5 of The Most Expensive Whiskies in the World
Macallan 64-year old in Lalique, Yamazaki 50 year old, Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute, Glenfiddich 1937 Rare Collection, Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23 year old Bourbon Whiskey
Made from fermented grain mash, whisky (or whiskey) is a distilled alcoholic beverage with a history dating back to the 15th century when distillation spread to Ireland and Scotland. As whiskies mature in wooden casks, generally made of charred white oak, the actual age of a whisky is only the time between distillation and bottling. Starting from grains such as barley, corn, rye and wheat and then going through the process of extraction to coloration, this smooth brown/auburn alcohol can fetch a fair penny for these high-end whiskies.
Macallan 64-year-old in Lalique
In its one-of-a-kind, Lalique crystal decanter the Macallan 64-year-old in Lalique is the oldest Macallan’s single malt scotch whisky. Sold for $464,000 at auction in 2010 with all the proceeds from the sale were donated to charity: water, this one-of-a-kind scotch is presented in a stunning one-of-a-kind decanter. Produced from three sherry-seasoned Spanish oak cask, the first was filled in 1942, the second in 1945, and the third in 1946, it is bottled at 42.5% abv.
Glenfiddich 1937 Rare Collection
Spending 64 years in the cask and only 61 bottles produced, the Glenfiddich 1937 Rare Collection is a true rare whisky. The rich walnut color presents a bold nose of burnt heather, tender poached pears in chocolate toffee leading to a smooth oaky taste with bitter chocolate. The pure single malt scotch whisky has a warming finish rich with fruit and robust oak.
Yamazaki 50-year-old
Dekanta, a family-owned company based in Japan who specializeS in high-end Japanese whisky presents the Karuizawa 50-Year-Old 1965 Single Cask Bourbon ($52,000). Distilled in 1965 and bottled in 2016, the Japanese whiskey is a single malt with a cask strength of 62.6% alcohol content. The unique expression was matured in sherry casks prior to the distilleries’ doors closing in 2003 and bottled by La Maison Du Whisky. Packaged in a box that included a book, pictures and other collectible Karuizawa memorabilia, only 199 bottles have been produced making it one of the most collectible single cask whiskies on the market.
Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute
Beginning at 21 years of age, this range of whiskies is the only scotch whisky collection that begins at that prestigious range. Taking its name from the 21 Gun Salute, each flagon is meticulously handcrafted by world-famous artisans at Wade taking five to six days to produce. The ultra-premium 62 Gun Salute is named actually for the 62-gun salute fired for royal anniversaries and contains a blend of whiskies at least 40 years old. Painted and inlaid with 24-carat gold its fruit notes mix with dark chocolate and a powerful taste of orange and nutty flavors with a long finish.
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23-Year-Old Bourbon Whiskey
This 23-year aged 96.5 proof whiskey uses corn, wheat, and barley in its reserve product versus corn, rye, and barley which most bourbons are made from. The deep amber red bourbon makes its way into the infamous Pappy Van Winkle bottle through a careful and expensive distilling method. Carefully selected barrels, which give an added three years of aging, give birth to this woody-flavored bourbon with a sweet caramel finish.