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General => The Campfire => Topic started by: GeneF on Oct 23, 2006, 10:55 AM

Title: Antique Booze Question
Post by: GeneF on Oct 23, 2006, 10:55 AM
I recently acquired some strong waters and am curious if if this stuff is still safe to abide.

Canadian Club Vintage 1967
Seagrams VO Vintage 1964

Also some rum and vodka that are problably around 30 years old.  Oh, I forgot the J&B.

All of the seals are still intact.

Anybody had any experience with stuff this old?
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Post by: AustinBoston on Oct 23, 2006, 11:06 AM
It is dangerous.  Just send it to me and I will make sure it is properly disposed of.

For your safey, I will even pay shipping.

Austin
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Post by: dthurk on Oct 23, 2006, 11:42 AM
Wow!  Where'd you find this stuff?  Bring it to the next rally.  We can test it there.
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Post by: brainpause on Oct 23, 2006, 08:07 PM
Although I don't advocate drinking, for your safety, I will offer what I THINK is true. However, you might do a smidge more investigating.

If it is more than 50% alcohol, it is likely to be safe. If it isn't even close, well, that tells you how much I know about alcoholic drinks.

Larry
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Post by: Old Goat on Oct 24, 2006, 06:56 AM
If the seals are the old federal tax ones and are not broken and the labels are in good condition, those bottles of booze would be worth some good money to a serious collector. If not, bottoms up.
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Post by: dthurk on Oct 24, 2006, 08:13 AM
I say again...bring it all to the next rally.  It's lasted this long, it'll last a few more months.  We can get all this worked out there.  I'd be more than happy to help you out, Gene!  We'll get it figured out fast.
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Post by: AustinBoston on Oct 24, 2006, 08:29 AM
No, no, no!  This stuff is too dangerous for a campground.  Like I said, the safest thig is to ship it directly to ME, so I can make sure it is properly disposed of.  No need to take chances at a campground where it might get confiscated or something.  Since I will pay shipping costs, this is the only no-risk option.

Austin
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Post by: mountainrev on Oct 24, 2006, 10:30 AM
Quote from: brainpauseIf it is more than 50% alcohol, it is likely to be safe. If it isn't even close, well, that tells you how much I know about alcoholic drinks.

Larry

Wow, more than 50% alcohol?  That's means it would all have to be more than 100 proof.  Unless the makers of CC, VO, and J&B have significantly watered their products down in the past 30 or 40 years, they probably are only 40% or so alcohol.

As much as I agree with AustinBoston and would gladly volunteer to "dispose" of these products for you, I can't imagine that there would be anything harmful in drinking them (other than overindulging).  Years ago, when I was a student, one of my roommates acquired a nice stash of vintage booze from an elderly aunt of his.  The tax stamps indicated they were all well over 20 years old.  I believe some were even opened, for who knows how long.  Didn't take long for us to ascertain that they were safe to drink, and tasty too.
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Post by: GeneF on Oct 24, 2006, 12:51 PM
Thanks for all the offers of help to get rid of this stuff.

I checked with the makers of  Canadian Club and was informed that as long as the seals were intact, the stuff is good to go.

Here is how I acquired the beverage.

Years ago, I was at my fil and he went to get some wine.  The wine was hidden under the bottom drawer of the kitchen cabinets.

He passed away about 7 years ago.

Last weekend, I asked my mil if she still had my fil's wine cellar.  She said there wasn't any wine there, only some booze.

I removed the drawer, and standing in a neat row in the back was about a dozen bottles of different liquors.

I pulled them out and saw that some had never been open and the ones that were, had very little missing.

FIL was not a drinker.  Just some wine at dinner on occassion.  Most of the items were won at church or school raffles.  He had marked this info on the bottles.

So anyways, I will let you all know how good the stuff is.  With Thanksgiving coming and about 16 guests, I think we can do some taste testing.
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Post by: ForestCreature on Oct 24, 2006, 03:18 PM
Quote from: GeneFSo anyways, I will let you all know how good the stuff is.  With Thanksgiving coming and about 16 guests, I think we can do some taste testing.
So... what time is dinner ? :D
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Post by: Old Goat on Oct 24, 2006, 04:47 PM
Whiskey does not age in a sealed bottle like it does in an oak barrel. It probably will taste about the same as a newer bottle.......
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Post by: chip on Oct 24, 2006, 08:09 PM
Quote from: Old GoatWhiskey does not age in a sealed bottle like it does in an oak barrel. It probably will taste about the same as a newer bottle.......

So just send it all to AB, he can invite us all over and we'll save you the embarrassment of serving old liquor.  He even said he would pay shipping.  I'll pay my own fare to his popup to help him get rid of the problem.

:!
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Post by: tlhdoc on Oct 24, 2006, 09:08 PM
Chip Gene lives closer than AB, so we should all go to Gene's house.  What time is dinner Gene?;)
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Post by: dthurk on Oct 25, 2006, 05:41 AM
Quote from: tlhdocChip Gene lives closer than AB, so we should all go to Gene's house.  What time is dinner Gene?;)
Yes, this is a serious issue that only can be resolved by a large group working together to make sure all safety issues are observed.  Mailing it to an individual may result in safety issues being ignored, a dangerous situation at best.  How about a rally at Gene's place?
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Post by: cyclone on Oct 25, 2006, 07:27 AM
Besides, I think it is illegal to ship alcohol across state lines without a license.  Do we need to bring any food for dinner?
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Post by: ForestCreature on Oct 25, 2006, 07:55 AM
Quote from: cycloneBesides, I think it is illegal to ship alcohol across state lines without a license.  Do we need to bring any food for dinner?
Of course we do, showing up for a holiday dinner empty  handed is just plain rude :yikes:
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Post by: AustinBoston on Oct 25, 2006, 08:11 AM
I'll bring the egg nog...you did say you had some old rum, right?

Austin
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Post by: GeneF on Oct 25, 2006, 05:58 PM
Thanks all for the wonderful suggestions on taking care of my dillema.

DW and I have taken all of your suggestions very seriously.

As much as we would love to have you all for dinner, our two tables will only seat 18, and that is what we are up to now.

Shipping the stuff interstate may be illegal and I don't want to spend part of my retirement time in black and white stripes.

Yard is not big enough to handle more than a couple of campers, no hookups and no porti potties on property.

However, there may be the possibility of transporting some of this to Cape May in July, so if you are there, we may be able to imbibe.  (If it is still available. :) )
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Post by: dthurk on Oct 25, 2006, 06:03 PM
Thanks, Gene.  This was a really fun thread.  I hope you all enjoy your Thanksgiving and holiday time.  

Sounds like you and your family will be in "good spirits", at least.
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Post by: tlhdoc on Oct 25, 2006, 06:50 PM
Well I guess I will have to bring a few tables to the dinner so there will be room.  My PU has a toilet and shower, and I have room for 7 more.  So who wants to camp at Gene's?:yikes:

 
PS I will give my share away
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Post by: aw738 on Oct 26, 2006, 08:20 AM
A Cape May "disposal" sounds like a good idea.
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Post by: tlhdoc on Oct 27, 2006, 05:41 AM
Quote from: aw738A Cape May "disposal" sounds like a good idea.
Hi Anthony!  It is nice to see you posting.:)