Expert: Paul Wagner - 4/3/2011

Question
QUESTION: i have a bottle of bols liquer, seal is unbroken
from research the bottle id made mis to late 1800
however part of label is missing so i cant tell what it is


the bottle is green has a red top i thinhk with wax
top part of bottle fedral law forbids sale or reuse of bottle
bottom front face of bottle says n.v. amsterdamsche likeurstonery

ANSWER: Hi Sharon

If it is indeed from the 1800's it would be quite rare.  But often companies list a date on the bottle that is the date the company was founded, or when it won and important award or medal at a competition.

Distilled spirits like this are so high in alcohol that they don't change much over time, so they don't appreciate in value the way some fine wines do.  The bottles I have seen have sold for under $50.  But this is probably quite safe to drink.

Unfortunately, these have not been collectible.  You might check to see if the bottle is worth more that the liqueur inside...the guys at antiquebottles.com can tell you that.  

Hope that helps.

Paul Wagner

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: can you tell by photos

Answer
Hi sharon

I could take a guess at it, but I have an even better solution.  Here is the link to the official Bols historian---who promises to answer your question!

http://www.lucasbols.com/qa_info.asp

Hope that helps, and that he gives you very exciting news.

Paul Wagner