Expert: Paul Wagner - 2/24/2010

Question
I have a IW Harper bottle that I am wondering about the value.  It is unopened with the tax seal intact.  I believe it is quite old.  The shape is a barrel....is there any value here?

Answer
Hi Kendra

Distilled spirits like this don't change much with time in the bottle--the alcohol level is too high.  SO the good news is that yours should be perfectly fine to drink.  The bad news is that it hasn't appreciated in value the way some fine wines do.  I'd estimate yours at about $20-25.  

But the bottle itself might be worth more than the liquid inside.  Check with the very helpful folks at antiquebottles.com to see their photos.  They have a good idea of what bottles have become collectible.,

Sorry I can't give you  more exciting news, but I hope this helps

Paul Wagner