Expert: Paul Wagner - 8/26/2008

Question
QUESTION: I've found a bottle of Hiram Walker's Special Canadian Whiskey.  It appears to be
unopened and has an "Internal Revenue distilled spirits" label on it with the
number 379319537.  How can I tell how old it is and if it's worth anything?

ANSWER: Hi GLenn

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 really good stuff, but I don't think it would sell for more than about $55---and only if you can really show that it hasn't been damaged or diluted in any way.  

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.

You might check with the folks at antiquebottles.com--they know more about the actual bottles and boxes than I do, and one this old might be worth more than the liquid inside.  

Sorry I can't give you more exciting news.

Paul Wagner

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Any idea how old a bottle like this might be?

Answer
Hi Glenn

I'm sorry, but those codes the bottlers use are intentionally confusing so that customers can't ask for a specific lot or vintage of this stuff.  And without a picture or label, it would be hard even for the Hiram Walker people themselves to date that bottle.  That's why I suggested antiquebottles.com.  They are the experts in this kind of thing...

Paul Wagner