The most expensive whiskey in South Africa is the Macallan Valerio Adami 1926, which is 96 years old and costs around R16.5M ($1.1M). This remarkable whiskey decanter was created by renowned pop artist Valerio Adami and is housed in a unique cabinet. Only 12 of these decanters were ever made.
If you’re a whiskey connoisseur or simply enjoy indulging in rare, luxurious bottles of liquor, you may be interested in learning about the most expensive whiskey bottles in South Africa.
With the popularity of whiskey on the rise in recent years, it’s no surprise that collectors and enthusiasts alike are willing to pay top dollar for the most unique and exclusive bottles on the market.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the priciest whiskey bottles available in South Africa, including their history, tasting notes, and what sets them apart from the rest. We’ll also discuss where you can find these bottles and what to look for when purchasing a rare and expensive whiskey.
Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey aficionado or simply curious about the world of high-end liquor, our guide to the most expensive whiskey bottles in South Africa will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when it comes to purchasing your next bottle.
Most Expensive Whiskey Bottles in South Africa
1. Macallan Valerio Adami 1926 60 Years Old
The Macallan Valerio Adami 1926 is a super rare and costly whiskey bottle in South Africa. It’s so special because it was made by famous artist Valerio Adami, who created only 12 of these amazing decanters.
This whiskey was made way back in 1926 and put into a bottle in 1986, making it very old too. Sadly, one of the other bottles was ruined during an earthquake, and someone drank another one, which makes this fancy whiskey even more unique to collectors all over the world.
With an estimated worth of a whopping R16.5 million, this extraordinary whiskey is truly one-of-a-kind and would be the star of any collection!
2. Royal Salute, 45 Years
The Royal Salute is a high-class whiskey that has been around for over sixty years, made by the well-known Chivas company. They wanted to show their respect to Queen Elizabeth II, so they created an amazing drink called Tribute to Honor.
This special edition premium whiskey has a blend that is 45 years old and comes in only 21 very special porcelain decanters. These bottles are decorated with 400 black and white diamonds by the famous Royal jeweler Garrard!
Because it’s one of the rarest whiskies available today, each fancy bottle is like a beautiful work of art that shows how much people care about the queen and all things royal.
It can be worth up to R2.96 million, making it one of South Africa’s most expensive whiskey bottles!
3. the Macallan Lalique Legacy Collection 65 Year Old
The Macallan Lalique Legacy Collection is a truly amazing set of whiskey bottles that can be found in South Africa. This special collection has six different crystal decanters, and each one holds some of Macallan’s rarest single malts aged between 50 and 65 years.
These fancy bottles were made by a famous French company called Lalique, who worked together with The Macallan for ten whole years!
The beautiful bottles even have their own names and are stored in a custom ebony cabinet along with little versions of the bottles and sets of glasses also crafted by Lalique.
In April 2017, this unique collection was sold at an auction in Hong Kong for R1.09 million! It shows just how much people love and value these extraordinary whiskey creations.
4. Balvenie 50 Years, Speyside Single-Malt Whisky
The Balvenie 50 Years is a top-notch Speyside single-malt whiskey that can be found in South Africa. It’s known as one of the most expensive bottles of whiskey sold in shops like Makro.
This awesome drink has a mix of strong oakiness with hints of raisins and sultanas, plus a little touch of ginger spice, making it great for those who appreciate fine flavors.
When you taste it, you’ll enjoy an unbeatable combo of dark cherries and blackberries with a burst of zesty cinnamon and other spices for an amazing sweetness.
The finish gives you that perfect balance between rich tastes and peppery tones blended with dried fruits for lasting sweetness. With such an excellent flavor profile, it’s no wonder this bottle costs around R560,000!
5. Glenlivet 50-Year-Old Winchester Collection Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Glenlivet is a famous brand known for its top-quality whiskies, and the 50-year-old Winchester Collection Speyside single malt Scotch whisky is no exception.
People all around South Africa love this drink because it has an amazing mix of flavors that make it super special. When you take a sip, you’ll taste things like sweet toasted almonds, juicy peaches, and even a little bit of apricot jam.
This incredible whiskey is not only delicious but also very rare! The Glenlivet has even won awards at international contests for their other whiskies, like the 18-year-old variety which got double gold five times from 2005 to 2012.
But when money isn’t an issue, true whiskey fans will want to get their hands on this fantastic bottle worth about R431,000!
6. Glenfiddich 50-Year-Old
The Glenfiddich 50-year-old whiskey is an outstanding limited edition treasure found in South Africa. This special bottle is one of only 500 made, making it very rare and valuable for collectors.
Each precious bottle has a personal number and signature from Alexander Grant Gordon, the great-grandson of the company’s founder and former chairman.
You can find this amazing whiskey at shops like Whiskey Brother and Co., or even Makro, which offers a beautiful gift box as a present for someone super special.
With a strong alcohol content of 43%, you can be sure that this luxurious whiskey will leave a lasting impression on anyone who tastes it. Having such exclusivity comes with a high price tag – around R485,000 – but true whiskey lovers know that it’s worth every cent!
7. Glenlivet 1940 70 Years
The Glenlivet 1940 70 Years is an incredibly old and rare whiskey that’s making a big entrance at the FNB Whisky Live Festival in South Africa. This super special single malt was first made in 1940, which means it has been aging for seven whole decades!
It comes in a fancy tear-shaped crystal decanter with a silver stopper that has a British Hallmark on it. When you smell this golden amber liquid, it’s like opening up an old-timey cocktail cabinet with scents of sherry, wood, soft leather, candle wax, and even some fruity smells.
There aren’t many bottles like this one left in the world – only about $21,000 worth of 700ml decanters and around $5,000 for smaller 200ml ones.
So if you’re lucky enough to get one during the auction at Tops at Spar during the Festival, just remember that all the money spent will go toward helping people through the Foundation for Alcohol-Related Research (FARR).
8. Glenfarclas 60-Year-Old Whisky
The Glenfarclas 60-year-old whisky is a truly exceptional find in South Africa. This incredible drink comes from the well-known Glenfarclas distillery in Scotland, and it’s one of their most unique and sought-after creations.
Made from just one barrel dated back to 1953, this fantastic whiskey has been bottled in an extremely limited edition run of only 360 bottles worldwide! With a price tag of roughly R277,000, you can imagine how exclusive owning one of these bottles would feel.
Collectors often try to get their hands on such rare gems before they become even harder to find over time. So if you’re lucky enough to own or taste this extraordinary spirit from Glenfarclas, you know that you’re experiencing something truly unforgettable!
9. Glen Grant, 50 Years
Glen Grant is one of the top whiskey distilleries worldwide, and their 50-year-old single malt Scotch whisky is a prized find in South Africa.
This fantastic drink was first made by master distiller Dennis Malcolm back in October 1963, and he carefully watched over it for five decades to create the perfect balance between whiskey and wood flavors.
With only 150 bottles ever created, this rare collection is highly valuable for those who love fine whiskey. Each bottle even has a hand-numbered label made from 18-karat gold with the number “50” showing how old this amazing drink is!
The crystal decanters were hand-crafted by Glencairn Crystal, Scotland’s last family-owned glass manufacturer.
Owning one of these Glen Grant bottles might cost you around $13,700 USD but comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Dennis Malcolm and all other craftsmen involved in making this incredible work of art.
10. Balvenie 40 Years
The Balvenie 40 Years is a super special Speyside Single Malt whiskey that people in South Africa love to enjoy. This one-of-a-kind drink has been aged for four whole decades, making it a true masterpiece of taste.
The rich, floral notes in this whiskey will excite your tastebuds and create an unforgettable experience every time you take a sip. But because it’s so amazing and unique, it comes with a hefty price tag – around R67,000!
Don’t worry though; if you’re lucky enough to taste or own this wonderful drink, you’ll know that it’s worth every single cent spent on it.
So next time you’re thinking about trying something extra special and fancy when it comes to whiskey, remember the incredible Balvenie 40 years as one of the most expensive bottles in South Africa!
11. Glenfiddich 40 Years
The Glenfiddich 40 Years is an exceptional whiskey that truly stands out among others in South Africa. This delightful drink has a captivating aroma of sweet dried fruit, candy peels, and a hint of a spicy ginger scent that will lure your senses.
As you taste this luxurious spirit, you’ll discover smooth notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and honey making it an irresistible treat for any whiskey lover. This limited edition gem by the Glenfiddich Distillery is so precious that only 600 bottles were released at around R53,000 each!
With its rich and delicious flavor profile combined with its exclusivity, the Glenfiddich 40 Years makes for a fantastic addition to any connoisseur’s collection or special celebration where only the finest whiskeys are served.
12. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Baccarat
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Baccarat is a highly esteemed whiskey that holds a special place in South Africa’s world of fine spirits.
Created by the famous Johnnie Walker Distillery, this top-tier blended whiskey is made from the very best matured grain whiskies and malts.
The bottle’s design pays tribute to its founder, Johnnie Walker himself, on his birthday, while also symbolizing its long history as one of the oldest whiskeys known to mankind.
With its rich taste and intricate design details, it’s no wonder why the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Baccarat Whiskey is held in such high regard among enthusiasts and experts alike.
At R48,000 per bottle, this prestigious drink truly represents luxury and elegance for those who appreciate only the finest things in life!