Expert: Paul Wagner - 2/14/2011

Question
I am representing a charity that recently received a large liquor supply from a wealthy estate.  We've decided to auction some of the bottles at our upcoming fundraiser.  I got possession because I facilitated the donation and I don't drink.  Thus, I don't know anything about liquor.  The first thing I'm curious about is two bottles that were produced for the Royal Wedding in 1981.  One is in a box lined in red velvet and the bottle is numbered.  The other is a bottle of Royal Celebration Grand Marnier.  Both are in great condition and have not been opened.  Can you tell me anything about them and what you think they are worth?

Answer
HI Lorie

You don't tell me what the first bottle actually is...so that makes it hard to evaluate.  The Grand Marnier is going to be something around $50+...but charity auctions usually get higher prices than what are paid by true collectors.

As I wrote in my previous answer to your other question, Distilled spirits like this are so high in alcohol that they don't change much in the bottle, for better or worse.  The good news is that these should be perfectly good to drink.  The bad news is that they won't have appreciated in value the way some fine wines do.

Paul Wagner