In Gaelic whisky means “water of life” – now a rare bottle has raised £286,000 for a charity that provides safe drinking water in developing countries.

The 64-year-old Macallan malt and bespoke Lalique crystal decanter fetched the huge sum at auction in New York.

It was sold to raise cash for charity: Water – an organisation that provides access to clean water for 30,000 people across the world.

On Monday evening, a woman, who was not identified by the whisky brand, made a winning bid of $460,000.

The Sotheby`s sale followed an international tour in which whisky fans were able to purchase 10 centilitre tasters of the malt. The Macallan 64 Year Old in Lalique: Cire Perdue raised a total of $600,000.

Charity founder Scott Harrison said: “We are delighted that the proceeds from this historic auction will help fund our efforts.”

David Cox, director of Fine and Rare Whiskies for The Macallan, said: “We have had a phenomenal response to this very special and rare decanter.

“We are absolutely thrilled with the result of last night’s auction which has smashed the world record for the most expensive whisky ever sold.”