Expert: Paul Wagner - 11/4/2007

Question
I have aquired a bottle of 1968 Spanish Napoleon Brandy V.S.O.P Vielle Reserve.  I was just wondering if it is worth anything please Paul.

Answer
Hi Ruth

I am sorry to have to tell you that this isn't worth much more than any other run of the mill brandy:  about $25 or so.  Napoleon is a French Cognac that is much more expensive, and this is obviously an inexpensive Spanish attempt to cash in on that name.  It if were the real thing, from France, it would be worth something like $50-75.

But distilled spirits like brandy don't improve ( or worsen) in the bottle.  That means that they don't appreciate in value the way some fine wines do...but the also don't go bad--that alcohol level is too high.

So your bottle is perfectly drinkable, which is what I would do with it.

Hope that helps.  Sorry I can't give you better news.

Paul Wagner