In a fascinating turn of events, an unexpected treasure has been unearthed at Blair Castle in Perthshire, Scotland. As reported, a remarkable collection of whiskey bottles, believed to have been distilled over 180 years ago, has been discovered, signifying one of the greatest findings in recent times. The resident trustee at Blair Castle, Bertie Troughton, stumbled upon approximately 40 bottles in a nondescript cellar room in late 2022, leading to an astonishing revelation.
The ‘bin book,’ which meticulously documents the inventory of the castle’s cellar, revealed intriguing details about the whiskey’s origin. It indicated that the whiskey was casked in 1833, distilled the same year, and eventually bottled in 1841. If verified, this find would establish it as the oldest-known whiskey in existence, surpassing the previous titleholder, Baker’s Pure Rye Whiskey from 1847.
Blair Castle, with its rich history dating back to 1269, holds a special significance as the traditional seat of the Duke of Atholl. The castle once hosted Queen Victoria during her visit in the mid-1800s, known for her close connection with the 6th Duchess of Atholl. Historical records hint at the consumption of whiskey during Queen Victoria’s stay, suggesting a possible connection to the recently discovered collection.
Plans are underway for an online auction in November, organized by Whisky Auctioneer, based in Perth. This unprecedented event will feature 24 of the discovered bottles, each estimated to be worth around £10,000. Additionally, the remaining bottles will be put on display in the palace, allowing visitors to marvel at this extraordinary assemblage.
The opportunity to auction these bottles has been described as extraordinary by Joe Wilson, the chief curator and spirits expert at Whisky Auctioneer. Angus MacRaild, a specialist in old and rare whiskies and co-founder of Kythe Distillery, expressed great honor in participating in the whisky tasting. He highlighted the unparalleled significance of this Scottish distilling artifact in terms of its provenance and preservation.
The accidental unearthing of this exceptional whiskey collection adds an extraordinary chapter to the history of Scotland’s coveted liquid gold, leaving enthusiasts and historians in awe of its significance.
FAQ
1. How old are the whiskey bottles discovered at Blair Castle?
The whiskey bottles discovered at Blair Castle are believed to have been distilled over 180 years ago, making them one of the oldest-known whiskies.
2. Who found the whiskey bottles at Blair Castle?
The resident trustee at Blair Castle, Bertie Troughton, stumbled upon the collection of approximately 40 whiskey bottles in a cellar room.
3. What is the significance of the Blair Castle discovery?
If validated, the discovery at Blair Castle would make it the oldest-known whiskey in existence, surpassing the previous record held by Baker’s Pure Rye Whiskey from 1847.
4. What are the plans for the discovered whiskey bottles?
An online auction is planned for November, featuring 24 of the discovered bottles. The remaining bottles will be showcased in the palace for visitors to admire.