Second half of The Perfect Collection goes under hammer with Whisky Auctioneer

The second half of one whisky lover's 'Perfect Collection' is going under the hammer next month in what is expected to be a historic sale.

More than 1,900 bottles of rare, coveted and expensive single malts, many from long-lost Scottish distilleries, will feature in the sale, which is being hosted online by Whisky Auctioneer from 12-22 February. 

It is the second half of the collection of American philanthropist Richard Gooding, who dedicated more than two decades to seeking out some of the finest and rarest expressions from Scotland's distilleries and amassed a collection of nearly 4,000 bottles. 

One of the highlights at February's auction will be The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare 60 Years Old, thought to be the world's most expensive bottle of whisky. It was drawn from Cask #263 and contains liquid distilled at the height of Prohibition in America. As one of no more than 14 bottles in existence with the Fine and Rare label, it is expected to fetch upwards of £1 million.

Also going under the hammer are a bottle of The Balvenie 1937 50 Years Old, hailing from Bowmore's legendary 1964 vintage, and a 1921 private cask bottling of Dallas Dhu, which has not been seen on the secondary market for more than a quarter of a century. 

The 'Perfect Collection' launched in April 2020, with the first half fetching a total hammer price of £3.2 million and made Whisky Auctioneer the first auction house to sell a million-pound bottle of whisky.

Iain McClune, founder of Whisky Auctioneer, said: "Mr Gooding's collection is nothing short of extraordinary and we are honoured and delighted to bring it to auction. Collectors, investors and whisky lovers alike will have their interest sparked by the truly astonishing array of whiskies on offer."

Old and rare whisky expert, Angus MacRaild, added: "The most notable aspects about The Perfect Collection, for me, are that it offers enthusiasts and drinkers of old-style whiskies a treasure trove of opportunities to obtain obscure and very rarely seen independently bottled single malts done solely for the US market."

 To sign up for part two of The Perfect Collection and for more information go to www.whiskyauctioneer.com.

22 January 2021 - Bethany Whymark