Did You Hear About the Ancient Whisky Discovered in a Scottish Castle?

Old, old Whisky Alert!!! – This Whisky is believed to be distilled almost two centuries ago, that a whopping 200 years, It is also believed that this whisky was sipped by a young Queen Victoria! The Whisky was found randomly behind a hidden cellar door in an old Scottish castle dating back 750 years. This is to date it is the oldest known Scotch whisky in existence!

 The Whisky was most certainly quickly sold in the auction held shortly after this amazing discovery.

 Bertie Troughton, the residing trustee of Blair Castle in Perthshire, made a discovery of several vintage bottles in a cellar chamber in late 2022. He found roughly 40 bottles placed deep within a shelf, believed to be distilled in 1833 and bottled eight years later, with a subsequent rebottling in 1932. This coming November, two dozen of these bottles will be listed on the online platform, Whisky Auctioneer.

 Before the auction platform was approached, both the family and a whisky connoisseur from the locality sampled the bottles. Subsequent investigations, including archival research of Blair Castle and Atholl Estates as well as carbon dating by the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, have corroborated its early 1800s origins. Blair Castle’s archival documents have also revealed comprehensive mentions of whisky and aqua vitae production during the early 19th century.

 Included in these archives were cellar records termed 'bin books'. A specific record from July 23rd, 1834 – a year post the whisky's initial casking – denotes a listing of 'Bin 65 – Store Whiskey – 72 bottles = 40 Gallons in wood', marking one of the first documented mentions of whisky aging in wooden casks.

 “Bringing the oldest Scotch whisky to the auction realm is genuinely unparalleled,” expressed Joe Wilson, Chief Curator and Spirits Specialist at Whisky Auctioneer. “While I've had my fair share of rare whiskies, this discovery is on a completely different scale, drawing attention not just from whisky connoisseurs but a broader audience too. Distilled in the pivotal 1830s era, post the 1823 Excise Act, this whisky is a monumental find for anyone intrigued by Scotch whisky's rich history.”

 Adding to the sentiment, Angus MacRaild, a specialist in vintage whiskies and co-founder of Kythe Distillery, stated, “This whisky stands as an iconic testament to Scotland's distilling history. The fact that it's been meticulously preserved, maintaining its authentic essence for nearly 200 years, is truly remarkable. Tasting it was an unparalleled privilege. Its flavour, with a distinct medicinal touch and barely any peat smoke, is a testament to the older, malt-driven highland whisky style.”

While the chance to taste a two-century-old treasure might be rare, the selections we've curated here at WhiskeyD offer their own unique stories and craftsmanship. From the delicate fusion of Japanese artistry in Dewars Mizunara Oak Cask Finish to the profound depths of Johnnie Walker Double Black, these bottles capture the essence of Scotland's whisky heritage.

Dewars Japanese Smooth Mizunara Oak Cask Finish
Experience the artistry of Japanese craftsmanship blended with Dewar's signature smoothness. This exceptional whisky is aged in rare Mizunara oak casks, imparting unique flavors and a velvety texture.

 Famous Grouse
This iconic blended Scotch whisky offers a captivating flavor profile that has delighted whisky enthusiasts for generations

 Dewars Scotch 12 Yr
Crafted by our first Master Blender, A.J. Cameron, over a century ago, this iconic whisky still captivates palates today, just as it did back then.

Pure Scot Virgin Oak 43
Immerse yourself in the world of Scotch with Pure Scot Virgin Oak 43. This unique expression delivers a delightful twist on traditional Scotch whisky, offering an adventurous journey of flavor for your palate.

Chivas Regal 12 Year Old
The rich, intoxicating honey undertones mingle with the scent of ripe orchard fruits, leading you towards a taste filled with bursts of crisp apple and an unexpected twirl of hazelnut.

Johnnie Walker Double Black
Defined by whiskies hand-selected for their hints of smoldering charcoal and burnt timber, this distinct blend provides an exploration into the depths of deep-charred oak casks.

Though our collection may not span centuries, the dedication to craft and the spirit of Scotland is palpable in each drop. As you explore our handpicked whiskies, know that you're partaking in a tradition shaped by time and perfected by artistry.

Here's to honoring the past, celebrating the present, and toasting to many more years of shared stories and the exceptional life of whiskey.

 Cheers!

 

(image via Whisky Auctioneer)