Expert: Paul Wagner - 7/9/2008

Question
I have a unique bottle of rye from Gibson that was made for the 1976 Olympics in Montreal Canada. It is a 16 year old special rye. I'm pretty sure it is the only bottle in existence. The bottle is now 32 years old, has never been opened and has been kept in it's velvet pouch since purchased. It was a limited production and there is a registration number on the bottle # 5455. I'm trying to determine if this bottle has any value. Gibson produces probably one of the best ryes in the world based on reviews i've read.
Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi Robert

Distilled spirits like this have such high alcohol levels that they don't change much over time.  That means that your bottle should be just fine to drink, but it also means that it hasn't improved with age the way some fine wines do.  The result is that you won't be able to sell this for much more than a current bottling.  It's good stuff, but I don't think it would sell for more than about $75-100, at most.  

Please note that it is illegal for private individuals to sell alcoholic beverages in the USA, so you have to work through an auction house or wine shop. They will, in turn, ask for a commission.

But given the story behind this bottle. you might check with the folks at antiquebottles.com--they know more about the actual bottles and boxes than I do, and the bottle itself might be worth more than the liquid inside.  

Sorry I can't give you more exciting news.

Paul Wagner