An anesthetic container includes a receptacle for holding the anesthetic and having a wall defining an interior space and a passage in fluid communication with the interior space. The container also includes a valve assembly that is attachable or is attached to the receptacle to control flow of anesthetic through the passage in the receptacle to a vaporizer. The valve assembly has a closed configuration when the flow of anesthetic from the receptacle is limited and an open configuration when the flow of anesthetic is enabled. The valve assembly is constructed so that at least the surface of any component of the assembly that will come into contact with the anesthetic on its storage or passage from the receptacle to the vaporizer is made of a metal or low-density polyethylene, and provides a fluid-tight seal to prevent the escape of the anesthetic without the use of a gasket in the closed configuration.