Expert: Paul Wagner - 12/24/2008

Question
i have 2 sealed bottles of beams choice bourbon with Lockhart design prints. one is of a wood duck and the other is a scarlet tanager both are sealed and are in excellent condition. i would like to know what these bottles are worth? do you have some idea? thanks Jared.

Answer
HI Jared

Because this stuff is so high in alcohol, it doesn't really change once they take it out of the barrel and put it in the bottle.  The good news is that it should still be in perfect condition.  The bad news is that it hasn't change, either in character or value, since it was bottled.

Value?  I'd guess something like $50--which is what it might cost if you tried to buy a similar bottle today at full retail.

But these bottles themselves are a little unusual.  You might try checking with the guys at antiquebottles.com--they often have interesting notes about older and collectible bottles.

please note that it is illegal for a private individual to sell alcoholic beverages in the USA.  You'll have to work through a retailer or auction house to sell this--and pay a commission to them.  

Sorry I can't give you more exciting news.

Paul Wagner