Thieves steal rare whisky in Dunedin

Thieves have stolen thousands of dollars of rare whisky. Photo / Thinkstock

Thieves have stolen thousands of dollars of rare whisky, potentially lethal for inexperienced drinkers, police say.

The historic Dunedin Railway Station was broken into last Wednesday night and a "considerable amount" of whisky taken, Detective Constable Hayden Smale said.

The haul included 10 cases each containing a dozen labelled bottles of single malt whisky, worth an estimated $17,500, as well as six 20-litre plastic containers of aged whisky, worth $10,000.

"We have some concern because some of this is 60 per cent proof ... If that is consumed by a kid, or someone not used to drinking, than there is obviously some concern for the medical ramifications," Mr Smale said.

The thieves left a gold spray-painted tag "Robbing Hoods" and "RH" at the premises, and someone may also recognise the tag, he said.

Owner John Evans said the premises were used during the last cruise ship season as a whisky tasting venue.

The theft was a bitter blow for the burgeoning business.

"This year, I had tours off nine ships. Next year I have 25."

All the whisky was sourced from the New Zealand Whisky Company, and had been maturing in oak barrels after it was distilled at the former Willowbank distillery in Dunedin.

He said a 24-year-old bottle would retail for $300, and all the bottles were aged between 16 and 24 years. The theft was likely to be covered by insurance, but he would be out of pocket $5000 in excise duty, he said.