Expert: Paul Wagner - 2/15/2008

Question
I have a friend that inherited a bottle of cognac or brandy from his grandfather. He has told me that he remembered seeing this bottle as a small child in the mid 50's and he knows that it is pretty old.I'm going to put down what I found on the label and what was on the seal of the bottle. This is in french so bare with me.
   Bottled in france, Grand Armagnac de la 4/5 Qt.
Maison Sempe' 80 proof Sabaz'an gers Brandy 40
produced and bottled by H.A. Sempe' sabazan France.
Import permit phi-1-97  544809512  He also has the original box it was sold in. These are some of the things written on the box. Sempe' Nos Pruneaux  a' l' Armagnac nos marrous a' l' Armagnac notre Liqueur Sabazia
Imported by International Brands Newark NJ. Any info. on this item would be much appreciated. thanks Francisco Acosta

Answer
Hi Francisco

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 of Armagnac.  As a result, connoisseurs wouldn't pay much more for this bottle.  I would estimate the value of these bottles at around $65-80 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.

But this is an interesing bottle, and these bottles are sometimes quite collectible, so you might find more interest (and higher prices) 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.   Hope you have great 2008.

Paul Wagner