One of One 2025: rarest scotch whiskies on show at Sotheby’s ahead of charity auction

Some of the world’s rarest Scotch whiskies have gone on display in London, ahead of the Distillers One of One charity auction, the world’s largest sale of unique Scotch whisky.

The exhibition, which runs until September 30 at Sotheby’s New Bond Street, showcases the majority of the 39 one-off lots due to go under the hammer at Hopetoun House near Edinburgh on October 10 2025. 

The auction, now in its third edition, is expected to draw global attention, with 100 per cent of proceeds donated to the Youth Action Fund, supporting disadvantaged young people in Scotland.

This year’s auction brings together 35 distilleries and donor companies, each contributing bespoke bottlings or experiences that will never be repeated…

A growing tradition of whisky philanthropy

The Distillers One of One was first held in 2021 and has since raised £4.3 million, with funds helping more than 3,300 young people through education, mentoring and employability programmes. Around 1,000 people a year are supported, with outcomes ranging from apprenticeships and formal qualifications to improved wellbeing and resilience.

This year’s auction brings together 35 distilleries and donor companies, each contributing bespoke bottlings or experiences that will never be repeated. Organisers say the lots merge heritage whiskies with contemporary craftsmanship, offering collectors pieces that sit at the intersection of art, design, and luxury spirits.

Among the rare and unique bottlings is a 51 year old single malt from Teaninich Distillery, presented in a hand-cut Glencairn crystal decanter with a gold-embossed stopper, and a Glenfarclas 58 year old expression, drawn from a first-fill Sherry butt and, housed in a hand-carved oak box created by Scottish sculptor Stuart Murdoch. 

From the Young Spirits Company, under its Ferg & Harris label, comes Wings Over Kintyre, a 31 year old Springbank finished in a 1.2-litre oak cask that previously held organic Grande Champagne Cognac.

London-based retailer Master of Malt is offering The Distillers One of One Whisky Cabinet, a collection of 24 rare whiskies in 300ml bottles, curated by Dr Sam Simmons and presented in a bespoke cabinet hand-crafted from black oak and walnut by Simon Jewell. 

Other standout lots include The Glen Grant Eternal 77 year old, Port Ellen Prism 46 year old, and The Glenlivet Spira 60 year old.

Old Pulteney’s contribution, Polaris, stands as the rarest whisky ever released by the nearly 200-year-old distillery. The 47-year-old single malt is housed within a hand-blown, blue glass bottle which has been designed and created by Tain-based glass merchant, Glasstorm. Artistic inciso cuts create a rippled effect around the glassware, evoking the tempestuous waters of the North Sea. With a mahogany hue and an ABV of 43.6%, the whisky within has been carefully rested for four decades in American oak ex-bourbon casks before an extended period of refinement in a selected single first-fill Spanish oak butt for seven years.

Beanie Espey-Geraedts, Managing Director of Distillers One of One, said the results of previous auctions speak for themselves: “Each donor is dedicating significant time, care, and resources to craft truly unique lots – and we can assure you, this year’s line-up is raising the bar once more.”

Jonny Fowle, Global Head of Spirits at Sotheby’s, described the event as “the apex at which whisky meets art and luxury.”

The auction will be conducted live by Sotheby’s, with international collectors expected to compete for the rare bottlings.

Main points at a glance: One on One Charity Auction 2025

• The Distillers One of One Charity Auction returns for its third edition on 10 October 2025 at Hopetoun House near Edinburgh, in partnership with Sotheby’s.
  
• First-ever public exhibition runs from 19–30 September 2025 at Sotheby’s New Bond Street, London, showcasing the majority of lots ahead of the auction.
  
• The auction features 39 one-of-a-kind Scotch whisky lots from 35 distilleries and bottlers.
  
• 100% of the hammer price will be donated to charity, supporting the Youth Action Fund.
  
• Highlights include:
  
  • Teaninich 51 Year Old in a Glencairn crystal decanter.
    
  • Glenfarclas 58 Year Old, presented in a hand-carved oak box.
    
  • Springbank 31 Year Old “Wings Over Kintyre”, finished in a Cognac cask.
    
  • The Glen Grant Eternal 77 Year Old, Port Ellen Prism 46 Year Old, and The Glenlivet Spira 60 Year Old.
    
  • The Distillers One of One Whisky Cabinet by Master of Malt, featuring 24 rare whiskies curated by Dr Sam Simmons.
    
• Auction described by Sotheby’s as “the apex at which whisky meets art and luxury.”