Collezione, NYC's First Luxury Spirits Boutique, Opens On Madison Ave.

Mar 13, 2023

Even the most seasoned whisky collectors may never get to see legendary bottles like the 1964 Black Bowmore with a bottle designed by Aston Martin, a 30 Year Old Hibiki Kacho Fugetsu bottling, or a Macallan distilled in 1938, except in photos posted on the websites of auction houses or online retailers. Now, however, novices and experts alike can glimpse those bottles, along with many other spectacularly rare single malts, in person. They can even — for a price — take them home as well. Collezione New York, the new luxury spirits boutique opened by one of the world's foremost whisky collectors, aims to become a destination spot for enthusiasts, investors, and anyone who wants to learn more about whisky, wine, and other spirits.

Fine wines and spirits meet Madison Ave.: the interior of Collezione.

Collezione New York is the brainchild of Stefano Pileggi, a third-generation luxury retailer who fell in love with Scotch single malts twenty years ago, and has since amassed a collection that's the envy of whiskyphiles the world over. Pileggi, who emigrated to New York from his native Italy in 2011, has long been frustrated by the failure of high-end liquor stores to create an environment that matches that of other premium retailers. For them, he laments, it's "get the money, pay for the bottle and go away, without having that kind of vibe and feeling when you go to Bergdorf Goodman, or to Hermes, or any fine watch dealer." One of the goals of Collezione, he says, "is to share that same vibe, reshaping what a luxury bottle retailer should be."

Pileggi calls Collezione a boutique rather than a store, and once you’re inside, the word feels apt. The only thing the cozy, intimate shop has in common with typical liquor stores is that there are bottles on shelves. However, the subdued, elegant look of the place makes it feel less like Astor Wines & Spirits than Hermés, which is just a few blocks away. The proximity, says Pileggi, was intentional. "If I would ever do this," he says, "I’d need to find the most important area in New York. And it's Madison Avenue between 60th and 77th, it's called North America's premier address [Collezione is on Madison between 66th and 67th Streets]. It's never been done, a liquor store in this area. So those kinds of people, finally, right now they can walk out of Brunello Cucinelli or Hermés, have a nice walk on the Upper East Side. And then they probably want to grab a bottle of wine for the night, or a bottle of whisky. So now you have a small spot."

Apart from the main room, which is open to the public, Collezione has two other spaces. First is a private back room with plush chairs and, shortly, tea and espresso service, where Pileggi can chat and relax with regular customers, serious collectors and connoisseurs. Some of the shop's rarest and most coveted bottles can be seen there, including a 52-year-old Macallan distilled in 1946 and a 35 year old Karuizawa Japanese single malt. And then there's the "inner sanctum," a small room where you’ll find what Pileggi describes as "museum pieces" which aren't for sale, such as the Macallan's 72 and 81-year-old expressions — two of the oldest whiskies ever bottled. "They are educational pieces for passionate people," he says.

Some of the rare Macallan bottles on display in the "inner sanctum" at Collezione, including the 81 ... [+] year old expression on the right (not currently for sale).

Collezione takes advantage of a relatively new law in New York that allows liquor retailers to purchase and resell bottles from private collections. Pileggi's wide network of collectors has enabled him to acquire a selection of spirits that can't be found in any other store in New York, or arguably all of North America. For now, the focus is on whiskies from Scotland and Japan, as well as European wines, but he intends to expand the range in short order to include American whiskey, tequila and cognac.

You don't need masters-of-the-universe money in order to shop at Collezione. Pileggi says, "Whatever I like personally, whatever I love to drink or collect, you will find in the store." That includes less expensive single malts (in the $100-200 range) from distilleries like Bladnoch and Glenturret, which Pileggi describes as "spectacular... You don't need to have a Macallan 18 for $500 in order to drink very well." Collezione will also be stocking whiskies from independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail, whose products come from top-of-the-line distilleries but aren't as collectible, making them comparative bargains for people who actually want to drink their whiskies. At the other extreme, the most expensive item for sale right now is a vertical of every 18-year-old Macallan bottled between 1954 and 1986, which is selling as a lot for $250,000. The Collezione website will also have a wide selection of bottles that aren't in the store but are available for purchase. For those who don't live near Madison Ave., shipping is available in New York state.

Whisky is the star attraction at Collezione, but the shop also features a well-cultivated wine ... [+] selection.

Unlike other liquor stores, Pileggi plans to actively cultivate his clientele, hosting monthly tastings for his best customers, in conjunction with restaurants and brands. But he also wants to work with younger, less well-heeled shoppers, educating a new generation of spirits enthusiasts. "If someone comes in and wants to spend, even the $100 bottle, but comes constantly, clearly showing a kind of love and interest in having a relationship with your business, you’ve got to develop that."