Wednesday, December 28, 2011

The Black Grouse: A "rare breed" swoops in





The Black Grouse: A “rare breed” ushers in winter drinking pleasure

Dwight The Wine Doctor

By Dwight Casimere

Bartender Photos: Peter Wagner

Drink Photos: Jamie Falkowski

Photos

-Bartender Mike Ryan of Sable

-All Mimsy were the Borogroaves

-A Quiet Smoke in the Woods

The Black Grouse: a “famous” way to usher in winter drinking pleasure

Winter is hard upon us. What better time to cozy up to a great glass of Scotch in the form of a new blended Scotch whisky that has just flown into the premium drinks nest in Chicago. The Black Grouse ($26) is the ‘kissin cousin’ of The Famous Grouse. The latter already lives up to its name with its famous pedigree. Blended primarily from Highland Park and Macallan whiskeys, it’s the liquid equivalent of a child sired by two Oscar-winning actors. The Black Grouse takes it a step further, setting it a breed apart. The Black Grouse is a marriage of the Famous Grouse and Islay malt whiskies. Known for their peatiness, the Islay adds a deepening layer of smoothness and smokiness. With its long aromatic finish and hints of cocoa and spice, it deserves the accolades it has been getting. It’s a yin and yang experience, with its mix of sweetness and smokiness.

The Black Grouse is named after the endangered species that is distinguished by its deep color, blazing white feathers on its wingtips and tail and a shock of red plumage on its crown. This is a rare bird that likes to strut its stuff with a characteristic gleam in its eye, not unlike its beverage namesake!

Whisky makers seem to be following the same mantra as winemakers, particularly in California; that good wood makes for good drinking. Experimenting with unique woods or aging techniques is the name of the game. That’s where the makers of The Black Grouse come in. They’ve applied wood aging to create a new spin on The Famous Grouse, which is already the best-selling blended Scotch on its home turf. As a result, The Black Grouse has a terrific wood backbone and a long, smoky finish. Add that to the dominant flavors of molasses, vanilla and dried apricots and you have a seductive blend that is as smooth as silk on the palate. Various reviewers have called The Black Grouse “poetry in the bottle” and a quick tasting confirmed that accolade.

The Black Grouse made its Chicago debut at The Drawing Room in the Gold Coast. Mixologists Charles Joly of The Drawing Room, Lynn House of Blackbird and Mike Ryan of Sable showcased their original creations for this rare breed of blended Scotch. Here are the recipes for their cocktails:

The Fair Maiden (created by Charles Joly)

1.5 oz The Famous Grouse

.5 oz Eldergin Liqueur

.5 oz Honey Syrup

.75 oz Grapefruit

.25 oz Lemon Juice

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Add ice, shake and strain into a coupe. Use a channel knife to mist top of the cocktail with citrus oil. Garnish with twist.

St. Andrew's Nightcap (created by Charles Joly)

2 oz The Black Grouse

.75 oz Vermouth

.25 oz Coffee Liqueur

2 dashes Chocolate Bitters

Combine The Black Grouse, vermouth and coffee liqueur in a mixing glass over ice. Stir to chill and dilute. Strain into a chilled coupe and dash with bitters.

The Royal Mile (created by Charles Joly)

1.5 oz The Black Grouse

.5 oz Benedictine Liqueur

.5 oz Earl Grey Syrup

.75 oz Lemon Juice

Egg White

Rare Tea Cellars Bitters

Combine all ingredients aside from bitters in a mixing glass and dry shake to combine ingredients. Add ice, shake and strain into an old fashioned glass with ice. Decoratively add bitters to top of cocktail.

Highland Breeze (created by Lynn House)

2 oz. The Black Grouse

.5 oz. Fresh Lime Juice

1 tsp. Fresh Grated Ginger

2 tsp. Orange Marmalade

1.5 oz. Tonic

Combine lime, ginger and marmalade in a mixing glass and stir until marmalade dissolves. Add The Black Grouse and ice, shake until well chilled. Double strain over fresh ice into a double old- fashioned glass, top with tonic. Gently stir and garnish with a blood orange twist.

Celtic Flip (created by Lynn House)

2 oz. The Black Grouse

1 Egg

.5 oz. Cream

.75 oz. Spiced Syrup*

3 tsp. Whipped Cream

Fresh Grated Nutmeg

.25 oz. The Black Grouse Spiced Syrup**

Combine The Black Grouse, egg, cream and spiced syrup in a mixing glass and dry shake. Add ice and shake until well chilled and strain into a coupe glass. Top with whipped cream, sprinkle fresh grated nutmeg on top and drizzle The Black Grouse spiced syrup on top.

*Spiced Syrup

2 c. Sugar

1 c. Water

1 tsp Ground Allspice

1 tsp Dried Orange Peel

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, simmer until sugar is dissolved.

**The Black Grouse Spiced Syrup

3 parts Spiced Syrup

1 part The Black Grouse

Simmer at a low boil until reduced by half.

All Mimsy Were the Borogroves (created by Mike Ryan)

2 oz. The Black Grouse

.75 oz. Fresh Pressed Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice

.75 oz. Cinnamon Syrup*

1 dash Housemade Chocolate Bitters

Shake and strain, serve up in a coupe glass. Garnish with shaved dark chocolate, 90%+ cacao.

*Cinnamon Syrup

1.5 c. Brown Sugar (loosely packed)

1 c. Water

2 Cinnamon Sticks (cracked)

Pinch salt

Combine all ingredients in a pan and bring to a simmer, then remove from heat. Let sit one hour, then strain, bottle and chill.

A Quiet Smoke in the Woods (created by Mike Ryan)

2 oz The Black Grouse

.75 oz. Madeira

.25 oz Luxardo Maraschino Liqueur

Two hard dashes Angostura bitters

Stir and strain, serve up in a coupe glass. Garnish with a Luxardo cherry.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Brugal 1888 perfect for ringing in the New Year


Ring in the New Year with premium spirits

By Dwight Casimere

It’s no secret that wine lovers also enjoy premium spirits. After a Christmas Holiday filled with endless Champagne toasts and dinners with a dizzying myriad of wines, indulging in premium spirits such as a single malt scotch or a fine rum or tequila is a nice change of pace. In addition to the sheer joy of appreciating the fine craftsmanship that goes into making a premium spirit, there’s also the sense of adventure that can be created by a skilled mixologist. With a little practice and the right bottle of libation, even an amateur can make any number of flavorful and imaginative drinks that can make toasting the New Year a night to remember.

One of the newest imports in the premium rum category is Brugal 1888 Grand Reserva Rum ($49) from the Dominican Republic. A true expression of great Caribbean rum, Brugal 1888 is double distilled and double aged, giving it a unique, upscale flavor comparable to drinking a fine cognac. Selected from the finest rums, it is skillfully aged first in American white oak for up to eight years, and then matured in European oak casks previously used for aging Sherry for another six to eight years. Master Distiller Don Gustavo Ortega Zeller Brugal is a 5th generation family member, delivering a true expression of the Brugal legacy.

Overall, Brugal is the top-selling rum in the Dominican Republic. Spain has traditionally been its largest foreign market, but as of this fall Brugal has hit American shores with a tsunami of acceptance, particularly in the New York market. Over the past few months, it has been expanding its reach nationwide with a series of promotional events. Brugal 1888 is a new, limited-edition premium beverage that references the year of origin of the family’s rum-making tradition.

Casks used in Brugal 1888 aging aren’t any run-of-the-mill affair. Handpicked or handcrafted under the guidance of George Espe, The Macallan Master of Wood, these special Brugal 1888 casks are arranged horizontally during the aging process in a specially designed cellar. They are grouped together in batches of 68 units, to a maximum of 14,000 bottles. The final blend contains rums that have been aged anywhere from 5 to 14 years. The result is stunning luxury rum that reflects 120 years of blending experience.

With its deep amber color and complex nose of scented bouquets and hints of spice, cinnamon and dried fruit and back notes of chocolate, licorice and roasted coffee, it’s a terrific flavor adventure on its own. Brugal 1888 invites long evenings of sipping by the fire. It’s also great as either an aperitif or after-dinner drink.

Increasingly, premium spirits are finding their way into the mixologist’s lexicon. On the club scene, it’s almost de rigueur as a go-to ingredient for great cocktails. The Old Fashioned is a popular wintertime drink that is a classic. It’s been updated with the introduction of the Rum Old Fashioned. Although usually made with Bourbon or Rye whisky, made with Brugal 1888, it’s sure to become a wintertime favorite and a great way to toast the New Year in style! Here’s the recipe:

Fancy Brugal 1888 Old Fashioned cocktail

In a large cocktail blender pour over ice and combine:

2 oz Brugal 1888 Rum

1 oz simple syrup

1 dash Angostura bitters

Stir, then strain and pour into a wide-mouthed cocktail or champagne glass

Rub a cut lemon or orange around the rim

Cut a thin slice of lemon or orange rind and curl it around the cocktail stirrer and add to the finished cocktail. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and enjoy!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Moet & Chandon toasts Golden Globes, New Year with special vintages







Story by Dwight Casimere

Photos by Michael Kovac


-Golden Globe Nomination Presenters Sofia Vergara and Gerard Butler toast with Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 2002 Champagne

-Golden Globe Nomination presenters Sofia Vergara (far left-nominated, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in Mini-Series or Motion Picture for the TV series “Modern Family) and actor Gerard Butler (2nd left-The Bounty Hunter, How to Train Your Dragon, both 2010) toast the 69th Golden Globe Award nominees with Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage Champagne 2002 with fellow presenter, actress Rashida Jones (center)and Moet & Chandon USA vp Ludovic du Plessis(r).


Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 1911 Collector’s Case for auction


Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 2002


Moet & Chandon Imperial


Moet & Chandon USA vp Ludovic du Plessis


Story by Dwight Casimere


Beverly Hills-When this year’s Golden Globe nominations were telecast on live global television, Hollywood Foreign Press Association president, Dr. Aida Takla-O’Reilly and Ludovic du Plessis, vice president of Moet & Chandon USA led the toast with Moet & Chandon 2002 Grand Vintage Champagne ($84.95) at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. This year, the Champagne house celebrates 21 years as the Official Champagne of the Golden Globes.

For the first time, Moet & Chandon will serve its Grand Vintage Champagne from customized magnums created especially for the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards. “Grand Vintage 2002 is a remarkable Champagne,” said vice president Ludovic du Plessis. “It honors the past, yet looks forward to the future. Characterized by its aromas of white peach and nectarine and a velvety texture and precise finish, this is an exceptional champagne that mirrors the excellence in execution that the Golden Globes honor in its special awards night.”

Over 1,000 Moët & Chandon Imperial minis and 500 Grand Vintage 2002 magnums will be served on both the red carpet and inside the ballroom totaling over 9,000 glasses of Moët & Chandon enjoyed during one of Hollywood’s biggest nights.

As Christmas and New Year’s Eve approach, Moet & Chandon’s flagship Champagne, Imperial ($27), is expected to be the largest selling Champagne in the world. Imperial, familiar to Champagne lovers around the world, has only recently been introduced to this country, replacing the wildly popular White Star label. Non Vintage Imperial’s reception by both the wine press and the public has been enthusiastic. Venerable wine critic Robert Parker called it “a straightforward, tasty Champagne made in an easygoing style.”

Dwight The Wine Doctor sampled it with a lunch composed of New England Lobster in Tarragon and Truffle Butter and a side of Homemade Linguini with Arugula and Portabello Mushrooms. The results were astounding. Imperial’s innate apple and citrus flavors, combined with its notes of honey on the tongue and crisp ginger aftertaste were the perfect foil to the briny, yet creamy ummami (mouth feel) of the lobster (enhanced with the sauce made with Kerry Gold unsalted Irish butter, a must for cooking!) and the earthy minerality and slight peppery edge of the pasta dish. A Yin/Yang of flavors is created in the mouth. You should really try this dish as a starter for the Holiday meal, especially for ringing in the New Year.

Imperial’s complexity and flavor are unparalleled. It’s value and price to quality ratio is among the highest in the industry. No dosage listing is given. None is needed. Suffice to say that it simply tastes GOOD.

With its rich, soft mouth-filling feel and its clean, sophisticated aftertaste, you cannot find better Champagne for the price!

2011 also marks a Special Event for Moet & Chandon and a milestone in the Champagne house’s history. Celebrating 100 years of its Grand Vintage 1911, Moet & Chandon is using its landmark Champagne in a special way. “We are auctioning off exclusive collector’s cases of Moet & Chandon Grand Vintage 1911 in discrete local auctions all over the world with the hopes that each auction would build excitement and bigger donations for the designated charities,” du Plessis said. New York’s auction at Christie’s benefitted The Lunchbox Fund, a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to improving the lives of students in South African township high schools. “The $66 thousand sale will help them immeasurably,” du Plessis noted.

Moet, according to du Plessis, has the largest Grand Vintage cellar in the world. “We had a limited, yet impressive reserve of 1911, 100 year old Champagne,” du Plessis explained. “The Chef de Cave knew that the 1911 vintage would be superior. In fact, he noted in his book that this was an “Annee Memorable,” a year to remember. With these centenary releases at auction, we not only seek to help those in need, but to also honor the living legacy of almost 270 years of winemaking excellence.”

Friday, December 2, 2011

Art Basel Miami Beach 2011:A magnet for luxury, celebrities










Art Basel Miami Beach: 10th year is the charm

1. Dwight Casimere with Art Basel Miami Beach Host Committee Chairman Norman Braman and Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower

2. New World Symphony's Michael Tilson Thomas and Audi's Car of the Future

3. Visual Artist Ivan Toth Depena and his Reflect at Miami's Stephen P. Clark Government Center

4. Collector George Kravis of Tulsa, Oklahoma with Miami publicist Susan Grant Lewin and artist, architect and composer Christopher Janney at Vernissage

5. Daniel Libeskind with his new masterpiece eL

6. Sean Combs at the Art Collector's Lounge

7. Michael Douglas escapes the maddening crowd at Vernissage

8. Art at Art Basel Miami Beach 2011

Miami Beach---“There are more private aircraft that fly into Art Basel Miami than there are to the Super Bowl.” That was the proud assertion of Norman Braman, Chairman, Art Basel Miami Beach Host Committee at the Media Reception for the opening of the 10th edition of Art Basel Miami Beach.

If we are in the midst of a global recession, there’s no sign of it in this sun-drenched paradise of a city that has become one big art gallery for the week. At the Vernissage opening night parties in the Miami Beach Convention Center and the temporary exhibition hall space of the Design Center across the street, artists, well-heeled collectors and art lovers mingled with celebrities and heads of companies pitching luxury cars, jewelry champagne and corporate jets.

Outside the Vernissage party, there was Michael Douglas and wife, Catherine Zeta Jones being muscled by security guards past a phalanx of paparazzi and adoring fans into a waiting Escalade. Over in the Design Center, Maestro Michael Tilson Thomas, head of Miami Beach’s New World Symphony, was drooling over Audi’s Car of the Future at a Veuve Clicquot Champagne reception. At the Fendi lounge, world-renowned artist Christopher Janney was touting his new Interactive Art Installation, Harmonic Convergence that had just been dedicated at Miami International Airport to billionaire collector George Kravis whose Design Collection just got its own pavilion at the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Sean “Puffy” Combs was getting the VIP treatment at the Art Collector Lounge as the Ruinart Champagne flowed to the tune of $100 a bottle and over at the Culture Club, a “pop-up” gallery hosted by Picnic Magazine and the Mayor of Tel Aviv, Architect Michael Arad, designer of the 9/11 Memorial at the site of the World Trade Center terrorist attack in New York, held forth with a probing discussion of the creative process behind his design.

And, Oh Yes, there’s art! By the container ship load. Huge art pieces have been erected in public spaces, such as parks and vacant lots throughout Miami. Hotel lobbies, poolside cabanas and even entire floors of rooms and suites have been converted into instant art galleries. Even intermodal steel containers, like the very ones used to ship many of the art pieces from overseas by air, ocean and highway, have been similarly turned into “pop-up” galleries. In the chic Design District, once a crumbling aggregate of run down warehouses, a caravan of tricked out Mini Coopers have been turned into moving canvases by local artists and a convoy of mobile homes, cum art galleries, have become the home-away-from-home for a contingent of nomadic outside artists. Miami Beach’s Collins Park has been transformed with a record number of 24 public art works.

No space is left untouched by art. The bland Stephen P. Clark Government Center is now awash with dazzling color thanks to a new installation by visual artist Ivan Toth Depena. The installation, Reflect, was commissioned by the Miami-Dade County’s Art In Public Places. It uses infrared cameras to respond to a visitor’s movements and then creates light-based abstractions from those images in real time. Depena created specially designed software to retain a “memory” of previous user activity to create a constantly evolving artwork that elaborates the ideas of time and memory in space.

Interactive is the operative word at Christopher Janney’s other big project in the Design District, where his gallery has become a showcase of light and sound with the installations “Architecture of the Air” and “Touch My Building.”

Back at the Art Collector Lounge, internationally celebrated design architect Daniel Libeskind of Studio Daniel Libeskind, was holding a news conference with a collection of international art publication journalists on his new masterpiece eL, developed in collaboration with Zumtobel. Libeskind is best known for his dramatic addition to the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto and the lavish sets he designs for opera, most recently for Deutsche Oper Berlin’s production of Messiaen’s Saint Francis of Assisi.

“eL is new because it affirms the idea that light is not just for ornamentation or effect. It ‘is’ the structure. It becomes an essential design element and redefines its relation to art as a means of conveying emotion,” Libeskind elaborated.

Besides setting records for the value of art sold, this year’s number of both exhibitors and attendees has made the 10th Art Basel Miami Beach the largest ever.