The Macallan to auction Distil Your World whisky for charity
Edrington-owned The Macallan has teamed up with Sotheby’s to auction one of the only two bottles created of its Distil Your World Mexico Single Cask Limited Edition.
The whisky is the latest in The Macallan’s Distil Your World series, which looks to ‘capture the essence’ of the world’s cultural capitals. The series began with London and New York, and now includes Mexico City.
Only two bottles of Mexico Single Cask Limited Edition were created: one for The Macallan’s brand archive at its estate in Speyside, Scotland, and the other for this auction at Sotheby’s.
The lot is estimated to be worth between US$30,000 and US$80,000 with bidding starting tomorrow (5 March) until 21 March.
The whisky will be showcased in an orange presentation box with a Day of the Dead-inspired, marigold-themed interior design. It will also include a bespoke piece of artwork from illustrator Alfredo Ríos, who specialises in depicting nature and Mexican folklore.
All proceeds from the auction will go toward Esperanza International, a non-profit organisation that works to alleviate poverty and build homes for communities in Mexico.
Geoff Kirk, channel director secondary market at The Macallan, said: “This exclusive auction of the Distil Your World Mexico Single Cask Limited Edition marks another milestone in our ongoing partnership with Sotheby’s, blending the artistry of exceptional whisky-making with a deep respect for culture.”
As for the whisky itself, the single bottle edition was drawn from a single Sherry-seasoned American oak butt (Cask No. 1964) filled on 10 February 2005.
It has an ABV of 54.9% and carries a similar natural marigold hue to that of the Day of the Dead tradition.
Its tasting notes consist of creamy dulce de leche and cinnamon dusted churros, balanced with vanilla pod and charred pineapple. The finish is then described as ‘long, and sweet with tropical fruits, rich oak and dark chocolate’.
To capture the spirit of Mexico City, The Macallan’s whisky maker Diane Stuart worked closely with Jordi Roca of three-Michelin-starred restaurant El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain, and also met with figures embedded within Mexican culture such as chef Elena Reygadas (of Panadería Rosetta), Josefina García (director of collections and educational services at the Dolores Olmedo Museum) and Luis Perez (cultivator of Mexican marigold flowers).
Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s head of whisky and spirits for North America and EMEA, added: “The Distil Your World Mexico Single Cask Limited Edition is a rare offering that combines exceptional whisky, stunning artwork, and a powerful philanthropic purpose. Sotheby’s is delighted to partner with The Macallan, once again, to present this unique opportunity to collectors.”
Sotheby’s has previously worked with The Macallan to sell the oldest whisky ever offered at auction at 81 years, which at the time was also the distillery’s oldest ever release.
In November 2023, the pair combined again to set a new world record for the most expensive whisky sold at auction, after the Adami 1926 went for £2.2 million (US$2.8m).
The Macallan broke its own age record last year with the release of an 84-year-old whisky as part of its 200th anniversary celebrations.
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