The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s rare triple-distilled single malt breaks previous record, reflecting a shift in luxury collectors’ interests.
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s rare triple-distilled single malt breaks previous record, reflecting a shift in luxury collectors’ interests.
A 30-year-old bottle of whiskey has become the most expensive ever sold at £2.2m ($2.8m).
Described as the rarest triple-distilled single malt in existence, the bottle of The Emerald Isle was bought by American collector Mike Daley.
Produced by The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., the whiskey’s sale price was £79k ($100k) more than the previous record holder, a Macallan 1926 sold in November.
The Emerald Isle’s eye-catching walnut case includes a single decanter, alongside a bespoke Fabergé egg containing an emerald gem, a custom timepiece, and a pair of Cohiba cigars.
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. believe that historically the most sought-after bottles of the spirit have been Scotch whiskies, like the Macallan, but the record sale represents a shift in luxury collectors’ interests, many of whom feel the Scotch market has become too crowded.
Mike Daley, from Pennsylvania, said: “Irish is the future of whiskey. I’m excited to be part of it, as a collector, but most importantly as a drinker.”
Mr Daley is one of the US’ most prolific collectors of the spirit, with a vast collection consisting of several thousand bottles of Irish, American, and Scotch whiskeys/whiskies. His latest record-breaking purchase is one of only seven sets in existence.
He says: “The rebirth of Irish whiskey is relatively new, so I feel like I’m getting in on the ground floor. Luxury scotch, to me, is already a crowded type of market. But we’re only just starting to see luxury Irish make a name for itself. I guarantee you that in the years to come, it will get to where scotch is today.”
The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. add: “While there are some critics who claim that that The Emerald Isle’s value is bolstered by the luxury items included within the box, this criticism falls flat when considered alongside the fact that The Macallan 1926 that claimed the most expensive title last November, was one of only 12 bottles covered with a label designed by Italian painter Valerio Adami, adding considerable value to its auction price.”
Jay Bradley, founder and CEO of The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. said: “A bottle of The Emerald Isle becoming the most expensive whiskey or whisky ever sold is a monumental achievement for my business, and an incredibly proud moment for me.
“I started The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. with the goal of making Irish whiskey the most coveted luxury spirit and restoring Ireland’s reputation for crafting the finest whiskeys in the world, this brings us several steps closer to achieving that, and we’re only six years into the journey.
“There’s a lot more to come from us, and I’m excited for our customers and competitors to see what we have in store.”
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
