Top Connoisseur Products, Providers & Services

"A connoisseur: A specialist who knows everything about something and nothing about anything else." - Ambrose Bierce.

"A connoisseur of gastronomy was congratulated on his appointment as a director of indirect contributions at Perigues: and, above all, in the pleasure there would be in living in the midst of good cheer, in the country of truffles, partridges, gruffled turkeys, and so forth. 'Alas!' replied with a sigh the sad gastronomer, 'can one really live at all in a country where there is no fresh sea-fish?'" - Jean-Antheleme Brillat-Savarin.

A CONNOISSEUR (from French connaisseur, from Middle-French connoistre, then connaÎtre meaning "to be acquainted with" or "to know somebody / something.") is a person who has a great deal of knowledge about the fine arts, or an expert judge in matters of taste.

Internationally modern connoisseurship is also used in the context of gastronomy and luxury goods, i.e. in connection with fine food, wine, accessories, jewellery, watches and many other products whose consumption and ownership can be pleasing to the senses.

• ALBERT THURSTON - "Fine Accessories for Gentlemen since 1820." Worn by: Kings, Presidents, Princes, Prime Ministers, Business Stars, Film Stars: Michael Douglas (as Gordon Gekko) in the movie Wall Street.
• AMEDEI - "The Culture of Chocolate."
• AQUARIVA BY MARC NEWSON - limited edition of 22 units in September 2010, available worldwide through Gagosian Gallery.
• ARDBEG - "It is, perhaps, the most peaty malt whisky in the world - certainly of all the Islay malts."
• ARMAND DE BRIGNAC - "Rated No. 1 Champagne in the World." Non-vintage Champagne brand produced by Champagne Cattier, and sold in opaque metallic bottles. The brand's first bottling, Armand de Brignac Brut Gold, is identifiable by its distinctive gold bottle with pewter Ace of Spades labels. Like much Champagne, the Brut Gold cuvée is a blend of the grape varieties Pinot noir, Pinot meunier and Chardonnay, making use of only Premier Cru and Grand Cru-rated grapes. Two other cuvées, a Rosé and a Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay) were released in 2008. In November 2009, FINE Champagne Magazine published the results of a blind tasting of 1,000 champagne brands, with Armand de Brignac the top finisher.
• ATELIER YOZU - Robb Report's choice for Best Cufflinks in their 2004 Best of the Best issue.
• AURUMANIA GOLD BIKE CRYSTAL EDITION - world's most expensive bike.
• BALIK SALMON - "Considered by most aficionados to be the best smoked salmon in the world."
• BELLORR - Périgord truffle (Tuber Melanosporum) and summer truffle (Tuber Aestium).
• BEST OF THE BEST - profiles of the world's most pre-eminent creative artists in the world of couture, design, fine food and wine, and luxury living on DVD, or DVD-quality broadband downloads.
• BIJAN - by appointment only: menswear, perfume, jewelry, watches, bulletproof lined jackets, accessories.
• BLACK ASTRUM - world's most expensive business cards featuring Swiss metal, diamonds: "Black Astrum Signature Cards (encrusted in diamonds of the highest quality) are produced in limited numbers and are offered to new members by invitation only."
• BLACK DIAMOND LIFESTYLE - specialises in the charter of private jets, the rental of up-market ski chalets, the chartering and selling of private yachts, as well as renting magnificent villas. New to our portfolio is our luxury property search facility and super cars. Our office in Mayfair also deals with the most exclusive holidays on private islands in the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands and Fiji.
• BLANCPAIN WATCHES
• BLUEFISH - "The premiere lifestyle, concierge, and travel service to the rich and famous. We are the ultimate little black book. We can secure impossible access to A-list events, set up that "I never thought I could do this" adventure, line up private charter flights and book luxury accommodations in every city around the world."
• BOMPASS & PARR - bespoke cookie cutters.
• BOSE A20 AVIATION HEADSET
• BOSE VIDEOWAVE ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM - home theater sound (invisible speakers), integrated high-definition system.
• BREGUET WATCHES
• Bugatti Veyron diamond-and-gold 1:18 scale model - 24 karat gold and 7.2 carats worth of diamonds. Costs a reported £2 million. Only three will be made.
• BUBEN & ZÖRWEG - since 1995. " We design and manufacture detailed pieces that reflect our passion for innovative technology, ground-breaking design and perfect artistry for lovers of unique masterpieces."
• BUY FRESH MAINE LOBSTER - list of 45 suppliers.
• CANFORA CAPRI SANDALS - legendary handmade sandals in Capri, Italy.
• Castello Orsini-Odescalchi - available for weddings and receptions. (Hollywood actors Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes got married here in 2006). Bracciano (Rome), Italy.
• CAVIAR AT AMAZON.COM's GROCERY & GOURMET FOOD
• CAVIAR HOUSE & PRUNIER - creators of fine gastronomy. Obsession with excellence.
• CHEF ADAIR - catering & private chef.
• CIGAR AFICIONADO - your home for cigars on the web.
• CLIVE CHRISTIAN NO. 1 IMPERIAL MAJESTY - the world's most expensive perfume: US$215,000.
• COHIBA BEHIKE - "Cohiba’s Best Kept Secret." The most exclusive línea of the most prestigious Habanos brands, with three new formats: BHK 52, BHK 54 y BHK 56.Cohiba Behike. Each and every one of Cohiba Behike Habanos also incorporates a band with two holograms for security identification.
• COHIBA CIGARS
• DANIEL MARSHALL - "A Symbol of Quality." Since 1982. Sterling ilver humidor.
• DAVIDOFF CIGARS
• DEAN & DELUCA GOURMET SUPPLIERS
• DEREK ROSE OF SAVILE ROW - "The World's Finest Luxury Sleepwear."
• DOM PÉRIGNON CHAMPAGNE
• DUNHILL PIPES
• EGG LOUNGE CHAIR - designed by Arne Jacobsen.
• EL BULLI - world's best restaurant.
• EL CASCO - provides since 1920 the finest range of desk accessories in the world.
• ELIZABETH GANN COLLECTIONS - "The Source for Premium Collectible Chess Sets." Chess sets designed by: Oleg Raikis and Piero Benzoni; rare & limited editions, glass, damascene and antique sets.
• EVINITÉ FRANCE - "International specialist of fine French wines."
• FABERGÉ EGG - Wikipedia.
• FAUCHON - the top luxury gourmet store in France.
• FINCA VISTA HERMOSA - "The world's best coffee."
• FOIE GRAS AT AMAZON.COM'S GROCERY & GOURMET FOOD
• FOOD SNOB - "Bon vivant vivant bien." Perceptive restaurant reviews. By Rafi.
• FONDERIE 47 - world's most expensive cufflinks: US$32,700. "Mechanical cufflinks. Issued in a limited and numbered series. The purchase of each set destroys one hundred assault riffles in Africa."
• FORTNUM & MASON - Piccadilly since 1707.
• GARDEN ROOM - at The Lainesborough hotel in London, U.K. "The Garden Room is the first and only luxury smoking venue in Knightsbridge, providing the best smoking room in London and housing an extensive collection of Cuban and Pre-Castro cigars."
• GLOBE-TROTTER - British handmade luxury luggage since 1897.
• GOLD CAVIAR - by Bellorr.
• GOLDVISH - the most exclusive mobile phone collection in the world.
• GRAND HAVANA ROOM BEVERLY HILLS - "Our flagship location. Since its inception in April 1995 it has set the standard that high-end cigar clubs are measured by on a national scale. every element of the Grand Havana Room has been designed for the explicit purpose of maximizing the enjoyment of the cigar smoker."
• GULFSTREAM G650
• GUTENBERG BIBLE
• Habsburgerli - Queens-official seal filled with fine chocolate by Studler Chocolatier.
• HARDY PERFECTION SERIES - Air, Fire, Water, Earth & Light. The "Essential Element" series have been bottled in a magnificent Daum crystal decanter. Each of the 300 decanters are numbered and have proof of authenticity. The origin of the eaux-de-vie that makes this Cognac rare and excellent dates back to the 1870's, the Pre-phylloxera days.
• HASSELBLAD H4D FERRARI LIMITED EDITION - 499 units produced.
• HÉDIARD PARIS - since 1854 a benchmark in luxury fine foods, fruits, spices, tea, coffee, foies gras, gift baskets, and more. Online shop.
• HOTEL BURJ AL ARAB
• HUNTSMAN - SAVILE ROW TAILORS
• IMPERIAL RECRUITMENT
• JAMÓN IBÉRICO (PATA NEGRA) HAM AT AMAZON.COM'S GROCERY & GOURMET FOOD
• JOHN LOBB BOOTMAKER
• KATHARINE POOLEY - briefcase style 4 person picnic leather hamper.
• KLUFT - "A finey tailored mattress."
• KOBE BEEF (WAGYU) AT AMAZON.COM'S GROCERY & GOURMET FOOD
• KOPI LUWAK COFFEE AT AMAZON.COM'S GROCERY & GOURMET FOOD
• KRUG CLOS D'AMBONNAY 1995 CHAMPAGNE
• LA CASA DEL HABANO - home of world's best Havanna cigars.
• la maison des maÎtres chocolatiers belges
• LA MAISON DU CHOCOLAT
• LA MARZOCCO - "For The Serious Barista." Espresso machines handmade in Florence since 1927.
• LEICA M9 NEIMAN MARCUS EDITION - limited to a worldwide edition of just 50. Combines the classic Leica M shooting experience with the latest digital technology. It also is the world's only digital rangefinder camera with interchangeable lenses and a full-frame 18 megapixel sensor to capture ultrahigh resolution images. Price: US$17.500.
• LEICA M9 "TITANIUM" - special edition: limited to 500 cameras. Design: Walter de'Silva. New features include the LED illumination of the bright-line frames in the viewfinder. Price: US$33,000.
• LIFESTYLE PETS - the Ashera cat: the world's rarest and most exotic domestic cat breed: US$22,000.
• LOBEL'S GOURMET ONLINE BUTCHER SHOP
• LOBSTERS AT AMAZON.COM'S GROCERY & GOURMET FOOD
• LOUIS VUITTON - founded in 1854.
• LOUIS VUITTON PERSONALISATION SERVICES - special orders: custom made, made to order & product personalisation: painting, hot stamping & monograms.
• LOUIS VUITTON TRIBUTE PATCHWORK BAG
• LUXURY HAMPERS - Fortnum & Mason.
• LYTRO - "A new type of camera that dramatically changes photography for the first time since the 1800s," according to TechCrunch.
• MAGNOLIA BAKERY - since 1996. 401 Bleecker St. (at 11th St.), New York City, NY, U.S.A. Known for its famous dessert treats, including its cupcakes and old-fashioned Depression era icebox cakes.
• MAKE SCENTS OF WINE - "The World's Ultimate Wine Education Kit."
• MANDARIN ORIENTAL TOKYO - special offer per night plan: use of the entire hotel (178 guest rooms and suites, all nine restaurants and all spas, reserved from 3:00 in the afternoon to noon the next day. It would include a cocktail reception for 500 people) for 55 million yen (US$671,800).
• MASSIMO SFORZA - genuine crocodile shoes.
• MATCHA TEA
• MAYBACH CARS
• MERCEDES-BENZ 600 PULLMAN
• MICROSOFT SURFACE - MS' new surface computing platform that responds to natural hand gestures and real world objects.
• MILE HIGH CLUB - all about The Mile High Club.
• MIRROR TV - Hidden Television sales & manufacturing: frame your LCD, LED, or Plasma television. Bedroom & living room mirror TV; custom size TV mirror; vanity mirror TV.
• MOLESKINE - "Culture, imagination, memory, travel, personal identity." A brand that encompasses a family of nomadic objects: notebooks, diaries, journals, bags, writing instruments and reading accessories, dedicated to our mobile identity.
• MY YACHT F1 - "Indulge in a lifestyle of extraordinary F1 proportions. Feel the speed, meet celebrities and enjoy top hospitality on a luxury yacht. The ultimate luxury Grand Prix hospitality and VIP party experience for the elite traveler!"
• NET-A-PORTER.COM - world's premier online luxury fashion retailer.
• ON THE FLY - "Solutions for the modern gentleman."
• PEN OF THE YEAR 2011 - by Graf von Faber-Castell.
• PERSONAL WINE - established in 2001. Deliver prize winning wines and products personally labeled with the clients required messages, logos or graphics.
• PETROSSIAN - exquisite food and gifts since 1920. Caviar, salmon, foie gras, chocloates, fine food gourmet gifts online.
• PÉTRUS POMEROL BORDEAUX RED WINE
• PIANKI - world class luxury gifts.
• PLATINUM YACHTS - custom-build and semi-custom build Mega Yacht specialist.
• PRADA PHONE - by LG 3.0.
• PRIVATSEA - exclusive membership club for luxury yachting and associated lifestyle services. PrivatSea has created a Luxury Alliance and reciprocal Club Network for its members to provide services that naturally complement the yachting experience. Members receive privileges and preferential rates with partners including selective private clubs, premium private residences, highly exclusive events, private jets, limousine services, hotels, premium private residences, private jets, yacht builders, limousines and private banks.
• PULLMAN GALLERY - the Pullman Gallery specializes in objets deluxe dating from 1880-1950. "Our gallery is in King Street, St James's, London, right next to Christie's."
• QUINTESSENTIALLY TRAVEL - "We provide the ultimate tailor-made luxury experience whether you are travelling for business or leisure."
• RÉMY MARTIN LOUIS XIII COGNAC
• Riva Aquarama - (1962-1996). Praised as the Ferrari of the boat world.
• ROLAND ITEN - "Mechanical Luxury for Gentlemen."
• SIEMENS DRESSMAN - irons shirts with hot air.
• SMYTHSON OF BOND STREET - personalized luxury stationery & visiting cards since 1887.
• SOBIESKI VODKA - distilled since 1864. Named after Jan III Sobieski, a 17th century Polish king and military leader. Ranked as the #1 vodka in 2007 by the Beverage Tasting Institute, based on a blind tasting of 108 different vodkas.
• STAATL. FACHINGEN MINERAL WATER
• STEFANO RICCI - luxury home design.
• STEIFF - "Knopf im Ohr." Classic Teddy bears. Collectible stuffed animals.
• STEINWAY & SONS PIANOS
• STELTON CYLINDA-LINE STERLING SILVER BAR SERIES - 100 Bar series in 925s Sterling Silver: Danish designer Arne Jacobsen's world famous bar series.
• STRADIVARIUS VIOLIN
• STRATUS REWARDS VISA CARD PROGRAM - Stratus Rewards is an intimate by-invitation only club catering to a relatively small number of people who appreciate priviliged access. As a member you earn points for every dollar spent on the card, and in turn, receive reciprocal benefits from a number of world-class niche lifestyle clubs and luxury oriented companies, redeem them for private jet travel, difficult to obtain items, unique services, rare auction items or life-inspiring experiences.
• STUART HUGHES - exclusive elite luxury gadgets.
• SUB-ZERO PRESERVATION - wine storage.
• Taste No. 5 - Umami Paste: "The ultimate scratch cooking tool to enhance any savoury dish."
• TERENCE DISDALE DESIGN - creators of distinguished yachts.
• THE CENTURION CARD|BLACK AMEX CARD - world's most exclusive credit card.
• THE GUILD OF PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH BUTLERS
• THE INTERNATIONAL GUILD OF PROFESSIONAL BUTLERS
• THE LUXURY CHANNEL - new and exciting multimedia platform that provides compelling, high quality TV programming and videos, trendsetting online editorial, and an outstanding range of high-end retail products.
• THE MACALLAN FINE & RARE 1926 - world's most expensive whisky.
• THE RATTLE RING - by John Reinhold. The ultimate ring for the discreet: elegantly simple on the outside, with much of its beauty and value hidden to the observer and known, in many cases, only to the owner.
• THE RECORD COLLECTOR - 7809 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, CA, U.S.A. The Record collector was founded in Hollywood in 1974 and has been in the same location for more than 25 years. You will find here unusual and extramely rare and out of print 10" and 12" vinyl LP's. The Record Collector has an inventory exceeding 500,000 records. It consists of 300,000 classical LP's, 100,000 jazz LP's, and over 100,000 records consisting of soundtracks, vocals,comedy, spoken word, blues, ethnic music, R&B, and soul music. Search service for rare and collectible used records, specializing in classical and jazz.
• TICKETS TO THE MANSION - "Tickets to the Mansion exists to provide information and tickets to once-in-a-life-time events at the Playboy Mansion. Get your tickets to visit one of the most sought after destinations in the world, the Playboy Mansion."
• TIE YOUR TIE - since 1984. via Ciro Menotti, 2/a 2/b, Florence. Italian luxury menswear and accessories.
• Timothy Everest - tailored denim: bespoke, made-to-measure and ready-to-wear.
• TREND HUNTER
• TRUE KNOWLEDGE - "The Internet Answer Machine." Our goal is to power a new kind of search experience where users can access the world’s knowledge simply by asking for the information they need in a way that is completely natural to them; just as if they were talking to another human being. As of April 13, 2011: Answering questions based on 486,723,077 facts on 16,035,662 things.
• TRUEFITT & HILL - established 1805. London, U.K. The oldest barbershop in the world.
• TRUFFLES AT AMAZON.COM'S GROCERY & GOURMET FOOD
• VALRHONA CHOCOLATE
• VERTU MOBILE PHONES - world's most expensive cell phones.
• VIKING - wine cellar storage systems.
• VIP BODY ARMOR - "The premier provider in bulletproof fashion, VIP Body Armor / VIP Body Armor designs bulletproof clothing that embodies fashion with security."
• VSF - "Fine wines for fine yachts. We actually hold stocks of tens of thousands of bottles of the world’s best wines. We offer an unparalleled provisioning service with wine and food to luxury yachts in the Mediterranean area."
• WAGYU ("KOBE") MEAT
• WILTONS RESTAURANT'S PICNIC BASKET - "If you are planning a day at the races, an evening at the Opera, a family picnic, going on a shoot, or just a pleasurable jaunt in the country, then a WILTONS picnic basket is the perfect solution. The baskets come with china, glassware, cutlery and linen and we have five to choose from." 55 Jermyn Street, London, U.K.
• WINE CELLAR INNOVATIONS - custom designed wine cellars and wine rooms.
• WOLFGANG PUCK - catering & events.
• WORLD'S MOST EXPENSIVE BATH - retail price starts at US$50,000.
• WORLD'S OLDEST COGNAC FOR £6,000 A SHORT - at The Lainesborough hotel's Library Bar.