Auchentoshan 12 Year Old Queen Elizabeth 2 Crystal Decanter (1980s Bottling)
100cl / 43%
£429.00
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Scotland
Tasting Notes
Vanilla, Coconut, Raisins
Almonds, Dried Fruits, Creamy Coconut, Hints of Ginger
Medium Finish, Soft and Sweet
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A highly sought-after, luxury crystal decanter sold exclusively aboard the famed QE2 ocean liner.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Auchentoshan / Distillery Bottling / Scotland, Lowlands |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Luxury Decanter Series) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 12 Years Old / Bottled 1980s |
| ABV & Size(s) | 43% ABV (Preferred) / 1 Litre |
| Cask / Treatment | Combination of Bourbon and Sherry Casks |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer. |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer. Assumed filtered. |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Limited Commemorative Edition (Not stated) |
| Intended channel | Exclusive Onboard Sales (Queen Elizabeth 2 Cruise Ship) |
| Packaging | Cut crystal glass ship's decanter, silk-lined blue velvet presentation box, separate crystal stopper |
| Notes on discrepancies | ABV is crucial: 43% 1L decanter is the luxury item; 40% 1L bottle with QE2 label was the lower-cost option. |
Historical Context
The Auchentoshan 12 Year Old QE2 Crystal Decanter is an exceptional artifact of luxury travel and whisky commerce from the 1980s. This bottling was produced specifically for exclusive sale aboard the prestigious Queen Elizabeth 2 ocean liner, designed to be purchased by affluent passengers seeking a unique maritime souvenir.
The significance of the liquid is technical. The QE2 Decanter contains a superior 12 Year Old single malt, explicitly matured in a mix of bourbon and sherry casks. This richer, more complex liquid composition, combined with the presentation at 43% ABV, was necessary to justify the high price point and prestige of the luxury crystal vessel. This decanter offers a unique, richer profile compared to Auchentoshan’s domestic market offerings of the era.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The key technical specification is the combination of its triple-distilled, single malt liquid with its specific presentation. The vessel is a bespoke cut crystal glass ship's decanter, engraved with the QE2 name and twin anchors.2 The preferred specification is the 1 Litre decanter size, bottled at 43% ABV. The marriage of Bourbon and Sherry casks results in a soft, fruity, triple-distilled liquid that offers complexity.
Documented variants
The luxury decanter is the premium item. A cheaper, non-crystal, regular 1 Litre bottle featuring a QE2 label was also sold onboard for less wealthy passengers.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 43% | 1 Litre | QE2 Exclusive Onboard Sale | Cut crystal decanter, silk-lined box | Extremely High (Definitive artifact) |
| 40% | 1 Litre | QE2 Onboard Sale | Standard bottle, paper QE2 label | Moderate (Lower presentation value) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
As a high-value collector's item, the price is entirely dependent on the completeness and condition of the presentation set.
Checklist Notes:
Decanter Integrity: The decanter must be the genuine cut crystal vessel, free from chips or cracks.
Accessories: The original silk-lined blue velvet presentation box and the separate crystal stopper are mandatory components for full value realization.
Closure Risk: Decanters, especially those with glass stoppers, are highly susceptible to long-term evaporation. A perfect fill level (High Shoulder or better) is critical; fill levels below this are a major risk and lead to severe devaluation.
Mixups: The crystal decanter must be distinguished from the much cheaper standard bottle version that carried the QE2 label.
Regulatory/terminology notes
Auchentoshan is one of the few distilleries that triple-distils its whisky. The 43% ABV bottling strength for this presentation was a premium standard of the 1980s.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The liquid profile is smooth, creamy, and notably richer than the standard Auchentoshan 10 Year Old of the era, benefiting from the sherry wood component.
Nose: Lovely notes of vanilla and coconut from the bourbon casks, complemented by sultanas and rum raisins. It is noted for being very soft and accessible.
Palate: Wonderfully creamy and sweet. Flavours include vanilla, coconut, and dried apricots, with a light bite of ginger and cloves.4 The texture is smooth.
Finish: Not very long, but soft and sweet. The official core range offers a gingery and slightly dry finish with lingering nuttiness.
With water: Not applicable.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The market price is high, reflecting artifact scarcity and the complexity of the crystal presentation.
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer. Estimated around GBP 150 - GBP 250 in the 1980s.
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): GBP 429.00 – GBP 650.00.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): GBP 300.00 – GBP 500.00.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Auction (Hammer) | Undisclosed | 1L, 43% Crystal Decanter | 430.00 | High end hammer price |
| Retail (Specialist) | Current | 1L, 43% Crystal Decanter | 429.00 | Specialist retail asking price |
| Auction (Hammer) | Undisclosed | 75cl, 48.6% Ceramic Decanter | 40.00 | Reference: Low value of non-crystal decanter |
Pricing stratification: Price is extremely sensitive to condition. The decanter version is valued significantly higher than the standard bottle (which trades around GBP 150).
Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is low. Sourcing requires focusing on specialist auctions that verify the crystal material and complete presentation set.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Auchentoshan (Lowlands) is one of the few Scotch distilleries that practices triple distillation, resulting in a lighter, delicate spirit.5 The QE2 Decanter series is a celebrated example of the distillery’s successful diversification into the luxury gift market, showcasing a richer, sherry-influenced version of their signature malt.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras
Target the 1 Litre, 43% ABV crystal decanter with all presentation components.
Red flags to avoid
Low fill levels (below HS) and missing the silk-lined presentation box/certificate are major flaws. Avoid confusing this with the cheaper standard glass QE2 bottle.
Condition thresholds
Pristine condition of crystal, box, and stopper is mandatory.
Margin/velocity expectations
High margin, low velocity. A bespoke collector's item requiring patient acquisition and placement.
