Rare Scotch Going for Big Bucks

Two of Houston’s most devoted whisky bars are promoting some serious scotch stash. Laid-back downtown bar Reserve101 secured the launch for Glenmorangie Pride 1978, the rarest Glenmorangie single malt scotch whisky ever released. The celebratory bottle opening  took place last week by David Blackmore, Glenmorangie Global Master Brand Ambassador along with Reserve 101's Mike Raymond who said, "I think anytime you can be the first in the country for anything, it’s something special. Add to that an incredible scotch that took 34 years to produce and I can tell you, everyone here is pretty pumped."

A little further south, Cullen’s American Grille has obtained a limited edition bottle of The Balvenie Fifty, a single malt scotch whisky valued at $38,000 to be opened and served during a special dinner for just twelve guests at Cullen’s Saturday, November 15, by the man who sealed it in its original over 50 years ago – Malt Master David Stewart. Stewart, who is the longest-serving Malt Master in Scotch whisky history, will be flying from Scotland to Houston to host this multi-course meal prepared by the restaurant’s new culinary team featuring Executive Chef David Coffman, Sous Chef Ryan Louviere and Pastry Chef Johnny Wesley. For $2,900 per person, each guest will enjoy an extended course dinner, paired with tastings from The Balvenie including Balvenie 30, Balvenie 40 and the featured Balvenie 50 with additional tastings of The Balvenie Tun 1401 and Tun 1509.

Throughout the evening, over $50,000 worth of Scotch will be opened for the those taking part. "For scotch lovers, this is nirvana," said Ryan Roberts, Cullen’s General Manager who is thrilled to have been selected as the host venue for the event. Contact Cullens for reservations. If you can’t quite swing the dinner, you can still enjoy tastings of Balvenie 50 in the bar and dining room in the form of ¼ oz, ½ oz., ¾ oz. and 1 oz. servings ($1963 for the 1 oz shot in honor of the year it was created) – while supplies last. Cullen’s is known for their huge selection including more than 500 selections of whiskey, scotch and bourbon.