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Beverages/Old sealed bottle of Cacao-Chouva

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Expert: - 11/16/2008


Question

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I have an old bottle of  Creme De Cacao-Chouva Alavanille. It has what looks
to be a lead seal on top with the date 1812 stamped in to it. The dark brown
bottle has ALEX DROZ clearly embossed in large (1.5 in.) raised letters on the
front of the bottle above the label. On the  back of  the bottle in the same
type and size of lettering as the front is BORDEAUX.
The label is very beautiful with a lot of  color and art. There are several dates
at the bottom of the label. The last date I can identify is 1904 - I think.
I would like to know if it has any value and how much.

Answer
HI Jacquie

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
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Paul Wagner

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I have spent most of my adult life eating and drinking throughout the world, and can usually remember some of it!

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Past/Present clients
Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines Company, The Court of Master Sommeliers, Constellation Wines, The Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, Vinitaly, Napa County Agricultural Commissioner.

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