A bottle of 115-year-old champagne has been found in a sideboard at a Scottish castle, BBC reported.

Chris James, the owner of Torosay Castle and Gardens, found the bottle of the distinctly yellow-labelled 1893 Veuve Cliquot champagne in a solid wooden dining room side board, which is a family heirloom. The “secret” compartment did not have a key, so Mr James employed a locksmith in an attempt to bring a family mystery to a conclusion.

On opening the door, he found a bottle of brandy, a port decanter and a bottle of claret and the single bottle of Veuve Cliquot champagne. The drinks are believed to have been locked up since at least 1897.

The bottle, complete with label, was in mint condition having been kept in the dark throughout.

James contacted Veuve Cliquot in France to enquire whether the bottle was of interest. Veuve Cliquot had no idea when they first used their trademark yellow labels, but the bottle found at the castle was the oldest by a long margin.

The priceless bottle is now on display the Veuve Cliquot visitor centre at Reims in France.
Fabienne Huttaux, head of communications there, said: “The bottle is literally priceless. It is a one-off and therefore unique. We would never consider selling it as it is far too important to us.”

Asked whether the champagne was still drinkable (It probably tastes horrible ^_^), Peter McKay which handles public relations for Torosay castle, said: “I don’t think that question will ever be answered. It is so valuable to Veuve Clicquot in France that they are going to keep it exactly as it is.”

Though, if I were Mr James I would ask for unlimited free champagne !