I am frequently asked by people, “My grandparents have passed away and they have all of these old decanters in their home. What should I do with them?” My first questions is are they full of whiskey? If so then contact Bill Thomas or Jared Hyman at Jack Rose. They might be interested in purchasing them from you. Don’t expect a high price if they are ceramic decanters because you cannot see the whiskey and it is impossible to know if the whiskey is still good to drink. It is a real crap shoot whether the whiskey is of quality because the cork could have leaked air causing the contents to become oxidized. If they are empty then it becomes more problematic.
To understand the value of empty decanters, first you have to look at the history of decanters. In the 19th century there were figural flasks made in the days before bottled whiskey. These are anything from flasks with people like George Washington or Ben Franklin embossed into the glass or figures like pigs or ears of corn. Sometimes special decanters like when I.W, Bernheim released a special I. W. Harper canteen decanters for the 1895 Grand Army of the Republic Encampment in Louisville. All of these decanters have value. It is best to check with an antique dealer for the value of these decanters as they can be worth up to hundreds of dollars.
After prohibition there was a standardization of bottle sizes, and decanters did not become popular until the 1950s. The earliest decanters of this era were glass bottles from molds and many are very interesting in shape. Brown-Forman hired an architect that specialized in modern design and released a series of very “space age” designs as holiday releases of Old Forester. Other distilleries quickly followed suit and released many glass decanters at the holidays. They often had a Christmas theme but others had a more year round design. Cabin Still had hunting scenes on several of their decanters and Kentucky Tavern had a Treasure Island design. These decanters have some value to collectors and designers looking for art glass, but it is not much value. In the $10-20 range has been my experience but it could go higher if it is a very interesting shape.
In the 1960s ceramic figure decanters became popular. These were truly mass produced with thousands of them being sold. Beam was a leader in these decanters, but they were not alone. Ezra Brooks, Lionstone, Old Taylor and others released shapes ranging from the Old Taylor distillery castle to the Cabin Still Hillbilly, to Elvis. The more rare and valuable ones were created for special events or groups. There may only be hundreds of these type of decanters and they will have a greater value to collectors. Most of the other decanters have limited value and you can usually find them at flea markets for as little as a dollar. If it is an iconic figure like the Old Taylor castle or Mount Rushmore it may go for more. I have seen them in antique stores for as much as $30.
Your best bet for selling these old bottles is to an antique dealer, but don’t expect a high value as they want to buy cheap enough to sell for a profit. A better bet would to find a decanter or bottle collecting group and let them know what you have for sale. They might give a better price on individual decanters if they are hard to find. Just don’t plan on sending your kids to college on a collection of empty decanters.

Photos Courtesy of Maggie Kimberl
July 17, 2017 at 2:54 pm
What about the 100th KY Derby Decanter?
July 17, 2017 at 9:15 pm
That will appeal to some racing collectors, but there thousands of them made at the time. Still just of marginal value. I have seen several in the last two weeks selling at antique stores for less than $100.
November 7, 2021 at 10:37 pm
Have a 1980 unopened JR Ewing from the TV Show Dallas unopened with a little package wear and full of Bourbon. Trying to clean basement and would like to know where to sell and/or roughly what it may be worth? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
July 17, 2017 at 11:02 pm
Is there any way for someone to be able to determine whether the whiskey is safe to drink due to potential lead poisoning from the decanter? Extensive searching on the internet has resulted in a general “you won’t die if you don’t drink too much at a time”-type response.
July 19, 2017 at 8:07 pm
I think that is the appropriate answer. If you don’t drink too much at one time you will be OK.
July 19, 2023 at 8:30 am
I have several Jim Beam decanters still full I’m looking to sell. Any interest?
July 19, 2017 at 7:19 pm
How much for the Old Taylor Castle in the photo? We found one at a thrift stop about 5 years ago.
July 19, 2017 at 8:08 pm
Not much. I have seen the empty decanters for about $15.
June 29, 2020 at 10:48 pm
How much would an unopened Old Taylor Castle still sealed, full and with the box and packaging be worth?
July 1, 2020 at 7:29 pm
Depends. Where are you? Does your State allow legal sale of drinks from old bottles in bars?
July 11, 2020 at 3:54 pm
Depends upon a lot of factors. What state do you live in and do they allow the legal sale of full bottles to bars? If so it is worth more than in a state where you would be bootlegging the whiskey. In the end tough, it is worth whatever you can get someone to pay for it.
November 3, 2018 at 2:42 am
How about an unopened 1968 Ezra Brooks pot belly stove sippin whiskey …
#1 what’s it worth?
#2 How can i tell if it’s safe to drink?
March 9, 2019 at 10:21 pm
I have a complete set of Jim Beam Mustang Decanters (Red, White, and Black) with the seals still intact. I’ve heard rumor that they produced only 100 of the black decanters and that they were all sold in Florida. What else can you tell me about them?
Am I better off selling them as a set, or individually?
What is a fair price for the set?
For each?
March 10, 2019 at 3:32 pm
I don’t deal in buying and selling bottles so I have no idea on how you had best proceed. I would suggest that you contact a local antique dealer or bottle collecting group.
March 31, 2019 at 5:48 pm
I have an IW Harper decanter, small in size. Was told it’s one of the canteen decanters described above but have no idea. Also have two “Bird” decanters from Wild Turkey. Unfortunately all three have no bourbon inside. Looks good though sitting next to my bourbon collection and bar.
April 1, 2019 at 10:51 pm
Ceramic decanters do make nice decorations.
April 29, 2019 at 6:58 pm
I HAVE AN EZRA BROOKS DECANTO WITH “SHRINERS” EMBLEM ON THE FRONT WITH 24 KARAT GOLD LEAF….GENUINE HERITAGE CHINA LABEL ATTACHED……WHAT MIGHT BE THE VALUE??
April 29, 2019 at 8:43 pm
Empty it is about $5.00
May 25, 2019 at 1:21 am
I have many ski country including the gallon sizes and the club pieces however I wonder if anyone knows how I can sell these Also lionstone and other decanters as well probably totaling 200 pieces.
July 17, 2019 at 10:32 pm
I have a set of 3 1969 Kentucky bourbon confederate soldier decanters, full, in the box, what are they worth
July 27, 2019 at 4:58 pm
You might ask someone who purchase these bottles on a regular basis. I recommend you contact Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington D.C.
November 6, 2019 at 3:33 am
I have a 1979 Jim Beam Devil Dog decanter still full, but opened. Any value idea? Thank you
February 17, 2020 at 6:35 pm
I have a crystal ship’s decanter with no mark except on the stopper, the number 22. I’m looking to sell it but gave no clue it’s worth. Any ideas? I can send pics.
March 5, 2020 at 7:39 pm
I have a collection of cars–trains and political Jim Beam porcelin china decanters approx. 35 pieces total. Looking to sell quick. make an offer. located in Phoenix Az. some are unopened others are empty.
July 7, 2020 at 3:24 pm
I have two unopened, seal still unattached, Beam decanters – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Bottled by James B. Beam Distilling Co. Clermont Beam, Kentucky. 80 proof with Fred— Remington with a cowboy on one an an indian on the other. One is gray/blue and one is brown. The labels on the front say they were 10 years old when manufactured. I can’t find a date on them. I hate to dispose of them if someone wants them. Will you let me know please.
July 11, 2020 at 3:52 pm
Antique bottle collecting books often list decanters with information as to when they were released. Kovel’s Guide to bottle collecting is one I have used in the past.
October 25, 2020 at 9:39 am
I am willing to take them if you’ve still got them my email is charleneconn66@gmail.com
June 28, 2021 at 6:49 am
Do you still buy vintage Decanters?
August 27, 2020 at 3:39 pm
I have a jim beam train unopened decanters does anyone know best way to go about finding a buyer
October 3, 2020 at 11:43 am
i have at least 300 jim beam decanters in a1condition where can i sell them myemail is vondamcallister1@yahoo.com
October 4, 2020 at 3:23 pm
Like I said in the blog, contact Bill Thomas at Jack Rose Dining Saloon.
July 17, 2023 at 8:34 pm
I was recently given a 1977 Elvis head decanter in the original box .The decanter is still unopened and full of the whisky.Any ideas on value?
October 5, 2020 at 5:13 pm
I have a decanter that has a sticker on it says it was Handmade by Stephens from Portugal. It’s clear and it’s 10″ x7.5″ and it’s heavy. I can’t find the exact one but I think it’s a ship decanter there’s no etching or nothing on it and I was wondering if maybe you knew anything about it or good tell me what you think it might be worth if anything. And thanks
October 10, 2020 at 12:13 am
I have and old model car, Ford model T, seal intact. Beam 100 months Old label on side.
Number on cap, S 9330.
Any info appreciated
December 13, 2020 at 10:43 am
I have a 1982 national cowboy Hall of Fame decanter if someone could give me some info on Appraisal and possibly selling
April 22, 2021 at 4:34 pm
I am attempting to sell a large collection of a variety of Ezra Brooks decanters that my husband collected in the 60’s. They are in boxes and in pristine shape. I want to sell the entire lot.
June 28, 2021 at 6:45 am
What are the most valuable and sought after whiskey decanters ever made?
December 3, 2021 at 3:44 am
I have a Jim Beam NASA space shuttle unopened number 50 is it worth anything and how many were made
December 12, 2022 at 5:33 pm
What is the worth of a small 1950s full bottle of OLD DOG CABIN bourbon whiskey Unopened? Thank you
February 10, 2023 at 10:51 am
IrIrish Galway Cystel Decanter for sale mint condition,actually I have the ful set glass wear also
March 3, 2023 at 2:33 pm
Hello – What about McCormick white ceramic decanters sealed and full of whiskey?
September 11, 2023 at 5:17 pm
I want to sell my Jim bean decanters. I have 31 total. Cars and fire trucks.
Would like to sell them all together