Not elder law: World’s oldest Scotch up for grabs…

October 31, 2006

A 150-year-old bottle of whisky, possibly the oldest in existence, is set to go under the hammer for thousands of pounds. Experts say the pale gold spirit is drinkable and could even taste better than when it was bottled. It is estimated to go for between £5,000 and £10,000, although experts say intense competition could push up the price. Althoughnobody knows the precise date, the whisky was bottled by distillersGlenavon, which records show existed for just two years in 1851 and1852, making the nectar at least a century and a half old. Partof a family collection in Ireland, its female owner has entered thebottle into the 29 November auction of fine wine, port and spirits atBonhams in London. It is understood to be the first time in history the olive-green glass bottle has been offered at auction. Thelabel reads: “Glenmavon, Special Liqueur Whisky Bottled by theDistillers.” The bottle is slightly smaller than the familiar 75clvessels used today. Competition at the auction is set to befierce, with collectors jostling with bidders such as pub owners hopingto own the oldest bottle of whisky in the world, say Bonhams. Bonhamsconsultant and world authority on whisky Charles MacLean, said theappearance of the whisky suggested it could even taste better than whenit was bottled, but said he hoped it would never be tasted.