An ultra-rare six-liter “Imperiale” Lalique crystal decanter filled with The Macallan M single malt just set a new record as the world’s most expensive whisky after it was sold by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong for an astounding $628k. One of only four large format custom-made decanters of M anywhere in the world, it holds nearly 1.6 gallons of the world’s most sophisticated single malt whisky and is the largest decanter ever made by Lalique, the famed French crystal artisans. M represents a collaboration between three master craftsmen; design genius Fabien Baron, Lalique President and CEO Silvio Denz, and Bob Dalgarno, Whisky Maker at The Macallan.

Each of the four Imperiale decanters required over 50 hours of work by 17 artisans. Each decanter is engraved with the name of a Roman Emperor. Of the four, two will be housed in The Macallan’s own archives, and one was acquired by private collector in Asia. The fourth, engraved with the name of Constantine the Great, was featured in the Sotheby’s sale. Of the four it is the only decanter that also has the signatures of Baron, Denz and Dalgarno engraved on it. Dalgarno selected seven of the most precious Macallan first fill Spanish Sherry Oak casks to create M. Proceeds from the eye-popping auction result of $628k will go to a number of Hong Kong charities.