Expert: Paul Wagner - 1/9/2008

Question
SIR, I have a bottle of said item whichis 1/2 full I guess it evaporated is it still good or what can I do with it. I also haveJ.B. Beam items that are sealed such as Beams collectors edition vol. x1x, Beams Choice Decanter, WGA 1899, 1971 western open, Pikes peak, Colorado Springs centenial 1872/1972 again all bottle are sealed with mdse within ( I would say well aged)  Thank you Alvi Blasi

Answer
Hi Alvi


Distilled spirits like this do not change much in the bottle, for better or for worse, because the alcohol levels are so high.  The good news is that these should be perfectly good to drink.  The bad news is that it doesn't taste much different from a current bottling from the same company.  As a result, connoisseurs wouldn't pay much more for this bottle.  I would estimate the value of these bottles at around $35-50 at a wine and spirits auction.  

Please note that it is illegal for private individuals to sell alcoholic beverages in the USA, so you would have to work through a retailer or auction house, who would take their commission.

You might find more interest among bottle collectors, particularly for the decanters.  Go to antiquebottles.com and see if anyone there has more interest...they are good people with a lot of good information.

Sorry I can't give you more exciting news.   Hope you have great 2008.