Just 300 bottles of Highland Park King Christian Ist were produced exclusively for travel retail as part of the Warrior Series.
In 2013 Highland Park introduced its Warrior Series, a collection of exclusive whiskies created for travel retail. These bottles celebrated the Viking heritage of Highland Park’s home, with each bottle commemorating a different character from Orkney’s history.
The Highland Park King Christian I release was the rarest and most distinctive addition to the collection. It was added to the series in 2016 and there were just 300 bottles available, which still makes it one of the distillery’s most limited releases. The teardrop shaped bottle is held in a hallmarked silver stand featuring a coiling snake that presumably represents Jörmungandr—the snake from Viking mythology that circles the world.
If you are looking to sell a bottle of Highland Park King Christian I then we can help. Read on for an analysis of the recent market for the King Christian Ist bottles 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.
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Highland Park King Christian I – Warrior Series: Market Analysis
There were only 300 Highland Park King Christian I bottles produced and so it doesn’t appear often at auction. Since its 2016 release just 29 bottles have appeared on the secondary market, with the most recent sale in November 2024.
Prices for Highland Park King Christian I peaked dramatically during 2020-2022, matching the overall trends of the larger secondary whisky market. Current trends show a notable correction from peak levels as prices return to pre-pandemic levels. As for most modern releases, perfect condition of the bottle and packaging is expected, and substandard condition factors heavily into valuation. For example, in 2024 one bottle listed with a cracked seal achieved only 63% of the hammer price compared to a bottle in perfect condition that was sold at the same auction.
Price variations between auction houses are notable, with some UK platforms consistently achieving 10-15% higher hammer prices than their competitors for identical bottles. Regional performance shows EU auctions frequently outperforming UK equivalents during 2021-2023, though this gap has narrowed in recent months.
For collectors who acquired bottles before the 2020-2022 market peaks, current conditions present fair selling opportunities despite the recent correction. However as with many modern releases longer-term holding strategies are often more favourable.
How to Sell Your Highland Park King Christian I?
As the data above shows, it is important to choose the right time and place to sell your bottle of King Christian I. 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.
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