Audiophile? You’ll enjoy this if you’re. Would you pay $120,000 for a pair of headphones? I suppose it’s all relative, but still, that’s a significant amount of money to spend.

The global headphone market is currently valued at $18.4 billion and is expected to grow at a rate of 2.4% annually for at least the next four years. Luxury audio products, not just limited to headphones, generated approximately $2.9 billion in 2023.

Audio technology has advanced significantly over the last couple of decades, and headphone users have typically been divided into two categories. The first would be people like me, who stick with wireless, noise-cancelling headphones while working, listening to music, and watching videos. This would include your AirPods Max, Bose QCs, and Sony WH-1000XM5s.

The second category would be the serious audiophiles, looking to experience the highest-quality sound available, and with that comes a cost. While not all of these headphones cost as much as those featured on this list, they are still typically much more expensive than a standard pair of wireless, noise-cancelling headphones.

 

What Makes Audiophile Headphones So Expensive?

Before we begin moving through the list, let’s cover a few key factors that contribute to the high cost of headphones like these. One of these would be the premium driver technology, which requires incredibly high precision in production and specialized facilities to protect the delicate materials.

Likely the second most crucial cost that goes into these types of products is the research and development. While more common audio technology is naturally going to be easier and, therefore, less expensive to manufacture. According to a 2018 report, Sennheiser spent €60.5 million on research and development that year alone.

Finally, and this is to be expected when you have more money than you know what to do with, multimillionaires always want extra bells and whistles on everything they buy. That includes premium packaging, premium materials, premium service, and in the case of many headphones on this list, the use of diamonds, marble, and rare gemstones.

 

The most common features we found in our selection

With each entry, we’ve listed the primary features that contribute to their price point, excluding the brand’s legacy and recognition in the space, which is, of course, always a factor. Some of the most common features we found with these higher-priced products include:

• Hand-crafted in reputable countries such as the United States and Japan
• Premium materials, such as handpicked ebony and mahogany woods, magnesium alloy components, and velour/leather earpads
• Advanced driver technology
• Often produced in small batches for quality control and limited runs to boost scarcity.

The list of headphones and figures mentioned below has been compiled from various sources around the web, such as What Hi-Fi & Headphone Review. Any product links within this article link directly to the manufacturer’s website, and we do not receive any commission if you choose to make a purchase.

Without further ado, here’s the complete list:

 

20. Audio-Technica ATH-W5000 (Discontinued)

Cost: $1,200

• Japanese striped ebony wood & magnesium alloy components
• 53mm magnetic circuit drivers
• Oxygen-free copper voice coils
• Double air-damping system
• Hand assembled in Japan in small quantities

Kicking off the list at $1,200 are the Audio-Technica ATH-W5000s. For that price, you get a pair of high-quality headphones, audio quality, and stylish aesthetics. Its price is determined by the magnesium-alloy frame and 8N-OFC (oxygen-free copper) voice coils. To most, these are just fancy words and acronyms, but to those in the know, they’re a solid pair of headphones.

 

19. Hifiman HE 6

Cost: $1,299

• Solid aluminum earcup construction
• Option velour/leather upgrades
• Large planar magnetic drivers
• High impedance & extremely low sensitivity
• Limited production (now discontinued)

Next up, we have a pair of over-ear headphones by Hifiman. The Hifiman HE 6s appear to be a basic pair of headphones at first glance or to the untrained eye. However, they’re far from it, as they feature an open-back design and utilize a planar magnetic structure, which allows the headphones to radiate natural sound.

 

18. Beyerdynamic T1

Cost: $1,395

• Precision manufacturing in Germany
• Metal earcups & velour earpads
• Highly efficient Tesla dynamic drivers
• Semi-open design
• High Impedance (600 Ohms)

The Beyerdynamic T1s aren’t the most glamorous-looking headphones on the market; however, they do pack one hell of a punch when it comes to what they’re designed for – sound! They utilize Tesla-based technology and traditional drivers to deliver their distinctive sound, retailing for $1,395. If you’re looking for an upgrade or want to buy your first set of quality headphones without breaking the bank, this could be the pair for you!

 

17. Sennheiser HD800

Cost: $1,500

• Stainless steel mesh earcups & high-grade polymer frame
• 56mm ring radiator drivers
• Extremely low total harmonic distortion
• High Impedance (300 Ohms)
• Advanced vibration damping

The first pair of Sennheisers on the list and the most affordable are the HD800s. One of the most renowned brands in the world for audio equipment, Sennheiser, has done itself proud with these. With their stylish good looks and state-of-the-art transducers, the HD800s are precisely what you’d expect them to be – crisp, dynamic, and loud.

 

16. Audeze LCD-X

Cost: $1,699

• Machined aluminum housing, steel headband & vegan leather earpads
• ~103 dB sensitivity, 20 ohm impedance
• Extremely low distortion
• Fazor™ Waveguide Technology

In the fifteenth position, we have the Audeze LCD-Xs. With their quality design and reputation, Audeze has produced yet another pair of exceptional premium headphones. The LCD-Xs feature an open-back design, with a suspension headband, travel case, and planar magnetic drivers. These will make you want to relax and listen to your favourite music, podcast, or audiobook all day long.

 

15. JH Audio JH16V2

Cost: $1,999

• Acrylic shell & carbon fiber faceplates
• Individually molded to the user’s ears
• 16 balanced armature drivers per ear
• Proprietary adjustable bass system
• Hand-crafted in the United States of America

I know, I know, these aren’t technically headphones, but given their price point, you might want to consider checking them out. The JH16V2s are the upgraded version of the company’s original model, and at a much higher price point. When we first published this list, we included the JH16 Pros in 19th place, which were just over $1,200 at the time.

After customizing the headphones using ear molds, you’ll end up with a set of really comfortable and portable headphones. Each side contains 16 balanced armature drivers and feels as though it has been specifically designed for you. 

 

14. Grado PS1000e

Cost: $2,030

• Chrome-plated aluminum shell and hand-picked mahogany wood
• 50mm dynamic drivers
• Open-back architecture with “G” cushion design
• Hand-crafted small batches in Brooklyn, United States

Next on our list of pricey headphones is a pair from Grado – the PS1000e. Grado claims these to be the finest headphones they’ve ever made, and that’s not surprising, as they’ve paid attention to all the minor details, selecting each component by hand. Made from hand-crafted mahogany, this $2,030 pair of headphones could be well worth the investment and last you a lifetime!

 

13. Meze Audio Empyrean

Cost: $2,999

• CNC-machined aluminum chassis & carbon fiber headband
• Isodynamic hybrid array drivers
• Asymmetrical driver positioning
• Handcrafted in Romania (limited batches & high quality control)

Originally, only producing affordable headphones, Meze, a Romanian company, decided to branch out and offer a more upmarket product. The Empyreans look pretty impressive in comparison to many other headphones within this price range; however, they stand out due to their exceptional audio quality, remarkable affordability, and overall comfort. They might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying they’re a good all-around pair of headphones for the price.

 

12. Shure KSE1500 (Discontinued)

Cost: $3,245

• Metal IEM housing & touchscreen interface
• World’s first electrostatic IEM drivers
• Up to 37 dB passive noise isolation

Okay, so again, these technically aren’t headphones, but we thought they were worth mentioning. The Shure KSE 1500s are some pretty snazzy-looking in-ear headphones, with a somewhat futuristic design. These headphones utilize electrostatic drivers, which deliver a more immersive and authentic sound experience.

Depending on which way you look at it, one downside could be that you have to use a dedicated amplifier. However, don’t let that put you off, as you’ll get some truly amazing value from the sound they produce.

 

11. HiFiMan HE1000 V2

Cost: $3,380

• CNC-milled aluminum frame & wood veneer accents
• Nanometer-thin diaphragm for fast transients and low distortion
• Asymmetrical double-sided magnet arrays
• Open-back architecture with metal window-shade grill

Again, similar to the previous headphones, they’re pretty futuristic-looking, but use some of the most modern engineering features and parts. They’re planar magnetic headphones with a super-thin 0.01mm driver. In addition to all the other technical details, they also offer incredible comfort, thanks to polyester ear cups with an ergonomic design. Although the regular price is close to $3,400, the company often holds sales with enormous discounts. At the time of revising this article, the product is on sale for just $1,399.

 

10. Audeze LCD-4

Cost: $3,995

• Aged macassar ebony wood earcups
• Leather headband, memory foam earpads & carbon fiber rings
• Low sensitivity (~97 dB) and 200-ohm impedance
• Fazor™ Acoustic Waveguides
• Produced in very limited quantities

The second pair of Audeze headphones on the list are the LCD-4s – the big brother of the LCD-3s. If you have the money to spend and are familiar with Audeze’s quality, then these might be for you.

In comparison to the LCD-3s, you’re getting a much thinner nano-grade diaphragm, double Fluxor magnetic arrays, a refreshed design, and a new headband. If you’re unsure which ones to choose, start with the LCD-3s and upgrade later.

 

9. Stax SR-009

Cost: $4,450

• Aluminum alloy frame & lambskin leather earpads
• Electrostatic driver design with an extremely thin diaphragm
• Machined metal mesh electrodes
• Hand-assembled in Japan with strict quality control

Kicking off the top ten are these beauties from Stax. The SR-009s might not look like the most sophisticated headphones on the market; however, they don’t need any extra bells or whistles to justify their price. They have been carefully designed to include a super-thin diaphragm and a silver-coated copper wire in the cable. This enables significantly improved performance and enhanced sound quality.

 

8. Final Audio Design Sonorous X

Cost: $4,500

• Mirror-finished stainless steel earcups with machined aluminum accents
• 50mm proprietary dynamic drivers
• Hand-crafted in Japan in minimal quantities
• Closed-back design, but open-like soundstage

Final Audio has produced the Design Sonorous Xs to compete in the premium headphone market, and they certainly do. These cans are made from machined aluminium and stainless steel and are sure to turn a lot of heads!

In comparison to others on our list of expensive headphones, they may not produce the best sound quality; however, we still think they offer a good value when all things are considered.

 

7. oBravo EAMT-1s

Cost: $4,780

Sometimes, you can get some really good in-ear headphones that’ll give a lot of the over-ear models a run for their money. That’s exactly what the Bravo EAMT-1s do. They include a Hybrid Dynamic AMT driver and a coaxial design, which combines two types of drivers into a single unit. Couple that with their ceramic handcrafted body, and you’ve got yourself a winning combination!

 

6. Abyss AB-1266

Cost: $5,495

Unlike some of the other brands mentioned on our list, Abyss is less well-known. However, their AB-1266 features some excellent design properties, including planar magnetic drivers, as well as an attractive aesthetic. Needless to say, they might not be worth the price they’re asking; however, if you’re looking for something different from the rest, then the AB-1266s could work well for you.

 

5. Ultrasone ED5 LTD Edition 5

Cost: $5,999

If you’re looking to invest a substantial amount in headphones and elevate your audio experience, then the $5,999 mark will get you a high-quality pair from Ultrasone. For those who have tried the headphones, you’ll know that they produce a really good sound with a nice high end and stereo separation.

 

4. V-Moda Crossfade M-100

Cost: $40,000

$40,000 can buy you a lot of things in this world, and for most people, headphones won’t be the first thing they think of. Nevertheless, the V-Moda Crossfade M-100’s cost exactly that, and the majority of the price comes from the decorative shields you can choose to have on the sides. They’re 3D-printed in a precious metal of your choice, such as silver, bronze, gold, or platinum.

 

3. Sennheiser Orpheus/HE-1

Cost: $68,000

The third most expensive pair of headphones in the world, made by Sennheiser, costs a whopping $68,000. It should be noted that these aren’t your typical everyday headphones, unlike some of the others mentioned on the list. They’re a series of kits and require their own valve amp in order to work properly.

The chassis is made of Carrara marble, which is a lovely design feature that also provides excellent damping. The headphones are crafted from sculpted aluminium, microfibre, and leather.

 

2. Onkyo H900M 20-carat Diamonds

Cost: $80,000

The day finally came when diamonds were used to enhance a pair of headphones! And, to be quite honest, they look pretty darn good. In the second position, we have the first pair of headphones on the list to feature diamonds – the Onkyo H900Ms.

The H900Ms include diamonds on the ear cups and a ring of rubies. They fall short of being labelled as the world’s most expensive headphones by around $35,000. However, that isn’t to say that the sound quality is any worse, as you’re pretty much buying $85,000 worth of diamonds, and most probably won’t be walking around the city in them anytime soon.

 

1. Focal Utopia by Tournaire

Cost: $120,000

• Crafted by renowned French jeweller, Tournaire
• Takes over one year to complete each finish
• Limited to just eight units (each individually numbered)
• Features 18k yellow gold and 6.5 carat hand-set diamonds

At the top spot is the Focal Utopias. The Focal Utopia’s diamonds are mainly positioned on the outer ear cups and sides of the headband, alongside other precious gemstones and gold.

If you can envision yourself wearing a pair of these, then you’ll need to contact the company directly, as they’re not mass-produced and require pre-ordering. However, remember that you’re not paying for the best sound quality in the world; you’re paying for the wow factor and exclusivity.

 

Summary

I still can’t believe you can actually spend $120,000 on a pair of headphones. But, as we’ve seen in some of our other lists, something is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it, and I’m sure someone was willing to spend $120,000 on a pair of headphones.

Here’s a quick recap of the complete list:

1. Focal Utopia by Tournaire – $120,000
2. Onkyo H900M 20-carat diamonds – $80,000
3. Sennheiser Orpheus/HE-1 – $68,000
4. V-Moda Crossfade M-100 – $40,000
5. Ultrasone ED5 LTD Edition 5 – $5,999
6. Abyss AB-1266 Phi – $5,495
7. oBravo EAMT-1s – $4,780
8. Final Audio Design Sonorous X – $4,500
9. Stax SR-009 – $4,450
10. Audeze LCD-4 – $4,000
11. HiFiMan HE1000 V2 – $3,380
12. Shure KSE1500 – $3,245
13. Meze Audio Empyrean – $2,999
14. Grado PS1000e – $2,030
15. JH Audio JH16V2 – $1,999
16. Audeze LCD-X – $1,945
17. Sennheiser HD800 – $1,500
18. Beyerdynamic T1 – $1,395
19. Hifiman HE 6 – $1,299
20. Audio-Technica ATH-W5000 – $1,200

What’s your favourite pair of the most expensive headphones? Leave a comment below.

Tequila is one of the world’s most popular liquors, and in the United States alone, nearly 20 million 9-liter cases are consumed annually. Whether you’re drinking it neat or mixing it into a margarita, you probably have a favorite brand that you know tastes great. However, some brands can get incredibly expensive, and it is these tequilas that we are counting down today.

 

How did we select this list of tequilas?

We’ve put over 10 hours of research into rewriting and updating this list for 2024. The tequilas on this list were selected by taking the current average sale price at the time of writing. Prices for rare tequila can vary depending on where they’re listed for sale, so for each tequila on this list, we checked the price across multiple websites and settled on the average.

Next comes the question: when does tequila stop being tequila and start being artwork?

If you’re a fan of tequila, you can probably think of at least one brand that treats its bottles as artwork. These bottles can often be worth thousands, but is it all just similar tequila in a fancy and unique bottle? We’ve decided we’re not going to be the judge of what’s tequila and what’s artwork, so what you see on this list reflects a true order, based on price per bottle.

Tequila is a very versatile liquor, and there is no shortage of varieties available at your local store. That said, some of these tequilas are reserved for only the most wealthy buyers, and you certainly won’t want to drink them on a casual night out. Without further ado, here’s the complete list of rare and pricey tequila:

 

20. 1800 Coleccion Tequila

Price/Bottle: $2,000

This unique, expensive tequila gets its name from the year that distillers started using oak barrels for aging, and it is owned by the insanely wealthy Beckmann family. Distilled twice during its 10-year aging process, this tequila has a flavor reminiscent of Amaretto, but with a bolder kick that reminds you that it’s tequila. For $2,000, this tequila comes in its own crystal decanter, trimmed with pewter, and is securely placed in a lavish case lined with suede to protect its precious contents.

 

19. Barrique de Ponciano Porfidio

Price/Bottle: $2,200

Made from 100% agave, Barrique de Ponciano Porfidio is a luxury tequila that has been aged for 10 years in French oak barrels, and it is produced in limited batches of only 2,000 bottles per year. While its purity does impact the price of this tequila, the bottle it comes in also contributes to its higher cost. Each bottle comes with lettering and images engraved with 21-karat gold.

 

18. Clase Azul Extra Añejo Ultra

Price/Bottle: $2,500

The first Clase Azul product to appear on this list is the only one in regular production and not a limited edition. Clase Azul’s Extra Añejo Ultra is aged for 5 years in American whiskey and sherry casks. The bottle is decorated in platinum, silver, and 24-karat gold. You can expect to pay around $2,500 a bottle for this tequila.

 

17. AsomBroso Reserva del Porto Extra Anejo

Price/Bottle: $2800

This brandy-like tequila is the type of drink that you break out during life’s greatest milestones. Aged for 10 years in port wine barrels from Portugal, it is mixed with a small portion of white oak-aged tequila before being bottled.

Stored in a bottle shaped like a historical decanter found in an eighteenth-century Portuguese castle, it even comes secured in its own cedar humidor. Although this tequila usually costs $2,800, you can sometimes find it on sale for $1,499, which is a great price, all things considered.

 

16. AsomBroso The Collaboration 12 Year Extra Anejo

Price/Bottle: $3,000

AsomBroso’s The Collaboration is an extra anejo tequila, aged 12 years in Silver Oak Cellar’s American casks. The tequila is bottled inside a crystal decanter hand-made by Luciano Gambaro, a famous Italian artist. The decanter is then packaged in a custom-polished humidor with laser engraving. A single bottle might set you back $3,000, but there are places where you can get your hands on one for a cheaper price.

 

15. Tesla Tequila Limited Edition Anejo

Price/Bottle: $4,000

It does seem that Elon Musk can do no wrong. Tesla Tequila started as an April Fool’s joke but quickly became a physical product that sold out immediately. For the limited edition variant, only 420 bottles were produced, a number that jokingly references a time when Musk said he was going to take Tesla private at $420 a share. The numbered limited edition variant, which comes with a matching shot glass, is currently selling for around $4,000, while the regular variant can fetch up to $1,500.

 

14. Codigo 1530 14 Year Extra Anejo

Price/Bottle: $4,500

Codigo’s 1530 extra Añejo has been aged inside French White Oak Napa Valley Cabernet wine barrels for 14 years and then finished in French Cognac casks. This is Codigo’s most expensive tequila they’ve ever produced. A single bottle is now worth $4,500.

 

13. Clase Azul Pink Limited Edition Reposado

Price/Bottle: $6,000

This isn’t the first Clase Azul tequila featured on this list, and it definitely won’t be the last. The ‘Pink’ limited edition reposado was originally released in 2016 to support breast cancer awareness, with a percentage of the proceeds donated to charity.

Just 3000 bottles of the original 2016 version were produced, featuring a white bottle hand-painted with pink artwork. There have since been one or two other ‘Pink’ breast cancer awareness releases from Clase Azul.

 

12. Patron Limited Edition En Lalique Serie 3

Price/Bottle: $7,500

Patrón’s En Lalique Series line is the crème de la crème of their tequila. What we have here is the Serie 3, their latest release, but it’s the least expensive of the three. The Serie 3 contains a blend of 14 different extra anejo tequilas, aged in 6 different barrel types.

Held in a crystal hand-carved decanter, with decoration inspired by the Weber Blue Agave. The decanter is stored inside a luxurious wooden box. Each decanter is numbered, and given that this is Patron’s latest release, you can expect the price of the Serie 3 to rise over the next few years.

 

11. Patron Limited Edition En Lalique Serie 1 Extra Anejo

Price/Bottle: $8000

Patrón’s En Lalique Serie 1 uses some of their oldest tequila, presented in a hand-made decanter inspired by Mexico’s Weber Blue Agave plant, topped off with an amber stopper. Although this bottle costs $8,000, it’s not their most expensive tequila. Patrón went one step further for their next tequila, but more on that shortly.

 

10. Dos Armadillos Extra Anejo Sterling Silver

Price/Bottle: $10,000

The Dos Armadillos Extra Anejo uses only an 8-year mature Blue Weber Agave. The tequila is bottled in their signature armadillo-armored bottle; however, the armor for this edition is made entirely out of sterling silver. $10,000 is the current price to purchase one of these bottles, a figure that’s far more expensive than any other product in their range.

 

9. Clase Azul Puebla Limited Edition

Price/Bottle: $10,000

The Clase Azul Puebla limited edition tequila was released on the 5th of May 2021, to commemorate Cinco de Mayo, or the Battle of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration held on the 5th of May to celebrate Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire in 1862.

Just 300 bottles were produced and sold with a price tag of $400. If you wished to purchase a bottle of Puebla Limited Edition today, the price would be more along the lines of $10,000.

 

8. Clase Azul Dia de Muertos Limited Edition

Price/Bottle: $10,000

The Día de Los Muertos collection from Clase Azul features several individual releases, but with most of them fetching similar prices, we’ve decided to include them in one single entry. Día de Muertos, or ‘The Day of the Dead’ as it’s otherwise known, is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated during November. 

Clase Azul has released a new edition within the Día de Muertos line annually for the past several years. Some of the bottle designs for the Dia de Muertos range are spectacular and tend to rise in value once they are no longer produced.

 

7. Patron Limited Edition En Lalique Serie 2 Extra Anejo

Price/Bottle: $10,500

Patrón’s En Lalique Serie 2 is aged and made slowly in small batches to ensure perfect quality. The bottle is carved crystal, featuring a crystal bee stopper with hand-painted gold accents. It’s then placed inside a wooden box that spins to open, creating a rather luxurious effect. We’ve seen prices ranging from $8,000 to $12,000 for this bottle, so if you’re patient, you may be able to secure it at a favorable price.

 

6. Clase Azul Master Artisans

Price/Bottle: $20,000

Clase Azul’s most popular and iconic tequila is their reposado, housed in a distinctive blue and white bottle. In 2021, the brand collaborated with the award-winning artist Ángel Santos to create a handcrafted, limited-edition reposado. The ‘Master Artisans’ line aims to highlight the work of Mexico’s most talented artists. The Ángel Santos edition, which initially sold for $5,000 per bottle, can now fetch up to $20,000.

 

5. Clase Azul Jalisco 200 Limited Edition

Price/Bottle: $25,000

The Clase Azul Jalisco is an extra anejo tequila, named after Jalisco, a state in Mexico. As the name might also suggest, only 200 bottles of this limited-edition tequila were distilled. The tequila comes packaged inside a custom-built wooden box, which opens to reveal a drinking glass on either side. With just 200 bottles released, getting your hands on one of these bottles isn’t cheap.

 

4. Clase Azul 15th Anniversary Edition

Price/Bottle: $30,000

Clase Azul celebrated its 15th anniversary by releasing 15 limited-edition bottles, each priced at $30,000. Each of the unique bottles was handcrafted to convey the story of Mexico, and all proceeds from the sale of these bottles were donated to the Fundación con Causa Azul A.C., which supports the work of craftsmen and artisans in Mexico.

Although this tequila is no longer available for sale, we imagine that Clase Azul will release another special edition for a future anniversary. If you want to grab a bottle, be sure to keep your eyes peeled.

 

3. Jose Cuervo 250 Aniversario The Rolling Stones Special Edition

Price/Bottle: $75,000

Jose Cuervo was the first legal tequila company to be established, with a history dating back to 1795. To celebrate the 250th anniversary of Casa Cuervo, Jose Cuervo released the 250 Anniversario tequila. They also released a limited-edition tequila in collaboration with the Rolling Stones rock band.

The Jose Cuervo brand played a leading role in the Rolling Stones’ 1972 North American tour, ‘Tequila Sunrise’. For the Rolling Stones special edition, the tequila bottle is embossed with the famous ‘Hot Lips’ logo in 14-carat gold and spikes along the sides. It also comes packaged in a leather guitar-shaped case, including seven shot glasses.

The tequila was initially released with a price tag of just $4,000, but prices have skyrocketed to almost $75,000 since then.

 

2. Tequila Ley .925 Ultra-Premium

Price/Bottle: $225,000

In 2006, the artists at Tequila Ley designed three unique bottles to house the tequila, created by Mexican artist Alejandro Gomez. Each bottle was made only 33 times, resulting in a total of 99 bottles, each more expensive than the last. While this tequila in a glass bottle retails for $3,500, the gold and silver bottles go for $25,000, and the gold and platinum bottles for $150,000.

The most expensive of all was the white gold and platinum, which carried the insane price tag of $225,000. Although the tequila itself is delectable, the real stars are the bottles that collectors and tequila enthusiasts scrambled to try and grab while they lasted.

 

1. Tequila Ley .925 Diamante

Price/Bottle: $3.5 Million

Recorded as the most expensive tequila ever sold by a mile, the .925 Diamante is a true work of art. The Ley .925 Diamante tequila is made from 100% Blue Weber agave, which is grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. The tequila is then aged for 7 years inside French Oak barrels before being poured into a platinum and white gold version of Tequila Ley’s signature-shaped bottle.

However, none of these things truly account for the Diamante’s insane price tag. As the name might suggest, the bottle is encrusted with 4,000 diamonds, totaling 18.5 carats.

 

Summary

Now that we’ve reached the end of the list, you may have noticed a common theme. Clase Azul had the most entries on this list, holding seven positions in the top 20. This is primarily because they treat their bottles as works of art, often showcasing hand-painted designs in limited-edition releases.

That’s not to take away from their tequila, but rather to acknowledge that their unique approach is highly popular among collectors and tequila enthusiasts alike.

Here’s a quick recap of the complete list:

1. Tequila Ley .925 Diamante
2. Tequila Ley .925 Ultra-Premium
3. Jose Cuervo 250 Aniversario The Rolling Stones Special Edition
4. Clase Azul 15th Anniversary Edition
5. Clase Azul Jalisco 200 Limited Edition
6. Clase Azul Tequila Master Artisans
7. Patron Limited Edition En Lalique Serie 2 Extra Anejo
8. Clase Azul Dia de Los Muertos Limited Edition
9. Clase Azul Puebla Limited Edition Tequila
10. Dos Armadillos Sterling Silver Extra Anejo
11. Patrón Limited Edition En Lalique Serie 1 Extra Anejo
12. Patrón Limited Edition En Lalique Serie 3
13. Clase Azul Pink Limited Edition Reposado
14. Codigo 1530 Fourteen Years Extra Anejo
15. Tesla Tequila Anejo
16. Asombroso The Collaboration 12 Year Extra Anejo
17. AsomBroso Reserva del Porto Extra Anejo
18. Clase Azul Extra Añejo Ultra
19. Barrique de Ponciano Porfidio
20. 1800 Coleccion Tequila

If you think we missed a tequila off the list, leave a comment below.

Cigars have risen in price rapidly over the past two decades. They’re associated with luxury and wealth more than ever before, and cigar aficionados are constantly looking for rare and exclusive cigars to add to their collections.

This begs the question: how expensive can cigars be, and how difficult could it be to get your hands on the rarest of the rare? Today, we’re bringing you our updated list of the most expensive cigars in the world.

 

How did we select this list of cigars?

One of the issues with many expensive cigar lists on the internet, including the original version of our own, is how the cigar values are calculated.

For instance, there was once an auction for a very rare box of cigars that sold for more than half a million dollars, but the box consisted of almost 800 cigars. More details on that are below.

We’ve decided to thoroughly calculate the price/stick for each of the entries on this list, so you can have a clearer understanding of exactly which cigars are the most expensive in the world.

Whilst it may be difficult to obtain some of these cigars individually, assuming you’d want to obtain them of course, we think this is the best way of ranking the list.

Another thing we decided to take into account is limited edition releases which are packaged in custom humidors instead of regular boxes.

These humidors can often cost thousands of dollars alone, and end up distorting the price of the cigar.

 

Can people still buy these cigars?

Most of the cigars featured on this list can still be bought and smoked to this day. 

Many of them are limited edition lines and are likely harder to find than most cigars.

 

What exactly makes some cigars more expensive than others?

Typically, there are a few things that can factor into cigar price:

• Limited edition productions
• Aged tobacco
• Brand recognition

Limited edition productions can often limit the total number of cigars produced, and as time passes, the number of those remaining drops. A lot of rare cigar releases also use aged tobacco leaves, and you’ll see several brands on this list that age their tobacco for at least 10 years before the cigar is rolled.

Brand recognition also plays a role, as particular brands, such as Cohiba, are always sought after. Finally, if none of the above results in a cigar being expensive, there are a select few who will cover cigars in gold leaf and diamonds and infuse them with expensive cognac. But more on that later.

 

The 25 Most Expensive Cigars

We’ve done countless hours of research to ensure that our updated version of this list is the best resource available.

Without further ado, let’s get into this list of the 25 most expensive cigars in the world:

 

25. El Septimo The Zaya Collection (Mirifico Sapphire)

Price/Stick: $100

The Zaya Collection, produced by El Septimo, contains 8 different varieties of cigars.

Each variety contains five different filler tobaccos, with the tobacco leaves aged up to 15 years.

Typically, each cigar features are larger ring gauge of around 60, due to the variety of filler leaves used.

Whilst the cigars within this collection have very different flavor profiles from one another, the prices/stick are relatively similar.

At the time of researching this article, we’ve included the variety selling for the most, which is Mirifico Sapphire, at $100/stick.

Other varieties within the collection include:

• Bomba Orange
• Short Dream Topaz
• Kolosso Amethyst
• Fabuloso Dark Ruby
• Excepcion Esmerelda
• Double Shot White
• Bullet Black

 

24. Arturo Fuente Opus X 20th Anniversary

Price/Stick: $115

Arturo Fuente has long been known for their high-quality cigars, and their Opus X range contains some of the most sought-after cigars in the brand’s history.

The Opus X line was created in 1995 and in 2016 Fuente released the ‘Opus X 20th Anniversary’ edition to commemorate 20 years of the Opus X.

The ’20th Anniversary’ line contained four cigars:

• Believe
• Father & Son
• God’s Whisper
• Power of A Dream

The prices do vary between each variety, however, because the ‘God’s Whisper’ variety comes in a ‘Perfecto’ size it tends to be sold for higher prices than the rest of the line.

 

23. Cohiba Spectre 2023

Price/Stick: $130

The Spectre line from Cohiba was initially introduced in 2018 and cost $90 per stick.

Separate versions of the Cohiba Spectre have since been released annually, with the most expensive being the Spectre 2023.

The 2023 Spectre is limited to 600 boxes of 10 cigars, featuring a 52 ring gauge and 6 1/2 inches in length.

What’s most interesting about the release is the packaging, which differs somewhat from most cigars, including that of Cohiba.

The cigars are stored in a box that opens vertically, featuring a hydraulic system that elevates the tubed cigars when you press the ‘O’ button inside the Cohiba logo.

 

22. Davidoff Royal Release Salamones

Price/Stick: $150

To be qualified enough to roll the Royal Release Salamones, Davidoff makes sure you have more than 15 years of experience rolling cigars.

This cigar is only rolled by 8 different people who together have rolled over 7 million cigars.

The Royal Release Salmones takes 10 years to grow from tobacco seed to finished product and is sold in boxes of 10 for $1,500.

 

21. Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 Reserva Cosecha 2012

Price/Stick: $181

The Epicure No. 2 is one of Hoyo de Monterrey’s signature cigars.

In 2016, Habanos SA announced the release of the No. 2 Reserva Cosecha 2012.

This blend only uses tobacco leaves from 2012, aged for a minimum of three years.

With just 5000 boxes of 20 cigars produced, this cigar is bound to increase in value with time.

 

20. Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas Gran Reserva Cosecha 2013

Price/Stick: $200

Here we have another Hoyo de Monterrey ‘Reserva’ release, the Double Coronas Gran Reserva Cosecha 2013.

Typically, Gran Reserva lines are more sought after than regular Reserva series, due to the difference in tobacco aging.

Reserva cigar blends use tobacco leaves that are aged for a minimum of three years.

Whereas Gran Reserva blends use tobacco leaves aged for a minimum of 5 years.

Gran Reservas are also produced with only 15 sticks per box, instead of the usual 20.

 

19. Cohiba Siglo De Oro (Year of the Rabbit)

Price/Stick: $250

In 2023, Cohiba announced the release of the Siglo De Oro, to commemorate both the Chinese ‘Year of the Rabbit’, and also the 30th anniversary of the Siglo series.

Naturally, people across China, Hong Kong, and various other countries in Asia were the first to see these cigars unveiled.

Only 18,888 boxes of the Siglo De Oro will be produced.

That number might sound oddly specific, and it is indeed no coincidence, as the number 8 is lucky in Chinese culture.

The Siglo De Oro is a 54 ring gauge, 4 1/2 inch long cigar, sold in boxes of 18.

 
18. H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011

Price/Stick: $260

H. Upmann is one of the oldest cigar brands in the world, with history going all the way back to 1843.

The Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha is of course named after the legendary Sir Winston Churchill, who was known not only for being one of the most important prime ministers in British history; but also for his love of cigars.

The Gran Reserve line was launched by H. Upmann in 2009, and in 2011 the Sir Winston edition was released.

Just 5000 boxes of 15 cigars were produced, for a total of 75,000 cigars.

 

17. Partagas Serie E No.1 Colección Habanos 2013

Price/Stick: $280

The Serie E No. 1 Colección Habanos 2013 from Partagas appears 18th on our list of the most expensive cigars.

With this particular cigar now being over 10 years old, its price has risen heavily.

You can still find this cigar for sale in the USA for roughly $280 per stick, however, prices do vary.

 

16. Hoyo De Monterrey Maravillas Collection 2015

Price/Stick: $290

The most expensive Hoyo de Monterrey cigar is the Maravillas Collection 2015.

There were just 2000 boxes of 20 cigars produced, amounting to a total of 40,000 cigars.

Given the smaller production number in comparison to the other Hoyo de Monterrey’s featured on this list, you can expect to pay $290/stick for this cigar.

 

15. Cohiba Behike Series

Price/Stick $300

Cohiba Behikes are one of the most popular and sought-after cigars in the world.

Behike cigars are known for their full-strength flavor and quality, provided you can get your hands on the authentic product.

They’re sold in three different ring gauges: 52, 54, and 56.

These sizes are represented in their names respectively: Behike 52, Behike 54, and Behike 56.

The Cohiba Behike cigars are sold in 10-count boxes and increase in price depending on their size.

 

14. Oliva Serie V Roaring Twenties Super Limited Edition

Price/Stick $300

Oliva Cigar Co. are well known for producing cigars that provide a great smoking experience for a great value.

However, in 2023 they decided to do something a little different.

The most popular line of Oliva cigars is the ‘Series V’, and last year they announced a new Series V Roaring Twenties Super Limited Edition.

When we take a look at the average price of an Oliva cigar, we can see a price of around $10, so what’s different?

The packaging is the most notable difference, with the Roaring Twenties SLE cigars being placed in boxes produced by Daniel Marshall.

Half of the cigars (the top layer) are also covered in gold foil.

In addition, there will only ever be 300 boxes created, for a total of 3000 cigars.

 

13. Trinidad Casilda Coleccion Habanos 2019

Price/Stick: $370

As you may have already noticed, Habanos limited edition collections can become incredibly expensive.

The Trinidad Casilda 2019 is another edition within the Coleccion Habanos with only 3000 boxes being produced.

This cigar once again features the traditional book-shaped box packaging as with any ‘Coleccion Habanos’ release.

Getting your hands on a single stick could cost up to $370.

 

12. Daniel Marshall 24KT Golden Gigante

Price/Stick: $395

Continuing both the obsession with gold and also the story of Daniel Marshall brings us to the next cigar on our list.

For those who are unaware of Daniel Marshall; he’s a well-known figure within the cigar industry for his work with manufacturing custom humidors.

In 2011, Marshall decided to create a 24KT gold cigar for his friend’s 64th birthday. 

Marshall then produced a limited run of the cigar which would be packaged in a custom-signed travel humidor.

The 24kt cigar comes in two sizes, Torpedo and Gigante, with the Gigante size being the more expensive of the two.

Its base is that of the DM2 cigar, also sold by Daniel Marshall, which is rolled and sold to him by the Plasencia factory.

Daniel then covers the cigar with a thin layer of gold leaf from Italy.

 
11. Montecristo Gran Piramides Limited Edition 2017

Price/Stick: $400 

Montecristo is one of the most popular cigar brands in the world, and one of their most expensive cigars is the Gran Piramides Limited Edition from 2017.

The Gran Piramides are part of the ‘Coleccion Habanos’, which come packaged in a box that’s shaped to look like a book.

At its core, the Gran Piramides are a Montecristo No. 2 that has been increased in size for this limited collection.

This cigar has a length of 6.25 inches and a ring gauge of 57, while Montecristo No. 2’s are a 52 ring gauge, and slightly shorter in length.

Only 2000 boxes of the Gran Piramides 2017 were produced by Habanos SA.

 

10. Partagas Lusitanias Gran Reserva Cosecha 2007

Price/Stick: $430

Continuing with another Habanos SA-produced cigar, the 2007 Gran Reserva Lusitanias from Partagas is our 11th most expensive cigar.

Just 5000 boxes of 15 cigars were produced, resulting in a total count of 75,000 cigars.

The Gran Reserve Cosecha 2007 can still be found for sale, but given its age, you might have to shell out more than you wish to.

 

9. Cohiba Talisman Edicion Limitada 2017

Price/Stick: $450

When it was originally released, the Cohiba Talisman EL 2017 cost just $547 for a box of 10.

Since their release, the price has risen rapidly year over year.

The cigars were produced at the world-famous El Laguito factory in Havana, Cuba.

At the time of writing this article, you’d be lucky to find a single stick for under $450.

 

8. Cohiba 55 Aniversario Edicion Limitada 2021

Price/Stick: $500

While not the most expensive release from Cohiba in the year 2021, the next entry on this list was certainly an important one.

The 55 Anniversario Edicion Limitada 2021 marked the 55th anniversary of Cohiba.

As the name suggests, the cigar was indeed a limited edition, and difficult to get a hold of.

The cigar was released in 10-count boxes, costing roughly $5000/box.

 

7. Davidoff Oro Blanco

Price/Stick: $600

Davidoff claims that the Oro Blanco is the most exceptional cigar they’ve ever created.

The Oro Blanco is a 6-inch, 54 ring gauge, toro-shaped cigar, with an all-Dominican wrapper, binder, and filler

So why does it cost $600 per cigar?

One of the main reasons for its high cost is due to Davidoff’s aging process.

The Oro Blanco, which translates to “White Gold”, is made with tobacco leaves grown in areas with some of the richest soil across the entire Dominican Republic.

The leaves are then aged for 12 years before the cigar is rolled; a task completed only by Davidoff’s most experienced rollers (15+ years of experience).

After one additional year of aging, the single cigar is then reviewed, approved, and placed into a custom box.

 

6. Mayan Sicars

Price/Stick: $633

At the beginning of this article, we mentioned a specific auction involving a box of 800 cigars.

In 2012, a large crate of Mayan cigars, expected to be more than 600 years old, was discovered in Guatemala.

It’s important to mention that the most reliable source of this information mentions the sale of all 800 cigars for a total of $507,000, which would put the price/stick at $633.

The cigars were buried deep below the surface in sealed clay pots, and discovered by an archeologist team from Tampa University.

Who paid the $507,000? A man named Gary Liotta, owner of the Santiago Cigar Factory in New York.

 

5. Gurkha His Majesty’s Reserve

Price/Stick: $750

On the sixth spot, we have Gurkha His Majesty’s Reserve cigar.

It’s made each year, and if you’re a cigar enthusiast, you will need to preorder them a few years beforehand. 

The total size of each cigar is 7-5 x 52 inches. The Connecticut Maduro wrapper comes with a Dominican binder and filler that is aged for 12 years.

The filler is infused with Louis XIII cognac, which gives it an amazing aroma.

This cigar is very rare and special, and the cognac has been known for selling only to dignitaries worldwide. 

A total of 75 boxes are being made every year. The incredible aroma, as well as the taste of the cigar, will be something that you will be so impressed with that you will never forget. 

 

4. Cohiba Ideales Coleccion 2021

Price/Stick: $1100

As the name suggests, this Cohiba cigar was released in 2021, measuring almost 7 inches in length, with a 56 ring gauge.

The Ideales Coleccion 2021 is limited to just 3000 boxes of 20 cigars, totaling 60,000 sticks.

The box is manufactured to look like a book.

Cohiba’s Ideales Coleccion 2021 is the last cigar to feature on this list that isn’t either covered in gold leaf and crystals or nearly 20 years old.

Which makes it the most expensive plain cigar that can still be purchased today.

 

3. Gurkha Black Dragon (2006 Edition)

Price/Stick: $1,150

The Gurkha Black Dragon is a cigar that you can still buy and smoke newer versions of to this day, but the original 2006 edition is a rare find.

The OG boxes were handmade using camel bone and were limited to just 5 boxes of 100 cigars.

Those who have smoked the original Black Dragon from 2006, and the newer editions seem to conclude that the taste is more or less the same.

Although the 2006 first edition of the Gurkha Black Dragon cost around $1,150, given how limited it was at the time; the current version of this cigar can be added to your collection for just $40/stick.

 

2. King of Denmark Cigar

Price/Stick: $4,500

The King of Denmark cigar is produced by Royal Danish and only 30 sticks are rolled per day.

Buyers can customize the cigar with both 24KT gold leaf and Swarovski crystals. 

They’re also able to have their name inscribed on the cigar.

Whilst this cigar doesn’t have to cost you thousands, it can reach up to $4,500/stick depending on the customization.

 

1. Gurkha Royal Courtesan

Price/Stick: $1.36 Million

The most expensive cigar in the world is the Gurkha Royal Courtesan cigar.

The Royal Courtesan is worth a ridiculous $1.36 million per stick.

One of the most interesting things here is that Gurkha are not known for their quality. 

In fact, Gurkha’s quality control is often a common problem reported by fellow cigar aficionados.

This begs the question: why does this cigar cost so much more money than anything else on the list before it?

Let’s get into the details of the Royal Courtesan:

• The cigar’s filler is infused with Remy Martin’s Louis XIII cognac.
• It’s hand-rolled by a select few skilled rollers, who are blindfolded.
• The band of the cigar is covered in 5-carat diamonds.
• Rare Himalayan tobacco leaves are used for the wrapper.
• The wrapper is also covered in a layer of 24KT gold leaf.
• Personal delivery to the owner by a messenger

 

Notable Mentions

That concludes our main list of the 25 most expensive cigars in the world.

There are, however, a few entries we’d like to mention.

Although these weren’t included in the main list, they’re worth mentioning to any fellow cigar aficionado.

 

Regius Double Corona Cigar

Price: $52,000

We decided to leave out the Regius Double Corona from our main list as the cigar itself is not the main reason for the high price.

In 2013, Regius Cigars developed their Double Corona cigar, which is produced in Nicaragua.

However, the main attraction was not actually the cigar itself, but what was included with the purchase.

The buyer of the cigar would be flown first class out to Regius headquarters in Nicaragua, where they would be given a private tour of the factory.

They would also be allowed to create their own cigar blend, and be given 1000 sticks of said blend to take home with them.

 

Gran Habano #5 El Gigante

Price: $185,000

Technically this cigar does have a clear price/stick, selling for $185,000 in 2013.

However, it’s probably worth mentioning that the cigar is 19 feet long, 3 feet thick, and weighs over 600 pounds.

Here are some interesting facts about the Gran Habano #5 El Gigante:

• Despite its size, it can be smoked by multiple people at the same time.
• Made with 1,600 pounds of tobacco.
• Equivalent to smoking 25,000 cigars
• Contains 15,000 wrapper leaves
• Has a ring gauge of 1920
• Weighs 2,500 pounds with the wooden case

We decided to separate the El Gigante from our main list of expensive cigars, but the story itself is worth mentioning.

 

Summary

If you enjoyed this list, don’t forget to check out our other most expensive lists:

• The Most Expensive Vodkas
• The Most Expensive Alcoholic Drinks
• The Most Expensive Cigarettes
• The Most Expensive Bourbons
• The Most Expensive Tequila

Here’s a quick recap of the 25 most expensive cigars in the world, per stick:

1. Gurkha Royal Courtesan
2. King of Denmark
3. Gurkha Black Dragon (2006 Edition)
4. Cohiba Ideales Coleccion 2021
5. Gurkha His Majesty’s Reserve
6. Mayan Sicars
7. Davidoff Oro Blanco
8. Cohiba 55 Aniversario Edicion Limitada 2021
9. Cohiba Talisman Edicion Limitada 2017
10. Partagas Lusitanias Gran Reserva Cosecha 2007
11. Montecristo Gran Piramides Limited Edition 2017
12. Daniel Marshall 24KT Golden Gigante
13. Trinidad Casilda Coleccion Habanos 2019
14. Oliva Serie V Roaring Twenties Super Limited Edition
15. Cohiba Behike Series
16. Hoyo De Monterrey Maravillas Collection 2015
17. Partagas Serie E No.1 Colección Habanos 2013
18. H. Upmann Sir Winston Gran Reserva Cosecha 2011
19. Cohiba Siglo De Oro (Year of the Rabbit)
20. Hoyo de Monterrey Double Coronas Gran Reserva Cosecha 2013
21. Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 Reserva Cosecha 2012
22. Davidoff Royal Release Salamones
23. Cohiba Spectre 2023
24. Arturo Fuente Opus X 20th Anniversary
25. El Septimo The Zaya Collection (Mirifico Sapphire)

Are there any cigars we’ve missed from this list? Leave a comment below.