At Catawiki, we curate premium-quality whisky auctions featuring rare, sought-after bottles and exclusive accessories. Each object is carefully reviewed by our in-house experts to ensure authenticity, collectability, and value — offering bidders a trusted experience and sellers the best opportunity for success.

Follow these guidelines to maximise your chances of a successful sale.

What we accept

We’re looking for collectable, high-quality whisky and related items. To be accepted, your object must:

• Fall within our accepted categories:
  • Collectable whiskies from any distillery or whisky-producing country are accepted, provided they are limited or discontinued editions that are hard to find, and ideally single cask or small batch bottlings 
  • Collectable whisky accessories of premium quality, including: 
    • Rare, interesting whisky branded mirrors (from before 1990) & furniture 
    • Rare, sought-after, branded decanters and glass sets from Highland Park, The Macallan, Laphroaig, etc.
    • Whisky plinths
• Be properly sealed, unopened, with the original seal intact and in original packaging (if available)
• Be clear in appearance (not cloudy)
• Meet the minimum expected value of of €75, at least €30 per bottle 
   (You can combine objects in one submission to meet this threshold)

What increases your chances of approval:

• The following is a list of the distilleries and brands that are in particularly high demand: Port Ellen Brora Macallan Glendronach Jack Daniel’s Johnnie Walker Springbank Ardbeg Laphroaig Littlemill Clynelish St. Magdalene Rosebank Bowmore Samaroli Hanyu Karuizawa Old Fitzgerald Glenfiddich Balvenie Cadenhead’s Chichibu Yamazaki Hibiki Yoichi Hakushu Kavalan Glenfarclas Aberlour Glenlivet Imperial Longmorn Longrow Mortlach Glen Grant Linkwood Auchentoshan Bruichladdich Highland Park Talisker Scotch Malt Whisky Society

📌 Examples of accepted objects: 

What we do not accept

To keep our auctions high-quality and trustworthy, we do not accept:

• Opened bottles or those without the original seal
• Bottles with broken seals, missing capsules, or empty bottles
• Standard, mass-produced whiskies that are still widely available
• Accessories that are:
  • Unbranded (e.g. glassware, water jugs)
  • Reproduction mirrors made after 1990
    
    

📌 Examples of rejected objects:

Getting your submission ready

1. Fill in all the object details following the submission flow and write a clear description

When you submit a whisky, you’ll see fields to guide you in providing the right information — such as type, producer, year, bottle size, country and region of origin, etc. These fields ensure your listing is clear, searchable, and easy for bidders to understand.

Please also use the object description field to share:

• Fill level: if the fill level is not clearly visible in the photo, weigh the bottle and include the weight + add picture
• Serial number, rotation number, or laser-etched code, often on the glass or back label + add picture
• Any relevant backstory, e.g. limited edition, discontinued release, or distillery info
• If the object has any flaws (scratches, tears, dents, missing box, cracked wax etc.) + add pictures

Tip: The more detail you provide, the easier it is for bidders to understand the value of your object – and the more likely it is to sell. Find here more tips on how to write a clear, accurate description.

2. Great photos matter

Photos are the first thing bidders see – so make them count! We recommend including high-quality images that clearly show the condition and details of your object. This helps bidders make informed decisions and increases your chances of a successful sale.

Your photos should include:

For all submissions:

• Full view of the bottle(s), standing upright next to its box (if any)
• Front and back label close-ups
• Capsule photos (from all angles, including from above)
• Fill level (if not visible in other shots)
• Base glass codes (especially for bottles pre-1990 or over €300 in value)
• Packaging (e.g. box, case)

If available, also include:

• Tax seals
• Rotation or laser-etched codes, often on the inside of a label or on the glass.

Tip: Use a neutral white background, avoid low-quality or stock images, and aim for natural lighting. Find here more tips on how to take professional photos.

📌 Examples of good photos: 

4. Shipping guidelines

Proper packaging and clear communication are essential to ensure your whisky arrives safely and meets buyer expectations. Follow the guidance below to help protect your object during transit and avoid delivery issues.

Packaging

Use protective materials such as inflatable bottle airbags, bubble wrap or thick polystyrene bottle protectors to prevent breakage. Fixate the (wrapped/protected) bottle in a sturdy cardboard box.

We recommend wrapping the capsule with cling film or parafilm to protect against (minor) leaking. Wrapping the label with cling film to avoid scuffs or moisture damage.