Expert: Paul Wagner - 4/24/2008

Question
I came across a full bottle of Tanqueray's gin .  Not Tanqueray gin.  I did some research on the bottle it was during the prohibition era.  The manufacture of the Bottle was James M. McCunn, I found in a book I bought at borders book store that James M. McCunn was know for selling illegal liquor in 1920 in New York.  I was wondering does this bottle have worth or should I just open it and drink it.

Answer
HI Kathy

I like the way you have asked this question.  You not only gave me a lot of information, but you asked if the bottle has any worth.  The answer is a definitive maybe!

Distilled spirits like this have such high alcohol levels that they don't change much over time.  That means that this will still be good to drink, but won't have improved with age like some fine wines.  The liquid inside isn't worth very much.  

But the bottle itself might be more valuable.  I would contact the people at antiquebottles.com.  They are a great bunch of people, and have a lot of good information.  They can get you pointed in the right direction.

Hope that helps.

Paul Wagner