McTear's is world famous for our auctions of Fine & Rare Whisky. Such is the international
demand for our expertise in the category, our annual calendar has seen an increase to four
auctions from three. McTear's is the most famous auction house in the world to conduct
this type of sale with such high quality. We do of course hold several world records in
the sale of whisky. The auctions of Rare Whisky also include Port, Cognac, Vintage Wine
and, occasionally, cigars.
Sold for £29,400 (the current world record for a bottle of whisky sold at auction)
W & J Mutter's Bowmore-Circa 1850
Distilled and bottled by W & J Mutter, Bowmore Distillery, Islay. Hand blown pale green
glass bottle. Driven cork, embossed lead capsule with the Mutter family crest and "Bowmore
Islay Whisky". The lead capsule has been punctured in the centre and centre right side of
the top has a small section missing. The driven cork has dropped. The bottle is
accompanied by the original cardboard carton in which it has been stored.
The bottle was presented to William Mutter in 1851 at the time of him giving up his share
of the distillery and has remained in the family for generations. It has been inherited by
family descent until the present day. The successful buyer will receive a hand written
provenance.
The distillery: Is said to have been founded 1779; John Simpson (also Simson) 1816-18;
John Johnston 1825-6; John Simpson 1826-37 at least; operating 1851; William and James
Mutter (twins) 1852; continued until early 1890's, when Bowmore Distillery Co. Ltd.
formed. Up for sale 1922. Purchased 1925 by Sherriff's Bowmore Distillery Ltd which was
aquired 1950 by William P. Grigor & Son Ltd, Inverness, and purchased by Stanley P.
Morrison Ltd 1963. Licenced to Morrison's Bowmore Distillery Ltd. Courtesy of The Scotch
Whisky Industry Record.
This bottle of Bowmore sold for £29,400 (all inclusive), a new world record for a bottle
of malt whisky sold at auction. The previous record was £25,877.50 for a Dalmore
62-year-old McTear's sold on 4th December 2002.
Sold for £1,700
Black Bowmore-1964 Bottled 1994. Distilled and bottled by Morrison's Bowmore Distillery,
Island of Islay. Bottle number 1171 of 2000. Stopper cork, embossed lead capsule with
slight rubbing at top. In wooden presentation case. Level: upper part of shoulder. Single
malt, 50% volume