Expert: Paul Wagner - 6/4/2009

Question
I have a bottle of  Napolian  brand  Cognac,  4/5 qt. bought in  1940,  already aged 50 yrs. then.  it's fron Illinois and revenue sticker  says   #1448   also onnlable is  VSOP    what would it be worth?  Thank you very much.

Answer
Hi Hannah

It won't have much value to connoisseurs, because distilled products 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 should be fine to drink.  The bad news is that it isn't worth much more than a current bottling.  I would estimate it at about $50, max.  

However, bottle collectors might feel differently.  Please check with the nice folks at antiquebottles.com.  They are very helpful, and you might find that the bottle is worth far more than the liquid inside.

Hope that helps.

Paul Wagner