And finally…dram-a over £3,400 minature

The sample of 10-year-old Malt Mill, distilled in 1959, has long been a holy grail for many collectors and rumours of its existence have circulated for years.

Even now there is only one confirmed bottle in existence which is on display at the Lagavulin Distillery on the island.

Its allure stems from the fact Malt Mill was never bottled as a single malt when it was in production in the grounds of the Lagavulin distillery from 1908.

Instead, Malt Mill produced a peated Islay single malt that was used in blends such as White Horse and Mackie’s Ancient Scotch.

Until now most collectors believe that since the still that made Malt Mill closed in 1962, most of it had been blended away.

However, two diligent collectors back in the early 1990s claim they got their hands on what was known as a blender’s sample.

Mike Barbakoff got hold of the smallish bottle after meeting a retired Lagavulin Distillery worker in Bowmore and offering him just £20 for it.

Then along with Alex Barclay they tasted the bottle and after “nosing and tasting” declared that it was “peaty but nothing special”.

Before the auction on Sunday Tam Gardiner, director of Scotch Whisky Auctions, said: “I haven’t a clue on its value; that’s the whole joy of an auction.”

“This very rarely comes up, and the market will set the price for it”, he added.