Some of Scotland’s most recognized whisky brands have had varied outcomes in recent auctions, demonstrating the complexities in the luxury single malt market. Brands like The Dalmore and Bowmore experienced disappointing sales, while The Balvenie faced an unprecedented situation where one of its lots failed to find a buyer.
At a recent auction held by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong, a bottle from The Dalmore’s ‘Luminary’ series, titled ‘The Rare’, sold for HK$400,000 (£38,690). This was significantly below its estimated auction price of HK$800,000 to HK$1,600,000. This unique bottle, containing a 52-year-old single malt, was encased in a sculpture designed by Ben Dobbin, known for his work with architecture firm Foster + Partners. The whisky was aged in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and was finished in a complex mix of casks, including vintage Calvados and Pedro Ximénez Sherry.
The proceeds from the sale were earmarked for the Victoria & Albert Museum in Dundee, with which The Dalmore has had a partnership since 2020, contributing over £200,000 in donations. Kieran Healey-Ryder, from the distillery’s parent company Whyte & Mackay, emphasized the collaborative efforts with architects over the years to blend artistry with whisky creation.
In contrast, a 54-year-old Bowmore bottle also underperformed during the same auction, achieving a final sale price of £112,500, which fell short of its pre-sale estimates of £140,000 to £220,000. This particular bottle, known as ‘Bowmore ARC-54: Iridos Edition’, featured a decanter design by Aston Martin and was crafted from rare casks dating back to 1967. The sales from their previous bottle in the Arc series contributed funds to the local Islay community, strengthening ties between the distillery and the region.
Another notable lot from The Balvenie, which was intended to raise funds for environmental and charitable causes, failed to attract any bids. The collection, consisting of ten bottles packaged in a vintage suitcase, carried a hefty estimate of £240,000 to £450,000. This auction marked the first public exhibition of bottles from The Balvenie’s rare cask program, making its absence of buyers particularly striking.
These events highlight the unpredictable nature of whisky auctions, where even prestigious labels can falter despite their reputation and pedigree.