Kwun Tong Residents' Unexpected Surprise: The Story Behind the Recycling of Two 1980s "Radish Bottle" Wuliangye Liquors

In the fast-paced city of Hong Kong, many precious items are often hidden in corners we overlook daily. As a "Chunxiang" appraiser, I come into contact with all sorts of old liquor every day, but each home collection has a real-life story full of everyday charm behind it. Today, I want to share a Wuliangye collection case from Kwun Tong with you all.

An Unexpected Interlude, Discovering a Surprise on Top of the Cabinet

Last Wednesday afternoon, I received a WhatsApp message from Mr. Chan. Mr. Chan is a resident of an old housing estate in Kwun Tong. A while ago, continuous heavy rain in Hong Kong caused a slight water seepage in his storeroom ceiling. To solve this problem, he had to hire a师傅 (master craftsman) to fix the leak. While clearing out the high-up cabinets and making space for the师傅 to work, he found a heavy object wrapped in layers of old newspaper and several plastic bags deep inside the cabinet.

Upon unwrapping it, it turned out to be two bottles of antique-looking Wuliangye. Mr. Chan recalled that these were probably gifts from relatives to his father years ago. His father had casually put them on top of the cabinet, and the family had completely forgotten about the existence of these two bottles of liquor. Since Mr. Chan himself only occasionally drinks beer and has no knowledge of Chinese baijiu, he searched online for liquor collection information in Hong Kong and found our "Chunxiang".

Professional Appraisal: The Classic "Radish Bottle" from the 1980s

After receiving the photos from Mr. Chan, I immediately recognized them as the very classic Wuliangye from the late 1980s to early 1990s, commonly known in the industry as "Radish Bottle" (named for its bottle design, which is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, resembling a radish). I promptly arranged with Mr. Chan for a free on-site appraisal the next day.

Upon arriving at Mr. Chan's home, I put on gloves and carefully conducted a detailed condition assessment of these two old bottles of liquor.

1. Seal and Film: The aluminum cap seals of both bottles were still intact, which is the most crucial defense for old liquor.
2. Label Condition: Although years of storage had caused slight wear and yellowing at the edges, the "China Famous Liquor" characters on the front and the wheat ear pattern at the bottom were still clearly visible, without severe moisture damage.
3. Liquid Level and Color: This is core to determining the value of old liquor. Observing against the light, the liquid level in the left bottle had slightly decreased (known as "evaporation" in the industry), while the right bottle was perfectly preserved with an excellent liquid level. At the same time, the liquor exhibited the characteristic slightly yellowish hue of old liquor, clear with no suspended matter.

I explained these appraisal details thoroughly to Mr. Chan. He was very surprised to learn that these two seemingly ordinary old bottles of liquor actually hold considerable value in today's old liquor collection market. We offered a sincere quotation that matched the highest market price, which Mr. Chan happily accepted immediately. He chuckled, "I was originally worried about the cost of ceiling repairs, but I never expected these two bottles of old liquor to not only cover the repair costs, but the remaining money is also enough to treat the whole family to a lavish seafood feast this weekend!"

Product Information and Market Trend Comparison Table

To give everyone a more intuitive understanding of the value of these old-version Wuliangye bottles, I have compiled an assessment information table for "Radish Bottle" Wuliangye:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Old Liquor Collection

Q1: I don't know much about liquor; what if I'm afraid of being undervalued?

A: At "Chunxiang," we adhere to the principles of transparency and openness. During the appraisal process, the appraiser will explain the factors affecting the price, such as the liquor's level, seal, and condition, so you can clearly understand the true value of your liquor, without any arbitrary undervaluation.

Q2: If the liquor's packaging box is missing, or the label is damaged, can it still be collected?

A: Yes, it can. The core value of old liquor lies in the "liquor itself" and the "integrity of the seal." Even without the outer box or with partially damaged labels, as long as there is no serious leakage, we will still offer a reasonable high price based on the actual condition.

Q3: Do you offer home collection services? Is there a fee?

A: We provide free on-site appraisal and collection services throughout Hong Kong (including walk-up buildings, village houses, etc.). After confirming the price on-site, payment is settled immediately in cash or via Faster Payment System (FPS). The process is safe and convenient, and you will not incur any additional fees.

Finding New Value for Your Idle Fine Wines

Do you also have old liquor at home, like Mr. Chan's, that you don't know what to do with after a big clean-up, tidying up clutter, or inherited from elders? Instead of letting them continue to occupy space deep in your cabinet, contact us for a free appraisal. Whether it's Chinese baijiu (Moutai, Wuliangye, etc.), various foreign spirits (cognac, whiskey), or precious champagne, "Chunxiang" can provide you with the most professional valuation and the most satisfactory collection service.

Contact "Chunxiang" now for a free preliminary online valuation:

• WhatsApp: 46135667
• Tel (Telephone): 852-46135667
• WeChat (Weixin): C8X882

Simply take photos of the front, back, and seal of the bottle and send them to us; we will provide you with a professional quote as soon as possible!