A Sydney hotel is offering patrons a rare cognac for A$480 a glass the cost of one-week’s rent for a two-bedroom flat in the city, to cash in on what it believes is the growing desire for a “Ferrari lifestyle” among Sydneysiders.
“It’s a taste that promises to seduce not only your nose and tongue but your entire body,” said Laurent Branover, the Sofitel Wentworth’s food and beverage manager, of the Hennessy Ellipse bottle that sells for A$10,000.
“If you aren’t rich enough to own a Ferrari you can at least taste the Ferrari lifestyle with a glass of Hennessy Ellipse, for as long as your glass or your wallet allows.”
The hotel says its bottle, which is bought three weeks ago, is the only one in Australasia and one of 2,000 in the world.
So far, they have sold four glasses, to well-heeled male guests or wealthy Sydneysiders, and bookings for four more glasses have been made.
No one, however, has come back for seconds yet. One glass of Ellipse contains 43.5 per cent alcohol.
“When you try this cognac it’s very strong, you have the flavour for 24 hours. When something is unique, you have to pay for it,” said Branover
Ellipse is created by blending the most exceptional “eaux de vie” created by seven generations of master blenders. Its bouquet has hints of candied fruits, wild roses and an earthy aroma.
Presented in an elliptical Baccarat crystal decanter, the Sofitel’s bottle is numbered 12 in the world.