The Sotheby’s Rare Whisky & Moutai sale in London closed on 18 June, with 24 bottles of Chinese baijiu producer Kweichow Moutai’s Sunflower 1974 headlining the auction.
 
A 24-strong collection of baijius fetched £1 million (US$1.4m) ,setting a new record for the most expensive single lot of Moutai sold outside of China.
 
It was the first Moutai lot to be presented for auction by Sotheby’s in the UK and the most expensive Moutai set to be offered by the auctioneer.
 
The 24-strong collection, housed in their original wooden crate, attracted 14 bidders with an Asian collector acquiring the set. The range was expected to sell for between £200,000-£450,000 (US$283,600-US$638,000) and achieved five times more than its estimate.
 
Paul Wong, Sotheby’s Moutai specialist, said: “We have seen some spectacular results for Moutai sold in Hong Kong, but this momentous price takes the baijiu spirit’s standing amongst collectors to new heights.
 
“Whilst current travel restrictions may prevent our clients from moving around, this has proved no impediment to the growing momentum of Moutai’s popularity outside Asia.”