Spirits

Glen Garioch Releases Ltd. Edition 1991 Single Malt

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Feb 15th 2011 at 11:01AM

The Distillery Manager at Glen Garioch, one of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland founded in 1797, has delved into his library of well-aged whisky to release a limited batch of single malt featuring a peated production style that hasn't been seen from the Highland landmark in nearly two decades. The Glen Garioch (pronounced "Geery") 1991 is limited to only 120 bottles in the U.S. priced at $100 apiece. More than two centuries ago, the brothers John and Alexander Manson built the Glen Garioch distillery in the Scottish town of Oldmeldrum.

The distillery peated its own golden barley from the Valley of the Garioch back then which gave their whisky a heathery smokiness, now recaptured for the 1991 expression. In 1995 the distillery was mothballed but was reopened in 1997 in time to celebrate its 200th birthday. The precious 1991 whisky, floor malted with small amounts of peat, has been maturing for 19 years in hogshead bourbon casks. The bottling is presented at cask strength and non-chill filtered to show the true expression of the single malt.

Tags: distillery, Glen Garioch, Scotch, Scotland, single malt, whisky

Ltd. Edition Balvenie 40 Year Old Comes to U.S.

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Feb 11th 2011 at 7:02PM

Last spring my colleague David Kiley wrote about the first batch of the exclusive new limited edition 40 year old single malt created by The Balvenie. Unfortunately it was never offered for sale in the U.S., but the famed distillery has now come out with a second batch with plans to make just 50 bottles (out of the total production of 150) available here starting this month, priced at $3,999. Balvenie malt master David Stewart kept careful watch on all of the casks of rare whisky in the Balvenie's warehouses in Scotland for many decades before selecting a small amount of precious elixir from six 40 year old casks for the second edition. The result is a beautifully rounded taste of sweet creamy vanilla, butter toffee and fresh fruit. The limited edition bottling comes in a bespoke wooden box, handmade in oak by Scottish craftsman Sam Chinnery. The second batch hopes to follow in the prestigious footsteps of the first batch, which won a gold medal at both the prestigious International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) and International Spirits Challenge (ISC) Awards.

Tags: Balvenie, Scotch, Scotland, single malt, spirits, The Balvenie, whiskey, whisky

Six Lovely Whiskies To Buy For Valentine's Day

by David Kiley (RSS feed) — Feb 11th 2011 at 3:01PM

Whiskey for Valentine's Day? Why not.

It's not there aren't any female whiskey aficionados. But I will say most of these suggestions seem to me to be much more appropriate for men than women. After all, how many really great Valentine's Day gifts are there for men? Jewelry? Sure, for the right man, who wants a new ring or cuff-links. Bracelets? Not so much. Please.

But whiskey, special whiskies, for the whiskey loving man? That's a can't miss present. But not just any whiskey. Given the nature of the day, look for a whisky that is lush, special, characteristics. Deep amber colors, nice age, finishes of chocolate and marzipan. To do it right, think "sex in a glass."

Here are six suggestions that fit the bill. And they all should be available at better liquor stores with a decent whiskey selection.

Glenmorangie 18-year old: Price $100.00
Once it has spent 15 years maturing in American white oak casks approximately 30% is transferred into Spanish Oloroso casks to spend a further three years maturing. Then, when both have reached 18 years, it is blended back together to create a whisky with a rich bouquet and full, rounded flavor. The taste is balanced between honey, malt and flowery scents. Dates and figs emerge in the background with a hint of wood smoke. Think of Glenmorangie 18-year old like having candy, flowers and a wood fire all in the one glass.

Amrut Fusion: $50-$65.00
Introduce your mate to a whisky he or she has probably never tried. This whisky, from India, is one of the best in the world, especially under $100. Combining Indian malt and peated Scottish malt, it has a sweet side, but not too sweet. The taste includes vanilla custard, peat, dried pineapple. It will be unexpected, like a good gift should be.

Tags: amrut fusion, ardbeg corryvrecken, crown royal, Glenmorangie 18, Parkers Heritage Collection, Valentines Day gifts, whiskey, whisky

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Sweet Temptations: Valentine's Day At City Center, Las Vegas

by Susan Kime (RSS feed) — Feb 11th 2011 at 8:01AM

I have written about City Center, Las Vegas in Luxist before, the last column was on the many the New Year's Eve celebrations. Because of those, I thought New Year's was surely the city's most attractive holiday. Silly me! I now realize that Valentine's Day contains as much or more of the sybaritic Las Vegas DNA than New Year's. New Year's defines new beginnings, but Valentine's Day? It's about risk-taking -- in romance, infatuation, and sensuality -- essentially carpe diem-ing (seizing the day) in excelsius (in the highest manner) for at least 24 hours.

So here, in honor of St. Valentinus, Patron Saint of love, young people, and joyous marriage, is an image of a Tabu Lounge Chocolate Martini (above) to toast lovers and other strangers who find themslves at CityCenter, celebrating the sweet, varied enjoyment of Valentine's Day.

ARIA Resort And Casino has a Romance Package that includes a two-night stay in a tower suite, combining an in-suite couples' massage and aromatherapy bath, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries and two day passes to The Spa at ARIA. The package is priced at $830 (Sunday – Thursday) or $1,030 (Friday – Saturday) and is valid through May 2011.

Tags: Aria Resort and Casino Las Vegas, Aria resort and Casino Valentines Day, CityCenter Las Vegas, Romance packages City Center Valentines Day, Tabu Lounge Las Vegas, The Spa at Aria Valentines day, Valentines Day City Center, Valentines Day Las Vegas, Vdara Hotel Valentines Day, Vdara Spa Valentines Day

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Belvedere Vodka Joins PRODUCT(RED), Taps Usher As New Ambassador

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Feb 10th 2011 at 8:01PM

Last month Penfolds became the first wine brand to partner with (PRODUCT)RED, the commerce-driven initiative to raise money to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Now Belvedere has joined the fight, announcing a partnership with (RED) and the launch of a special edition bottle to raise proceeds for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. 50% of profits from the global sale of the special edition will be donated. The bottle will be available in late summer 2011 but it is being unveiled at a pre-Grammy party in Los Angeles on February 10, 2011 with a live performance announcing musician Usher as the brand's new celebrity ambassador. Usher joins a host of celebrity liquor salespeople, a group that includes everyone from Bruce Willis to P. Diddy and Dan Aykroyd.

Gallery: Celebrity Liquor

Tags: belvedere, celebrity ads, celebrity liquor, usher, usher raymond

"Universal Whisky Experience" Set For Wynn Las Vegas March 18

by David Kiley (RSS feed) — Feb 5th 2011 at 4:01PM

The Wynn Las Vegas on March 18-19 will host The "Nth" Universal Whisky Experience, a weekend long fandango of tasting some of the best and rarest whiskies in the world, and mixing with master blenders and mixologists.

The event is organized by Atlanta-based entrepreneur and whisky collector Mahesh Patel. "The purpose of this weekend is to gather the country's most passionate whisky lovers for tasting experiences they would not normally have access to," says Patel. "Our guests will be wowed from the minute they check into their suites at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas," said Patel.

Tags: glenfarclas 1966, highand park, the dalmore, the dalmore astrum, whiskies, whisky, whisky tasting, wynn encore, wynn las vegas

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SKYY Introduces Dragon Fruit & Blood Orange Infusion Vodkas

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Feb 5th 2011 at 2:01PM

SKYY Infusions Blood Orange & Dragon Fruit

A year after the launch of its ginger-infused vodka, American premium label SKYY has launched the latest additions to its all-natural Infusions range with Dragon Fruit and Blood Orange flavors.

Building on the momentum and popularity of dragon fruit juices and flavored waters, SKYY Infusions Dragon Fruit presents an exotic taste and is billed as the first dragon fruit vodka available across the country. Meanwhile SKYY Infusions Blood Orange builds on the popularity of orange-flavored vodkas – third most popular in the category – with a more intense flavor particularly suited to Tiki cocktails.

Both are presently launching coast-to-coast, with volumes and prices targeted at 50ml ($1.99 MSRP), 750ml ($18.49 MSRP) and 1 liter ($26.49 MSRP). They join the existing line-up of Citrus, Cherry, Grape, Raspberry, Passion Fruit, Pineapple and Ginger infused vodkas.

Tags: flavored vodka, infused vodka, infusion vodka, skyy, skyy infusions, SKYY Infusions Blood Orange, SKYY Infusions Dragon Fruit, skyy vodka, vodka

Knotted Maple, A New Way To Enjoy Maple Syrup

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Feb 1st 2011 at 1:01AM

Making the most of a local favorite, Tree Spirits of Maine has created a unique way to consume maple syrup, as a distilled maple spirit. It's essentially a brandy but the definition of brandy calls for it to be distilled from wine or fermented fruit juice, there really isn't a term for this maple liqueur which is believed to be the first of its kind. The product, named Knotted Maple, is the creation of Bruce Olson and Steve Buchsbaum, who decided to open a winery and distillery in Oakland, Maine.

The pair told the Kennebec Journal that they started selling their maple spirits and sweet sparkling maple wine just before Christmas and will also be selling applejack and dry sparkling wines. Tree Spirits is one of six distilleries in Maine. The syrup comes from the Bacon Farm in Sidney and cider from The Apple Farm in Fairfield is used in the wine and applejack. A 375-milliliter bottle of Knotted Maple sells for $35.99. The liquor and other products will officially launch in the spring. More information can be found at the Tree Spirits website.

Tags: craft distilleries, craft distillery, knotted maple, maple liquor, maple syrup

Jose Cuervo Tequila to Sponsor Sauber F1 Team

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Jan 30th 2011 at 8:02PM

As tequila enters the mainstream as a premium spirit alongside the likes of vodka and whisky, so will it need a platform to promote itself. And few fora are proving as fitting as motor racing.

After rival distiller Patron promoted its sponsorship of individual teams in the American Le Mans Series to title sponsorship of the entire championship, Jose Cuervo has announced a new deal that takes them straight to the very pinnacle of motor racing: Formula One. The tequila company will be sponsoring the Sauber F1 team, and announced the deal shortly after the team signed Mexican driver Sergio Perez to race its cars this season.

Although Sauber may not be among the top teams today, it has fielded some of the best drivers in the sport, including world champions Kimi Raikkonen, Jacques Villeneuve and Sebastian Vettel. Though its best results came during the BMW years in 2007 and 2008 when it placed second and third in the championship, the team has since returned to using Ferrari engines.

Tags: cuervo, f1, formula 1, formula one, Jose Cuervo, sauber, sauber f1, sauber f1 team, tequila

The Dalmore Astrum: 40 Years Old and Finished in Rum Casks

by David Kiley (RSS feed) — Jan 29th 2011 at 2:01PM

Scottish distillery The Dalmore is selling The Dalmore Astrum, a 40-year old expression limited to just 500 bottles.

Set to cask in 1966, The Dalmore Astrum, spent most of the next four decades in second use American white oak casks before being transferred for a final 18 month finishing to 30 year old Matusalem rum casks from Gonzalez Byass.

Each bottle is protected in a bespoke, high gloss black lacquer box. Price is $2,428 based on current exchange rates.

Color: Mahogany gold.
Nose: Blood oranges, crushed apples and pear. Melon, walnuts, cocoa and cinnamon.

Taste: Top notes of ripe mandarins, kumquats, black forest fruits and pineapple. Secondary notes of ginger, black treacle and liquorice. A lingering aftertaste of vanilla, creamy caramel and Swiss chocolate.

Tags: 40-year old scotch, dalmore, scotch, the dalmore, The Dalmore Astrum, whisky

Pernod Ricard's Pastils Changes its Bottle for the First Time since 1932

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Jan 26th 2011 at 9:01PM

Today Pernod Ricard has grown into one of the largest drinks conglomerates in the world. It absorbed the distilled liquor business of onetime giant Seagram, then proceeded the take over Allied Domecq (producers of Beefeater gin, Laphroaig scotch, Kahlua liqueur, Mumm champagne and many others) and Absolut parent company V&S Group. But before it took over a good half of the liquor industry, it started out as a simple producer of pastils. From its two main brands is where it got its name, and from these anise-flavored drinks is where it all started.

One of the two core brands, Ricard Pastis, has been sealed into the same bottle since 1932. But after nearly 80 years, Pernod Ricard has finally redesigned the bottle into the shape you see here. The new shape is a modernized, updated take on the original. But more than anything else, it serves as a reference point to look back on the decades past that have seen Pernod Ricard grow from a modest French distiller into a multi-billion-euro operation.

Tags: pastils, pernod ricard, ricard, ricard pastils

Absolut Launches New Wild Tea Vodka

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Jan 26th 2011 at 7:02PM

Few vodka companies offer the immense selection of flavor varieties as does Absolut. The Swedish distiller offers dozens of different flavors ranging from Mango and Citron to Vanilia and Peppar (a personal favorite for dirty martinis), and has now added one more to the portfolio: Absolut Wild Tea.

The latest Absolut flavor is infused with the flavors of tea, elderflower, red apples and citrus, and has been formulated to mix well with a wide range of sweet and sour ingredients. Absolut recommends using it in a Gimlet with lime juice and simple syrup, in a Cosmopolitan with cranberry juice and orange liqueur, or in a Mojito with lime juice, simple syrup, muddled mint leaves and a splash of soda.

Absolut Wild Tea is making its debut across the United States with dedicated launch events in Chicago, Miami, New York and Los Angeles over the next month or so, and will be available nationwide with an MSRP of $24.99 for the liter or $19.99 for 750 ml.

Tags: Absolut, Absolut vodka, Absolut Wild Tea, Absolut Wild Tea vodka, vodka, Wild Tea, Wild Tea vodka

The Dalmore Rivers Collection

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Jan 26th 2011 at 4:00PM

Drinkers know Scotland for its world-renowned single malts, but among fishing enthusiasts, the country is known just as well for its excellent finish rivers, where the Atlantic salmon swim free and the scenery is positively breathtaking. It's not every day that these two aspects of Scotland's lore are brought together, but that days has come in the form of the Dalmore Rivers Collection.

Composed of four specially-crafted single malts selected by master distiller Richard Paterson, the Rivers Collection seeks to promote and protect Scotland's greatest fishing rivers. Each is named after and dedicated to a specific river: the Dee, the Tay, the Tweed and the Spey (on whose banks many of the Scottish Highlands' finest malts are distilled).

Part of the proceeds from the sale of each of these special single malts goes towards foundations dedicated to preserving these rivers, which are working together in a joint fundraising effort for the first time in history. When the first of these, called the Dee Dram, went on sale last year, it sold out in a matter of nine short weeks and raised £35,000 to protect the River Dee. Speacialist Whisky in Perthshire, Scotland, is stocking all four at £41.99 per bottle. Visit the Dalmore website for more information.

Tags: dalmore, dalmore dee dram, dalmore rivers collection, dalmore spey dram, dalmore tay dram, dalmore tweed dram, dee dram, rivers collection, scotch, single malt, spey dram, tay dram, the dalmore, the dalmore dee dram, the dalmore rivers collection, the dalmore spey dram, the dalmore tay dram, the dalmore tweed dram, tweed dram, whisky

Drinks Up! Sales of Luxury Booze Surging Again, and So Might Prices

by David Kiley (RSS feed) — Jan 25th 2011 at 6:01AM

Americans bought more high-end and super-premium drinks in 2010 than the year before, says the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS). And while it is a good sign for the economy, the trade group said the levels of purchase are not yet back to pre-recession levels.

Overall spirits consumption was up 2% last year, a slower rate of growth than the 2.9% average annual growth between 2000 and 2007. Sales of high-end brands and products by volume were up 3.3% and sales of super-premium products were up by 10.6%, said DISCUS. Sales of super-premium products rose an average annual rate of 14.7% 2000-2007. "We aren't back yet to where we were, but the signs are all there for a steady recovery," says DISCUS CEO Peter Cressy.

While the news that people are feeling comfortable about buying super-premium liquor is a good sign for the economy, it also means prices to could climb in 2011. Any uptick in consumer demand could embolden spirits makers to raise prices.

Tags: ardbeg, booze, DISCUS, effen vodka, Grey Goose, Johnnie walker blue, spirits sales 2010

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Ballantine Introduces 2011 Championship Blend

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Jan 24th 2011 at 11:01PM

Australian professional golfer Marcus Fraser, the winner of the 2010 Ballantine's Championship, has collaborated with Ballantine's Master Blender Sandy Hyslop to create the 2011 Championship Blend. The Scotch contains whiskies aged for at least 38 years. Only 10 bottles are being produced and as reigning Ballantine's Championship winner, Fraser will receive one of the them. One bottle will also be reserved for the 2011 champion and another will be auctioned for charitable causes during the 2011 tournament, which will take place at Seoul's Blackstone Golf Club Icheon next April.

"It is very impressive seeing Ballantine's Master Blender Sandy Hyslop in his element," said Fraser, "with his enthusiasm, experience and knowledge of all the different flavours and how they can be used together to come up with a final product." Hyslop guided Fraser through the delicate blending process and describes the resulting product as being "extremely fruity, with lots of soft fruit flavours, allied with some lovely, creamy background flavours, and when you taste it the whisky's finish just seems to last forever. Marcus obviously has a bit of a sweet tooth, as some of the flavours he has chosen have given the Championship Blend a beautifully sweet top dressing."

The Ballantine's Championship began in 2008 as an event co-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours. It is Asia's fourth biggest golf tournament and the largest annual golf event in South Korea.

Tags: ballantine, ballantines, golf, marcus fraser, scotch, whiskies, whisky

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