Unopened 1970s Murray’s Irish Whiskey Blend 6 oz Belfast Complimentary Sampling Tin

Cue the tinkling of an Irish ballad and the clink of glasses: this is not just a tin, it’s a slice of Belfast in its prime. Back when tobacco companies took out splashy magazine adverts and pipe smoke curled through clubrooms, Murray, Sons & Co. of Belfast had something special to offer. Their Irish Whiskey Blend comes dressed in copper, yellow, and green, carrying the proud legend:

“An unusual Cavendish tobacco blend matured and mellowed with Irish whiskey.”

Cavendish is a careful process, not a leaf; the tobacco is steamed or heated and pressed to draw out its natural sugars , resulting in a soft, sweet base. Mellowing it with Irish whiskey was Murray’s twist, lending the aroma a warm, spirited lift. What’s more, this particular 6‑oz imperial tin was meant to be opened in a shop – the side panel reads “Complimentary Can for Customer Sampling.” Imagine a tobacconist in a tweed jacket offering patrons a pinch; that is the romance wrapped up here.

Murray’s story adds to the charm. Founded in 1810, the company operated for generations from the Art‑Deco‑tinged Whitehall Tobacco Works on Belfast’s Linfield Road . Over the decades it weathered new owners and world wars and gave the world blends like Erinmore. By the time this tin was made—likely the 1970s, judging by the typography and lack of barcodes—the writing was on the wall. British American Tobacco closed Murray’s in the early 2000s , and the old works now stand silent. Sealed shop‑sample tins from the golden age rarely surface, making this piece both a talking point and a collector’s prize.

Details

* Brand: Murray’s
* Blend: Irish Whiskey Cavendish
* Maker: Murray, Sons & Co. Ltd., Belfast
* Format: Unopened metal tin, 6 oz (imperial)
* Marking: “Complimentary Can for Customer Sampling”
* Label text: “An unusual Cavendish tobacco blend matured and mellowed with Irish whiskey”
* Estimated era: Circa 1970s (based on style and absence of modern markings)
* Condition: Unopened with age‑appropriate scratches, scuffs and label wear

This auction contains tobacco.  If you live in certain states, you will be unable to purchase this product.