World's Most Expensive Wine And Spirits Slideshow
Christian Vanneque, who runs SIP Wine Bar in Bali, Indonesia, paid $117,000 for this bottle of 1811 Chateau d'Yquem. The Wall Street Journal says that this is the record payment for a bottle of white wine, surpassing the previous record of $100,000 held by a bottle of 1787 Chateau d'Yquem.
9) 1907 Heidsieck — $275,000
This staggeringly pricey champagne is the most expensive in the world for both its quality and intriguing journey. Expensive Champagne reports that the highly prized bottles of champagne were discovered in 1998 among the shipwreck of the Swedish freighter Jönköping, which sank in the Gulf of Finland. The ship was chartered to deliver alcohol from Sweden to the Imperial Court of Czar Nicholas II of Russia, but it never made it to its destination after it was torpedoed during World War II by a German U-boat. Thankfully, most of the bottles on board were preserved, including the 1907 Heidsieck cuvée.
8) 1947 Château Cheval Blanc — $304,375
This exquisite bottle was auctioned at Christie's in Geneva for $304,375. The auction house's wine expert, Michael Ganne, had nothing but effusive praise for the wine, saying it was "without doubt one of the greatest Bordeaux of all time, not only for its rare quality but its longevity, in that it can still be kept for another 50 years without any problem." Note that he neglected to say whether it was worth the staggering price.
7) The Macallan 64 Year Old in Lalique — $460,000
Who doesn't love scotch on the rocks? At $460,000, this exquisite scotch is almost a bargain when you consider the sleek crystal decanter it comes in. Pretty cool.
6) Screaming Eagle — $500,000
Even the winemaker of Screaming Eagle, the California cult wine whose 6-liter bottle recently sold for $500,000, couldn't fathom its value. Per Time Magazine, "It's wild," she said. "You drink it, and it's gone. My brain doesn't get it."
5) Mendis Coconut Brandy — $1 million
This clear brandy, which is matured for at least two years in Hamilla wood casks, launched in 2007. Considering the second bottle was given away for free in a contest, it only adds up to about $500,000 a bottle. Quite affordable, really.
4) Scottish Diva Vodka — $1 million
In case you have a spare million floating around, this inordinately expensive vodka comes in a bottle stuffed with crystals and gemstones.
3) Henri IV Dudognon Heritage — $2 million
Trend Hunter reports that the Henri IV Dudognon Heritage is the world's most expensive cognac. The $2 million bottle is packaged by jeweler Jose Davalos, and is reportedly dubbed the "DNA" of cognacs. The ultra-expensive liquor has been produced since 1776 and is aged in barrels for more than 100 years. Then, the liquor is bottled in a bottle that is dipped in 24-karat gold and sterling platinum and decorated with 6,500 brilliant cut diamonds. The 8-kilogram bottle is filled with just 100 cl. of the decadent drink.
2) Pasión Azteca, Platinum Liquor Bottle by Tequila Ley — $3.5 million
The new Tequila Ley Pasión Azteca bottles are once again a bonus to the top-shelf liquor inside — they're made of engraved platinum by Mexican artist Alejandro Gomez Oropeza. Burning question: Does the 1800 Tequila guy, who has immeasurable distaste for poser tequilas, approve?
1) D’Amalfi Limoncello Supreme — $44 million
At more than 11 times more expensive than second place, you know D'Amalfi Limoncello Supreme is legit. Let's say, hypothetically, that you are thirsty, have a weak moment, and drink the contents. What do you do with the bottle, which has three single cut diamonds totaling 13.5 carats and an 18.5 carat single cut diamond? Put it on display? Make a couple of rings?