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Even if you're a spirits enthusiast who purchases bottles from the top shelf at your local liquor store, you've likely only touched the surface. The most expensive alcohols in the world don’t JUST go for hundreds of dollars; some bottles go for five, six, or even seven figures. For a component in a drink, that's quite a few zeros. But that’s the price you pay for the most expensive alcohol in the world! While the rarity and quality of some alcoholic beverages do contribute to their astronomical pricing, this is far from always the case. But what drives up the price for us regular folks is the combination of the most expensive alcohols in the world with the ornate packaging crafted from precious stones and platinum. Some of the most costly liquors in the world range from American bourbons priced in the five figures to vodka suitable for a Russian tycoon priced in the seven figures.
Most expensive alcohols in the world
D'Amalfi Limoncello: $44 million
An 18.5-carat diamond sits atop the $44 million bottle, while three other diamonds, totalling 13 carats, cover its exterior. Picture a bottle that would buy you an entire island. The pinnacle of opulence is the D'Amalfi Limoncello Supreme, which is priced at an incredible $44 million. Three thirteen-carat diamonds and an eight-and-a-half-carat diamond set in the middle decorate this bottle that the famous British designer Stuart Hughes created. The best lemons from the Amalfi Coast are used to make the classic Italian limoncello, which is found within. There are only two bottles in existence, with one being specially ordered by an unnamed Italian customer. We still don't know what happened to the other bottle. Undoubtedly, this is the most expensive liquor in the world!
Old Rip Van Winkle, Kentucky Bourbon: $125,000
Pappy Van Winkle is a name that keeps popping up when people speak about pricey American liquors. Old Rip Van Winkle 25-Year Kentucky Bourbon may easily cost five figures, while proof-by-volume bourbons can cost thousands. The price range for the 25-year bourbon at Sotheby's auctions is $25,000 to $45,000. A record-breaking special edition Old Rip Van Winkle 'Van Winkle Selection' from 2025 sold at auction for an incredible $125,000, shattering all prior PBV sales prices. The fact that Old Rip Van Winkle still thrills bourbon aficionados is evidence of that. There are a few bottles of Old Rip Van Winkle 25-Year bourbon available right now, and they're priced in the high five figures, between forty thousand and sixty thousand dollars. So if you are a bourbon fan, you can prove your loyalty by buying one of the most expensive alcohols in the world!
Isabella's Islay Whisky: $6.2 Million
The English crystal decanter holding Isabella's Islay whisky is set with more than 8,500 white diamonds and 300 rubies and is one of the most expensive liquor in the world! This single-malt Scotch whisky is a masterpiece, adorned with a delicate white gold coating. The appearance of the bottle, with its smoky scent and silky taste, is what demands the $6.2 million price tag, but the wine itself is excellent. Whisky aficionados and luxury goods collectors should not be without this very valuable item!
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Russo-Baltique Vodka: $1.1 Million
With the intention of "wooing Russian royalty, tycoons, and wealthy aficionados worldwide," the Russian automaker DARTZ MotorZ created this luxury vodka. It was unveiled at the 2009 Top Marques at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, where Prince Albert of Monaco was among the first to try it. House of Cards, a popular American television series, even included it in one episode. This exclusive vodka retails for an exorbitant Rs 10 crore and comes with a gold and silver bottle top studded with diamonds. It's time to take shots of the most expensive liquor in the world, or perhaps just stick to Smirnoff!
The Emerald Isle's Collectible: $2 Million
Bushmills is a historic distillery in Ireland that dates back to 1608. The Emerald Isle Collection, which is the oldest triple-distilled Irish whisky, is priced for over $2 million (almost 14 crores). The exquisite box, which houses a unique Fabergé Celtic Egg crafted from emeralds and 18k gold, showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of this collection. The package also includes a 22k gold watch and a cigar cutter plated in gold from the Cohiba Siglo VI Grand Reserva. The Emerald Isle Collection donated the proceeds from its sale in 2021 to support research in pediatric cancer. It was the most costly first release for a whisky firm in history, shattering records in the process.
Louis XIII Anniversary Edition Black Pearl Cognac: $50,000
Remy Martin's limited-edition Louis XIII Black Pearl Anniversary Edition Cognac is among the most pricey bottles of cognac ever sold, and we're talking about very rare and costly spirits here. Only 800 bottles were made, so if you can find one, it will cost about $35,000, but it truly appreciates with demand going upto 50k! The eau-de-vie brandy used to make this Cognac has been matured for 40 to 100 years in tierçons, which are rare Limousin wood barrels. The Louis XIII brand produced it to commemorate its 140th anniversary. The age, quality, and rarity of the contents justify the opulence of the decanter's craftsmanship. Titanium, carbon, and Baccarat crystal adorned with gold form its artistic composition. Rare even on secondary markets, this Cognac is infrequently offered for sale due to its extreme rarity.
Fine and Rare Macallan 1926 Whiskey: $75,000
The Macallan Fine and Rare collection includes this whisky, which is quite ancient. Manufactured in a limited run of 40 bottles, it boasts 42.6% alcohol by volume (ABV). When any water is added, the 1926 Macallan becomes dry and intense, leaving a liquorice aftertaste. A tumbler of this century-old whisky costs $75,000—well, nearly! If you like your century-old whiskey, you have to try one of the costliest alcohols in the world!