Any ideas on how I can determine the age of this hand-me-down Haig & Haig Pinch?

**RAF** · 22nd June 12, 07:23 PM

Today my Mom gave me this bottle of Scotch.
It had been given to my Dad (I'm guessing at least 10 years ago) by a patient of his - who said it was given to him "many years ago."
Dad would say that he was saving it for a "special occasion."

Dad passed away two years ago. Special occasions came and went, and the bottle remained unopened.
I intend to have a toast to Dad every time I have a glass.

But before I begin this journey, I was curious about the age of the bottle and its contents.
If any of the forum members have some "experience"

with this Scotch, I would welcome your tasting notes and thoughts and/or guesses as to age. I know this Brand is still around as I've seen it in the liquor store, but never tried.

I will post my tasting notes once I open. Unless of course someone out there tells me this bottle is rare and worth $10,000!

Now, at last, the photos.

**English Bloke** · 22nd June 12, 09:56 PM

I wouldn't open that if I were you. I'd get it properly valued first.

**Dangerdean** · 22nd June 12, 10:24 PM

Haven't tried it myself, but my Google Fu dug up some information. It's at least pre-mid 80's, as that's when they started distilling it at 86 proof as opposed to 86.8

A 1940 bottle sold for 150 pounds in 2006:
http://url.moosaico.com/34922 (#289)

The mesh was added in the late 1950s.
More info: http://whiskymerchants.blogspot.ca/2...sky-worth.html

**English Bloke** · 22nd June 12, 10:40 PM

This could be your bottle for all I know but it does look strikingly similar. 60's / 70's according to this chap and worth about $100 to a bottle collector...

Don't quote me. I'd still have it looked at by a specialist first.

**Piper** · 23rd June 12, 05:20 AM

I think I'd have to go with the same estimate as the poster above regarding the age of the bottle (based only on internet research). As to the taste, Pinch is a favorite of my old piping instructor. We still get together once a week or so, mostly socially, and frequently share a dram of Pinch. To my taste, it's a very nice blend.

**RAF** · 23rd June 12, 05:57 AM

Thank you gentlemen for your input and advice.
English Bloke, yes you appear to be correct. At least from a visual perspective, mine and the one in your link are VERY much alike.)
I will do a bit more researching. It's unlikely I will sell this (for sentimental reasons, and because I frankly don't think the box or labels are in mint enough condition for a true collector,) but I was curious.
At some point I have to think, collectable or no, it was made to be drunk, so drink it I probably will.

I did have one more question for the gentlemen here (ladies too if you've the answer.)
I apologize if this is a basic question, I'm just not familiar with old spirits (insert clairvoyant joke here.)
There is some small "debris" for lack of a better word, in the whisky. The seal appears to be tight and unbroken. Is this normal for a bottle presumably 30-40 years old?

I'll keep you posted with developments.

**Joshua** · 23rd June 12, 06:19 AM

Originally Posted by RAF

Thank you gentlemen for your input and advice.
English Bloke, yes you appear to be correct. At least from a visual perspective, mine and the one in your link are VERY much alike.)
I will do a bit more researching. It's unlikely I will sell this (for sentimental reasons, and because I frankly don't think the box or labels are in mint enough condition for a true collector,) but I was curious.
At some point I have to think, collectable or no, it was made to be drunk, so drink it I probably will.

I did have one more question for the gentlemen here (ladies too if you've the answer.)
I apologize if this is a basic question, I'm just not familiar with old spirits (insert clairvoyant joke here.)
There is some small "debris" for lack of a better word, in the whisky. The seal appears to be tight and unbroken. Is this normal for a bottle presumably 30-40 years old?

I'll keep you posted with developments.

If it has a corked cap, that sediment is particulate from the cap falling apart over the years. Nothing to worry about. To avoid it, pour your drams into a decanter before they go into your glass.

**CameronCat** · 23rd June 12, 07:18 AM

If you're willing to endure or wrestle with the government bureaucracy, you might contact the issuing agency
and trace the number on the tax sticker. The date you receive will be when it was issued or applied (not the date of bottling or even of import if it sat in a warehouse) but should give an approximate reference. On a long shot, the agency MIGHT be able to tell you when it came into the country as well.

Additionally, are there any ID marks or numbers cast into the glass on the bottom of the bottle? Perhaps that could provide additional info.

I agree with others; don't open it until the history has been traced or at least approximated.

**haukehaien** · 23rd June 12, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by Dangerdean

Haven't tried it myself, but my Google Fu dug up some information. It's at least pre-mid 80's, as that's when they started distilling it at 86 proof as opposed to 86.8

Per this page, it's prior to 1982, when the phrase "Distilled Spirits" on the tax label was replaced by simply "Spirits". (They stopped using the tax stamps on the bottles entirely in 1985.)That page also indicates that in 1977 the tax stamps began using metric measurements of volume, so prior to 1977. At some point the phrase "US Internal Revenue" was replaced by "Bureau of ATF", but I can't find a date for that.

Does the other side of the tax stamp (the side without the serial number) have a person's name on it? Also, does the tax stamp have a series ID on it, near the eagle. (I think this is a Series 112 stamp but I'm not sure.)

**scotchmaster** · 23rd June 12, 09:45 AM

looks to be from the 50's because of the box and tax band... I worked for Diageo the current owner and I am a Master of Scotch Whisky. Also the fact that it 86.6 proof...