Each “Chapter” of The Ian Hunter Story celebrates a different aspect of Ian Hunter’s influence on Laphroaig.
The Ian Hunter Story from Laphroaig tells the history of legendary distillery owner Ian Hunter as he shaped the Laphroaig distillery into the icon of Islay we know today. Each whisky represents one of five “chapters” in the story and is released in a book shaped presentation case. Books one to five are aged from 30 to 34 years old.
If you are looking to sell a bottle of Laphroaig The Ian Hunter Story then we can help. Read on for an analysis of the recent market for Laphroaig The Ian Hunter Story and use the form below to receive a free valuation and advice on how to sell your bottle in 2025.
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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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Laphroaig The Ian Hunter Story: Market Analysis
The Laphroaig Ian Hunter series is five high age statement limited edition released between 2019-2024 as a tribute to the distillery’s influential former owner. The five “chapters” of the story have demonstrated remarkable resilience in a challenging secondary market.
Analysis of recent auction data reveals a clear hierarchy of value among the releases. Chapter 1 and 2 (both 30-year-old expressions) consistently achieve premium prices compared to the later releases despite being younger age statements than releases 3 to 5. Book 1 typically commands a 10-15% premium over Books 3-5, and hammer prices in early 2025 have averaged £750 to £850 for Book 1 compared to £650 to £750 for Books 4 and 5.
Regional performance shows continental European auctions achieving stronger results for this series, particularly for Chapter 1, where European platforms frequently realise prices 5-10% above their UK counterparts. The limited Australian auction presence shows particularly strong results, with prices approximately 15% above the European average.
A gradual market correction is evident when comparing current prices with those from mid-2023. The series peaked in Q3-Q4 2023, with several bottles exceeding £1,000, particularly Books 1 and 2. However, by March 2025, typical prices had settled at 20-30% below these peaks, stabilising in recent months after the sharper declines seen in early 2024.
Complete sets command significant premiums. The few full five-book collections that have sold at auction achieved approximately 15-20% more than the cumulative value of individual bottles.
For current sellers, the market shows signs of stabilisation after the broader whisky market correction. Those considering selling would be advised to target the typically stronger autumn auction season, with Book 1 remaining the most liquid and value-resistant entry in the series.
How to Sell Chapters from Laphroaig The Ian Hunter Story?
As the data above shows, it is important to choose the right time and place to sell your bottle of Laphroaig’s The Ian Hunter Story. 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.
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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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