The Collector - July

Announcing a new feature...The Collector.

I get a lot of questions about the value of collectible whiskies. Unfortunately, I'm not a collector, I'm a drinker, and I can't answer these questions. Luckily for me, I know one of the word's foremost collectors...Sukhinder Singh, proprietor of London-based The Whisky Exchange.

I end up farming out many of the questions to Sukhinder and get back to the reader who e-mailed the original question via email.

I figure, why not make this a regular feature?

Once a month (The last friday of each month) I'll post the responses from Sukhinder for everyone to read. So if you have questions on a collectible bottle you've discovered, send them in, and we'll get them answered. Use the "...Ask the Collector" link under "Stay in Touch..." over to the right.

If you want to read more about The Whisky Exchange, here is a story from May 2006.

And now, the first installment of "The Collector".

 

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Ground Rules

We are getting swamped with emails every month! Believe me, we get a LOT of questions and only a small percentage of them make it here - but we try to respond to everyone.

In order to help reduce the amount of work, I thought I'd establish some ground rules:

1. Before emailing, please look through the old "Ask The Collector" stories, to see if a similar bottle has already been appraised. If we get another question about the value of a bottle of White Horse from 1990, I'm going to put my head through the screen.
2. Some people have been leaving questions for Sukhinder in the comments. This is a no-no. I will assume any questions left in comments are for other readers to answer and NOT for Sukhinder - If you want Sukhinder's expert opinion please use the "...Ask the Collector" email address in the link to the right.
3. No questions will be considered without an included picture. I spend too much time asking people for pictures. Starting in 2007, I'm afraid we can't respond to any questions which don't include a picture of the bottle. In you don't include a picture, you won't get a response. Make sure your pictures include the fill level as well as the label and any distinguishing characteristics!
4. If Sukhinder makes an offer to buy your bottle, please do him the courtesy of responding whether you accept his offer or not.
5. Please visit The Whisky Exchange - either in person or via their website. Let's support Sukhinder, as he is providing this valuation services for free!

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Dear TSB
I have a bottle of Knockando Extra Old Reserve Fine Single Malt Whisky, seasoned  1964, bottled 1989. Distilled and bottled in Scotland by J&B. I acquired it in 1991 and have held on to it all this time because I liked the bottle and case it was in. A friend recently offered me $1000.00 for it. I am reluctant to sell because I have no ideal as to
what the true value could be. If there is anything you can do to aid me in making my decision I would truly appreciate it.

Thank You,
Ken
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Hi Ken,
Nice bottle and most importantly, a lovely whisky.
The bottle is worth about US$400 - $500.
If you have been offered US$1000, you should take this before he changes his mind.

Good Luck
Sukhinder
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Dear TSB:
Any idea what an Ambassador Scotch 25 yr old 4/5 th bottled in 1942 is worth?
I want to drink it on my 50th but worried about the cost of that great moment.
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Nothing crazy
About GBP £50

Regards,
Sukhinder

Comments

[Thomas]

I have three or more bottles of Knockando extra old reserve seasoned 1964 and bottled in 1988 - anyone interested in buying them from me can reach me at rarewine@gmail.com.

[Christopher]

Dear TSB
I have a Bottle of Auchentoshan 1962. I have been told there was only 104 bottles ever made. And currently only 2 in North America.

What is the value of this bottle and where Should I sell it in order to gain the most profit.

[Tino]

I recently found a bottle of Teachers & Sons Scotch that belonged to my 81 yr old father-in-law. A note attached from a friend stated that it was purchased in the 1940's. What might it be worth, and where can I sell it?