At sunset on the terrace of The Lana, Dubai’s luxurious Dorchester Collection hotel, a gentle breeze invites guests to soak in the city’s dazzling skyline. Against this stunning backdrop, a standout event marked a major milestone for the UAE: Rare Spirits officially arrived in town. And it didn’t tiptoe in—it made a bold entrance with an exclusive launch event for 120 carefully selected guests, offering them an immersive experience showcasing Campari Group’s ultra-premium spirits portfolio.
Throughout the evening, tasting stations set up along the glass-lined balconies treated attendees to an exclusive preview of exceptional liquids. Guests explored the artistry of mixology and indulged in Michelin-starred cuisine crafted by Martín Berasategui, creating a multi-sensory journey complete with visual projections, interactive displays, and the rhythmic sounds of cocktail shakers. Enthusiasts and industry insiders alike gathered to celebrate this luxurious addition to Dubai’s vibrant spirits scene.
Rare Spirits Makes Its Debut Season in Dubai
The evening kicked off in the refined ambiance of Jara Bar, transformed for the occasion with Rare Spirits selections proudly displayed in the central back bar. Guests were welcomed with glasses of Lallier Réflexion R.021 and Rosé Brut, perfectly paired with oysters—a timeless aperitivo tradition hard to resist.
The cocktail menu featured ten recipes, including the refreshing Glen Grant 12 Sour and The Gala, made with Courvoisier VSOP and Sicilian lemonade. The Grand Margarita showcased the versatility of Grand Marnier Cuvée Louis-Alexandre, while the Longbranch Manhattan paired Wild Turkey’s masterpiece with 1757 Vermouth di Torino Rosso.
Immersive Experiences to Savor
Guests were guided through a curated exploration of the Rare Spirits universe. At the Grand Marnier station, the highlight was a tasting of the Cuvée range, featuring Quintessence. With its aromatic orange and floral notes leading to a sip rich with dried fruit, peach, and a long, elegant finish, the liquid is housed in a crystal decanter crafted by Maison Baccarat. This exceptional blend includes Hors d’âge cognac aged up to 70 years, drawn from select barrels and Paradis-tier demijohns.
The Appleton Estate terrace, bathed in shades of blue, offered tastings of the 15YO and 21YO expressions alongside the limited Hearts Collection 1998—a rare single-mark 100% pot still rum for collectors.
Rare Spirits Masterclasses: Two Icons Take the Stage
The event also featured two exclusive masterclasses spotlighting standout products. Thibaut Hontanx, seventh-generation Chief Blender of Maison Courvoisier, guided guests through a tasting of L’Essence De Courvoisier. Its complex profile of sandalwood and cigar leaves transitions into sweet honey and floral undertones, with hints of licorice, apricot, and caramel stealing the show.
Attendees were also treated to a sip of the Courvoisier Mizunara 2023 Edition, a unique collaboration between Hontanx and Shinki Fukuyo of House of Suntory. This blend of Grande Champagne, Petite Champagne, and Borderies cognacs matures first in French oak for 10 years before finishing in prized Japanese Mizunara casks. The result? A harmonious mix of dried fruits, vanilla, and toasted cocoa with velvety tannins and an exotic edge.
The Glen Grant Experience with Greig Stables
The journey continued into The Glen Grant’s storytelling tunnel, where guests were introduced to the brand’s legacy through immersive projections and striking visuals. A stunning bottle projection revealed the 25YO, leading attendees to the secret Txakolina bar. This exclusive space, themed Garden of Splendours, was adorned with botanicals native to the distillery’s surroundings.
Greig Stables, The Glen Grant’s Master Distiller, led tastings of key expressions, including the 30YO. This whisky boasts a rich, layered bouquet that blends the distillery’s signature fruity character with deeper, bolder notes, leaving a lasting impression that invites another sip.
Amidst toasts and tastings, Rare Spirits made its grand debut in Dubai, setting the stage to captivate connoisseurs of fine spirits with its most exclusive offerings. With its unparalleled portfolio and sophisticated experiences, Rare Spirits is poised to redefine the art of high-end indulgence in the UAE.
Image Credits: Rare Spirits
In partnership with Campari Academy Mediterranean
