Expert: Paul Wagner - 2/6/2008

Question
I was given a gift of Kentucky Bourbon a number of years ago - just remembered I had it - its a 5th of straight bourbon whiskey, in a Box, Collectors Edition Beam's Choice, with a Self Portrait painting of Vincent Van Gogh on the front-still intact -from what I can tell - it's about 40-50 years old - what can you tell me about it?

Answer
Hi Frank

Hi Terri

Unlike some fine wines, 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 $75-90 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.

But this is an interesing bottle, and these bottles are sometimes quite collectible, so you might find more interest (an dhigher prices)  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.

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

Paul Wagner