How to buy Chivas Royal Salute 21 Year Old The Blended Grain at auction

Buyer's checklist for Chivas Royal Salute 21 Year Old The Blended Grain

1. Verify provenance. For bottles over £500, ask for receipts, original photos, and ideally a seller who is named on the auction house's verified accounts list.
2. Check fill level. Low shoulder fill on a 25+ year old bottle is normal; mid-shoulder isn't. Loss of liquid is permanent.
3. Inspect closures. Wax-dipped seals can hide damage. Loose corks risk evaporation. Reputable houses photograph closely — ask for higher-res images if not provided.
4. Compare hammer to wsky1 median. If a lot is >15% above our 12-month median, you're either bidding on something special (book, presentation case, signed) or overpaying.
5. Add buyer's premium + VAT. Your total is hammer × (1 + premium %) + any VAT. For a £1,000 hammer at Bonhams (27.5%) with UK VAT on the premium, your real cost is closer to £1,330.
6. Shipping & insurance. International shipping of spirits is restricted; many houses use specialist couriers. Get a quote before you bid, not after.