One of the most rare and sought-after whiskies in the world is to go under the hammer at Bonhams in London this week. A bottle of Johnnie Walker 1805 – one of only 200 in existence – is expected to fetch between £12,000 – 16,000 at Bonhams’ Sale of Fine Wine and Spirits at 101 New Bond Street on 25 April 2007.

Proceeds from the sale – which is particularly significant since the 1805 blend has never been available for retail sale – will be donated to The National Trusts for England, Wales and, Scotland.

Johnnie Walker, the world’s no.1 premium whisky brand, created the special edition 1805 blend from whiskies that are at least 45 years old and are predominantly from distilleries that no longer exist. It was made in 2005 to celebrate the birth of John Walker on 25 July 1805, and Johnnie Walker released just 200 bottles to present as gifts to high-profile individuals renowned for making a significant contribution to modern life. The vendor of the bottle to be sold at Bonhams, the maker of Johnnie Walker whiskies, is keen that the National Trust for England, Scotland and Wales benefit from this exceptional sale.

“The emergence of one bottle on the auction market is historic in its importance for the Wine and Spirit worlds,” commented Richard Harvey MW, European Director of Wine at Bonhams. “Bonhams is delighted to have the opportunity to present the 1805 blend on the auction market and we are confident it will invite extremely competitive bidding.”

Posted: 04|25|07 at 12:25 pm. Filed under: UK News.