Expert: Paul Wagner - 3/2/2010

Question
I have an old, big sealed bottle of Dimple 12 Year Old De Luxe Scotch Whisky 2 l, 40% vol (106779677 John Haig & Co. Ltd markinch Scotland) with unbroken wire in the original box. It dates from early 70's. It's about 50 years old now. My grandmother got it from her brother in Germany 40 years ago and gave it to me.
Do you have any idea of price + where I can sell it?

Thanks for any information about this.

Tamara (Denmark)

Answer
Hi Tamara!

Distilled spirits like this don't change much in the bottle over time, because the alcohol level is too high.  The good news is that this still should be in fine shape to drink.  The bad news is that it won't have appreciated in value the way some fine wines do.  I'd estimate this one at about $35-50 US.  

But the bottle itself might be of more interest to collectors than the wine inside.  I'd drop a note to the guys at antiquebottles.com, and see what they say.  They keep a keen eye on what is collectible in the bottle department these days.

I don't know the regulations in Denmark, but in many countries it is illegal to sell alcoholic beverages as an individual.  Your best bet will be an auction house, or perhaps a wine shop that could trade this for something you might prefer to drink.  

Hope that helps--and I am sorry that I don't have more exciting news for you.

Paul Wagner