Expert: Paul Wagner - 5/17/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi Paul,
I have the following unopened Scotch Whiskey to sell acquired in the 1970's and 80's and would like to know what they are worth and how I can sell them.
1) Haig & Haig Pinch 12 years Old...2 bottles of 4/5 (25) oz. and 1 16 oz.)
2) Chivas Regal...8 one quart bottles
3) Dewars White Label 86.8 proof...8 bottles of 25.4 oz, (3 in boxes)
4) Canadian Club, 6 yrs old, 25.4 oz...2 bottles
5) Ballantines 86 proof, 10 years...2 bottles 25.4 oz
6) Cardhu Single Malt, 80 Proof, 750 ml....1 bottle
7) Seagrams V.O. Canadian Whiskey, 1.75 litre, Six yrs old ...1  bottle and 1 bottle 4/5 quart (25 oz.)
8) Four Roses, 750 ml (25.4 oz), 80 proof, 2 bottles of Bourbon
9) J & B Rare, 25.4 oz, 86 proof....2 bottles
10)Johnny Walker Red, 80 proof...1 litre bottle, 1 litre bottle in box, 1 bottle 1.75 litre.
11) Cutty Sark, 86 proof...1 quart bottle
We also have
12 Wild Turkey Austin Nichols 8 yrs old, 101 proof
13) Metaxa Gold label, 4/4 quart, 91 proof
14) Dry Sack Sherry Medium Dry, Williams & Humbert 17.5 volume, 750 ml.
15) Jim Beam  Pay Phone Decanter and Whiskey: 3-coin slot dial pay phone, 5th in Historic Series of Telephone Decanters
16) Haas Bros, Cyrus Noble, 80 proof, 100 months, 750 ml, "Music Man Shaving" by James B Beam Distilling Co.

ANSWER: HI Anna

I can answer your question--but you are not going to like the answer!

Distilled spirits like this are so high in alcohol that they don't change much over time.  The good news is that these are all perfectly good to drink.  The bad news is that they haven't appreciated in value the way some fine wines do.  Bottom line?  They are worth just about what a current bottling of the same products is worth at a retail shop.

I wish I had better news for you, but I don't.  I should also not that it is illegal for private individuals to sell alcoholic beverages in the US.  You would have to sell these through a retailer or auction house---and they will certainly charge a commission.   

If they were mine, I would drink them or use them as gifts for people who enjoy such drinks.

Sorry

Paul Wagner

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks, Paul.  Just one more question....aren't the Haig & Haig Pinch Bottles collectible, they are all the dimple bottles?

Answer
HI Anna

Good question.  I am an expert in the liquor inside...but not necessarily the bottles.  You should check with the guys at antiquebottles.com.  They have all the latest info on collectible bottles, and a very willing to help.

Hope that helps!

Paul Wagner