NEWS IN WINOGRAPHY

Gentlemen know their wine-pairings. That’s a rule. If like me, you’re too lazy to memorize the whole pairing map, remember you can come back to this post and use it as a cheat sheet! (Enlarge the table by clicking it)

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If you’re a connoisseur and a cigar aficionado, you must know the pleasure it is to match a cuban cigar with a swallow of Whisky or, even better Cognac XO. Well, this stainless steel flask is the perfect gadget to carry both your cigars and whisky in a retro manner. Cool, isn’t it? ($24, available here) Read the rest of this entry »

High-end suitcase maker Tumi and the booze wizards at Ketel One have teamed up to create the Tumi x Ketel One Mixology set, a mobile vodka bar that’s wrapped in ballistic nylon. This limited-edition handcrafted case features everything you need to make a Vodka Martini cocktail, including two magnum bottles of Ketel One Vodka. I imagine they went with ballistic nylon to support the bevy of drunk girls who will surely climb on top of this thing once they’ve had a couple of cosmos… Available soon Read the rest of this entry »

They say the old ones are the best and if Assouline‘s Vintage Cocktails book is anything to go by, we whole-heartedly agree. Whatever your poison, Mr Brian Van Flandern explores the lost art of mixing the perfect drink with simplicity and sophistication, covering all the essentials, from Brandy Alexanders to Margaritas. Available on Mr Porter for 40€. That’s another great gift for Christmas! If you’re too lazy to prepare your own cocktails, you can also check out our hotspot category. In Paris, I recommend the Prescription Cocktail Club (in the Odéon district).  Read the rest of this entry »

We came across this kit in San Francisco’s most exclusive gentlemen’s club called Wingtip. To wine lovers or would like to start on wine appreciation, Le Nez du Vin by Jean Lenoir is a great medium to start! This Le Nez du Vin kit for both white and red wine is merely a wine tasting game of aromas that contains little glass bottles of different aromas of fruit, flower and spices that can be found in wine. If you are wondering, how elaborated the tastes notes of the wines are, this is surely an answer. Each aroma has corresponding explanations on where you can usually feel and smell such, in different types of wines as well as the dishes you can suitably pair with. Available here Read the rest of this entry »

As a young, penny-less wine enthusiast, I’m always happy to discover great deals on fine wines. I take great pride in finding promising wine-makers and I really enjoy buying some grands crus from time to time just to keep in mind what a great wine has to look like. Well, I educate myself wandering in wine retail shops or online at more or less trusty websites. So you guess how simple my work is since I wait for the Vente-Privée Wine online sales : last year, they organised not less than 95 different flash sales with prices down 40% from regular retailers in average. And you can find both famous, luxurious chateaux as well as young talents they spotted. Basically, you don’t have to work hard looking for bargains ! Last June, we were invited to a really nice wine degustation where we were able to chat with some of the wine-makers they work with. We loved that we could share and learn with each and everyone of them and, obviously, try their amazing wines : Maison Nicolas Perrin and it’s amazing Côte-Rotie, Champagne Philipponat, Domaine Hugel et Fils, Maison Godet‘s crazy white cognac, Chateau Palmer‘s mind-blowing Alter Ego… So many great souvenirs ! I advise you watch for the next sales carefully guys ! I got myself 6 bottles of Chateau de Berne‘s rosé for almost nothing !! (link) Read the rest of this entry »

Global demand for truly exceptional top-end malt whisky is now greater than it’s ever been, and competition for that limited release can be fierce, so if you’re really serious about whisky, you need something to give you the edge. Which is why whisky expert David Clelland has launched 1494, an exclusive new whisky club based in New York offering insider knowledge on upcoming whisky auctions, as well as guidance on whisky procurement, investment and, of course, appreciation. Read the rest of this entry »

Girls, this one is fo you: it’s getting hot out there, we all fancy a little cocktail but don’t want to gain weight the week before our beach session: well, Skinnygirl Ready to Serve Cocktails might be the answer.

What actually started with the Skinnygirl Margarita from the mind of author, chef, TV star and entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel, has turned, quite frankly, into a cocktail revolution. Now, you can also enjoy Skinnygirl Vodka with Natural Flavors, Skinnygirl Ready to Serve Cocktails, and Skinnygirl, the Wine Collection.  The concept is quite simple: you’ll be getting a great tasting, naturally-sweetened, low-calorie option with each and every sip. Link Read the rest of this entry »

Hanging around the capital of Denmark, you are obviously more used to fall upon a Carlsberg or Tuborg noisy bar. Nonetheless, you don’t really have to flee far away from the hustle and bustle of the invigorating city to find the perfect gem. Modestly with the name of its address and located just across the road from the Danish Parliament, Ved Stranden 10 wine bar was built in the 18th century. No framed and stable wine list at the bar, just give the welcoming staff some key words about what you would like or discover, it will scrupulously take care of the rest. Read the rest of this entry »