Unopened World War One whisky to auction

Source: Unopened World War One whisky to auction

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A “one of a kind” unopened bottle of Scotch whisky that survived the front line of World War One will be auctioned later this week, with bidding starting at £2,000.

The Croft Blend Fine Old Scotch was taken to France by Corporal William Mill in 1914 but never opened, and returned with the soldier to Dumfriesshire.

Corporal Mill served with the 3^rd Volunteer Battalion of the King’s Own Scottish Boderers and kept the bottle in a suitcase under his bed, and passed it down through the family.

The bottle’s lot also contains a note written by the soldier on the back of a photograph of him captured in 1908.

It will be the oldest expression ever sold on the Scotch Whisky Auctions website and according to reports by the BBC, auctioneer for the Glasgow-based site, Peter Burns, believes the whisky is still in good condition.

“The bottle was produced between 1889 and 1908, as the glass bottle manufacturer, Cannington, Shaw & Co, were using a particular stand format during this period which is present on the base of the bottle,” he said. “Apart from that nothing is known about this bottle and the whisky inside.

“It is truly a mystery, and despite casting the net far and wide for answers, through archivists, whisky writers, historical institutions and other knowledgeable individuals, not one single person has been able to shed any light on it.

“There is a very high likelihood that this is a one of a kind and, when it appears on our website later this week, it could make for some interesting bidding activity.”

Bidding for the bottle will commence on the Scotch Whisky Auctions website on Friday and will be open for 10 days.

Source: Unopened World War One whisky to auction

Tags: Whisky in the press

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.