Frederique Constant SA, the manufacturer of luxury wristwatches from Geneva, has collaborated with Cohiba, the renowned name in the Cuban cigar industry, to offer a limited edition “watch + humidor” set. The two companies have developed two extraordinary watches that echo the impression of the Cohiba brand. The luxury watch features an elegant case inspired by the Toro shaped cigars, an ivory colored dial, the tobacco brown Roman numerals and the hand-sewn tobacco brown Crococalf strap.
Royal Salute, part of the Chivas Brothers luxury whisky stable, is releasing a new limited edition Scotch in a gold and crystal decanter to honor the Queen of England. Dubbed 62 Gun Salute in homage to the fusillade fired at the Tower of London every June to mark the Queen’s official birthday and accession to the throne, the exclusive Scotch was created with the input of four generations of master blenders and each whisky used is at least 40 years old. Presented in an exquisite hand crafted Dartington Crystal decanter decorated in 24 carat gold and crowned with a cut crystal stopper, the result of 40 hours of artisanal craftsmanship, it will go on sale at the end of the year priced at $2,000 per bottle.
Champagne Philipponnat one of the major owners of Grand and Premier Cru vineyards in the region is releasing the 2000 vintage of its single vineyard, Clos de Goisses prestige cuvée. As the ripest vineyard in the region, it is able to produce a vintage almost every year, contrary to the Champagne norms of making vintages every three to four years.
The 2000 vintage is a blend of Pinot Noir (65%) and Chardonnay (35%) and can be aged up to 30 years. There is no malolactic fermentation and the 2000 vintage reflects the warmth of the year with bright, fruity nearly tropical flavors. Oak (just under 50%, no new oak) was partially used in the fermentation process for the first time at Philipponnat, to add complexity. The harvest was reduced to just 20,000 bottles out of a potential 55,000 bottles to cull out the best possible blend.
In the U.S. it will be available at select locations including Zachys where it will sell for $155.
Another flavored vodka has hit the shelf with the release of Belvedere’s Pink Grapefruit.
A recent launch party in Manhattan’s Meat Packing District included a blending session, food pairings and giant photos of hipster queen Leigh Lezark. Claire Smith, Belvedere’s Head of Spirit Creation & Mixology, led a blending tutorial whose purpose was to illustrate the various notes found in Pink Grapefruit, including ginger and lemon, and to dissuade us from thinking that a bottle of vodka and grapefruit is all it takes to replicate. Afterward, we were presented several sweet and savory food pairings with Pink Grapefruit-based cocktails, most of which were so chockablock with mixers as to obscure the spirit itself.
Thankfully the result is a balanced spirit, ideal for sipping or (restrained) mixing, with nary a candy aisle flavor present. Pink Grapefruit is light and citrusy to the nose with hints of vanilla; ginger is noticeable mainly on the finish, and is present on the palate to push the notes of lemon and grapefruit forward. There’s even a bit of a creamy texture going down.
Beledere Pink Grapefruit will retail at $39.99 for a 5th (750ml)
My favorite French vodka label Grey Goose partnered with Chopard Jewelry for a limited release magnum bottle. The bottle is adorned with a brilliant, glittering globe where a goose sits on top. Previewed at Cannes, the bottle will be available at major grocery stores in Paris until the end of September 2010.
Renowned Australian industrial designer Marc Newson has collaborated once again with Dom Pérignon to create a special carrying case / cooler for the famed French champagne house. The Black Box by Marc Newson is crafted of a high-tech composite that keeps a chilled bottle of bubbly perfectly cool during traveling, while resisting wear and tear. Priced at €200 or about $285 the case is unfortunately not yet available in the U.S.
Complex magazine has given you a guide to champagne shopping. How to pick the best “bubbly” for your needs. BTW, my birthday is coming up on January 18th, so feel free to buy me a bottle!!!
Nothing compares to the perfect pairing of champagne and a cigar. Too often, cigars wind up with dark liquors, their natural partners. Rum, port, scotch and cognac are the norm for an after-dinner smoke — not champagne. With the holiday season coming, of course, the preferred beverage will likely bubble, so finding the right cigars for the top libation will be crucial.
Fortunately, Vin Lee, CEO of the Beverly Hills Cigar Club, has agreed to help us out. As you prepare for the new year, take a look at the cigar and champagne pairings that he recommends, with both ubiquitous and rare products on the list. Lee says, “In this day and age, not everyone can afford a $50 cigar and a $300 bottle of champagne,” said Lee. “Complementing a wonderful glass of champagne with a great cigar for the holidays is something everyone should be able to enjoy.”
