Expert: Paul Wagner - 11/16/2007

Question
On a trip to Chicago in 1971, I purchased a one (1) gallon bottle of 12 year old Chivas Regal (along with a gallon bottle of Jim Beam).  In addition, Chivas Regal sent me a wooden pouring base as part of the purchase.  (Note: the percentage of alcohol was also higher in 1971.)  Notwithstanding the fact that the scotch cannot by sold by an unlicensed person, solely from a collector's standpoint, what is the value of the "unopened box and unopened glass bottle" and the wooden base?  In addition, when was the last time that one gallon bottles were available for purchase in the US and how long has it been since the alcohol level of Chivas Regal was decreased to 80 proof.

Answer
HI Allan

Distilled spirits have such a high alcohol level that they don't change much, for better or for worse, once they are bottled.  Because of that, this bottle should be fine to drink, but won't have appreciated much in value.  I would estimate this at about $75-100. I think the gallon bottles are still available in some markets in the USA...but I can't tell you when the alcohol level dropped.

A bottle collector might pay a lot more--I know beverages, but I don't know collectible bottles. The fact that you have the wooden base, in particular, might attract some attention.  Check out antiquebottles.com.  They have a lot of great info there, and can probably give you a better idea.

Sorry I can't be the bearer of more exciting news.

Paul Wagner