The Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection sold for a record-breaking US$993,000 in Sotheby’s ‘Finest & Rarest Wines and The Macallan’ auction in Hong Kong on 2 April. All net proceeds will be donated to Hong Kong-based and other Asian charities.
The set of six crystal decanters, containing the rarest of The Macallan’s single malts aged from 50 to 65 years old, marks the grand finale in the prestigious Six Pillars collection. The Six Pillars series features limited-edition decanters by The Macallan and master French crystal maker Lalique.
The six whiskies contained in the cabinet are: The Macallan in Lalique – Exceptional Oak Cask, 50 Years Old; The Macallan in Lalique – Natural Colour, 55 Years Old; The Macallan in Lalique – Finest Cut, 57 Years Old; The Macallan in Lalique – Curiously Small Stills, 60 Years Old; The Macallan in Lalique – Spiritual Home, 62 Years Old; and The Macallan in Lalique – Peerless Spirit, 65 Years Old.
The Legacy Collection, housed in a bespoke natural ebony cabinet created by Lalique Maison, also holds six Macallan Fine and Rare miniatures; two from each of the 1937, 1938 and 1939 vintages and six pairs of Lalique Macallan glasses, each serial numbered to commemorate the unique partnership. Autographs of the masters behind the collection are also included inside the cabinet and allow for the buyer to have their own name engraved within it.
The Macallan Creative Director Ken Grier said: “This remarkable conclusion to The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars series is a symbol of the strength behind our long-standing partnership and our unwavering commitment to going beyond the ordinary. To achieve this outstanding price at auction is testament to the quality, detail and absolute skill and mastery of the Lalique craftsmen and our expert whisky makers and we are proud that this work of art has secured a wonderful contribution to Asian charities.”
Lalique Chairman and CEO Silvio Denz said: “The unprecedented price achieved for The Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection reflects the exceptional nature of the piece – a complete one-off and highly collectable work of art which marries the two houses. Masters in their respective fields, Lalique and The Macallan are joined by mutual respect and an unwavering commitment to craft, artistry and beauty.
“Since our partnership first began in 2005, it has achieved a number of world-record prices at auction and we are delighted to provide both The Macallan and Lalique connoisseurs the opportunity to own something truly remarkable whilst contributing to Asian charities.”
Sotheby’s Asia Senior Director Robert Sleigh said: “It has been an honour for Sotheby’s to work with The Macallan and Lalique once again in offering this unique Macallan Collection that combines the exemplary artisanal skills of both Macallan and Lalique, to produce this once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire such a rare collectable item.
“The enthusiasm of over ten bidders in the room, online and over the phone demonstrates the importance with which global collectors regard The Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection and the significance of its direct from the distillery provenance. It is fitting that it achieved a new world-record for any lot of whisky ever sold at auction.”
The Macallan has previously worked with Sotheby’s on both its world-record auctions. The Macallan 64 Years old in Lalique Cire Perdue Decanter sold in New York for US$460,000 in November 2010 and the Imperial M Decanter sold in Hong Kong for US$628,000 in January 2014.
