Bar Closure: Liquidating High Value Bottles and Back Bar Collectibles
Bars often accumulate rare and collectible spirits over years of operation. When closing, these bottles can represent significant value if handled properly.
What to Do Next
Identify your high value bottles first. These are typically allocated bourbons, rare scotches, vintage spirits, and collectible bottles that sit on the back bar.
Separate sealed bottles from opened ones. We buy sealed bottles only.
- Identify allocated and collectible bottles
- Separate sealed from opened inventory
- Photograph each valuable bottle clearly
- Note any original packaging, boxes, or tubes
- Create a list with bottle names and sizes
- Submit photos and list for an offer
What Information Matters for Pricing
We focus on collectible and rare bottles. Common mixing spirits typically do not have resale value, but rare bottles can be worth significant amounts.
- Producer names (distillery or bottler)
- Age statements or batch numbers if visible
- Bottle sizes
- Fill level for each bottle
- Original packaging (boxes, tubes, cases)
- Storage conditions (back bar display versus cellar storage)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Opened bottles are not eligible for purchase, regardless of how full they appear. Only sealed bottles have resale value.
Do not assume back bar display bottles are worthless. Some display bottles are sealed and valuable.
- Including opened bottles in submissions
- Assuming all display bottles are opened
- Discarding original boxes or tubes
- Not checking back stock for sealed duplicates
- Selling to the first buyer without checking value
How the Process Works
We focus on collectible spirits. Send photos of your valuable bottles and we will identify what has resale value.
- Text photos to 213-770-9463 or submit through our form
- We identify which bottles have value and provide an offer
- If accepted, we coordinate pickup
- Payment is issued after we receive and verify the bottles
Privacy and Safety Notes
We handle bar closures discreetly. Your sale is not publicized.
We provide receipts and documentation suitable for business records.
We can coordinate pickup at times that work for your closure schedule.
What to Do Next
Ready to get an offer for your bottles? Submit photos and details through our form, or text photos directly if that is easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you buy opened bottles?
No. Only sealed bottles can be resold. Opened bottles, even if nearly full, are not eligible.
How do I know which bottles are valuable?
Send photos of your rare and allocated bottles. We identify what has value. Look for limited editions, allocated bourbons, single malts with age statements, and vintage or discontinued items.
What about bottles on the back bar for years?
Display does not hurt value if bottles are sealed and in good condition. Check that bottles are actually sealed and note any fill level or capsule issues.
Do you buy regular mixing spirits?
We focus on collectible and rare bottles. Standard mixing spirits typically do not have resale value above wholesale.
Can you help identify sealed versus opened bottles?
Check for intact capsules, unbroken wax seals, or intact tax stamps depending on the bottle type. If unsure, send photos and we can often tell from images.
What if I only have a few valuable bottles?
We buy single bottles or small lots. Even a few valuable bottles can be worth significant amounts.