Expert: Paul Wagner - 3/9/2008

Question
I have had a bottle of scotch I bought from an estate sale about 5 years ago.  the bottle is shaped like a like an old man with a cape and a hat very cool.  I finally opened the bottle yesterday and the cork "hat" fell apart.  The taste was fantastic it almost tasted like Hennesy.  The bottle had a serial number on an old red ribbon with a seal the cap or hat part of the bottle.  I can't find anything out about it can you please help.

Answer
HI Nathan

Sandeman is a famous family that has run wine and spirits companies for seven generations. THey currenty produce both Ports and Sherries of very good quality, but over the years also produced Scotch Whiskey.  The family roots are in Scotland, and I am proud to say that the current Sandeman patriarch, George, is a friend of mine.

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 $35-50 at a wine and spirits auction if they were unopened.  

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.

Beause of the unique bottle shape of this one, 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--but at least you have a delicious bottle to enjoy!

Paul Wagner