Cognac has long been considered one of the more refined spirits, enjoyed by emperors and kings and coveted by noblemen and women alike. It might not, therefore, come as a complete shock to learn that the world’s most expensive cognac will set you back a right royal US$1,982,300 per 100cl bottle. Best sipped not sculled. This most decadent of drops is the Henri IV Dudognon Heritage Cognac Grande Champagne and has been dubbed in some quarters as ‘the DNA’ of cognacs. Produced since 1776, this ultra-fine liquor is aged in barrels for more than 100 years. While the cognac itself is undoubtedly lavish, a good deal of the expense is also in the bottle that holds this veritable nectar of the gods.
The bottle is dipped in 24-carat yellow gold and sterling platinum and decorated with no less than 6,500 certified brilliant-cut diamonds. Weighing in at 8 kilograms, the bejewelled bottle is the brainchild of world renowned jeweller Jose Davalos. Named in honour of French King Henri IV – whose descendants are responsible to this day for producing this fine cognac – this spirit is composed of carefully selected grape varieties grown exclusively in the Cognac region. The Henri Dudognon Heritage Cognac Grande Champagne has an alcohol content of 41 percent – although given the price-tag, there’s probably not much chance of anyone getting sozzled on it anytime soon.