Courtesy of: Dom Pérignon

The name Dom Pérignon has become synonymous with luxury, class and social stature.

When you are looking for that perfect gift, only a Dom Perignon champagne product will express that only the best is meant to be.

Take a look at the ultimate Dom Pérignon Vintage Champagne Gift Set. This champagne gift will be beautifully presented and gift-wrapped.

The Power Trio is a sleek, black wooden case containing a fine bottle of Dom Perignon Vintage 2000, one bottle of Dom Perignon Rosé 1998, plus one bottle of Dom Perignon OEnothèque 1995.

Dom Perignon Vintage 2000 Dom Perignon is produced only in the finest vintages from grapes that are grown on 100% rated vineyards.

Grape fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. At blending, Richard Geoffrey, Moet’s Senior Winemaker, has decided to combine 55% Chardonnay for its fresh fruity flavour and structure with 45% Pinot Noir. The combination was chosen to add both weight and richness.

Dom Perignon Rosé 1998 Conditions suitable for making Dom Perignon white vintage but does not guarantee the production of a Rose.

The unique pale salmon colour is achieved by the addition of still red pinot noir wine to a blend of still wines made from pinot noir and chardonnay. The pinot noir wine must be of exceptional quality.

The inclusion of chardonnay is important to the character of Dom Perignon Rose, a vital ingredient in producing a wine of perfect balance.

Dom Perignon OEnothèque 1995 Dom Perignon occasionally releases small quantities of the OEnotheque wines when they reach a peak in their quality.

The original bottles are kept undisturbed in the Hautvillier’s cellars. These wines offer a rare opportunity to experience mature Champagne aged in perfect conditions.

For more information, please visit: Dom Pérignon

Courtesy of: Tequila Avión

The ultra premium tequila, Tequila Avión defines a new luxury standard of quality and taste – “Taste Elevated.”

Tequila Avión is produced from only the finest Blue Weber Agave found in the very highest regions of Jalisco, Mexico. The plants in this region are the most coveted agave for tequila production due to their rich mineral content and distinct quality and character.

The unusually smooth taste profile of Tequila Avión begins with the ideal product formulation that comes to life through slow roasting the agave in brick ovens, followed by a unique small batch distillation and culminates in a proprietary filtration process coined “ultra-slow filtration.”

During this process the flavors become firmly set to Tequila Avión’s specification at an exact moment called the “Moment of Elevation.”

The unique combination of slow-roasting at lower temperatures to protect the natural flavors of the agave, as well as an ultra-slow filtration process, produces an unusually smooth taste profile.

The plants found in this region are known to be the most coveted plants for tequila production due to their rich mineral content and distinct quality and character. When harvested, the Tequila Avión agave is slow roasted in brick ovens under low temperatures, producing a richer flavor.

Tequila Avión is available in Silver, Reposado and Añejo expressions, with each offering a distinctly smooth, yet flavorful taste profile:

Avión Silver features an intense agave aroma with herbal tinges of mint and rosemary, delicate hues of flowers and black pepper and hints of grapefruit and pineapple. It is crisp and clean, well balanced and exceptionally smooth.

Avión Reposado, which is aged six months in oak barrels, has a roasted agave presence, notes of cherry, pear, and peach, flower hues of rose petals and tinges of herbs. Its oak aroma is elegant with hints of caramel and vanilla. It is extremely well balanced and sophisticated.

Avión Añejo is an aged tequila, spending two years in American oak casks. It features hints of vanilla, caramel, coconut and maple, intense tones of roasted agave, delicate tinges of mint and rosemary and fruity aromas of peach and cherry. It is extraordinarily harmonious, rich and exquisite.

Said founder Ken Austin, “It is a primary focus of the Company to bring together a world class management team working with best of breed distributors.”

Austin continues, “We are hours away from the launch of Tequila Avión, which is the culmination of a long journey. Now our team will work tirelessly to get our brand into the mouths, hearts and minds of consumers.”

To learn more about Tequila Avión, please visit http://aviontequila.com/

Courtesy of: Ashton

You have just made that special purchase of high priced cigars, but you don’t want to store them in the same box they came in. What do you do and how do you store your new cigars?

The key to storing cigars is to place them in an environment that is as close to where they were made – warm and very humid. The best method out there is to store your cigars and closely simulate that environment is by using a humidor.

A cigar humidor comes available in a variety of sizes, from small wooden boxes to large large wooden cabinets.

One of the insider tricks to finding a quality wooden humidor is by performing the “whoosh test”. First lift the lid about three inches high, then release it. As the lid drops, listen for a “whoosh” of air escaping and preventing the lid from slamming. A “whoosh” sound means the humidor is well crafted and will create a tight seal to keep your cigar fresh.

Another option to consider is using a simple plastic container from Rubbermaid or Tupperware. The downside compared to a wooden humidor is the plastic containers will not allow the cigars to “breathe.”

What is required is a small amount of air flow to help prevent mold and to keep your cigars fresh. Be sure to open the plastic container at least once a month and check for the proper moisture.

An even cheaper method for storing your stogies is using a simple Ziploc bag. Unfortunately, this method will only keep your cigars fresh for a few weeks at best.

Whether you use either a plastic or wooden humidor, you should also invest in a humidifier. You can find various humidifier models out there. An inexpensive option is florist foam, which is enclosed in a vented plastic piece. A more expensive option is a built-in, which is typically attached by a magnet to the lid of the humidor.

One additional product to consider owning for your humidor is a hygrometer. A hygrometer measures the humidity level of your humidor. A good test thing to remember is perform a “pinch test” every two weeks. This method will help ensure your cigars are properly humidified. This simple test will help you to know whether to add or remove moisture from your humidor.

A standard, yet simple industry rule for cigar storage is the 70/70 Rule – 70 degrees Fahrenheit or 21.1 degrees Celsius and 70% humidity.

Cigars that are too dry, will cause the the wrapper to crack, and the cigar will likely burn hot producing a harsh taste. Dry cigars also cause the essential oils within the cigar to evaporate. This results in a bland and tasteless smoke.

Here are some basic steps to stabilize a humidor, and help keep your cigars from getting dry and tasteless.
1. Charge your humidifying device.
2. Lay a calibrated (salt tested or electronic) hygrometer in your humidor.
3. Lay a shallow dish of distilled water in your humidor.
4. Place the humidification device inside your humidor.
5. Be sure to check the humidity every day. Once the humidor humidity reaches and stays at 70%, add in your cigars.

Note: It may take a few days to a few weeks to stabilize your humidor.

After your humidor has become stabilized, just add some distilled water to the humidifying device before it completely dries out.

Source: Tobacco Barn

Summer is here and the temps are clearly heating up all over.

Premium vodka supplier, Grey Goose® is honoring its French heritage by celebrating Bastille Day with the Grey Goose Storm.

Bastille Day is held each July 14th, and the event marks the anniversary of the storming of Bastille – one of the most important events of the French Revolution.

A refreshing drink created by mixologist Guillame Jubien, the Grey Goose Storm is the perfect libation to celebrate French history and The World’s Best Tasting Vodka.

Grey Goose® Storm
1 ½ parts Grey Goose® Vodka
½ part lemon juice
¼ part grenadine syrup (or 2 tsp brown sugar)
5 red grapes
2 parts ginger ale

– In a mixing glass, muddle grapes with grenadine syrup. Add remaining ingredients and shake. Strain over ice in a tall glass and top with ginger ale. Add a spray of lemon zest to taste.

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In the spirit of summer, master mixologist and author Nick Mautone is pleased to share three Grey Goose® Vodka recipes to complement any warm-weather festivities.

Grey Goose® In a Pickle
2 dashes of orange bitters
Dash of dry vermouth
Pinch of dried dill
2 to 3 pieces of pickled watermelon rind
2 parts Grey Goose® Le Citron Flavored Vodka
Mustard seed for rimming glass
Garnish with pickled okra spear or cucumber

– Place mustard seed on a small plate. Rub outside lip of glass with honey and roll in mustard seed.
– In a cocktail shaker, add first four ingredients, muddle well. Add ice and vodka, shake vigorously, strain into a martini glass … and enjoy in the shade of a tall tree.

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Grey Goose® Surf Spritzer
1 ¼ parts GREY GOOSE® L’Orange Flavored Vodka
¾ parts APEROL
¾ parts LILLET Blanc
1 part orange juice
1 part seltzer
Garnish with orange slice

– In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add first four ingredients, shake vigorously and strain into tall glass filled with ice. Top with seltzer, garnish … and sip to long days at the beach.

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Grey Goose® Tarragon Twist
1 ½ parts GREY GOOSE® L’Orange Flavored Vodka
¾ part BENEDICTINE liqueur
½ part simple syrup
1 part lemon juice
½ part hot tap water
1 tsp tarragon

– Garnish with tarragon leaves or citrus twist
– In a cocktail shaker add tarragon and hot water, muddle gently. Add ice and remaining ingredients. Shake vigorously, strain into a martini glass, garnish … and enjoy with a picnic.

Courtesy of: Maker’s Mark

Bringing innovation to the Bourbon industry, Maker’s Mark recently released the company’s first ever new Bourbon, Maker’s 46.

In celebration, Maker’s Mark President Bill Samuels, Jr., continuing in the tradition his father began, hand-dipped and sealed ceremonial bottles of Maker’s 46(tm) Bourbon in the brand’s iconic red wax with Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear at the historic Maker’s Mark Distillery.

Maker’s 46 is a handcrafted, full-bodied Bourbon whisky that begins as original Maker’s Mark. The transformation into Maker’s 46 begins when fully matured Maker’s Mark is emptied from the barrel so that 10 seared French oak staves can be affixed to the sides.

Then, Maker’s Mark, which is made with red winter wheat for a smooth taste, is placed back in the barrel and aged for several more months, allowing the natural caramel, vanilla and spice flavors released by the staves to enhance the end product.

“This new expression is a breakthrough in the contemporary craft of bourbon,” stated Mr. Samuels. “We have used innovative techniques never before employed by the Bourbon industry to create a full-bodied bourbon without any bitterness.”

The name Maker’s 46 comes from the profile number Boswell assigned to this winning “wood recipe.”

Kevin Smith adds, “Maker’s 46 is spicier and has a more intense aroma than Maker’s Mark. It has rich caramel and vanilla flavors, and even at 94 proof it’s soft enough to hold on the tongue. You can drink it on its own or mix it into a cocktail.”

Initial reactions from Bourbon experts to Maker’s 46 have been positive. Malt Advocate Publisher and Editor, John Hansell has noted in his review, “The French Oak staves in ’46′ add firm, complex, dry spices (lead by warming cinnamon, followed by nutmeg and clove)…which dovetails well with Maker’s trademark layered sweetness.”

Only 25,000 cases of Maker’s 46 will be shipped by the distillery this year, making bottles of this first batch a rare commodity. The new Kentucky straight bourbon whisky will be sold in 750ml bottles and retail for approximately $10 more than Maker’s Mark (prices vary state to state).

For additional information about Maker’s 46 and Maker’s Mark, please visit www.makersmark.com

Near the Aland Islands (between Finland and Sweden) in the Baltic Sea, divers made an amazing discovery. It’s possible they have found the world’s oldest drinkable champagne!

The divers came across the vintage champagne while diving near a shipwreck at the bottom of the Baltic Sea.

The centuries-old bottles of champagne is an incredible find, particularly since the bottles are still preserved and more importantly … drinkable.

After tasting the vintage champagne, Christian Ekstrom who was the dive instructor states, it “tasted fantastic.”

The discovered champagne is believed to be from the 1780′s.

Ekstrom was quoted on Saturday that he’s “98 percent sure” of the champagne’s age. He has conferred that with experts.

The total find included about 30 bottles of champagne.

If genuine, Swedish wine expert Carl-Jan Granqvist believes each bottle to bring in as much as Euro 50,000. Further testing is being done in France.

Dolce Touch By Dolce Touch Hybrid Luxury Vodka

2010 Spirits International Prestige (SIP) Awards was held on June 10, 2010 at the Hyatt Andaz Hotel in downtown San Diego.

Dolce Touch Hybrid Luxury Vodka took the coveted top prize and was awarded the Platinum medal.

Dolce Touch LLC, a Seattle-based spirits company, is very proud to win the 2010 Spirits International Prestige Awards top honor.

Matthew A. Leang of Dolce Touch LLC was quoted, “As a newly launched company, it’s truly an honor to receive the platinum medal at the 2010 SIP Awards. Dolce Touch By Dolce Touch has a unique and smooth taste, and we’re just thrilled to be recognized by consumers as an award-winning vodka in the spirits industry.”

This was the second year for the SIP Awards. The event is the only international spirits competition made up of a panel of very knowledgeable consumer judges, who importantly remain unbiased as industry outsiders.

In the 2010 event, 162 spirits competed to impress consumers in the important categories of aroma, taste, and finish.

When producing a luxury vodka, there are numerous factors that need to be addressed, including taste, quality, and value.

The SIP Awards granted bronze, silver, gold and platinum medals to the top spirits from around the world.

The judging was based on blind taste testing, which ensured the panelists were truly unbiased and not affected by a brand’s marketing or branding strategies. The spirits then can be judged solely on quality.

“Quality, taste, and value are so essential when producing a luxury vodka,” Leang said, “and this platinum award is just a testament to the quality of our spirits.”

Dolce Touch Hybrid Luxury Vodka is available in the state of Washington through special order (brand code #973902) and has just recently entered into the California market.

Courtesy of: Royal Salute

Royal Salute has introduced a very special whisky named Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute, possibly the world’s ultimate luxury whisky!

Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute is a luxurious whisky blend that was developed with the input of four generations of master blenders. Each whisky used is at least 40 years old.

Due to its extraordinary rarity, the new blend will be released in limited supply.

Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute will also be presented in an exquisite hand crafted crystal decanter, that is decorated in 24 carat gold and crowned with a cut crystal stopper (the result of 40 hours of artisanal craftsmanship).

Dartington Crystal handcrafted and hand painted the luxurious decanter.

62 Gun Salute goes on sale towards the end of 2010 and will be priced at $2,200.

This special limited edition rare whisky was created especially to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. It would make a terrific gift for that whisky lover in your life.

Courtesy of: Alizé Liqueur

With the hit movie Sex & The City 2 now out in the theaters, let’s take a look at some tasty cocktails that are perfect for any sophisticated drinker.

Alizé liqueur offers an intensely unique and inviting taste. Alizé liqueurs infuse premium French spirits with luscious flavors from the world’s most exotic regions.

From the jungles of Brazil, the lush hillsides of Chile, and the tropical shores of pacific islands come the nectars of these exotic fruits.

Alizé Liqueur is delicious on the rocks or served in martinis, cosmopolitans, margaritas and mimosas.

Hello, Lover! Cocktail
2 parts Alizé Red Passion
2 parts Champagne
Serve chilled in a champagne glass and garnish with fresh fruit.

Samantha’s Mai Tai Me Up Cocktail
3 parts pineapple juice
2 parts orange juice
1 part Alizé Red Passion
1 part white rum
¾ part dark rum
Blend ingredients and serve over ice in a rocks glass.  Garnish with a fresh mango slice.

Big’s Berry Fizz Cocktail
2 parts Alizé Red Passion
1 part vodka
1 parts cranberry juice
Splash of lemon-lime soda
Shake well over ice, strain and serve up in a martini glass.

The Bitter Ex Cocktail
4 dashes Angostura Bitters
4 parts ginger beer
2 parts Alizé Gold Passion
Blend ingredients and serve in a rocks glass

For additional information on the full line of Alizé products and initiatives, please visit www.alize.com

Courtesy of: Camacho Cigars

Camacho Cigars has the perfect gift for any lover of fine, luxury cigars.

Camacho Cigars are available in a variety of price ranges, so they can easily fit any budget. With Father’s Day nearing, Camacho Cigars would make a perfect gift for Dad.

If you are looking for a full flavored blend, then the Camacho Torpedo Maduro Cigar should be your top choice. Many cigar experts have often been described Camacho Cigars as “The Best Habano outside of Cuba.”

The look, feel and undeniable richness of Camacho Cigars leaves a long lasting impression to anyone who has the luxury of smoking on these high quality cigars.

A true cigar aficionado will quickly be totally enamored with the smoking experience it provides.

Camacho Cigars are made with the highest quality and with the original Cuban Criollo and Authentic Corojo seed tobaccos, which are grown by the Eiroa family in Honduras.

A few celebrity Dad’s who enjoy fans of the Camacho Collection, include Marc Anthony and Hank Baskett.

You can find Camacho Torpedo Cigars sold single for $13 or in a full, classic 21-piece gift-set for just $274.

For more information, please visit: http://camachocigars.com/

As Father’s Day quickly approaches, it’s often difficult to pick out that perfect gift for our beloved father.

People are left asking themselves, “What do you get for the man who has everything?” Another tie or World’s Best Dad coffee mug just isn’t going to cut it these days.

If your dad enjoys the finer things in life and is a whisk(e)y connoisseur, then the Maker’s Mark Gift Shop (www.makersmarkgiftshop.com) is the perfect place to find a gift that will make him say cheers!

Maker’s Mark has personally recommended the following special items. If you really want to surprise dad, then whisk him for an unforgettable trip to the Maker’s Mark distillery in Loretto, KY.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon and Dipped Glass Decanter
Made in small batches from red winter wheat, Maker’s Mark bourbon has a smooth taste and can be enjoyed straight or in a delicious cocktail, like a classic Maker’s Mark Manhattan or Old Fashioned. Gift dad a bottle with this glass decanter, dipped in Maker’s Mark’s signature red wax, to display on his bar.

Dipped Glass Decanter: $64.95
Maker’s Mark 750 ml. Bottle: Available at liquor retailers nationwide.

Maker’s Mark Bourbon Chocolates
These decadent sweets have a dark chocolate outside, rich nougat center laced with Maker’s Mark and are crowned with a single toasted pecan.

Half-Pound Box: $16.95
One-Pound Box: Price: $24.95

Maker’s Mark Gourmet Lovers Basket
You don’t have to wait until after 5:00pm to savor the flavor of Maker’s Mark bourbon. This gift set features several gourmet products infused with the savory taste of Maker’s Mark.

* 16 oz. Bourbon Chocolates
* 15 oz. Gourmet Sauce
* 8.25 fl. oz. Bourbon Soaked Cherries
* 9.5 oz. Whole Bean Coffee
* 10 oz. Bag of Ground Coffee
* (2) Single Serve Coffee Packets

Price: $67.95

Maker’s Mark Golf Bag
With its five zippered pockets, in addition to its fleece-lined valuables pocket, integrated trunk handle, water bottle holster, full length 3-way club dividers, zippered rain hood, and shoulder strap, this light weight stand bag from Ogio is the perfect companion for any golf course.

Price: $169.95

Maker’s Mark Golf Balls
There won”t be anymore confusion on the fairway over whose ball is whose with these Maker”s Mark logo golf balls.

Price: $12.95/ Set of 3