A bottle of 50-year-old Glendfiddich whisky has auctioned for £13,750 ($21,029) this morning.
One of only 500 produced, the rare bottling was the star turn at Bonhams' whisky sale in Edinburgh.
 One of only 500, a key factor in the bottling's rising value |
Its rarity, allied with its great quality of taste, ensured a strong price.
It was bottled in 1991, after nine casks were laid down in the 1930s.
The price represents a significant increase in value for the offering in recent years. Its retail price was around £8,000 ($12,250) just five years ago, according to Wine-Searcher.
"This is one of the most desirable Glenfiddichs - or, indeed of any Scotch whisky - and is keenly sought after by collectors for its exceptional quality and rarity," comments Bonhams whisky guru Martin Green.
There were also good performances from a Dalmore 50-year-old, laid down in 1926, which made £6,875, and two bottles of The Macallan Select Reserve 52-year-old, which achieved a combined £7,500.
A Bowmore Premier over-42-year-old, distilled in 1965 and bottled in 2008, sold for £3,125.
Whisky collecting is in rude health. Whisky auction lots grew in number by 35% in the first half of the year, according to whisky expert Rare Whisky 101.
The figures can be attributed to an increasing number of investment-minded buyers entering the sector, and a surge of collectors and investors from China and Japan.
"There's always been interest for whisky from all over the world and it's been steadily growing, but lately there is more interest coming from the Far East where it's considered as premium product," Green told the Independent newspaper.
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