October 15, 2012 — Davidoff reveals the perfect holiday gifting solution for the first time in the brand’s history. Perfect for the Davidoff aficionado, gifts include festive holiday sleeves wrapping an array of Davidoff cigars as well as accessories from the brand. Whether shopping for dad, friends or colleagues, the assortment features a variety of price points to allow the perfect gift for everyone. The holiday designs will adorn some of the brand’s assortment packs, including the Robusto Collection, Tubos Assortment and the 9-Cigar Assortment, as well as its Puro d’Oro series 10-count boxes. Holiday items will begin shipping to Appointed Merchants November 1, just in time to hit shelves prior to holiday shopping.
NEW YORK, Oct. 9, 2012 — /PRNewswire/ — A new collection of some of the world’s rarest single malts has launched at the Houston location of Spec’s, one of the largest wine, spirits and fine food retailers in Texas. For the first time in the U.S., The Dalmore has released the Constellation Collection – the brand’s very best whiskies created at its iconic Scottish Highland distillery between the years 1964 to 1992. The rare collection, which in its entirety will be sold for $250,000, was released to the public for sale on October 8th at an in-store unveiling.
The Dalmore Constellation Collection consists of 21 individual vintage expressions, which have spent their lives finessing in the finest casks from around the world before being bottled at natural cask strength and at natural color to ensure that none of the collection’s character has been diluted. Each expression is housed in a spectacular hand-blown crystal decanter, which has been engraved by hand and adorned with a solid silver stag. The Dalmore plans to only release nine full collections in cities around the world such as London, Paris, Moscow, and Hong Kong.
“It is with great pleasure to introduce the Constellation Collection at Spec’s and to the United States,” says David Robertson, Rare Whisky Director at The Dalmore. “These rare bottles of whisky, often referred to as Investment Grade Scotch, are rapidly becoming a hot commodity in the alternative investment market, and outperforming luxury goods such as gold and diamonds. These single cask whiskies from The Dalmore distillery are a truly remarkable piece of craftsmanship. They will certainly stand the test of time and continue to rise in value year after year.”
Investment Grade Scotch has made waves in the media recently for high-ticket prices and even more so, their return on investment. In the last two years, The Dalmore has sold a number of rare and precious whiskies in record time. The Dalmore’s Sirius peaked at $16,140 a bottle, and with only 12 available worldwide in 2009, the bottles sold out in four days and now have changed hands for twice that price. The Dalmore is also the fastest growing malt whisky in the world amongst the top 25 global malt brands, as verified by the IWSR (International Wine & Spirits Research), and is rated the top investment whisky by independent authority Whisky Highland.
“The Constellation Collection is an extremely rare and precious offering, and our customers will appreciate the opportunity to purchase something that only a few other people in the world have the privilege of owning,” says John Rydman, CEO of Spec’s. “Our customers who purchase some of the rarest bottles of scotch understand that this can be a superior alternative investment, actually outperforming some traditional alternative investment assets, and we are confident this collection will attract the right buyer.”
The Dalmore distillery has been producing exceptional single malt whisky since 1839 and has some of the oldest and rarest stocks of any Highland distillery. Crafted using a process which has been perfected over the last 150 years, The Dalmore is now the world’s fastest growing single malt and is home of the record-breaking The Dalmore Trinitas 64 year old and a number of other rare expressions such as Sirius, Selene, Candela and Oculus.
Parent Company History: Whyte & Mackay was founded on the docks of Glasgow in 1844 by James Whyte & Charles Mackay. As part of its award winning portfolio of spirits, Whyte & Mackay also own The Dalmore, Jura and Glayva liqueur.
Whyte & Mackay was bought by The UB Group in 2007, one of India’s largest conglomerates with diverse interests in aviation, brewing, distilling, engineering, fertilizers, biotechnology, information technology and real estate. Becoming part of United Spirits Limited means that the Whyte & Mackay brands are now part of the world’s second largest drinks group. For more information on The UB Group or United Spirits please log on to www.theubgroup.com
Spec’s Company Information: Since 1962, family-owned Spec’s has been providing exceptional service and an impressive selection of unique finds for hungry and thirsty Texans. With locations all across Texas, this once-small company now has tens of thousands of products in Texas Superstores(SM), including thousands of wines and spirits, mixers, hundreds of craft beers, walk -in humidors, gourmet foods and accessories.
SOURCE The Dalmore
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/10/09/4894993/the-dalmore-launches-the-first.html#storylink=cpy
Sad news for all of us Savinelli USA lovers. It looks like Savinelli USA will be closing down and transferring management to Laudisi Distribution. Though from reading the letter, sent by Sonia Rivolta, CEO of Savinelli, it looks like the great pipes made by Savinelli will still be available everywhere. My question is what sort of impact this will have on the availability of Savinelli cigars in the U.S.
Last year, one of the most fantastic and unique events of the year was Tango in the Castle, an Argentine Tango show, complete with drinks, professional performances, and a milonga (tango social) that is open for the public to dance tango. And it all takes place at Morningside Castle, which sports beautiful architecture and a Gothic look that makes the Tango that much more romantic and enjoyable.
Those of you who know me know that as a tango dancer I have been to many events in New York City. I say with total confidence that, whether you dance tango or not, this is not an evening to miss, especially with ticket prices as low as around $50.
Me at Tango in the Castle last year w/Sergio Segura, Event Host
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Morningside Castle, 100 Claremont Ave, NYC, (120th and 122th, UWS) Friday Oct. 19th at 7 PM. Special cocktail hour for VIP ticket holders at 5:45 PM. Special cocktail hour for VIP ticket holders at 5:45 PM.
A unique and thrilling event, TANGO IN THE CASTLE fuses the gothic ambience of Morningside Castle with the rousing passion of tango. Guests will enjoy an elegant reception & show as they listen to the live orchestra of Grammy-winner Raul Jaurena. Following the reception world-renowned dancers will take to the stage to perform in the show “Buenos Aires Tango Variete”. These include the Broadway Legend Nelson Avila & Madalyn Klein, the fantastic Lombardi brothers, and the sensuous young couple Diego Blanco and Ana Padron. Also performing will be the new, rising star of tango and burlesque, Medianoche, the amazing contortionist Natasha King, Â the razor sharp Sergio Segura, the daring Dame Cuchifrita, and other guest performers. The evening will be topped off with a milonga. with songs by the vocalist Hector Pablo Pereyra a.k.a. “El Pulpo.” Â Guests will dance to the live orchestra and the music of acclaimed tango DJ, Yesim.
TANGO IN THE CASTLE will offer limited VIP tickets. VIP guests will be invited to a special cocktail hour with complimentary wine, artisanal cheeses and fruit spread, beginner and intermediate tango lessons, a short performance and gift bags. VIP guests will be provided with reserved optimal seating.
In Advance (online)
Admission;: $48 seating show and Milonga, $38 standing show and milonga, $95 VIP, $20 Milonga only (social dancing)
At the door
VIP tickets — $120 per person, Show seating with milonga — $60, Standing show with milonga– $50, Milonga only-$25
DISCOUNTED – Cash only until Oct 10th
At Strictly Tango NYC. Mondays 7-9pm or Saturdays 2-4pm – Pearl Studios, 500 8th ave, 12th fl.
Cocktail Tango: Tuesdays 7-11 pm. Stella Restaurant, 213 Front st South street seaport.
Droom: Wednesdayt Oct 3rd, 9-11pm at Drom 85 Ave A
Through Sergio Segura or Baneza Bini at milongas or social events.
NO BYOB – NO BYOB – NO BYOB
Seating policy: Fist come, first serve
VIP: Must arrive before 7pm to reserve seat. After 7pm, seating is not guaranteed.
Dress Code: Cocktail attire, vintage encouraged. Be “Glamorous.”, Suggested for ladies: Corset, hat and feathers. And for gentlemen: Vest, hat, tie or bow tie.
Program:
5:45 PM doors open for VIP cocktail reception.
7:15 PM doors open for the “Buenos Aires Tango Variete” show
8:15 PM doors open for Milonga until 11pm
NON REFUNDABLE
Event
Sergio Segura
Argentine Tango Producer
Director of Strictly Tango NYC Dance School
www.sergioseguraproductions.com
www.strictlytangonyc.com
October 8, 2012 (Estelí, Nicaragua) — Joya de Nicaragua® (JDN), the oldest Nicaraguan cigar manufacturer, announced today that it is rebranding its new Cuenca y Blanco to “CyB by Joya de Nicaragua”. This change is being proactively, self implemented to satisfy the possibility of any unintended, potential trademark conflicts with other brands, and is being done so in the spirit of maintaining the harmony within our small industry of premium handmade cigars. The brand name change will not alter the blend in any way; the CyB cigar will be preserving its unrivaled quality and essence.
“We did not realize there was any potential conflict over the name, otherwise we never would have used it to begin with”, expresses Dr. Alejandro Martínez Cuenca, Owner and President of JDN, “It is never our intention to imitate others and rather than waste energy in a possibly long, drawn out legal dispute, simply changing it resolves any issue. I want our efforts focused solely on the working tobaccos, maintaining the quality of our cigars and satisfying our customers. Our industry is facing much more relevant challenges today that demand our united and collective efforts. We appreciate the forty-five years of trust our cigar consumers, retailers and distributors have afforded Joya de Nicaragua and it is our duty and honor to always ensure our brands continue to be the global icons of the Nicaraguan Spirit”.
José Blanco, Senior VP of JDN adds, “All of us are extremely proud of CyB. We spent a year perfecting this intricate blend of tobaccos to deliver a truly unique smoking experience. It’s a medium to full bodied smoke, with lots of flavor and complexity, with a great aroma and a long finish. We may have changed the name, but the jewel we have created continues to be exactly the same!”
Cigars shipped to our wholesale customers from today forward by Drew Estate, our US Distributor, will reflect this name change. Like the cigar itself, the brand’s overall design and packaging remains identical, the only difference being the name. Some legacy-boxed cigars from the initial launch may remain in the marketplace during the transition.
Here’s a “place to know” for all of you luxury livers in Tribeca. AIRE Ancient Baths New York is taking an ancient Romanesque look at public baths and spa.
According to the website:
Aire Ancient Baths is a retreat that brings to life the history of our ancestors who turned the public baths into a feast for the senses.
At the end of the 5th century B.C., the upper classes of Ancient Rome attended the magnificent bath houses to enjoy the pleasures of the public bath (thermae). They were true palaces.
The bathing ritual began in the “Tepidarium”, the warm-water pool, then went on to the “Caldarium”, the hot-water pool or the high-temperature steam room “Lanconicum”, and lastly to the “Frigidarium”, the cold-water pool. This ritual was repeated three or four times. Immediately afterwards, the “tractatores” or masseurs stretched the muscles of the guests who then went to the “unctores” who anointed them with fragrant oils.
The Ottomans and the Arabs also considered the baths as a place to meet, rest and socialize.
October 4, 2012 (Tampa, FL) — This holiday season is all about affordable luxury. We have developed several new products geared at providing you the most “bang for your buck” without compromising taste, quality and construction. Take a look at some of the new items scheduled to hit shelves just in time for the 2012 holiday shopping season.
Brick House Ashtray Combo
The Brick House Ashtray Combo features 3 handmade Brick House cigars set in a 2 finger custom ceramic ashtray. Originally a Cuban cigar, the Brick House brand was revived in 2009 as a Nicaraguan puro and quickly earned a spot in Cigar Aficionado’s prestigious Top 25 Cigars of the Year. Critics have noted the brand’s “subtly sweet flavors of nougat, caramel and pepper” and “well-constructed” body. The Brick House Ashtray Combo gift set includes 3 Brick House cigars in the popular robusto size. A beautifully crafted Brick House ashtray features the brand’s historic label; a depiction of the founding family’s Brick home for which the brand is named. With an MSRP of just $29.95, the Brick House Ashtray Combo makes the perfect holiday gift. For more information about Brick House cigars, go to www.brickhousecigars.com.
Gift Set Includes:
Three Brick House Cigars (robusto)
One Brick House Ceramic Ashtray
Suggested Retail $29.95
Diamond Crown Holiday Collection
More than just a gift, the Limited Edition Diamond Crown Holiday Collection features three Diamond Crown Cigars not available anywhere else. All superbly crafted in a larger double belicoso (6 3/4″ x 54) size, the Collection offers the exquisite taste of the Diamond Crown family in three different wrappers and three different blends which are not commercially available. All three cigars are carefully packaged in a luxurious leather carrying case and Diamond Crown gift box for the holidays. The supply on this collection is extremely limited and will only be available at select Diamond Crown accounts.
Gift Set Includes:
Leather Carrying Case
One Diamond Crown MAXIMUS
One Diamond Crown Julius Caeser
One Diamond Crown Cameroon Select
Suggested Retail: $57.50
Diamond Crown American Series Humidors
Over two hundred years ago, our forefathers were known for making the finest quality furniture pieces out of the hearty Cherry hard wood that grows deep in the Adirondack Mountains. Today, we are proud to use those same time-honored traditions to bring you The Diamond Crown American Series Humidors® exquisite humidors made from American hardwood on American soil.
Each Diamond Crown American Series humidor begins as a six-sided box and then is cut open to form separate lid and base sections. This ensures that the lid and the base will always be flush and fit properly. As an added benefit, the lid and base are hinged with piano hinges for a sturdy, but smooth and precise closure.
All Diamond Crown American Series humidor interiors contain the finest Spanish cedar which offers a distinct aromatic character that enhances and preserves the flavor of premium cigars. In addition, every American Series humidor is equipped with the newest generation of the Diamond Crown IMAS® humidification system and the Diamond Crown adjustable digital hygrometer to maintain optimum conditions for appropriate storage.
Available in Fall 2012, the Diamond Crown American Series is offered in three sizes, The Delaware, The Jefferson and The Washington with a suggested retail between $300 and $375. All Diamond Crown humidors come with a lifetime guaranteed warranty.
London, 2012 – The outstanding international growth of WILLIAM LAWSON’SR Blended Scotch whisky has been recognised by the IWSR (International Wine & Spirit Research) in its recently published 2011 Elite Brands list.
The Bacardi-owned whisky has successfully established itself in the Elite Brands list for a 5th consecutive year and is proud to have risen three places to number six in the list this year; ranking higher than any other Scotch whisky.
WILLIAM LAWSON’S passed the milestone of achieving impressive sales of more than 2 million nine litre cases worldwide last year and has also recently been acknowledged by the IWSR as the fastest-growing of the 2011 Top 50 international spirits brands, with a massive 46.1% value increase in 2011 vs. 2010.
The strict criteria to join the Elite Brands list set by the IWSR has remained unchanged since 2007, but has become tougher to meet in recent years and as a result the list has reduced from 22 brands in 2009 to just 11 brands this year.
The IWSR is one of the most comprehensive suppliers of volume and value data for the global drinks industry.
An Elite Brand must sell more than one million cases worldwide, and demonstrate an international presence, with at least 40 per cent of sales outside its main market. These spirits must also achieve a consistently steady compound annual growth rate of 5% over the last five years. WILLIAM LAWSON’S achieved a hugely impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.4% over the last five years.
France is a major market for WILLIAM LAWSON’S, accounting for one-third of all sales; while Belgium, Portugal, and Spain are also important established markets. Over the last year the brand has enjoyed strong growth in Eastern Europe and Latin America; in particular Russia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Uruguay, where the brand has been in market for less than four years.
Esther Park, Global Marketing Director, WILLIAM LAWSON’S Scotch whisky, commented, “WILLIAM LAWSON’S continued presence and even higher ranking this year in the Elite Brands list is a huge accolade. We have had an incredible year around the world, with success in both established and developing markets. We are delighted to achieve this recognition and are proud to take our place amongst the world’s elite spirits.”
www.williamlawsons.com
NOTES
WILLIAM LAWSON’S and GLEN DEVERON are trademarks
About the IWSR’s Elite Brands List Criteria The criteria required to become an Elite Brand remain unchanged since 2007.
Brands must sell over 1m cases worldwide, with at least 40% of sales outside their main market to demonstrate international presence, and also maintain a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of at least 5% for the last five years of growth – i.e. 2006-2011 – to demonstrate sustained growth.
About the IWSR
The IWSR is the leading provider of data on wine, spirits and RTDs. The IWSR’s database, essential to the industry, is used by all of the largest multinational wine and spirits companies, as well as many more local companies. The IWSR has a unique methodology which, by tapping into local country expertise, allows us to get closer to what is actually consumed and better understand how markets work. The IWSR conducts face-to-face interviews with 1,200 companies in 115 countries each year, with further input from 350 companies. The IWSR tracks overall consumption and trends at brand, quality and category level for wine, spirits and RTDs, and aims to provide data that is as accurate and detailed as possible.
October 2, 2012 — Habanos, S.A. is pleased to present the new Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure de Luxe, an exclusive release aimed at La Casa del Habano franchise stores with more than 140 stores all around the world.
Hoyo de Monterrey is one of the most historic Habanos brands. Hoyo de Monterrey owes its origin to the town of San Juan y Martinez, which lies at the heart of the Vuelta Abajo tobacco zone in Pinar del Rio, Cuba. Here the Hoyo de Monterrey plantation, one of the great Vegas de Primera , can be reached through a gate on the town’s main square inscribed “Hoyo de Monterrey, José Gener. 1860″.
The flavour of Hoyo de Monterrey’s blend makes it an attractive choice for those who seek a delicate yet aromatic Habano that is lighter to the taste but with great elegance and complexity.
The brand is renowned for its Double Corona and for the range of medium and slender gauge vitolasknown as the Le Hoyo Series. There is also the prestigious Epicure Series, the No. 1 and No. 2, to which the longer Epicure Especial was added in 2008. Now the Epicure de Luxe is added to the Epicure Series in this special production for La Casa del Habano.
All sizes are, “Totalmente a mano tripa larga” – totally handmade, long filler – using filler and binder leaves from the Vuelta Abajo tobacco zone.
The factory name selected for this special production is Mágicos (ring Gauge 52 x 115 mm in length) is highly appreciated by Habanos smokers, that will now have the occasion to enjoy it within the Hoyo de Monterrey brand with its own features of flavour and aroma.
Each box of this special production contain10 Epicure de Luxe in a Slide Lid Box type. All Habanos have been produced Totalmente a Mano con Tripa larga –Totally Hand Made long filler- by skillfull rollers in Cuba’s factories.
Especially for those connoisseurs who prefer the elegant taste and aroma unmistakably found in the brand, this exclusive vitola will be available soon in the La Casa del Habano stores worldwide.
Brand: Hoyo de Monterrey
Commercial name: Epicure de Luxe
Factory name: Mágicos Measures:
Ring gauge 52 (21,43mm) x 115 mm. in length
Presentations: Slide Lid Box (SLB) of 10 units
As a finetobaccoclub.com/ Contributing Editor and CRAAmbassador, I was happy to attend the event and see my friends Louis and Chris (among others) at the Madison Ave. shop.
For the tenth anniversary, we commissioned URNY, a local Brooklyn artist to create some artwork that expresses the spirit and attitude of the Zino line. Guest met the artist as they were at the shop creating their great artwork and also signing giveaways and boxes for those who purchased a box of these great smokes. This new blend of cigar is a spectacular medium bodied smoke in a Toro format.
Big Ronnie and the Artists; Fernando Romero & Mike BacaFernando & Mike of UR New York
Fernando & Mike of UR New York
It was a very nice catered event with a complimentary Chivas Blended Scotch Whisky bar. A great evening at our Madison Avenue Lounge.
A unique and thrilling event, TANGO IN THE CASTLE fuses the gothic ambience of Morningside Castle with the rousing passion of tango. Guests will enjoy an elegant reception & show as they listen to the live orchestra of Grammy-winner Raul Jaurena. Following the reception world-renowned dancers will take to the stage to perform in the show “Buenos Aires Tango Variete”. These include the Broadway Legend Nelson Avila & Madalyn Klein, the fantastic Lombardi brothers, and the sensuous young couple Diego Blanco and Ana Padron. Also performing will be the new, rising star of tango and burlesque, Medianoche, the amazing contortionist Natasha King, Â the razor sharp Sergio Segura, the daring Dame Cuchifrita, and other guest performers. The evening will be topped off with a milonga. with songs by the vocalist Hector Pablo Pereyra a.k.a. “El Pulpo.” Â Guests will dance to the live orchestra and the music of acclaimed tango DJ, Yesim.
