When you think of Vodka, you may think principle ingredients would be grain or potatoes. You would, mostly, be right.
However, you may be lucky enough to come across Ciroc vodka, a luxury vodka made from grapes. The use of grapes is instantly obvious. The result is a fresh, crisp, aromatic vodka with a hint of citrus and a smooth after taste.
In Fact, If you are a vodka fan, You really need to get hold of this very special spirit, this grape vodka. 5 times distilled to give that extra smoothness.
The French grapes used benefit from long warm autumn days with cool nights providing an extended ripening season, enabling the development of complex aromatic flavours and the necessary level of acidity.
The grapes are left on the vine until they are overly ripe. After harvesting the grapes are sent to temperature-controlled cellars where they undergo a cold maceration, cold fermentation, and cold storage processes, until recently only practised by fine wine producers, which preserves the distinctive freshness and extracts a more flavourful fruit character.
You can track down this fantastic premium vodka at thewhiskyexchange.com. It retails for £39.95 for 1 litre.
To really go to town with Ciroc, you should consider a night out at Bond nightclub in Soho. Bond (formerly known as 24) is an uber chic club and private hire event space set in a stylish pocket of Soho.
The most technologically advanced and cutting edge club in Europe, 24 events at Bond in association with Cîroc vodka has installed new technology to give you an utterly unique clubbing and events experience.
2 interactive booths with touch screen messaging facilitys allow users the ultimate night out. Order a cocktail containing Ciroc, or a bottle of Ciroc and the whole club will know about it due to the animation show across the club’s wall to wall projection screens and 1,000 lighting colour combinations. This is, after all, a drink to be proud of!
The booths also feature a messaging application on the digital screen to send a virtual drink to another person in the club. You can also use the touch-screen drinks menu from which you can browse a selection of delicious Cîroc based cocktails to treat yourself and your friends.
For the chance to celebrate in ultimate in VIP style, book the exclusive Cîroc-booth to enjoy your night out in the comfort of seclusion and exclusivity. You’ll also have your own personal photographer who will take photos of your night out, which will appear on the screensavers of the clubs iBar units, giving you real celebrity status!
This isn’t a case of dipping your toe into the vast pool of culture, more diving in headfirst.
The 20th-22nd August sees the launch of the first in a cycle of literary, artistic and culinary luxury extravaganzas for an exclusive circle of guests.
Celebrated Author Lynne Truss of “Eats, Shoots and Leaves” fame will host the first event at the luxuriously restored and atmospheric Aldourie Castle, a treasure trove of cultural heritage, where just 24 guests will be treated to an intimate weekend of literary and artistic entertainment.
Aldourie Castle, set in a stunning 500-acre estate of woodlands and gardens, boasts a diverse and rich history. It’s breathtaking setting on the southern shores of Loch Ness, close to Inverness, enhanced its popularity as a destination for aristocrats, artists and industrialists during its Victorian heyday. A classic example of Scottish Baronial architecture, the castle has been authentically restored to the highest standards of opulence. Now, its extraordinary heritage is being celebrated with the launch of the unique Aldourie Castle Cultural Series.
The opportunity to attend the first (of, I imagine, many more) Cultural house parties seems too good to miss. Get away from all the hustle & bustle of the modern world and enjoy all that Aldourie Castle has to offer. This amazing location is so right for the weekend in question. The organisers should guarantee a feeling of well being and, maybe, enlightenment at the end of it all.
Lynne Truss, a diverse and prolific writer who has also authored two books on Alfred Lord Tennyson, will treat guests to readings as well as a conversational audience and question and answer session.
The exclusive weekend will also feature a tour of Aldourie Castle’s private collection of paintings with celebrated art expert and curator Veronica Franklin Gould.
Guests can try out first hand some of Mary Seton Watts’ ceramics techniques with a clay modelling workshop which explores the artist’s style and designs.
Add to that an exclusive private visit to the nearby 14th century Cawdor Castle which is linked with Shakespeare’s Macbeth, gourmet meals prepared by Aldourie Castle’s award-winning chef and a range of countryside activities available, and the weekend is forecast to be the ultimate Highland break for the literary and art lover.
There are only 12 double (or twin) rooms available and fully inclusive costs for the weekend start at £1,650 per person. As an exclusive private weekend house party, all meals, drinks, entertainment and transfer transport are included. Enquiries should be directed to events co-ordinator Paul Fisher on 01756 692503; .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address); http://www.aldouriecastle.co.uk.
Imagine being on the banks of Loch Ness and being far too busy for a spot of Nessie Hunting! What an inspiring weekend.
“I feel the need, The need for Speed!”.
Sorry, couldn’t resist throwing in a classic Top Gun quote. I cannot be blamed either, look at this excellent activity! You can be “Maverick” or “Goose” taking advantage of the “Just for you” concierge service at The Hotel Métropole in Monte-Carlo.
The Hotel Métropole is situated at the centre of Monte-Carlo, just a few steps from the Casino Square and a 20-minute drive from Nice airport. This has to be the place to stay in Monte-Carlo, an elegant and still modern hotel.
Apart from the important, imposing and beautiful architecture the hotel offers so much. A 3 storey spa and fitness studio adjoins the hotel. World renowned chef Joël Robuchon and his protégé Christophe Cussac deliver the food that would be expected of such an establishment. The views from the terraces and balconies onto the casino gardens and the Mediterranean Sea are to die for.
But, enough of all this swank and luxury. Let’s talk fighter jets!
Thrill-seekers will be taken through a detailed study of the L39 Albatros fighter jet, followed by a briefing on the manoeuvres and the equipment on board. With this new aviation knowledge in check, co-pilots-to-be will then board the Russian fighter plane, to experience thirty minute of pure adrenaline.
As the jets co-pilot, Mavericks will be in constant voice contact with the pilot, who will be able to adapt the flight to suit your wishes, expectations or desires.
The experience can be solo or shared with your friends or taken solo at the rate of €1,500 per person for the 75 minute experience. (Flyers must be over 18 and be in good health)
This incredible offering comes as part of the Just For You concierge service at the Hotel Métropole Monte-Carlo. Maybe you prefer your treats a little less exhilarating. That’s fine, the hotel offers activities in Tourism, relaxation and Gastronomy.
For further information please contact the concierge team at the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo on +33 77 93 15 15 20 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Harvey Nichols is about to launch it’s new fifth floor terrace installation. Opening up for the first time this May bank holiday and running through to the end of July, a collaboration with TANQUERAY ® NO. TEN™ Gin looks to be the most exciting night out in some time.
TANQUERAY ® NO. TEN™ Gin is the Classic, Award winning, Luxury Gin. Quadruple distilled to give a smoothness like no other, it is the Gin for connoisseurs (and for me, with tonic, ice and slice the best summer drink of all.) TANQUERAY NO. TEN Gin is available from Harvey Nichols priced at £41 for 1 litre.
The Fifth Floor Terrace is all about sleek monochrome styling, The Art Deco shape of the TANQUERAY NO. TEN bottle is reflected in the cut glass candleholders and the overall style of the new terrace. A cool ambience will be driven by green and white lighting. (When it gets a bit nippy, take advantage of the Tanqueray blankets!)
Using the smooth, quadruple distilled TANQUERAY NO. TEN gin, the Harvey Nichols Bar team have created a new drinks list, the highlight of which is The Fifth Floor Martini Cocktail with hints of grapefruit and chamomile underscoring the aromatic notes of the gin. Another highlight is the special Evolution of the Martini Cocktail Flight with three classic martini styles served in miniature glasses, including the Martinez Cocktail (dating from 1887), The 1903 and the Perfect TEN Martini Cocktail. The flight is a flavour history lesson and a must for all martini cocktail lovers.
Fot the ultimate Cocktail experience, book the Martini Cocktail Booth. This is just a great idea, where Cocktails will be made in front of you, with the emphasis on learning the tricks of the trade. The Martini Cocktail Booth can be booked for six people to share the Ultimate Martini Cocktail Experience, consisting of a private cocktail master class, three-course dinner and a martini cocktail kit to take away, priced at £500 (for 6). To book a unforgettable night out, call 020 7201 8786 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) (48 hours notice required).
I haven’t even mentioned the food! Jonas Karlsson, the Fifth Floor Executive Chef has devised some new dishes inspired by the citrus and botanical notes of the TANQUERAY NO. TEN. The dishes, which can be matched to the cocktails, include Sautéed tiger prawns, citrus and ras el hanout, Mini venison burgers, juniper infused onion compote and a Chocolate fondue, with candied grapefruit, marshmallows. Heaven? pretty close, I reckon!
For a fabulously upmarket treat of a night out that oozes cool, this has to be on your summer To Do List.
Now this might well be aimed at one for the boys, but this coffee table is just too good!
Loosely based on the 70’s style table top arcade games, this contemporary arcade coffee table has it all.
The table discreetly houses a shuttle pc, an elegantly concealed screen and a revolutionary new control panel. You can watch films, play music, view photos, surf the web or play one of the 100 classic arcade games.
Everything that is installed (The manufacturers, Surface Tension, offer a bespoke service) is ready to go. You only need to plug it in and you are ready for the best coffee table in the world! (My opinion, but I am sure I am not alone)
The tables come with the following:
•2 sets of controls
•2 x 6-button player interface
•1up and 2up start buttons
•Happ® trackball illuminated translucent blue
•Sanwa joysticks
•Intuitive game selection interface
•Pause and volume controls
•Compatible with MAME™
Each table comes pre-installed with the amazing Taito Legends, Midway Arcade Treasures Deluxe and Atari Anniversary Edition.
Surprisingly, when you consider the quality finish and sheer usefulness (not to mention fun) of this table, it can be yours from just £2799.
