Expert: Paul Wagner - 2/22/2008

Question
This Courvoisier is a limited edition in Baccarat crystal. It is in a green velvet box with a gold satin liner.  The bottle still has the seal on it. The distributor was W. A. Taylor of Miami, Fl.  It appears to be quite old. What would it be worth to sell it and where could I do that?

Answer
HI Jan

Unlike some fine wines, 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.  

But this bottle does have some collectible value.  I have seen retailers offer these for as much as $900.  That's more for the decanter than the product inside.  

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.


Hope you have great 2008.

Paul Wagner