From a 77-year-old Glen Grant to Laphroaig in a platinum capsule, the whisky world’s most outrageous one-offs are back—and every dram funds the future of Scotland’s youth.
On Friday, 10th October 2025, amid the hallowed halls and stately grounds of Scotland’s Hopetoun House near Edinburgh, the Distillers One of One auction will once again convene the global Scotch whisky community in a uniquely philanthropic spectacle. Marking its third edition and in collaboration with Sotheby’s, this landmark charity auction promises 40 exceptional lots from 36 of the most esteemed whisky brands and producers. It is, quite simply, the largest charity auction of rare Scotch whisky ever staged—an event that combines rarity, artistry, and generosity in equal measure.
Since its inception in 2021, Distillers One of One has not only cemented its stature as an unparalleled whisky auction but also as a beacon of meaningful impact, having raised over £4.3 million in support of Scotland’s Youth Action Fund. This fund champions transformative projects aimed at young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping thousands across Scotland to unlock pathways toward education, employment, and a better future.
A Charitable Tradition Deeply Rooted in Scotch Whisky’s Heartland
While rare whisky auctions are increasingly common in luxury markets, Distillers One of One stands apart — not just because of the pedigree and provenance of the bottles on offer, but because every single lot is a labor of love, a “one of one” creation crafted and donated by the world’s finest whisky producers. The proceeds flow directly to the Youth Action Fund, ensuring that the auction’s considerable cultural and commercial capital translates into concrete social outcomes.
Over the past four years, this fund has reached more than 3,300 young people, offering them access to education, mentoring, and job opportunities. In 2025 alone, nearly 1,000 young people will benefit from this ongoing investment, which includes not just tangible employability outcomes—such as apprenticeships, employment, and further education—but also invaluable soft skills and personal development metrics: wellbeing, resilience, and motivation.
Beanie Espey-Geraedts, Managing Director of Distillers One of One, reflects on the auction’s significance: “The work being done by the Youth Action Fund is truly impressive, and the results speak for themselves—the scale of impact is really incredible. 2025 has brought its share of global uncertainties, and the whisky industry feels those effects too. That’s why we are enormously grateful to all the donor brands and sponsors who have come together once again, dedicating significant time, care, and resources to craft truly unique lots that raise the bar year on year.”
The Intersection of Whisky, Art, and Legacy
To truly appreciate the scale and artistry of the Distillers One of One auction, one must understand that this is whisky as museum piece, as living heritage, as a dialogue between craftsmanship and creativity. Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Spirits, puts it succinctly: “Distillers One of One is the apex at which whisky meets art and luxury. Many whisky brands have generously donated pieces of high age, high quality, and highly creative concepts, merging historic Scotch whiskies with breathtaking designs. These lots incorporate everything imaginable—from glass art and tailoring to watercolours and photography.”
This year’s lineup includes showstoppers and emotional journeys alike, such as the centennial tribute to Port Ellen, the unmatched rarity of The Glen Grant’s 77-Year-Old single malt, and bespoke collaborative pieces marrying whisky and bespoke tailoring. Let’s unpack some of the most remarkable lots set to captivate collectors and philanthropists alike.
Spotlight on Select Lots: Whisky Rarities as Singular as Their Stories
Aberlour “The Mouth of the Chattering Burn”
Aberlour’s oldest-ever release, a 53-year-old single malt distilled in 1967, is enshrined in a one-of-one handblown magnum crafted by renowned Swedish glass artists. The vessel is displayed alongside its original carved mould—an exquisite marriage of whisky and art that recalls the Gaelic origin of the Aberlour name. Estimated between £20,000 and £40,000, it is as much a collector’s masterpiece as a whisky.
The Glen Grant Eternal 77-Year-Old – Campari Group
Arguably the oldest whisky of the auction, The Glen Grant Eternal 77-Year-Old is housed in a handblown glass magnum decanter modeled after a developing seedpod—a metaphor for the whisky’s slow, natural evolution over seven decades. Distilled in 1948 from a single Sherry-seasoned European oak butt, the whisky reveals ripe berries, dry spices, Seville oranges, and earthy smoke. This expression is a liquid time capsule, with an estimate between £60,000 and £110,000.
The Glenlivet SPIRA – Chivas Brothers
Representing the pinnacle of The Glenlivet’s craft, the 60-Year-Old SPIRA is presented in an elegant decanter inspired by the spiraling dance of vapors in the distillery’s stills and the flowing River Livet. Distilled in 1965 and matured in a single hogshead cask, this bottle embodies smoothness and grace, with an estimated value ranging from £60,000 to £110,000.
Port Ellen 200th Anniversary – Diageo
Marking two centuries since the founding of the iconic Port Ellen distillery on Islay, Diageo offers a unique single malt encapsulated in a bespoke glass sculpture inspired by smoke and nature’s elemental chemistry. This exquisite release, part of Port Ellen’s ongoing experimental “Atlas of Smoke” project, is a rare chance to own a dram that’s both a tribute and a fresh chapter in Islay whisky lore. The lot also includes an exclusive experience at the distillery—a private “Atlas of Smoke” tour for the buyer and three guests—cementing it as a once-in-a-lifetime collector’s and connoisseur’s prize.
Glendronach Arias in Time – Brown-Forman
A symphony of Highland single malts from four distinct sherry casks, “Arias in Time” showcases the full range of Glendronach’s rich, sherried character. Presented alongside a bespoke bronze sculpture crafted via the lost-wax technique, this lot is an ode to heritage and complexity, estimated at £60,000 to £100,000.
Laphroaig Capsule – Suntory Global Spirits
The story of Laphroaig distilled into a flawless 40-Year-Old single malt captured in a hand-blown green crystal decanter with a platinum-plated capsule, “Laphroaig Capsule” is both an artistic and historic milestone. Matured in Oloroso sherry hogsheads and ex-bourbon casks, it epitomizes the brand’s boldness and persistence, with an estimate of £40,000 to £80,000.
Other Highlighted Lots
- Gordon & MacPhail’s 130th Anniversary Collection: Three ultra-rare bottles including a 75-year-old Glen Grant and the first-ever bottling from The Cairn distillery.
- KANDOBLANC’s “Dragon in Clouds”: A 60-year-old whisky encased in a vessel blending Japanese and Venetian glassmaking artistry.
- William Grant & Sons’ “Ladyburn One of One 2025 – Marilyn Monroe by Sam Shaw”: A unique single bottle paired with a historic Marilyn Monroe photograph.
- Old Pulteney Polaris – International Beverage: The oldest release from the distillery, a 47-year-old single malt in a hand-blown blue glass bottle.
- The Last Drop’s Private Blending Experience: A bespoke whisky creation journey with Master Blender Colin Scott, hosted in historic Scone Palace.
- Bacardi – John Dewar & Sons: Featuring Royal Brackla 54-Year-Old and Aberfeldy 49-Year-Old, both presented in handcrafted crystal decanters.
Sponsors and Partners: The Pillars Supporting Whisky’s Greatest Charity Auction
The auction’s success is also due to the generous backing of headline sponsor W1M—an international wealth and investment management firm—and four returning programme sponsors: Glencairn Crystal, McLaren Packaging, Simpsons Malt, and Forsyths distillation equipment. Additionally, Hamilton & Inches brings a touch of luxury as an auction sponsor, while travel partner The Luminaire, official wine partner Berry Bros & Rudd, and Whisky Magazine’s media support complete the ensemble.
Why Distillers One of One Matters — Beyond the Bottles
In an industry often associated with exclusivity and collectability, Distillers One of One reminds us that Scotch whisky is also a powerful agent of social good. Each lot is a story, a legacy, and a promise—of craftsmanship and of the potential of Scotland’s youth. The auction does not merely celebrate liquid rarity but transforms it into tangible community impact, offering pathways out of adversity through education, mentoring, and skills development.
As the industry faces uncertainties, the collective spirit exhibited by the 36 donor companies participating this year reinforces the unshakeable bond between Scotch whisky and its cultural roots.
Looking Ahead: How to Participate and Follow the Distillers One of One 2025 AuctionAuction
The Distillers One of One 2025 auction will be held at Hopetoun House, Edinburgh, on 10th October 2025. Collectors, philanthropists, and whisky enthusiasts are encouraged to follow the auction’s progress via @distillers_one_of_one on social media for the latest updates and exclusive previews of upcoming lots or head over to the official website for more information.
Distillers One of One 2025 Auction
📍 Hopetoun House, near Edinburgh
📅 October 10, 2025
🔗 @distillers_one_of_one
