Expert: Paul Wagner - 7/17/2008

Question
My mother just gave me a bottle of Hennessy Napoleon in a Silver top library decanter (the words on the bottle) with the initials HKDNP on the label.  I don't know how hold it is exactly, at least 25 - 30 yrs old.  Can you tell me what the initials stand for & if it's worth anything?

Answer
HI Linda

The HKDNP is a designation the Hennessy has used for its products in the Asian market, from what I can find.  

Distilled spirits like this are so high in alcohol that they don't change much over time the way some fine wines do.  The good news is that this bottle should be fine to drink.  The bad news is that it doesn't taste much different from when it was bottled...and won't have gained much in value, either.  These would probably sell for roughly the same price as a current release.

Bear in mind that it is illegal for private individuals in the USA to sell alcoholic beverages.  You'll have to work through a retailer or auction house who will take a commission on any sale.  

You might check with the people at antiquebottles.com to see of the bottle itself is worth more than the liquor inside...

Sorry I don't have more exciting news for you.

Paul Wagner