Millionaire Liquor Edit

Top Tipples of the Wealthy
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The Luxury Institute just published the results of a survey on CNBC in which 1,771 wealthy Americans (net worth of at least $4.3 million and average income of at least $351,000) were asked for their top liquor and wine picks based on quality, uniqueness and exclusivity.

The results aren’t surprising, but after five years working and managing in the upscale restaurant/bar business, they’re not specific enough for me. Here are the results of the poll, with the suggestions I’d make for a high roller.

1. Dom Pérignon

The undisputed heavyweight champion of champagne. There are others that I love, and some that I love more, but there’s not much better living in the world than sipping on a bottle of 1996 Dom.

2. Patrón

Patrón has made a killing selling its amazing trio of tequilas. But the Gran Patrón Platinum tequila is what I would have chosen, not the regular Patrón line. Gran Patrón retails for $180-200 and is worth every penny.

3. Macallan

This Scotch is absolutely awesome. But the CNBC piece uses an image of Macallan 10, when we all know a multimillionaire would drink at least the 25 and probably even owns a bottle or two of something aged far longer.

4. Far Niente wine

Any Napa vineyard that only chooses to focus on two grapes—in this case, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon—is pretty serious about wine. I’ll let this one slide.

5. Grey Goose

The luxury standard. There are other solid choices: Stoli Elit, Chopin, even Ciroc. But the Goose sells itself.

6. Bombay Sapphire

In a spirit packed with quality competition, for a millionaire, Sapphire only counts if it comes with a Baccarat crystal, sapphire and diamond bottle (gallery).

7. Grand Marnier

Grand Marnier is my go-to liqueur for everything from sipping to sauteeing and bruleeing. But if I had a blank check, I’d write one for Grand Marnier Cuvée du centenaire, which is $100 more than the traditional GrandMa.

8. 10 Cane Rum

Moët and Hennessey got it right on this one. Delicious, with a hint of sweet, it’s perfect for cocktails or just to sip solo.

9. Woodford Reserve

Amazing Kentucky bourbon, but I’d one-up my colleagues by heading straight to the distillery and ordering up my own custom batch—that’s 180 1.0 liter bottles—of Woodford Reserve, complete with personalized labels.