Macallan Whisky Bottles Taken Down After 'Fake' Rumour
On 29 July, a Chinese guest reported to be the multi-millionaire online fantasy writer Zhang Wei paid CHF9,999 (US$10,277) for a 2cl measure of the single malt in the Devil’s Place Bar at the Hotel Waldhaus am See in St Moritz, Switzerland.
The hotel carried out a full investigation when a number of whisky collectors raised concerns about the authenticity of the Macallan bottle. When inquired about the similarities to the Waldhaus bottle and the historical inaccuracies on the labels, the company informed on 14 August, “We believe these are genuine. As a precaution, however, we have removed a few very old bottles from display while we update previous validation work in the light of improved technology and knowledge in the field of authentication.”
They also added that, “We are in the process of creating an exhibit in the new visitor centre currently under construction, where a fully authenticated collection will be on public display from early summer next year.”
The display included a number of vintage bottles, including those that dated back to 1841, 1861, and 1879. However, the company has not revealed the exact number of bottles that have been removed and which are the ones.
Back in 2004, Macallan’s antique collection had been riddled with fakes. It was believed that at least everything being open now, people wouldn’t be fooled by such illicit bottles again. The episode at one of the world’s leading whisky bar, Hotel Waldhaus am See, clearly shows that this has not been the case.

DISTELLERIES BOOST TOURISM IN DUBLIN
With a roaring number of distilleries being launched, and 16 already operating in and around the city, Dublin will presumably be the next whiskey capital. The Pearse Lyons Distillery in the former St. James’s Church, which has been standing at the site since the 12th century, is almost ready for inauguration. Reports reveal bigger plans in the pipeline, of launching 14 more.
Read More
CHIVAS BRINGS 15 YEAR OLD SCOTCH
Chivas is shaking up the Scotch whisky category with the launch of Chivas XV - a 15 year old blend that challenges conventions around how and when to enjoy Scotch whisky. Created to be enjoyed as part of a high-energy, celebratory moment, Chivas XV proves that a serious whisky doesn’t need a serious setting to be enjoyed.
Read More
$35 Aldi Whisky Takes Top Prize
Whiskies that are a class part come with price tags that often puts us in a to buy, or not buy dilemma. The unspoken rule for anyone who has ever eaten out at an affluent restaurant on a pre-pay day budget is to order the cheapest on the list. The good news? A trip to the supermarket can now get you a little tipsy on a pretty low budget. The Highland Black 8 year old blended Aldi Scotch Whisky whisky is prodigious for its price. In fact, a bottle of Aldi whisky bagged the prestigious double gold at the Melbourne International Spirits Competition (MISC). Aldi has won a string of awards this year and the previous for their impressive repertory of liquors.
Read More