Pernod Ricard’s scotch whisky division has secured an arrangement with UK-based auction house Sotheby’s for individual lots from its brands portfolio.
Chivas Brothers, which is the home of the group’s blended and single malts, said the “multi-year” partnership will feature one-off bottlings of “highly aged” whiskies that “until now… have never been available to purchase”. The first lot to go up for auction comes from The Glenlivet, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year.
At 55 years old, the 42.8%-ABV iteration is the oldest to be released by The Glenlivet and goes up for auction from 22 October to 5 November with Sotheby’s. The decanter has been designed by “computational architect” Michael Hansmeyer and features emerald quartzite and 24-carat gold.
The estimated price has been set at between GBP35,000 and GBP70,000. When contacted by Global Drinks Intel, a spokesperson for the unit said that the “breadth of the Chivas Brothers portfolio” will feature in the arrangement, with one lot expected per year.
“Partnering with … Chivas Brothers to offer some of the world’s most exclusive whiskies, crafted exclusively for Sotheby’s, is an exceptional privilege,” said Sotheby’s global head of spirits, Jonny Fowle. “The debut of The Glenlivet 55 Year Old, 200th Year Anniversary Edition, 1 of 1 … embodies the merging of fine spirits and design, and we look forward to bringing more of these … creations to collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.”
Among the other scotch whisky companies to partner with Sotheby’s are Whyte & Mackay with The Dalmore, Diageo for Brora and Port Ellen and Edrington with The Macallan.
In group results from the 12 months to the end of June, announced in August, Pernod Ricard saw The Glenlivet post a year-on-year sales decline of 6%.
