Mortlach Whisky Sponsors Private Viewing Of The Cycle Revolution Exhibition At The Design Museum

Posted on November 19, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

Tuesday 17th November 2015 saw Mortlach whisky take pride of place at the private viewing of the Design Museum’s newest exhibition, CYCLE REVOLUTION, an exhibition which celebrates the diversity of contemporary cycling in Britain, from everyday commuting to Olympic level competition, and looks at where design and innovation may take the riders of the future.

The exhibition runs from 18th November 2015 through to 30th June 2016 at London’s world leading Design Museum, celebrating the diversity of contemporary cycling in Britain from every day commuting to Olympic level competition, looking at where design and innovation may take the riders of the future.

The exhibition looks at cycling subcultures through four ‘tribes’ –

the High Performers who reach Olympic speeds…

the Thrill Seekers who take on all terrains…

the Urban Riders who pedal our cities mile by mile…

and the Cargo Bikers who work on two wheels.

The private viewing event was attended by over 300 guests, who were invited to try a choice of two Mortlach Rare Old serves.

Mortlach, the luxury single malt Scotch whisky is notorious for its powerful, complex and unique flavours that have earned it the title of ‘The Beast of Dufftown’.

The private viewing was opened by Deyan Sudjic OBE – Director of The Design Museum

Frost Magazine correspondent Corinne Tuddenham-Trett with Georgina Bell and Sir Terence Conran

Mr and Mrs James Giles

The Design Museum’s passion for celebration innovative design concepts and individuals reflects Mortlach’s own design-focused approach and echoes the whisky’s history of innovation from its birth in the golden era of Victorian industrial engineering and design.

Guests enjoyed two Mortlach cocktails:

Acciona: Mortlach Rare Old, Lillet Blanc, Merlet Lune d’Apricot gomme, Regan’s orange bitters

Mortlach Rosemary and Honey Sour: Mortlach Rare Old, Manuka honey, fresh rosemary, lemon and barrel-aged bitters

Edward Taylor, Georgina Bell and William Butler-Adams OBE (CEO Brompton Bicycle)

Georgina Bell (Brand Ambassador for Mortlach Whisky), Andrew Ritchie MBE (Inventor of the Brompton folding bicycle) and Beatrix Ong MBE (Fashion Designer and Patron of the Design Museum)

About Mortlach Scotch Whisky…

This unique and astonishingly complicated distillation process, which commentators have attempted to explain as ‘2.81 distilled’, produces a whisky so flavoursome that whisky commentators have referred to it as the ‘Beast of Dufftown’ – a bold, rich and powerful spirit tamed for years in the finest oak casks.

Mortlach has been considered a secret weapon amongst whisky blenders, going into some of the world’s most treasured and beloved blended whiskies. With its thick, rich, robust character the whisky provides backbone, body and character in the blending world. It’s also highly prized by whisky lovers across the world – highly sought out but, in the past, hardly found. That was until in 2014 the distillery was given the limelight and recognition it not only deserves, but one that it truly has earned with the launch of 4 new luxury single malts.

www.mortlach.com

About the Cycle Revolution Exhibition…

The last decade has seen a revolution in cycling, on a scale not witnessed in the UK since the Second World War. Cycle Revolution celebrates the diversity of contemporary cycling in Britain from every day commuting to Olympic level competition. It brings together bicycles, clothing, accessories, equipment, film and photography to explain where cycling is now and where it might take us in the future. The exhibition looks at cycling subcultures through four ‘tribes’ – the High Performers who reach Olympic speeds, the Thrill Seekers who take on all terrains, the Urban Riders who pedal our cities mile by mile, and the Cargo Bikers who work on two wheels. British bespoke bicycle frame building is showcased in the exhibition in a recreation of a bicycle making workshop featuring artisans from across the UK. Cycle Revolution closes with a glimpse into the future of cycling – how it is changing the infrastructure of the city, and how architects, designers and urban planners are responding to the needs of twenty-first century cyclists?

Enjoy the ride! Don’t miss the specially-commissioned Ben Wilson bicycle sculpture in the museum’s Atrium, cycling films in the 1.5 Gallery and series of cycling related talks and events.

Continue the conversation on social media and feature on the exhibition’s Social Wall @designmuseum #CycleRevolution.

Highlights of the bikes on display include:

Sir Bradley Wiggins’s 2015 Hour Record bike and 2014 World Championship Time Trial bike
A number of Team Sky’s Pinarellos from the 2015 Tour de France, as well as kit and equipment from the team’s 2015 Tour de France win
Sir Chris Hoy’s Great Britain Cycling Team London 2012 Olympic Track bike
The Lotus Type 108 ridden by Chris Boardman at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games
Eddy Merckx’s 1972 Hour Record bike Francesco Moser’s 1984 Hour Record bike, loaned for the exhibition from the personal collection of Sir Bradley Wiggins
The earliest prototype Brompton in existence
A 1978 Breezer Series 1
A 1969 Raleigh Chopper
Bike builder’s workshop – showing the tools, materials and skills that combine to create a bespoke machine. Six independent British bike builders are profiled – Donhou Bicycles, Toad Custom Cycles, Hartley Cycles, Robin Mather Cycles, Mercian Cycles and Shand Cycles.
High profile cyclists including Lord Norman Foster and Sir Paul Smith discuss their passion for cycling and hopes for its future in the closing film.

Pre-book your ticket now (Members and children go free) – £13 Adult £9.75 Student £6.50 Children (6 to 15 years old inclusive)

For group bookings, contact +44 (0)20 7940 8783. Prices include optional donation. Tickets are subject to a £0.50 booking fee.

There are a small number of cycle racks outside and beside the museum, and limited space to park bicycles along the riverside railings.

The museum has a cloakroom with limited space for folding bikes, helmets and panniers. 1 ticket for 3 exhibitions.

Related events…

22 Nov 2015 11:00 Cycle Culture Tour Take a Cycle Culture tour with Artouride and discover some of the gems of London’s design-led cycling scene.

28 Nov 2015 14:00 Stories from the Saddle: Jon Day’s Cyclogeography. The Stories from the Saddle series invites cyclists of all stripes to the museum to share their story of life on two wheels. These monthly talks are part of the Cycle Revolution programme.

01 Dec 2015 19:00 Breaking the Cycle: A Slow Journalism Night The editors of slow journalism magazine Delayed Gratification host an evening which delves into some of the disruptive technologies and innovative designs that are challenging the status quo.

06 Dec 2015 13:00 – 16:00 Jingle (Bicycle) Bells. To coincide with the museum’s Cycle Revolution exhibition, everything you need for the festive season, on two wheels. Plus don’t miss Santa on a Bike and Christmas Carols.

10 Dec 2015 19:00 Home is Elsewhere: 50 years around the world by bike Long-distance cyclist and touring legend Heinz Stücke reflects on fifty years on the road to celebrate the launch of his book.

Images: Shane Finn (Visual Devotion) and supplied

corinne@frostmagazine.com

www.corinne-modelling.co.uk

@ladycdtt

The GŎNG At Shangri-La Hotel At The Shard Hosts Johnnie Walker Blue Label City Edition Cocktails…

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, the leading luxury Blended Scotch Whisky, has launched two stunning City Edition bottles, celebrating the spirit of the UK’s most iconic cities: London and Edinburgh.

The intricately-designed limited editions and their striking presentation boxes take the viewer on a journey through the streets of London and Edinburgh, featuring the unique architecture and attractions that make up the cities’ distinctive city skylines.

Only 4,000 of these exquisitely-designed bottles have been created, with each individually hand-numbered to create a must-have gift for whisky enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Cities Collection, which is a series of whiskies from this popular Scotch brand that has engraved on it a cityscape from different regions of the world, is back after its Dubai bottling earlier this year with two new releases. This time around appearing on the bottles are two different cities from the United Kingdom.

The first offering, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label London Edition, features a design on it which includes iconic landmarks of the UK’s capital such as Big Ben, the Gherkin, Nelson’s Column and Tower Bridge. The other new release is the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Edinburgh Edition, and it is set with a design said to pay honor to the Scottish city of the same name. It sports ‘a sweeping, spiral flow from the peak of Edinburgh Castle, including national treasures such as the Scott Monument and the Duke of Wellington alongside the city’s cobbled streets and walls’.

Limited to just 4,000 bottles, the Johnnie Walker Blue Label London and Edinburgh City Editions, noted officials from spirits giant Diageo, are now available in the United Kingdom for around £200 ($315 USD). Available from June, the City Edition bottles are the first to be released outside of travel retail where the new Cities Collection was introduced in February with a bottle depicting Dubai. The previous Skyline Collection in travel retail featured cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Mumbai, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Auckland.

Costing not much more than the standard Johnnie Walker Blue Label, the new City Edition bottles come in bespoke gift boxes with more illustrations of their respective cities. Edinburgh’s depicts Scotland’s national symbol, the thistle, and attractions such as The Balmoral Hotel and Arthur’s Seat, while London’s packaging shows famous icons including St Paul’s Cathedral.

To celebrate the launch of these exclusive limited editions, Johnnie Walker Blue Label has partnered with GŎNG at Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London and Scotch at The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, two of the most iconic landmarks featured within the limited-edition designs, to create to exclusive cocktail serves.

To mark the launch of the Johnnie Walker Blue Label City Edition bottles, the ‘Eagle Eye’ and ‘Famously Edinburgh’ cocktails were created to celebrate the best of these extraordinary cities with the remarkable smoothness of Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

‘Eagle Eye’, created by Christian Maspes at GŎNG at Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London explains “Known for their intently watchful, sharp and supreme sight across some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, the eyes of an eagle are estimated to be up to eight times stronger than that of a human’s. The idea of such skill and precision – the same qualities Johnnie Walker apply when creating their rarest blend of whiskies – together with GŎNG’s unrivalled views over London were the inspiration behind the ‘Eagle Eye’, a specially created cocktail to mark the launch of Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s limited City Edition bottle, celebrating London’s iconic skyline.”

45ml Johnnie Walker Blue Label

2-3 dashes Abbott’s Bitters

15ml Barolo Chinato

Homemade strawberry and peppercorn shrub

Garnished with blue ‘Johnnie Walker Striding Man walking stick’ meringue

The ‘Eagle Eye’ is currently available, priced at £17.00, with an ‘on-the-rocks’ version also available upon request.

‘Famously Edinburgh’, created by Fraser Robson, Whisky Ambassador at Scotch, the Whisky Bar at The Balmoral Hotel commented “The inspiration behind the Famously Edinburgh cocktail came from my experience of the City and all that it is known and loved for. I thought about what was famous in the City and how that relates to local people, what they famously enjoy doing and where. Whisky and tea are ingrained in every great Scot. Johnnie Walker is the world’s most famous whisky and here, at the Balmoral, situated at Edinburgh’s most famous address, guests visit for the finest cup of tea in town. These three pillars gave me the basis of my creation. Starting with a double measure of Johnnie Walker Blue Label, I look at how I could incorporate the tea. Edinburgh locals tend to have a sweet tooth so I added a tea-infused sugar syrup as a nod to that Edinburgh tradition. I was careful to ensure that Johnnie Walker Blue Label was at the forefront of the cocktail and selected some whisky barrel-aged bitters and Fino sherry to heighten those flavours. The City and the people of Edinburgh are renowned for their elegant ways, so there was only one piece of glassware for the occasion – a Champagne coupe.”

50ml Johnnie Walker Blue Label

15ml Famous Edinburgh tea-infused sugar syrup

10ml Fino sherry

2 dashes whisky barrel-aged bitters

Orange zest to spray over the glass

The ‘Famously Edinburgh’ is available at Scotch, the whisky bar at The Balmoral Hotel priced at £42.50.

About Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whisky…

JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ is one of the pinnacle offerings from JOHNNIE WALKER.

Only sublime, rare whiskies at the pinnacle of perfection are used in the blending of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, with only 1 in 10,000 casks containing whisky of sufficient character to deliver its remarkably smooth signature taste. Each is hand selected by the JOHNNIE WALKER Master Blender himself, part of an unbroken lineage of Master Blenders stretching back over 190 years – it is an ultimate expression of whisky making today and an remarkable achievement for the modern era.

Presented in individually numbered bottles, it is reminiscent of the 19th century style of whiskies. The Master Blender uses his decades of experience to select some of the rarest casks from the JOHNNIE WALKER reserves for their quality, character and flavour to create the powerful, complex, smooth character of BLUE LABEL.

BLUE LABEL has a mellow, rounded nose, with a dry smokiness (a JOHNNIE WALKER signature flavour) mixing with raisin sweetness. It is best savoured with the palate cleansed and cooled by iced water. One sip reveals a velvety mouth-feel, then an explosion of flavour. At once you’ll discover hazelnuts, honey, rose petals, sherry and oranges. Subsequent sips reward you with more hidden secrets like kumquats, wispy aromatic smoke, sandalwood, tobacco, and dark chocolate.

DIAGEO is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

The JOHNNIE WALKER and BLUE LABEL words, the Striding Figure device and associated logos are trade marks © John Walker & Sons 2014.

About GŎNG at Shangri-La Hotel, At The Shard, London…

With a dramatic backdrop of unparalleled views, GŎNG, the hotel’s destination bar – and the highest bar in London – brings a new dimension to the city’s social scene. Perfect for sunset cocktails and late-night drinks, the bar offers three lofted areas; a cocktail bar, champagne bar and an infinity pool, for guests to relax and soak in the stunning cityscape.

Uncomplicated and seamless, the bar’s service ensures the ultimate escape from the city’s bustle. Sample one of the delicate, signature cocktails or indulge in rare, vintage champagnes available by the glass.

Please note that GŎNG operates on a walk-in policy basis, however seating is subject to availability at time of arrival. There is a £30 minimum spend policy per person and tables are allocated for two hours.

http://www.gong-shangri-la.com

About Scotch, the Whisky Bar at The Balmoral Hotel…

Presenting Edinburgh’s largest collection of whisky available to the general public, Scotch at The Balmoral Hotel is a chic bar and lounge setting. Enjoy rare vintage drams dating back as far as 1940, accompanied by delicious complementing bar snacks.

With a 400-bottle-strong cellar offered to guests, a luxury stock of blends, malts and vintages are sourced from Speyside, Islay, Campbeltown, the Highlands and the Lowlands. This supreme collection is overseen by Scotch bar’s 3 resident whisky ambassadors, who are always on-hand to advise both novices and connoisseurs.

Scotch whisky bar in Edinburgh also offers a contemporary Scottish food menu, featuring dishes from The Balmoral’s executive chef, Jeff Bland. Knowledgeably-paired nibbles are served as standard with each whisky, with offerings including wild boar salami, and dark Swiss chocolate.

Set within the 5-star Balmoral Hotel, the Scotch bar area is swathed in chocolate-brown leather, mustard velvet and heavy tartan fabrics. Edinburgh Waverley Station is just 2 minutes’ walk away.

reservations.balmoral@roccofortehotels.com

Getting Into The Christmas Spirit | Alcohol Gift Guide

Posted on October 27, 2014 by Frostie

Ah, Christmas. The time for overindulgence. Too much food, booze and time spent with ~~people you have to~~ people you love dearly. No having to go to work in the morning, just bad TV and lying comatose on the coach. It truly is magical. To help the magic along we have started our Christmas Alcohol Reviews. Here are our top picks to buy the people who have been very, very good this year.

Snow Leopard Vodka

This vodka (made with spelt, the so-called ‘grandfather of grains’) was created by a passionate conservationist determined to save these critically endangered big cats. Which is why we should all buy one this Christmas.

Stephen Sparrow, an ex-drinks industry expert, heard about the snow leopard’s plight during a trip to the Himalayas. Shocked at learning there were less than 5,000 left in the wild, he came back and founded the Snow Leopard Trust UK – and then created this super-premium vodka to help fund its projects. Stephen has set a global goal to raise a million dollars annually for snow leopard conservation by 2025. That’s the the figure the President of the Snow Leopard Trust has advised could provide the ‘step change’ to remove the animal from the endangered list. This goal has been helped by the vodka recently gaining national distribution in Waitrose.com

With 15% of the vodka’s profit going direct to the Snow Leopard Trust, funds are provided to community-based conservation projects. These range from replacing farmers’ livestock that might be taken by snow leopards; through to helping educate herders’ children and training for adults in spinning wool and handicrafts for extra income. Supporting these projects helps educate the local communities and fosters a positive attitude towards the snow leopard.

£36.00 RRP for a 70cl bottle and available at Waitrose.com, Harvey Nichols and Ocado.com, as well as all good independent drinks retailers. Snowleopardtrustuk.org / snowleopardvodka.co.uk

Snow Leopard Vodka – The Conservation Martini

Glass: Martini

75ml Snow Leopard Vodka
5ml French Dry Vermouth
1 sprig of rosemary to be stirred in a mixing glass

Method: Add ingredients into an ice-filled mixing glass and briskly stir for 20 seconds.
Pour into a Martini glass.
Garnish: Rosemary sprig placed in the Martini or cocktail glass.

Whitley Neill Gin

This is top-class, truly wonderful gin. Perfect for gin lovers, winner of the World’s Best Gin Award at the International Wines and Spirits Festival, super-premium Whitley Neill Gin stands out from the crowd with its African botanicals cape gooseberry and super-fruit baobab, which has six times more vitamin C than an orange. Whitley Neill is slightly softer than more traditional gins and the taste is refreshingly citrusy and sweet. Whitley Neill Gin is available in sainsburys.co.uk priced £24.00.

Lamb’s Spiced

This is wonderful spiced rum with a lower alcohol content that other spiced rums. The sophisticated readers of Frost will know that is a good thing. New Lamb’s Spiced is a perfect gift for rum aficionados and cocktail lovers. It’s a gentle blend with a lower alcoholic content (30% abv) than other spiced rums, which makes this smooth golden liquid ideal for sipping. Natural spices and hints of cinnamon and caramel give Lamb’s Spiced a sweet, warming flavour. Lamb’s Spiced is available in Tesco.com priced £14.49 for a 70cl bottle.

Lamb’s Navy Rum

A true classic. This is high-end rum. Truly Iconic British rum, Lamb’s Navy, is the perfect tipple to have in the cupboard at Christmas – not only is it a great cake preservative and ideal ingredient for flambéing the Christmas pudding, but it’s a great winter cocktail ingredient too. Lamb’s Navy Rum is available from all major supermarkets priced around £14.50 for 70cl.

Bootlegger

This is something truly unique for whiskey lovers who want something different. It is actually unaged white whiskey. It is gorgeous, sophisticated and luxurious with just the right amount of vintage kitsch.

Bootlegger is an unaged white whiskey inspired by the raw liquor ‘Bootleggers’ moved around the US during Prohibition. It has a raw sophisticated taste with aromas of peat, oak and vanilla with a smooth finish and has been created for sipping neat over ice as well as in cocktails. Bootlegger is available from Harrods.com and other premium retailers priced around £37.50.

Tequila Rose

Our editor loves tequila, just a shame she can’t drink it at the moment because she is pregnant! We did the hard work for her: This is a unique and delicious take on tequila. Tequila Rose is a luxurious blend of premium Mexican tequila and real strawberry flavoured cream liqueur. It’s an ideal alternative to traditional cream liqueurs at Christmastime and makes a fabulous gift for female foodies and cocktail lovers. Tequila Rose is priced £14.99 for 70cl from various supermarkets.

Grant’s Signature

Grant’s whisky is always brilliant. Perfect for a wee dram. This Christmas Grant’s Whisky is putting a new twist on tradition this Christmas with the release of its Signature character and maltiness blend. With a smooth yet rich taste, with hints of caramel and biscuit which is delicious on its own, over ice or with a mixer. The product of five generations, Grant’s is Scotland’s oldest family owned blend.

The Grant’s Family Reserve is priced at RRP £17.49 (70cl) available supermarkets and off licences. The Grant’s Signature blend will be sold exclusively at Tesco.com, priced at RRP £18.49.

Koko Kanu Coconut Rum

Perfect for rum lovers: Koko Kanu is a subtle blend of crystal clear rum and coconut; the only full strength coconut rum available in the UK.

This beautifully rich tasting coconut flavoured rum from the Caribbean island of Jamaica, is so smooth and round that it’s delicious on its own over ice.

Koko Kanu Daiquiri

Ingredients:

50ml Koko Kanu
25ml freshly pressed lime juice
5ml Gomme (available at all good retail outlets)

Method:
Chill a martini glass
Add all ingredients to a boston shaker, shake and double strain
Pour into the chilled glass and garnish with a slice of lime or a mint leaf

Koko Kanu Grikoko
(Created By Chris Langhan)

Ingredients:
2 Shot Koko Kanu
½ shot lime juice
1 whole Mandarin (quartered)
Dash orange bitters

Method:
Muddle whole mandarin including flesh and zest (everything), add liquid ingredients
Shake hard and double strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with a twist of orange

Bowmore Black Rock Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

This is a very unique no age statement whisky. It has a rich sherry and peat smoke which is then followed by blackcurrants, treacle toffee and cinnamon spice. Buy for someone you want to impress. It is unique and they probably would not have tried it before. This was released for the travel retail market in 2014.

Don Papa Rum

This is brilliant and new for rum lovers. New Don Papa is a premium aged small batch rum from the Philippines which was launched in the UK in February 2014. It is light and fruity on the nose, smooth and delicate on the palate with flavours of vanilla, honey and candied fruit. The Don Papa Rum Gift Pack is available from majestic.co.uk and Majestic stores for £30 and from Harvey Nichols stores and online at www.harveynichols.com

Glen Moray Single Malt

This is a top-class Scotch whisky, buy it for the whisky lover in your life. Glen Moray Single Malt is distilled at the Glen Moray Distillery, Speyside’s most northerly distillery which has been producing whisky since 1897. This 10 year old single malt has been uniquely aged in chardonnay casks. £25.00, available from sainsburys.co.uk and glenmoray.com.

Three Barrels Honey

Excellent French Brandy. Drink it and cook with it. Oh, and buy it for someone else if you can give it away. The UK’s favourite French grape brandy, Three Barrels, has been blended with the finest honey flavours to create Three Barrels Honey. The new spirit drink is so smooth and mellow, you won’t want to give up a drop for Saint Nick.

THREE BARRELS ON THE ROCKS WITH A TWIST

Glass: 10oz Rocks

Method: Pour over ice cubes and spray orange oils over the top of drink

Ice: Cubed

Ingredients:

50ml Three Barrels Honey

Garnish: Trimmed orange zest

THREE BARRELS HONEY AND GINGER

Glass: 12oz Hiball

Method: Fill glass with ice and pour in order listed

Ice: Cubed

Ingredients:

35ml Three Barrels Honey

Top ginger ale

Garnish: Lemon wedge squeezed and discarded, garnish with fresh wedge

THREE BARRELS HONEY COLLINS

Glass: 12oz Hiball

Method: Pour all ingredients in glass except soda, and then add ice

Fill with soda and gently stir, top with ice if required

Ice: Cubed

Ingredients:

50ml Three Barrels Honey

20ml Fresh lemon juice

5ml sugar syrup

Top with soda

Garnish: Lemon slice

THREE BARRELS HONEY FIZZ

Glass: Chilled flute

Method: Pour in order listed and stir

Ingredients:

25ml Three Barrels Honey

Top with Champagne or dry sparkling wine (Cava or Prosecco)

Garnish: Lemon oils sprayed and discard zest

What will be your tipple?

A Celebration of Craftsmanship, Style And Generosity: Introducing Chivas 12 ‘Made For Gentlemen’ By Bremont

Posted on October 13, 2014 by Frostie

Craftsmanship, style and generosity are at the heart of the recent collaboration between Chivas Regal and award-winning British watch company Bremont. Known for crafting beautifully engineered chronometers, Bremont has partnered with Chivas to design the latest Chivas 12 Made for Gentlemen by Bremont limited edition gift tin alongside 12 collector item ‘Chivalry’ watches to celebrate excellence and precision in luxury.

The Chivas 12 Made for Gentlemen by Bremont limited edition gift tin houses a bottle of Chivas 12 blended Scotch whisky and boldly features deconstructed watch elements to showcase the elegant and complex engineering of Bremont chronometers. The classically stylish, polished steel Bremont ‘Chivalry’ watch, with alligator strap, features a piece of oak cask used in the maturation of whiskies for Chivas Regal, the signature of James and John Chivas etched on the rotor of the timepiece and the Chivas crest subtly embossed on the dial. An engraved copper plate, taken from a retired Scotch whisky copper still, sits on the leather presentation pouch.

In the spirit of generosity, the Bremont ‘Chivalry’ watches will be auctioned exclusively for charities around the world. Admirers of luxury watches and whisky will have the opportunity to participate in an online auction for one of these watches from 22^nd October to 9^th November, 2014 via www.chivas.com/bremont. Proceeds will go to The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme.

Explains Richard Black, Global Brand Director of Chivas Regal: “In seeking luxury experiences and products, modern gentlemen demand substance and style. We felt there were many synergies between Chivas and Bremont as award winning British brands that reflect the desires of the modern gentleman. What both Chivas and Bremont do is incredibly complex but the art is to present it simply and stylishly and give our customers distinctive luxury items and experiences.”

Nick English, Co-Founder of Bremont, adds: “For me, the collaboration with Chivas was a genuine meeting of minds. We are all dedicated and passionate about keeping traditions of craftsmanship alive and we are also focused upon leaving a positive legacy. Bremont watches are ‘Tested Beyond Endurance’ and Giles and I have been blown away by the level of skill that Chivas Master Blender, Colin Scott, deploys in channeling nature and time in blending their Scotch whiskies.”

The Chivas 12 Made for Gentlemen by Bremont will be available globally from September with RRP of £28.45.

Jude Law Gets Immersed In Johnnie Walker Blue Label ‘Symphony In Blue’ Experience

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Corinne Tuddenham-Finn

Last night saw Johnnie Walker Blue Label, the leading luxury Blended Scotch Whisky, present Symphony In Blue – the world’s first theatrical, experiential, musical and artistic journey for guests to enjoy. This truly immersive experience was crafted by a star-studded team including Hamish Hamilton and Russell Thomas from Done+Dusted as well as culinary geniuses, Sam Bompas and Harry Parr from Bompas & Parr.
Symphony In Blue celebrated the heritage and craftsmanship behind Johnnie Walker Blue Label, as well as the journey that Johnnie Walker started nearly 200 years ago. This educational performance was staged at the magnificent Merchant Taylors’ Hall, home to over 1,000 years of history and located in the heart of London’s square mile.
Hosted by Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge, this one-of-a-kind event saw a special appearance by Jude Law, in addition to a host of VIPs and London influencers including Tamsin Egerton, Luke Treadaway, Donna Air, Morwenna Lytton Cobbold, Natalie Coyle and Alistair Guy.

Guests were welcomed on a 7-room odyssey of the senses inspired by the physical, architectural, social and gastronomic dimensions of Whisky. Among the experiences, guests entered the world’s first Whisky Weather system, a luxurious breathable cloud of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL and after passing through the Ice Palace where an illuminated block of 10,000 year old ice awaited they witnessed the hand-charring of barrels with the use of Whisky flamethrowers.

Culinary geniuses Bompas & Parr created an exquisite banquet of mouth-watering dishes, each one uniquely crafted to celebrate and highlight the complex flavours found within Johnnie Walker Blue Label. Upon finishing the gourmet masterpiece served to guests seated at elaborately dressed long banquet tables, the duo revealed the hotly anticipated multi-sensory project they have been working on for over a year – the world’s first working Flavour Conductor; a one-of-a-kind musical instrument that brings an inimitable theatrical dimension to whisky tasting. The magnificent church organ built according to centuries of tradition combines a contemporary sound and light spectacular with the rich heritage of whisky blending, whilst each note of the instrument emphasizes the individual flavors that can be discovered in the Blue Label blend.

Following the feast, a unique, performance took place with dancers, musicians and actors, each embodying a chapter of the Johnnie Walker story and celebrating the flavor, history and heritage. The final scene took to the walls as breath-taking projections transported the guests into the center of the glass of a glass of whisky.

Jude Law, star or Johnnie Walker Blue Label’s short film ‘A Gentleman’s Wager’ closed the occasion by thanking guests and raising a glass to all with encouragement to ‘keep on walking’.

The guests were treated to Johnnie Walker Blue Label ‘Sun-Dried Rob Roy’ cocktails, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve ‘East meets North’ punch, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve ‘Flower’ cocktails and Johnnie Walker Blue Label perfect serve. The exquisite menu consisted of Stuffed Quails’ Eggs with Sumac, Chipotle and 24 Carat Gold, Foie Gras, Toasted Brioche, Johnnie Walker Blue Label Jelly, Poached Scottish Salmon and Lobster Roulade, sour cream and caviar sauce, Artichoke and Wild Mushroom Gratin, Stichelton, truffles and cream, Johnnie Walker Glazed, Slow Cooked Jacob’s Ladder, served on barley risotto, with a red wine reduction, Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Marbled Jelly, spiced citrus jelly, candied orange peel, edible flowers and a treacle Tart served with Johnnie Waller Gold Label Reserve cream Chantilly.

Symphony in Blue, presented by Johnnie Walker Blue Label, is the world’s first theatrical, experiential, musical and artistic journey that sets out to celebrate the art and history of whisky. This immersive experience has been crafted by a star-studded team including Hamish Hamilton and Russell Thomas from Done+Dusted as well as culinary geniuses, Sam Bompas and Harry Parr from Bompas&Parr. The Symphony In Blue performance – inspired by the physical, social and gastronomic dimensions of Whisky – features extraordinary JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL-inspired installations, a theatrical meal and climatic spectacular finale. Confronted by a play of light, art, sound, extreme temperatures, gastronomy and performance, guests’ imagination and perception of flavour will be challenged and provoked through a host of experiences including; entering the world’s first Whisky Weather system, a luxurious breathable cloud of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL and a rare opportunity to meet with Master Blender Jim Beveridge and craft a personalised Signature Blend drawn from the largest reserves of whisky in the world.

James Thompson, Global Managing Director of Diageo Reserve says: “JOHNNIE WALKER has continued to be the world’s best-selling Scotch Whisky and one of the most loved spirits brands in the world. At the heart of our brand is a deep commitment to innovation and a pioneering spirit, made tangible through our signature ‘Big, Bold Flavours’ drawn from the four corners of Scotland. With SYMPHONY IN BLUE, we elevate the understanding of JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, our search for flavour and how we perfected the art of blending.”

JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ is one of the pinnacle offerings from JOHNNIE WALKER.

The JOHNNIE WALKER and BLUE LABEL words, the Striding Figure device and associated logos are trade marks © John Walker & Sons 2014.

Scottish History For Dummies Book Review

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Catherine Balavage

Scottish History For Dummies is a rather relevant book to review, with the Scottish Independence vote less than a month away. As history goes, Scotland may be a small country on the edge of Northern Europe, but it has always punched above its weight. No, I am not just being biased because I am a Scot myself, although I am very proud of my country.

This book is nothing if not comprehensive. It charts the entire history of Scotland from the Stone Ages up until modern times (the year 2000). William Wallace (clearly not a Mel Gibson lookalike) and Robert The Bruce feature of course, that most often talked about part of history told via the historically inaccurate Braveheart, which is now the bane of all Scots who have to put up with ‘Ye cannae take our freedom’ quotes.

The Stewart Dynasty is well covered and the chapter on the renaissance of Scotland is particularly fascinating. It covers 1460-1542 and in late medieval Scotland, life was short. When someone died all of the windows would be opened to let the spirit out. The clocks would be stopped and not started again until after the burial. Families would drape themselves in white, only the great houses draped themselves in black. Then a wake, known as the Lykewake, would happen and last two or three days. Funeral expenses could impoverish the poor so they used a coffin which had hinges that allowed the body to be dropped straight into the grave so they could reuse it. All very interesting.

I also love the chapters on modern Scotland. 1945-2000 is full of great information. Although it does stop there, this book is still brilliant and a must have for anyone interested in Scotland and its history.

The Parts of Tens are as good as ever: basically lists of tens. The one on Ten Things Scotland Has Given to The World was my favourite. They were: the flushing toilet, The King James Bible, criminal fingerprinting, whisky, colour photography, anaesthetic, raincoats, golf, Dolly the sheep and For Auld Lang Syne. A good list, but just the tip of the iceberg.

Scottish History For Dummies is available here.

Watch The Gentleman’s Wager: New Short Film Starring Jude Law

Posted on July 31, 2014 by Frostie

Our wonderful writer, Corinne, went to the screening of The Gentleman’s Wager and had a ball. Now our readers can watch it too. It is directed by Jake Scott. Take a look and let us know what you think.

JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL, the leading luxury Blended Scotch Whisky, as per IWSR 2013, today launches on global release a short film starring actors Jude Law and Giancarlo

Directed by British director Jake Scott, the film tells the story of a wager between two men striving for personal progress through the quest for a truly rare experience. ‘The Gentleman’s Wager’ sees Law in the role of a man who, despite having it all, challenges himself to strive for something he wants that money can’t buy.

Shot in The British Virgin Islands, Caribbean and London respectively, the story begins with Law and Giannini sipping JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL whisky on a truly unique hand-crafted boat as they look out across a stunning ocean seascape. We hear Law’s character state that he wants to buy the boat, but it is not for sale and the only way he can get it, is by putting on a truly unique performance. The wager begins.

Commenting on his role and involvement in the film, Law says: “The film is about improvement and progress and this is something I try to do in my work and life. I had to learn new skills through the shooting of this film and that combined with the places we visited and shot in, alongside working with Jake and Giancarlo too, made it a truly rare experience.”

James Thompson, Managing Director, Diageo Reserve says: “We are delighted to be launching
‘The Gentleman’s Wager’ film today. To us, Jude embodies the progressive spirit that the JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL brand identifies with and celebrates, so we’re thrilled he has taken on the lead role of the film and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with him in the future.”

Whiskey Cocktail Recipes | Cocktail Ideas

Posted on July 2, 2014 by Frostie

With cocktail season fast-approaching, thirsty folk on the search for the perfect summer sundowner need look no further than The Wild Geese whiskey cocktails.

The super premium Irish whiskey makers have teamed up with renowned bartender Marian Beke of critically acclaimed, Nightjar, voted one of the world’s best cocktail bars, to create a range of exclusive cocktails perfect for those long sunny days. Multi award winning The Wild Geese, enlisted the expertise of Marian, to hand-craft an array of bespoke and soulful cocktails bursting with intense flavour and dressed with delicate garnishes.

The first in the line-up, The Irish Apple, will invigorate and refresh at the end of a hot, balmy summer’s evening. The Wild Geese Classic Blend is fused with dry apple cider and tart rhubarb juice to create a cocktail to enjoy whilst soaking up the last of the rays. Sweet caramel is drizzled over the top of the long drink to add a touch of sweetness to this artisanal cocktail.

The Sarsfield Swizzle is a twist on the classic swizzle cocktail with a hint of spice. The Wild Geese Classic Blend is firstly mixed with crisp, botanical gin syrup and a dash of green tea bitters. Tangy lemon balm is added to the drink to bring out the citrus notes in The Wild Geese Classic Blend, and finally topped up with lemongrass and chilli beer for a zingy finish. Named after Patrick Sarsfield, the Irish hero who led the original Wild Geese in 1691, this cocktail mixes innovation and tradition perfectly.

For the third recipe, Beke marries The Wild Geese Rare Irish with the exotic juices of the Ugly Fruit, to achieve the ultimate bittersweet serve. The Freedom Sour is an innovative take on the ever-popular Whiskey Sour, freshened up with maple syrup and a layer of Matcha tea foam.

The three times voted ‘Best Irish Whiskey’ collection is made with superb quality aged Irish Whiskey stock and uses a special Extended Double Distillation process, creating a unique smoothness and richness unlike any other whiskey. The subtle and complex flavours are created using a pioneering distillation process, providing an unusual balance between robust and spicy malt, and light smooth grain.

Irish Apple

2 parts The Wild Geese Classic Blend Irish Whiskey

1 part apple and rhubarb juice

3 parts dry cider

1/2 part Kamms & Sons

Mix the Classic Blend, dry cider and apple & rhubarb juice by ‘rolling’ them in a cocktail shaker. Pour into a highball glass and float a large ice ball on top. Add the Kamms & Sons to create a bittersweet taste and garnish with a crab apple and apple blossom. Drizzle fresh caramel over the garnish for the final touch.

Sarsfield Swizzle

2 part The Wild Geese Classic Blend Irish Whiskey

1 part gin botanical syrup or 1/2 part gin & 1/2 sugar syrup

Dash of green tea bitters

Lemon balm

Top up with homemade lemongrass and chili beer

Pour a full measure of The Wild Geese Classic Blend directly into the serving glass. Add gin syrup as a sweetener and a dash of green tea bitter. Add lemon balm leaves to compliment the citrus notes in the Classic Blend. Top up with lemongrass & chilli beer and ‘swizzle’ the ingredients to mix them. Serve with pinewood and sweet spice.

Freedom Sour

2 part The Wild Geese Rare Irish Whiskey

1/2 part maple/ honey syrup

2 parts fresh squeezed ugly fruit juice

Few dashes of bitter

Matcha tea foam

Shake and serve in martini glass, top it off with matcha tea foam.

One last one for the World Cup.

Gold Cup

Ingredients
2 parts The Wild Geese Classic Blend Whiskey
1/2 part of lime juice
1/2 part coconut cream
1/2 part sugar syrup

Garnish
1/2 part of blue curaçao
lemon
passion fruit shell

Method
Blend a small handful of basil leaves, coconut cream and lime juice together until you have a liquid form. Pour into a cocktail shaker with sugar syrup and The Wild Geese Classic Blend Irish whiskey then shake hard with ice.

Serve in a rocks glass over crushed ice and add a passion fruit shell. Fill the shell with blue curaçao and garnish with the zest of a lemon. Add your nation’s flag to celebrate your team for the final, champion touch.

The combination of the triple citrus notes (orange, lime and lemon) with the coolness of the basil leaves make this a super refreshing cocktail with a mild and creamy, sweet finish.

Which one will you make?

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Watch The Gentleman’s Wager: New Short Film Starring Jude Law

Whiskey Cocktail Recipes | Cocktail Ideas

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