Wrapped up in striking, aristocratic-style packaging with age-old wax seals, these Buccella wines are here to make a statement. Put on the top 10 wineries watch list by the The San Francisco Chronicle and considered a “cult” brand, the Californian boutique winery Bucella may look like the perfect choice to fill those fancy glasses you’ve been hiding in the kitchen for so long.  If the flavor is as stylishly cultivated as the packaging, we’d love to get a few bottles of these in our cabinet. [via TheCoolHunter]

In case you were wondering where you can serve the world’s oldest cognac, London’s famed Lanesborough Hotel is the answer. The ultra-luxurious St. Regis property hotel recently got their hands on a cognac bottle that was distiled back in the 70′s– the 1770′s that is, and now serve it for about $6,000 a shot in their ritzy Library Bar. And while you luxuriate in with this 240-year old cognac, definitely try one of those fine cigars they keep in their newly installed walk-in cigar humidor. [via Luxist]

In the ultra premium whiskey category, there’s a new bottle for you to remember. Beam Global Spirits & Wine has announced their (rī)¹ Whiskey. Though I don’t like the logo, the name or the bottle design, I am aware of the quality and the level of sophistication of the rye whiskey so these guys may actually end up selling some of the liquor. Beam started production of Rye One since last month and our sources already mentioned that it’s a must when it comes to cocktails. Taste it and let us know! [ri1whiskey]

What makes a good wine?  For most wine buyers, the packaging makes the sale.  Sure, brand loyalty, grape preference and reviews are driving factors, but when stuck between two wines– the packaging often drives the decision.  Our friends over at NotCot spotted some of the most fun packaging we’ve seen lately with the Boarding Pass Shiraz.  This 2005 vintage Shiraz features air travel-inspired design, including a boarding pass, an in-flight instruction guide and luggage tags for the neck label.  Bottles aren’t too tough to find, you can try contacting Grateful Palate Imports for availability details… [gratefulpalate via notcot]

As if made of lambskin and covered with gold was not enough, the French designer Camille Toupet designed the new Moët & Chandon Midnight Gold Case with some hand sewn Swarovski crystals and gold beads that try to imitate champagne bubbles. It also features an embossed logo, to add to make it even  more sophisticated. Specifically created to chill bottles of the expensive “potion”, the new stylish golden casing is only going to be produced in a one hundred limited edition, so those interested should get in fast. [via Sybarites]

A new way to gently break the news that bar partrons shouldn’t be driving are popping up around Frankfurt, Germany. They teamed up with a national taxi service to install pressure sensors in the urinals of bars that are used to control a need for speed-type video game mounted on the wall. When you crash, a horrific video of a car crash comes up, followed by, “Too pissed to drive? Call a taxi instead. Call 069-733030″. Genius! At the very least it’ll give guys something better to look at than the wall. Check out to see it in action at the site. [Piss-Screen]

Playboy has come out with a range of wines with a label that is synonymous to its image – a label of sex appeal and classic distinction.  The Playboy Wine Collection includes Gargiulo Money Road Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Supery’s famous Dollarhide Cabernet Sauvignon, Schug Estate Heritage Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, RODA Cirsiron and Tenuta Sette Ponts Oreno– all available not only online but also at retail outlets between $90 and $380 per bottle.  The Playboy Wine Collection will be in limited supply, so expect a rush to get your hands on one of 550 bottles per release. [PlayboyWines via Avenue Vine]

Want a cup full of crazy?  Spend eight minutes listening to Dan Aykroyd explain why Crystal Head Vodka is the coolest.  From ghosts to UFOs to diamond-filtering, Aykroyd spends 8 minutes selling a gimmick for what might be a pretty good vodka on its own.  Don’t worry, we’ve got the Youtube video after the jump, but for now– the details.  Apparently Aykroyd really dug Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.  While the legend of the film was borne in truth, the existence of a series of ancient, pristine crystal skulls found throughout the world, we didn’t expect this myth to bring a new vodka into the world.  Well, somebody made the connection.  While we agree the packaging is nothing short of sweet, the concept is far, far fetched…  We’ll let Mr. Aykroyd explain that…

In celebration of James Bond’s forthcoming adventures in Quantum of Solace, the champagne craftsmen at Bollinger have released a collector’s edition bottle of champagne in that deadly little bullet above.  207 bottles of Bollinger’s Grande Année 1999 will be sold in this special bullet packaging designed by French designer Eric Berthès.  The Bollinger 007 will be on the market for around $6,000 USD, priced only for the higher-end, long-time James Bond collectors.  This collaboration between the James Bond franchise and Bollinger Champagne will be 35 years old during the release of Quantum of Solace, having started in 1973 with the film “Live and Let Die“. [bollinger]