FAQ (Q&A)
We have gathered the questions we are most often asked before an order, based on our store policies and the notes on our product pages. If your question is not answered here, please write to us by email (support@antiqueliquor1926.com) or through our contact form.
Orders & payment | Shipping & overseas delivery | Returns & refunds | Old bottle whisky | Sake ware & crafts | Other
Orders & payment
Q. Which payment methods can I use?
We accept credit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Shop Pay. Payment is confirmed when you place your order. For details, see our Legal Notice (Specified Commercial Transactions Act).
Q. Can I cancel or change my order after placing it?
Because our items are antiques and old bottle spirits, we cannot accept cancellations once an order has been placed. Before ordering, please check the description, photos and the "Note" section on the product page carefully. For details, see our Refund Policy.
Q. Can I buy alcohol if I am under 20?
Drinking by persons under the age of 20 is prohibited by law in Japan. We do not sell alcoholic beverages to anyone under 20.
Q. Are your items one of a kind?
Most of our items are old bottle spirits and works by named makers produced many years ago, and most are single pieces. We cannot promise to restock an item once it has sold, so if something catches your eye, we recommend not waiting too long.
Shipping & overseas delivery
Q. How much is shipping?
Shipping within Japan is free for all items. Orders shipped outside Japan are charged a separately specified flat shipping fee. For details, see our Shipping Policy.
Q. When will my order ship? Can I choose a delivery date or time?
We ship within 5 business days after payment is confirmed (business days are Monday to Friday, excluding weekends, public holidays and our designated holidays such as the summer break and the New Year period). We ship with carriers we designate, such as Japan Post and Yamato Transport, and we cannot accept requests for a delivery date or time.
Q. Do you ship overseas?
Alcoholic beverages (whisky) cannot be shipped from Japan to other countries. All other items (sake ware, glasses, crafts, books and so on) can be shipped overseas for a flat shipping fee.
Q. Can you deliver to my hotel while I am staying in Japan?
Yes. If you are visiting Japan for travel or business, we can deliver to your hotel or other accommodation in Japan (alcoholic beverages included). In that case, after placing your order and at least 5 days before your preferred delivery date, please send us the hotel reservation holder's details, your check-in date, and whether you have confirmed that the hotel will accept the parcel, by email (support@antiqueliquor1926.com) or via our contact form.
Q. Whisky disappears when I set my region outside Japan. Is this an error?
No, it is not an error. Alcoholic beverages cannot be shipped (exported) from Japan to other countries, so liquor is not shown when your region (shipping country) is set outside Japan. Switch your region to Japan to see all items in any language (Japanese, English or Chinese). For details, see If Alcoholic Beverage Products Are Not Displayed.
Returns & refunds
Q. Can I return an item or get a refund?
Because of the nature of antiques and old bottle spirits, and to prevent substitution, we do not accept returns, refunds or cancellations for reasons of customer preference. Only where significant damage is found that was clearly caused by our fault, such as our packing or shipping method, will we refund the full amount paid after the item has been returned. For details, see our Refund Policy.
Q. What should I do if my item arrives damaged?
Please check the condition of the item when it arrives, and if it is damaged, contact us by email (support@antiqueliquor1926.com) or via our contact form. If the damage is significant and clearly caused by our fault, we will refund the full amount as described above.
Old bottle whisky
Q. What do you mean by "old bottle whisky"?
There is no official definition, but we define old bottle whisky as whisky that was discontinued at least 20 years ago, and we mainly offer bottles distributed from the 1950s to the 1990s. For more, see We are opening Antique Liquor 1926.
Q. Why is the fill level low even though the bottle is unopened?
Even unopened, old bottle whisky can slowly evaporate over many years, so the volume may have decreased. We use the shoulder of the bottle as one benchmark and offer only bottles we judge suitable for sale.
Q. There is sediment in the bottle. Is it safe to drink?
Components of the whisky can solidify and settle as sediment (ori). This is common in old bottles and in most cases does not affect drinkability or flavour.
Q. Is the quality guaranteed?
We select every bottle with great care, but because many years have passed since production, the whisky may not fully retain its original quality. Please understand that we cannot accept returns or refunds after purchase for reasons of quality.
Q. How do you determine the period (generation) of a bottle?
We compare the features of each era, such as the label and capsule design, wording, volume and strength, and the importer's markings. Examples of our methods are explained in The Evolution of Suntory "Yamazaki" Pure Malt Whisky and Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak: identifying generations.
Q. How should I store an old bottle I have bought?
We recommend a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, heat and humidity. Bottles are usually stored upright, but in our own tests a cork dried out and shrank after long upright storage. For bottles that show some evaporation, turning the bottle upside down for about 10 seconds every 2 to 3 months to moisten the cork is effective. For details, see The Correct Method for Storing Old Bottle Whisky and Does Parafilm Really Prevent Evaporation?
Sake ware & crafts
Q. Are the sake cups and glasses new?
Even unused items were mostly made a long time ago, so all of them are listed as pre-owned (including antiques and art objects). They may show damage or subtle changes from age, so please check the photos and the "Condition" and "Note" sections on the product page before buying.
Q. Do the colours and textures in the photos match the real item?
Depending on the lighting and your viewing environment, the colours and textures may look slightly different from the actual piece. That is why we post as many photos as possible so you can examine the details from every angle.
Q. Are crazing, bubbles or firing marks defects?
Crazing in the glaze of ceramics, bubbles in glass, and kiln marks or iron spots from firing are in most cases characteristics of the making process and materials, appreciated as the "scenery" of the piece. Anything we want you to be aware of is listed in the "Note" section of each product page.
Q. Do items come with a signed wooden box or other accessories?
It depends on the item. Please check the "Accessories" section on each product page.
Q. How can I find works by a particular maker?
Open All Makers & Studios under "Makers & Studios" in the menu to find makers by group: Living National Treasures, ceramic and glass artists, kilns and more. For makers with several pieces, click the name to see all of their works together. You can also browse by kiln and technique from the menu, or enter a maker's name in the site search.
Other
Q. How can I contact you?
Please contact us by email (support@antiqueliquor1926.com) or through our contact form.
Q. Are you licensed to sell alcohol and antiques?
Yes. We hold a liquor retail license (issued by the Koshigaya Tax Office, No. Koshi-Sake 1-42) and a secondhand dealer permit (Tokyo Metropolitan Public Safety Commission, No. 305552517483). For seller information, see our Legal Notice and Contact Information.
Q. Can I browse the store in English or Chinese?
Yes. The store is available in Japanese, English and Simplified Chinese. You can change the language from the selector at the top or bottom of the page.
Q. How is my personal information handled?
We manage it appropriately in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Please also see our Terms of Service.