Expert: Paul Wagner - 1/26/2008

Question
I also have a bottle of white horse whiskey dated 1913.  It has a lead outer seal and a stamp seal across the top from Maine.  It has never been opened, I have the gift box it originally came in, with the white horse still on the chain.  It is all in great shape.  What might this be worth?
I have no Idea, if not much maybe I will pick an occasion to have an old taste of history.  Thanks..

Answer
Hi Jon

Sadly, 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 this should be perfectly good to drink.  The bad news is that it doesn't taste much different from a current bottling.  As a result, connoisseurs wouldn't pay much more for this bottle.  I would estimate the value of these bottles at around $50-75 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.  Go to antiquebottles.com and see if anyone there has more interest...they are good people with a lot of good information.

I think your suggestion of drinking it with friends might be a good idea--unless you hear differently from the bottle collectors!

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

Paul Wagner