Food & Drink

That’s the Spirit

The Best of Bonhams’ Rare-Booze Auction

Right now, the rarest adult beverages in the world are on the block at Bonhams’ <em>Whiskey, Cognac & Rare Spirits Auction</em>. Also, right now, you’re probably feeling like you need a drink. Something smooth. And priceless. So here are the five essential bottles you need to bid on.

COGNAC

L’Heraud Grande Champagne Cognac 1802

What It Is: A 211-year-old unopened bottle of cognac from France’s Champagne region. Only a few are known to still exist in the world. Which is all the more reason for you not to share it.
Pairs Well With: Steak frites. Beef bourguignon. Escargot. A cigarette.

BOURBON

Master Distillers Unity Set

What It Is: Two crystal-and-silver decanters filled with a never-before-attempted blend of Kentucky’s seven major bourbons. Yes, it’s a superbourbon.
Pairs Well With: Fried chicken. A front porch.

GIN

Gordon & Co’s Dry Gin

What It Is: A bottle of London dry gin from 1908, with the word “contents” misspelled on the chemist’s label. It’s the perfect gift for a serious collector. Or a gimlet.
Pairs Well With: Tonic. But you probably already knew that.

SCOTCH

Glenfarclas 1953 58 Years Old

What It Is: The most aged scotch up for auction here. Tastes of caramel. And toffee bits. And experience.
Pairs Well With: An empty glass. It’s 58-year-old scotch, for crying out loud.

JFK’S SCOTCH

The President’s Aberlour-Glenlivet

What It Is: A mostly finished bottle of scotch with a silver cap that’s engraved “Happy Birthday from Jack.” And by Jack, they mean JFK. And by JFK, they mean... well, hopefully you know what they mean.
Pairs Well With: If Kennedy were still around, he’d tell you chowder.