As well as setting a world record, it will also make history.

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Keep tabs on your whiskey. Just ask one guy whose cask of Macallan he bought 34 years ago has now been appraised for over $500,000!

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The Macallan Distillery in Moray has been holding the 374-liter refill butt in bond since May 5, 1988.

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Until the Macallan reminded the seller that the Scotch was still maturing in the warehouse, the seller, who bought the cask on a whim, had forgotten about it. With an initial purchase price of $6,500 (£5,000), the cask is expected to reach more than $500,000. According to the auction house, the Macallan will likely break Bonhams' record of $574,000 (£439,000) in 2021 for a 1991 Macallan.

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The 1988 Macallan Whisky cask is expected to sell for over $500,000 at an upcoming auction. The cask was originally purchased for $6,500 and has since aged for over 30 years. Macallan is a highly-regarded Scottish distillery known for its premium single malt whiskies, and the 1988 cask is considered a rare and highly sought-after item.

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Whisky casks like the 1988 Macallan are highly valued by collectors and investors due to their rarity and potential for increasing in value over time. As the whisky ages, it can become more complex and flavorful, which can increase its value. Additionally, limited edition or highly sought-after whiskies can appreciate in value due to their rarity and the demand from collectors.

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The sale of the 1988 Macallan cask is expected to draw significant interest from buyers around the world. The auction will likely be highly competitive, with collectors and investors vying for the chance to own a piece of rare whisky history. The sale also underscores the enduring appeal of high-end whisky as a luxury investment, and highlights the potential for rare casks to appreciate significantly in value over time.

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According to Bonhams, the Macallan cask currently at the top of the list achieved a per-bottle price of $2,817, but the barrel in this auction could surpass that.

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Managing director and co-founder of Whisky Hammer Daniel Milne said in a statement that casks of this size and age are extremely rare. The cask is undoubtedly one of the most exciting casks we have ever seen at auction, and by Sunday, we expect it to set a new world record.

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There are hints of honeycomb and sweet orchard fruits on the finish, with nuances of salted caramel and orange marmalade on the nose, and waves of mature oak and rich spices on the palate.

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The Whisky Hammer's April auction, which features more than 2,000 other lots, will conclude this Sunday at 7 p.m. Currently, the top bid for the 1988 Macallan cask is $228,000 (£130,000).

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Please check your whiskey stock, folks, and let us know if there are any shortages.