1937 bottle of Glenfiddich fetches £25k

A RARE single malt has sold for just over £25,000, making it one of the world's most expensive bottles of whisky.

The bottle of Glenfiddich, distilled before the start of the Second World War, went under the hammer for 25,200, including the buyer's premium, at Bonhams' whisky sale in Edinburgh yesterday.

The 70cl bottle, dated 1937, was one of 61 bottles produced and was part of a batch of ten released in 2001.

Bonhams said the Glenfiddich, which was initially valued at 15,000-20,000, is one of the most expensive bottles of whisky ever sold at auction. A world record 29,400 was paid in 2007 for a 19th century bottle of Bowmore.

Experts say the single malt smells of newly dug peat, burnt leather and oak and tastes of treacle toffee, creme brulee and toasted almonds.

Bonhams' whisky specialist Martin Green said: "The moment I saw it I knew we had something special and I'm delighted that it reached such a high price."