Expensive Whiskey in South Africa; Whisky is a highly popular and widely consumed spirit across the globe. It boasts an extensive and fascinating history that traces back to ancient distillation practices. Whisky is available in various styles, flavors, and types, depending on the ingredients used, production techniques, and aging processes. Certain whisky brands possess an exclusivity, rarity, and high price, reflecting their exceptional quality, prestige, and distinctiveness.
South Africa is a country that holds a deep appreciation for whisky and has even produced its own award-winning brands. However, the country also imports some of the finest and most costly whiskies from other nations, particularly Scotland and Ireland. These whisky bottles are not for the faint-hearted or those with shallow pockets, as their price can soar into the thousands or even millions of rands.
In this article, we will delve into the top 10 expensive whiskies available in South Africa, which can be purchased online or from reputable retailers. Detailed information and facts about each whisky brand will be provided, including its price, production year, quantity, and other notable features.
1. Macallan 60 Years Old
Price: R16 million
Year: 1926
Quantity: 40 bottles
Other Facts: Often referred to as the ‘Holy Grail of Whisky’
Macallan stands as one of the most renowned and respected whisky brands globally. It has gained fame for its exceptional high-quality single malt Scotch whisky, which matures in Spanish oak sherry casks. Macallan has produced some of the most expensive and rare whisky bottles ever sold at auctions, such as the Macallan Valerio Adami², purchased for over a million dollars (R16 million) in Edinburgh in 2018. This bottle represents one of the 24 limited edition bottles distilled in 1926 and bottled in 1986. Due to its rarity and superior quality, it is often deemed the ‘Holy Grail of Whisky.’
2. Royal Salute 45 Years
Price: R2 million
Produced By: Chivas Brothers
Year: 1953
Quantity: N/A
Other Facts: The Royal Salute was created in 1953 to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II
Royal Salute stands as a premium blended Scotch whisky brand crafted by Chivas Brothers in 1953 to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Its name, Royal Salute, pays homage to the traditional 21-gun salute carried out in honor of royalty and heads of state. In South Africa, the Royal Salute 45 Years ranks among the most expensive whisky bottles, with a price tag of approximately R2 million. The bottle is adorned with around 22 carats of white and black diamonds by the renowned jeweler and creative director of Garrard, Stephen Webster¹.
3. Glenfiddich 50 Years Old
Price: R485,000
Year: N/A
Quantity: N/A
Other Facts: One of the world’s rarest and most sought-after single malt Scotch whiskies
Glenfiddich, established in 1887, is another legendary single malt Scotch whisky brand. It proudly upholds traditional production methods and employs equipment such as copper pot stills and wooden washbacks. The Glenfiddich 50 Years Old whisky bottle ranks among the rarest and most coveted in South Africa and worldwide, priced at approximately R485,000. This exquisite whisky is crafted from a selection of casks aged for a minimum of 50 years, meticulously blended and bottled by hand.
4. Glenlivet 1940 70 Years Old
Price: R323,000
Year: 1940
Quantity: N/A
Other Facts: One of the oldest ever-bottled single
malt Scotch whiskies
Glenlivet, a renowned single malt Scotch whisky brand established in 1824, is celebrated for its smooth and fruity flavor profile, influenced by the pure spring water from Josie’s Well used in its production. Glenlivet 1940 70 Years Old stands as one of the oldest single malt Scotch whiskies ever bottled. Distilled in 1940 and bottled in 2010, this extraordinary whisky commands a price of approximately R323,000 in South Africa. It is a rare and exquisite spirit, boasting a complex and rich character.
5. Glenfarclas 60 Years Old
Price: R277,236
Year: 1953
Quantity: N/A
Other Facts: One of the oldest expressions from the Glenfarclas Family Casks series
Glenfarclas, a family-owned distillery specializing in single malt Scotch whisky since 1836, is renowned for its distinct and full-bodied whisky, matured in sherry casks from Spain. Glenfarclas 60 Years Old represents one of the oldest expressions from the Glenfarclas Family Casks series, a collection of single cask whiskies spanning six decades. Distilled in 1953 and bottled in 2013, this exceptional whisky carries a price tag of around R277,236. It is a rare gem boasting a deep and rich flavor profile.
6. Glen Grant 50 Years Old
Price: R152,800
Year: N/A
Quantity: N/A
Other Facts: One of the most awarded single malt Scotch whiskies in the world
Glen Grant, a distillery founded in 1840 by brothers John and James Grant, produces a light and elegant single malt Scotch whisky made from pure spring water sourced from the nearby Speyside region. Glen Grant 50 Years Old stands among the most highly awarded single malt Scotch whiskies globally, having secured numerous gold medals and trophies at international competitions. Priced at approximately R152,800, this rare and exquisite whisky showcases a smooth and delicate flavor.
7. Balvenie 40 Years Old
Price: R66,500
Year: N/A
Quantity: N/A
Other Facts: One of the oldest expressions from the Balvenie distillery
Balvenie, established in 1892 by William Grant, the same founder of Glenfiddich, is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery that prides itself on its traditional practices. It remains one of the few distilleries that grows its own barley, malts its own grain, and utilizes traditional floor maltings, coppersmiths, and coopers. Balvenie 40 Years Old represents one of the oldest expressions from the Balvenie distillery, commanding a price of around R66,500. This rare and exceptional whisky has been matured in sherry casks and refill hogsheads for four decades.
8. Glenfiddich 40 Years Old
Price: R52,600
Year: N/A
Quantity: N/A
Other Facts: One of the most prestigious and limited editions from Glenfiddich
Glenfiddich 40 Years Old stands as another rare and expensive whisky bottle from the esteemed Glenfiddich distillery. Priced at approximately R52,600, it represents one of the most prestigious and limited editions offered by Glenfiddich, with only 600 bottles released each year. Crafted from a selection of casks aged for at least 40 years, this whisky is then married together for an additional six months in a special oak tun.
9. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Baccarat
Price: R47,800
Year: N/A
Quantity: N/A
Other Facts: A special edition of Johnnie Walker Blue Label presented in a crystal decanter by Baccarat
Johnnie Walker, a renowned and globally popular blended Scotch whisky brand, traces its origins back to 1820 when its founder, John Walker, began blending different whiskies to create a consistently smooth product. The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Baccarat represents a special edition of the esteemed Johnnie Walker Blue Label, known as the premium and rarest blend within the range. This exclusive edition is presented in a crystal decanter meticulously crafted by the prestigious French glassware manufacturer, Baccarat. With a price tag of around R47,800, this rare and exquisite whisky offers a smooth and complex flavor profile.
10. Chivas Regal The Icon
Price: R45,000
Year: N/A
Quantity: N/A
Other Facts: The pinnacle of the Chivas Regal blended Scotch whisky range
Chivas Regal, a popular and well-established blended Scotch whisky brand, was founded in 1801 by James and John Chivas. Known for its smooth and rich flavor profile, Chivas Regal boasts a range of exceptional whiskies. At the apex of their collection is the Chivas Regal The Icon, priced at approximately R45,000. This extraordinary blend is crafted from some of the rarest and oldest whiskies from the Chivas Regal inventory. Encased in a handcrafted crystal decanter with a distinguished green glass stopper, it represents the epitome of the Chivas Regal range.
