Expert: Paul Wagner - 11/29/2008

Question
Dear Paul,

My question may be similar to some of the others you've answered so I guess I still feel there's more to know.

I, too, have several old bottles of whiskey, scotch, and bourbon that were given to my mother about 30 years ago.  I have about five boxed bottles of Chivas Regal Blended Scotch Whisky (aged 12 years), several of Canadian Club - wrapped for the holidays, a J&B Rare Scotch wrapped for the holidays, and a Very Old Fitzgerald that says it was barreled in 1954 and bottled in 1962.  All are unopened.  The web can be overwhelming, unspecific, and unfortunately not very conclusive.  From what I've learned, the liquor in the bottles is fine to drink.  But, I'm wondering if any of these bottles are worth anything.  It seems the Old Fitzgerald may be but the others probably not.

Can you provide me some guidance on this subject but also suggest the type of person I might go to to get some additional advice, please?

Much thanks,
Marla

Answer
Hi Maria

This is a great question--and all of your assumptions are correct.  All of these would sell for about the same price as a current release of the same stuff, and the only exception is the Fitzgerald.

The real question is what to do with it?  It's illegal for you to sell it directly, so you'll have to go through an auction house or a local retailer.  Either way, they will collect a commission.  Your best bet might be to trade this to a retailer for ssomething you might prefer to drink...  That's what I would suggest.

Check with a top retailer in your area who has a collection of fine whiskeys--and better yet, check with two!

Paul Wagner