Expert: Paul Wagner - 1/30/2010

Question
I would like to know if you could give me an approx value on an unopened and sealed bottle of chivas regal royal salute in a ceramic flagon by wade of england. approx 55 years old

Answer
Hi Ed

Distilled spirits like this are so high in alcohol that they don't change much over time.  The good news is that your bottle should be fine to drink.  The bad news is that it won't have appreciated a great deal in value the way some fine wines do.  I'd estimate this one as about the same price of current bottling...which is not chump change, but nothing spectacular.

But the bottle itself may be of more value than the liquor inside.  I'd check that with the guys at antiquebottles.com.  These older ceramic bottles are collectible, and it might well be worth more than the Scotch!

Hope that helps

Paul Wagner