Article
Distinguish a Moutai original case clearly from loose bottles. Record an original case only when the physical carton exists; otherwise list the bottles individually and note that the carton was not seen.
Do not describe bottles as an original case when the carton is missing. First classify the item as an intact sealed original case, an opened original case, bottles paired with a different or later carton, or loose bottles with no carton. Only the first three states include a physical case.
Keep the four states separate
| Status | Record as | Required evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Complete original sealed case | Sealed original case | All six carton faces, seals, case numbers, date and specifications; do not open it merely for photography |
| Opened original case | Opened original case | Carton, number of bottles present, dividers or bags, each bottle number and opening status |
| Mismatched or later carton | Loose bottles with later carton | If the carton and bottles do not correspond, the carton cannot be treated as an original accessory |
| No carton | Loose bottles | Mark the original case as not seen; record every bottle by year, batch, closure and fill level |
The alignment of boxes and bottles is more important than neat appearance
- Record case numbers and packing dates alongside each bottle's production date or bottle number.
- Photograph missing bottles, mixed batches, replacement bottles, damaged seals and any supplementary labels item by item.
- A similar online image is only a candidate reference; it cannot recreate an original case that is no longer present.
Frequently asked questions about Moutai original cases
Can bottles with no carton still be described as an original case?
No. If there is no carton, classify them as loose bottles. If only internal accessories are missing, record an opened original case and list the missing components.
Can a carton from the same year be treated as the original case?
No. Label it clearly as a later carton and retain photographs and provenance showing the carton-to-bottle mismatch.
Does a sealed original case remove the need to check individual bottles?
No. While it remains sealed, record the carton and seals. If it is opened lawfully and safely later, inspect every bottle rather than assuming identical contents.
Primary sources and evidence levels
- Kweichow Moutai official website: Supports the official brand and product name. Original-case status depends on the physical relationship between the carton and bottles.
Related resources on this site
- Chinese Baijiu
- Chinese Baijiu Appraisal and Batch Checks
- Moutai ‘Iron Cap’ Versions: Seal, Codes, Bottle Base and Records
- Kweichow Moutai: Visible Evidence in Seals, Codes and Labels
- Buyback Guides
Organise the item using the fields in this article
To document a Moutai case or loose bottles, assign each item a unique number and use it across the front, back, key markings, accessories and visible anomalies. You can send the details via WhatsApp, or call +852 9453 0784. Making contact does not mean that an appraisal or quotation has been completed.
