Expert: Paul Wagner - 11/16/2008

Question
I have a bottle of Royal Celebration Grand Marnier Special Reserve dated 29 July 1981 and numbered 9081.  The bottle has never been opened and I have the original box it came with.  Can you tell me what it is worth?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Michael

Distilled spirits like this don't change much with time--the alcohol levels are too high.  So the good news is that this is perfectly good  to drink.  The bad news is that it hasn't really developed in the bottle the wine some fine wines do.  The value today won't be much different from a current release.  I would estimate something like $50-75 for this bottle, if you can find the right buyer.

But bear in mind that it's illegal for private individuals to sell alcoholic beverages in the USA.  You'll need to work through  an auction house or local retailer.  And they will charge a serious commission.  

If it were mine, I would drink it on a special occasion with friends...or trade it to a local fine wine retailer for something I would enjoy more.

You might check with the folks at antiquebottles.com.  This bottle might be worth more to a bottle collector than a beverage connoisseur--but I don't know that market very well.

Sorry I can't give you more exciting news.

Paul Wagner