The 10 Most Expensive Whiskies In The World

Macallan M

Price - $628,205

Yes! As Phoebe would say, ‘that’s math I can’t even do.’ Priced at an exorbitant Rs 3.9 Crore, this whiskey was actually sold at an auction for $628,205 in Hong Kong. So, what makes this the most expensive whiskey in the world? Mostly because it’s a rare find, also because its bottle is decadent. Its faceted crystal decanter of The Macallan Imperiale "M" is 28 inches tall and holds close to 6 liters of whiskey, which is the same volume as 3 big soda bottles. 

Macallan 1946

Price - $460,000

Before Macallan M, the world record for being the most expensive whiskey was held by another 44-year-old Macallan scotch that was auctioned for $460,000 in New York. The bottle that holds the drink is a LaliqueCire Perdue decanter which is exquisite in every sense. To many a whiskey enthusiast, this Macallan is also is one of the greatest Macallans ever released, where the liquor is made of peated malt due to the high post-war (World War 2) prices of coal. 

Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve 1955

Price - $94,000

This rare bottle of 55-year-old is actually Glenfiddich’s way of commemorating and celebrating Janet Sheed’s (Granddaughter of Glenfiddich’s founder William Grant) unique contribution to the history of its legacy as well as her 110th birthday. They had a barrel of Scotch whiskey that has been maturing since New Year’s Eve of 1955. When Janet passed away, the company decided to honour her by making 15 bottles from the said barrel. Four were kept by the family while the rest were auctioned off. A whiskey connoisseur bought one of them for $94,000.

Macallan 1926

Price - $75,000

This one was distilled in 1926 and bottled in 1986, making it the oldest in the Fine and Rare collection of Macallan.  A rather generous Korean man is said to have shelled out $75,000 was this Fine and Rare bottle. Drinking Macallan 1926 will be like a testimony to your masculinity; it’s dry and concentrated as it’s made of without any water. Only 40 such bottles were produced.

Dalmore 62 Highland Malt Scotch Matheson

Price - $58,000

The story here is about the sale of this particular whiskey, and not so much about it’s delicious taste. Only 12 bottles were produced in 1942, one of which was sold to a London-based businessman, who apparently finished it on the spot along with his 5 friends. Also, all the 12 bottles were given unique names but relevant to the Dalmore Estate. The most expensive was the Matheson, named after Alexander Matheson, the owner of the estate and hence the name.

Glenfiddich 1937 Rare Collection

Price - $20,000

The truth is that ‘rare collection’ doesn’t really do justice in describing this supremely rich-in-taste whiskey. In fact, it’s also known to be the oldest bottle of whiskey in the world. It was distilled in 1937 in Scotland, matured gracefully in between, and the barrel was then opened and the whiskey was bottled in 2001. It, although, is said to have hints of cedar, cinnamon, cloves and toffee, but has a very rich walnut colour!

Macallan 55-Year-Old

Price - $12,500

Macallan 55-Year-Old is known more for its uniquely expensive receptacle as the name suggests. All it takes is a mere look at this limited-edition crystal decanter whose design was made by Rene Laalique who created a similar perfume bottle in 1910. This whiskey was distilled in a sherry oak barrel and was left to age gracefully for 55 years. 

Dalmore 50-Year-Old

Price - $11,000

This one is a highly sought after best 50-year-old whiskies in the world. It was produced in a limited edition of 60 crystal bottles, which also apparently came with a collector’s box. The whiskey was first distilled in 1920 and bottled in 1978. 

Glenfarclas 1955

Price - $10, 878

This one is supposed to be the oldest batch of whiskey ever bottled by Glenfarclas, the barrel was handpicked in 1955 and then bottled in 2005. Whiskey connoisseurs from around the world describe its taste as ‘spicy and silky with a sweet start.’ John Grant bought the Glenfarclas distillery from Robert Hay in Scotland when it was already been running for 29 years. 

1939 Macallan

Price - $10,125

Macallan added their 1939 blend to their Fine and Rare collection in 2002. This whiskey was first bottled in 1979 after the company let it aged for 40 years. It also comes in one of their exquisite Lalique crystal decanter.