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.
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