The world of whisk(e)y for most of us on a day to day basis consists of relatively affordable bottlings we enjoy in the comfort of our own home or at a restaurant or bar, usually in the company of other people. There’s also a higher end world out there, though, as one periodically sees when very expensive bottles of old Scotch or Japanese whisky are snapped up at auction for what easily could be well over a year’s salary for most individuals.
While a good number of these expensive whiskies are already floating around in the marketplace, new ones are introduced as well each year as distilleries mine their old stocks for just that right single barrel that can then be put into a high end crystal decanter and priced for a pretty penny. These releases often hit global travel retail first, particularly in Asia where there is a large amount of disposable income being thrown around to acquire rarer spirits.
As is the case with many high end luxury goods, they are sometimes showcased at some type of speciality event, a trade show of sorts to build buzz on the next super pricey thing that beckons you as you pass through an airport’s retail areas. One such show happened earlier this year, done by DFS Group (DFS), the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, in partnership with Changi Airport Group. Known as the Masters of Wines and Spirits event, it was held in Singapore back at the end of March,
The eighth year running, the Masters of Wines and Spirits is said to be “the most celebrated and prestigious event in the industry.” This year’s activities showcased a curation of “140 of the rarest and finest whiskies, wines, Cognacs and Champagne from around the world, all under one roof.”
As our focus here is whisk(e)y, we’ll take a look at that category specifically. The list of what was shown off, consisting of a few high end Macallans and products from other distilleries, included the following, according to information from DFS:
The Dalmore Constellation Vintage 1973 Drinking Cabinet, a very special bespoke and handcrafted cabinet commissioned by Richard Paterson, containing The Constellation Vintage 1973 (cask no.10)
Bunnahabhain 39-Year-Old Spanish Octave Finish, an exclusive limited edition piece that forms part of the new Bunnahabhain Element Series which is crafted around the importance of various elements impacting on the character of each Bunnahabhain whisky
Caol Ila 35 Year Old boasting a fine freshness, cleanliness and precision for its age
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Glenfiddich 45-Year-Old honors a whisky-making tradition dating back to 1887 and is a true reflection of the passion and innovative spirit passed down through all five generations of the Grant family
Karuizawa Single Cask 1995 is possibly the last ever cask of Karuizawa Single Malt to be bottled in Japan
Port Ellen 39-Year-Old is an elegant complex 39 year old Single Malt Whisky, unlocked from the heart of Port Ellen and expertly married from a selection of ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry refill casks
The Macallan 72-Year-Old In Lalique – The Genesis Decanter, the oldest whisky ever released by the Macallan family in commemoration of the opening of its new Distillery and Visitor Experience. Presented in a bespoke limited-edition crystal decanter handcrafted by Lalique, this exceptional whisky celebrates the collaboration of masters from across the fields of whisky, crystal, architecture, construction and craftsmanship
The Macallan Fine & Rare Decades Collection features five Fine & Rare vintages from 1938, 1947, 1954, 1965, 1976, each drawn from a single unique cask, denoting key historical events for the year
Though no specific prices were mentioned for any of these items in relation to press information prior to this event, the 39 year old Bunnahabhain recently turned up in more general retail channels for a price point of £11,995 (around $14,900 USD). This bottling, and the other ones listed above, certainly aren’t whiskies we will find at our corner liquor store. Will most even be drunk by those that buy them? Or will they be shuttled into vaults and locked away like gold to be traded as a commodity? These luxury releases certainly paint a peek at what the 1% has available to them in whisk(e)y goodness.
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