Expert: Paul Wagner - 4/29/2010

Question
I have an unopened bottle of Beams Choice 1976 edition with the Chipmunk on the front, how much would this be worth?

Answer
Hi Robert

Distilled spirits like this don't change much in the bottle over time--the alcohol level is too high.  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 $35 more or less.

But the bottle itself might be more collectible than the liquor inside. If I were you, I would check with the folks at antiquebottles.com.  They follow that market, and can tell you exactly what this one might be worth--and if it is collectible.

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

Paul Wagner