The Distillers One of One® hosted its third biennial Charity Auction in partnership with Sotheby’s, at the historic Hopetoun House near Edinburgh, on Friday 10th October. Comprising a selection of 39 ultra-rare Scotch whiskies, from 35 companies and distilleries across Scotland, the auction, which attracted lively bidding in the room and on the telephones, was attended by some 200 guests from across the globe, and brought an outstanding total of £2.9 million / $3.9 million (a hammer total of £2.3 million / $3.1 million), smashing the pre-sale estimate.
Since its inaugural event in 2021, The Distillers One of One Auction has cemented its place as the world’s preeminent charity auction dedicated to rare Scotch whisky, with 100% of hammer proceeds donated to charitable causes. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of donors and collectors worldwide, the auctions have now raised £6.6 million to date, principally directed to the Youth Action Fund.
Established in early 2022 following the first auction, the Youth Action Fund supports disadvantaged young people across Scotland to unlock their potential and contribute positively to their communities.
Support
Grant Gordon OBE, Chairman Distillers’ Charity, commented: “What pride for me to see that the Scotch Whisky industry continues to come together to raise incredible amounts in support of young people, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them achieve their ambitions and strengthen our communities. Over nearly four years, between January 2022 and the end of September 2025, the Youth Action fund has helped 2619 young people secure employability, meaning a job apprenticeship, training or education leading to work. We sincerely thank all our those involved for their time and talent, whether they are in the industry, sponsors or craftspeople and the buyers for
their support and generosity, whose contribution together helps transform the lives of young people in Scotland.”
Jonny Fowle, Global Head of Spirits, Sotheby’s, said: “The third Distillers One of One charity whisky sale has once again surpassed all expectations, delivering an exceptional result that truly reflects the passion and innovation at the heart of the Scotch Whisky community. Our deepest thanks to every bidder who participated and to the distillers who contributed their rare and imaginative creations to this unique auction.”
Across the sale, 30 auction records were achieved: Aberfeldy (Lot 1), Glenfarclas (Lot 4), The Glendronach (Lot 5), Whisk-E Ltd and a bottle from Arran Distillery (Lot 6), Royal Bracka (Lot 7), Hunter Laing and a bottle from Teaninich Distillery (Lot 9), Young Spirits Ferg & Harris (Lot 12), Laphroaig (Lot 14), Bruichladdich (Lot 15), a bottle of Port Ellen (Lot 16), InchDairnie (Lot 17), Lindores Abbey (Lot 18), Ladyburn (Lot 19), The Borders (Lot 20), Aberlour (Lot 22), Adelphi and a bottle from Imperial Distillery (Lot 23), The Glen Grant (24), Ballindalloch (Lot 25), Glen Moray (Lot 26), Livingstone The Macbeth Collection and a bottle from Mortlach Distillery (Lot 28), KANDOBLANC (Lot 29), Tamnavulin (Lot 30), The Glenlivet (Lot 31), Thompson Bros (Lot 33), Gleann Mòr (Lot 34) and Coachbuilt (Lot 38).
Record
The auction was led by The Glenlivet SPIRA 60 Year Old 1965 which smashed its pre-sale estimate to bring £650,000 / $871,358 (est. £60,000-110,000), a new auction record for a bottle of The Glenlivet, following a ten-minute bidding battle. The oldest expression to be released from the distillery to-date, presented in a 1.5 litre spiral decanter hand-blown and shaped by Brodie Nairn at Glasstorm.
An auction record was achieved when The Glen Grant Eternal 77 Year Old 1948, the oldest whisky to be released by the distillery and the oldest whisky presented in this year’s auction, soared to £400,000 / $536,220, five times its low estimate (est. £80,000-120,000).
Ladyburn One of One 2025 Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw 58 Year Old 1966, comprising spirit handdrawn from one of the very last remaining Ladyburn casks from the distillery’s foundation year and distinguished by a label featuring an intimate, rarely seen photograph of Marilyn Monroe by her friend and photographer Sam Shaw, saw bidding increments as high as £30,000, resulting in a final sale price of £225,000 / $301,624 (est. £30,000-50,000) – an auction record for Ladyburn, and more than double the previous record set by The Distillers One of One sale in 2021 of a bottle featuring a David Bailey photograph of John Lennon.
Full list of lots and auction results can be viewed HERE.
www.distillersoneofone.com
See also: Winners of the 40th AOP Photography Awards
