Expert: Paul Wagner - 5/28/2009

Question
I have a small bottle maybe 3 shots worth of "Black & White" Buchanans choice old scotch whisky. It is from 1914. I am wondering if anyone knows the history, value, and safeness of drinking this alcohol.

Answer
HI Joseph

I don't the history of this bottle--distillers have always bottled some of their product in these bottles as samples, and I suspect that this is what you have.  

It won't have much value to connoisseurs, because distilled products are so high in alcohol that they don't change much over time the way some fine wines do.  The good news is that this should be fine to drink.  The bad news is that it isn't worth much more than a current bottling.  

However, bottle collectors might feel differently.  Please check with the nice folks at antiquebottles.com.  They are very helpful, and you might find that the bottle is worth far more than the liquid inside.

Hope that helps.

Paul Wagner