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The decanter was one of only four created |
A six-litre version of The Macallan M has set a new world record for the most expensive single malt whisky ever sold at auction after fetching US$628,000 at Sotheby’s Hong Kong. All net sale proceeds will be donated to local charities in Hong Kong.
The decanter is an “˜Imperiale’ version of M, which was the result of a collaboration between The Macallan, crystal makers Lalique and Fabien Baron, Founder and Creative Director of Baron & Baron.
[The Moodie Report was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creation of M in the run up to its launch in Hong Kong last year. Click here for the story behind the single malt and decanter.]
A collector from Taiwan purchased the bottle, named Constantine, at the auction on 18 January. It is one of just four “˜Imperiale’ versions of the single malt created.
They are the largest decanters ever made by Lalique, with each one requiring the work of 17 craftsmen, including two with the prestigious title “˜Meilleur Ouvrier de France’. Each one took over 50 hours to complete.
The Macallan Director of Fine and Rare Whiskies David Cox said: “We are absolutely delighted at the generosity of the successful bidder for the M six-litre decanter Constantine which ensures a wonderful contribution to a number of Hong Kong charities and at the same time sets a new world record for The Macallan.
“It is testimony to the craft, quality and passion underpinning the creation of this great decanter. It is a very proud moment for us.”
Of the three remaining “˜Imperiale’ decanters, two will be archived by The Macallan and one has been committed to another private collector in Asia. Although they are all named after Roman emperors, Constantine is the only one to feature the engraved autographs of the three principal creators: Lalique President & CEO Silvio Denz, Fabien Baron and The Macallan Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno.
The Macallan already held the Guinness World Record for the most expensive whisky ever sold at auction, with the 64 years old in Lalique Cire Perdue, sold in 2010 in New York for US$460,000.
“This new world record at US$628,000 highlights the uniqueness of the decanter and the remarkable quality of The Macallan single malt,” said Denz. “Its creation is a tremendous achievement due to the unprecedented size, weight and completely new shape.
“After the Guinness World Record achieved by The Macallan in Lalique Cire Perdue in 2010, this exceptional figure underscores the interest and value of such extraordinary decanters.”
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The Macallan once again set a new auction record for a single malt whisky |
The Hong Kong auction record was appropriate as The Macallan M was unveiled in the city last year at a spectacular launch event, as reported. It went on to make its retail debut with DFS at Singapore Changi Airport.
Edrington Asia Travel Retail Regional Director Ryan Hill said: “The sale of this unique decanter to one of our most avid collectors of The Macallan demonstrates that there is considerable potential for high value sales including limited editions and one-off collector’s items in the travel retail channel.
“This record-breaker is the result of effective collaboration between Edrington’s Asia Travel Retail team and the domestic team and we are delighted with the outcome.”
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The Moodie Report was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creation of The Macallan M last year |
