The World’s Rarest Whiskies Go Under the Hammer in Scotland

The Scotch whisky industry is once again rallying behind a shared cause with the return of the Distillers One of One charity auction, taking place on 10 October at Hopetoun House near Edinburgh, a setting that is entirely fitting for a celebration of Scotland’s most famous export. 

Distillers One Of One Auction 2025: Lots Revealed

Partnering with Sotheby’s, the third edition of the biennial event brings together 36 distilleries, each donating a one-of-a-kind lot to raise funds for the Youth Action Fund. Since its first auction in 2021, the Distillers One of One has become the largest global charity auction of rare Scotch whisky, with 40 lots from 36 donors on offer this year.

Over the years, the auction has raised £4.3 million, with all proceeds directed to initiatives supporting young people in Scotland. The fund has already helped over 3,300 individuals, leading to thousands of employability outcomes and foundational life skills.

‘The work being done by the Youth Action Fund is truly impressive, and the results speak for themselves/ We are hugely grateful to all the donor brands and sponsors who have come together once again in support of this unique philanthropic endeavour,’ says Beanie Espey-Geraedts, MD of Distillers One of One.

Jonny Fowle, Global Head of Spirits at Sotheby’s, adds, ‘Distillers One of One is the apex at which whisky meets art and luxury. It is remarkable that so many whisky brands have generously donated pieces of such high age, high quality and highly creative concepts.’

Ahead of the live auction, Sotheby’s New Bond Street is showcasing many of the lots up for auction in a special exhibition, running until 30 September 2025.

Among the key lots going under the hammer this year are:

• Port Ellen offers a single malt in a bespoke glass sculpture, marking the distillery’s 200th anniversary, alongside a private Atlas of Smoke experience on Islay.
• The Glen Grant Eternal is a 77-year-old whisky housed in an organic-inspired handblown magnum decanter, making it the oldest entry in this year’s auction.
• The Glenlivet SPIRA, a 60-year-old single malt from 1965, is presented in a spiral-inspired decanter reflecting the elegance of its Speyside origin.
• Aberlour’s 53-year-old “Mouth of the Chattering Burn” is presented in a carved magnum decanter created in collaboration with Swedish glass artists.
• Laphroaig Capsule, a 40-year-old Islay whisky from Suntory Global Spirits, comes in a crystal decanter and engineered platinum capsule.
• The Glendronach Arias in Time includes four whiskies dating from the 1960s to 1990s, paired with a bronze sculpture by Milanese artist Osanna Visconti.
• Gordon & MacPhail presents a three-bottle set, including a 75-year-old Glen Grant, a 52-year-old Benromach and the first-ever bottling from The Cairn.
• Ladyburn offers a 1966 Sherry Butt expression with a Marilyn Monroe portrait by Sam Shaw on the label.
• Old Pulteney Polaris, a 47-year-old coastal single malt, is encased in slate and glass, with metal details referencing the North Sea.
• Dragon in Clouds by KANDOBLANC pairs a 60-year-old malt with a vessel featuring Murano glass and Japanese craftsmanship.
• The Last Drop offers a private blending session at Scone Palace with Master Blender Colin Scott, culminating in a personalised 30-year-old blend.
• Royal Brackla 54-Year-Old and Aberfeldy 49-Year-Old, both from Bacardi, are presented in handcrafted Saint-Louis crystal decanters.
• Gleann Mór unveils “Rare Find – The Age of Change”, a three-bottle set celebrating the legacy of the 1823 Excise Act.
• House of Hazelwood and Huntsman of Savile Row offer a hybrid whisky-and-tailoring experience, blending craftsmanship in cloth and spirit.

W1M, a newly formed wealth management firm, joins as headline sponsor, reflecting the auction’s appeal to high-value collectors, and is joined by returning programme sponsors including Glencairn Crystal, McLaren Packaging, Simpsons Malt, and Forsyths.

Find out more and register to bid at distillersoneofone.com