Expert: Paul Wagner - 6/22/2008

Question
Hi, I have come across some of my fathers gifts. This include a Whotehorse decanter for the 1987 America's cup with boxed half bottle.  Old Rarity boxed deluxe whisky(wade type), Bucanan's deluxe boxed bottle in cloth bag (wade type)and Haig dimple royal pewtar decanter with certificate. How do I value them and where is it best to sell them etc etc. Many thanks

Answer



Hi Kevin

Unlike some fine wines, distilled spirits don't generally change much, either for better or for worse, because the alcohol levels are so high.  So you bottles won't have much additional value for a real connoisseur.  You should probably be able to sell them for more or less what a currently bottling would get---but it's illegal for private individuals to sell alcohol in the USA.  You'd have to work through a retailer or an auction house.  If they were mine, I would either give them or trade them to someone who would really appreciate them.

On the other hand, the bottles themselves can sometimes be collectible.  Before you do anything rash, check with the people at antiquebottles.com---they have a lot of good information, and you may find that the bottles are worth far more than the contents!

Paul Wagner