I Don't Know Scotch . . .

[CaptnKirk]

But I found an old Bottle, or 'Flagon' in a Flea Market on a shelf that I thought looked unique.
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/captnkirk/KingsRansom_001.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/captnkirk/KingsRansom_002.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/captnkirk/KingsRansom_003.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/captnkirk/KingsRansom_004.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/captnkirk/KingsRansom_005.jpg
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/captnkirk/KingsRansom_006.jpg

The bottle is an old (?) ceramic stoneware flagon of what once held 'King's Ransom Scotch'.
It comes from what is now the smallest legal still that operastes in Scotland,
which utilizes 40 gallon stills, and makes a very small amount - only 12 casks each week.

This bottle falls into what may be as early as 1904 but no later than 1946.
The bottle has a raised label that states (Above) 'King's Ransom' & (Below) 'Round the World'
The raised seal in the middle has the Whitleley Crest & says 'Whiteleys of Leith' above the crest,
and 'Voyaged Liqueur Whiskey' beneath.
Stamped into the bottom is 'WILLIAM WHITELEY & CO - LEITH, SCOTLAND'
and below that is 'Made In Great Briton'.
The Bottle is perfect, but the stopper is missing.

Here's what I have found out:
The company has been in existance since 1825 and changed ownership in 1982 from the Campbell Distillers,
and became a subsidiary of Pernod Richard, which produces Edradour Scotch Whiskey today.
http://www.scotchmaltwhisky.co.uk/shop/product/5/4557/Kings-Ransom-Round-the-World.htm
http://www.edradour.com/main5.html

Apparently the company did not have sufficient storage capacity for their product while it was aging,
so they consigned it as ballast for ocean liners and sailing ships so it would have constant agitation while
at sea durring its ageing in casks, and they would retreive it after 12 years for bottling and sales.
There appears to be a reference to the Titanic having several of these casks in its hold when it sank (See Add)
http://pics.bbzzdd.com/users/captnkirk/KingRansomAdd.jpg
In it's time it was sold as the most expensive Scotch Whiskey in the world.

The bottle I have is identical to this one:
http://www.goantiques.com/detail,scottish-whiskey-jug,789252.html

I'll probable find a replacement stopper for the bottle and at least refill it with some Edradour
and put it up on the bar for display and conversation.

About Scotch - I don't think I've ever had a taste of it other than some Chevis Regal with coke,
So I have no idea of what the 'Classic Scotches' are all hyped up about.

Educate me as to the advantages of drinking Scotch . . it seems to be a snobbish drink.

 

[BoomerD]

ALL whiskeys can be snobbish drinks...or have snobbish drinkers.

I LOVE a good scotch whiskey...there's something about that smoky, peaty flavor that can't be beat...BUT, scotch whiskey doesn't like me...I can drink about anything else and just have a good time getting drunk...but scotch has always made me want to fight. (must bring out the Highlander in me)

I prefer a good single malt, but many of the blends are better than the snobs give them credit for being...and the better blends are usually MUCH cheaper than the better single malts.

It's too bad your find didn't come full of whiskey and sealed...that would have been interesting.

 

[ThePresence]

I have a cabinet full of scotch.

2 bottles Glenfiddich
1 bottle Glenfiddich 18
3 bottles Glenlivet
1 bottle Glenmorangie
1 bottle Glenrothes
1 huge bottle of Chivas on a swing
1 bottle Balvenie
1 bottle Laphroig

Yes, I like scotch.

Also got some good bourbons.
Woodford, Pogue, Willet, Basil Haydens, etc

I cant pass through a border or airport without buying a bottle duty free.

 

[CaptnKirk]

So then, what Scotch should I try - and what should I put back in the bottle?

 

[GrumpyMan]

I have a cabinet full of scotch.

2 bottles Glenfiddich
1 bottle Glenfiddich 18
3 bottles Glenlivet
1 bottle Glenmorangie
1 bottle Glenrothes
1 huge bottle of Chivas on a swing
1 bottle Balvenie
1 bottle Laphroig

Yes, I like scotch.

Also got some good bourbons.
Woodford, Pogue, Willet, Basil Haydens, etc

I cant pass through a border or airport without buying a bottle duty free.

You have good taste in Scotch. love it once in awhile on the rocks.

 

[child of wonder]

I have a cabinet full of scotch.

2 bottles Glenfiddich
1 bottle Glenfiddich 18
3 bottles Glenlivet
1 bottle Glenmorangie
1 bottle Glenrothes
1 huge bottle of Chivas on a swing
1 bottle Balvenie
1 bottle Laphroig

Yes, I like scotch.

Also got some good bourbons.
Woodford, Pogue, Willet, Basil Haydens, etc

I cant pass through a border or airport without buying a bottle duty free.

Yum. My collection isn't as big.

Glenlivet 12
Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban
Highland Park 12
Laphroaig 10
Laphroiag Quarter Cask