Expert: Paul Wagner - 11/4/2009

Question
I have bean passed down from my grandfather in law a bottle of "Jacques Thomas Hine family reserve Grande champagne cognac" The bottle is wrapped in wax paper in a pine box that is marked with various dates and the owners of hine cognac at those dates. the pine box also contains an envelope with a wax stamped seal on it. the seal however has bean broken. Also the pine box is within another cardboard box marked : family reserve. My question to you is What would be a round about worth of my bottle? And what would be my best way to find a respectable buyer? Thank you for your time, Sincerely John McCormick

Answer
HI John

Distilled spirits like this are so high in alcohol that they don't really change much over time in the bottle.  THe good news is that your bottle should be just fine to drink.  The bad news is that it hasn't appreciated in value the way some fine wines do.  I'd estimate this one at about $55-70.

It is illegal for private individuals to sell alcoholic beverages in the USA, so you'll have to work through a local retailer or an auction house--and pay thema commission.  If it were mine, I would save it for a special occasion, and open it with family or friends.

SOrry that I can't give you more exciting news.

Paul Wagner