April 6, 2017 – Whisky collectors outdid themselves on the 2nd of April at Sotheby’s ‘Finest & Rarest Wines and The Macallan’ auction in Hong Kong, as a rare complete set of The Macallan’s Six Pillars series was sold for a record-breaking $993,242 – the highest price ever paid at an auction for a collection – with all net proceeds to be donated to Hong Kong based and other Asian charities.
Following more than a decade of collaboration, The Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection marks the grand finale in the prestigious Six Pillars odyssey – the exclusive series of limited edition decanters by The Macallan and master French crystal maker Lalique. Inspired by the foundation stones upon which the Brand creates its exceptional whiskies, the Collection is a set of six stunning crystal decanters containing the rarest of The Macallan’s single malts aged from 50 to 65 years old.
Bidding had been estimated before the auction to go as high as $525,000 USD. However, the lure of the sole complete set available directly from the distillery, along with a bespoke ebony display cabinet and whisky glasses created by Lalique, sent bids far higher than expected.
Ken Grier, Creative Director for The Macallan, said: “This remarkable conclusion to The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars series is a symbol of the strength behind our long-standing partnership and our unwavering commitment to going beyond the ordinary. To achieve this outstanding price at auction is testament to the quality, detail and absolute skill and mastery of the Lalique craftsmen and our expert whisky makers and we are proud that this work of art has secured a wonderful contribution to Asian charities.”
Since its inception in 2005, The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars series has captured the imagination of collectors around the world. In 2014, The Macallan accounted for the top ten priced bottles sold at auction; eight out of ten sales being decanters from The Macallan in Lalique series. In 2015, The Macallan was the most valuable whisky brand at auction, accounting for over 25% of the total value traded at auction.