Expert: Paul Wagner - 6/9/2009

Question
I have one bottle of Crown Royal dated 1946 and a bottle of Canadian Club from 1953.  Both are unopened and in excellent condition.  Two questions:  What would be the best avenue for selling them and approximately how much should they be worth?

Answer
HI Paula

They 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.  I would estimate these at about $50 each, max.  

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.

Please note that it is illegal for private individuals to sell alcoholic beverages.  You will need to go through an auction house or a retailer, and have to pay a commission.

Hope that helps.

Paul Wagner