The Macallan Breaks World Record for Most Expensive Whisky Sold at Auction

NEW YORK, NY - Guinness World Records� has awarded The Macallan the accolade of 'most expensive whisky sold at auction'. Now the definitive world record holder, The Macallan's 64 Years Old in Lalique, Cire Perdue sold at auction for $460,000, with 100 percent of the proceeds benefitting charity: water, an organization that provides access to clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations.

Coveted by bidders, the one-of-a kind Lalique crystal decanter housed the oldest and rarest Macallan ever bottled by the distillery, a 64 Years Old Single Malt whisky. The historic auction which took place at Sotheby's in New York in November 2010 was the culmination of a 12-city "tour du monde" of the decanter.

David Cox, Director of Fine and Rare Whiskies for The Macallan commented, "We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the Guinness World Record� for the most expensive whisky sold at auction. This major accolade from such a world-renowned and respected organization proves once and for all that The Macallan is the world record holder."

He continued, "We had a phenomenal response around the world to this very special and rare decanter and I feel it is a fitting tribute to the inspiring project which managed to raise a staggering $600,000 overall for charity: water."

Silvio Denz, President and CEO of Lalique, commented, "We are enormously proud of this world record we share with our friends at The Macallan, with whom we have successfully collaborated since 2004. Over the years our crystal decanters, which are entirely handcrafted by our glassmakers, have proved hugely admired and sought after by whisky consumers and connoisseurs, as well as collectors of Lalique crystal and lovers of beautiful 'objets d'art'. This latest achievement, which was realized through the lost-wax moulding technique, is testament to the exceptional quality, artistry and longstanding tradition that is shared by both Lalique and The Macallan."

The Macallan and Lalique global fundraising tour raised more than $600,000 for charity: water to provide clean water to over 30,000 people (www.charitywater.org/themacallan).

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the world's most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character, founded upon a set of guiding principles, the Six Pillars. An obsession with quality has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its founding by Alexander Reid on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland.

The distillery is surrounded by a 150 hectare estate, with Easter Elchies House, a Highland Manor built in 1700, at its heart. Traditionally known for maturation in Spanish oak, sherry seasoned casks, The Macallan's range of outstanding single malts includes: Sherry Oak, matured in Spanish oak casks seasoned with sherry; Fine Oak, matured both in sherry casks of Spanish and American oak and in American oak casks seasoned with bourbon; the 1824 range, exclusive to Global Travel Retail.

In addition, The Macallan is well known for its great range of vintage whiskies, dating back to 1926, and is considered the most sought after of all single malts among collectors and connoisseurs at auction. Please savor responsibly.

charity: water is a non-profit organization bringing safe and clean drinking water to people in developing nations. Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80% of all sickness and disease, and kills more people every year than all forms of violence, including war.

charity: water gives 100% of the money raised to direct project costs, funding sustainable clean water solutions in areas of greatest need. Just $20 can give one person in a developing nation clean water for 20 years. In four years, charity: water has brought clean drinking water to over 1.4 million people in 17 countries.

For more info, visit: www.charitywater.org and www.themacallan.com