The single malt scotch record was set in an auction in Hong Kong.
Sotheby’s sold a bottle of Macallan for $4.9 million in Hong Kong dollars ($631,766 in U.S. dollars).
The Macallan 6-liter “M” Decanter by Lalique exceeded its HK $4 million estimate.
The previous record was set by Sotheby’s in New York in 2010, when a bottle sold for $3.5 million in Hong Kong dollars (US$460,000).
“Today’s auction started Sotheby’s 2014 worldwide wine sales with a packed saleroom and fierce bidding,” said Robert Sleigh, head of wine for Sotheby’s Asia, int he announcement. “The Macallan 6-litre ‘M’ Decanter provided a spectacular centrepiece and a new world record for single malt whisky, while we saw impressive prices for 1982 Bordeaux and mature red Burgundy from top domains such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Armand Rousseau. This continued the trend from 2013 auctions - a strong market for the finest wines that are ready to enjoy now.”
Only four Imperiale “M” Decanters were ever made by the Macallan distillery. The decanter sold at the auction is the only one that has been publicly offered, and is the only one with autographs from the three principals--Fabien Baron, Founder and Creative Director of Baron & Baron, Bob Dalgarno, Whisky Maker at The Macallan, and Silvio Denz, President and CEO of Lalique.
“We are absolutely delighted at the generosity of the successful bidder of the ‘M’ 6-litre decanter ‘Constantine’ in securing such a wonderful contribution to a number of Hong Kong charities and at the same time setting a new world record for The Macallan,” David Cox of The Macallan said in a statement. “It is testimony to the craft, quality and passion underpinning the creation of this great decanter. It is a very proud moment for us.”
Proceeds of the decanter sold at the January 18 auction will benefit local charities in Hong Kong.
