1. Buy collectible spirits only from trusted sources

If you are seriously considering collecting rare spirits, avoid online auctions, or items sold directly from the owner. Such products are not verified by specialists, the pictures displayed at the auction do not have to be the actual ones, and it is easy to create the impression of interest in the product by other users, increasing its price etc… by using fraudulent accounts or special software, or creating fake comments. On the Internet you will find many trusted retailers and auction houses, which permanently deal with the sale of the most expensive spirits – buying a product from such a place gives you the safety and certainty you need for this type of investment.

2. Avoid unique opportunities, and if you feel that something suspicious is going on, keep investigating

Something looks too perfect to be true? The price seems way too low? Or maybe the story of finding a dusty collection in the attic of one’s uncle from Scotland does not sound too credible? In this case, do not buy the product under any circumstances! More often than not, dishonest vendors crop up at liquor festivals or in iconic pubs trying to trick collectors into buying products that are not worth their price or simply forged. Be careful when having conversations of this type. And if an offer really seems attractive to you, ask the seller about the age of alcohol, its origin, how it was acquired, the reason why that stranger wants to sell it and all other relevant facts that can give you an idea about its authenticity. During such a series of questions any lack of knowledge on the topic or unfair intentions of the seller can be quickly revealed.

3. Do some research and prepare for the lesson

The Internet access to the listings of iconic products published by the biggest brands and auction houses, and the growing interest in the subject prove that we cannot complain about the lack of information. Before making a purchase or planning to expand the collection, search the trusted sites to find out as much as possible about the product. This will give you information to verify the authenticity of alcohol. Comparing photos of an original from an online database with a product photo you’ve taken will provide you with sufficient information. Is the bottle shape the same? What does the label look like on the back and front? Is the information placed on it exactly the same? Is the printing ink identical? Is the liquid and the packaging identical? This is all information based on which you can confirm the authenticity of the product. In case of any doubt, you can always ask for advice and verification of alcohol in places like Iconic Art Spirits. On the internet, there are also juxtapositions of liquors that should never be bought as they are forged. Know these products and avoid buying them.

4. In case of further doubts, request appropriate research

When talking about the most iconic and expensive spirits, examining the authenticity of the liquor does not seem unnecessary. For instance, when using a syringe for subcutaneous injections, we can sample a small amount of liquid without damaging the bottle. An overview of the authenticity of the product may already give a simple test to verify the percentage alcohol content – there are, of course, slight deviations from the value on the label, but a few percent of the difference should raise our alertness. 100% authenticity, when it comes to the age of alcohol, can be confirmed by the carbon isotope C14 examination. In Poland, alcohol examination is conducted in the provincial epidemiological station in Katowice and the first certified laboratory for the authentication of wines in Łódź.