Laphroaig Capsule sells for a record-breaking £125,000

Laphroaig, one of the world’s most distinctive single malts, made its debut appearance at The Distillers One of One auction on October 10, with Laphroaig Capsule 40 Year Old selling for £125,000. This is the highest price ever paid at auction for a bottle of whisky from this distillery.

The winning bid was placed at Hopetoun House, Scotland, in partnership with Sotheby’s, with 100 percent of the hammer price, £100,000, donated directly to benefit The Distillers’ Charity Youth Action Fund, empowering disadvantaged youth across Scotland to unlock opportunities and shape brighter futures.

Distilled in the early 1980s, this spirit is now extremely scarce and one of Laphroaig’s last surviving whiskies from this era. It was a time in whisky making on Islay defined by grit, resilience and uncompromising character.

The vessel’s unconventional design embodies Laphroaig’s tenacious and bold character, shaped by its 210-year history. The flawless green crystal decanter, hand-blown by Glencairn Crystal, and the perfectly fitted platinum-plated capsule, showcases the whisky maker’s commitment to quality and precision.

Dr. Calum Fraser, Master Blender - Scotch & Irish at Suntory Global Spirits, said, “The Laphroaig Capsule is a living archive of whisky making on Islay over 40 years ago. It reflects the elements that make this spirit spectacular, from the island’s peat and the Hebridean salty air, to maturing in oloroso sherry-seasoned and ex-bourbon American oak hogsheads for 26 years, before being expertly married in oak until June 2022. I’m so proud it generated such interest at the auction, with the winning bid demonstrating just how special this whisky is.”

Daryl Haldane, Private Client Director, Suntory Global Spirits, commented, “We’ve supported this event from the beginning as a founder donor, raising over USD 1.3 million through Bowmore and Glen Garioch, and we’re delighted to now bring Laphroaig to the auction with this bold, unforgettable and record-breaking creation.”