Expert: Paul Wagner - 3/17/2008

Question
I have a bottle of 1868 Bols Ballerina Banana Liqueur. I was wondering how much it is worth?

Answer
Hi James

Distilled spirits and liqueurs 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.  I would estimate the value of these bottles at around $25-35.  While the company was founded in the 1868, I think your bottle dates from much later.

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 find more 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.

Sorry I can't give you more exciting news.   Hope you have great 2008.

Paul Wagner