Expert: Paul Wagner - 1/18/2008

Question
I have a small bottle of Asbach Uralt which is unopened, with only a bit of wear on the label. I will give you the information off the label, please forgive me any misspellings as the writing is very scripted and small a few letters may be incorrect. 38% vol, 0.1l, Marke, Filter Weinbrand Asbach & Co., Rudesheim am Rhein, printed down left side of label is a # A.P.Nr.H 018701  
I would like to know the time origin, place of manufacturing and approximate value.
Thank You for your time, Tammy

Answer
HI Tammy

This is a German brandy, distilled from wines made in the Rhine region of Germany.

Distilled spirits like this do not change much in the bottle, for better or for worse, because the alcohol levels are so high.  The good news is that these should be perfectly good to drink.  The bad news is that it doesn't taste much different from a current bottling from the same company.  As a result, connoisseurs wouldn't pay much more for this bottle.  I would estimate the value of these bottles at around $35-50 at a wine and spirits auction.  

Please note that it is illegal for private individuals to sell alcoholic beverages in the USA, so you would have to work through a retailer or auction house, who would take their commission.

You might find more interest among bottle collectors.  Go to antiquebottles.com and see if anyone there has more interest...they are good people with a lot of good information.

Sorry I can't give you more exciting news.   Hope you have great 2008.

Paul Wagner