Bonhams to auction Royal Brackla 60yo

One of the world’s “scarcest” whiskies is due to go under the hammer next month at the Bonhams Annual Christmas auction – The Royal Brackla 60-year-old 1924.

Royal Brackla 60-year-old will go on sale at the Bonhams Annual Christmas auction

The 1924 expression – which was actually never officially released by the distillery – is estimated to sell for between £3,500 and £4,500.

The Royal Distillery was forced to close in 1985 due to over-production within the industry, but its owner, United Distillers, made the decision to re-open the distillery in 1991.

As a result, casks that were found in 1984 in one of the warehouses were bottled by James Buchanan & Co to mark the reopening and released from bond.

Just 62 bottles were created and presented to local dignitaries who went to the re-opening ceremony and to the workforce who endeavoured to restart production on time.

“This is a particularly strong sale and I’d happily settle in front of the Christmas fire with a glass from any of the bottles we have on offer,” said Martin Green, Bonhams whisky specialist.

“If I had to pick a favourite, however, I’d go for the Royal Brackla 60-year-old for its incredible rarity.

“I’ve never been lucky enough to try it so this would be the perfect opportunity.”

Other fine and rare whiskies set to be auctioned include a single lot of the Bowmore Trilogy comprising three bottles: Black Bowmore 42-year-old 1964 released in 2007; White Bowmore 43-year-old 1964 released in 2008; and Gold Bowmore 44-year-old 1964 released in 2009.

The three expressions are expected to fetch between £12,000 and £14,000.

The Macallan Select Reserve 52-year-old 1946 will also be go on sale, valued at £5,000-£6,000, and Dalmore 50-year-old 1926 has been estimated to reach between £4,000 to £5,000.

Earlier this month, Bonhams New York reintroduced its Fine and Rare Wine and Whisky auction more than one year after the site suspended all whisky sales due to concerns over “profitability”.