[JohnnyFlake]

Originally Posted by weak_link

I need some help with something and I know this is the correct place to ask.

I fully realize that Jim Beam is not even close to top shelf stuff but here goes. My father recently gave me two bottles of Jim Beam, unopened and in the boxes, from 1976. One is a special 'bicentennial edition' with a Norman Rockwell painting on the front (painting is called Pipe and Bowl), 4/5's size. The other is also 4/5's but is a 'collector's edition volume XI' featuring a James Lockhart image of a squirrel on the front.

So the big question- are these things worth anything? If they are not, I'll open one for my 40th next year. If they are, maybe I'll trade 'em for smokes or something. Any info you guys might be able to offer up would be greatly appreciated.

I have had at least half a dozen of those styles of Jim Beam bottles and I still have Volume XVI with some ducks on the bottle. Unfortunately, they have no real value as they never did become collectible. I've tried to sell them on eBay and some whiskey sites but I never did sell one. I eventually gave a few away and drank a few. Like you say Jim Beam is not a truly high end whiskey, but the blends in these bottles are very good and very smooth. I say break one open and give it a go. I don't think you be disappointed.