Expert: Paul Wagner - 2/16/2008

Question
I have a Napoleon Courvoisier cognac in Baccarat crystal limited edition # AK1159 which I forgot in my closet. It
was given to me in high school in 1975, Should I drink it,sell it or keep it?

Answer
Hi Albert

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.  As a result, connoisseurs wouldn't pay much more for this bottle.  

But the decanter itself is a remarkable one, and if it is original, I have seen these sell for close to $800.  I would check with an auction house like Sothebys' to see if they can authenticate your bottle.  

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 also find some 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.

If it were mine, I would sell it=-=but then, I don't drink much Cognac.  It would last me a lifetime.  I might trade it to a retailer for a few cases of wine that I could drink over the next few years.

Paul Wagner