Expert: Paul Wagner - 9/5/2008

Question
I was recently given a bottle of scotch from White Horse Distillers (EST 1742).  The label has NO 292768 on it.
The bottle is dark and the label is appears to be quite old, perhaps over 40 years.

Is this a collectors item?

Answer
Hi Paul
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