Popularized by the 1960s James Bond films, most whiskey aficionados have heard of Macallan’s legendary, ultra high-end Scotch. The Macallan 1926 whisky holds the title of “most expensive whisky in the world,” with a bottle sold for a whopping $1.5 million in 2019. It’s rumored to be a dram worth tasting and is known around the world for its opulent flavor.
The Macallan 1926: Creating a Legacy
Initially bottled in 1986, the Macallan 1926 has been crafting its legacy for decades. It’s sourced from a set of five Spanish oak Sherry casks that were filled on the 9th of June, 1926. In 1987 the distillery declared it “unique in the annals of distilling.”
The casks have been “on ice” at the distillery ever since, untouched until their master blender moved to bottle the whisky in 1986. Only 40 bottles were produced, each illuminated by a hand-crafted crystal decanter made by Lalique. It’s naturally citrusy, exceptionally smooth, and said to leave a sweet taste in your mouth for minutes without end.
Glenfiddich 1937: Bringing it Home
The second most expensive whiskey award goes to the Glenfiddich 1937, sold in a private transaction for a mere $71,700. This unique single-malt whiskey boasts an eye-catching packaging, with its bottle sitting atop a wooden box encased in a matching tin.
The extremely rare whiskey was initially laid down in 1937, making it the oldest Glenfiddich single-malt in existence. It was first discovered in a warehouse in 2001, making it almost untouched for more than sixty years.
When it comes to the taste, this malt is as smooth as it gets. It’s got a smooth, velvety, and slightly dry texture. The taste is a bit sour, but with a smooth finish. It’s also been noted that this whiskey has a very pronounced, smoky flavor.
The Dalmore 62: Singular Sensation
Ranking as the third most expensive whiskey in the world, this beauty comes with a hefty price tag of $58,000. The Dalmore 62 had been collecting dust since it was first laid down in 1926 – until it was finally released in the second half of the 2000s.
It is said that this whiskey was originally created only as a single bottle for a single buyer. The stunning metalwork designed to encase the bottle was even more lavish than any of its competitors. The packaging also includes a hardwood canopy, elegant crystal stopper, and a certificate of authenticity that makes this whiskey even more alluring.
The taste of the Dalmore 62 is said to be complex. It has a sweet, fruity taste that comes from the sherry as well as hints of citrus and chocolate. It also has a smoky, woody flavor that gives it a unique character. To top it off, the Dalmore 62 layers its flavors with delightful floral notes.
The Balvenie 50-year-old: The Vanilla King
The next spot in the list of most expensive whiskeys is held by The Balvenie 50-year-old. It sold for an astonishing $51,500. This whisky takes ‘vanilla flavor’ to a whole new level, with its toasted oak and sweet taste.
The Balvenie 50-year-old is a single-malt whisky distilled at the Balvenie Distillery in Dufftown in the Scottish Highlands. Its smoothness is attributed to the fact that it was created
