The Antiquary De Luxe Old Scotch Whisky 40%

A glimpse of whisky history, from when strength was measured in proof rather than percent. This bottle is a rare relic of a bygone era.

Note: This is an old edition of The Antiquary De Luxe, bottled under the old British proof system, and the bottle may carry natural signs of age such as light label wear or variation in fill level.

Expert description

The Antiquary De Luxe Old Scotch Whisky is a blended Scotch whisky from an earlier edition of the brand, bottled at 40% ABV, equivalent to 70 UK proof under the old British proof system.

The proof system was used to measure the alcoholic strength of spirits until 1980, after which it was replaced by the percentage-based ABV we use today; 70 proof equals roughly 40% ABV.

The bottle holds 26 2/3 fluid ounces of whisky, equivalent to roughly 75 CL, a detail that reveals the bottle's age, since modern bottlings are typically 70 CL.

The Antiquary was founded by the Hardie brothers in Edinburgh in the late 19th century and today belongs to Tomatin Distillery Co, though this edition dates from an earlier period of ownership.

Tasting notes

Nose

Dry sherry, old oak and a hint of cigar box, typical of the blending style of its era.

Palate

Nuts, dark honey and a faint smokiness that speaks of an earlier blending style.

Finish

Short to medium, dry and lightly spiced, with a last hint of old wood.

Specifications

Name: The Antiquary De Luxe Old Scotch Whisky
Bottler: The Antiquary
Region/Country: Scotland
Type: De Luxe Old Scotch Whisky
ABV: 40% (70 proof)
Size: 75 CL
Edition: Older edition

Flavour profile

Dry sherry · Old wood · Nuts

Investment potential

As a discontinued edition carrying the old proof labelling and a rarer 75 CL bottle format, this bottle holds appeal among collectors of historic Scotch blends.

Did you know?

The British proof system was abolished in 1980 in favour of the international ABV system, so any bottle labelled with "proof" is automatically at least 45 years old in its bottling style.

See our full range of The Antiquary

Frequently asked questions about The Antiquary De Luxe

What does "70 proof" on the bottle mean?

It is the old British measure of alcoholic strength, used until 1980, and 70 proof equals roughly 40% ABV.

Why is the bottle 75 CL instead of 70 CL?

The bottle holds 26 2/3 fluid ounces, a common bottle format before 70 CL became the industry standard.

Is The Antiquary De Luxe a single malt?

No, it is a blended Scotch whisky, like the rest of The Antiquary range.

Why might the bottle show label wear?

As this is an older edition, the bottle may carry natural signs of age such as light wear on the label.

Who owned The Antiquary when this bottle was produced?

The Antiquary previously belonged to other owners before the brand was acquired by Tomatin Distillery Co in 1996.

Can the exact age of the whisky be determined?

No, this edition carries no age statement, but the proof labelling dates the bottling to before 1980.

What characterises the taste of this older edition?

Expect dry sherry, nuts and a hint of old wood, typical of the blending style of its period.