Step back into a bygone era of classic liqueurs with this exceptional bottle of D.O.M. Bénédictine, dating from the 1960s. This is not merely a liqueur, but a piece of history, bottled in France and specially imported for the American market by the renowned Julius Wile Sons & Co., New York. A true collector's item, this bottle represents a time when craftsmanship and heritage were paramount.
The story of Bénédictine is legendary, tracing its origins to 1510 in Fécamp, France. It was here that the Benedictine monk, Dom Bernardo Vincelli, is said to have created a secret elixir from a blend of 27 distinct herbs and spices. This remarkable recipe was lost during the French Revolution but was rediscovered in 1863 by Alexandre Le Grand, who successfully recreated and commercialized the liqueur, preserving its monastic heritage. The iconic "D.O.M." on every bottle stands for "Deo Optimo Maximo" (To God, most good, most great), a tribute to its sacred origins.
This vintage bottle is a testament to the quality of its time. The distinctive bottle shape, a hallmark of the Bénédictine brand, is instantly recognizable. This particular edition was bottled at the now-unusual 23/32 Quart size, a measurement standard that helps to firmly place its production in the mid-20th century. The presence of Julius Wile Sons & Co. as the importer further authenticates this bottle as a genuine US market release from that period, a detail highly sought after by collectors.
The presentation is complete with the traditional cork stopper, sealed to preserve the complex contents within. The intricate labeling and the overall condition of the bottle speak to its journey through the decades, offering a tangible connection to the past.
This 1960s bottling of Bénédictine D.O.M. is a rare find. It is a snapshot of the brand's enduring legacy and the history of spirits importation in the United States. For the discerning collector of fine and rare liqueurs, this bottle offers an opportunity to own a piece of French history. Its age, unique bottling size, and esteemed importer make it a highly desirable and collectible artifact of the liqueur world.
The neck label is gold with black print and reads “LIQUOR, AB Monachorum Benedictin, ABBATIÆ FISCANENSIS.” A red vertical neck strip label shows “23/32 QUART.” A lower neck label in blue with white print states “IMPORTED FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERI, JULIUS WILE SONS AND CO INC., NEW YORK.” The upper main label is oval, cream with brown print, and features “D. O. M” with a cross and the signature “Le Directeur A. L.” The lower main label, rectangular and cream with brown print, reads: “BÉNÉDICTINE. Liqueur made and bottled by Benedictine, S. A. FÉCAMP (France). CONTENTS 23/32 QUART - PROOF 86.” The back label, cream with brown print, explains: “LIQUEUR BÉNÉDICTINE is manufactured by a company which is named the BÉNÉDICTINE Society of the Ancient Abbey of Fécamp, France and of the Benedictine Establishment, Fécamp, France, all its Marks are registered in the United States and elsewhere.” It is signed “Le Directeur A. Legrand, FÉCAMP (France).” A red federal tax strip runs over the cork and down the neck; on top, a circular seal states “U. S. INTERNAL REVENUE, SPIRITS TAX PAID, SERIES” with an eagle emblem, while the vertical side reads “JULIUS WILE SONS AND CO INC. NEW YORK.”
The bottle features embossed lettering: “BÉNÉDICTINE” in block capitals around the mid-body and “MARQUE DÉPOSÉE” faintly on the upper shoulder. A red wax seal in the shape of the number “7” is applied to the front above the main labels. The oval upper label bears a stylized Latin cross beneath “D.O.M.” The red tax strip covers the cork and extends down the neck, the circular seal showing an eagle surrounded by text. The neck label has a scalloped bottom edge, the upper main label is oval with a decorative scalloped border, the lower main label is rectangular, the red neck strip vertical and rectangular, and the blue lower neck label semicircular. Serif fonts dominate the descriptive text, sans-serif is used for “BÉNÉDICTINE” on the lower label and “23/32 QUART,” cursive/script is used for the signatures “A. L.” and “A. Legrand,” and the embossed “BÉNÉDICTINE” appears in block capital sans-serif.
The fill level is excellent, well above the shoulder into the neck, with the liquid visible high in the bottle and no significant air gap.
This product is from a private seller. Please be aware that cabinet7 merely provides a platform to buy and sell. When sold, the seller will pack the bottle themselves and send it to the buyer. We do our best to make this process as smooth as possible, however there may be some delay.
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Max von Olfers
Max von Olfers is the founder of cabinet7, and has 10 years of experience with collector item appraisals. The oldest Cognac Max has consumed is from 1855.
Malte Lukowski
Malte Lukowski runs the operations & collector item departments at cabinet7, and has 4 years of experience with collector item appraisals. The oldest Cognac Malte has consumed is from 1920.
