Well-aged spirits expected to sell for thousands

Published on Monday 16 August 2010 15:26

There will be a Victorian feel to a whisky and wine auction with three extremely rare bottles from the late 19th-century featuring among 700 lots at a Glasgow sale.

The two bottles of whisky and one of cognac are expected to fetch several thousand pounds each at the McTear's sale tomorrow in Glasgow.

A bottle of 19th century Chivas Regal is expected to go for 3,000 to 3,600, while a "one pint eight fluid ounce" bottle of Haig & Haig "Liqueur Scots Whisky Pure Barley Malt" is valued at between 2,000 and 2,500.

The rare Janneau 1872 Cognac is expected to fetch up to 1,800. Distilled in 1872 and bottled in 1977, it is the oldest reserve ever released by Janneau.

McTear's whisky and wine specialist Andy Bell is confident all of the bottles are still drinkable despite their age.

He said: "With very old bottles there is always the danger that over the years the spirit has been spoiled in some way, however these are very good examples and we are confident that the contents are in good condition and drinkable."

"The big question though is having spent several thousands pounds on a bottle, would you actually want to drink your investment?"