Beneagles – Golden Eagle Decanter
75cl / 70 Proof%
£169.00
- Malt type: Blended
- Region: Scotland
A true collector’s gem, this Golden Beneagles Scotch Whisky comes encased in a striking Beswick ceramic decanter shaped like a majestic golden eagle—a hallmark of the brand’s iconic 1980s releases. Bottled at 70% proof in a 75cl format, this blended Scotch whisky is crafted with a high proportion of Speyside malts, delivering a smooth, honeyed profile with hints of orchard fruit, light oak, and delicate spice.
Originally introduced in 1922 by Peter Thomson, Beneagles became renowned for its lavish ceramic decanters, often depicting birds of prey and Scottish motifs. This 1980s bottling is a testament to that legacy, blending liquid artistry with exquisite craftsmanship.
If you like this whisky, you will also like these
1980s ceramic Golden Eagle from the Beneagles “Birds of Prey” series, usually 75cl at 40%, made by Beswick/Royal Doulton from a 1969 model, whisky inside is Beneagles blended Scotch.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Bottler / Brand | Beneagles Scotch Whisky (Peter Thomson/Perth) with Beswick/Royal Doulton ceramics |
| Category | Blended Scotch in collectible ceramic decanter |
| Edition / Theme | “Golden Eagle” – part of Scottish Birds of Prey series |
| Era | Modelled 1969, most full-size whisky-filled examples sold 1970s–1980s |
| ABV & Size(s) | 40% ABV / 75cl for full-size decanter (numerous 5cl miniatures also exist) |
| Liquid | Beneagles blended Scotch whisky |
| Packaging | Figurine-style ceramic decanter in the form of a golden eagle, sometimes boxed, often sold loose |
| Notes on discrepancies | Many online listings are for the 5cl miniature; full-size 75cl version should be specified. Stopper/cork degradation and glaze wear are common and must be described |
Historical Context
Beneagles became known almost entirely for these ceramic/figural decanters rather than for the whisky inside. The Birds of Prey line – Osprey, Golden Eagle, etc. – was one of the better-sculpted sets, created for the tourist/collectable market and made by Beswick (later part of Royal Doulton). The whisky is straightforward 40% Beneagles blend, but the ceramic – modelled in 1969 by J.G. Tongue – is what collectors pay for. Auction flow in the UK shows these still changing hands regularly, usually with condition notes about cork/stoppers.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
Documented variants
-
Full-size Golden Eagle, 75cl, 40%, ceramic by Beswick/Royal Doulton.
-
5cl miniature Golden Eagle, 40%, same 1969 model.
-
Mixed lots of several Beneagles birds, including Golden Eagle.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40% | 75cl | 1970s–1980s UK/collectables | Tall ceramic eagle, Beneagles label/marking | Highest |
| 40% | 5cl | 1970s miniatures | Small version of same bird | Lower ticket, niche |
| 40% | 75cl (mixed lot) | Auction | Sold with other Beneagles birds | Price per piece lower |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
-
Check base for Beneagles/Royal Doulton/Beswick marks.
-
Confirm volume (75cl vs 5cl).
-
Inspect stopper/cork: many have deteriorated; note if there is evidence of leakage.
-
Check for chips, crazing, or paint loss on wings and beak; these impact value.
Liquid Profile
-
Standard 40% blended Scotch of the period: light, sweet, grain-led, intended to be decorative rather than special in flavour.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
-
UK auction for a single full-size Golden Eagle decanter in good fill/condition: around £60.
-
Collectables/vintage sites often list full-size examples in the £65–£95 range, depending on glaze condition and whether the box is present.
-
Miniature 5cl versions appear around £20.
-
Stratification: perfect glaze + good stopper + clear marks at top; missing/damaged stopper or obvious crazing at bottom.
-
Liquidity: steady – there is a small audience that buys Beneagles birds as a set.
Sourcing
-
Target: 75cl, 40%, stopper present, no obvious glaze damage.
-
Avoid: badly chipped/decorated examples unless priced low.
