Another rare, expensive whisky up for sale

This news item is interesting, but it seems that the gist of it -- a rare, expensive whiskey is expected to go at auction for a staggering price -- is becoming rather commonplace.

The current such item is a bottle of Johnnie Walker 1805, one of just 200 in existence, is expected to bring between $20,000 and $30,000 at auction at Bonhams in London.

The special edition 1805 blend was produced in 2005 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Johnnie Walker. It is a blend of nine whiskies that are at least 45 years old and from distilleries that no longer exist. The 200 bottles were poresented to various individuals judged to have made "a significant contribution to modern life." This is the first time one will be put on the market.

The bottle comes in a handmade Victorian-style writing case together with an antique nib pen reminiscent of the ere in which Walker blended the whiskies himself. The bottle features a gold bust of Walker and the handwritten' words "The inventory of the stocks and effects of John Walker, November 1819." It is the oldest surviving handwritten document held in the Johnnie Walker archives.

The winning bidder will get a copy of an original recipe book handwritten by Alexander Walker, John's grandson. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to the National Trusts for England, Wales and Scotland.

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