A RARE collection of whisky is expected to fetch more than £20,000 when it goes under the hammer at a South Lakes auctioneers.

Among the 199 lots, of which 193 belong to a collector who lives in Lancashire, there are bottles that could make up to £800 each.

The auction will take place on June 20 at 1818 Auctioneers at J36 Auction Centre.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Included in the collection is a stoneware decanter of Catto's Gold Label scotch whisky, a souvenir from the Royal visit to New Zealand in 1953 and bottles of Islay's Bowmore Sea Dragon 30-year-old single malt whisky in coloured ceramic decanters and flagons.

Other highlights in the auction are a bottle of 25-year-old Aberlour pure single highland malt scotch whisky, which could make between £400 to £600; a St Andrews 21-year-old 'the champion' black ceramic claret jug and a wade blue ceramic golf ball whisky decanter, estimated between £150 and £200; and 5 bottles of Glenfiddich heritage reserve, expected to sell for £200-300.

The auction has been catalogued by 1818 Auctioneer's expert valuer Ken Payne. He said: "It's a fascinating collection of whisky and it’s been a pleasure putting it together. With estimates ranging from £40 to £800 there's something for all whisky enthusiasts."

Auctioneer David Hunter, from 1818 Auctioneers, added: "The sale features examples from around the world including the better known Scottish ones. The market has grown over the last few years and new records are being set all the time. Last year a rare bottle of Glenfiddich whisky sold for £68,500.

“Collecting is seen as an alternative way to invest and make money while interest rates remain low, so we are expecting a lot of interest in the sale, including from overseas buyers who will join the live auction and bid online."

The catalogue is available online at www.1818auctioneers.co.uk and the sale can be viewed on June 16 between 2pm and 4pm, on June 17 between 10am and 1pm and also on the morning of the sale from 8.30am.