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Old Unopened Bottles of Whiskey
December 16, 2006 12:23 PM
It seems people are finding lots of old bottles of whisky that are still sealed and are wondering whether they are still good and what the value of the bottle would be. For the most part any bottle of unsealed high proof spirit should be safe, as we’ve seen by the sales of very old scotch whiskies. As for the value of these old bottles it will depend on the type of spirit and the stated age (i.e. how long it was barrel aged) and how old the bottle is. For example a bottle of Glenavon whisky from 1851 sold for about $29,000. The bottles that will attract the most interest would be anything pre-prohibition, or items that are out of production. But there are exceptions to this and even I would be interested in comparing some old Canadian whiskies, like a bottle of Crown Royal from the 1940's.Unlike wine, once whisky, and spirits in general, are bottled they don’t age. Technically there can still be some changes going on, if let say the bottle was exposed to light for a long period of time, but for the most part, once bottled high proof spirits don’t age. The reason wine ages is because of the chemical nature of the wine. The compounds in grapes (tannins and acids) tend to oxidize and soften the wine over time. This is a good characteristic for wine. When spirits are aged, they pick up flavours from the oak barrels and that’s about it.
Almost all compound in distilled spirits are heat stable since they were distilled at high temperatures, compared to ambient storage temperatures, so heat doesn’t affect them as long as they are sealed. Wines however can be affected by heat. Also, since spirits are high proof (80 proof or 40% ABV) and ethanol is a very stable molecule, plus the water is extremely stable, there is only an very small amount of compound in aged spirits that could theoretically age. So if any change does happen, it would be insignificant.
Obviously certain spirits are going to have a higher “collector” value than others. Single malt Scotches would probably be at the top of the list. Because of prohibition, it would be extremely rare to find a pre-1920 bottle, but that would fetch some good coin if you found an interested buyer. Also because of prohibition, there are few, if any, vintage bourbons. Once prohibition was repealed, in the 1930's the process of aging the bourbon whiskey would have to start from scratch, plus demand for anything whiskey like would outweigh the idea of selling very old spirits at the time.
Canadian whiskies are quite abundant, but because they are blended they tend not to change from one year to the next. This reduces the value significantly since the perception is that something bottles in 1951 would taste the same as a 2005 bottling. That is the goal of blending, a consistent flavour from one generation to the next. So a bottle of 1974 Seagrams VO might not be worth anything, but perhaps a bottle of Crown Royal from the 1940's or very early 1950's might have some value. Again, it is not going to fetch you a lot of money but you may get double the going rate for a current bottle of Crown Royal.
Again a very good article. Thank you for your effort!
The subject of aged spirits is quite complex - because not only the quality and the (barrel) age comes into consideration - also the rarity and the value for collectors you’ve to take into account to interpret the price.
What really interesting is of this chapter is, that products and brands were altered over the time of years and centuries. You can assume that the taste of the audience changed and so did the masterblenders. There is no perfect formula to blend several barrels and every barrel is different. At the end, there could be a significant difference between a Seagram’s Crown Royal bottled in 2005 and the same product bottled in 1970.
So who ever has this kind of “vintage†spirits could be so kind to provide these spirits to a tasting audience which can compare the styles. So for us it could be even better, that spirits doesn’t change in the bottle, as this makes them comparable...
Though I have given something up I have both enjoyed and abused over the years, I was recently given an unopened bottle of Crown Royal dated 1968. It has no box but is still in the bag. My intent would be to return it with a thank you for the consideration and possibly some information about what it's value may be for a person who is interested in it. I am sure that either of us would like to see it go to someone that sees it more for it's date verses value. I will look at Ebay. If there are other resources I should look at please let me know. markneisler@earthlink.net
I am looking for a value of a tiffany cut glass decanter of segrams wiskey never opened 1776 If you have any information on this it would be appreciated
Thank You
Rex Patton
Hi, You mention that a bottle of 1974 Seagrams VO would not be worth much but bottles of Crown Royal from the 40's or 50's could be worth some. I have 3 sealed bottles of Seagrams VO, the dates on the bottles are 1947 & 1946. Would these be worth anything?
I have an unopened 1974 bottle of Crown Royal still in the original box from the day I bought it. It has never seen sun light. Does it have any value?
I have read your other posted comments/questions and would also like to know the value of a bottle i have.Can you help?I also have a bottle of unopened crown royal dated 1971 still in its velvet bag and original box is it worth anything or should i just give it to my dad,i'm a bacardi girl myself!
Have an unopened bottle of Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey bottled in 1935. Says "Bottled in Bond" 100 proof-- Label also says "This Whiskey is 6 years old". Any value here?
Carol
I found a bottle of Canadian Club with the seal intack dated 1958. Is there any value to this bottle of whiskey? If anyone knows, please contact me.
Thanks,
Ed
i also have a 1958 bottle of seagram canadian club whisky and was wondering if anyone got back to you and what you may have found out. If anything please email me back i would really appreciate it
I have a bottle of schenley whiskey that is packed in a metal tin with a key on the top to open the can.Without opening the can I can see through an open window in the back the words schenleys aged medicinal whiskey.On the tin is some writing ONE FULL PINT bottled in bond under u s government supervision. I have no idea how old this is, can someone help me.
charles n marra
I have an unopened bottle of Imported Canadian Club. Sticker says Hiram Walker & Sons. Has a blue 1968 liquor control board sticker with a code on it and a pink Internal Revenue sticker with a code and finally an orange Canadian certifed manufacturer sticker on it. The orange and pink stickers are over the lid. Does this have any value? Thanks!
I have a bottle of old unopened bourbon. It's called Bedford Special and was distilled in Eminence, KY. The date on the bottle is made in 1915 and bottled in 1919. Any idea who may be interested?
I Have An unopened bottle of segrem's crown royal 1966 with the stickers on them just worndering if anyone know the pricing on this please let me know at chickeater42@hotmail.com
I've come across 5 unopened bottles of whiskey and I would like some information on their worth and how to sell them:
2 bottles of 1967 Gold Crest Canadian Whiskey
1967 Adams Private Stock Can. Whisky
1966 Walker's Special Old Can, Rye Whisky
1832 Decanter sealed in 1951
I have a bottle of Carleton Tower Limited Whiskey.
Made by Hiram Walker and Sons.
Sealed still, from Canada 1971.
Full?
Where would I go about finding out what it is worth??
I have a 1976,77,& 79, James Bean, 80 proof,180 days olds, whiskey, would they be worth anything?
There's a small but steady flow of such bottles for sale on ebay. Depending on age, rarity and specialist appeal, prices realized seem to range from $20 (i.e. negligible) to $500 and up. It might not be the place to sell a $29,000 bottle of Scotch, but is probably the best way to sell most of the examples mentioned so far.
i have a bottle of glasgow celtic centenarry whiskey produced in 1988 boxed is it valuable
i have an old bottle of courvoisier cognac thats still sealed. It has a State of Indiana tag on it that the best i can read it, it says excise and enforcement tax paid and has some numbers on it. Im just wondering if its worth anything.
looking for info on two bottles i have. they are old overholt straight rye whiskey. 6 year old. it has a penn liqure control label 45c73033. looking for how old it could be and what a app. price.
I recently acquired an unopened bottle of scotch from 1919. Not a name brand. Bottle has a half moon on it.
Where might I find a good appraiser?
A friend of mine has a very similar can/bottle as below. It has printed on it: "Prewar distilled 22 years ago". Could you give some history or details about this whiskey? Including any estimate of value. Thank you.
I have a bottle of schenley whiskey that is packed in a metal tin with a key on the top to open the can.Without opening the can I can see through an open window in the back the words schenleys aged medicinal whiskey.On the tin is some writing ONE FULL PINT bottled in bond under u s government supervision. I have no idea how old this is, can someone help me.
charles n marra
Comment by: charles n marra :: March 2, 2007 10:01 PM
I have several bottles of unopened seagrams crown royal from 1953 and others without the dates with the bag,box & certificates of registration,all are sealed.any ides on value.
I have a bottle of rye whiskey from 1967,it was a Confederation Edition,as 1967 was Canada's 100th Birthday. It is in the original box, and is contained in a vinyl,zipper bag. Picture on the box is of the Fathers of Confederation,at Charlotown. It is still sealed in original condition. I'm wondering if it would be of any interest to a collector.
Hi,
My dad asked me to try and find out what his 1 gallon bottles of Whiskey, Gin and Vodka are worth. They are unopened. Red Lable Scotch, Black Lable Scotch, Beefeaters Gin, Schmernof(SP) Vodka, Crown Royal, Candian Club and several others. Anyway I could find out what they are worth? Thank you, Brian
I have an unopened bottle of Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey 100 Proof (Bottled in 1940)... Can anyone tell me how much this is worth?
Andrew Usher & Co. Grand Old Highland Whisky, Edinburch..product of Scotland
London & Export Offices, 59 Mark Lane.E.C..Straw casing, came around the horn, year???
Any info would be appreciated.
Recently recieved a bottle of: Seagrams V.O. 6year old sealed 1930, and Old Overholt Whiskey made 1920 bottled 1932 Sealed. Any idea of the prices or where I may find prices? Both 90% full.
I recently aquired 90% full, sealed pint bottles of:
Seagrams VO 6yr dated 1930
Old Overholt Made 1920 bottled 1932
I was wondering if you knew how to price them?
I have an unopened bottle of Canadian Masterpiece Blended Whisky (Bottled in 1962)in it's orginal red case. Can anyone tell me how much this is worth?
Hello,
I have a unopened 1958 bottle of Seagrams Crown Royal seal is not broken and still in its original bag. Can anyone tell me what the value of this bottle would be?
Thanks In advance
I have an unopened boxed bottle of Canadian Club 1952 with a sticker label, "This carton and contents must be exported from the United Kingdom". I also have a boxed, unopened bottle of White Label Dewar's Scotch Whisky from Forte's Duty Free Shops at London Airports, Stock No. 10. I think this one is from the same era but is marked with 1 pound 11 and 1 pound newpence, so it has to be just when the money was changing over. Any idea of value?
I have two Seagrams Crown Royal still sealed in original bags and Boxes. 1 fifth with 1962 tax seal
1 half gal with 1959 tax seal. could you help me with approximate value
Thank You, Kermit
Got 2 bottles left over from a 6 pack of corona last night.anyone give me $50 and they can have it.Gotta be worth millions.Heck I'll even throw in half of a lime.
I was given from my grandfather (who was in the liquor bus. from about 1910 - 1980. a few PINT BOTTLES OF 100 PROOF PURE RYE WHISKEY -"OLD OVERHOLT"
Labeled: back MADE SPRING 1913 CAUTION NOTICE, FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES ONLY. BY ACT OF CONGRESS MARCH 3, 1897 PENALY NOT LESS THEN $100. NOT MORE THEN $1,0000 (in details)
Front: Name of Whiskey ESTABLISHED 1810- DIST. NO 3 BOTTLED IN BOND
Over the Cork: Bottled Spring 1928 100 proof
On the glass: A Overholt Reg. U-S Pat. Off full pint
-----------------------------------
After a family member died we opened one bottle and tried it. It was the most incredible wonderful smoothest taste ever ! There is about 2 shots left in that bottle, and the other 2 are sealed & stored out of state in a vault.
How does one find out it's true value?
would like to know value of unopened 1/2 gallon 80 proof seagrams crown royal 1962.
I have a sealed 1973 bottle of Canadian Club and a sealed 1971 bottle of Crown Royale in the bag. Can anyone tell me the value of these?
I have an old bottle of "White Label" Dewars Scotch Wiskey, still in its box and sealed. The box is white with a scotchman on the front in full kit. I have no idea how old it is, but think it may be 1950's - early 1960's - as I was born in 1961 and recall seeing it sitting for years in my fathers wardrobe as a child (he immigrated to NZ in 1956)...
Any ideas if it has any value?
I have an unopened both of HEUBLEIN'S OLD FASHIONED WHISKEY.
It has an IRS red sticker label over the lid with the numbers 7-1452892 and then a GREEN MICHIGAN stamp on the side with the numbers 67144501. The front says it is Kentucky Straight Bourbon WHiskey.
R-105 and 4-53 are on the bottom. How can I tell how old this is and if it has any value?
I have a couple of 1948 James bem bowling pin bottles of wiskey never been open just wandering the value of the items
i have over 20 jim bean collectible 1971 bottles
I have become the owner of a bottle of whiskey that I wonder what it is worth?It is a Qt bottle in an original wooden box supposedly about 110 yrs old.It is Kentucky Tavern "Captains Quart"It is 90 proof,has a serial#25199062.There is another #254515535? The cost is marked 41cents.It was distilled at the Glenmore Distillery.It say's Louisville,Ky-Owensboro,Ky. Have you any idea or info about this?
Thanks,Troy Williams
my bottel of Glenmore's Old Thompson Brand Blended Whiskey 4/5 Quart is sealed and full. Raised letters on the bottel say FEDERAL LAW FORBIDS SALE OR RE-USE OF THIS BOTTEL, I believe this may be a prohibition bottel. There is no date, I would like to know what it's value is Thank you Dleo
I have a 1950 unopened bottle of Crown Royal with paper tax stamp in original bag and box. Can someone tell me what it is woeth?
I have several different bottles, a Peter Dawson Old Curio bottled by Julius Wile & Sons Ny, Ny. Spring loaded top; a Carlton Towers with a Canada Excise Tax of 1949; and a couple more different bottles. I was hoping you could send me in the right direction to get an idea of history, age and value. I tried to contact the companys for help, no avail. Thanks Rho
I have an unopened bottle in original case of Corby's Park Lane
Canadian Whisky 1940 What would the vaule be worth ?
Interested in History and Selling points.
Regards
I have an unopened bottle of canadian club whiskey from 1974. I was wondering the value of it if there is any at all. It is a 750ml bottle. All seals are original and still in tact.
I have an unopened 1.75 litre bottle of 1974 crown royal in the original bag and stand. how much is it worth?
Wondering what a bottle of Crown Royal might be worth. Still sealed.
i have 2 bottles of carleton tower rye whiskey in their original plastic/zippered cases. do they have any interest from collectors?
I have 2 bottles of Canadian Club one is 40oz "6 year old" with a 1962 label on it and another bottle without an age sticker that is1Pt 6 FL Oz - any value or should I drink them
I've recently found an unopened bottle of 100 Proof Bonded Beam Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The government label is still in tact and it says it was made in the fall of 1968 and bottled in the fall of 1976. Is this valuable?
Thank you.
I, too, enjoyed your article. We have many Jim Bean bottles...several still unopened. There must be 100 of them, and they go back many years. What would be the best way for us to get rid of this collection?
We appreciate the chance to ask you!!
I have an unopened bottle of Dewar's white label, Corked, and NJ Tax Seal. I am wondering the worth of the bottle.
I Have a bottle of unopened KENTUCKY TAVERN WHISKEY 1913-1923 h.s.barton distiller owensboro ky.100 proof 99 percent perfect is this rare or of any value? any help ?
I have 3 bottles of Canadian whiskey..
1958 unopened Canadian Club 750ml
1983 unopened Canadian Club 750ml
1981 unopened Seagrams VO 750ml
does anyone know if they are worth anything???? Thanks GK
I have a sealed bottle of Crown Royal from 1962 in the original bag and box. Does this have any value? If so, where do you find someone that would like to purchase it?
I have a sealed bottle of 1961 Canadian Club Whiskey what is it's worth?
I have the following
Seagrams 100 proof straight bourbon whiskey,distleed 1929/bottled 1934 unopened
Seagrams VO 6 YO'stamp 1932,don't believe it has been opened
Seagrams pedigree straight bourbon whiskey,stamp 1927.Bottle shaped like a book,has been opened
Paul Jones 4 star distilled dry gin
can't find a date,unopened
Any values here?
Can anyone tell me how to find out the value of an unopened 1962 One Gallon bottle of Seagrams VO? I don't think they've made gallon bottles in some time, so I thought it might be worth something.
I have an unopened bottle of (1880-1890??)White Wheat Whiskey from Waterloo Distillery, Ontario Canada. It's still about 1/4 full and has a worn but unbroken seal on it. I want to sell this collectible but do not know the best method, the laws regarding, or an estimated value. Can anyone help?
Am wondering the value of an unopened tin of Schenley's Aged Medicinal Whiskey. Made 1916, bottled 1923.
I have two half pint bottles of old charter whiskey.It was aged from fall of 1951 to fall 1963.what is it worth?
Sir/Madam:
I bought an old house and found a case of various whiskeys in tact, unopened. Kesslers, Schenley and Segrams all 1970-1975. Do they have any unusual or appreciated value?
BEB
Stamped in 1948, Six year old Seagrams VO 4/5ths of a qt.
The lower half of the bottle is inside a brass basket.
Neat looking, I wonder if anyone collects this kind of item?
I have a bottle of Seagrams canadian rye whiskey vo rare old canadian whiskey 1923 unopened. Could you tell me what it might be worth?
Does anyone know the price value or how I can find out on a bottle of Dougherty's Blend of Pennsylvania Straight Rye Whiskey, Pre Prohibition, Distilled before 1918, Bottled J.A. Dougherty and sons, 80 proof, superior quality 1849 - thanks.
I have an antique Bottle of Corby's Park Lane 1940 Canandian Whiskey in a decorative sealed rectangular decanter still in a red velvet box and then in the original cardboard outer box. Is there any way to determine the value of such a bottle?
I have an unopened bottle of H. S. Barton's Old Bouquet Bourbon fully matured, 100 proof. It has a presciption label dated 11-21-1929. Wonder about what, if any, value. Thanks,
I have a bottle of Jim Beam. Its 4/5 quart and 80 proof. Its in a souvenier bottle that commemorates the 100th running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 17, 1975. Its still sealed. It says on the bottle 100 months old. Does anyone know if it has any value. Thanks.
I have a unopened sealed bottle of Seagrams V.O. Canadaian Whisky ( age 13 years ).It was bottled in 1928 and contents 40 imperial ounces.This bottle come with a Presenting booklet on the neck of the bottle Is there any way to determine the value of such a bottle?
I have an unopened, sealed 750ML bottle of Crown Label with a date of 1978 on the seal. I also has the purple velour bag and purple box. What would be the approximate value of this? Is anyone interested? Thanks.
i have a jim bean bottle of the pope can u tell about it please
I have a 1.14 Litre First Production of Canadian Club from Hiram Walkers Okanagan Distillery in Kelowna, BC. It is in a Gold Commenorative, dated l972 F6136155, bottled in 1978 in a red cloth bag. Is this of any collective value?
we found in our great aunt's closet a 750mi Crown Royal bottle w/ a set of four imported rock glasses w/ the crown on the pillow emblem etched on them . they are in a metal CR box w/hindged lid and a CR cardboard cover that slides over the metal box . does anyone collect this type of item ? unopened and a 1979 label across the cap . any input would be geatly appreciated thank you and
"HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR" !! jeff douglas
!!
How much would be worth an unoppened bottle of 6 year old 1952 Canadian Schendley Whisky, 12 oz?
In response to the Laurie Boucher posting dated 11 December 2007. I don't know how much your bottle of J.A. Dougherty Son's is worth, but I might be interested in it!
Contact jdogtree@hotmail.com
I have an unopened bottle of Dougherty's Blend of Pennsylvania Straight Rye Whiskey Pre-Prohibition distilled before 1918. What is the value of this? Thanks:)
I have an unopened bottle of 1958 bottle of seagrams crown royal with bag and box. the seal has the code: E1837265. my grandparents brought it with them up from panama. i would love to know what it is worth. please feel free to email me at nrfountain@gmail.com with either the price or where i can find out the price. thanks!
I have 2 bottles of Old Fitzgerald niether has been opened.
One has a fill date of 1964 and says Bonded 100 Proof.
The other has a fill date of fall 1947 this has a seperate glass with cork top with a string attached to the top.
Any informaiton would be helpfull, I have not found anything on the web.
Thanks
I a few crown royals items and iwas wondering the value of the products.
I have 1 imperial QT in blue box with the bag from 1960.
1 750 ml from 1975 in the metal blue box
1 imperial qt in bag from 1966
1 melchers anniversery in box from 1962
and 1867-1967 anniversery
if anyone could help me out please on an estimate of the value i would greatly appreciate it
p.s. My email is Tricia-44@hotmail.com
I have an unopened registered bottle of Canadian Masterpiece, unbroken seal dated 1963, in original red leather-look box with 'Masterpiece' written in gold on top. How do I find out what it could be worth?
I have a 1948 unopened bottle of Seagrams VO and would like to know if it is worth anything, TIA Ricky
My grandfather (96 years old) is looking for collectors who might be interested in commemorative whiskey bottles. Most bottles are sealed. Are there collectors out there and how do you find them?
My cousin has a 1929 bottle of 12 year-old Johnny Walker Black Label, unopened. Does anyone know it's worth?
Haig&Haig Best Blended Scots Whisky(yes its spelled right) the tax seal is 1936 and it is a pinch bottle. I can`t find any info on this. Please email me for pics.
I have 3 bottles of unopened whiskeys please could you tell me if they are worth anything?
1st is a 12 year old Black Dog blended scotch whiskey bottled around 1983, 2nd 21 year old Glenfarclas single highland malt bottled around 1976 and 3rd 15 year old Glenfarclas single highland malt bottled around 1976.
Hi there. I was given a never opened Bonded Beam blue decanter bottle. The dates on the paper seal are 1963 and bottled in 1971. Has a US Government code #07489919 on the seal. Does it have any value or would it be better just to enjoy it.?
I have two canadian whisky bottles that are un-opened. One is, Carrington whisky 1956. The other is, Golden Velvet 7 star special edition 1960. The seven star has a serial number from the government. I was woundering if this could be a high value and where I could get a good evaluation.
Thank You.
Am wondering if the bottle my mother still has is worth anything. Made in the fall of 1916 and bottled the spring of 1930, it is from Dougherty Distillery of Philadelphia and is Pure Rye Whiskey, never opened with the original seal and in the box it was purchased in.
I have a bottle called Jug Decanter from Michter's. The pint Ceramic jug has never been opened, seal intact and is Michter's original sour mash Whiskey. The pint has the painted picture of the distillery on it in the original box circa 1970. Is it worth anything ?
i have a bottle of crown royal that was taxed in 1963.can anyone tell me what it might taste like?
Trying to find value for Seagrams whiskey in Tiffany cut glass decanter. In box and bag with seal intack. It's a 1776 bicentennial.
80 proof,A blend. How do I find a buyer?
Greetings,
I would appreciate any information regarding the value of 3 bottles of Crown Royal from the early 1940's; one bottle of Corby's Park Lane dated 1942; King's Ransom 1940's; Seagram's VO 1952; 2 bottles of Chivas Regal 1940's; Johhny Walker Red 1950's.
Is there any price listing or guidebook available for researching the costs of spirits?
Thank you for your interest.