clean, safe drinking water in developing nations.
The bespoke decanter was crafted by Lalique using the “lost wax” method and was sold by Jamie Ritchie, head of Sotheby’s Wine in the US and Asia, at Sotheby’s auction house in New York.
Ken Grier, director of Malts for The Edrington Group, said: “We are thrilled to use our well-established relationship with Lalique for a cause so imperative.
“The Cire Perdue decanter is something so special and so rare, we knew we should use it to inspire good works and change.
“And because the excellence of The Macallan is derived from water—one of the three natural ingredients of our whisky—we feel particularly passionate about ensuring clean drinking water for populations across the globe.”
Silvio Denz, president and chief executive of Lalique, said: “We have always been proud of our relationship with The Macallan and this latest decanter, a remarkable, unique work of art, holding such an old and rare liquid, elevates our collaboration to new heights.
“In today’s global landscape, we cannot turn a blind eye to those who are much less fortunate, and we are delighted to channel our artistry for the cause of clean water.”
Scott Harrison, founder of charity: water, said: “We are delighted that the proceeds from this historic auction of The Macallan 64 Year Old in Lalique: Cire Perdue will help fund our efforts.
“Clean water is foundational to communities, and I’m proud to be working with these two esteemed brands to foster thriving and healthy populations worldwide.”
In May this year a New York buyer paid a record £12,350 for a 50-year-old bottle of Macallan whisky at the world’s biggest whisky sale in Glasgow.
It was one of more than 700 lots in McTear’s Rare and Collectable whisky auction, which also saw a 50-year-old Glenfiddich sell for £10,600.
