A Spirited Hobby

A hobby which it would seem might be in constant danger of . liquidation is the collection of Scotch whiskies belonging to Carleton Blunt '26 and housed in Room 803 of the Chicago Club. Only a connoisseur could appreciate the full scope and rarity of the 246 bottles listed in the printed inventory that Mr. Blunt distributes to his friends; however, even the layman catching a glimpse of such labels as Gilbey's, 44 years old; Haig and Haig Scots, Pre 1900; Ballantine's, age 36; Chivas Regal, 25; and younger bottles of Balfour's, Black Label, Palmer House, Black and White, Highland Queen, Sandeman's, Bellows, and White Horse —can reach a tantalizing conception of this noted assortment.

In addition to names familiar to the general public, other examples of Scotch are too rare for the average tippler to recognize. Most of these have been obtained from other long-estab-lished collections. Old Islay (1881) came originally from the Goelet Collection: J. & J. Steels Old Scotch 1858-1888 from George Blossom in Scotland; Ushers Green Stripe (Pre 1916), Mr. Davis to Bill Given, New York; Peter Dawson Rare #10 (Pre 1932), Chicago Club. Many of the famous Scotch collections belong to such nightclubs as "21" and Mr. Blunt, with more than 65 bottles over 20 years old, has a number of rare samples which are missing even from the shelves of "si."

There is perhaps one drawback to owning a Scotch collection and that is that no one can have it and drink it, too. And in spite of all hints from friends and acquaintances, Carleton Blunt has not yet decided to part with any of his rare collector's items on a rental or loan basis.