New world record whisky price set at R14m in Hong Kong
AT $993 000 (R14 million), the Macallan in Lalique Legacy whisky set a world record in Hong Kong this week as the most expensive collection.
Listed in Sotheby’s “Finest and Rarest Wines and The Macallan” auction, the collection is made up of a set of six crystal decanters containing the rarest of the Macallan’s single malts aged from 50 to 65 years old.
Described as an “exclusive series of limited edition decanters by The Macallan and master French crystal-maker Lalique”, all net proceeds will go to Hong Kong-based and other Asian charities.
Housed in a natural ebony cabinet created by Lalique Maison, the collection holds six miniatures, two from each of the 1937, 1938 and 1939 vintages, along with six pairs of Lalique Macallan glasses and autographs of the masters behind the collection, with the buyer’s own name to be engraved within it as well.
Quality
Senior director at Sotheby’s Asia, Robert Sleigh, said there were 10 bidders in the auction room, as well as bidders online and over the phone from global collectors.
Macallan’s creative director, Ken Grier, said: “To achieve this outstanding price at auction is testament to the quality, detail and absolute skill and mastery of the Lalique craftsmen and our expert whisky-makers.”
South African-based Whisky Live said exceptional whiskey took character from the wood of the casks, the quality of the barley used to make it and, to a lesser degree, the quality of the water used to produce it.
“Craft is really at the heart of whisky from making barrels in which the whisky is matured to the quality of the liquid which matures for years under the watchful eye of the master distiller,” Whisky Live spokesperson Emily Stockden said.
South Africa has some top blends such as Scottish Leader, Black Bottle and Glenbrynth to single malts such as Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet and The Macallan.
There are a number of expensive whiskies in South Africa from the Balvenie 50 Year Old retailing at R750 000 and the Glenfarclas 50 Year Old retailing at R360 000.
Durbanites can look forward to learning more about whisky at the Whisky Live Celebration to be held from June 1-3 where more than 80 whiskies can be sampled under the guidance of malt masters and whisky experts.
Tickets will be available at ticketpros.co.za from mid-May and will cost R200, which will include 16 whisky tasting vouchers.