Monthly Archives

June 2018

Woodford Reserve Launches Kentucky Straight Malt

By | Mixology News

Kentucky Straight Malt, bottle on table, featured image

Woodford Reserve is launching Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Malt, the fourth expression to the Woodford Reserve portfolio which includes Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, and Woodford Reserve Rye.

This new Malt expression was driven by Master Distiller, Chris Morris, who used historical recipes and nuances from Woodford Reserve Bourbon to create this unique spirit and to help revive the tradition of American Malt Whiskeys.  Coming out of Prohibition, the Federal Government approved four straight whiskey standards: Bourbon, Rye, Wheat, and Malt. These reflected the types of whiskies produced in the United States prior to Prohibition.

Morris, known for creating one of the first bourbons finished in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir barrels, highlights his third generation bourbon & whiskey making skills through this new Woodford Reserve Malt expression. Drawing upon history, and his commitment to flavor to keep the integral character of Woodford Reserve at heart, this new Malt is distinctly designed to allow Americans to understand and appreciate American Malt Whiskeys on a greater scale.

While most people associate Malt Whiskey with Scotland, Kentucky has a history of Malt Whiskey production pre-Prohibition. Woodford Reserve Malt draws upon this pre-Prohibition heritage for inspiration. As the demand for whiskeys grows exponentially in the US, Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Malt showcases their rich 206-year-old history crafting America’s favorite spirit in its purest form.

Kentucky Straight Malt, bottle on table

Kentucky Straight Malt

Tasting Notes for Woodford Reserve Malt 

  • Color: Warm Umber
  • Aroma: Soft nutty notes drizzled with light caramel and milk chocolate coat a light layer of tropical fruit character. Delicate hints of brown spice, mint, brown sugar and soft oak float beneath
  • Taste: Dark chocolate and caramel covered nuts are dried out with a sprinkle of cocoa and brown spice
  • Faint ripe tropical fruit brighten a trace of toasted coconut and oak
  • Finish: Nutty with a subtly sweet chocolate malt note that endures

The grain bill of Woodford Reserve Malt is 51 percent malt, resulting in a whiskey that complements the nutty characteristics found in the original Woodford Reserve. Woodford Reserve Malt presents at 90.4 proof, with a suggested retail price of $34.99 for a 750ml bottle.

For more information, visit WoodfordReserve.com.

The post Woodford Reserve Launches Kentucky Straight Malt appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

The Macallan Relaunches Portfolio

By | Mixology News

The Macallan Portfolio, bottles, featured image

The Macallan, the world’s most admired single malt Scotch whisky, has unveiled a bold new look across its portfolio in celebration of an exciting new era for the brand—marked by the opening of its innovative new distillery in Speyside, Scotland this summer.

The revamped bottle design draws inspiration from luxury expression The Macallan Rare Cask, modern design cues reflected in the new distillery, and consumer feedback around making the whisky ranges easier to navigate. The refined new look also coincides with the core portfolio being redefined into three ranges that simply reflect the types of cask used to mature The Macallan; Sherry Oak Cask, Double Cask and Triple Cask Matured.

The new product design includes:

  • A proprietary broad-shouldered bottle with a distinctive chevron cut that tapers toward the neck
  • A clear color-coding system and icons to identify different ranges based on cask make-up
  • Amplified collectability on the core premium ages by enhancing the wooden boxes for all expressions 25 Years or older by using real oak, reflecting The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks
  • Expressions 18 Years or older feature new, elevated packaging and a heavier glass weight bottle with wider shoulders and larger base
  • An anti-refill enclosure and anti-counterfeit technology to ensure that consumers are protected at the point of purchase

“With this bold new design, we are highlighting the extraordinary whisky inside the bottle as we show off its unmistakable characteristics, like all-natural color, which we at The Macallan and every whisky enthusiast worldwide really value. While the whisky remains unchanged, the new bottle can be displayed anywhere from a world-class bar to a bar cart at home, making the same lasting impression.”
– Sam Leotta, Senior Brand Manager at The Macallan

The Macallan Portfolio, bottles, dark back

The Macallan Portfolio

The new bottles are now available across the United States. The core portfolio will now be broken into three distinct ranges, clearly identified to consumers by cask types’ signifiers on each bottle:

  • Sherry Oak Range: A rich and intense range of single malt whiskies matured in hand-picked Sherry-seasoned oak casks from Jerez, Spain. The European oak reveals an intensely rich character and style of whisky with complex flavors of dried fruits and sweet spices.
  • Double Cask Range: Maturation in hand-picked Sherry-seasoned American and Sherry-seasoned European oak casks delivers a range combining the classic Macallan style with the unmistakable predominance of American oak. The result is an approachable yet complex style of the Macallan, rich in flavor, with a viscous mouth feel.
  • Triple Cask Matured Range: Matured in Sherry-seasoned European, Sherry-seasoned American oak casks and ex-bourbon American oak casks. The Macallan Triple Cask Matured range offers an extraordinarily smooth, delicate yet complex character.

As part of this, the Fine Oak range, launched in 2004, will be renamed Triple Cask Matured. Fine Oak has always been matured in three different cask types, so renaming it Triple Cask Matured puts it in line with Sherry Oak (one cask type) and Double Cask (two cask types), making it easier to navigate and giving fans a whisky perfect for every occasion.

“We want to make it easy for our consumers to select a whisky that’s right for them and for the many whisky moments they are experiencing. By consolidating our core ranges to Sherry Oak, Double Cask and Triple Cask Matured, we’re able to highlight the unique and rich diversity of whisky styles coming out of our distillery and also encourage new and existing fans to try The Macallan across a variety of flavor profiles suitable for many different occasions.”
– Sam Leotta

For more information, visit US.TheMacallan.com.

The post The Macallan Relaunches Portfolio appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Moët & Chandon’s Launches “Greatness Since 1998” Limited-Edition Collection

By | Mixology News

"Greatness Since 1998" limited edition collection, featured image

Moët & Chandon’s “Greatness Since 1998” is a rare and limited-edition collection of champagne in honor of the 20-time Grand Slam champion and Global Ambassador Roger Federer’s 20th anniversary as a record-breaking pro.

The exclusive collection of Grand Vintage magnum bottles—designed and wrapped in a vintage leather racket grip and hand-signed by “the greatest tennis player ever”—was recently unveiled during an intimate celebration in Paris, hosted by LVMH Chairman & CEO Bernard Arnault at Michelin-star chef Yannick Alleno’s Pavillon Ledoyen.

"Greatness Since 1998" limited edition collection

“Greatness Since 1998”

Only 20 bottles will be available worldwide at $24,000 a bottle, with 100% of profits supporting the Roger Federer Foundation. The collection will be made-to-order through Moët Hennessy’s boutique, available July 1, 2018.

For more information, visit Clos19 or email RogerFederer20@Moet.com.

The post Moët & Chandon’s Launches “Greatness Since 1998” Limited-Edition Collection appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Equality Vodka Launches in NYC

By | Mixology News

Equality Vodka, bottle on white, featured image

Equality Vodka comes to the Big Apple! The premium spirit, dedicated to making a difference, is giving a portion of proceeds to LGBT Support Organizations.

Manhattan is the home of big ideas, so it only seems natural that Equality Vodka make a splash in this marvelous town. Equality Vodka is the premium vodka dedicated to making a difference in today’s world, by giving a portion of its proceeds to various non-profit organizations that support the LGBT community.

Equality Vodka was founded on the core principals of equality for all and that of giving back.

Co-founders Bert Gallagher Jr. and Doug Jacobson recognized that to affect big change in society, big ideas were needed, and developed Equality as the crucible to this much needed change. With a vision of helping others and wanting to make a difference, Equality Vodka became an ally to the LGBT community, supporting LGBT organizations championing equality. Today, Equality Vodka has contributed proceeds to over 30 organizations across, Texas, Southern California, New Jersey, and soon New York City.
​​

“Great strides have been made in the arena of LGBT equality, but we still have such a long way to go. Organizations that are moving the needle forward need resources and funds, that was the catalyst for Equality Vodka.”
– Bert Gallagher Jr., Equality Vodka Co-Founder

Equality Vodka bottle on white

Equality Vodka

“Each new market we reach out to, especially New York City, is a legacy moment that can truly grow and become a huge contributor to equality for all.”
– Doug Jacobson, Equality Vodka Co-Founder

For more information, visit EqualityVodka.com.

The post Equality Vodka Launches in NYC appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

What Kind of Bartender Are You?

By | Mixology News

Michelle FitzGerald, black and grey, shaking a cocktail, featured image

I don’t know about you, but I’ve worked in a variety of bartending situations over the span of my career.

For example, my first gig was at my cousin’s pizza place. From there, I worked in music clubs, fine dining restaurants, private parties held at top executives’ homes, and many more. I’ve bartended at concerts, dive bars, memorials, weddings, fundraisers … I could go on. What I’ve learned is that while in some ways, each and every bartending situation was exactly the same, but in other ways, they couldn’t have been more different.

We asked bartenders to give us a little insight into what makes their situation unique when we asked the question “what kind of bartender are you?”

“I’d say my style of bartending has evolved with each bar,” said Michelle FitzGerald of The Cliff Dwellers, a private social club in the heart of downtown Chicago, where she’s also the bar manager. Michelle has been tending bar since she was far younger than she should have been (but weren’t we all?).

“I miss my days in a high-volume bar—those nights when you finish a killer shift with your team. What I’m doing now is rewarding in a different way. Working [here] gives me the opportunity to be a matchmaker bartender. I’m the one person in the club everyone knows, and I’m constantly introducing members to each other.”
– Michelle FitzGerald of The Cliff Dwellers

Michelle FitzGerald, behind the bar

Michelle FitzGerald

She adds that because she’s become so familiar with members and their tastes, she’s able to suggest several varieties of wine, beer, and spirits.

Stay tuned for more answers to the question “what kind of bartender are you?”

If you are a bartender and want to share your story, feel free to email Chilled magazine marketing manager, Max Ferro: Max@ChilledMagazine.com.

The post What Kind of Bartender Are You? appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Easy to Mix: Ron Barceló Skinny Beach

By | Mixology News

Ron Barceló Skinny Beach, featured image

Ron Barceló shows off its itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow flowered cocktail-tini, the Skinny Beach.

Using Barceló Imperial, lime juice and demarara syrup, add a lime wheel and a marigold flower atop the delicious summer sip to suit it up for the warm days ahead.

Ron Barceló Skinny Beach, cocktail and bottle, pool in background

Ron Barceló Skinny Beach

Skinny Beach

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 oz. Barceló Imperial
  • 1 oz. Lime Juice
  • 3/4 oz. Demarara Syrup
  • Lime Wheel & Marigold Flower (for Garnish)
  • Served in Coupe Glass

Preparation: Mix all ingredients in a shaker on the rocks. Shake vigorously. Strain into a coupe glass without ice.

The post Easy to Mix: Ron Barceló Skinny Beach appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Chillin’ with Amy Rutberg

By | Mixology News

Chillin' with Amy Rutberg, jean shirt, white back, featured image

Multi-faceted and beautiful actress Amy Rutberg is best known for her recurring role as “Marci Stahl” in the Netflix/Marvel series Daredevil and The Defenders.

Marci is the very outspoken, high-powered attorney and former girlfriend of “Foggy Nelson” (Elden Henson) who takes his job at law firm Landman and Zack. Upon questioning her own company’s true integrity, Stahl decided to assist Foggy and Matt Murdock (aka Daredevil) in taking down Wilson Fisk’s (aka Kingpin) crime organization and later helped them investigate the Punisher during his trial. Rutberg was brought back in season 2 of Daredevil for the auspicious honor of linking the Daredevil with a specific part of the larger Netflix/Marvel universe when her character Marci announces that she has landed a new job at Hogarth, Chao and Benowitz, Jeri Hogarth’s (Carrie-Anne Moss) firm aka the law firm in Marvel’s “Jessica Jones.”

Rutberg’s next breakout role was in NBC’s Taken, in which she plays “Anna Warren.” The series serves as a prequel to Luc Besson’s hit action film franchise of the same name that starred Liam Neeson with actor Clive Standen taking over the role of former Green Beret “Bryan Mills.” As he fights to overcome a personal tragedy which leaves him badly shaken, Mills is pulled into a career as a deadly CIA operative, a job that awakens his very particular, and very dangerous, “particular set of skills.” Season 2 will bring a stronger procedural element with Clive Standen and Jennifer Beals who team up with covert operatives to embark on rescue missions around the world.

In her free time, Amy enjoys playing poker (she was formerly a professional poker player), cooking, and spending time with her family and their adorable Bichon Frise. She keeps in tip top shape by boxing with her trainer whom she met on the set of Daredevil.

Chillin' with Amy Rutberg, beautriful in red dress, red back

Chillin’ with Amy Rutberg

Photo by Benjo Arwas

Tell us a bit about the projects you are working on.

I play “Marci Stahl” in the Netflix Marvel series, Daredevil. I’m also filming a pilot for ABC produced by Vin Diesel called Get Christie Love. Lately, I’ve been dropping into The Late Show with Stephen Colbert doing comedy sketches. I also have this never-ending project of raising a three-year-old into a functional adult.

With your busy schedule, what do you like to do with your downtime? 

Weekends are usually spent with my family. Lately we’ve been taking ski trips or seeing Broadway shows. I’ve also gotten into boxing. It’s a great stress relief. I take it pretty seriously but have a feeling my trainer is secretly laughing at my blonde rage. I also love old movies and try to catch the fathom events on a Sunday afternoon. I recently saw Hitchcock’s Vertigo on the big screen. I’ve been talking like Jimmy Stewart ever since.

When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine? 

That’s the best part of living in New York City! I go out to eat all the time. I love the lounge at Gramercy Park Tavern. Excellent wine list and the best burger in the city. Whenever I’m shooting “on location” I use it as an excuse to go to the best restaurant in the neighborhood. I’ll be in Brooklyn which is only 15 minutes from my house, but it’s a great excuse for a $40 steak. My husband would probably disagree.

Chillin' with Amy Rutberg, looking away pose

Chillin’ with Amy Rutberg

Photo by Benjo Arwas

What types of dishes do you usually order?

Pretty sure I eat more than your average gal. Nothing is off limits. I like to over order and try lots of things. I have menu FOMA (fear of missing out). Lately I’ve had a thing for fancy Chinese food. It’s dangerous because there are never ending appetizers I NEED to try.

Do you cook?

That’s a stretch. My husband cooks. He’s great. We set up a barbeque on our small NYC terrace. He’s South African, so he is a meat and fish expert. I’m very impressed with what he can accomplish in a 10×4 space.

What types of drinks do you order when out?

I start with a specialty cocktail. I let the bartender recommend their favorite drink. Mixing is an art so I usually trust the guy or gal behind the bar to make me something they are excited about. After that, I move onto the wine list. Ideally a Barolo or a Sancerre depending on my mood. When it’s really cold I’ll order a Macallan. Last month a server at Peter Luger’s steakhouse brought me a glass without asking. Think it was a Macallan 25. He said I looked like I could use it – Insulting, yet wise!

Chillin' with Amy Rutberg, black and white, wrapping sweater

Chillin’ with Amy Rutberg

Photo by Benjo Arwas

Do you prepare drinks at home?

I’ve been known to make a margarita or two. We entertain a lot and so people are always bringing over bottles of wine.

Do you own a home bar? 

In a New York City apartment, every hard surface is a bar.

What is it stocked with?

Tanqueray for when dad visits, Oban for my husband’s buddies, Don Julio for when I didn’t get the job, Patrón for when I did.

What is your favorite drink/cocktail?

Recently, I was at a great local restaurant called Midwinter Kitchen and the bartender made me a drink called “The Firefly.” It was gin, grapefruit liqueur, lime and lavender sprinkled on top. I’ve been thinking about it ever since.

Have you ever been a bartender?

No. I’m not good at multi-tasking. There would be a lot of customers complaining about drinks without mixers.

Follow Amy on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

The post Chillin’ with Amy Rutberg appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Ming River Sichuan Baijiu Popup Event in Brooklyn, NY

By | Mixology News

Ming-River-Sichuan-Baijiu-event-thumb

On June 13th, 2018, from 12-5pm, journey to the heart of Sichuan with free cocktails, baijiu tasting flights and food pairings by M Greenpoint in Brooklyn. 

Meet the founders and learn more about the exciting world of baijiu. This is a FREE event with limited tickets available so please register in advance. Sponsored by Ming River Sichuan Baijiu.

REGISTER HERE

Cocktails and Snacks, bottle and dishes

Cocktails and Snacks

The journey to Ming River begins in the heart of Sichuan, China in the lush port city where China’s longest continuously operating distillery makes its legendary liquor. Over the past 700 years, traditional baijiu techniques here have passed from master to apprentice for over 20 generations. A balanced and complex spirit, Ming River is the original Sichuan baiju. Each batch starts with locally harvested red sorghum grain and the purest waters from protected wells.

Ming-River-Sichuan-Baijiu-event-thumb

It is fermented in earthen pits with naturally harvested yeast cultures native to Luzhou that impart the distinctive terroir of Sichuan style baijiu. After two months, the mash is unearthed and distilled in small batches using a traditional Chinese pot still. The spirits age for up to two years before the master blender balances them into Ming River’s distinctive flavor. The result is an uncompromisingly bold spirit with notes of pineapple and anise with a lingering mellow finish. Perfect neat alongside spicy cuisine or in a cocktail, this baijiu evokes Sichuan with each sip.

For more information, visit MingRiver.com.

Note: No one under the age of 21 will be allowed into the event. No one will be admitted without valid photo ID (no exceptions)! Proper identification is the responsibility of the attendee. Failure to present proper, valid photo identification (license or passport) will result in denial of entry.

The post Ming River Sichuan Baijiu Popup Event in Brooklyn, NY appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Don’t Be a Sucker: Some Alternatives to Plastic Straws

By | Mixology News

Bio and Chic Paper Straws, featured image

Plastic straws are usually made of polypropylene, a petroleum-based plastic that is not recyclable.

One plastic straw will not only exist beyond our lifetimes, but the lifetimes of future generations. So what’s the draw to the plastic straw? Part of the reason might be because we’ve been sucking on them since 1937, and go through over 480 million a day. So what can we do?

Bio and Chic Paper Straws

Bio and Chic Paper Straws

Photo Courtesy of Bio and Chic

In the past two years, a campaign called #stopsucking, which is backed by numerous celebrities, has started to pick up momentum, with large organizations such as Marriott International, Tesco supermarkets, and Wetherspoon pubs taking notice and banning plastic straws from their establishments. Every time we use a plastic straw, we are killing our sea life and contaminating our oceans.

So, what are the best alternatives out there? Here are a few suggestions to help develop your eco footprint.

Bio and Chic Paper Straws

Bio and Chic Paper Straws

Photo Courtesy of Bio and Chic

For a retro feel, the striped paper straws from BioAndChic.com, which come in a selection of colors and are a perfect alternative. Prices start at $24.65 for 500 pieces, and the company also offers deals on wholesale orders.

If the draw to the straw is great and mixing your beverage or sipping through a bar straw is essential, why not try an environmentally-friendly version, like PLA, a plant-based, biodegradable plastic? EcoProducts.com has some wonderful clear straws that are made from PLA and are fully compostable. A pack of 400 straws is only $10.46.

Greenstaurant.com has cocktail PLA straws (20,000 straws for $272.09), and will even help you find your nearest composting facility.

The post Don’t Be a Sucker: Some Alternatives to Plastic Straws appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News

Heineken USA continues Commitment to LGBTQ Community for Pride Month

By | Mixology News

heineken usa logo

Heineken USA has announced its sponsorship of NYC Pride and Capital Pride Alliance in 2018, demonstrating its continued commitment to the LGBTQ community.

As part of its sponsorship, Heineken USA (HUSA) and its brands will sponsor and participate in pride parades and various other activities in New York City and Washington, D.C.

“We are proud to partner with Heineken USA, another powerful brand that shares our commitment to inspire, educate, commemorate and celebrate our diverse community.”
– Chris Frederick, Managing Director, NYC Pride

For more than 150 years Heineken has stood for openness, believing that the simple act of sitting down and having a conversation over a beer helps bring people together.

“We’re committed to Brewing a Better World, and are always looking for ways to foster inclusion and openness at Heineken and within our communities. For Pride Month and beyond, we’ll continue to support the LGBTQ community through our long-standing partnerships and our employee initiatives, for example.”
– Stephanie Johnston, Director of Sustainable Business at HUSA

David Morgenstern, Senior Director of Government Affairs at HUSA, commented on the openness he has personally experienced at Heineken as a gay man.

heineken usa logo

“I’m proud of being a Heineken USA employee and working at a company that encourages me to be open and relaxed about who I am. It’s incredibly important and gratifying to be part of a workplace and a community where we can be true to ourselves and not feel like we need to hide anything.”
– David Morgenstern, Senior Director of Government Affairs at HUSA

In addition to sponsoring NYC Pride and Capital Pride, Heineken USA supports various other partners and nationwide events, including Hispanic Federation’s FUERZAfest, which recently took place in NYC and will continue in San Francisco, CA; Hartford, CT; and Orlando, FL.

To show your support for the LGBTQ community, please join HUSA at various activities in:

New York City, NY:

  • Pride Luminaries Brunch with Strongbow – June 17
  • OutCinema – June 18
  • Savor Pride – June 21
  • Pride Island – June 23-24
  • NYC Pride March & Pride Fest – June 24

White Plains, NY:

  • The LOFT: LGBT Community Center event – June 2

Washington, D.C.:

  • The Rooftop Rally – June 7
  • The Opening Party – June 8
  • The Block Party – June 9
  • The Parade – June 9
  • Crack of Noon Pride Brunch – June 9
  • Capitol Sunset Dance Party – June 10
  • The Festival – June 10
  • The Concert – June 10

For more information, visit HEINEKENUSA.com.

The post Heineken USA continues Commitment to LGBTQ Community for Pride Month appeared first on Chilled Magazine.

Source: Mixology News