Expert: Paul Wagner - 11/17/2009

Question
I have some unopened bottles of Haig and Haig. The top looks like tin or maybe lead, it is soft, with a lever and has with a cork liner. The color of the scotch is very dark, like deep red wine. The original box shows the color to be like regular light colored scotch. The contents of each bottle has evaporated by 1/4. I opened one bottle and it smells very smokey and I tasted a little, deep charcoal flavor. Is this ok to drink?

Answer
Hi Chet

What worries me about this one is the change in color.  There is pretty good evidence that this stuff has both evaporated and oxidized.  The fact that the seal has not held is not a good sign.

I don't think this stuff will kill you, but I doubt that it will taste very good.    Bear in mind that this was distilled to a very high proof, so there probably isn't much in it that is dangerous...but if it were mine, I think I'd toss it out.

Sorry that I can't give you better news--or advice!

Paul Wagner