Expert: Paul Wagner - 1/24/2009

Question
Dear Paul
Maybe you can answer my question. My parents have 2 J&B Rare Blended Scotch Whiskey, 3.79 liter (133.3 fl oz) bottles mounted on an easy pour stand. They have never been opened. They purchased them back in 1978/79 and 1 bottle has on the bottom of the bottle 1793-3 and the other 1793-2. I am curious as to how much the value would be of these 2 bottles. As well, if they are worth a substantial amount, how would I go about selling them as my mother is interested in selling them.I look forward to hearing from you.

Answer
Hi Linda

These are older bottles, but distilled products like this don't improve (or get worse) with age because the alcohol level is so high that they simply don't change much over time in the bottle.  So unlike some fine wines, distilled spirits don't appreciate in value over time in the bottle.  Yours should be perfectly good to drink, but it won't have any higher value than a current bottling of the same stuff.

It is illegal for private individuals to sell alcoholic beverages in the USA, so you will have to sell these through a local retailer...but they won't sell for more than about $75-100 apiece.

Sorry I can't give you more exciting news.

Paul Wagner