A 30-YEAR-old bottle of whiskey is now the world’s most expensive after it sold for £2.2million.

The Emerald Isle triple-distilled single malt is said to be the rarest in existence.

It beat the previous record holder, a Macallan 1926 sold in November, by £79,000.

US collector Mike Daley, who bought it from The Craft Irish Whiskey Co, said: “Luxury scotch, to me, is already a crowded type of market.”

“But we’re only just starting to see luxury Irish make a name for itself.

In the years to come, it will get to where scotch is today.”

Emerald Isle’s walnut case includes a ­single decanter, a Fabergé egg containing an emerald gem, a custom timepiece, and a pair of Cohiba cigars.

Critics say this explains its high value.

But the Craft Irish Whiskey Co said: “This falls flat given The Macallan 1926 was one of only 12 bottles covered with a label designed by Italian painter Valerio Adami, adding considerable value to its price.”

Distillery founder, Jay Bradley, added: “This is a monumental achievement for my business.”

“There’s a lot more to come.”