Ask The Collector - January 2008

Every time there's a story about an expensive whisky at auction, our email goes up. Often with throughly uninteresting bottles. Here's the latest batch.

People never cease to amaze me with their inability to follow simple directions.

There are ground rules, but lots of people do not read them.

So, from now on, I simply have a link to the Ground Rules - which, if you want an answer, you are still expected to follow...

Read the Ground Rules HERE.

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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.

We generally respond to questions within a day or so (completely dependent 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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I have an old bottle of Haig & Haig Pinch Scotch that has been in our family for over 100 years. It was given to my now deceased Uncle's parents as a wedding present in 1898.

The bottle has never been opened and has the following info. on the labels. Imported by Renfield- Importers Ltd.-Newark, N.J.

Distributed by Renfield Importers LTD - New York City, NY 1457284

100% Scotch Whiskey - A product of Markinch Scotland  (86.8) proof

Attached are recent pictures of the bottle.

Thank you for responding to my question of value & where i might sell it.

Tom J.

Tom,

This is probably from the 1960's.

The level is not good on this one. Worth about US $75.

Regards, Sukhinder

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Could you tell me about this Clenlivet (sic) bottle?

On the bottleneck inscriptions are:
US_ER’S
OLD VATT_ CLENLIVET
Whisky
Special Reserve
J. & G, Stewart LTD
EDIN_URG

On the ringneck inscriptions are:
SPECIAL (CVG LOGO) RESERVE

On the top of the bottle is embossed:
US_ER’S
O.V.G
SPECIAL

Do you know how old is it? Is it a good whisky? Can we drink it? How valuable is this bottle?

Thanks,
Marie T.

Marie,
this is an excellent whisky! Quite rare...
Probably dates to around 1930's....
What a shame it does not have a label.
 If in perfect condition, it should be about US$300 - $400 +.
In this condition, US$50...??
Regards, Sukhinder

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Hello,
I have a bottle of prohibition era Dewar's Special scotch which was given to me from a old friend many years ago. This bottle was apparantly brought in to the US from Canada during prohibition.
The inside of the front label has the number 58-82 printed. The seal on top is from the Scottish Columbia Liquor Control Board and is stamped with "No 661" in red ink. The bottle is 26 1/2 ounces. Can you tell me what it might be worth? Thanks for your consideration

Barbara

Dear Barbara,

This is a half bottle which does not really have much interest in the market. Worth about US$50.

Regards, Sukhinder

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Hi,

I searched the blog and found a lot of queries about the Ambassador brand, but could not find your response to the queries - I hope this is not a repeat request.

Similar to the other posts regarding Ambassador 25 year old, the bottle I have was in my Grandmother's closet my whole life (I guess grandparents didn't like Scotch?).  I included pics, so I will spare you obvious details in writing. 

My question is approximate age, value, is this a good brand to buy now (like at a liquor store), and in your opinion did the bottle leak or is that much evaporation normal (the bottle is unopened)? 

Thank you in advance,
Max

Dear Max,

Ambassador 25yo was mainly made for the US and was big in the 1960's and 70's.
Worth about US$50 - $75.
Your bottle has a very bad level, and is not really worth anything
Regards, Sukhinder

Max,
In regard to the level, it's really hard to say. That's an awful lot of evaporation for an unopened bottle of that age. I'm guessing it was stored on it's side and leaked out over a period of time...
-Kevin

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We would like to know how much this bottle of Scotch whisky is worth. We think it was bottled in the 1940s or '50s.
The label at the bottom says "Joseph E. Seagram & Sons (Scotland) Ltd. 4/5 Quart. Aberdeen, Scotland. 86 Proof." It is still in its original case as seen in one of the photos.

Hi,

The bottle is from the 1980's.
Worth about US$20 - $30

Regards, Sukhinder

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Can you please tell me what this is worth?  My father bought this in circa 1965.  The case plays music when opened.  I’m sure I will start to play music and maybe sing when I open the bottle. Thanks for your help.
Anthony

Looks in good condition..1950's / 60's
My estimate - US$100.....
 
 
Regards, Sukhinder

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Dear TSB

What is this scotch worth? It was purchased in 1965.

Basil

This Ambassador 25yo is in much better condition than the last one.
I would say it is worth US $100 - $125
Regards, Sukhinder

Comments

[Ian Buxton]

Hi, The comment on the Dewar's bottle is odd. I can't really read the label, but if it says 26 1/2 ozs then it is a full bottle - the old equivalent of 70cl - not a half bottle. (Though I remember them as reading 26 2/3 ozs, this may be an export measure).
It does look like the hip flask half bottle style though. Strange....

[Bill Carney]

I was wondering if you could come to my office and give a presentation to about 10 to 15 people around single malt scotch.
We would also like to have a tasting and for the presentation to cover topics ranging from the types of Scotch whisky available and the different Scotch whisky regions to how single malt whisky is made and the blending and marrying process of blended whisky. We'd also like to sample a single malt from each region and have you walk us through the flavors. We drink a Single malt as a group on Fridays and some folks are experienced and some are novices...Thanks

[mandy lee]

i have a card inside is the smallest bottle of scotch in the world it is wee dram 70% proof referred in the guinness's book of records 1969 is it worth anything

[Jeff E]

I have what appears to be the same bottle of Pinch as shown on the opening of your website. What did you mean when you said the "the level is not good on this one" I'm sure you're right on the date. I'm guessing mine to be between 1956 & 1963. It is a great looking bottle. Any idea on how good it tastes. I also have a Glenlivet fifth packaged in a unusal Tin box depicting Muirfield. The tin box was manufactured by Barringer Wallis and Manners. ( probably 25-30 years old)Any idea on the value?

[Jim Reed]

I have an unopened bottle of Hedges&Butler Vat 250 Scotch Whisky, specially vatted to commerate the 250th anniversary of the firm bottled in 1917. What is the value?

Thanks,
Jim

[pat]

Heya I have some my grandfathers scotch some 12 year chevas and stuff but he has a bottle of Pinch by Haig & Haig its not listed any where that I have seen and not the white label with wire binding and stuff just gold label in gold box says P(in red)inch 12 years old Scotch whisky 750ml golden paper label and cap seal with the crest in white Renfield Importers ltd ny ny basically a keep sake to me but whats it go for ? Only haig I have seen is 15 and 18 year in stores and on line for like $40-70 and orginal 12 year bottle on auction for several hundred ?

[Jeffers Ashley]

I have the following;

THE GLENLIVET AGED 12 YEARS SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY." Distilled in Scotland by George & J.G. Smith, The Glenlivet Distillery - Scotland. It is decorated with the "CLASSIC GOLF COURSES "Muirfield" OF SCOTLAND." The bottom is marked "MANUFACTURED BY BARRINGER WALLIS AND MANNERS (MAKERS OF TIN BOXES SINCE 1890)!" On one side of the tin can is "the evolution of clubs and balls." On another side of it is "Muirfield's Golf Course." Once opened up, there is a picture of George Smith (Founder Of The Glenlivet Distillery 1792-1871) and the story.

Can you tell me about when this was sold and perhaps what the value is?

[Ruthann]

I have a 4-5th of a qt. of Haig and Haig Pinch, product of Markinch, Scottland. 86.6 proff. Stamp on top is 15835812. It's not opened. Can you tell me the value of this Scotch? It was from Renfield Importers LTD Newark, NJ. Thank you for your time.

[Ruthann]

Did not receive any information from you yet. Were you able to find anything out about this scotch? Thanks again, Ruthann

[Kevin Erskine]

Ruthann is a sterling example of someone who doesn't read the Ground Rules.