One of Scotland’s Most Storied Bottles of Whiskies Unexpectedly Resurfaces

Who says there’s no such thing as second chances?

If you were one of the hopefuls aiming to nab one of the world’s oldest whiskies back in 2023, your number may have come up again. Rare spirits usually don’t resurface this quickly after their initial sale but it’s not impossible. 

What’s more impossible is the discovery of this Scotch itself. 189 years after it was initially distilled, a set of about 40 whisky bottles were found hidden in a cellar at the historic Blair Castle in Scotland. 24 of these bottles were deemed drinkable and ready for sale (a few were kept by the estate), earning over half-a-million dollars in individual lots at Whisky Auctioneer three years ago.

Now, just one of those bottles is back on the market.

Whisky Auctioneer

The discovery

In 2022, trustee of Blair Castle, Bertie Troughton, found the dusty whisky bottles hidden behind shelves of old sloe gin. After some investigation, archive records were found describing the dram. 

Distilled in 1833 (just 10 years after distilling was effectively legalized in Scotland), the whisky was aged for 8 years until bottled in 1841. 

It’s believed that about 72 bottles were made in the original batch, meaning over 30 were consumed prior to being stored away. And in 1932, during cellar inventory work, the entire remaining batch was rebottled and then forgotten about.

Atholl Estates

Carbon dating was conducted but found inconclusive, which is normal with whisky (a 300-year window is not uncommon). However, estate bin book records all seem to point to the same story.

Believed to be the oldest Scotch whisky in existence, the 1833 set isn’t the oldest by maturation, which is an important distinction (that would go to the Gordon & MacPhail 85-Year-Old Glenlivet). The bottle that’s resurfacing for auction today is numbered “13.” A member of the 2023 sale, the item’s original buyer has decided to part ways due to health issues.

Whisky Auctioneer

But what’s it taste like?

As far as the liquid itself, it’s quite mysterious. Those who have tasted the nearly-200-year-old spirit say it resembles that of a modern-day barley-derived malt Scotch. And since it predates column stills, the whisky was certainly distilled using a small copper pot still. 

Tasting notes were also quite positive. During a live tasting, experts declared a medicinal and earthy palate rather than oak-forward or peaty. “This is a well-made whisky,” said Dewar’s master blender Stephanie MacLeod.

Whisky Auctioneer

Helping preserve the flavor after such a long period of time, the flaming-hot 61.36% ABV should also give it a bolder profile.

Inside the castle walls

Scotland is home to over 2,000 castles, but the Highland’s Blair Castle is easily one of the most famous. Built in the 13th century and home to the Duke of Atholl, the grounds have stood at the intersection of political, aristocratic and military history for over 750 years, including the family’s rise to political power in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Atholl Estates

In 1844, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert actually stayed at Blair Castle, which adds even more weight to the whisky in question. It’s speculated that she may have actually sipped from this very batch, but we may never know for sure.

Availability and pricing

Bottle number 13 of Blair Castle Scotch is currently up for auction via Whisky Auctioneer through June 8. As of this writing, the current bid is at £16,000 (~$22,544).

Whisky Auctioneer

Blair Castle Scotch Whisky 1833 Auction

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