Terrence Chim | February 14, 2026
Here at Sotheby’s Wine, we take great pleasure in accessing private cellars and collections that hold rare old bottlings and highly collectible drams, many of which are scarcely seen on the open market today.
This week, we are thrilled to offer an exclusive opportunity to acquire a meticulously curated whisky collection from a private cellar, bringing together some of the rarest and exceptional releases and single casks from the world’s most acclaimed distilleries and bottlers. These include Scotch Icons such as Macallan, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin, alongside the revered independent bottlers like the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and Signatory Vintage. These distinguished bottlings embody the heritage and cultural significance of fine whisky craftmanship, with several originating from production eras no longer achievable today – the liquid gold that has shaped collector demand for decades.
Released in 1996 to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Private Eye Magazine, the Macallan Private Eye stands at the forefront of this fascinating line-up. Despite being bottled as a non-age statement whisky with a remarkable outturn of 5,000 bottles, it had soon become one of the most collectible Macallan releases of all time for its extraordinary quality and the inclusion of older casks – notably a sherry cask distilled in 1961, the founding year of Private Eye.
The label, designed by Ralph Steadman, a renowned British cartoonist and illustrator celebrated for his bold and expressive style of artwork, further elevated its allure. It remains arguably the most distinctive and visually iconic label among all Macallan bottlings for many whisky collectors and connoisseurs.
Another highlight is the Komagatake American White Oak 30-Year-Old 1986, the oldest bottling ever released by the Mars Shinshu Distillery. This bottle is among Mars Shinshu’s earliest vintages ever laid down, capturing the distillery’s pre-closure character during a period when Japanese whisky production was more artisanal and experimental – a true landmark in Japanese whisky history.
Orders will be ready to ship within 3 business days upon confirmation. While stocks last. E&OE. Offer may change without notice. Other conditions may apply.
