Leisure

Of Age

The Oldest Booze in Town

They say age is just a number. Maybe, maybe not. See, we’ve rounded up some of the oldest booze known to man (and Chicago bartenders) to prove that with age comes... well, if not wisdom exactly, then a very expensive buzz.

THE OLDEST COGNAC: AT REBAR

c. 1864 A. Hardy Perfection Cognac

What it is: Oh, only a bottle of cognac holding liquor that existed at the same time as Abraham Lincoln.
When you’ll drink it: It’s late. You just had an amazing meal. You need one tiny sip of something to make you feel like a robber baron.
Older than: The telephone; lightbulbs; the Canadian government.

THE OLDEST MADEIRA: AT JIMMY

1908 D’Oliveiras Boal Madeira

What it is: A fortified dessert wine from the same year the Cubs last won the World Series.
When you’ll drink it: You want the thrill of riding in a Spanish galleon without the attendant seasickness or scurvy. Or if the Cubs win the pennant.
Older than: Neon lights; talkies; night baseball for the Sox.

THE OLDEST SCOTCH: AT THE OFFICE

c. 1910 Sandy MacDonald Scotch

What it is: An antique bottle of whiskey—the kind often found in Al Capone’s sunken Prohibition rum-running boats.
When you’ll drink it: When you have time to savor. Or when you’re in a hurry, but are wearing a good kilt.
Older than: Radio tuners; the modern bra; drive-in movies.

THE OLDEST BOURBON: AT TWISTED SPOKE

1913 McBrayer Bourbon

What it is: A museum-worthy pre-Prohibition bourbon from a maker who didn’t survive until the 21st Amendment.
When you’ll drink it: When you find yourself at this biker-themed quasi dive and find yourself with a really amazing tax refund check.
Older than: Federal income tax collection; Ella Fitzgerald; the Soviet Union.

THE OLDEST R(H)UM: AT THREE DOTS AND A DASH

1952-1970-1976 Rhum Clément X.O.

What it is: A special blend of Martinique rum made with aged rums from the years 1952, 1970 and 1976.
When you’ll drink it: You’re at Three Dots. You don’t want to drink anything on fire, from a skull, with a straw or that comes with an entire pineapple.
Older than: James Bond; Star Wars; Apple Computer.