Macpherson’s “Cluny” (1950s-1960s Edition)
75cl / 43.4%
£179.00
- Malt type: Blended
- Region: Scotland
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Classic export-era blended Scotch from John E. McPherson & Sons, bottled at mid-century strengths with distinctive period labelling.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | John E. McPherson & Sons Ltd / Blender-bottler / Scotland |
| Category | Blended Scotch Whisky |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | Not stated / N/A / 1950s–1960s (estimated) |
| ABV & Size(s) | Commonly 43–43.4% (export); 75cl typical; other sizes exist (minis, US pints) |
| Cask / Treatment | Not stated by the producer |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Not stated by the producer |
| Intended channel | Export-led (notably US and Commonwealth; Italy also seen) |
| Packaging | Paper labels with heraldic motifs; some carry royal warrant references; screw-cap capsules common |
| Notes on discrepancies | Label copy varies by market; US strengths often 86–86.8 proof (43–43.4% ABV). Dating uses label cues and warrants; auctioneers differ on exact decades. |
Historical Context
Cluny is the flagship blend of John E. McPherson & Sons, a 19th-century blender absorbed into the Whyte & Mackay/Mackinlay-McPherson orbit in the post-war decades. Mid-century bottlings were heavily export-oriented, with strengths such as 43.4% ABV in line with US norms. Labels sometimes reference “The Late King George V,” a common dating cue that can suggest late 1930s onward but is not definitive for all examples. Distribution footprints include the US and Italy (importer stickers appear), with numerous minor label revisions over the decades.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
2.1 Documented variants
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1950s–60s 75cl bottles around 43–43.4% ABV for export markets.
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Miniatures (5cl) from the same era.
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Multiple label designs including heraldic shields, royal warrant references, and “Bottled in Scotland” statements; importer stickers vary.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43–43.4% | 75cl | US export | “86/86.8 Proof”, US import stickers | High if clean, full, intact |
| 43% | 75cl | Italy export | D&C/other importer stickers, Italian tax strips | High if paperwork intact |
| 43% | 5cl | Global | Miniature, era label | Moderate (condition critical) |
2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist
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Closure: Screw cap common; ensure original cap and tax/strip intact where present.
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Seals/crests: Check heraldic shield, “Macpherson’s” script, and Cluny typography; period fonts vary.
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Importer/duty stickers: US importers, Italian D&C and others; align sticker era with bottle tax codes.
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Codes/embossings: Some bases bear glassmaker codes; useful for bracketing date range.
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Lookalike editions: Later Whyte & Mackay-era Cluny differs in label art; avoid conflating.
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Decanter risks: Not applicable; standard bottle formats.
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Pitfalls: Label wear, capsule corrosion, low fills; authenticity is usually straightforward but documentation of provenance improves confidence.
2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes
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“Old Scotch Whisky” is legacy label language; modern rules would treat as blended Scotch.
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US proof statements on export labels (86/86.8 proof) equate to ~43–43.4% ABV.
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No age statement; colouring and chill filtration not disclosed in era documentation.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
Vintage blends of this period rarely have producer tasting notes. Auctioneers do not typically provide organoleptics. Not stated by the producer. (Expect bottle variation; any tasting should consider potential OBE—old bottle effect.)
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
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Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.
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Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): Not generally available in retail; specialist vintage dealers in EU list similar era examples sporadically.
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Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): £70–£90 for 75cl mid-century bottles (condition dependent); £18 for period miniatures; broader ranges occur by fill and label state.
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Pricing stratification: Full-size export bottles with clean labels and high fills command the top of range; miniatures and low-fill bottles trade down sharply.
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Liquidity & sourcing note: Regular appearances across UK auction platforms; price sensitivity to condition is pronounced.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whisky.Auction | Various | 75cl, c. 43–43.4% | £70–£90 | Multiple sales across years |
| Whisky.Auction | Various | 5cl miniature | £18 | Hammer |
| Whisky Hammer | Aug 2025 | 75cl, 1950s/60s | (hammer recorded) | Sale ended; typical band above |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
John E. McPherson & Sons dates back to the 19th century; the firm produced Cluny and bottled rare malts like Glen Albyn. Corporate control moved through Scottish & Newcastle and into Mackinlay-McPherson/Whyte & Mackay structures; today Cluny is associated within Whyte & Mackay’s wider portfolio under Alliance Global ownership.
Sourcing
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Target formats/eras to prefer
High-fill 75cl export bottles with intact importer strips or duty seals; clean labels and sound capsules. -
Red flags to avoid
Evaporation below low-shoulder; heavy capsule corrosion; detached labels; suspect re-fills (rare but possible). -
Condition thresholds (fill/box/labels)
Base-of-neck or higher; legible label text; intact cap/strip. -
Margin/velocity expectations — qualitative
Consistent auction turnover; value ceiling limited by blend category, but high-condition examples move predictably.
