One of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious wine and spirits merchants, Justerini & Brooks, celebrated its 275th year by unveiling a number of exclusive products to an audience at its grand anniversary celebration at Burlington Arcade, Mayfair.
For over two and a half centuries, Justerini & Brooks has built its reputation for curating the finest wines and spirits from world-renowned Châteaux, estates, and distilleries. With an expertly hand-selected portfolio of over 5,000 wines and spirits, Justerini & Brooks has served collectors and connoisseurs with a dedication to quality and craftsmanship since 1749.
Founded during the reign of George II by Giacomo Justerini, the company was driven from the start by the ambition to set a standard for quality and sophistication. It became a pioneering force in fine wines and spirits.
Standing amongst the greats of St. James, the merchant prides itself on filling the famed cellars of some of the most historic and pioneering titans of the hospitality industry and famed characters in history, including Oscar Wilde. It has also been awarded the Royal Warrant by every consecutive British monarch since King George III in 1761 to Queen Elizabeth II.
Naomi Alston, General Manager at Justerini & Brooks, said, “From Giacomo Justerini’s original vision of bringing Europe’s finest wines to London to today, 275 years later, we have remained true to our commitment to exceptional quality.
“Reaching this incredible milestone is a testament to our dedication and passion. As we celebrate our past, we also look forward to the future—continuing to evolve, offering exclusive experiences, and serving collectors and connoisseurs across the globe.”
To mark this momentous occasion, Justerini & Brooks has unveiled a number of exclusive products, the most limited of which is the Justerini & Brooks 275th Anniversary Case.
Selected as some of the top producers within their respective regions, it offers oenophiles the opportunity to own three treasured bottles: Echezeaux, Grand Cru, Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair, 2013; Barbaresco, Crichët Pajé, Roagna, 2016; and Château Lafleur, 2016.
Just 30 sets are available, priced at £4,500 per set (including duty & taxes); each has been hand-selected by Justerini & Brooks’ Buying Director Giles Burke-Gaffney and features special celebratory labelling, is hand-signed by the winemakers, and housed in a bespoke case.
Justerini & Brooks has also selected a special 275th-anniversary own-label bottling from Vosne-Romanée, Burgundy, that captures the unique character of this renowned terroir. Priced at £22.70 (including duty & taxes), the limited-edition bottle celebrates the brand’s deep ties to Burgundy. It is available online, at the Burlington Arcade boutique, or through the merchant’s private client teams.
Giles Burke-Gaffney, Buying Director at Justerini & Brooks, said, “The Justerini & Brooks 275th Anniversary Case and our own-label 275th Burgundy are true reflections of the heritage and relationships we’ve built over centuries.
“In my 25 years at J&B, from starting as a cellar hand to now leading our team of buyers, my passion for discovering exceptional wines has only deepened. These offerings showcase the finest vineyards and terroirs I’ve encountered in my journey, embodying the craftsmanship and dedication that Justerini & Brooks has always stood for.”
From bottle to cask, Justerini & Brooks gives access to some of the most sought-after whiskies Scotland has ever produced. To celebrate this, the merchant presents a single bottle release from a Knockando 34-year-old cask, a key component of the J&B blend, for its 275th anniversary.
Selected for one of the most prestigious cask ownership programmes, Casks of Distinction, this 1992 cask was distilled to perfection, showcasing the expertise of the distillery’s esteemed masters of malt. Just 453 bottles are available globally, priced at £1,210 (including duty and taxes).
Tod Bradbury, Global Private Client Director – Whisky at Justerini & Brooks, said, “The Knockando Cask of Distinction is a remarkable way to honour our 275th anniversary. This exceptional cask has been nurtured for over three decades and represents the artistry and tradition behind Scotland’s finest single malts. We’re proud to offer this rare whisky as a testament to our deep roots in the whisky world.”
Earlier this month, some of the industry’s most celebrated names gathered to toast Justerini & Brooks’ 275-year legacy. Guests enjoyed a highly exclusive and elevated wine list, taken from deep within its cellars, many of which are only reserved for the merchant’s private clients.
Highlights included many ‘once in a lifetime’ vintages including spectacular wines from Bordeaux’s left and right banks, standout Napa Valley wines and large format bottles, including a Balthazar of 2010 Barolo, La Serra by Roberto Voerzio. The whisky heritage was also on display, featuring rare treasures from distillers across Diageo’s portfolio in Scotland including Talisker and Mortlach.
The evening concluded with speeches and a ceremonial candle-blowing. Guests included producers from Domaine du Comte Liger-Belair, Domaine Bruno Clair, Roagna, and Donnhoff.
Earlier this year, Justerini & Brooks marked the beginning of its 275th year by opening its first fine wine and spirits boutique within London’s historic Burlington Arcade. The boutique offers visitors special access to some of the world’s finest wines and spirits.