A unique whisky created from blends spanning 140 years has been sold at auction for £23,000.

The Dalmore Oculus beat its estimated price of between £15,000 and £20,000. Once the buyer’s premium was added, the lot cost its anonymous bidder £27,600.

It was part of 3,000 lots which went for £211,518, including buyer's premium, at the whisky sale at Bonhams in Edinburgh. Bonhams said the price paid for the Dalmore Oculus was the highest price ever paid for a bottle of Dalmore at auction.

Speaking after the sale, Martin Green, whisky specialist at Bonhams, said: "There was a fantastic atmosphere in the sale room today and the auction has far exceeded our expectations.

"The Dalmore Oculus reached a fantastic sale price, especially in view of the current economic climate."

The Dalmore Oculus was created by Whyte & Mackay's master distiller Richard Paterson.

Mr Paterson said: "The Dalmore Oculus is a truly exceptional expression and we knew demand would be incredibly high today.

"The sale price reflects the quality and uniqueness of the whisky and the bidder has most certainly invested in something truly magnificent that they can treasure."