[cjudd]

A friend of mine just had a house fire and they told him not to drink anything of eat anything in the house because of the smoke damage.  Well he has a few $250 bottles of cognac and I was wondering what smoke damage and heat could do to a bottle of alcohol. The bottles are unopened and most were in a box.  The boxed were not charred and the bottles has a slight smell of smoke. It appears the level has dropped in the bottle when compared to pictures online (I assume the alcohol began to evaporate). For any Cognac enthusiasts out there it is Meukow V.R.X.O. NPU bottled in 1991. I understand this question is a bit unorthodox but a chemistry forum seemed like the right place to ask. I assume the insurance company was just playing it safe by telling him it could be harmful what do you guys think?

Any input would be appreciated it just seems like such a waste to throw out a nice bottle.

Chris

[408]

If the boxes are uncharred, you are probably good to go.  Cognac is distilled (ie it does not die from a bit of heat) anyway, so no worries.

[Borek]

I would have no problems trying - many alcohols may lose smell/taste after heating, but I doubt they can get dangerous.