A single malt whisky distilled in 1940 is being auctioned to raise funds for victims of the recent natural disaster in Japan.

Scottish whisky bottler Gordon & MacPhail has donated a Generations Glenlivet to Bonhams in London that is sure to be of interest to whisky investors. 

The company has released just 100 full-size bottles of the 71-year-old whisky, said to be one of the world's oldest and potentially most expensive single malts. It is expected to make around £13,000 at tonight's auction.

The whisky was produced five months into the Second World War

Joint managing director Michael Urquhart, who was due to fly out to Japan when the earthquake and tsunami struck, commented: "Gordon & MacPhail has had trading relationships with Japan for over 30 years and members of our family-owned business felt it was important to show our support and raise funds to aid the relief.

"I think we all feel helpless in the face of a tragedy like this so it is good to be able to do something practical."

It is hoped the auction will match the success of last year's sales of a 70-year-old Mortlach. All decanters of the £10,000 whisky sold within two weeks.

Funds from the sale will be donated to the British Red Cross Japan Appeal. Bonhams is offering its services free of charge.