The world’s oldest Scotch single malt has once again captured global attention. Following our earlier coverage of Gordon & MacPhail’s Artistry in Oak release—featuring the breathtaking Jeanne Gang–designed decanter and the unprecedented 85-year maturation—the story has reached a new milestone. Decanter #1 of The Glenlivet 85 Years Old has now achieved a hammer price of US$200,000 at Christie’s New York.

A Historic Moment Following a Historic Release

When Gordon & MacPhail announced Artistry in Oak in July 2025, the whisky world paused to take note. By the time the release was officially unveiled in October, interest had surged, buoyed in part by the remarkable craftsmanship and storytelling behind the project—elements we explored in depth in our earlier article on the 85-year-old masterpiece.

Now, that anticipation has translated into a landmark auction result.

The Auction at Christie’s New York

Christie’s New York brought down the hammer on Friday, 21 November, closing bidding at an impressive US$200,000 for Decanter #1.

The lot had been estimated between US$160,000 and US$300,000, placing the final result squarely within expectations for a release of such rarity and prestige.

Only 125 bottles of The Glenlivet 85 Years Old Artistry in Oak exist worldwide, each carrying an RRP of £125,000 (US$168,423).

Read More: The Glenlivet Eternal Collection, Second Edition, Goes to Auction

A Lot Designed for Passionate Collectors

The winning bidder did not walk away with just the world’s oldest single malt whisky—they acquired a curated package woven deeply into the release’s narrative.

The lot included:

1. Decanter #1 of Artistry in Oak

A Jeanne Gang–designed decanter featuring solid bronze “branches” supporting a handblown glass vessel—an architectural homage to time, nature, and cask maturation.

2. The Cask End of Cask 336

A piece of whisky history: the end of the original 1940 Sherry cask that nurtured this whisky for 85 years.

3. An Original Framed Sketch by Jeanne Gang

A rare collector’s item capturing the creative origin of the decanter’s design.

4. A Personalised Private Tasting Experience

For up to four guests, hosted by one of Gordon & MacPhail’s senior family members:

• Stephen Rankin, Director of Prestige, or
• Richard Urquhart, Sales Director

An experience that offers unparalleled insight into the heritage and craft behind the release.

Giving Back: Supporting America’s Forests

In keeping with the release’s strong thematic connection to oak, all proceeds (minus costs) from this auction will go to the American Forest Foundation.

The funds will support initiatives focused on restoring and sustaining oak-dominated forests across the United States—ecosystems essential not only to biodiversity, but also to the future of whisky maturation.

These efforts extend from urban green spaces to vast landscapes, ensuring that oak continues to thrive for generations to come.

Continuing the Legacy of Artistry in Oak

The sale of Decanter #1 marks yet another chapter in the extraordinary story of the world’s oldest Scotch single malt. Having already redefined what is possible in whisky ageing—and captured global attention with Jeanne Gang’s visionary design—Gordon & MacPhail’s 85-year-old release continues to embody the interplay of nature, time, and human mastery.

As we saw in our previous article, Artistry in Oak is not merely a luxury release—it is a symbol of patience, legacy, and the enduring bond between oak and spirit. This latest auction result further cements its place as one of the most significant whisky milestones of the decade

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