The world of rare spirits and how to find them

Aged whiskies, fine cognacs, and premium vodkas are slowly becoming the preferred drinks not just among the affluent, but also across a wider range of people worldwide. According to the market research firm Global Growth Insights, the global luxury spirits market is expected to grow by 10.3% from USD 65.45 billion in 2024 to over USD 71 billion this year.

In the Philippines, due to a robust economy and a growing middle class, high-end liquor is catching up to mass-market hard drinks that Filipinos usually consume. A leading distiller noted a “premiumization consumer trend in the Philippines”. Data from the company shows an increase in revenue generated from spirits over PHP 100 from 25% or PHP 28.7 billion in 2021 to 36% or nearly PHP 50 billion in 2025.

“The spirits segment is undergoing shifts in consumer preferences in favor of higher-quality, premium offerings – a phenomenon that the Group has and will continue to capitalize on to gain ground against local competitors,” the company stated in its first quarter 2024 earnings report/investor presentation.

But what exactly are these high-end spirits, and why are some bottles deemed more valuable and rare?

Premium liquor has no definite price range, nor can it be fully identified through the appearance of the product and its packaging. However, the word luxury itself cannot be fully removed from scarcity or rarity. What matters most in these high-end spirits is closely related to the actual liquid in the bottle. It’s about the authenticity and craftsmanship of the distillery, the finest ingredients used for the liquor, and how, where, and for how long it’s been aged to create something that is worth more.

Types of high-end spirits

Often hailed as the pinnacle of spirits, whiskey is a versatile liquor that can suit nearly every connoisseur’s preference, from the single malts of Scotland to the bourbons of Kentucky. World-renowned brands embody the intricacies of single malt scotch, while authentic barrel-aged whiskey represents the pinnacle of bourbon appreciation.

Cognac, a distinguished type of brandy hailing from the Cognac region of France, is another premium option. The VSOP (Very Superior Old Pale) designation reflects a nuanced aging process, while the XO (Extra Old) cognacs are sometimes considered the “connoisseur’s choice” due to their extraordinary depth and complexity.

Usually associated with tropical islands and pirates, rum commands its rightful place in the high-end spirits domain. Aged rums, particularly those older than a decade, possess intricate layers of caramel, vanilla, and spice. Rums brewed, aged, and barrelled in the Caribbean elevate the drinking experience to new heights.

In the realm of luxury, vodka is almost synonymous with purity and smoothness. Premium brands hailing from Russia are celebrated for their clean profiles. However, due to political events that led to a Russian boycott of many businesses, premium vodka brands have sprung up across Europe, still captivate drinkers due to their flavor.

Once a humble spirit, tequila has surged in popularity among enthusiasts of luxury. Aged variants from revered labels deliver rich, complex flavors that rival many of the finest whiskeys and cognacs. Premium tequila brands manufactured in Mexico are all crafted from blue Weber agave plants grown in these specific Mexican territories, which gives the spirit its complex flavor profile and higher sugar content.

Where to find luxury liquor in the Philippines

In the world of the digital economy, almost everything can be bought on the internet, including high-end liquor. Mainstream e-commerce platforms sell a variety of premium spirits that can be delivered to one’s doorstep. However, niche sites focusing on spirits offer a much wider catalogue of liquor while also delivering conveniently anywhere in the Philippines.

For those only looking to taste these spirits and not splurge on bottles, certain bars and hotels in the Metro may quench one’s thirst. Luxury hotels with iconic bars often pair some of their pralines with high-end liquor. Similarly, a few bars give off a sultry ambiance that fits perfectly with certain high-end spirits.

Of course, luxury retailers, especially liquor stores and duty-free shops, are also legitimate vendors of these rare spirits. Often located close to or inside airports, duty-free shops often offer these premium liquors at lower prices compared with regular retail markups. Meanwhile, luxury retailers cater to collectors and connoisseurs by curating limited-edition releases, rare vintages, and exclusive bottlings.

There’s always a bottle worth discovering, be it an iconic label or an unexpected gem sitting on a shelf. With patience, curiosity, and a little bit of savvy, every pour can open the door to new flavors, histories, and experiences that make the world of rare spirits endlessly rewarding.

(Editor’s Note: This article is part of a special collaboration between Metrobank and BusinessWorld. Our aim is to explore the facets of living well for Wealth Insights readers, who value the finer things in life. From discerning choices in cars, dining, and travel to appreciating exquisite jewelry and, ultimately, the journey toward building a legacy.)