Let me set the scene: you’re nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, surrounded by the opulence of St. Moritz, with snow-capped peaks as your backdrop and a world of luxury at your fingertips. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, for Chinese millionaire and author Zhang Wei, this dream turned into a whirlwind adventure involving one of the most expensive—and infamous—whisky drams in history.
The tempting offer
A few years back, Zhang Wei decided to whisk his grandmother away on a Swiss getaway. Amidst the serene landscapes and the allure of St. Moritz, they stumbled upon the legendary Devil’s Place whisky bar. Known for boasting the world’s largest whisky collection under one roof (we’re talking over 2,500 bottles!), it’s a haven for enthusiasts and casual sippers alike.
Now, if you were in Zhang Wei’s shoes, wouldn’t you be tempted to sample something extraordinary? Spotting an unopened bottle labelled as a single malt Macallan from 1878, Zhang’s curiosity—and perhaps a dash of extravagance—got the better of him. He shelled out a staggering £7,600 for a mere 2cl of this liquid gold. But hey, we’re in St. Moritz, right?
The plot thickens
Here’s where the plot gets juicier than a well-aged Scotch. After sharing his lavish experience on social media (because pics or it didn’t happen), whisky aficionados across the globe raised their eyebrows. Something seemed off about the bottle’s cork and label. Was this prized spirit too good to be true?
Enter the sleuths from the University of Oxford. The hotel, Waldhaus Am See—home to Devil’s Place—decided to get to the bottom of the mystery. Scientific analyses, including carbon dating, revealed a shocking truth: the whisky wasn’t from 1878 but was likely distilled between 1970 and 1972. To add salt to the wound, it was a blended Scotch (60% malt, 40% grain), not the pure single malt as advertised.
Grace under fire
You’d think Zhang Wei would be fuming, right? Instead, he displayed remarkable grace. The hotel promptly refunded his money and offered heartfelt apologies. Zhang appreciated their honesty and moved on, turning what could have been a sour experience into a memorable tale.
Fun fact: Had the bottle been genuine, its bar value would have been around 300,000 Swiss francs (£227,000), making it the world’s most expensive Scotch dram ever sold. Talk about a twist of fate!
Let’s raise a glass to authenticity
As a whisky enthusiast myself, Zhang Wei’s story resonates deeply. It’s a blend of high stakes, unexpected twists, and the timeless quest for something truly special. It makes you think: How often do we chase after prestige, only to discover that the real treasure lies in the genuine experiences and connections we make along the way?
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