The Distillers One of One hosted its third charity auction in partnership with Sotheby’s at the historic Hopetoun House near Edinburgh on Friday 10 October 2025.
The auction included a selection of 39 ultra-rare Scotch whiskies, donated by 35 companies and distilleries across Scotland.
Bidding was lively in the room and on the telephones, with some 200 guests across the globe.
An incredible total of £2.9 million / $3.9 million (a hammer total of £2.3 million / $3.1 million) was reached, smashing the pre-sale estimate.
Since the first auction in 2021, the auctions have now raised a stunning £6.6 million to date, primarily directed to the Distillers' Charity's Youth Action Fund.
Grant Gordon OBE, chairman Distillers’ Charity, commented: “What pride for me to see that the Scotch Whisky industry continues to come together to raise incredible amounts in support of young people, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them achieve their ambitions and strengthen our communities. Over nearly four years, between January 2022 and the end of September 2025, the Youth Action fund has helped 2619 young people secure employability, meaning a job apprenticeship, training or education leading to work.
“We sincerely thank all our those involved for their time and talent, whether they are in the industry, sponsors or craftspeople and the buyers for their support and generosity, whose contribution together helps transform the lives of young people in Scotland.”
Perhaps the standout of the auction was the sale of The Glenlivet SPIRA 60 years old, bringing in £650,000 / $871,358. Following an action-packed bidding war, the room erupted into thunderous applause upon completion of the sale.
The oldest whisky at the auction, The Glen Grant 77 years old, sold for five times its low estimate, at a total of £400,000 / $536,220.
Other huge sales included Port Ellen’s oldest ever release at £375,000 / $502,706, Ladyburn One of One 2025 Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw 58 Year Old at £225,000 / $301,624, and Laphroaig Capsule 40 Year Old for £125,000 / $167,569.
Beanie Espey-Geraedts, MD of Distillers One of One, said: “We’re so humbled to see such generosity in action for this third Distillers One of One Auction. The resounding success is the result of an incredible collective endeavour across the Scotch whisky industry to create meaningful and lasting change, with much work behind the scenes from passionate individuals who care deeply about their communities. It is very special to us to know that this exceptional sum that has been raised will have a direct impact on Scotland’s disadvantaged youth. We are very much looking forward to the next Distillers One of One Auction in 2027.”
A total of 30 auction records were achieved, including the following:
Aberfeldy (Lot 1)
Glenfarclas (Lot 4)
The Glendronach (Lot 5)
Whisk-E Ltd and a bottle from Arran Distillery (Lot 6)
Royal Brackla (Lot 7)
Hunter Laing and a bottle from Teaninich Distillery (Lot 9)
Young Spirits Ferg & Harris (Lot 12), Laphroaig (Lot 14)
Bruichladdich (Lot 15)
A bottle of Port Ellen (Lot 16)
InchDairnie (Lot 17)
Lindores Abbey (Lot 18)
Ladyburn (Lot 19)
The Borders (Lot 20)
Aberlour (Lot 22)
Adelphi and a bottle from Imperial Distillery (Lot 23)
The Glen Grant (Lot 24)
Ballindalloch (Lot 25)
Glen Moray (Lot 26)
Livingstone The Macbeth Collection and a bottle from Mortlach Distillery (Lot 28)
KANDOBLANC (Lot 29)
Tamnavulin (Lot 30)
The Glenlivet (Lot 31)
Thompson Bros (Lot 33)
Gleann Mòr (Lot 34)
Coachbuilt (Lot 38)
As the official media partner, Whisky Magazine provided regular updates throughout the night across its official Instagram channel, including insights and interviews with a selection of lots.
Bradley Weir, editor of Whisky Magazine, added: “The magazine is proud to have been the official media partner of this year’s auction, including coverage of the build-up to the event and even more post-event coverage we have on its way. It was a truly remarkable event, not just the auction itself but the preview on Thursday. To see these magnificent lots up close was truly breathtaking. Watching the whisky community come together in this fashion for such an incredible cause is inspiring.
“The auction was incredibly lively and the atmosphere was electric, and sustained throughout all of the 39 terrific lots. Those walking away as winners of these lots can consider themselves extremely lucky, they are now in possession of some truly magnificent works!”
Full list of lots and auction results can be viewed HERE.
