Expert: Paul Wagner - 2/1/2008

Question
I have a unopened bottle of bowmore 12 year old islay pure malt scotch
whiskey. I purchased this in scotland in 1987. It has never been out of the
container. I couldn't even describe what the bottle looks like. is there any
value in this other than the good time drinking it.

Answer
HI Wilson

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 this 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.  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