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Largest private whisky collection sells for $4.5m
The world’s largest private whisky collection to be offered on the secondary market has reached a total of £3.36 million (US$4.5m) after 23 auctions were held over two years.
Pat’s Whisk(e)y Collection comprised of more than 9,000 bottles from 150-plus Scottish distilleries, as well as Bourbons and bottlings from Europe and across the globe.
Whisky Auctioneer split the collection across 23 auctions with the final sale concluding on 22 November 2021. The first part of the collection went on sale from 25 September 2020.
It took nearly two years for the entire collection to be sold, which included 5,000 single malts, more than 1,000 blended whiskies and 600-plus American whiskeys.
The American whiskey auction in October 2020 reached a hammer price of £376,183 (US$508,317), while the European Bottler’s Auction in December 2020 sold for a total of £302,456 (US$408,700).
A range of Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection whiskies fetched £246,209 (US$332,700) in October 2021.
Sale highlights from across the total collection included a Brora 1972 Rare Malts 22 Years Old (£20,500/US$27,700), Glenfarclas 1952 Family Cask #1712 Release I: (£18,000/US$24,332) and Karuizawa 35 Years Old Bourbon Cask #8518 / Emerald Geisha (£9,200/US$12,431).
Iain McClune, founder of Whisky Auctioneer, said: “Pat’s Whisk(e)y Collection was historic, a once-in-a-lifetime chance for whisky lovers old and new to bid on some of the most diverse bottles on the secondary market.
“The variety of whiskies on offer was unique, with whiskies accessible at every price point, hopefully inspiring the next generation of collectors.
“It’s highly unlikely we’ll ever see a collection as large and diverse as this one, meaning this auction will go down in whisky history, setting a precedent for future collectors.”
Pat’s Whisk(e)y Collection was accumulated over a period of 15 years by an anonymous collector who is only known as ‘Pat’.
“Selling the collection was a deeply emotional process for me since it has been such a huge part of my life,” said Pat.
“I feel this incredible journey has culminated in a fitting finale with these bottles entered back into the market so other people can enjoy them, perhaps with some added knowledge gained alongside.”
The final auction of the collection in November 2021 reached £758,223 (US$1m), with £26,134 (US$35,312) from the total donated to Teenage Cancer Trust, while Whisky Auctioneer pledged £2,375 (US$3,210) to the charity.