What is your bottle of whisky worth?
Do you have a rare or collectable bottle of whisky? Have you ever wondered what your bottle of whisky is worth, or what price you could get for it if you chose to sell?
Explore our detailed guides to the value and history of individual bottles of single malt and blended whisky below, and read our handy guide to selling whisky online.
Please get in contact for a free valuation on your bottle using our online form. Alternatively, if you are looking for information on whisky casks, please sell our dedicated buy a cask and sell a cask sections.
The value of single malt whisky
The market for whisky has increased dramatically over the past few years. 2018 and 2019 saw peaks in rare bottle prices, with the record for the most expensive bottle ever sold broken twice in 2018 then again in 2019.
There are a few things to look for when considering the value of your bottle:
- The most sought after bottles are usually those from limited edition runs and those that were bottled before the year 2000.
- There is a premium for bottles that were bottled before the 1990s. These bottles can be identified by their size, as they will state their volume as being 75cl, 750ml or 26 2/3 fl ozs.
- Macallan continues to be the most sought after single malt whisky brand but other distilleries such as Highland Park, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Bruichladdich can be very valuable too.
Free Whisky Valuations
Use the form below or send images of your bottle to our WhatsApp or Email
What’s Your Bottle Worth?
For a free, no-obligation valuation use this contact form to get in touch.
Sell Whisky: Expert Valuations
For a free, no-obligation valuation of your bottles of whisky simply use the form below. In order to provide you with an accurate valuation please provide as much of the below information as you can.
Send us images of your bottles on Whats App and we will get back with a valuation. Click the button above or send the images to 07852 247421
If you want to email over your images please send them to [emailprotected] or click the button above.
Would you rather speak in person? Call the office on 01260 218718 weekdays 9am to 5pm and we will be happy to help.
What’s Your Bottle Worth?
Please provide information about your bottles so that we can provide you with a valuation.
Single Malt Whisky Guides
Explore our detailed guides and introductions to some of the most popular and collectable bottles of single malt whisky.
Blended Whisky Guides
Explore our guides to some of the most popular bottles of blended whisky.
What to Look For
The six factors that affect the value of single malt whisky bottles
Age of whisky
This refers to the number of years the whisky has spent maturing in the cask, not how long it has been in the bottle. The age is indicated on the label and can vary from 3 to well over 30 years old.
Most collectible bottles are over 10 years old and value usually increases with the age of the whisky. Whisky over 30 years old is the most sought after as it is the rarest.
Any whisky bottled at over 50 years old is highly desirable and a very limited number of distilleries have released whisky over 50 years old.
Bottling date
This relates to when the whisky was bottled. As bottles from a specific year are consumed, the remaining bottles become rarer, so even a ‘standard’ malt released in the 1980’s can become sought after.
If vintage is not stated bottle volume can be an indicator of bottling era. Bottles from the 1970s and earlier use fluid ounces (FL.OZ). In the 1980s standard bottles size was 75cl and in 1991 the standard size (in the EU) changed to 70cl. Note that standard bottle size is still 75cl in the USA, and other bottle sizes are occasionally used, in which case you will have to use other indicators.
Distillation year
The distillation year might also be described as the bottle vintage, and refers to the specific year in which the whisky was distilled (made). It is one of the most important factors that can impact the price of your collectible whisky.
In general, the earlier the distillation year the more collectible your bottle of whisky. Bottles from the first half of the 20th century are highly valued by collectors and fetch a premium. That being said, the bottler is also important, and so two whiskies distilled in the same year, at the same distillery, but bottled by different bottlers will vary in value.
Label & packaging
The label on a bottle of collectible whisky is very important and should be in pristine condition to fetch the highest value. If the label is damaged in any way, such as scratching, blemishing, pealing or mould, then this will have a negative impact on the value.
The box condition is almost as important as the label condition, and the correct box is very important to collectors. A bottle with a damaged or marked box will be worth less, and a bottle without its original box could be worth up to 30% less.
Level
The level of the whisky has a large impact on the value. On almost all bottles it should be well into the neck, a level in the lower half of the neck is worth less and levels into the shoulder will significantly impact the value.
Older bottles are more prone to a drop in level as the bottles were not intended for storage. A drop in level implicates the long term storage prospects for any collector but as alcohol is more volatile than water it is the alcohol that will evaporate first, which impacts the flavour.
Single Cask Bottlings
Single cask bottlings are generally more sought after, as by default they are unique and usually of a significantly limited edition. Look out for numbers on your bottle like XXX/250, with the second number generally being less than 500, which would indicate a single cask edition.
Longer edition numbers such as XXX/5000 are often also collectible. These longer numbers usually indicate that the release is a vatting of a number of casks.
Request A Free Valuation For Your Bottle
It’s simple to get in touch with us. Simply follow the links below or use the valuation form below.
How we can help you sell your whisky
Private Sale
Selling your bottle through our audience of private buyers can get a high price for you bottle and the convenience of a quick turn around on your sale. All we need is a good picture of your bottle stood up, ideally with the box if you have it and we can collect no obligation offers from our buyers for your consideration.
Auction
Auction can be the most suitable route for some bottles offering a wide audience of buyers. There is more element of risk in selling at auction as you have less control over the original price and usually takes longer to complete than a private sale. It is also important to choose the right specialist auction for you bottle, and we can advise you on this.
Shop
Our online store launched in 2020 with an aim to bridge the gap between selling at auction and the prices you see at retail, helping you get more for your bottle. Selling via our online shop can achieve more than at auction or private sale but can take longer to complete, so requires the time to get your ideal price realised.
What is the value of your whisky?
In order to provide you with an accurate valuation please provide as much of the below information as you can.
The Process of Selling Your Bottle
The process to get a no-obligation quote for your bottle of whisky is easy.
STEP 1: Send us photographs of your bottle
The easiest way to find out how much your bottle of your whisky is worth is to send us a photograph of your bottle. The picture should be of the bottle standing up, please include the box if you have it.
We use the photograph to check:
- The condition of the bottle, label and box
- The level of the spirit, as this has the biggest effect on value and varies even if the bottle has not been opened
You can send you images to [emailprotected] or use the contact form below
STEP 2: We approach our contacts
We contact our extensive network of industry and private buyers who will make offers if they are interested in your whisky. We can broker sales internationally, ensuring your whisky reaches the largest possible audience.
Selling privately gives you more control over the process compared to selling at auction and ensures you get the best price for your whisky. Auction can sometimes be the best option, but commission often means there is a 50% difference between what the buyer pays and the seller receives.
Once all offers have been received we will contact you with the offers. You are welcome to discuss the offers with us.
STEP 3: If you want to proceed we issue you with a contract
Once you have decided to accept an offer we will issue you with a contract for the agreed price.
The contract is an agency agreement giving us the right to complete the sale of your bottle on your behalf. It is the same as the contract you would receive if you sold at auction, except the price is agreed and forms an integral part of the agreement. It outlines all our legal obligations to you acting as your agent and also covers payment terms.
Our brokerage fee is 10% for private sales, including VAT.
There are no other charges, except the courier fee if you decide to use that service. Please see STEP 4 for more information.
STEP 4: Send your bottle to Mark Littler LTD
Once the contract has been signed you send your bottle to Mark Littler, you can arrange this yourself, or you can use our fully insured courier service.
Our courier service includes all packing material and is insured up to £40,000. It also includes a pre-paid return postage label and an instruction sheet on how to pack your bottle.
Once packed you simply drop the parcel at your local post office.
The cost for this service is £15.
STEP 5: We complete the sale and send your payment
We check the item is as expected and is in the condition you said.
We arrange to meet the buyer and deliver the bottle or bottles to the buyer and complete the sale.
Once the sale is complete your payment is sent via BACS, less any courier service charge, if applicable, and our fees.
Depending on the availability of the buyer you will receive payment within 1 – 5 days, the average is 48 hours.
Bottle Selling FAQ
What details do I need to provide about my bottle?
The easiest way for us to give you a price for your bottle of whisky is to send us a photograph of your bottle. The picture should be of the bottle standing up, please include the box if you have it.
We use the photograph to check:
- The condition of the bottle, label and box
- The level of the spirit, as this has the biggest effect on value and varies even if the bottle has not been opened
Please send you images to [emailprotected] or use the contact form below
What happens if I accept your offer?
Selling your whisky with Mark Littler LTD is the same process as selling at auction, except you know the price you are going to achieve beforehand.
The process is simple:
- Once you have accepted an offer, we issue you a contract which you return with your bottle. You can use our fully insured courier service to send us your bottle (see below).
- Once we receive the bottle we arrange a meeting with the buyer and complete the sale.
- Once the sale is complete we send you the balance minus our commission, and postage charge if you decide to use our courier service. This is usually between 1 – 5 days after receiving the bottle.
Our commission is 10%, including VAT.
How do I get my bottle to you safely?
Once the contract has been signed you send your bottle to Mark Littler, you can arrange this yourself, or you can use our fully insured courier service.
Our courier service includes all packing material and is insured up to £40,000. It also includes a pre-paid return postage label and an instruction sheet on how to pack your bottle.
Once packed you simply drop the parcel at your local post office.
The cost for this service is £15.
How and when am I paid for my bottle?
When we have completed the sale we send the balance via BACS using the details you provide us in the contract.
Payment is usually between 1 – 5 days of receiving your bottle, the average is within 48 hours.
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the world of whisky, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide you through the intricate details of assessing the value of your prized whisky collection. With a deep understanding of the market trends and a keen eye for the factors that contribute to a whisky's worth, I am here to unravel the mysteries behind your bottle's potential value.
The article you've shared delves into the fascinating realm of whisky valuation, shedding light on key concepts that every whisky enthusiast and collector should be aware of. Let's break down the essential information presented:
-
Market Trends and Peaks:
- The market for whisky has experienced significant growth, with notable peaks in rare bottle prices observed in 2018 and 2019.
- The record for the most expensive bottle sold was broken twice in 2018 and then again in 2019.
-
Factors Influencing Value:
- Limited edition runs and bottles predating the year 2000 are particularly sought after.
- Bottles from before the 1990s are premium, identifiable by their volume statement (75cl, 750ml, or 26 2/3 fl ozs).
- Brands like Macallan, Highland Park, Bowmore, Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and Bruichladdich hold significant value.
-
Single Malt Whisky Guides:
- Detailed guides explore the value and history of individual bottles of single malt whisky.
- Notable distilleries mentioned include Macallan, Highland Park, and others.
-
Blended Whisky Guides:
- Guides cover popular bottles of blended whisky, featuring brands like Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal, and Jack Daniel's.
-
Factors Affecting Single Malt Whisky Value:
- Age of Whisky: Collectible bottles are usually over 10 years old, with over 30 years being highly sought after.
- Bottling Date: Bottles from specific years become rarer over time, and bottle volume can indicate the era.
- Distillation Year: Earlier distillation years, especially from the first half of the 20th century, command higher value.
- Label & Packaging: Pristine condition of the label and packaging is crucial for maximum value.
- Level: Whisky level in the bottle impacts value, with lower levels reducing the bottle's worth.
- Single Cask Bottlings: Single cask editions with limited edition numbers are generally more valuable.
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Selling Options:
- Private Sale: Offers control and a quick turnaround, requiring good pictures for valuation.
- Auction: Wide audience but involves more risk and takes longer.
- Shop: An online store launched in 2020 as a bridge between auction and retail prices.
-
Selling Process:
- A step-by-step guide outlines the process, from sending photographs for valuation to completing the sale and receiving payment.
- Private sales have a 10% brokerage fee, including VAT.
-
FAQs:
- FAQs cover the details needed for bottle valuation, what happens if an offer is accepted, and the process of safely sending and receiving payments.
In conclusion, understanding the nuances of whisky valuation involves a comprehensive grasp of factors such as age, bottling date, distillation year, packaging, and more. Whether you choose a private sale, auction, or online shop, the key lies in meticulous assessment and a strategic approach to maximize the value of your cherished whisky collection.
