A unique decanter of Dictador Generations En Lalique has become one of the most expensive bottles of rum ever sold. Auctioned by Sotheby’s online, it achieved the exceptional price of £30,000. This is the highest value ever for rum during a Sotheby’s auction. The lot, named “Dictador Generations En Lalique” included the proof bottle handmade and engraved number #0 of a new limited edition of 300 decanters.
Designed by Lalique’s Artistic and Creative Director, Marc Larminaux, the decanter is inspired by the magical and mysterious beauty of the Caribbean Sea, with its glinting reflections and the calming sounds of beaches lapped by crystalline waters. Larminaux captured this mood by incorporating water patterns and used Lalique’s signature clear and frosted crystal to sculpt the light as it passes through the decanter – crystalised Caribbean spirit.
The liquid treasure housed within this piece of art is a special blend of vintage rums produced in 1976…
The liquid treasure housed within this piece of art is a special blend of vintage rums produced in 1976, aged in American Oak and port casks, and made by Dictador’s master blender Hernan Parra and his father Dario – the first time ever that father and son have created an expression together. This limited edition pays tribute to the Parra family who have been distilling rum in Cartagena since 1913. The recipe is soft and smooth. On the nose, hints of freshly polished wood and leather combine with rich plums and a touch of cocoa that opens to layers of black cherry, nutmeg and cinnamon finishing with griddled pineapple and hues of rose petals.
The palate opens with a deep note of dark chocolate, a hint of flamed orange peel and clove spices. Next up is nutmeg, followed by oak dryness, rich leather and Madagascan vanilla pods. High quality coffee and a whisper of star anise add an additional layer of complexity. A wonderful balance of ripe fruit sweetness rounded off by earthy spices. To finish, smoky toasted cigar tobacco and chocolate notes are underpinned by oak spices and a light sweetness of plump raisins, rich stewed prunes, medjool dates and fig leaf.
The decanter auctioned by Sotheby’s was offered in a one-of-a-kind gift box and accompanied by an illuminated presentation stand. With rare wines and spirits reaching increasingly large values and attracting global investment, Dictador is pioneering aged rum for collecting connoisseurs. The brand owns the world’s largest stock of aged rum, up to 45 years old, allowing them to release a range of innovative, yet fine and rare editions creating an entirely new luxury category for prestige rums and distributing their award-winning products to more than 80 countries around the world.
The lot also included personal letters from Master Blender Hernan Parra and Lalique’s Marc Larminaux; a print of the bottle’s original digital rendering signed by the designer; an exclusive invitation to Dictador Art Masters in Cartagena for two and a signed print of artist M-City, curator of Dictador Art Masters. Proceeds from this lot will benefit Art Masters, a charity focused on conservation in the Colombian jungle as well as the propagation of Street Art culture.
The limited-edition decanter is available at Hedonism Wines, RRP £14,000.
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