Authentication

Our in-house whisky bottle authentication process involves close inspection of every aspect of each bottle we authenticate. Each brand, bottling and era requires a different process and while we can’t share details of the exact methods employed, we can tell you that we analyse several details of the glass bottle, paper labels, printed elements, glues, closure (for instance cork, stopper, or screw cap) and the liquid itself to look for evidence of its authenticity. We look for signs of tampering, fraud and counterfeiting.

We use non-invasive techniques to inspect each bottle by hand. We inspect the whisky bottle without opening it and we do not alter the bottle or its contents in any way.

Ideally we need to inspect the whisky bottle to authenticate it. We use a variety of photographic techniques to authenticate whisky bottles. In some cases we can authenticate whisky bottles from the right sort of photographs. We will give detailed instructions of the images we need depending on the type of bottle.

No! We do not need to open your bottle of whisky to authenticate it.

Our worldwide clients are wine merchants, specialist auctioneers and non-specialist auction houses, traders, and secondary market resellers. We also provide an authentication services for private individuals. We strongly recommend authenticating all bottles of spirits bought in high risk regions. We recommend authenticating any bottles acquired via the secondary market in all regions.

Third-party bottle authentication should be an integral part of every purchase and sale of whisky and other secondary market spirits.

There are various types of chemical analysis available to us for testing liquids. These include nuclear carbon dating, but also spectral analysis and even organoleptic testing. Each of these tests has its place in authenticating spirits but each one also has its limitations. The most immediate consideration is that in most cases you need to open the bottle to do the tests. We will be happy to advise if these and other tests are suitable for your bottles.

Radiocarbon dating works by testing test organic materials for Carbon 14. On the plus side it can be used to test items up to about 60,000 years of age, on the down side the useful degree of accuracy (ie to within a year or two), is only helpful to for liquids that originate since 1955. We can also tell if the liquid pre-dates 1955 but not to such a degree of accuracy.

Yes! We authenticate whiskeys and whiskies from all around the world.

Yes! We authenticate Cognac, Armagnac, rum, Baiju and all other spirits too.

We don't authenticate wines at Wisgy but will be able to help you find a skilled wine authenticator.

Yes, we regularly work with product designers to help them incorporate tamper evident closures and security design features to help at early design stages.