Expert: Paul Wagner - 7/13/2009

Question
I have a W C Fields Private Stock Kentucy Straight Bourbon Whiskey decanter, sealed with IRS Distilled Spirit Tax Stamp Series 112 #394377019.  The box states it was especially selected and bottled by the Turtle Bay Distilling Co.,Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and distributed by Carillon Importers, Ltd.,NYC 10022.  Can you tell me what year it was made or approximate value?  I would appreciate any information you might have.  Thanks.


Answer
HI Bill

I can't tell you much about the whiskey--this was a promotional bottle, not a long term brand they created.  In general, distilled sprits and liqueurs like this don't improve with age in the bottle the way some fine wines do.  The alcohol level is so high that they don't really change much at all.  The good news is that they are almost always perfectly good to drink, but the bad news is that they almost never appreciate in value.

I should point out that it is illegal for private individuals to sell alcoholic beverages in the USA.  You would have to work through a retailer or auction house, both of which would take a commission off anything sold.  

Some bottles may have more value for the packaging than the liquid inside.  You can always check with the folks at antiquebottles.com, as they are very helpful about this kind of thing.

This one might really get their attention!

Paul Wagner