Scotch whisky and decanter break records

The Macallan 64 Year Old in Lalique: Cire Perdue

A 64-year-old single malt Scotch whisky in a unique crystal decanter has sold for a record price of almost £300,000 at an auction in New York.

The decanter, crafted by famous French designer Lalique, holds 1.5l of the rare The Macallan whisky.

All the proceeds will be given to the clean-water group charity: water.

The Macallan, founded in 1824, is produced at a distillery near Easter Elchies House in north east Scotland's Speyside whisky region.

The Lalique decanter was created using the "cire perdue" or "lost wax" method.

Before the auction, the whisky was taken on a 12-city "tour du monde" to build up interest and raise funds for charity: water, an organisation that provides access to clean, safe drinking water for people in developing nations.

At the auction at Sotheby's in New York, The Macallan 64 Year Old in Lalique: Cire Perdue sold for $460,000 (£288,000), to an unnamed woman buyer.

David Cox, director of fine and rare whiskies for The Macallan, said: "We have had a phenomenal response to this very special and rare decanter.

"We are absolutely thrilled with the result of last night's auction which has smashed the world record for the most expensive whisky ever sold.

"It was wonderful to experience the culmination of this incredible project, which has made its way around the world to raise a staggering $600,000 (£373,000) for charity."

The Macallan is one of the world's most-admired single malt whiskies.

It was traditionally known for maturation in Spanish oak, sherry seasoned casks.