English phrase for complimenting an experienced person

There is an expression in Chinese:

姜是老的辣

It literally means old ginger is spicy, which means experienced senior person should be respected due to their knowledge and experiences.

Is there an equivalent or similar meaning phrase in English?

I want to use such a phrase to praise a senior programmer. She helped me answer a question I could not answer through her experiences.

Solution 1:

How about this:

never underestimate an old man in a dangerous profession

Since, the above sentence talk about some particular people. I try to google and then find the below one:

Never underestimate the power of a common man.

PS, I do also care about this question, so if I got wrong or not very exactly, please leave them in the comments below.

Solution 2:

You could try using the expression "worth (one's) salt" -

worth (one's) salt

Warranting respect in a certain field or area, typically because one does one's job well.

Any teacher worth his salt is able to inspire his students

I'm confident enough to know I'm worth my salt around here. I make a lot of money for this company.

https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/worth+(one%27s)+salt