Each five bottle chapter in the Balvenie DCS Compendium contains five single cask whiskies, hand-selected by David Stewart to represent different aspects of Balvenie’s whisky-making philosophy.
The Balvenie DCS Compendium is a series of ultra-rare, high-aged single malt whisky releases, created to celebrate the work of Balvenie’s legendary Malt Master, David C. Stewart MBE, . Released over five chapters between 2015 and 2020, each chapter contains five single cask whiskies, hand-selected by David Stewart. The five chapters represent different aspects of Balvenie’s whisky-making philosophy, with vintages ranging from 1962 to 2006 across 25 different single cask whiskies.
There were just 50 full sets from each chapter, however a limited number of single bottles were also available from different chapters. This scarcity makes the set highly sought after with collectors and has helped maintain the price despite larger market shifts.
If you are looking to sell a bottle of Balvenie DCS Compendium then we can help. Read on for an analysis of the recent market for Balvenie DCS Compendium and use the form below to receive a free valuation and advice on how to sell your bottle in 2025.
Sell Your Whisky Today
Please use the form below to submit images of your bottle and receive a free, no-obligation valuation from a specialist auctioneer. We will also actively seek the highest offer from our network of private collectors to help you sell your whisky.
"*" indicates required fields
Balvenie DCS Compendium: Market Analysis
This analysis looks at 96 auction results for individual bottles from the Balvenie DCS Compendium collections across UK, EU, US, and Australian markets from September 2022 to February 2025.
Significant price variation exists between expressions, with older vintages commanding substantial premiums. The exceptional 1962 56 Year Old (from Chapter 5) achieved a remarkable £36,000 in November 2022, while the younger 1971 47 Year Old (Chapter 4) sold for between £14,000 and £16,000 in the examined period. By contrast, younger expressions like the 2005 9 Year Old (Chapter 1) typically fetch between £500 and £800.
UK auction houses generally achieve stronger results than their European counterparts for equivalent bottlings. The premium for UK sales varies across the range but appears most pronounced for the more sought-after expressions. US auction data remains limited but competitive.
The collection shows strong investment potential with consistent demand across all five chapters. The books that accompanied the collection, while modestly valued at £30-50, regularly feature at auction, indicating continued collector interest in the complete DCS experience.
Since 2022 pricing trends show relative stability for mid-tier expressions at around £800 to £1,500, with premium bottlings demonstrating even greater resilience. The rarest bottlings, particularly those from the 1960s-1980s vintages, continue to attract serious collectors irrespective of broader market conditions.
For collectors who acquired these bottles upon release, current market conditions remain highly favourable for selling. Those with complete chapter sets or the rarest vintages are particularly well-positioned in today’s market.
How to Sell Your Balvenie DCS Compendium?
As the data above shows, it is important to choose the right time and place to sell your bottle or set of Balvenie DCS Compendium. Not all auctions can generate the same results and choosing the right place to sell is important.
If you complete the contact form above, we can connect you with a specialist auctioneer who will provide a free, no-obligation valuation and expert advice on selling your bottle. The best whisky auctioneers will offer a free of charge collection service if you have a number of bottles, or even offer access to their own courier service if you just have a few.
Auctions often take place each month and commission varies from 5-10%+VAT and listing fees. The benefits of auction are a near guaranteed sale (if the reserve is sensible) and a quick payout after the sale. The auctioneer will advise on a suitable reserve in advance of the sale.
Alternatively, you may consider selling to a retailer. However, retailers typically offer around 30–50% of their listed price due to factors like VAT, corporation tax, and slow stock turnover, which can impact their buying decisions more than you might expect. If you sell to a retailer you will be expected to post the bottle to them yourself, although they might help with this too. Payment terms will be quick, but you will likely have to contact around 5-10 retailers to ensure you get the best possible price.
What Is Your Whisky Worth
Do you want to know what your whisky is worth but don’t know where to start?
Use these guides to help you.
What Is Your Whisky Worth? – An in-depth look at the factors affecting your bottle’s value.
A Beginner’s Guide To Selling Whisky – Everything you need to get started selling your whisky including all the online selling options.
How To Sell Whisky Online – A guide to getting a valuations and selling your whisky.
Sell Your Whisky Today – A simple way to sell your whisky fast.
Macallan Specific Guides
The Complete Guide To Valuing Macallan Whisky – Selling Macallan? This is your starting point.
What Is Macallan Whisky Worth? – Unsure of your Macallan’s value? Begin here
