Expert: Paul Wagner - 9/3/2008

Question
I found in my parents home a 4/5 th quart of scotch whisky exported by White Horse Distillers LTP Glasgow, Scotland to Browne Vintners Co., Inc., New York.  It is in a cardboard-like cover with the name White Horse and a horse emblem on the front of it.  I am not sure if anyone has opened it but some of the paper has aged.  There is a number on the bottle AT 1410427.  It has a metal top with a metal lever opener with it.  Just curious as to what I found.  The labels were printed in Scotland but the whisky was sent to Browne Vintners for re-sale.  Thanks for any info.

Answer
HI Kathy

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---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