Tot of brandy? That’s Sh41,000 only, sir
What you need to know:
- The Remy Martin Louis XIII is a cuvée in its own class, produced by the House of Remy Martin. It is an internationally acclaimed cognac that is often described as “very old”, having been bottled in the 1960s. The few who have had the chance to imbibe this legendary cognac have flowery words to describe the taste.
- According to the official Johnnie Walker website, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch Whisky King George V Edition is handcrafted from rare whiskies that have been produced in distilleries that operated during the reign of King George V between 1930 and 1936.
Would you buy a single bottle of brandy for Sh1.2 million and a 30 millilitre tot for Sh41,000?
Kenyans are fast becoming a prime market for luxury liquors and they are not afraid to splash staggering amounts of money on top-tier alcohol.
A spot check across a few local expensive and exclusive clubs and bars reveals how Kenyans are spoilt for choice regarding superior alcohol.
Top on this list is the newly opened Caramel Restaurant and Lounge at the ABC Place that sells a bottle of Remy Martin Louis XII brandy for Sh1,225,000. A 30ml single shot of the same brandy goes for Sh41,000.
The Remy Martin Louis XIII is a cuvée in its own class, produced by the House of Remy Martin. It is an internationally acclaimed cognac that is often described as “very old”, having been bottled in the 1960s. The few who have had the chance to imbibe this legendary cognac have flowery words to describe the taste.
The Remy Martin XO brandy in the same family costs Sh129,000 per bottle.
WHO BUYS THEM?
These liquors are this pricey because of the intricate detail in maturation, craftsmanship, heritage and essence.
So who buys these expensive liquors, anyway?
Mr Ryan Majiwa, the Brand Ambassador of Diageo Reserve Brands, says Kenyans are very interested in these luxury portfolios. Every category of alcohol has a luxury brand and Kenyans are willing to dig deeper in their pockets to purchase these brands.
They have no qualms about spending what would seem like an arm and a leg to the average Kenyan on a wide range of top-of-the-shelf tequila, gins, vodka, whiskeys and brandy.
Mr Majiwa says that the most expensive liquor in their portfolio right now is the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch Whisky King George V Edition, which retails for Sh250,000 a bottle in five-star hotels. A tot could cost you Sh15,000. This liquor is imported from Scotland.
According to the official Johnnie Walker website, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Scotch Whisky King George V Edition is handcrafted from rare whiskies that have been produced in distilleries that operated during the reign of King George V between 1930 and 1936.
“People who enjoy the fine things in life and know what they are looking for are our market. We are very specific of whom we sell them to. This year, we imported 50 bottles from Scotland,” said Mr Majiwa.
The number of bottles imported into the country is highly dependent on the amount available for import as this liquor is considered exclusive and of a limited edition.
PREMIUM RUMS
Tequila lovers willing to spend more are now buying the Tequila Don Julio brand. Rum chums can spoil themselves with premium rums such as Ron Zacapa Centenario 23 from Guatemala. This rum is made using “virgin sugarcane honey”.
“It is special because it is aged in a process that uses five different barrels stored 2,300 metres above sea level and the taste is acquired from various barrels,” said Mr Majiwa.
The most expensive liquor is the 60-year-old Macallan Highland Single Scotch Whiskey that retails at Sh2.5 million a bottle. The whisky is available on requisition.
