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A Moutai “original case” record begins by confirming that the case exists, then matching its code and packing date to every bottle’s production date, batch, ABV, bottle size and bottle code. Without the case, classify...
“Original case” describes the physical case and its relationship to the bottles; it is not a nickname for the expression. If no case is present, classify the items as loose bottles and record the original case as missing. Where a case survives, match its markings to every bottle individually.
Keep case-level and bottle-level records separate
| Level | Required records | How to record discrepancies |
|---|---|---|
| Case | Case code, packing/production date, batch, specification and seal status | Transcribe exactly as shown; photograph all six sides and every seal |
| Individual bottle | Production date, batch, ABV, bottle size, bottle code, seal and fill level for every bottle | Use one row per bottle; never overwrite bottle data with a value taken from the case |
| Case-to-bottle relationship | Bottle count, code range, dividers, carrier bags and receipts | State any mismatched case, mixed batch, missing bottle or later-added accessory clearly |
Correct classification when the original case is absent
Loose bottles can still be catalogued by expression and condition, but the record type must be “loose bottles”. Enter “not seen / missing” for the original case; do not continue describing the lot as an original case.
- Do not open an intact case seal merely for photography.
- If the case is already open, record that status and the accessories present; do not replace the seal.
- If a date, batch or bottle code is unclear, take another photograph instead of guessing from an online image.
Frequently asked questions about bottle-by-bottle Moutai case records
Can bottles without a case still be called an “original case” of Moutai?
No. Classify them as loose bottles. The notes may state that the original case was not seen, but a missing case must not be treated as present.
Can a date from the case be copied into every bottle row?
No. The case and bottles are separate layers of evidence; check the production date and bottle code on every bottle independently.
Will opening a case to verify it damage the evidence?
If the case remains sealed, photograph the exterior markings and preserve its current state first. Any decision to open it should be made separately according to the purpose and risk.
Primary sources and evidence levels
- Official Kweichow Moutai product portal: use it only to verify the official product name. The case-to-bottle relationship still depends on the item and documents in hand.
Related resources on this site
- Chinese Baijiu
- Chinese Baijiu Appraisal and Batch Checks
- Moutai ‘Three Revolutions’ and ‘Local State-Owned’: Label and Era Evidence
- 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 bottle by bottle, give every photograph the correct item number and retain 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.
