Second phase of record-breaking whisky auction to end

The second phase of a record-breaking whisky auction – which includes a bottle that is expected to fetch more that £1m – will come to a close on Monday night.

The library of around 3900 rare and coveted whiskies was amassed by the late American businessman Richard Gooding.

Part one of The Perfect Collection – comprising more than 1930 bottles – went for more than £3.2m at auction in February.

Part two, featuring 1958 lots, has taken place over ten days on Whisky Auctioneer’s website.

Opening on April 10, bidding is set to close at 7pm on Monday.

The Macallan 1926 Fine and Rare 60 Year Old – one of the world’s most sought-after whiskies – is up for grabs and is expected to go for more than £1m.

As of 6.30am on Monday, bidding sat at £550,000.

Gooding, a former PepsiCo bottling magnate, built up the collection over decades.

He regularly travelled from his home in the US to Scotland with his pilot to source special bottles at auctions and distilleries before his death in 2014.

His widow Nancy said previously: “It was clear to us as a family that collecting Scotch was one of Richard’s greatest passions – an endeavour that spanned over two decades.

“He loved every aspect of it, from researching the many single malt distilleries to visiting them and tasting their whiskies.”

Iain McClune, founder of Whisky Auctioneer, added: “The Perfect Collection auction is a once in a lifetime opportunity for collectors, investors and whisky lovers to acquire a piece of whisky history.

“They will find many bottles that have never, or rarely, been seen on the secondary market.

“With the current situation requiring so many of us to stay at home, the beauty of Whisky Auctioneer, unlike traditional auction houses, is that we bring the opportunity of this magnificent collection of whisky to you wherever you may be.

“It is so easy to get involved anywhere in the world by bidding from the comfort of your own home on your laptop or phone, with something for all ranges of budgets – from £100 to over £1m – a truly accessible auction for all those who have an interest in whisky.”