Expert: Paul Wagner - 4/4/2011

Question
This bottle was passed on to me from a relative that passed away.  I am not a cognac drinker and would like to know the best way to sell it or donate it to a worthy cause.  I don't know what the retail price is but I can tell you this about the bottle:

1. Bisquit Dubouche is on the label
2. It is affixed with a seal that has not been broken
on the seal it has a number which is: 751712878 and on the other side of the label it says:  NY-1-643.
3. On the label on the back it says:  Field Crest Importers, LTD out of Great Neck NY
4. It has a gold imprint on the bottle with 3 stars and a partial wreath around it with V.S. Very special under it.
5. It is 4/5 quart
6. It comes in a beautiful gold box.

Any info you can give to me would be terrific.  If you require a picture, I can take on and download it.

Thank you,
Karla Camarata

Answer
Hi Karla

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 this stuff should be perfectly good to drink.  The bad news is that it won't have appreciated in value the way some fine wines do.  This is worth just about as much as current bottlings of the same stuff--about $50-75.

By the way, it is illegal for private individuals to sell alcoholic beverages in the USA, so you'll have to work through a licensed retailer or an auction house.  They will take a commission on the sale.  

You might try contacting the guys at antiquebottles.com  They are very nice people, and it's possible the that bottle itself will have more value than the liquid inside.  They're the ones who could tell you that.   

Sorry that I can't give you more exciting news. If it were mine, I would either drink it or give it to someone who loves Cognac...

Paul Wagner