Luxurious Libations
A Taste of Rare and Fine Spirits | By David Salomonson Fain

he celebrations of the holidays often mean distancing ourselves from our everyday drinks and getting closer to a heartier quaff. It is common to toast the seasons with a bottle of red wine or champagne, but there is an air of distinction that comes from enjoying well-aged liquor.

Etched globe decanter. $50. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

It has been said that whisky makes a man mean, but slowly sipping the King George V blend of Johnnie Walker Blue Label can taste like regal relaxation. The new moniker and blend is created solely in distilleries that operated during the reign of England’s King George V over 60 years ago.

When looking for a rarity among drinks, look no further than Remy Martin’s Louis XIII. Also known as the king of cognac, it can cost a king’s ransom just for a taste. In the 1950s, a Chicago restaurant charged $1 just to smell the cork. Locally, Sushi Tsu and Ruth Chris Steak House will charge over a $100 for an ounce.

Compared to the other ultra premium spirits, The Glen Livet XXV single malt Scotch may not seem as such a prestigious preference but its history begs to differ. Hailing from the first legalized distillery in Scotland, this spirit is coveted by collectors and kings alike.

There are more reasons to drink fine liquor and more reasons to celebrate extravagantly year round. Dust off these bottles on your next big day to savor the truly finer moments in life.

Blending over 1,200 eaux-de-vies and aging 100 years,
Remy Martin’s Louis XIII commands a $1,699 price tag. Available at Grapevine.

Purchasing this limited run of Johnnie Walker Blue Label King George V is like owning a piece of history.
$600. Available at Total Wine & More.

The Glen Livet XXV is the most recent collection to land itself stateside and will only stay shelved for a limited time. $350. Purchase at Norman’s — Sarasota & St. Petersburg.