Whisky Advocate: Auction Update
May 14, 2025Within the whisky auction scene, April generated the lowest combined 20-highest single bottle hammer prices since August 2024, at $433,030. Despite an 18% gain after three months compared to 2024, the combined value of the top 20 bottles of the month is now down 6% against the first four months of last year. Auction houses had to adapt to the changing tariff rules throughout April: U.S. buyers now need to pay the 10% tariff on all whiskies purchased at overseas auctions, except for American whiskeys.
On April 21st, courier DHL temporarily suspended all business-to-consumer shipments of $800 or more to U.S. customers due to the introduction of new customs entry processes, but to the relief of collectors, this decision was reversed on April 28th after dialogue between DHL and the government, enabling operations to get back to normal. Whisky Advocate has more.
Tagged : auctions, Whisky Advocate
