Expert: Paul Wagner - 2/3/2009

Question
Found in a basement..Trocadero.cognac superior 1900,by Ramon del collado.po box 907,havana,cuba,this is unopened.
AlsoA bottle of Moet Chandon brut imperial millesime(rose)1978 still in box.
And a bottle of Dom Perignon vintage 1976 still in sealed box. would you know if there is any value to these bottles.

Answer
Hi Nigel

Let's start with the cognac: This may be of historical value, but distilled products like this don't improve (or get worse) with age because the alcohol level is so high that they simply don't change much over time in the bottle.  So unlike some fine wines, distilled spirits don't appreciate in value over time in the bottle.  Yours should be perfectly good to drink, but it won't have any higher value than a current bottling of the same stuff.

It is illegal for private individuals to sell alcoholic beverages in the USA, so you will have to sell this through a local retailer...but I don't think you will get more than about $75-100.

You might check with the people at antiquebottles.com.  They are more concerned about the  glass container, but some of these older bottlings are worth more for the bottle than the liquid inside.  They are very nice and helpful people.

The Chandon may still have some life, but it is getting very old.  Most Champagnes don't like this long...and I would think that the color is now fading.  My estimate might be something like $150 for the bottle.  Storage conditions will be critical for this one!

And the Dom Perignon still might be good, if it has been stored perfectly.  Estimated value?  maybe $300?  It is starting to get a bit past its prime.

Sorry I can't give you more exciting news.

Paul Wagner