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Distillers One of One confirms 2025 return

16 October 2024 By Rupert Hohwieler

After raising £2,248,750 (US$2,715,815) last year, The Distillers One of One charity auction has announced its return for October 2025.

2025’s charity auction will be held on 10 October.

Specifically, the auction for ultra-rare spirits will be held on 10 October 2025, at Hopetoun House, Scotland, in partnership with Sotheby’s.

So far, there are 35 confirmed donors, featuring ‘one-of-a-kind’ lots from across the Scotch industry.

Key sponsors such as Glencairn Crystal, Mclaren Packaging and Simpsons Malt will also be returning to the 2025 auction.

All proceeds of the hammer price go directly to charity, 90% to the Youth Action Fund to transform the lives of disadvantaged young people in Scotland – and since its inception in 2021, the auction has raised £4.3 million (US$5.6m) and helped change the lives of more than 1,380 youths.

Beanie Geraedts-Espey, managing director of Distillers One of One, said: “We’re thrilled that over 35 companies have already confirmed their participation in the 2025 auction, reflecting both the success of our past Distillers One of One auctions and the dedication these brands have to supporting our charitable cause.

“We’ve had a glimpse of some of the lots in progress, and we’re incredibly excited – and deeply grateful – for the remarkable thought, craftsmanship, and time poured into these extraordinary creations.”

A biannual event, in its debut in 2021, Distillers One of One broke 18 auction records and then last year it broke a further 19.

In 2023, the auction more than doubled its pre-sale estimate, raising £2,248,750 (US$2,715,815).

Bowmore Distillers One of One — Bowmore STAC 55 Years Old was the top-selling lot at last year’s auction

The top sale was Bowmore STAC 55 Years Old – the oldest whisky released by the Islay-based distillery (selling for £562,500/US$679,331), while other highlights included a 50-year-old Brora single malt whisky from Diageo.

There were also ‘ultra rare’ whiskies from Glenglassaugh, Glenmorangie, The Glenturret, Glen Moray – all of which are one-off, never-to-be-repeated bottles.

Commenting on the auction’s return, Cain Hayward-Hughes – senior global creative manager prestige malts at Suntory Global Spirits, said: “There is something truly special about coming together with our peers to craft these unique expressions. It is a singular opportunity to showcase the rarest and most valuable of whiskies, and to celebrate our industry — all while improving the lives of those who most need support and encouragement.

For 2025, some of the confirmed donors include: Adelphi – Ardnamurchan; Bacardi – John Dewar & Sons; Ballindalloch Distillery; Beam Suntory; Bladnoch Distillery; Brown-Forman; Campari – The Glen Grant; Diageo; Hunter Laing – Ardnahoe; Ian MacLeod; Loch Lomond Group; Morrison Distillers; Pernod Ricard; R&B Distillers – Isle of Raasay; Rémy Cointreau – Bruichladdich; The Last Drop; Whyte & Mackay; and Young Spirits – Ferg & Harris.

Last year, Sotheby’s broke US$159m in sales, and recently, it partnered with Chivas Brothers to auction the Scotch producer’s rare and highly-aged whiskies exclusively for collectors.