The drinks industry is buzzing with news that Dolce & Gabbanna have teamed up Martini to create an exclusive edition of the drink: Martini Gold. Sources have also revealed that Monica Bellucci is to be the ‘face’ of the iconic brand – it’s truly Italian affair.
The collaboration takes the drink into the 21st century. Using a blend of traditional techniques and modern technology they’ve added rare and valuable botanicals into this new blend.
“We have had a relationship with Martini for more than ten years and we share common Values and pride in our Italian roots. This is the first time we have worked on a project like This and we are very pleased with the result: a new product that combines the soul of our World and the world of Martini,” said Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.
The flavours of the tipple are the result of a secret recipe inspired by Domenico Dolce And Stefano Gabbana and created by the artisans of Gold. They have revealed that the mix uses exotic and unusual ingredients, which combined with some seductive spices and Mediterranean aromas, result in a unique taste – on the rocks or as a cocktail!
The bottle has also been designed by the duo; they consider gold to be the epitome of luxury and wanted to add some drama and glamour to its look. A striking black box with D&G metal plaque placed next to the iconic Martini logo makes this edition a fashionista must have. For a dolce vita, look no further…
MARTINI Gold is available at Harvey Nichols nationwide from 1st September
Beefeater Gin, the only international premium gin distilled in the heart of London, is one of the city’s best kept secrets. As part of London Open City the Beefeater Gin distillery will be opening its doors exclusively to the public on 18 and 19 September on a complimentary basis for pre-booked tours. Lussorian readers would do well to sample the drink, Beefeater has been awarded the trophy for World’s Best Gin more times than any other in the last 10 years by the International Wine and Spirits Competition, the most prestigious awards organisation for wines and spirits.
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Posted by Paul Handley on Tue 24th August 2010 at 07:39 AM, Filed in Luxury Drinks
This weekend I was lucky enough to make it to the pub - A nationwide chain known for offering cheap beer and fine guest ales. I chose one delightful guest ale and I had to ask the barman to repeat himself when he said “£1.45 please”.
This is by far the cheapest pint I have had in ages and it got me thinking. If this was the cheapest available, what’s the most expensive?
My title is wrong, but I couldn’t resist the nod to Carlsberg’s advertising slogan. Carlsberg are very good at brewing ale , that’s a fact. The Jacobsen Vintage No.1 is definitely the most expensive beer in the world.
A 375ml bottle will set you back £220. I really enjoyed my £1.45 pint, so I wanted to know what you get for the extra £218.55….
The excellent beer is backed up by original hand stilled lithographic print labels by Danish artist Frans Kannik
First up, Vintage No.1 is very exclusive. You can only get this from three fine Danish restaurants or from the Carlsberg Visitors centre in Valby. This means that you have to visit Denmark in order to purchase a bottle, that’s bumping up travel expenses but I think it might well be worth it!
Now, What about the Beer itself? The Jacobsen Vintage No. 1 is an oak aged barley wine with an ABV on 10.5%...now we’re talking!
The beer is matured for six month in new Swedish barrels (Thorlundskagge – oak from Hjo) and new French barrels (Cote dór barrels – oak from Alsace). This is turning out to be the best European beer.
The beer has flavours of vanilla, smoke, caramel, prunes and port from maturing on Swedish or French Cote dór oak casks. The beer originating from the Swedish oak has a more dominant caramel aroma. With only the best ingredients beer like this can be produced.
Ok, sounds good. For £220, is there anything else that may entice? The actual look of this exclusive beer bottle is excellent. Aesthetics draw back to Danish mythology.
Each bottle of Jacobsen Vintage No. 1 is labelled with an original hand stilled lithographic print made by the Danish artist Frans Kannik. The prints depict fables of Sif. Sif was married to the Nordic god Thor, who was often used by Carl Jacobsen, the son of J.C. Jacobsen, as a symbol of strength.
Below are some of the wise and intriguing words of head brewer, Jens Eiken:
“Vintage No.1 has, as the only contemporary beer, been matured in J.C. Jacobsen’s original crypt-like cellar from 1847, for six months in new Swedish and new French oak barrels. “The project started as a wild idea and a wish to create a new type of beer that had never been seen before. During the ageing process in new barrels, lots of chemical processes take place. Not all reactions are known but they taste wonderful”
This is so good. Elements of this brewing process are not really understood. The only understanding needed here is that the process continues to deliver fine beer, regardless of the chemical processes involved. Typically uncomplicated Danish – I love it!
More from Jens….
“Of course the price attracts attention. We really wanted to challenge the beliefs of what beer can be and we’ve definitely succeeded. Vintage No. 1 is a perfect example of our true passion for beer and high quality standards.”
Visit the Jacobsen Brewhouse at http://www.jacobsenbeer.com or http://www.jacobsenbryg.dk
“Forget the House red or white, bring me the whisky!”
This kind of opening request to the sommelier would normally bring on fear and slight disgust, but not at the excellent Plateau restaurant in Canary Wharf….
The Plateau - Canary Wharf
Allan Picket, head chef, has joined forces with Johnnie Walker to create a unique three course tasting menu that highlights the key expressions in the single malts which combine to create Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
Blue Label is Johnnie Walker’s premium single malt. Only 1 in a 1000 barrels make the grade to Blue label. The quality shines through, backed with a smoothness and a strong depth of flavour. The price of Johnie Walker blue label is all too irrelevant once tasted.
Johnnie Walker Blue Label Whisky
This whisky orientated tasting menu starts from September. Upon arrival, guests will be guided through the specially crafted seasonal menu. Each course, such as a terrine of ham and parsley with pear chutney or Bitter Valrhona chocolate tart, is paired with a single malt or other expression of Johnnie Walker.
Guests will be introduced to each whisky as it arrives at the table and appreciate its versatility by trying each liquid straight, chilled, iced or with water to understand the complex flavours and varying strength before finally matching it to their own palate and enjoying the food.
To culminate, diners will be presented with a perfect serve of Johnnie Walker Blue Label and they will be able to draw on the knowledge acquired throughout the evening to appreciate the deep and varied flavours present in each sip.
An entertaining and educational evening. A dedicated whisky expert will guide you through each course. For whiskey tasting London can offer no better venue.
Allan Pickett, Head Chef at Plateau: “Few people think of whisky as a drink to accompany dinner, but it can be an incredible match with the right dishes. Our whisky expert will explain how and why I created this special menu, in what promises to be a fascinating evening.”
As I have said, the incredibly reasonable cost of Johnnie Walker blue label (http://www.johnniewalker.com) is irrelevant. The cost of this rather special evening is priceless, but just for you, details are below.
The Johnnie Walker Blue Label exclusive tasting experience will be available from 1 September 2010 in Plateau’s private dining spaces for £95 per head. Reservations must be made in advance (http://www.plateaurestaurant.co.uk)
From September, Gaggia, the number one choice of coffee machines in Italy, is launching Accademia, the ultimate machine for coffee lovers everywhere. Whatever your coffee preference, Accademia will impress you with its superior performance and style, bringing you the easiest way to professional coffee at home today.
Apart from looking far too good for home use with it’s stainless steel finish with a real nod to quality craftsmanship, This Gaggia Coffee maker performs at a professional level. No, It’s better than that, better than most coffee shop’s machines. The Accademia has been created with high end luxury in mind, using innovative materials and technology.
Now aesthetics are out the way, let’s talk performance. How much do you love coffee? Not enough, if you aren’t getting excited about this Gaggia review!
USP’s for the Accademia as follows;
* Memorises your favourite coffee and milk/froth preferences
* Adjustable telescopic coffee dispenser so you can enjoy your coffee in mugs and cups of all sizes
* Display panel features dynamic images for each step of the coffee process
* An advanced milk system lets you specify how much creamy froth you would like
* Patented automatic cleaning feature takes away the hassle of cleaning up afterwards
Yes! That’s right. This machine has a memory and an easy to navigate digital display. You can programme up to 7 beverage choices and, simply, 1 touch of a button gives you professional standard coffee every time.
It’s all sounding pretty impressive, yes? It gets better. The Accademia cleans itself afterwards.
Gaggia Coffee Makers have never been so good.
The Gaggia Accademia is available from September 2010 at selected department stores, online and leading independent cookshops. RRP £1,400.
