Spirits

Getting Sirius: Luxist Samples The Dalmore's 58-Year-Old Scotch

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Dec 14th 2009 at 11:03AM

There are some opportunities that only come up once in a lifetime – if you're lucky. You may not know them before they present themselves, but you sure will when they have. Experiences like driving a Ferrari around Italy. Dining on the top floor of the World Trade Center. Shaking hands with the President. Or drinking a whisky that's old enough to have been your father.

The good folks at The Dalmore distillery in the Scottish Highlands were kind enough to oblige us on that last one a few weeks ago. And we've spent at least a few minutes every day since trying to figure out how we'd describe the experience to you, our loyal readers. Follow the jump to read how we found it.

Gallery: The Dalmore 1951 Sirius Vintage

Tags: dalmore, highland, paterson, richard paterson, RichardPaterson, scotch, scotch whisky, ScotchWhisky, single malt, single malt scotch, single malt scotch whisky, Single malt whisky, SingleMalt, SingleMaltScotch, SingleMaltScotchWhisky, SingleMaltWhisky, sirius, the dalmore, TheDalmore, whiskey, whisky

Continue reading “Getting Sirius: Luxist Samples The Dalmore's 58-Year-Old Scotch”

The $85,000 Scotch Whisky Gift Experience

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) — Dec 11th 2009 at 4:01PM

If Jared Paul Stern's $2 Million Scotch Whisky Gift Experience (with Glenfiddich) was a little too rich for your blood, an $85,000 experience with The Dalmore might be just right for you.

We've covered various Dalmore bottles with prices as high as $58,000 over the years, as well as a tasting led by the colorful third generation Master Distiller Richard Paterson (above). With the once-in-a-lifetime Dalmore Experience package, you can combine all that -- taste the best bottles, spend a day with Richard and even get your hands on a custom-blended bottle of The Whisky Dalmore.

The $85,000 price tag gets you first class transportation (including airfare) to the Scottish Highlands, a city and country tour, four nights in a five-star hotel, a private barrel tasting of resting casks, a day of falconry with Richard Paterson, and a bespoke bottle of scotch whisky hand-created for you by Richard himself -- after he gets to know you, you personality and your preferences. The bottle will arrive in a handmade case a few weeks after you return to real life.

This extravagant package is so exclusive, it's only available for those in-the-know. Comment below and indicate your interest if would like to be contacted by a representative (or contact Annie.Scott-at-weblogsinc.com), and the Luxist team will pass along your information. You're welcome.

Tags: dalmore, richard paterson, RichardPaterson, scotch, the dalmore, TheDalmore, whisky, Whisky Tours, WhiskyTours

Belvedere Vodka Silver Ltd. Edition

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Dec 11th 2009 at 2:01PM

Belvedere, the all natural super premium vodka from Poland, has come out with a limited edition silver bottle for the holidays perfect for gift giving or festive occasions.

Available only until the New Year, the Belvedere Silver bottle features the brand's signature design set against a mirrored background for a modern, celebratory look.

Using only Dankowskie Gold Rye grown solely in the sweeping plains of Poland's Mazovia region, water from a pristine artesian well, and a proprietary purification process, Belvedere is distilled four times to uncover the vodka's strength of character.

The preciseness of the distillation process allows the distinctive notes of the vodka to come through without stripping away the subtle nuances, resulting in a smooth, creamy, peppery taste with a clean finish.

The limited edition Belvedere Silver bottles are available in four sizes: 375 ml, 750 ml, 1 litre and 1.75 litre, with the 750 ml size retailing for $35.

Tags: Belvedere, Belvedere Vodka, BelvedereVodka, holiday 09, Holiday09, limited edition, LimitedEdition, Poland, vodka

Ralph Lauren's Luxe Holiday Offerings

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Dec 9th 2009 at 11:01AM

This holiday season Ralph Lauren has come out with a number of luxurious offerings rooted in the spirit of 1930's Sun Valley, the famous Idaho ski resort frequented by socialites and celebrities. The designer's Holiday Collection "embodies wintry sophistication with luxe cashmeres, rich tartan plaids, regal velvets and chic yet rustic details, creating gifts with a nod to classic American heritage and modern sensibility." Standout items include a tartan plaid duffel bag made of rich wool with saddle leather trim for $1,500, and the Brabham Vice Box at $4,995 (above), a streamlined case containing handsome crystal barware, sleek coasters and a debonair poker set. As a limited edition of 50, each box bears a numbered plate. Other home items evoke the inviting world of the Adirondacks or a sleek urban environment, with a sophisticated jewel-toned palette executed in sumptuous materials.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: barware, holiday 09, Holiday09, poker, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, Sun Valley, SunValley

Duncan Quinn Opens Ltd. Edition Pop-Up in Miami

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Dec 9th 2009 at 8:01AM

Art Basel isn't the only thing taking Miami by storm - dashing designer Duncan Quinn has opened a limited edition pop-up shop in the city's design district that's a shrine to gentlemanly pursuits and fine tailoring. In addition to his full range of Savile Row-inspired menswear the British-born bon vivant's 6,000-sq.-ft. space features a full-sized indoor croquet pitch; a 1962 Maserati 3500GT, one of only 359 made, specially ordered and owned by famed Formula One driver Peter Revson; and a killer collection of vintage Ducati motorbikes, including a 450 Desmo from the 70's, a 350 Desmo, built in 1969 and a 1985 F1 prototype.

There are also limited edition croquet shirts and t-shirts exclusive to the venue; a bespoke lounge with Dormeuil fabrics; an installation of Ruby couture motorcycle helmets from France; Hendrick's Gin cocktails; and more. Famed shoe designer Christian Louboutin, who has his own op-up shop down the block, was their first customer, coming in to buy an outfit for his own opening, while Birmingham band The Twang, who opened the Glastonbury Festival in front of 500,000 people, played a one-off show for the DQ faithful there on Friday night. The shop will be open until Dec. 12th, then once a month for dinners and tastings and otherwise by appointment.

Tags: Art Basel, ArtBasel, Christian Louboutin, ChristianLouboutin, croquet, Ducati, Duncan Quinn, DuncanQuinn, Maserati, Miami, motorcycle, Savile Row, SavileRow, The Twang, TheTwang

Win A Scotch Whisky Nosing Kit

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Dec 8th 2009 at 9:01PM

My colleague Jared Paul Stern recently wrote about The Balvenie 17 Year Old Madeira Cask. The latest release from Scotland's famed Speyside distillery is a 17 year old single malt matured in traditional oak and then finished in Madeira casks and sells for $120 a bottle. For those of you feeling lucky you can participate in The Balvenie's Discover Rare Craftsmanship Sweepstakes. The Balvenie is offering the chance to win a one-of-a-kind prize: a Scotch Whisky nosing and tasting kit. The kit contains 24 separate aromas and a dedicated nosing guide, as well as other essential whisky tasting tools. The winner will also receive a Balvenie hipflask. Visit this link to enter: http://www.thebalvenie.com/en-us/sweeps.php

Tags: balevenie, scotch, scotch whisky, ScotchWhisky, whisky

Josh Duhamel To Head 2010 Drambuie Pursuit

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Dec 7th 2009 at 7:01PM

Whoever chooses the celebrity to head the annual Drambuie Pursuit, a yearly outdoor adventure race in the Scottish Highlands, seems to have an eye for handsome men in need of a little break. Last year's celebrity male was Jerry O'Connell, this year actor Josh Duhamel (who starred in the television series Las Vegas and is married to Black-Eyed Peas singer Fergie) has been announced to take part in the 2010 Drambuie Pursuit, a race which includes speedboat racing, white water rafting, archery and mountain climbing and celebrates the creation of the whisky liqueur.

The 100-mile race course retraces the 1745 journey across the Highlands by Scotland's rebel Bonnie Prince Charlie. In May 2010, 15 international teams of four will compete head to head and Josh Duhamel is currently seeking applicants to join his team.Check out www.PursuitOf1745.com for more information on how to win a place on Team Josh or to sign up your own team of four to compete in the competition.

Tags: drambuie, drambuie cream liqueur, drambuie pursuit, DrambuieCreamLiqueur, DrambuiePursuit, josh duhamel, JoshDuhamel

Light-Up Whisky Bottle Attracts Attention In Nightclubs

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Dec 4th 2009 at 8:01PM

It's a gimmick but a pretty cool one. Ballantine's Finest whisky has created a new bottle with a luminescent coating that appears to react to music. The bottle is not being sold retail but is for use in pubs and nightclubs in Europe. The dark blue bottle was created by London-based packaging agency The Core and is part of Ballantine's 'Listen to Your Beat' campaign. The bottle has an electroluminescent label that lights up intermittently giving the look of an equalizer responding to music.

Tags: ballantines finest, BallantinesFinest, packaging, whisky

The $2 Million Scotch Whisky Gift Experience

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Dec 4th 2009 at 4:01PM

Continuing our series on the seasonal smorgasbord of over-the-top exclusives offered by that glossy chronicle of the filthy rich Robb Report, we present their $2 million single malt Scotch experience. The profligate publication's gift package includes the following: a private tour of the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown, Scotland, conducted by their malt master Biran Kinsman, where the recipient and a guest will learn firsthand how the famed single malt is produced before selecting a personal vintage cask of their own; a rare bottle of Glenfiddich 50 Year Old (above); two nights' accommodation at Ballindalloch Castle, home since 1546 to the Macpherson-Grant family, who will host a dinner in the recipient's honor; first-class roundtrip air travel for two from any U.S. city to Edinburgh; one night's stay and dinner at Edinburgh's renowned Prestonfield Hotel, plus a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle; private roundtrip helicopter rides from Edinburgh across the Scottish Highlands to the Glenfiddich Distillery; and a private tour of the historic Johnston's Woolen Mill and a traditional Scottish lunch with the owner.

Tags: Ballindalloch Castle, BallindallochCastle, castle, distillery, Edinburgh, Glenfiddich, Prestonfield Hotel, PrestonfieldHotel, Robb Report, RobbReport, Scotch, Scotland, single malt, SingleMalt, whisky

The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Years Old Gift Box

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Dec 3rd 2009 at 4:02PM

Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, famed Scotch whisky distillery The Macallan is offering its acclaimed Sherry Oak 18 Years Old single malt in a gift box made of beautiful, solid oak, connoting the distillery's commitment and attention to the special interplay of spirit and wood.

Meanwhile, the distillery has also developed a smaller, 375ml bottle for the 18 Years Old, matured exclusively in oak sherry casks from Jerez, Spain, and a replica 1.75L bottle for The Macallan Sherry Oak 12, ensuring a range of gift options for lovers of fine spirits this season.

"The Macallan is always looking to enhance its original core collection with unique packs that appeal to consumer needs," notes Jim Brennan, Brand Director, The Macallan. "This year we're providing new sizing and packaging options at accessible price points to encourage sharing and to promote gifting."

The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Years Old Oak Gift Box is priced at $149.99; The Macallan Sherry Oak 18 Years Old, in a stock-stuffer 375ml size is priced at $79.99; and The Macallan Sherry Oak 12 Years Old, in the 1.75L size is priced at $99.99, translating to plenty of extra spirit for sharing with friends and family and at virtually no extra cost.

Tags: gift box, GiftBox, holiday 09, Holiday09, Scotch, Scotland, single malt, SingleMalt, The Macallan, TheMacallan, whisky, wood

Five Tips for Surviving a Holiday Office Party

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Dec 2nd 2009 at 4:32PM

Holiday office parties are just getting underway. Here are a few tips for surviving your holiday merriment.

Tip One: Start Your Night Happy, not Hungry

Food helps slow down the absorption of alcohol, giving your body more time to metabolize the toxins. Start your night with a medium sized meal, and nibble on snacks throughout the evening.

Tip Two: Choose Light (or lighter) Spirits

Sipping on drinks with lower alcohol content allows you to celebrate with colleagues without getting too tipsy. Instead of vodka (80 proof), look for liqueurs with a lower alcohol content. Some, such as VeeV, mix like vodka, but have a lower alcohol content (60 proof in Veev's case). Remember: drinks with a lower alcohol content also means fewer calories.

Tip Three: Keep Hydrated

Avoid the dehydration trap by drinking a small glass of water in between cocktails. You can also hydrate by choosing drinks with ice.

Tip Four: Stick to One Kind of Alcohol

Follow the golden rule of surviving any party hangover-free by steering clear of mixing different types of alcohol. Once you chose your favorite spirit of the night, stick with it, but drink in moderation.

Tip Five: Say No to Drinks Made with Dark Liquors

The clearer your drink, the fewer problems you will have the next morning. Dark liquors contain more toxic chemicals (congeners) than clear ones, which are widely responsible for nasty headaches. Brandy, red wine, rum, and whiskey fall in this category.

Tags: brandy, holiday party, HolidayParty, Veev, vodka

Luxist Gift Guide 09: Cruzan Single Barrel Estate Rum

by Ariston Anderson (RSS feed) — Dec 2nd 2009 at 4:02PM

On a recent trip to New York's Gramercy Tavern, we discovered the perfect winter cocktail, courtesy of senior mixologist Jeremy Lawry and Cruzan Rum, the Rum Hot Toddy. Ever since discovering Cruzan Single Barrel Estate Rum, we've been substituting it for our normal whisky after-dinner drinks. Not only is this one of the most awarded rums in existence, but it's also the world's first single barrel rum, meaning it is aged in new oak casks, for one more year than usual, and bottled one cask at a time.

A bottle of Cruzan Single Barrel Estate Rum makes the perfect gift this holiday season as a new luxury staple in anyone's liquor cabinet. What makes the St. Croix delicacy unique is that it is made with very low levels of fusel oil, the liquid which is responsible for the acetone scents of most rums. As a result, Cruzan is one of the cleanest rums available. As luxury rums continues to gain popularity in the American marketplace Cruzan remains a reliable name that started the trend.

The full-bodied rum has notes of coconut and vanilla, and when enjoyed solo, it's a perfect substitute for that slice of pecan pie. But we prefer it best this winter in replacement of the traditional hot toddy, a warm balance of rum and cinnamon, recipe after the jump, courtesy of Gramercy Tavern. To stay warm, serve it in a wide tumbler you can palm and curl up next to the fireplace.

Tags: bottles to bring, BottlesToBring, cruzan rum, CruzanRum, holiday drink recipes, holiday drinks, HolidayDrinkRecipes, HolidayDrinks, hot toddy, hot toddy recipe, HotToddy, HotToddyRecipe, rum cocktail recipe, rum hot toddy, RumCocktailRecipe, RumHotToddy, winter holiday gifts, WinterHolidayGifts

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Edradour Ballechin Discovery Series Single Malt

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Dec 2nd 2009 at 3:01PM

Scotland's smallest distillery, Edradour, has released the fourth distillation of Ballechin, The Discovery Series, a program to age its heavily peated Highland single malt Scotch solely in wine casks instead of the usual bourbon barrels. The Oloroso Sherry Cask expression has been matured solely in first fill Oloroso sherry casks and and is being released in a limited edition of 6,000 bottles.

Edradour is the last original "farm'" distillery in Perthshire and possibly the smallest legal distillery of any kind in the world. John Reid and his two assistants hand-craft Edradour without automation, using skills handed down through generations. At a weekly output of a mere 600 gallons - enough to fill twelve casks - what Edradour makes in a year, a typical Speyside distillery would produce in a week. Only the finest spirit is laid down by Reid into hand-selected oak casks for the ten year long wait before it can take the name of Edradour.

"Since acquiring Edradour distillery in 2002, I have pursued an extensive program of experimentation," notes Edradour Owner Andrew Symington. "Several heavily peated distillations have been produced initially on a very limited scale, and these are being matured in a wide range of wood types." Other Ballechin releases include a Burgundy cask matured, a Port cask matured, and a Madeira cask matured. Edradour is known for its smooth, creamy character with a touch of peat smoke.

Tags: distillery, Edradour, Perthshire, Scotch, Scotland, single malt, SingleMalt, whisky

EXCLUSIVE: Cognac King Maurice Hennessy's Ten Essential Luxuries

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Dec 2nd 2009 at 9:00AM

Click above to see Maurice Hennessy's 10 Luxuries

Maurice-Richard Hennessy spent his childhood years in France's famed Cognac region. A direct descendant of the founder of the Hennessy company, he belongs to the eighth generation of the prestigious family that came to France from Ireland in 1765. The cognac gene is firmly established in his DNA, along with his love for the Charente countryside, vine-growing and fine gastronomy. He joined the family firm, now a cornerstone of the LVMH luxury goods empire, in 1975 and was given an in-depth training in all the Hennessy professions, from distillation to bottling, as well as commercial and marketing activities.

He began by traveling for Hennessy and then in 1979 settled in London for five years to work on the promotion of the brand in England and Ireland. At that time he also travelled regularly to the United States and Canada. So it is natural that Monsieur Hennessy, with his famous name, became the incarnation of the brand and its global ambassador. As familiar with the history of the company as he is with cognac, he owns vineyards himself, distilling and selling his eaux-de-vie to the Hennessy firm, and is an expert on all facets of cognac production. In the gallery, Hennessy reveals his 10 essential luxuries and explains what makes them a must.

Gallery: Cognac King Maurice Hennessy's 10 Luxuries

A seat at Bayreuth Festspielhaus for the Wagner Festival

Proper ice cubes made of non-chlorinated water

Tags: Christian Dior, ChristianDior, Cognac, France, Hennessy, LVMH, Ruinart

Woodford Reserve Ltd. Edition Seasoned Oak Finish

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Dec 1st 2009 at 4:02PM

Woodford Reserve has announced the latest limited edition release of its acclaimed Master's Collection bourbons. Called Seasoned Oak Finish, it is finish-aged in unique barrels crafted with wood that has been seasoned longer than any previously used in the industry, producing an extremely robust spirit.

The staves for most bourbon barrels are seasoned for three to five months; however, Seasoned Oak Finish combines fully-matured Woodford Reserve with barrels crafted from wood that has been exposed to the outdoors for three to five years, making for a much richer and more complex flavor profile.

"Of all the distillers in our industry, we are the only bourbon company that crafts its own barrels, giving us unique knowledge and control of the process," said Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris. "As the rough oak staves are exposed to seasonal weather changes and subsequently dried, this natural cycle develops a new range of flavors in the wood."

Seasoned Oak Finish is the fourth in the Woodford Reserve Master's Collection series following the Four Grain, Sonoma-Cutrer Finish and Sweet Mash bottlings. Released periodically at the master distiller's discretion, the Master's Collection whiskeys are are bottled only once in a proprietary package inspired by the copper pot stills of the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery in Kentucky.

Tags: bourbon, distillery, Kentucky, whiskey, Woodford Reserve, WoodfordReserve

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