Kandoblanc’s ‘Dragon In Clouds’ Sets New Ultra-Luxury Benchmark
KANDOBLANC – the ultra-luxury maison operating in the world of private collectors and bespoke commissions – has achieved a landmark moment as its one-of-a-kind creation, Dragon in Clouds, sold for US $142,433 (₹1.18 crore) at the prestigious Distillers One of One auction in partnership with Sotheby’s in Edinburgh, Scotland, recently.
This sale marks the highest lot price achieved by an independent boutique house at this year’s auction and ranks sixth among all 39 exclusive lots, reinforcing KANDOBLANC’s ascent in the global ultra-premium segment. It also more than doubles the brand’s previous auction record from 2023. The previous public release AGA to this day maintains the world record for the most expensive Blended Malt.
KANDOBLANC operates in the same echelon as haute couture ateliers, private yacht builders, and custom car coachworks. Its creations are acquired discreetly by UHNW collectors across continents and are seldom made available to the public.
Dragon in Clouds is a singular objet d’art built around a 60-year-old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky, these whiskies are highly sought after and extremely limited stocks are available. The spirit was aged for six decades in Sherry casks — a rarity that appeals to connoisseurs and collectors who value alternative assets and exclusive releases.
Encasing the whisky is a bespoke art piece created through an international collaboration between Japanese master artisans and Italian glassmaking specialists. The work, developed over two years, exemplifies KANDOBLANC’s commitment to producing ultra-rare, investment-grade cultural objects crafted for private ownership.
The record-setting sale validates the surging demand globally for one-of-a-kind pieces that combine exclusivity, legacy value and global cachet.
“This result represents a significant milestone for KANDOBLANC,” said Dhavall Gandhi, founder and artistic director. “Dragon in Clouds is a timeless cultural object at the intersection of rare whisky, art and culture, and its resonance among collectors and art patrons who value one-of-a-kind creations and the continuation of heritage craftsmanship affirms our purpose.”
With its growing reputation among elite buyers, KANDOBLANC is preparing to unveil its next singular creation, inspired by Mount Fuji, in 2026.
Dhavall Gandhi is one of the most sought-after strategic advisors in the world of luxury whisky, trusted by promoter families, board directors, and established whisky houses across Europe and Asia. With deep expertise in whisky maturation, cask strategy, and portfolio architecture, he guides leadership teams in shaping long-term vision, brand positioning, and value creation for the next generation of luxury whisky.
Formerly the Whiskymaker for The Macallan, Dhavall became the global authority on Sherry casks and helped define one of the most influential whisky styles of the modern era. He went on to transform The Lakes Distillery with a Sherry-led house style and groundbreaking production techniques, earning global recognition across the industry. His advisory firm, DHAVALL GANDHI, is regarded as the haute couture of the whisky world — offering bespoke strategic direction to family-owned enterprises, legacy brands, and emerging houses seeking to establish themselves in the luxury segment.
In parallel, Dhavall is the CEO and Artistic Director of KANDOBLANC, an ultra-luxury whisky maison operating exclusively in the realm of private collectors and bespoke commissions. Working at the same echelon as haute couture ateliers, private yacht builders, and custom coachworks, KANDOBLANC creates one-of-one and ultra-limited releases acquired discreetly by UHNW individuals across continents. Each creation is built around exceptionally rare liquids and crafted through collaborations with master artisans, resulting in investment-grade pieces designed for private ownership and long-term legacy.
At the intersection of strategy, luxury, and artistic vision, Dhavall continues to shape the future of whisky — advising the industry’s most influential decision-makers while building a maison that redefines rarity, prestige, and the possibilities of the medium.
“Our vision manifests itself in carefully crafted objets d’art and contemporary heirlooms, creating a lasting legacy in the form of a living museum of modern meaning. Yet, beyond creation, our work embodies a mission of cultural sustainability, preserving artisanal mastery and heritage craftsmanship. At KANDOBLANC, we celebrate evolution, collaboration, and cultural convergence. Encapsulating a desire for whisky as a gateway to a new world, we celebrate the seamless unity of beauty and culture. Calling on the artistry of rare whisky as medium in the pursuit of creative expression and excellence,” says Dhavall Gandhi.
