Tuesday 25 September 2012

Bowmore Islay Single Malt Whisky Announces Release Of Bowmore 1957 - the Oldest Bowmore and Oldest Islay Single Malt Ever Released

Bowmore®, the first Islay Single Malt whisky, will release its oldest ever expression this October: the exceptionally rare Bowmore 1957, 54 Years Old. Not only is this the oldest whisky the distillery has ever released, it is also the oldest IslaySingle Malt ever released.   
The amber nectar:
the Bowmore 1957
  Distilled in 1957 and bottled in 2011, this marvel has been lying in wait in the finest oak for over half a century in Bowmore’s legendary No. 1 Vaults, the oldest maturation warehouse in Scotland. With only 12 bottles in existence worldwide, this is the rarest Bowmore and will no doubt become one of the most sought-after and collectible Single Malt Scotch Whiskies in the world.
  Bottles No. 1 and No. 2 will be offered at a public auction at esteemed international auction house Bonhams in Edinburgh on Oct 10 and in New York City on Oct 28 with a minimum reserve set at £100,000 per bottle (approx. $155,000). All net proceeds from both saleswill be donated to five Scottish charities.
  Many generations have been the custodians of Bowmore 1957’s long journey from cask to bottle. Beginning in 1779 when Bowmore was established through to the present day, the distillery team has served as guardians of Bowmore’swhisky-making traditions and its inventory, safeguarding them so that futuregenerations can continue to experience the unique spirit that is Bowmore. Bowmore 1957 was as much nurtured by the people as it was by its cask and the ancient distillery walls.
  A collection of 1957 casks were bottled in 1995 but one in particular was held back from the outset as it was clear that it was more special and exceptional than the rest. Since 1995, the whisky in that cask has been examined every six months to check the quality, taste, developments and changes; closely watched to see how long the whisky could mature without losing Bowmore’s signature trait of a sweet/smoky balance.
  Andrew Rankin, Morrison Bowmore’s Chief Blender, comments: “Upon checking the whisky in early 2011, we knew it had reached perfection at 54 years of age. Bowmore 1957 has withstood the test of time astoundingly well and is nothing short of brilliance in a glass.”

Monday 24 September 2012

Fabergé Celebrates Twenties Glamour

Chain Reaction: The Collier Pur Irise
from Fabergé

Fabergé, the legendary jeweller synonymous with consummate artistry and craftsmanship, presents a collection of extravagant jewels - from sumptuous pearls and dazzling white diamonds to opalescent enamels - inspired by 1920’s styling and Great Gatsby glamour.
  Fabergé’s Impérial pearls – comprising necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings - simultaneously evoke the elegance and decadence of the Roaring Twenties and the lavish parties celebrated in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famed novel. The dramatic Impérial necklace layers row upon row of precious Akoya pearls and the finest white diamonds to create a lavish jewel imbued with the powerful femininity of the era. The necklace is finished with an aristocratic crest, from which hangs an exuberant pearl tassel.

Pompon Zenaide
from Faberg
  To complement this statement piece, the Imperial pearl collection also includes a sumptuous bracelet, earrings and ring. Set with white diamonds and a lavish pearl tassel, Fabergé’s new Zénaide Pompon pendant incorporates Art Deco motifs within its magnificent diamond-encrusted centre piece. Reminiscent of Gatsby-esque heroines, a pearl tassel adds a whimsical finishing touch.
  The Collier Pur is a modern interpretation of the lariat necklace, a design popular in the 20’s. It recalls the elegance of the era with its two enamelled egg pendants artistically poised on an Art Deco clasp. A new addition to the collection Les Emaux Impériaux, the Collier Pur is available in opalescent shades of irisé cream, prune and amarantine.
  Fabergé offers High and Fine Jewellery collections as well as timepieces and men’s accessories with prices starting from a few thousand dollars. The collections are available at Fabergé boutiques in New York, London and Geneva, as well as at concessions within Harrods in London and Lane Crawford IFC in Hong Kong. Selected items are also available via Fabergé’s online boutique at Fabergé.com.

The Breitling Chronomat 41 Arrives on Time

Watch this space: The Breitling Chronomat 41

Performance. Precision. Elegance. The Chronomat 41 with its Manufacture Breitling calibre and its superb presence on the wrist has asserted itself as the chronograph par excellence. Breitling brand now offers its star model in a 2,000-piece limited series that will appeal more strongly than ever to enthusiasts of original designs.
  The sporting touch is accentuated by a black dial with a red central chronograph seconds hand and red counter hands. An authentic, understated and powerful instrument panel. The original and generous lines of the steel case are enhanced by all-polished finishes – as are the bracelet and the rotating bezel engraved with exclusive numerals.
  The transparent sapphire crystal caseback affords the rare privilege of a chance to admire Breitling Caliber 01, the world's finest chronograph movement, entirely developed and produced in the brand workshops. Water-resistant to 200 m (660 ft), the Chronomat 41 Limited is naturally chronometercertified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute) – as indeed are all Breitling models. A strong, unique and quintessential design, combined with all the performances expected of an authentic "instrument for professionals".

Montblanc unveils Montblanc Heritage Collection 1912 Limited Edition


Something to write home about: the Montblanc Heritage Collection
1912 Limited Edition
Montblanc has unveiled the Montblanc Heritage Collection 1912 Limited Edition, the first edition in a collection which pays tribute to the past ten decades of Montblanc writing instruments and communicates selected historical pens in a contemporary spirit.
   Restricted to only 333 pieces, the fountain pen features a new two-step screw mechanism which combines the retractable nib movement as well as the piston-filling function. Made from titanium, the Limited Edition boasts a new nib with a triangle-shaped heart hole, which has been especially designed for the Heritage Collection to ensure a soft style of writing. A floating mother-of-pearl emblem is revealed in the top of the cap which is complemented by three “slip on clips”, each honouring a design movement from that era.
Pen to Paper: Montblanc
The “Art Deco Clip” in 925 Sterling Silver, is reminiscent of the Art Deco movement in design and architecture, whilst the “Snake Clip” in German Silver characterises the spirit of change that epitomised the era. The “Triangle Clip” in 750 solid gold is a modern interpretation of the classic clip shape from the early 20th century.
  The Montblanc Heritage Collection 1912 Limited Edition can be purchased from Montblanc boutiques as of October 2012 at a price of £8,500.00 (including VAT).  

Drive a Harley Davidson Through the Swiss Mountains

Biking it rich: Ride a Harley through the Swiss Mountains

Imagine driving a Harley Davidson through the Swiss mountains - the fresh air, breath taking scenery and a legendary motorbike to experience it all on… Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is now offering a brand new ‘Harley Davidson Emotion Package’, especially created to allow guests who possess a motorcycle licence to experience a taste of biker’s paradise while enjoying the stunning surroundings of the picturesque Swiss Mountains.
  With the ‘Harley Davidson Emotion Package, guests will receive exclusive use of their very own Harley Davidson motorbike to ride over the resort’s surrounding 14 Alpine passes; which include some of the most scenic roads in Europe. Should guests wish to stop and admire the setting for a little longer, a special picnic will be provided to enable hungry bikers to relax and enjoy a delicious four course lunch at a location of their choice.
  On return to the resort, guests can wind down after an invigorating day of riding through the mountains, with a special relaxing herbal oil massage and enjoy the famous Bad Ragaz spa and Tamina Therme thermal waters.  The Harley Davidson Emotion package at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz includes:

-          Two nights accommodation in the hotel of your choice including a sumptuous breakfast buffet

-          36.5° Wellbeing Package

-          Harley Davidson at your disposal (1 day)

-          4- Course Lunch or Dinner

-          “Soglio Poesie” herbal oil massage

-          Memorable gift

-          Biker clothing can be hired locally

The ‘Harley Davidson Emotion Package’ at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz starts from CHF 800 per person based on two sharing for 2 nights accommodation including breakfast buffet and a 4- course Lunch Picnic.

·      Guests must posses a valid motorcycle license.
·       
For further information and reservations please contact Grand Resort Bad Ragaz on +41 81 303 30 30 or visit www.resortragaz.ch

Cartier Launches Sacs du Soir Collection


Cartier has announced the launch of its ‘Sacs du Soir’ collection. The largest collection of evening bags from the Maison, it brings together the ultimate in luxury and jewellery. From its earliest history the Maison has imagined and created beautiful bags, for both day and night. In 1906, Cartier was the first to introduce the jewellery bag - a poetic version of a woman’s handbag and then the 1920s saw the introduction of the very first Vanity Case.
Seeing red: Cartier's
Sac du Soir  
  For each creation, the artisan uses materials as sophisticated and elaborate as the jeweller’s to capture a particular style, look or mood. Bringing together the savoir-faire of the jeweller and the craft of the malletier, the Sacs du Soir are precious pieces, providing a consummate expression of timeless style and elegance.
  Much in line with the Maison’s keen interest in fashion as well as innovation Cartier designed the original Vanity Case in the 1920’s. In doing so Cartier anticipated the changes in women’s attitudes, behaviour and appearance, enabling the modern woman to have her beauty accessories with her at all times. The Duke of Westminster is in fact said to have gifted an enamelled gold cylinder vanity case decorated with the initial ‘C’ in diamonds to his mistress Coco Chanel.
Black to the future: Cartier's Sac du Soir
  The 1970’s proceeded to introduce casual clothes for women, such as trousers and miniskirts, in line with the growing changes in fashion, Cartier were quick to rise to the challenge. Luxury took to the streets with the ‘Hunting bag’, a practical accessory, remaining timeless and distinctively Cartier. It prefigured the handbags of the future by reconciling innovation with the traditional spirit of jewellery-making and creative freedom.
  The panther, the cabochon, the Trinity rings, the unique links of the La Doña de Cartier watch, the double ‘C’ logo on the Marcello de Cartier handbag… all these familiar signatures reappear, bag after precious bag.
  Each bag is a true piece of jewellery. The most recent collection ranges in clutches, purses and bags clad in satin, python skin, red lacquer or crocodile skin. These eveningwear pieces are sealed with a solid-silver Panthère clasp, speckled with black lacquer or onyx and sometimes paved with brilliant-cut diamonds.
Contemporary in spirit yet truly timeless, Cartier’s luxury handbags continue to be as irresistible as the Maison’s luxury jewellery.