6th November 2024
How does a classic wine merchant mark a massive milestone? Justerini & Brooks has the answer in celebrating its 275th anniversary at Burlington Arcade. SPHERE's Lisa Barnard and Grace Walkington were on hand to raise a glass to the liqiuid legacy that has stood the test of time. Extraordinary and rare wines were flowing en magnum, even jeroboam, from Burgundy to Barolo, from Soave to Speyside, from Philipponat to Pomerol.
Justerini & Brooks, the fine wine and spirits merchant founded in St. James’s in 1749, has supplied every British monarch since 1761. To celebrate its 275th anniversary, the company took over Burlington Arcade where it has opened the doors to a boutique and tasting room.
Producers of fine wines in its portfolio flocked from near and far, jostling glasses with customers, sommeliers, press and bons viveurs. The 40 or so wines and spirits on offer were stupendous My highlights were Meursault Les Charmes Dessus, Chateau de Meursault 2019; Vosne-Romanee, Clos du Chateau, Domaine du Compte Liger-Belair 2009; Uletra, Raul Perez 2020, Hermitage Blanc, Domaine Chave 2015; Chateau Montrose, St Estephe 2009; Puligny Montrachet, Les Folatieres, Bachelet-Monnot 2014, Barolo Voghera Brea, Azelia 2010 and Chateau Montrachet, Les Caillerets, Jean Noel Gangnard 2018. Luckily spitoons were on offer, as the wines were insanely drinkable.
We were greeted warmly with a brimming flute of Champagne Philipponat, setting the tone for the evening. Our stroll down the elegant Burlington Arcade was punctuated with copious canapés: lobster bisque bites, caviar, scotch quail eggs and a magnificent cheese station. Whether it was the Pensées de Lafleur, Pomerol, 1990 or a glass from a magnum of Chablis, La Forest, 1er Cru, Vincent Dauvisatt 2018, guests were spoilt for choice.
Speeches included tributes from Naomi Alston, General Manager at Justerini & Brooks, who commented: "
“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.”
Giles Burke-Gaffney, Buying Director.vspoke of his journey with Justerini & Brooks—from cellar hand in 1997 t leading the buying team.
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.”
In addition to a fabulous celebration in the arcade, Justerini and Brooks havsreleased limited-edition offerings for wine and spirits enthusiasts to makl the Anniversary. The 275th Anniversary Case features three exceptional wines: Echezeaux Grand Cru 2013, Barbaresco Crichët Pajé 2016, and Château Lafleur 2016. With only 30 sets available at £4,500 each., each set is hand-selected by Buying Director Giles Burke-Gaffney, signed by the winemakers, and housed in a bespoke case. In addition, a limited-edition Burgundy Vosne-Romanée, celebrating Justerini & Brooks’ deep ties to the region.
On the whisky side, J&B offers an exclusive release of Knockando 34-Year-Old, with just 453 bottles available worldwide. These rare offerings highlight the craftsmanship and heritage that define Justerini & Brooks’ legacy in both wine and whisky.
Tod Bradbury, Global Private Client Director of 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.”
As the evening continued and the wine continued to flow, a jazz band struck up and added to the ambiance.
The Justerini & Brooks boutique in Burlington Arcade, opened in 2024, was of course open for guests to explore, including the tasting room on the upper floor, where connoisseurs can recline on velvet banquettes while sipping some of the finest wines available by the glass.
No event at Justerini & Brooks would be complete without their signature spirits. At the cocktail bar, expertly crafted drinks like the Johnnie Walker Blue Labour Twinkle and refreshing Seedlip Garden 108 & Lemon Tonic were served.
The Justerini & Brooks boutique and tasting room are open Monday through Saturday from 11 am. to 6:30 pm and Sundays from 11am to 5 pm.
Find them at:
41 Burlington Arcade
London
W1J 0QJ
