Thief steals rare $50k Balvenie Scotch whisky

A rare CA$50,000 bottle of Balvenie Scotch whisky, bottled to commemorate malt master David Stewart’s 50^th birthday, has been stolen from a liquor store in Montreal.

The last remaining bottle of David Stewart’s The Balvenie Fifty in Canada has been stolen from a liquor store in Montreal

Just 88 bottles of The Balvenie Fifty were produced in 2012, having been aged in a rare European oak Sherry hogshead since 1962 – the year Stewart joined the company as an apprentice.

The stolen bottle – believed to the last in Canada – was taken from the store last Thursday.

According to the Toronto Sun, the thief entered the government-run store at approximately 10.25am, “possibly armed with a handgun”, said a Montreal police spokesman.

He then proceeded to threaten customers and an employee with his weapon according to a witness.

“Luckily nobody was hurt during the robbery,” said liquor commission spokesman Renaud Dugas.

The thief smashed a barred window to reach the Balvenie release and also took three other bottles, which were not worth as much money.

“There were several witnesses at the scene who will be interviewed by investigators,” said Manuel Couture of the Montreal police. “Surveillance footage will also be analysed.”