Elixir of Extravagance: Top Selections Among Really Expensive Whiskies
A love for decadence!
Whisky embodies craftsmanship, tradition, and flavour. Enthusiasts and collectors seek rare and extraordinary expressions. These beautiful whiskies, otherwise known as elixirs of extravagance will be renowned for their exquisite quality, unique flavour profiles, and of course their incredible price tags. While the market for expensive whiskies continues to grow, we will look into some highly sought-after and in some cases historically celebrated releases.
The Macallan “M” Series: The Macallan is a name synonymous with premium single-malt scotch whisky. Macallan prides itself on using the very best oak casks. To obtain these incredible casks Macallan works closely with fully integrated ‘tree-to-finished seasoned cask’ companies in Spain. The “M” series takes this standard to the next level. These limited edition releases are considered the epitome of extravagance and are celebrated for their exceptional quality and artistic presentation. These releases are known for their deep complexity and stunning crystal decanters. It is a well-known fact that they can fetch incredibly high prices at auctions held all over the world.
Highland Park 40-Year-Old: First released in April 2008, this prestigious single malt Scotch Whisky is the oldest permanent expression from Highland Park. It’s known for its exceptional quality and rich, complex character. Aged for forty years in sherry-seasoned oak casks, it delivers an indulgent sensory experience. On the nose, you’ll find plenty of notes of dried fruits, dark chocolate, and aromatic spices. The palate is presented with a blend of toffee, oak and a subtle smokiness, which ends in a long warming finish. This truly is a dedication to Highland Park’s commitment to craftsmanship and tradition. Making it highly sought after among collectors.
Nikka Yoichi 2019 Limited Edition 50th Anniversary: Nikka Whisky celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Miyagikyo Distillery on the 11th of May 2019. Part of the celebration was the release of limited editions of both single malt Yoichi and single malt Miyagikyo. Both whiskies are no age statement releases which contain malt whisky from across five decades beginning in the 60s. The Yoichi is a remarkable whisky that celebrates the distillery’s rich heritage and expertise. It offers a beautiful balance of smoky and fruity notes, with a distinct character that pays homage to the tradition of Japanese whisky craftsmanship. This limited edition is a testament to the brand’s dedication to quality and specifically innovation and is a must-have for all whisky collectors.
Littlemill 45-Year-Old The Vanguards Collection No.1 Robert Muir Bottle & Miniature: A highly exclusive and illustrious Scotch whisky pays homage to the historic Little Mill distillery. Aged for an incredible 45 years, it is a legacy defined by the unsung heroes and trailblazers at Littlemill’s helm who were quietly overturning traditions and their mark on the distillery. The Vanguard Collection is a four-part series celebrating these individuals and their untold stories. This one is a tribute to Robert Muir of Littlemill who would officiate the craft of whisky distilling for possibly the very first time. Its character is marked by an incredible depth of flavours, offering rich vanilla, orchard fruits and oak. The rare bottle and accompanying miniature showcase the distillery’s legacy and are a true collector’s item and a part of Scotch whisky history.
Glenfarclas 1977 Family Casks Cask #8204 Spring 2017: Only 176 bottles were released from this cask, making it an incredibly rare find. Distilled in 1977 and bottled in the spring of 2017, this expression has had forty years’ worth of maturation in a single sherry hogshead cask, which showcases the distillery’s commitment to sherry cask ageing. The flavours are incredibly complex due to being matured in a sherry cask, it has notes of rich dark fruits, oak and a delightful nuttiness that makes you want more. The long maturation has helped the whisky gain a deep amber hue. This is a rare, highly sought-after collector’s item for Scotch lovers.
Some elixirs stand out for their scarcity, legacy, and exceptional taste. Even though the whiskies listed here are among the most sought-after and costly, the whisky industry is constantly evolving. Upcoming releases from both established and emerging distilleries will continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.
When searching for exceptional whiskies, it’s crucial to consider their availability, as well as the fact that their prices can vary significantly. Reputable retailers like ourselves are often the go-to sources for acquiring these treasures. However, a rare find appears from time to time in an auction house but be aware that you do your research first before bidding.
Read up on the joys of Single Malts.
Author: Oliver has worked at a whisky and cigar shop for over four years. When he first started, he didn’t enjoy whisky at all. However, he has since learned how to sample a dram to taste its full potential and has never looked back. He has dedicated many hours a day to learning more about whisky and is now sharing his findings with you. His favourite whisky is the Tomatin 14-Year-Old Port Cask.
