THE Distillers Charity, which funds training and education for young people in Scotland, is this morning, Wednesday 22 April, extending its partnership with Sotheby’s for a further four luxury whisky auctions.
Under the deal, the London-based auction house will run the Distillers One of One auctions – for which Whisky Magazine is the media partner – until 2033. The next biennial auction is due to take place in October 2027.
Sotheby’s hosted the first three auctions in 2021 at Barnbougle Castle on the outskirts of Edinburgh and in 2023 and 2025 at Hopetoun House, also near the Scottish capital. Together, the auctions raised £6.6 million ($8.4m), which was used to help more than 4,500 disadvantaged young people throughout Scotland.
In total, 49 companies donated 120 lots to the trio of sales, setting 72 brand auction records and attracting bidders from more than 20 countries. Organisers highlighted the rarity of the lots: “No two bottles are ever the same, and no lot will ever be recreated.”
The inaugural event remains the most valuable charity whisky auction ever held, raising £3.1m ($4.1m), with a four-bottle set of Glenfiddich from the 1950s topping the bill at £1m ($1.4m), a distillery auction record. In 2023, Bowmore stole the show when its “STAC” 55 years old – the oldest whisky released by the distillery – sold for £562,500 ($679,300), while The Glenlivet took centre stage last year in 2025 with its “SPIRA” 60-year-old 1965 whisky setting a brand record at ££650,000 ($871,400).
Jonathan Driver, the chairman of Distillers One of One auction and a trustee of The Distillers’ Charity, said: “Since 2020, Sotheby’s has been an incredible partner, sharing the challenges of bringing the best of the Scotch whisky industry together for the best of causes.
“We look forward to the auctions to come, with the unmatched support of Sotheby’s and backed by the generosity, skill and craftmanship of our donor companies and our highly valued sponsors, united in common cause to drive life-changing results.”
Jonny Fowle, global head of whisky and spirits at Sotheby’s, added: “Since 2021, the auction has brought together extraordinary whiskies, visionary distillers and an international community of collectors, united by a commitment to excellence and philanthropy.
“It has firmly established itself as a landmark event in the global whisky calendar, celebrating the creativity and innovation of the Scotch whisky industry while delivering meaningful, lasting impact through The Distillers’ Charity.
“To stage a sale that not only showcases the very best of the whisky world but also makes such a tangible difference to young people and their communities across Scotland has been a career highlight.”
The cash from the auction goes to the Youth Action Fund, which is run by venture philanthropy organisation Inspiring Scotland and supports six charities: Aberdeen Foyer, Action for Children, Enable Works, Family Action in Rogerfield & Easterhouse (Fare), Street League, and the Talk About Trust.
The Distillers’ Charity, which marked its 70th anniversary last year, is the philanthropic arm of the Worshipful Company of Distillers, one of London’s historic livery companies, which traces its roots back to 1638.
