There are whisky collections, and then there’s The Encyclopedic Collection—an awe-inspiring curation that distills over two decades of passion, precision, and pure obsession into one auction block. Presented by Bonhams, this once-in-a-lifetime sale offers collectors access to the most complete timeline of Scottish, American, and Japanese whisky ever assembled by a single individual.

Sourced directly from legendary distilleries across Scotland during frequent pilgrimages, the collection includes ultra-rare bottles from Macallan, Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Pappy Van Winkle, and Karuizawa—each one carrying pristine provenance and historic significance. Highlights include the full six-pillar Macallan series, all five chapters of Balvenie’s DCS Compendium (spanning 25 bottlings and five decades), and unicorns like the Pappy Van Winkle 25-Year and Karuizawa’s Aika Geisha Bourbon Cask.

What makes this sale more than just liquid luxury is the story it tells—a narrative woven through world wars, prohibition, and the rebirth of Scotch as a global icon. Each bottle stands not only as a collector’s prize but as a tribute to distilleries that never compromised on their ethos. This is whisky as legacy—crafted with soul, acquired with purpose, and preserved with reverence.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or new to the world of fine spirits, Bonhams’ Encyclopedic Collection isn’t just an auction—it’s your invitation to own a chapter of whisky history. The auction begins on June 26th at 1 PM EST. 

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