Bidding advice
You can place bids either under the lot image on the main auction page or on the right side of the individual lot page.
Placing a Maximum Bid
Use the "Set your bid limit" button on the left side of the bidding panel to enter the highest amount you're willing to bid on a lot. Our system will then automatically raise your bid in set increments if you’re outbid, up to your maximum. If someone bids above your set limit, we’ll notify you by email so you can choose whether to increase your bid.
Placing a Single Bid
Alternatively, place a single bid by selecting the button on the right side of the bidding panel. The button displays the amount needed for the next increment. For example, if the current highest bid is £50.00, the button will show "+ £55.00" (reflecting a £5.00 increment).
Incremental Bidding Explained
Our system increases bids based on preset increments, as shown in the table below, whether you set a maximum bid or make a single bid.
Bottle Details
Port Ellen 1978 Casks of Distinction 40 Year Old #2116
For decades Port Ellen was the lost jewel in the Islay crown, closed down by DCL (now Diageo) in 1983 due to an oversupply of peated whisky for blending and a perceived lack of interest in it as a single malt. However, it developed a legendary status over the years and in 2017 Diageo eventually announced plans to re-open it. The work was completed in 2024, and the first spirit was distilled in March that year. A very rare 12 year old bottled for attendees of the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1980 is believed to have been the only distillery bottling produced in its first years of operation. Diageo then bottled the first publicly available distillery bottlings as part of the Rare Malts Selection, followed by the annual special releases.
This Port Ellen was distilled in March 1978 and matured in single sherry butt #2116 for an incredible 40 years. It was bottled in August 2018, and at the time of bottling was the oldest bottle of Port Ellen ever released. The bottle is presented in an elegant wooden box, alongside a commemorative piece of the original cask.
One of 328 bottles.
Auction results
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Frequently asked questions
The value of a bottle can change based on supply and demand, so it’s important to get an up-to-date valuation. At Whisky Auctioneer, we provide accurate valuations based on the latest market trends.
For a free, no-obligation valuation, simply complete our quick and easy Seller Form, and we'll get back to you with an estimate.
You will always be shown as an anonymous bidder when using Whisky Auctioneer.
When browsing the bidding history on a specific lot, the list of recent bidders is shown as 'anonymised bidders' with the exception of any bids placed through your account - which would appear as your username.
When logged into your account your bids are shown with your username, however, other users are not able to see this and you will appear as an 'anonymised bidder'.
User information/identity will never be revealed in the bidding process. We take user data and information protection very seriously at Whisky Auctioneer.
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For Sellers:
- Our expert Client Service team provides free valuations and support on safely getting your bottles to our offices in Perth, Utrecht or London.
- Once received, your bottles are authenticated, professionally photographed, and listed in the next available auction (or an auction of your choice).
- After the auction closes, you’ll receive payment within 21 working days, with seller fees deducted from the final amount.
For Buyers:
- Browse and bid on an exceptional selection of whisky from around the world.
- If you win, you’ll be notified by email and have 72 hours to complete payment.
- Choose to have your bottles shipped, stored, or collected. Buyer fees are applied at checkout.
Whether you’re selling rare vintages or looking for your next great bottle, our online auctions provide an effortless, trusted, and exciting way to buy and sell collectible whisky online.
