Ask the expert
I want to ask you a question concerning the certification of whisky, of which you spoke in issue 70.Let’s say I want to buy a bottle of expensive whisky I have seen in a specialist whisky shop, or on an internet site like eBay.How can I get a guarantee from the shop this is an authentic bottle? I normally never buy such good bottles on eBay but I am sometimes tempted.
Let’s turn the case around and I as the seller of an expensive bottle is asked the same question from a potential buyer,what can I do?
Is there some kind of registration body I can ask about the origin and authenticity of these bottles?
P.D.Decker Antwerp,Belgium Thank you for a very interesting question. There is not a body where you can get information about the origin and authenticity of collectable bottles. However if you buy from a specialist whisky shop, distillery shop, or at a specialist whisky auction, the experts they employ will give you a full guarantee of what you are buying. You will also find they would give you a money back refund on their good name if you were not satisfied.
Buying on the internet such as eBay whisky auction sites are a bit different. There are fake bottles offered for sale, but collectors like the Malt Maniacs have a site you can contact where they keep information on suspect bottles and names of sellers. Also the whisky trade is much more focused on this problem and will be keen to help. You can also contact myself through Whisky Magazine as I keep records of hundreds .....
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By John Rose
Section : Questions and Answers
Page number : 33
