Expert: Paul Wagner - 4/19/2009

Question
I have a souvenir bottle of Dickel Whisky. It has a long arched snout and it is in a leather carrier. The label states it is for the reopening of the distillery. The bottle is at least 35 years old. Is it worth anything? Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Alan

Distilled spirits like this don't change much over time, because the alcohol level is so high.  The good news is that this should be perfectly good to drink--buy the bad news is that it hasn't appreciated with age the way some fine wines do.  I'd estimate this bottle at about $30-45.  

But that is for the liquid.  You may find a bottle collector who value the container more than the whiskey. Check with the guys at antiquebottles.com.  They have great information, and they can tell you if the bottle itself is collectible.

Sorry that I can't give you more exciting news.

Paul Wagner