In the shadowed depths of Blair Castle in Perthshire, a discovery shook the foundations of whisky history. Twenty-four bottles of Scotch, distilled in 1833 and securely bottled in 1841, were unearthed behind a clandestine cellar door by castle trustee Bertie Troughton. This find, speculated to be the oldest existing Scotch whisky, carries whispers of royal approval, having possibly delighted Queen Victoria during her 1844 visit to the castle.
The authenticity of these bottles was meticulously verified through carbon dating at the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre, affirming their origins in the early 19th century. Such provenance not only encapsulates a rare snapshot of historical distillation but also an evocative connection to the past, embodied by a beverage that once graced royal lips. The discovery includes notes of its historical sampling by the Queen, who relished Atholl Brose—a concoction blending Scotch and honey—within the very walls that housed these bottles.
The auction of these bottles became a landmark event, culminating on December 4, 2023, when the collection sold for a staggering £385,630. This sale not only set records but also underscored the profound heritage encapsulated in each bottle. Experts, including Kythe Distillery co-founder Angus MacRaild, lauded the whisky for its preservation and robust flavor, noting its medicinal qualities without the peat smoke typical of many modern Scotches.
Joe Wilson of Whisky Auctioneer, overseeing the sale, described the event as a pinnacle moment for collectors and enthusiasts alike, capturing imaginations far beyond the whisky sphere. The successful auction marks a transcendent chapter in the story of Scotch whisky, merging history, rarity, and the art of distillation into a legacy that continues to fascinate and inspire. The extraordinary preservation and the high stakes of the auction have left an indelible mark on the whisky world, celebrating a blend of historical craftsmanship and the timeless allure of Scotch.
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