Diageo Global Travel and Middle East (GTME) has released 160 bottles of Brora 40 Year Old, the most expensive single malt whisky ever released by the company.

Drawn from a single cask, the bottles are priced at £6,995 and are available today as a worldwide exclusive for pre-order through World Duty Free Group’s online outlet www.worldofwhiskies.com.

The Brora distillery closed in 1983, yet some of the liquid has been slowly maturing to perfection in a Scottish warehouse. This pale gold single malt, taken at the natural cask strength of 59.1% from a single cask distilled in 1972, is the first 40yo Brora whisky ever to be bottled, and the oldest and rarest Brora expression ever released.

According to the company, “the exquisite packaging of Brora 40 Year Old reflects the true quality, craftsmanship and luxury credentials of the rare Brora liquid. The decanter is presented in a beautiful wooden case, an interpretation of the closed Brora distillery, skilfully handcrafted by the Queen’s cabinet makers at N.E.J Stevenson Ltd. The bespoke designers were appointed to craft the case because of their expertise, which is evident in other highly respected creations, such as the unique chests that house the Diamond Jubilee by John Walker & Sons.”

The whisky itself is housed in a crystal decanter that bears the golden emblem of the Scottish Wildcat, the guardian of the closed distillery and crest of the distiller’s founder, the Duke of Sutherland. The crystal stopper is etched with the number ‘40’ and the decanter has an engraved copper neck detailing the 1972 distillation year.

Diageo GTME global marketing director of Steve White said: “We have chosen to launch [through our exclusive partnership with World Duty Free Group UK. We are confident that the supreme quality and rare nature of this whisky will delight and excite collectors and aficionados who will want to add a bottle of this prestigious whisky to their prized collection.”

Global head of Liquor at World Duty Free Group David de Miguel added: “It’s great to be partnering with Diageo on this worldwide exclusive malt whisky launch, which showcases our ability to consistently offer a range of unique whiskies across our stores. The exceptional quality of this rare whisky will attract and intrigue whisky connoisseurs, helping to highlight our reputation as whisky specialists with the finest expertise.”