Expert: David Baines - 10/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi there
My Mum has just dug out these bottles .  They are all boxed and sealed with the duty free seal, which we have not opened.  They were bought  a long time ago as gifts (the cognac has a duty free date of 1963!) She doesnt drink and they have been sat in the cupboard ever since gathering dust.  Is there any way you could tell us if they have any value and if not- would they still be ok to drink!
Thanks again.

ANSWER: Hayley,

The VAT 69 has a value of around £30/50, the cognac, I really need to see it and the name etc.
As far as drinkability, no problem at all, spirits do not change once they are bottled, so are always drinkable, the worst thing that can happen is sometimes they lose their colour if exposed to too much light.

Kind regards,

David Baines Wine Consultant & Valuer.

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

QUESTION: Thanks ever so much David, I appreciate it.  As I can only send one image at a time I will have to send them separately.
Thanks again, looking forward to your reply.

Answer
Hayley,

Thanks for the picture, again we have a similar valuation, of £20/30 maximum, but once again it will drink very well, I personally fell that older spirits have a lot more flavour than those produced these days, and in particular Cognacs and whiskys.

Regards,

David.