Laphroaig® is proud to be the world’s #1 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. As fall has arrived and the winter holidays will be upon us all soon enough, Laphroaig introduced its latest seasonal expression – Laphroaig Triple Wood.

Laphroaig Triple Wood is 96 proof and best enjoyed neat. This allows the powerful, yet slightly creamy consistency of the whisky to speak for itself.

The new Laphroaig Triple Wood follows a unique, triple maturation process that includes ex-bourbon barrels, 19th Century-style quarter casks, in addition to specially selected European Oak oloroso sherry casks.

The result of this process is a great tasting whisky, boasting a rich blend of creamy vanilla and hints of sweet fruit. Plus the whisky retains the distinctive smoky peat flavor that Laphroaig is well known for.

The new whisky from Laphroaig joins a complete family of Scotch whiskies, including: Laphroaig® 10-Year-Old, 10-Year-Old Cask Strength, Quarter Cask, 18-Year-Old, 25-Year-Old, QA Cask, plus Càirdeas.

John Campbell is the Master Distiller at Laphroaig and was quoted, “We are thrilled that our Friends of Laphroaig® members are just as passionate about their Scotch as we are. Triple Wood is the perfect seasonal expression for fall. Its bright gold color and bursts of peat, vanilla and fruit flavors embody the fall season and bring you back to Islay, the land that gives Laphroaig® its unique peaty notes.”

Laphroaig  is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky not only with a distinct taste, but also story in every bottle. In addition to each bottle of Laphroaig offering the world’s #1 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, but buyers also get a gift of friendship.

The Friends of Laphroaig is the distinguished Laphroaig loyalty group that provides a lifetime lease on a numbered, one square foot plot of land in Islay. The land is located along the the Killbride stream, which is the critical Laphroaig water source for various whisky’s.

Friends of Laphroaig currently includes over 500,000 members from greater than 150 countries all around the world.

A recipient of numerous awards, Laphroaig is also the only Single Malt Scotch Whisky to bear a Royal Warrant bestowed by HRH Prince Charles.

Laphroaig Triple Wood has a suggested retail price of $59.99 per 750ml bottle.

Challenging the perception of traditional serving ritual for whisky, Ballantine’s 12 has introduced its new, limited edition Scotch Whisky – Ballance.

Ballance is the creation from the award winning, Swedish, female design trio of FRONT. Ballance is inspired by the elegant balance of the blend and proudly celebrates the craftsmanship in both whisky and design.

Ballance cleverly features a series of handcrafted objects which mysterially appear to suspend in mid-air. The reuslt creates one super-premium design collectible. Each element of Ballance has the Ballantine’s 12 by FRONT design collaboration elegantly burned, etched or stamped onto it so that they stand also alone as collectibles.

Sandy Hyslop is Ballantine’s Master Blender of scotch whisky and was quoted, “It was fascinating spending time with FRONT and exploring our shared obsessions with excellence and rooting contemporary relevance in authentic crafts. Ballance is as beautiful as it is functional – lending elegance and theatre to the serving ritual. With Ballance the ultimate aim is for whisky connoisseurs to discover their own perfect balance in enjoying Ballantine’s 12.”

Consisting of five essential items, Ballance creates the perfect serve of Ballantine’s 12. The interactive sculpture is inspired by the balance of flavours that will be discovered in the elegant whisky itself, as well as the artistry of the Master Blender.

A contemporary, elegant whisky glass balances a trio of pieces; a copper ice bowl, beautifully honed using copper in a tribute to the copper stills used to distil the precious whisky, a square shaped water jug, whose shape mirrors the silhouette of the Ballantine’s 12 bottle, and – precariously balanced at the sculpture’s summit – a copper spoon.

Ballantine’s 12 pays special homage to scotch whisky aging and mixing rituals. An example is both oak and copper are predominantly featured since these materials are key to realizing Ballantine’s 12 and the design appears to magically ‘balance’ in mid-air.

Ballance can also be deconstructed, allowing owners to delight their friends and use to serve Ballantine’s 12: each piece of the sculpture is a collectible in its own right.

There will be only 150 of the limited editions released worldwide, beginning at the end of October. The Scotch whisky product is the culmination of a collaboration between FRONT and Sandy Hyslop.

Each Ballance, Scotch whisky piece from Ballantine’s 12 will have a recommended retail selling price of £350 or equivalent (currency dependent).

To learn more about Ballance from Ballantine’s 12, please contact The Life of Luxury for further details.

Today is National Rum Day so be sure to enjoy the great taste of rum in your favorite cocktail. Zacapa Rum makes the perfect base in popular, classic drinks including a Manhattan or Negroni.

As summer begins to wind down, there’s no better way to celebrate than with the quintessential spirit of the season.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a casual drinker or a rum spirit aficionado, Zacapa Rum makes ever cocktail taste great! The spirit’s rich flavors result in a smooth finish.

If cocktails aren’t your thing this National Rum Day, Zacapa can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks similar to a fine scotch or bourbon.

Below are two cocktail recipes for Zacapa Negroni and Zacapa Manhattan that use Zacapa Rum instead of gin or whiskey.

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Zacapa Rum Negroni

Ingredients:
1 ounce Zacapa Rum 23
2/3 ounce Sweet Vermouth
1/3 ounce Bitter Italian Aperitif
1/3 ounce Semi-Bitter Italian Aperitif
Grapefruit Twist for Garnish

Preparation:

1. Combine Zacapa Rum 23, sweet vermouth, bitter Italian aperitif and semi-bitter Italian aperitif in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir well.
2. Strain contents into a coupe glass.
3. Garnish with grapefruit twist.

Ideal Serving Glass:
Coupe Glass

Yield:
1 drink, no drink contains more than 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol

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Zacapa Rum Manhattan

Ingredients:
1 ounce Zacapa Rum 23
1/4 ounce Italian Sweet Vermouth
1/4 ounce French Sweet Vermouth
2 dashes Aromatic Bitters
Brandy-Infused Maraschino Cherries for Garnish

Preparation:

1. Combine Zacapa Rum 23, Italian sweet vermouth, French sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir well.
2. Strain contents into a coupe glass.
3. Garnish with brandy-infused maraschino cherries.

Ideal Serving Glass:
Coupe Glass

Yield:
1 drink, no drink contains more than 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol

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Happy National Rum Day !

Cognac LOUIS XIII collaborated with the famous The Bar at The Dorchester in London to develop a world exclusive offer and celebrate the launch of the LOUIS XIII RARE CASK 42,6. The result is the ultimate ‘LOUIS XIII Dorchester Experience.’

Since its inception in 1874, LOUIS XIII has been highly regarded as the world’s premier luxury Cognac, which over the years has been enjoyed by both royalty and world leaders including King George V and Winston Churchill.

This exclusive cognac experience will give customers the unique ability to order a cognac Louis XIII tray featuring each expression of the renowned range: Louis XIII, Louis XIII Black Pearl, Louis XIII Rare Cask 43,8 and the recently launched Louis XIII Rare Cask 42,6.

The Bar at The Dorchester stayed open for seven decades and reigned supreme over London’s nightlife, the closed down for a redesign. The popular London bar reopened back in June 2006 to reintroduce London to the delights of cocktail hour.

The renowned Bar at The Dorchester will be the only bar worldwide featuring this LOUIS XIII experience and only twenty LOUIS XIII ‘flights’ will ever be available.

Twenty lucky guests who order the LOUIS XIII ‘flight’ be greeted and served by the brilliant Giuliano Morandin. He has been The Bar Manager for over 30 years and is a legend amongst the world’s drinks connoisseurs. Also part of the ‘LOUIS XIII Dorchester Experience.’ is for guests to be invited to visit the House of Rémy Martin in Cognac.

The LOUIS XIII ‘flight’ is guaranteed to be a truly, once in a lifetime occurrence. Bar guests will have the opportunity to taste all four LOUIS XIII expressions side by side. This is indeed a very rare moment for everyone lucky enough to take part, as most of the LOUIS XIII RARE CASK & BLACK PEARL has now been sold.

The exclusive ‘LOUIS XIII Dorchester Experience’ will be available at The Dorchester Bar in London at a price of £2,013.00.

LOUIS XIII cognac is a blend of 1,200 eaux de vie from 40 to 100 years old, coming exclusively from the Grande Champagne region, the most prestigious region in Cognac.

To learn more about this unique ‘LOUIS XIII Dorchester Experience’ or to make travel reservations to London, please contact The Life of Luxury.

Nat Sherman recently announced the latest addition to its premium cigar portfolio – The Nat Sherman Sterling.

The Nat Sherman Sterling cigar is comprised of four traditional vitolas and tied in wheels of 25 cigars, then carefully packed in beautiful slide-top cabinet boxes.

Founded in 1930, Nat Sherman International has long been recognized as the “Tobacconist to the World” and continues to define the authentic tobacco experience. Its quality fine cigars are embraced and enjoyed worldwide. Their cigars are smooth, meticulously constructed, and well-presented.

Nat Sherman was quoted, “The Nat Sherman Sterling redefines elegance. Following on the heels of our Nat Sherman 1930 and award-winning Timeless collections, The Nat Sherman Sterling maintains Nat Sherman’s tradition of passion and creativity by showcasing yet another unique blend of the world’s finest tobaccos.”

The new fine cigar was unveiled last month at the 2013 International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Convention in Las Vegas.

The Perlas (4″ x 40), Marevas (5″ x 42), Dalias (6.25″ x 43) and Corona Gorda (5.75″ x 46) cigars all feature a blend of aged-Dominican filler tobaccos (the oldest has been aged for ten years). They also come with a Dominican binder and a stunning Ecuador-grown Connecticut wrapper.

Carefully handmade at the MATASA factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic, the new cigars are priced from $9.00 to $15.00 per cigar, and are available exclusively at authorized Nat Sherman Tobacconists throughout the United States.  The cigar brand’s New York City store has been around since the company’s beginning – in 1930.

It’s the best kept secret, but Andre’s cigar lounge at the the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas is the city’s only cigar lounge that’s connected to a Vegas Strip resort restaurant.

Andre’s Restaurant & Lounge can be found on the second floor of the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. This unique Sin City establishment offers a collection of more than 140 Cognacs, Armagnacs and Scotches plus premium fine cigars.

The impressive Andre’s collection is the largest in all of Las Vegas and is ranked third in North America based on size alone.

This exclusive destination was originally created to serve as a unique place for cigar aficionados who long desired a place on the world famous Las Vegas Strip. They simply wanted somewhere to go and enjoy their smoke and take in all the ambiance of an incredible, luxurious atmosphere.

The Cigar Lounge opened in 1996 along with the award-winning, AAA Four Diamond restaurant. But due to its limited awareness, Andre’s Cigar Lounge is considered a “hidden gem” by many in the hospitality industry.

The signature Cigar Lounge collection of fine cigars includes their most popular seller – the Montecristo No. 2. Another popular cigar is the Padron 80th anniversary 1926 Perfecto. Hand-rolled treasures also include Fuente OpusX and Ashton VSG.

To complete your unique cigar experience, Andre’s Cognac Specialist Patrick Trundle is available to pair cigar choices with the Cognac, Armagnac and single-malt scotch/scotch whiskey selections.

The vast collection of Cognac, Armagnac and Scotch are available by the half pour, glass or bottle, with some of these great tasting spirits dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

The highlight of the collection is Chef Andre’s series of vintage Cognacs from the Jacques Hardy Private Reserves. (In fact, Chef André’s cognac collection contains the largest selection of Hardy Cognac outside the family’s collection.) This exquisite series includes the Jacques Hardy Cognac, Private Reserve, Vintage 1777 priced at $35,000 per bottle. (This is one of four bottles left in the world.)

The intimate and relaxing lounge comfortably seats 36 guests and is also equipped with a state-of-the-art ventilation system enabling cigar aficionados to enjoy their evening without the smoke disrupting nearby dining guests. Furthermore, non-smokers can enjoy the lounge as well thanks to the area’s separate ventilation and air filtration system.

Consider enjoying a fine dining experience with celebrated chef André Rochat qwho has enhanced his AAA Four Diamond restaurant – Andre’s Restaurant & Lounge at Monte Carlo. Honored with a prestigious Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator, ther is an encyclopedic wine list that boasts more than 1,500 selections and an inventory of more than 12,000 bottles.

To get more information about Andre’s Cigar Lounge in Las Vegas or to make travel reservations to visit Sin City, please contact The Life of Luxury.

Bad Boy Vodka is the perfect label for a new branded vodka named after the ultimate, ex-basketball player bad boy – Dennis Rodman.

Rodman had a very successful NBA basketball career but also was unknown just as much for his off-court antics.  He  played for several NBA teams including the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks.

Premier Brands, Inc. developed the vodka product from inception, and utilized the Hall of Famer’s “bad boy” reputation, by adding a smooth and edgy twist to a classic spirit.

The company states they developed the Dennis Rodman branded vodka – Bad Boy Vodka – for AB Partners LLC under the Company’s beverage development and incubation services.

Andreas Johansson from AB Partners LLC was quoted, “I’m excited to launch Bad Boy Vodka and work with Dennis and Jorge to create a high quality, fun lifestyle brand.”

Dennis Rodman had a reputation as a fierce defensive player who also had outstanding rebounding skills. Rodamn was nicknamed “The Worm” and earned the title of NBA All-Defensive First Team honors seven times during his successful career. Dennis was voted NBA Defensive Player of the Year two different times. Add to that five NBA championships and leading the NBA in rebounds per game for a record seven consecutive years and you now know what a tremendous athlete Rodman really was.

When asked about the new vodka brand named after him, Dennis Rodman said, “Bad Boy Vodka characterizes a tough and edgy, yet smooth and classic taste; a perfect representation of whom and what I am all about.”

Never afraid of the attention, Rodman lived a very flamboyant lifestyle as he often dyed his hair in a variety of artificial colors. His body is also covered in numerous tattoos and has many piercings.

The Bad Boy Vodka spirit will be exclusively sold and distributed through Premier Brands’ distribution channels.

The Macallan

The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. The company was founded in 1824 and has since built a stellar reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies.

Luxury Scottish Whisky distiller The Macallan presents “M”, a limited edition decanter born out of the artistry of three masters of their field, Creative Director Fabien Baron, crystal leaders Lalique and The Macallan. Their ultimate goal was to create the world’s most sophisticated single malt whisky, contained in a beautifully designed and meticulously crafted crystal decanter.

The Macallan’s sublime and highly complex whisky, M is the ultimate reward for the most discerning of whisky connoisseurs.

Capturing the expressive aesthetic of Fabien Baron’s illustrious creative vision, M’s tall, slim dimensions and geometric form challenge the perceptions of traditional decanter design. Its sharp, angular facets gave inspiration to the name M itself, selected by Baron as a typographic representation of the decanter’s striking design.

Its six striking facets are Baron’s homage to The Macallan’s heritage, reflecting the six pillars at the heart of its ethos
1) The Spiritual Home – the breathtaking 390-acre Macallan Estate where every drop of M is created
2) The distillery’s Curiously Small Stills, whose unique shape gives the spirit its fruity, full-bodied character
3) The Finest Cut, the 16% of the new make spirit, the smallest figure in the industry, selected for maturation
4) Exceptional Oak Casks, acquired and cared for without thought to the cost, infusing every drop with distinctive aroma and flavour
5) Natural Colour created solely through the interaction between spirit and wood
6) Peerless Spirit, marking The Macallan’s unsurpassed place in the hearts of the world’s most discerning consumers

Just 1,750 crystal decanters of M, each engraved with its own individual number. The M Decanter is now on sale and has a retail prince of around $4,500.

Born in Australia, Cimon is a popular artist who’s paintings and sculptures are coveted by collectors around the world.

Cimon is most recognized for his elegant Collector’s Edition crystal fragrance bottle for Chantecaille Beauté. That stunning fragrance bottle won the famous artist incredible acclaim by both the media and top retailers including Bergdorf Goodman.

Absolut Birthday is the latest creative masterpiece from Cimon. The project began as a very special birthday present request. Cimon was honored to be part of the project and the final result is an amazing piece of creative art.

Cimon was asked to crystallize a bottle of Absolut® Elyx, which is the ultra premium label in the Absolut family of fine vodkas.

Cimon created this latest work of art by utilizing clear and iridescent SWAROVSKI® ELEMENTS that change color from a fire red to a burnt orange. The artistic result is one of masculine flare and exudes confidence for any man who has it in his bar.

The popular art sculptor has working with a variety of media in the past, including both LEGO and beautiful Swarovski crystals. In 2012, Cimon created a stunning art piece – 3-liter bottle of Perrier-Jouët’s Grand Brut with a wooden case that was personalized and beautifully decorated with crystal Swarovski Elements.

Absolut Birthday continues Cimon’s signature style of exploring the dynamics of color and refracted light through the use of crystals and design.

Summer and libations – it doesn’t get any better than that! It’s time for celebrations and parties – these two great brands are ideal for any social occasion: Sauza and EFFEN Vodka.

The #1 cocktail in the U.S. is the margarita and Sauza wants to support the popular cocktail demand with their latest innovation – Sauza Sparkling Margarita.

Sauza Sparkling Margarita was just introduced in time for summer. It’s a ready-to-serve drink that will keep you from playing bartender all evening long. Simply chill, pour and add a fun straw or two!

Available in three delicious flavors, Sauza Sparkling Margarita comes in Wild Berry, Original Lime and Mango Peach. It’s terrific for any occasion, no matter if you’re at home or on-the-go.

EFFEN Vodka has all the right recipes to ensure your next party is the one everyone talks about the following Monday at work. Drink recipes feature refreshing EFFEN Cucumber Vodka as well as the light and sweet taste of EFFEN Black Cherry. Each choice offers a little something for every palette.

Try these delicious, cocktail recipes from EFFEN Vodka:

EFFEN® Summer Storm
1 1/2 parts EFFEN® Black Cherry Vodka
1/2 part DeKuyper® Peachtree Schnapps Liqueur
1 1/2 parts Fresh Apple Juice
3/4 part Lemon Juice
1/2 part Simple Syrup
6 Basil Leaves

Method: In a mixing glass, muddle basil, lemon, and simple syrup. Add
remaining ingredients over ice. Stir and strain into a low tumbler over ice.
Garnish with Basil.

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EFFEN® Black Cherry Bloom
2 parts EFFEN® Black Cherry Vodka
1 part Fresh Blood Orange Juice
3Ž4 part Lime Juice
3Ž4 part Agave Syrup
3 Fresh Strawberries
3-4 Fresh Mint Leaves
Pinch of Cayenne Pepper

Method: In a mixing glass, muddle all ingredients except vodka. Add vodka
and shake with ice. Strain into a Collins glass over ice. Garnish with a
mint leaf and strawberry.

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EFFEN® Spring Breeze
2 parts EFFEN® Cucumber Vodka
1 part Fresh Lime Juice
1 part Pineapple/Basil-Infused Simple Syrup (* see below)
2 Cucumber Slices
Soda

Method: In a mixing glass, muddle 2 cucumber slices. Add vodka, lime juice
and simple syrup and shake with ice. Strain into a tall Collins glass
filled over ice and top with soda. Garnish with cucumber slices.

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* Pineapple/Basil Syrup
1 Cup Water
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Fresh Pineapple ­ Cubed
8 Basil Leaves

Method: Combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil,
and then add basil leaves and pineapple chunks to simple syrup. Let infuse
for 1 hour.

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Summer is the time for parties and celebrations such as family reunions, barbecues and numerous summertime social gatherings.

Make sure your friends and family members enjoy great tasting cocktails. Tequila Don Julio is the perfect choice and will make any summer occasion a popular one with your guests.

Tequila Don Julio is offering several choice drink recipes that feature its tequila paired with lagers, resulting in the new go-to drink.

Try a Palo-veza after you finish that round of golf or a Little Dragon served with some spicy sausage at a backyard barbecue. Tequila Don Julio has the perfect recipe for you.

Here are the two Tequila Don Julio cocktail recipes:

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Palo-veza:
Created by New York City mixologist Tim Cooper
Ingredients:
1 ounce Tequila Don Julio Reposado
3 ounces Grapefruit Soda
3 ounces Lager
Grapefruit Peel for Garnish

Preparation:
1. Combine Tequila Don Julio Reposado, grapefruit soda and lager into a highball glass with ice (salted rim optional).
2. Garnish with a long grapefruit peel.

Ideal Serving Glass:
Highball glass

Yield:
1 drink, no drink contains more than 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol

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Little Dragon:
Created by New York City mixologist Tim Cooper
Ingredients:
3/4 ounce Tequila Don Julio Blanco
1/4 ounce Green Pepper Jalapeño Hot Sauce
1/4 ounce Agave nectar
3/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
6 ounces Lager
Pinch of Celery Salt

Preparation:
1. Combine Tequila Don Julio Blanco, green pepper jalapeño hot sauce, agave nectar, lime juice and celery salt into a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake and strain into a highball glass then top with six ounces of lager.
3. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Ideal Serving Glass:
Highball glass

Yield:
1 drink, no drink contains more than 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol

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