Getting wasted on premium spirits can be such a waste.

If your goal is to simply reach Drunksville as fast as possible, there are cheaper, surefire ways to get you to your destination, say, a couple of pints of beer or swills of generic gin. But if it’s the journey you’re after—with the occasional aromatic detours or leisurely stopovers to savor the flavors—then by all means reach for the top shelf.

And perhaps a glass of cognac to set things afoot?