Expert: Paul Wagner - 1/22/2008

Question
i have a 1980 bottle of rothschild extra fine napoleon brandy that has been kept unopened in a cool dark basement and wondering what it might be worth

Answer
HI Jennifer,

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 this should be perfectly good to drink.  The bad news is that it doesn't taste much different from a current bottling.  As a result, connoisseurs wouldn't pay much more for this bottle.  I would estimate the value of these bottles at around $65-90 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.   If it were mine, I would open it and drink it with good friends.

Hope you have great 2008.

Paul Wagner Jennifer