Expert: Paul Wagner - 5/4/2006

Question
I have just recently obtained a bottle of,

King George IV

Old Scotch Whisky

Blended By,
The Distillers Agency Limited

Net Contents Half Gallon

Bottled Under Commonwealth Control

Produce Of Scotland

i was looking at the bottle and there is like a think white stuff inside the bottle that floats around it looks thinner than silk and yeh i was wondering what it is,

and does this bottle have much value? i'm thinking of having it for my 21st soon

thanks heaps

Breno

Answer
HI Breno:

I can't tell you the value of this bottle without knowing its age--but the oldest bottle I could find at auction was from the 1950s and was selling for about $120.  

From what you describe, I suspect that what you are seeing is what is called a protein haze in the scotch...it is not dangerous to your health, but does take away from the value of the bottle.  It is simply small protein molecules that form chains in the liquid over time.

But if you have never had much alcohol to drink before now, I would not start with a bottle of Scotch WHisky.  The stuff is quite high in alcohol, and has a very strong and many people find the flavor pretty odd--almost like kerosene.  It's an acquired taste.

Instad, I would suggest a German Riesling wine, or beer to start.  And please don't go overboard.  People do stupid things when they are drunk--and sometimes those things cause real damage to themselves or others. And that is not fun, it's sad.

Paul Wagner