Scotland

Luxe Style Staple: Christopher Fischer Cashmere Scarf

After searching for a cashmere scarf in just the right shade of olive green for some time, we recently came across this natty number from Christopher Fischer.

Paired here with a classic and well-worn Barbour Bedale jacket and fleece Connaught sweater jacket from Private Stock, it's finished in a good mid-season weight with enough length to double over for the "Euro" knot when extra insulation is called for.

Fischer, a self-described cashmere addict, has product ranges including men's, women's, home and travel, with boutiques in New York City, Southampton, East Hampton and Greenwich, CT. He founded the company 25 years ago in the town of Hawick in the borders of Scotland, the birthplace of the Scottish cashmere industry.

Tags: Barbour, cashmere, Christopher Fischer, Christopher Fischer Cashmere Scarf, East Hampton, mens style, Private Stock, scarf, Scotland

First Taste: Highland Park 50 Year Old Single Malt

by Michael B. Dougherty (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

With gale-force winds that would make Mount Washington shiver, and scant winter sunlight, the northern Scottish islands of Orkney provide little reason to spend much time outside, unless it's for the annual game/riot of Ba'. But while not ideal for sunbathing, those conditions do lend themselves to other pursuits, namely, distilling whisky-which is what Highland Park has been doing since 1798. As we told you last October, Highland Park announced the release of the oldest island region single-malt yet, a 50 years old bottling housed in five kilos of hand-made silver designed by fellow Scot, Maeve Gillies.

Gillies, along with Highland Park's Martin Daraz and Gerry Tosh, were in town recently to share a dram of the precious release, which the US will only see five of this year, currently priced at $17,500.

Having spent a half-century in Sherry oak casks, the nose and palate evidenced the pleasantly expected notes of almond, clove, and candied orange. And while mellowed by age, I nonetheless picked up a healthy amount of vanilla and wood, which Daraz pointed out was most likely due to the fact that after 50 years in cask, the liquid moves beyond the portion seasoned by the Sherry and deeper into the wood staves. At just 2% peat concentration-which Highland Park still cuts by hand-the smokiness hovered at the periphery of the tongue, never feeling intrusive.

While obviously meant for the collector, both in terms of aesthetics and content, Gillies pointed out that her bottle design holds a reward for increasing the ullage: When viewed from behind, a rose window design becomes visible on the reverse of the Highland Park sandstone emblem as the level drops. "So you can pray to God for more," quipped Tosh.

Tags: Highland Park, scotch, scotland, single malt, tasting, whisky

Continue reading “First Taste: Highland Park 50 Year Old Single Malt”

Glen Garioch Releases Ltd. Edition 1991 Single Malt

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

Glen Garioch Releases Ltd. Edition 1991 Single Malt

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) —

Filed under: Spirits

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

The Classicist: The Year's Best Luxe Books

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Books, The Classicist

Followers of The Classicist, the weekly column devoted to timeless style, enduring elegance, and true, built-to-last luxury as opposed to mere extravagance, are familiar with the fact that we take pains to search out every season's most luxurious books and bring you exclusive glimpses. 2010 was a particularly good year for top-drawer tomes; if you've any space left in your library we suggest you stock up on the following titles which we declare to be the best of the best from those that made our grade in 2010. Featuring our favorite subjects ranging from Savile Row to classic Louis Vuitton luggage, high equestrian style to high society, and classic architecture to the perfection that is is Porsche, this is a chance to catch up on the must-have volumes you might have missed.

Topping the list are our two favorites, Louis Vuitton: 100 Legendary Trunks (Abrams) and Bespoke: The Men's Style of Savile Row (Rizzoli), both dealing with icons of luxe style, the first a legendary French luggage firm, the second a street synonymous with the world's best men's tailoring. Can you imagine anything better than a suite of Vuitton trunks full of Savile Row suits? Didn't think so. While you're busy assembling a collection these books are the next best thing. Men's style also comes into play in two other titles on our can't-miss list, the bible of Ivy League style Take Ivy (powerHouse) and We Want Miles: Miles Davis vs. Jazz (Skira Rizzoli). They're more closely related than you might think; the jazz legend had a not-so-hidden passion for preppy finery in his early years, while Take Ivy's title is a reference to jazz.

Gallery: The Best Luxe Books of 2010

Tags: Abrams, architecture, books, coffee table books, equestrian, Flammarion, jazz, Louis Vuitton, luggage, mens style, Miles Davis, Paris, Porsche, Rizzoli, Savile Row, Scotland, Take Ivy, teNeues, The Classicist

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Ltd. Edition 1946 Macallan Albert Watson Edition to Sell for $16,000

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits, Art

Missed out on the the 64-year-old Macallan in Lalique Cire Perdue recently auctioned off at Sotheby's for a record breaking $460,000 (the world's most expensive bottle of whisky)? You can still get your hands on some equally precious elixir via an ultra-exclusive limited edition bottling from the famed Speyside distillery as part of its upcoming Albert Watson collaboration. Priced at $16,000 apiece, the offering stems from the Macallan's Masters of Photography series. Only 36 bottles of the rare single malt Scotch distilled in 1946 will be available early next year along with a one-of-a-kind platinum print from Watson's project.

If that's still out of your reach, you might still be able to lay claim to the regular but also quite special Albert Watson Masters of Photography bottling, above – a new, limited-edition 20 year old single malt priced at $1,000 apiece, of which only 1,000 bottles are being produced. Watson's images depict a young couple as they travel the path the wood used in the distillery's whisky casks takes as it moves from the Spanish forest to its "spiritual home on Speyside".

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: Albert Watson, Macallan, photography, Scotch, Scotland, single malt, The Macallan, whisky

Europe's Richest Man Building Scotland's Most Expensive Mansion

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates, Wealth

Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal is building the most expensive mansion ever erected in Scotland, next to the famed Gleneagles golf resort in Auchterarder, Perthshire. The London-based tycoon, Europe's richest man and the fifth richest man in the world with a fortune of $28.7 billion, is spending a record $23 million on the posh estate, including the $6 million mansion he tore down to make way for his new luxury fortress. His lavish private palace in London is reckoned to be the city's most expensive as well. Costs on the Perthshire project soared after Mittal decided some of the finished weren't up to standard, Scotland's Daily Record reports.

At one point he demanded a $125,000 bathroom be torn out and done over. "We are all very aware that Lakshmi Mittal has bought the property and he has been very particular about the specifications," one neighbor told the paper. "He has flown in several times and I have spoken to his wife, who seemed very down to earth. I get the impression she is more likely to use the facilities up here than her husband. I think their priority is getting it perfect." The six-bedroom main residence will have furnishings by Ralph Lauren, a state-of-the-art entertainment system, two kitchens and staff quarters among other amenities.

Tags: billionaire, estates, Europe, Gleneagles, India, Lakshmi Mittal, London, mansion, Perthshire, real estate, Scotland, UK, wealth, worlds most expensive

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Ice Pillar

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

Johnnie Walker has unveiled a stylish new gift set for its Gold Label Scotch whisky designed to serve the exclusive spirit ice cold, stemming from the connoisseurs' practice of freezing their Gold Label to release its true character as the whisky warms in the mouth. Inspired by frosted gold leaves, the outer case of the Ice Pillar opens to reveal a stunning display piece that works as both a chiller and an ice bucket, conceived by top design firm QSLD Paris. Gold Label, the famed brand's Centenary Blend, is crafted from blend of 15 different whiskies, each aged at least 18 years. It's rich and mellow with a creamy, honeyed body and a slight caramel and vanilla nose. The gift set is available at select retailers nationwide at a suggested retail price of $97.

Tags: gift set, gifts, gold, Johnnie Walker, Johnnie Walker Gold Label, Scotch, Scotland, spirits, whiskey, whisky

Ltd. Edition Glenfiddich Decanter by Steuben

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Spirits

In search of the ideal present for the Scotch lover on your list? Famed single malt distillery Glenfiddich has partnered with renowned luxury glassmaker Steuben to create an exclusive hand crafted whisky decanter (above) in a limited edition. Priced at $690 and available exclusively at the Steuben flagship store in New York, the bespoke decanter is a collaboration between Steuben's master craftsmen and Glenfiddich master distiller Brian Kinsman, representing more than a century's worth of artisanship, tradition and expertise. The Steuben hallmarks of flawless design and attention to detail are combined with filigreed decorative elements inspired by some of the rarest and most precious Glenfiddich expressions.

The elegant piece also features subtle design cues that reflect the storied history of the Glenfiddich distillery, est. 1876, including the famous stag head design and the signature of its founder William Grant. "Both Glenfiddich and Steuben share a dedication to craftsmanship that stretches back more than a hundred years," notes David Bitran, Glenfiddich Senior Brand Manager. "In that time, while the successes of both our companies have grown, the dedication to craftsmanship and quality has endured." "Much like Glenfiddich, this beautiful decanter is the result of hard work, the best materials and the finest craftsmanship," adds Robert Nachman, Vice President of Design and Marketing for Steuben.

Tags: bar, barware, decanter, distillery, gifts, glass, Glenfiddich, Holiday 2010, Scotch, Scotland, spirits, Steuben, whisky

The $1.5 Million Macallan Ultimate Single Malt Experience

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

If you missed out on the world's most expensive bottle of whisky – the 64-year-old Macallan in Lalique Cire Perdue which was just auctioned off at Sotheby's for a record breaking $460,000 – not to worry: for $1.5 million you can make that look like a mere bagatelle. Glossy chronicle of the filthy rich Robb Report is offering the ultimate single malt experience in conjunction with The Macallan as part of this year's Ultimate Gifts offerings, featuring a journey to the the Macallan estate in Scotland to select eight extremely rare single malt Macallan whiskies barreled during each of the last eight decades for your personal collection. The experience begins with a first-class flight to Paris and a two-night stay in the Presidential Suite at the ultra-luxe Four Seasons George V, during which you'll take a chauffeured Bentley to meet with the crystal artisans at Lalique to create the custom decanters that will house the whiskies.

A private jet and helicopter will then take you to the Macallan estate for a two-day consultation to select the whiskies from barrels dating back to the 1930s. Once the decanters are completed they'll be filled with the precious elixir and delivered in a bespoke cabinet from royal furniture maker Viscount David Linley. David Cox, Macallan's director of fine and rare whiskies, calls it nothing short of "a liquid history of Macallan," noting, "You'll be drinking whiskies distilled by The Macallan before the Second World War, each with quite a distinctive style."

Tags: Bentley, David Linley, Four Seasons George V, gifts, Holiday 2010, Lalique, Macallan, Paris, private jet, Robb Report, Scotland, single malt, The Macallan, whisky

Yester House Gets Another Price Cut

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

One of our favorite estate of the day properties, Yester House, has had another price cut. It had been on the market a while when we covered it last year. The home is one of Scotland's most expensive properties, a beautiful home built between 1699 and 1728 and a category 'A' listed house located near the village of Gifford. Last year it was listed at £12 million but Bloomberg News reports that it has had a price cut down to £8 million. Bloomberg says that Italian-American opera composer Gian Carlo Menotti's adopted son originally put it on the market for £15 million in 2008.

The home is on around 500 acres and has 14 bedrooms. It has interiors by William and Robert Adam and includes a grand entrance hall and huge ballroom. The estate was commissioned by the 2nd Marquess of Tweeddale in the late 17th century and completed in the 18th century by William Adam and by his son Robert. The home also has huge canvases by William Delacour set in elaborate plasterwork. The property includes the ruins of the 13th century Yester Castle including the subterranean Goblin Hall, or Ha', written about by Sir Walter Scott in his epic poem Marmion.

Gallery: Yester House

Tags: scotland, yester house

World's Most Expensive Whisky to be Auctioned in November

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits, Auctions, Charity

The world's most expensive bottle of whisky, a one-of-a-kind crystal Lalique decanter holding the oldest and rarest Macallan single malt ever (above), will be auctioned off by Sotheby's in New York on November 15 for an estimated $150,000 or more. The Macallan in Lalique Cire Perdue, which we previewed back in April, is filled with 64 years and older Macallan single malt Scotch, vatted together from three sherry seasoned Spanish oak casks. The famed Speyside distillery commissioned the legendary crystal artisan to create the decanter using the ancient "cire perdue" or "lost wax" method. Painstakingly hand crafted by Lalique exclusively for The Macallan, and inspired by the beauty of The Macallan's 150 hectare estate in north-eastern Scotland, it's based upon a ship's decanter of the 1820s. Proceeds from the historic sale will be donated to charity: water, a non-profit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: auction, charity, charity: water, crystal, decanter, Lalique, Macallan, Scotch, Scotland, single malt, Sothebys, The Macallan, whisky, worlds most expensive

Glenmorangie Opens New Bottling Facility

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spirits

What does it matter where a single malt scotch is bottled? Unless it's being bottled at cask strength, it matters a whole lot. Because a central bottling line removed from the distillery site means that the water being added, in all likelihood, isn't coming from the same source as that which was used in the malt's production. Add a touch of water to your dram, as many connoisseurs do to "open up" the flavor, and suddenly you've got three different types of water in your scotch.

Only a handful of distilleries have their own bottling line, and one of them is Glenmorangie. Now the top-shelf distillery has opened a new bottling facility in Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland. The new plant replaces the old one at Broxburn, but is located nearby, enabling better access to transportation routes while retaining its proximity to the distillery itself as well as the same skilled workforce.

The move follows the company's headquarter relocation to central Edinburgh, from which the premier drinks concern controls both its namesake distillery as well as that of Ardbeg on the famously peaty island of Islay.

Source

Tags: ardbeg, bottling, bottling facility, bottling line, bottling plant, edinburgh, glenmorangie, scotch, scotland, single malt, whisky

A Regal Rental: The Royal Yacht Britannia

by Ariston Anderson (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Yachts & Sailing

For those looking for a British royalty tour, there are obvious places across England to visit. But if you want to try something a little different, Edinburgh, Scotland is home to a number of monuments that are rich in royal history. When it comes to recent history, nothing compares to the Royal Yacht Britannia, which is now permanently docked in the Port of Leith, Edinburgh.

"Britannia is special for a number of reasons," said His Royal Highness Prince Philip of the yacht, which launched in 1953. "Almost every previous sovereign has been responsible for building a church, a castle, a palace or just a house. The only comparable structures in the present reign is Britannia." Prince Philip attributes Britannia as a prime example of British design and technology of the time. The grand ship played home to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family for nearly half a century, as well as host to kings, queens, presidents and prime ministers from around the world. World leaders from Sir Winston Churchill to Nelson Mandela to Bill Clinton are all a part of Britannia's gilded maritime heritage.

The ship herself is an intimate glance into the lives of the Royal family, decked out with comfortable casual furniture that recalls more a proper Caribbean estate than Buckingham Palace. The walls throughout are lined with aged family portraits. The State Dining Room is covered with gifts given to Her Majesty from her 968 official state visits all over the world, from rare giant shells to island wood carvings. No less than four royal honeymoons took place on board the Yacht, including that of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. A grand piano sits at the entrance, bolted down to the floor, which Diana herself used to play when greeting guests.

Gallery: Royal Yacht Britannia

Tags: england, england travel, historic yacht, royal yacht brittania, scotland, scotland travel

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Dunkeld's Best in Class Smoked Salmon

by Ariston Anderson (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

In my opinion few things compare to the taste of freshly caught seafood, that is until I discovered the taste of a freshly smoked fish. In the ancient cathedral town of Dunkeld on the banks of one of Scotland's most renown fishing rivers, the River Tay, is an artisan smokehouse that has for over 30 years prepared and smoked the steady flow of anglers' catches.

When you buy smoked salmon at a supermarket, what you're getting is a highly processed fish, manufactured in a rapid process that can take anywhere from six hours to a day from smoking to packaging. At Dunkeld Smokehouse, using traditional methods, the actual smoking process takes up to four days. Guests are invited to bring in their salmon catch whole at the end of their fishing day. Each fish is individually tagged and prepared to order. The salmon is hand cured in salt for up to a day and dry smoked in kilns using recycled whisky barrel chips from local distilleries for another day. After the smoking process, the salmon fillets are left to chill and mature for a further two days. Hot smoked salmon, another option, is smoked in a hot kiln, and the result is a flakier cooked fish. Customers can also request gravadlax, in which fillets are cured for five days in dill, salt, sugar and pepper.

Tags: dunkeld, salmon, scotland, scottish food, smoked salmon

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