Many whiskies, distilled by masters matured for over 50 years and bottled in beautiful decanters. They are superbly created and valued. Many like scotch whiskeys, but these malts have shattered records (and banks) to become the most costly.
The world’s most expensive whiskies are as follows:
Isabella’s Islay
Luxury Beverage Company of Scotland created Isabella’s Islay Original Whiskey decanter with diamonds, rubies, and gold, featuring toasty woodsmoke and malted barley flavours, the world’s most expensive single malt. The world’s most expensive whiskey, variations sold by Vintage Cellars, a $6.2 million single malt, comes in a wooden container.
The Emerald Isle Collection
Craft Irish Whiskey Co. and Fabergé have partnered on a $2 million limited-edition gift set featuring Bushmills triple-distilled Irish whiskeys, a Fabergé Celtic Egg, a 22k gold watch, and a Cohiba Siglo VI Gran Reserva cigar.
The Macallan
In October 2019, Sotheby’s auctioned the $1.9 million 1926 Fine and Rare scotch, a 60-year-old single malt whisky named its “holy grail.” The limited edition of 24 bottles featured pop artists Peter Blake and Valerio Adami. It characterized by a blend of dried fruits, prunes, dates, and spices.
Hanyu Ichiro’s Full Card Series
Bonhams Hong Kong made history in November 2020 by selling a record-breaking Japanese whisky collection. The Hanyu Ichiro Full Card Series whiskey, priced at $1.5 million, is a testament to the rich heritage of Japanese whiskey. In the 2005–2014 54-bottle set, each bottle represented a playing card, a unique and innovative concept. The distillery in Hanyu, near Tokyo, was started by Akuto in 1941. His grandson, Ichiro Akuto, closed the shop in 2000 after handpicking whiskey from 400 barrels for the Hanyu Ichiro Full Card Series.
Dalmore Matheson
Dalmore Matheson was a 1942 blend of four single malt whisky. After 12 bottles it was manufactured. It experienced, craftsmen hand-blew them into various shapes and names to honor Dalmore celebrities. Bigger than life, right?
Yamazaki 55-Year-Old Single Malt Whiskys
Yamazaki 55 was supposed to be the most expensive Japanese whiskeys in 2022. The cost of which was a whopping $780,000. Woody notes from Mizunara with American White Oak barrels boost its unsweetened flavour. The unique packaging and uniqueness make the price seem affordable, right?
Johnnie Walker Diamond Jubilee Whiskey
John Walker & Sons Diamond Jubilee is available in flavours such as spice, creamy vanilla, and fruit. The $227,700 cocktail celebrates Elizabeth II’s 60th birthday. Its distilled in 1952. When the previous queen became queen. The whiskey encased in a diamond shape. Baccarat crystal decanter with a Britannia silver collar and half-carat diamond. Up to £1 million from selling this went to charity to educate traditional artisans worldwide.
Glenfiddich 1937 Rare Collection
Before World War II, Speyside’s Glenfiddich Distillery produced a unique whiskey valued at $157,520. Scotland’s priciest single malt sold at Bonhams in 2016. Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve 1955 is another expensive whisky.
Indeed, these whiskies are all better than the others regarding price and taste profile. Taking a step back, ranking them seems sort of silly. So, it’s up to your taste and, of course, your budget to see if any of these are suitable for you. If not, feel free to shop at your local bottle shop and stick to a sensible budget!