In a celebration of rare whisky and generosity, the 2025 edition of the Distillers One of One auction smashed records and brought together distilleries and collectors passionate about transforming young lives.
The third edition of The Distillers One of One® charity auction took place amid the regal surroundings of Hopetoun House near Edinburgh on 10th October 2025. The event was more than just a sale of rare whisky; it was a celebration of the industry’s generosity and its commitment to making a tangible difference in communities across Scotland. And this year, it truly broke all records—raising an astounding £2.9 million (over $3.9 million)—to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds across the country.
As the doors opened, the room buzzed with anticipation. Over 200 guests from around the world—collectors, distillers, philanthropists—gathered to bid on an exclusive selection of 39 ultra-rare Scotch whiskies. Each lot was meticulously curated: from bottles drawn from historic distilleries to bespoke artistic creations, all representing the pinnacle of craftsmanship and elegance.
The auction’s energy was electric. Bidders competed fiercely, with bids surging by as much as £140,000 in a single increment. The leading lot, the Glenlivet SPIRA 60 Year Old 1965, ignited a ten-minute bidding battle that culminated in a record-breaking £650,000 ($871,358)—the highest price ever achieved for a Glenlivet bottle. This rare collector’s item, housed in a handcrafted spiral decanter, symbolises the event’s blend of heritage and artistry.
But the night wasn’t only about record-breaking bottles. One of the most poignant moments was the sale of the Glen Grant Eternal 77 Year Old 1948, a whisky of rare historical significance. Fetching £400,000 ($536,220)—five times its initial estimate—it marked yet another milestone for the auction, which has now set or broken 66 records to date.
Comment: These bottles are more than rare collectables; they are tangible connections to Scotland’s whisky heritage, transformed into vessels of hope for the nation’s youth.
More Than Just Whisky: Driving Real Change
Since its inaugural event in 2021, the auction has become a beacon of philanthropy within the whisky industry. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of distilleries and collectors worldwide, the event has surpassed the £6.6 million mark ($8.4 million), all dedicated to empowering disadvantaged young Scottish people through the Youth Action Fund.
This initiative, established in 2022, supports young people aged 16 to 25 to unlock their potential—a vital step in transforming lives. The funds have already helped over 2,600 young individuals find employment, pursue further education, or re-engage with their communities. The impact is profound: from securing apprenticeships to accessing mental health support, the fund helps bridge social and economic gaps that often feel insurmountable.
Grant Gordon OBE, Chairman of The Distillers’ Charity, reflects proudly: “This event underscores the industry’s leadership in giving back. Over nearly four years, the Youth Action Fund has supported thousands of young people and is empowering our future workforce. The passion and commitment from everyone—distillers, sponsors, bidders—are truly inspiring.”
Comment: It’s moving to see how the world of luxury spirits can serve as a vessel for societal good, proving that generosity and craftsmanship go hand in hand.
Behind the Bids: A Night of Inspiration
The event’s success was powered by the collective effort of the whisky world. Major brands like Diageo, William Grant & Sons, and Suntory contributed some of their most exclusive releases, while independent distilleries showcased rare expressions that captured imaginations and sparked fierce bidding wars.
Art and craftsmanship played their part too. One lot, “Elementum” by Edinburgh-based artist Vicky Paul, was a 21-litre vessel housing a single malt whisky from The Borders Distillery, created in a stunning collaboration between art and spirits.
It sold for £25,000 ($33,514), illustrating how the event celebrated creative excellence in both domains.
The bespoke decanters and sculptures—such as the Port Ellen glass sculpture by Wilfried Grootens—were not just containers but also collectors’ art. The blending of artistic skill and whisky-making genius created a sensuous experience that drew in enthusiasts from across the globe, eager to be part of something more significant than just a sale.
Heartfelt Thanks and Bright Horizons
The entire success of the auction rests on the shoulders of its many supporters. From the donors who created these one-of-a-kind lots to the sponsors and attendees whose bidding powers the event, every contribution matters. The auction’s overall message resonates deeply: that luxury and philanthropy, craftsmanship and community, are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing.
“The generosity we see tonight,” said Beanie Espey-Geraedts, Managing Director of Distillers One of One, “is proof that industry-led initiatives can create lasting change. The funds raised will go directly into programs that empower young minds—helping them find jobs, re-engage with learning, and build confidence. That’s what makes this event special.”
And while the event has now become a mainstay on the charity calendar, it also marks a call to ongoing action. The whisky community is more united than ever in its mission to foster social good, demonstrating that true luxury lies in making a difference.
Looking Ahead
The next auction, scheduled for 2027, promises to be even bigger—and even more impactful. As the whisky industry continues to raise its voice for social change, the ripple effects of this event will be felt for generations to come.
In a world often divided, the collective enthusiasm for whisky, art, and charity serves as a reminder: with passion, purpose, and a little flair, the most extraordinary things are possible.
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