frequently asked questions:
Good Bottle Auctions is a new auction experience, so we understand you have questions. Here are some answers. If you don’t see yours below, reach out — we’re always happy to talk.
Is it legal to buy and sell whiskey and spirits at auction?
Yes. Good Bottle Auctions is fully permitted and legal, we’re the first auction of our kind in the northeast United States. Unlike the secondary market, we’re the easiest and safest way to monetize rare and desirable bottles. We store your collection, catalog it, take professional photos, advertise, sell, and ship for you. All you have to do is bring us your bottles.
Are you guys legit?
Yes. Good Bottle Auctions LLC is owned by partners Ryan C. Brechlin and Thomas Selmont — real, licensed auctioneers with a combined 35 years in the business. They also own Connecticut Firearms Auction, a brick-and-mortar auction house in Plantsville, Connecticut.
What does Good Bottle Auctions sell?
We sell whiskey, wine, and collectible spirits. Bourbon is our favorite, but we always have Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, and a host of other rare and collectible spirits up for auction.
How do whiskey auctions work?
Each bottle is listed as a lot with photos, condition notes, and a starting price. Once the catalog is live, registered bidders place bids during the auction window, and the highest bid when the lot closes wins. Winning buyers pay the hammer price plus any applicable premium and taxes, and we ship the bottle once payment clears.
How can I buy from your auction?
Once the auction catalog is live, browse the lots and register to bid. See a bottle you like? Place a pre-bid and the system will bid for you up to a maximum you set, or bid live during the auction. You’ll be notified if you’re outbid so you can decide whether to go higher before the lot closes.
Do I need an account to bid?
Yes — registering to bid is free and quick. It lets you place pre-bids, bid live, and track the lots you’re watching. Registration also confirms you’re of legal age to buy spirits in your area.
What is a buyer's premium and how much is it?
A buyer’s premium is a percentage added to the winning hammer price to help cover the cost of running the auction. Good Bottle Auctions’ buyer’s premium is a flat 18%, and it won’t be changing for the foreseeable future. All fees and terms are also listed in the live auction catalog before you bid.
Are the bottles authentic, and how do you prevent fakes?
Every bottle we take in is inspected and cataloged by our team before it goes to auction, and we photograph each one in detail so you can check condition and fill level before bidding. As licensed auctioneers who store and handle every lot ourselves, we keep counterfeit and tampered bottles out of our sales.
Can you ship my bottles to me?
The short answer is yes. Wine is fairly straightforward and we ship to most states. Spirits can be more complicated depending on where you are, so please reference the terms of sale in the live auction catalog for current shipping details.
Can I visit Good Bottle Auctions or collect in person?
Yes — we just ask that you make an appointment first. We’re based in Plantsville, Connecticut, and we’re always happy to talk about your collection and how we can work together. Call us at 860-378-8808 to arrange a visit.
What happens after I win an auction?
You’ll receive a confirmation with your total, including any premium and applicable taxes. Once your payment clears, we carefully pack your bottle in spirits-rated packaging and prepare it for shipping or in-person collection, then send tracking details as soon as it’s on its way.
Can I return a bottle if I change my mind?
Auction sales are generally final, so bid with intent. If a bottle arrives damaged or materially different from its catalog listing, contact us right away and we’ll make it right. See the terms of sale in the live auction catalog for full details.
How can I sell at your auction?
It’s easy. Call us at 860-378-8808 or reach out through our contact page. We offer low commission rates, outright purchase, and cash advances for large collections — and we handle the cataloging, photography, advertising, selling, and shipping for you.
What do you charge to sell bottles?
We offer very competitive rates. For whiskey and spirits we charge 5% plus $5 per bottle. Wine commission is quoted on request — it’s a more complicated space, so we price it case by case. There are no upfront listing fees — you only pay when your bottle sells.
How do you value my bottle?
We base valuations on recent auction results for the same or comparable bottles, along with factors like rarity, age, distillery, condition, fill level, and whether the original box or packaging is included. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation valuation and we’ll give you an estimated range.
When and how do I get paid after my bottle sells?
Our terms are 30 days, but in practice we pay much faster: ACH transfers typically land in under 7 days, and mailed checks go out within 7 to 10 days. You’ll receive the hammer price minus commission. For large collections we can also arrange outright purchase or a cash advance up front, just ask.
What kinds of bottles can I sell?
We accept collectible and investment-grade whiskey and spirits — bourbon, Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey, and other rare or discontinued releases — as well as wine. Sealed, unopened bottles in good condition attract the strongest bids. Not sure if your bottle qualifies? Send us the details and we’ll let you know.
Do you handle whole collections or estates?
Absolutely. We regularly help collectors and estates sell entire collections, and for larger consignments we offer outright purchase and cash advances along with dedicated support for valuation, logistics, and marketing. Call 860-378-8808 to arrange a review.
Do you offer private brokerage?
Yes. Alongside our live auctions, we can privately broker rare and high-value bottles and collections — connecting the right buyer and seller directly when a discreet, off-catalog sale makes more sense than going to auction. It’s a good fit for exceptional single bottles, time-sensitive sales, or collectors who’d prefer to keep a transaction private. Call us at 860-378-8808 and we’ll help you decide whether auction or brokerage is the better route for what you have.
Is buying whiskey at auction a good investment?
Rare and limited-release whiskey has become a popular alternative asset, and some bottles have appreciated significantly over time. That said, prices can rise and fall and past results don’t guarantee future returns — buy bottles you love, do your research on the distillery and release, and treat any upside as a bonus.
How do I contact Good Bottle Auctions?
Call us at 860-378-8808 or use the contact form on our site. We’re always happy to talk bidding, consignments, valuations, shipping, or anything else about buying and selling at auction.
