Expert: Paul Wagner - 8/7/2009

Question
We have 8 bottles of old rarity imported in 1940 and at that time was 12 years old....they are in mint condition in the org carton and are unopened....we also have 1 botttle of DeKUYPER  bottled Dec 1933...it also remains unopened....any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated....... thank you so very much for your time and attention.

Answer
Hi Jill

Distilled spirits like these don't change much over time--the alcohol level is too high.  SO the good news is that this is all probably perfectly safe to drink.  The bad news is that it won't have appreciated in value the wine some fine wines do.  

On the other hand, the Old Rarity bottles are actually somewhat rare, and while the beverage inside is of limited value, the bottles might be worth more.  Check with the guys at antiquebottles.com for more information about that...they are the real experts in bottles.  

By the way, Old Rarity is Scotch Whiskey, and was made by Bulloch Lade & Co in Glascow.  I've seen at least one bottle on the internet offered for sale for over $100 US.

Paul Wagner