After the theft of a rare $26,000 bottle of Glenfiddich Single Malt a couple of weeks ago from the LCBO, we got to thinking about these luxury bottles and what’s out there for you to get your hands on – legally, of course – should you be able to afford them. Whether they’re in our budgets or not, marveling over such extravagant releases provides that nearly voyeuristic pleasure of taking a peek through the looking glass at what we know we can’t have.
So, what luxurious liquors live at the upper echelon of the alcohol totem pole? Here are a few of the fanciest features you can find at your local LCBO…
Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The Macallan Sherry Oak 25 Years Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Matured in sherry barrels with smoky aromas accented by dried lime and orange peel, raisins and cinnamon, this single malt is one of the few whiskys to have received 95 points, the highest score ever awarded by whisky guru Michael Jackson (The Malt Whisky Companion, 2004). Scotland, United Kingdom | 43% Alcohol/Vol. | $999.95
The Glenlivet Cellar Collection 1980 Single Malt
The ninth release from the award-winning Cellar Collection, these bottles complete their maturation in The Glenlivet’s celebrated warehouse No 1. Only 500 bottles of this non chill-filtered cask strength single malt are available worldwide. This whisky is bursting with fruity aromas of blackcurrant and pear along with soft peppermint. Scotland, United Kingdom | 43.3% Alcohol/Vol. | $1,499.95
Glenfarclas The Family Casks Single Cask Highland Single Malt 1961
A unique collection of the best single casks from the Glenfarclas distillery’s warehouses, The Family Casks are comprised of one cask from every year from 1952 to 1996. Rich, dark and with each bottle being characterized by distinct notes, these whiskys will linger on your palate, and your mind, for hours. Scotland, United Kingdom | 48% Alcohol/Vol. | $1,975
Glenfiddich 40 Years Old Rare Collection Pure Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Each bottle is individually numbered and wrapped in hand-stitched calf leather and accompanied by a hand signed leather bound book telling its 40-year-old story. An exemplary single malt, the bouquet screams dried fruit, roasted coffee and stewed apple with a hint of oak, bitter chocolate and faint peat. Only 600 bottles are released annually. Scotland, United Kingdon | 45.4% Alcohol/Vol. | $3,544.95
Rum
Havana Club Máximo Extra Anejo
Hand crafted from rare, extra-aged rums by Don José Navarro, this is the crowning example of Cuban rum making. Enshrined within an elegant crystal decanter, the rum has a deep amber glow, oak smokiness, and subtle tones of fresh pear, coconut and dried fruit. It’s hit or miss whether you’ll find the Máximo at the LCBO, but you can always check online on the Havana Club website. Cuba | 40% Alcohol/Vol. | Avg. $2,000
Appleton Estates 50 Year Old Jamaica Rum – Jamaica Independence Reserve
Unveiled on June 7th, 2012, this is the oldest rum on the planet. A dark mahogany colour with rich, coppery reflections and a bouquet of powerful oak infused with rich vanilla, this exclusive liquor comes in a crystal decanter with gold screen printing and a gold finished brass and cork stopper. Jamaica | 45% Alcohol/Vol. | $5,000
Cognac
Blended from Cognacs aged up to 100 years, Gayot reports, “each bottle is a blend of 1,200 Cognacs, ranging from 40 to 100 years old, across three generations of Cellar Masters, resulting from the combined labor of 10,000 people.” If that’s not exclusive, I’m not sure what is! Furthermore, a solid gold collar encases the neck of the handcrafted Baccarat crystal bottle, which is adorned by a signature fleur-de-lys crystal stopper. France | 40% Alcohol/Vol. | $2,800
L’Essence de Courvoisier Cognac
Over 100 Cognacs from the last two centuries are combined to craft this meticulously cared for liquor. Bottled at natural strength, this cognac is supremely delicate on the nose, the palate is expansive and intense, filling the mouth with sandalwood, dried fruit, Anjou pear, walnuts, toasted pine nuts and caramelized orange peel. France | 42% Alcohol/Vol. | $3,200
A blend of over 100 different cognacs – some of which date back to the early 1800s – each bottle of Richard Hennessy is entirely unique. The aroma requires time to emerge, but when it does it blossoms into a multi-layered bouquet laced with tea leaves, red pepper, dried fruit and old oak. This is Hennessy’s pinnacle achievement. France | 40.0% Alcohol/Vol. | $4,850
Tequila
Often not found in the LCBO (though you can grab a sip at places like Frida and Reposado), it was impossible to create a list of exclusive liquors without mentioning the apex of high-end tequilas. Clase Azul Ultra is quite literally the world’s most luxurious tequila. Produced in numbered batches of just 100 bottles, the tequila is made from extremely mature Blue Webber Agave plants and aged for five years in previously used sherry wood casks from Spain. The handmade, artisan decanter is half the price tag – hand painted with platinum and featuring a sterling silver agave medallion and with a label applied using 24-karat gold. This tequila is a true work of art. Mexico | 40% Alcohol/Vol. | Avg. $1,699