Expert: Paul Wagner - 5/26/2009

Question
My grandmother recently passed away and in her liquor cabinet was a bottle of creme de Cacao Choa dolfi.  It is a product of France, it is unopened, and still has the seal in tact around the top.  There is also an Illinois sticker/seal on it with the series N 1936 and the tax paid.  The bottle is full.  I was wondering if it is worth anything in it present condition or if I should go ahead open it and enjoy it.

Many thanks,
Suzy

Answer
Hi Suzy

Products that are this high in alcohol don't really change much in the bottle over time--the alcohol pretty much prevents that.  So the good news is that this is still perfectly good to drink.  The bad news is that it hasn't appreciated in value the way some fine wines do.  I would guess that it is worth about $35 or so--but it would be hard to sell through a legal channel.  You are better off just drinking it.  

You might find that the bottle collectors at antiquebottles.com are more interested in the bottle than the liquid inside--they are the bottle experts, and are very helpful.  Give them a try.

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

Paul Wagner