Ask The Collector - January

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And now another installment of our very popular "Ask The Collector" column in which Sukhinder Singh of The Whisky Exchange answers questions about the value of collectible whisky.

The Collector is usually published on the last Friday of each month. We generally respond to questions within a day or so (completely dependant upon Sukhinder's schedule).

Remember, when you are in London, you can visit The Whisky Exchange in Hanwell or at their satellite shop at Vinopolis near the Borough Market. And of course you can always visit The Whisky Exchange on-line.

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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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I believe this to be close to the 1870's. I would like to find out how much this is worth? It is in excellent condition and never been opened.

Any help would be appreciated. I went to the web site of Whyte and Mackays and this looks to be the same bottle that they have the old pictures of.

Thank you

Charles A.

Very very nice...
I would say 1920's - 1930's...
Only problem I see is that the cork looks low, and there are signs of shrinkage.
At a guess I would say we have a tricky situation, the cork could drop into the bottle at any time.

Without seeing the bottle physically, I would not like to give a value.

In perfect condition with a good level, I would say about US $500

Regards, Sukhinder

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I have a bottle:
Johnny Walker Black label Old Scotch Whisky 750 ml
number on bottom of bottle SC813; upc bar code on back 88508 01030; inside front label seeing through the bottle B062008836. The bottle is still full and we've had it since around 1960 - 1970??
Can you give me an idea of its value?

John C.

The J Walker Black from the 60's would be worth about US$50 -$70
Regards, Sukhinder

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Dear TSB

On the Label of most whiskies there is a number, usually a B number and sometimes an A number.
For example I have a bottle of Bell's with B28 on it and a Bottle of B421.
Could you Tell me the significance of these numbers please?

Brent P.

Hi Brent

The numbers are batch numbers, today these are usually printed on the glass or the rear of a label.
The company can date the bottles to the exact day of bottling, mainly used when there is a problem with a particular batch, it is easier to recall the product of the market.

Regards
Sukhinder

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How much is this worth... 1959 (The unbroken seal/label over the cap is dated 1959) bottle (a fifth) of seagrams crown royal in very good condition and original package, seal unbroken

Joe

Unfortunately, there iust not much great demand for old Canadian.
The other problem is that the bottle and label has looked the same for the last 50 years.
worth about US$ 60 - 70

Regards, Sukhinder

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How much is this worth.. I have an unopened bottle of Haig & Haig 12 year old pinch scotch. It has no numbers on  the seal. Above the pinch name on front of the bottle the numbers 184 1937 4.It also has a Wisconsin state lable with number 000000240 on it.  On the bottom the number sd283 is stamped. I am not sure how old it is.

1980's; worth about US$40 - 50

Regards, Sukhinder

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I have a bottle of King's Ransom Scotch (4/5),  seal#27046516, unopened, contained in a wooden chest made by Red  Circle Display Case Co., NY. This chest holds the bottle of scotch as well as 2 glasses and a shot glass. It is also a music box  playing, "Around the World I Searched for You". This was a gift to  my step-grandfather possibly in the 50's.(?) He worked at a liquor  store part time and was given this as a Christmas bonus. Thank you  for any info.

Karen D.

Similar age bottles of Kings Ranson are selling for about US$80 - $100.
The additional packaging is nice and should add another US$30 - $50 to the price,

Regards, Sukhinder

Comments

[Laura]

I would like to know about a bottle of JW black. I read the question about the Johhnie Walker Black bottle but my bottle seems to be a little different. The bottom label says... By appointment to her majesty the queen. I am not sure of the year. The bottle has never been opened and still has the red tape label over cap. This bottle also has a cork. Would you have any idea how old it is or if it is worth anything?

[Brian Wilkinson]

Hi I have a bottle of Johnny Walker Black and I am curious as to when it was bottled? The number on the rear of the label is L7023CC000, and the number on the glass is SE405 and the barcode is 5000267024011.

Regards, Brian Wilkinson.

[Al Nesci]

I have a bottle of Johnnie Walker Red Lable Old Scotch Whiskey. SC813 - wondering the value of this item .. I have the orginal box
Patten Number 1207487. Please let me know. Thanks. I think it is from the 70's
Al

[shawn]

Please let me know what the code "B28" stands for on whisky bottles. It cannot be a batch code because there are at least 10 or 11 different whisky's in our liquor store with the same code. Some cheap, some expensive.

Thanks and regards
Shawn

[Manuel]

I have 5 bottles of Haig Blended Scotch Whiskey "Gold Label" 74% proof, Distillers, Markinch, Scotland. 750ml bottle. Bottled in New Zealand. No codes except on the base it states Haigh & Haig ltd Scotland ISP 388. This bottle is quite old as it has been in storage for quite sometime, grandfather owned a Local bar 40years ago.

[Craig]

Hi
I have a bottle of Haig blended scotch whisky gold label, bottle looks old, 70 proof 26 2/3 flozs 75.7cl, numbers on bottom SC910, bottled in markinch, is this worth something
Kind Regards

[kenny mclennan]

please could you help? my dad has a whyte and mackays gold pot still which is still sealed and boxed he is wondering how much it is worth. much appreciated kenny

[Norma Ortiz]

I have an unopened bottle of Haig and Haig from the 1800's what is it worth? Thanks

[Goran Malic]

I have a bottle of Johnnie Walker Red Label Old Scotch Whisky. Bottle is 1.75l and SC957. I'm wondering the value of this item .
Patten No 1207487. Please let me know. Thanks.

[sandra whyte]

i have old bottle of white horse whiskey from about 47 years ago where can i check the age properley