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Chivas Whiskey Launches Their Ultra - Premium Whiskey 25

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By Michael Hepworth

Premium Whiskies are starting to hit thick and fast in the market, and the latest is Chivas Regal Original 25, created by Master Blender Colin Scott, a thirty year veteran of the industry. Scott was in America recently to launch the brand, and was so passionate about this whiskey, that $299 a bottle seemed a bargain.  The launch party in Los Angeles that I attended was far more low key  than the one they put on in New York a few days earlier, an event reputedly that cost a small fortune. Diana Krall provided the entertainment, and 400 VIP guests and celebrities were the lucky ones trying this whiskey for the first time.

Luxury and glamour are the theme of this whisky, and that is reflected in the original packaging, and all with individual numbering. Scott is following in the footsteps of original Master Blender Charles Howard, with whiskies selected for their quality, age and character.  When the whiskey was launched 98 years ago in New York, it put Chivas firmly on the map as demand quickly outstripped supply.

With the arrival of World War One and the advent of prohibition, the whiskey became a real collector’s item. The upper class hordes just went crazy for the drink, and so they are hoping for a repeat performance this year.  First released in 1909 in Aberdeen by the Chivas brothers, Chivas Regal 25 is a smooth blend with aromas of stone fruit and a hint of creamy marzipan, nuts and chocolate-orange. This is the stuff to bring out on special occasions, and Scott considers the creation of this whiskey as the apex of his career.

www.chivas.com 
By Michael Hepworth

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What exactly is GRAND BRULOT I thought to myself as I opened the bottle for the first time just around the time this lockdown took effect. Well, Grand Brulot is listed as a VSOP Cognac Café and it can be used in Bloody Mary’s, Manhattans, Negronis, Martinis, spritzes and sidecars , just for starters. It is a blend of Ugni Blanc & Colombard that is crafted into 80 proof VSOP. Then 100% Robusta Ecuadorian coffee bean essence is extracted and blended with brandy to meld for a few months and finally, it is blended with the VSOP Cognac. There is also a whiff of peppermint, nutmeg and hot cocoa in the drink. The retail price is $42.99.

The idea for the drink was instigated in 2015 by John Bernbach who asked for the help of industry veteran Francisco Tonarely to investigate the potential of a cognac/brandy drink blended with coffee. Three year later in August 2018 Grand Brulot was launched. This cognac comes from the Tardy Cognac Group and the grapes come from its single estate. Grand Brulot also plays homage to a New Orleans specialty of the same name that is still served around town.  The name Grand Brulot was inspired by the famous French pirate Jean Lafite who helped New Orleans repel the British invaders in 1812. He would order coffee, pour cognac in the saucer, set it alight and mix it with the coffee.
Recipes:

THE RISE AND SHINE
2 oz Grand Brulot
Orange Twist

Just pour Grand Brulot over ice and the orange will highlight the flavors
of the spirit.

BRULOT BLACK MANHATTAN
1 oz Grand Brulot
1 oz Bourbon
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
3 dashes Orange Bitters

Bartender Todd Smith created this one. Stir all the ingredients together in
a mixing glass. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass with ice and garnish

with orange wheel.

FRENCH NEGRONI
1 oz Grand Brulot
1 oz  Sweet Vermouth
1 oz Campari

Build in a rocks glass over ice and garnish w/orange wheel.

GRAND BRULOT CAFÉ HOLIDAY
1 oz Grand Brulot
0.5 oz Crème de Cacao
3 oz Porter Beer or Stout
3 dashes of bitters

Throw cocktail ingredients between two cups a couple of times to mix
And ignite the foam from the beer. Pour into a highball glass over ice
And garnish with nutmeg.



www.grandbrulot.com
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