“Sip For Solidarity” To Support Israeli Wineries and Raise Money For Israeli Relief Efforts
The world of wine in Israel, perhaps the oldest wine-producing region in the world, has always represented a sense of peace and goodwill but has become collateral damage of the horrible atrocities that occurred on October 7th.
The world of wine in Israel, perhaps the oldest wine-producing region in the world, has always represented a sense of peace and goodwill but has become collateral damage of the horrible atrocities that occurred on October 7th.
To raise awareness and in support of Israel and Israeli wineries, the Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA), a trade organization promoting Israeli wineries through wine education and events, is asking consumers to “Sip For Solidarity.”
“Sip For Solidarity”
The massacre has had an immediate, concrete impact, particularly on picking, sorting and winemaking teams. Harvest had begun shortly before the attacks, which meant that the sorting, crushing and fermentation processes, were, in many cases, done under the constant threat of attack and bombardment.
For many wineries, production teams have been hollowed out as the young men and women who normally would be shepherding the crucial winemaking process have called up to help defend the nation.
“Winemaking has its own schedule, unlike other industries where you can pause production or run with limited staff. Grapes grow and ripen when they do; the winemaking process is very hands-on. Without staff, many wineries face an impending crisis.” said Joshua Greenstein, the Vice President of the IWPA.
“Additionally, wine is usually something enjoyed when you go out to eat or to a party, and people in Israel aren’t feeling particularly celebratory these days. It’s catastrophic not just for this years’ sales, but for the vintages harvesting now that won’t be ready for sale for years to come.”
“Buy a bottle of Israeli wine.
…we’re donating 10% of every case shipped from November 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 to Israeli relief efforts.
Joshua Greenstein,
Vice President of the IWPA
Asked what people can do to help, Mr. Greenstein said:
“Buy a bottle of Israeli wine. Not only will the purchase help the wineries, but we’re donating 10% of every case shipped from November 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023 to Israeli relief efforts.
“…With the wine consuming public’s support, these challenges are surmountable, and wineries will still craft wines that accurately and deliciously reflect the character of the vintage and of Israel, just as they always have.”
#DrinkIsrael
Israel has been able to blend their ancient history with the most modern technology to produce some of the finest wines available and become one of the fastest-growing winemaking regions in the world.
The Israeli Wine Producers Association (IWPA) represents Israeli wines with a unified voice. To communicate, educate, market, and expose US customers and consumers to Israel as a world-class wine region. The IWPA represents 30+ Israeli wineries ranging from boutique to the largest producer. Follow @IsraeliWine for the latest from the IWPA.
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Jérôme Peschard Leads Vietnam Art Renaissance, Launches Art Exhibition at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City
Jérôme Peschard Launches Art Exhibition at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza in Ho Chi Minh City
For the past 60 years, Sofitel Hotels & Resorts has epitomised the essence of French art de vivre across the globe. As 2024 heralds its Diamond Jubilee, commemorated with a series of exclusive events at Sofitel properties worldwide, Sofitel Saigon Plaza, the paragon of French hospitality in Ho Chi Minh City, proudly inaugurated an extraordinary celebration of art.
On the evening of June 21st, the Sofitel Saigon Plaza was the scene of a glittering event, marking the launch of a collaboration with the internationally renowned French Pop Artist, Jérôme Peschard.
The hotel’s lobby served as an elegant backdrop for an array of Peschard’s stunning oil paintings on recycled corrugated metal, showcasing his inspiration from French Indochina.
The event attracted an illustrious group of attendees, including Mrs. Sarah Hooper, Consul General of Australia to Vietnam; Mr. Daniël Stork, Consul General of the Netherlands to Vietnam; Mrs. Milena Padula, spouse of Italian Consul General Enrico Padula; and Mrs. Lê Hạnh, CEO of TVHub Vietnam. Distinguished guests also included Michelin Starred Chef/Owner Peter Cong Franklin of Ănăn Saigon, totalling one hundred and thirty of Ho Chi Minh’s leading tastemakers.
Guests enjoyed a selection of exquisite canapés, fine wines, and champagne while admiring Peschard’s captivating works. Adding to the allure, music by DJ Edge Pamute filled the space, and trendsetters Tracie May and Nykky Domodelled custom-embroidered Áo Dài, the national costume of Vietnam, designed by Peschard and couturière Giao Basson. A pop-up retail store showcasing Peschard’s merchandise collection also opened to the public, featuring a curated selection of home decor, limited edition numbered and artist-signed lacquer replicas of paintings, and an array of gift items. Both the boutique and the art exhibit will grace the Sofitel Saigon Plaza throughout the summer, concluding in early September.
This premier event highlighted the vibrant intersection of art, culture, and gastronomy, celebrating a unique fusion that will enchant visitors throughout the season, encapsulating Sofitel Hotel and Resort’s world of prestige and luxury.
“I’m deeply grateful to Sofitel Saigon Plaza for granting me such a fantastic platform to showcase my art. Although I am French, my heart is Vietnamese, and I’m thrilled to share my homage to Vietnam with their guests and visitors during the 60th Anniversary celebration of Sofitel Hotels and Resorts.” – Jérôme Peschard
“Marking 60 years of exceptional hospitality, we take pride in being a part of a legacy that consistently sets the standard for excellence in Asia, providing a unique experience for all modern travellers to explore Ho Chi Minh City through a French-inspired perspective.” – Mario Mendis, GM, Sofitel Saigon Plaza
ABOUT SOFITEL SAIGON PLAZA:
Sofitel Saigon Plaza harmonises the sophistication of French art de vivre with the vibrancy of local Vietnamese culture, delivering a luxury hospitality experience enriched by genuine heartfelt service. Conveniently located in a tranquil enclave on Le Duan Boulevard, Sofitel Saigon Plaza places you in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s business, cultural, and shopping district. The hotel boasts 286 rooms and suites adorned with refined décor and deluxe amenities, a fitness centre featuring advanced exercise equipment, and an outdoor swimming pool with breathtaking city views. Sofitel Saigon Plaza also features five dining establishments serving local and French cuisine, seven polished meeting rooms, and an opulent ballroom equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the ideal destination for business, leisure, meetings, and gatherings.
ABOUT JÉRÔME PESCHARD:
Dubbed the “Gauguin of Vietnam,” Jérôme Peschard is a self-taught artist whose work reflects a life richly lived and creatively charged. His art bridges the past with the present, blending East and West, while drawing profound inspiration from his adopted home of Vietnam. Characterised by the use of oil on rusted corrugated iron sheets salvaged from local construction sites, his pieces reflect the very essence of Saigon – its history, development, people, culture, and vibrant spirit. Peschard’s unique fusion of Western pop art with Asian influences, inspired by comic book legend Jack Kirby and modern art icons like Basquiat and Warhol, continues to evolve as he explores new themes in his storytelling. In the dynamic energy of Vietnam, Peschard not only found his place in the world, but also his distinctive artistic identity.
Join Us MidTown NYC for An Incredible Prosecco Experience: Taste and Discover with Wine Expert Alan Tardi Wed June 26th at New York Wine Studio
Join Us for An Incredible Prosecco Experience: Taste and Discover with Wine Expert Alan Tardi Wed June 26th at New York Wine Studio
Prosecco has gone from a little known mountain fizz to a vinous superhero, overtaking Champagne (and every other sparkling wine out there) and enjoyed by wine drinkers throughout the world, as the base of a cocktail or an everyday quaff.
But despite its huge popularity, most people don’t know much about it.
And there is much more to Prosecco than many people are aware.
”My objective is to
clarify the critical differences
between the original ancient Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco and
the DOC Prosecco that was enacted in 2010.”
Alan Tardi
New York Wine Studio
Prosecco is produced only in Italy, in the Northern regions of Veneto and Friuli, and there are three official Prosecco appellations.
Prosecco DOC
One of them, Prosecco DOC, was created in 2010. It occupies a huge, mostly flat area encompassing almost two entire regions and accounts for most of the 700+ million bottles of Prosecco produced each year.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG is a tiny area in the foothills of the Dolomites consisting of 15 small municipalities in the province of Treviso. This is the ancient winegrowing area where Prosecco was born and made a miraculous comeback in the aftermath of World War II.
Besides its pedigree, there are numerous factors of the Conegliano Valdobbiadene enclave that distinguish it from any other winegrowing area in the world: complex and diverse topography, variety of soils, native grape varieties, distinct sub-areas, ancient history, and varied typology—bubbly, fizzy, and still; secondary fermentation in tank or in bottle, leaving sediment in the bottle (known as Ancestral Method) or removing it (Traditional Method).
In this class—which takes place right in the middle of National Prosecco DOC week—we will discuss the origin and evolution of Prosecco in the Conegliano Valdobbiadene area. We will also examine the two additional Prosecco appellations created in 2010.
But most of the time will be devoted to exploring and tasting Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco through a lineup of 8 exceptional terroir-driven wines, in a variety of styles, that demonstrate the unique characteristics, complexity, and diversity of the original Prosecco.
Participants will also learn how to say “CONEGLIANO VALDOBBIADENE” like an Italian!
Alan Tardi has arranged a fantastic lineup of unusual and exceptional wines (half of them are coming directly from Italy) which demonstrate the various factors that characterize the complexity and uniqueness of Conegliano Valdobbiadene: Different production methods (“Tranquillo” i.e. still, Martinotti, Classico/Traditional, Ancestral); frizzante, spumante; single vineyards, Rive, native grape varieties; diverse, soils, terroirs and topographies.
List of Wines
- Prosecco Tranquillo DOCG “Il Canto Antico” — BORTOLOMIOL*
- Colli Trevigiani IGT Verdiso Frizzante Sui Lieviti — GREGOLETTO
- Progetto 5 Varietà Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG Brut — MARCHIORI*
- Conegliano Prosecco Superiore DOCG Rive di Ogliano Extra-Brut — BIANCAVIGNA
- Superiore di Cartizze Brut DOCG — RUGGERI*
- Superiore di Cartizze DOCG “Private” Rifermentato in Bottiglia 2014 — BISOL
- Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Rive di Carpesica “S.C. 1931” Metodo Classico — BELLENDA*
- Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Asciutto, Rive di Colbertarldo, Vigneto Giardino — ADAMI
- Torchiato di Fregona Colli di Conegliano DOCG “Ciàcoe” 2016 — CA’ DI RAJO*
*Shipped directly from the winery in Italy
Find more information and buy tickets at New York Wine Studio or at the link below.
https://www.newyorkwinestudio.com/original-prosecco
Cocktail magic, competition, celebration: Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 at iconic Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel
Cocktail magic, competition, celebration: Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 at iconic Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel.
MC Petey Majik hosted the 2-day Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 June 14-15 celebrating with flavor, masterclasses, magic, competition. Tracie May captured it all.
Photos courtesy of Nick Middleton @glam.foodbev
A spectacular 2-day summer celebration, welcomed over 1000 cocktail enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike to the iconic Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel.
The vibrant cocktail carnival featured a dazzling array of over 130 cocktails from 36 premium global spirits, liqueurs and mixer brands.
A gathering of Vietnam’s top mixologists, innovative concoctions were expertly mixed by a combination of the country’s most respected bartenders and up-and-coming talents.
Cocktail Carnival part of Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024
At the heart of the festival was a showcase of Vietnam’s craftsmanship and creativity, where seasoned mixologists flexed their skills to craft tantalizing libations.
From classic cocktails with a Vietnamese twist to avant-garde creations pushing the boundaries of flavor, each drink was a testament to the artistry and innovation within Vietnam’s ever-growing cocktail scene.
For guests inspired to continue the cocktail adventure at home, Mercantile Vietnam provided the option for attendees to purchase a bottle of their favorite brand from the event and have it shipped directly to their door.
Entertainment Extravaganza
The event’s charismatic MC Petey Majik led the carnival atmosphere and captivated the audience with a spellbinding magic show accompanied by igniting cocktail flaring performances from the talented Chương and Phước.
On Friday, the stage was taken over with a charismatic live performance from Vietnam’s premier DJ and saxophone duo Omar and Pierre. The party continued Saturday with the contagious energy of DJ PIA.
Interactive Masterclasses and Exclusive Tasting Room
For spirits connoisseurs the festival also offered a wealth of knowledge with 4 optional interactive masterclasses hosted per day, where industry experts from Lady Triệu, Bruichladdich, Jose Cuervo, Highland Park and Lý Gia Viên shared their craft and insights with eager participants.
Luxury spirits aficionados could enhance their experience further and purchase tickets to enter the event’s Exclusive Room, featuring personalized tastings from 8 of the world’s super and ultra-premium brands, with a combined retail price of over 600 Million VND.
Competitive Spirit
One of the highlights of the festival was the highly anticipated Best Cocktail, Best Bartender and Best Brand Competitions with guests encouraged to vote for their favorites.
Bartenders from across the country battled it out for top honors.
With precision, flair, and a dash of showmanship, contestants dazzled spectators with their signature creations, showcasing the ingenuity and talent within Vietnam’s cocktail community.
On Saturday 15th June, the 2024 winners were announced: Mai Thanh Phong’s “Banh Mi Saigon” cocktail, made with Matusalem Rum, won Best Cocktail.
Nguyen Tuan Cuong, who works at Yugen Bar and is sponsored by Shanky’s Whip, was named Best Bartender. Also, Jägermeister was awarded Best Brand of the event.
Cultural Fusion
Beyond the cocktails themselves, the festival served as a social celebration of cultural fusion, from modern Vietnamese influences to global trends, the event highlighted the diverse tapestry of brands and the pioneering people shaping the country’s dynamic cocktail scene.
Vietnam’s Cocktail Revolution
As the final glasses were raised and the last drops were savored, the Vietnam Cocktail Festival 2024 left an indelible mark on the hearts and palates of all those who attended. With its vibrant energy, innovative spirit, and unwavering passion for mixology, the festival has undoubtedly cemented its place as a must-attend event on the global cocktail calendar, promising even more excitement and inspiration in the years to come.
Cheers to the next chapter of Vietnam’s cultural cocktail revolution!
Awards were announced on Saturday, June 15th, at 8 PM
Best Cocktail of the Event 2024
- Cocktail Name: Bánh Mì Sài Gòn
- Bartender Name: Mai Thanh Phong
- Brand Name: Matusalem Rum
- Bar Name: Madam Kew Bar
Best Bartender of the Event 2024
- Bartender’s Name: Nguyen Tuan Cuong
- Brand Name: Shanky’s Whip
- Bar Name: Yugen Bar
Best Brand of the Event 2024
- Brand Name: Jägermeister
Participating Brands:
- Large Exhibitors: Lady Triệu, Jose Cuervo, Cointreau
- Medium Exhibitors: Bushmills, Naked Malt, Kaibutsu, 1800, Campari, RCR Crystalleria Italiana.
- Small Exhibitors: Kurayoshi Matsui, Duncan taylor, Lark Distillery, Hangar 1 Vodka, Maestro Dobel, Bruichladdich Distillery Company, Passoa, The Botanist, No3 London Dry Gin, Dictador The Arthouse Spirit Brand, Colombian Gin, Stranger & Sons Gin, Fernet Branca, Espolon Tequila, Michter’s, Shanky’s Whip, Gran Centenario Tequila, Jägermeister, The Kyoto, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Matusalem, Brookies Byron Gin, Ly Gia Vien, Torani, Fentimans, Mercantile.
Participating Bars (in collaboration with brands):
- Kraken x The Dot Bar
- Sexton x Dram Bar
- Wild Turkey x Lost Birds Bar
- Glenrothes x Firkin Bar
Master Classes: Lady Trieu, Bruichladich, Jose Cuervo, Ly Gia Vien, Highland Park
Photos courtesy of Nick Middleton @glam.foodbev
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Just Outside NY: Poconos Park goes ‘Full Throttle’ with LOST HIGHWAY™ Motorcycle Show & Concert May 19-21
POCONOS PARK™ goes “full-throttle” as it makes final preparations for the upcoming LOST HIGHWAY™ Motorcycle Show & Concert slated for May 19-21, 2023.
Best described as:
“an extraordinary mashup of motorcycles and music”
the Pocono’s inaugural LOST HIGHWAY Show & Concert will be a weekend chock-full of beautiful bikes, great live music, multiple charity rides and poker runs, and a headline concert on Friday night featuring LYNYRD SKYNYRD, with The Marshall Tucker Band (both bands now celebrating their 50th Anniversary of Southern Rockdom).
Today through Sunday, April 23, EARLY-BIRD Saturday General Admission passes are available for only $19.99 (plus fees), with Friday General Admission passes available for $29.99 (plus fees) respectively.
Prices will increase on Monday, April 24, so fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets now!
Fans can also opt for the Saturday American Metal Whiskey VIP experience, which will be on sale on April 24th starting at $59.99.
For purchase options or a complete schedule, please visit LOSTHIGHWAYSHOW.COM.
In addition to daily activities that include bike games, a cornhole tournament, multiple poker runs, Copper Mike Custom Bike Show on Friday, the Deadbeat Custom Clash Ride-In Bike Show on Saturday, the Speed-Kings Cycle Showcase all weekend, and a motorcycle art gallery (curated by Strati Hovartos), LOST HIGHWAY™ Motorcycle Show & Concert’s schedule now includes performances by Struggle Jennings (“Fall In The Fall,” “God We Need You Now”), Bones Owens (“Good Day,” “Lightning Strike”), Redlight King (“Bullet In My Hand,” “Born To Rise”), and Rick Monroe & The Hitmen (“Crazy Not To,” “Fires Out”) to round out Saturday’s music.
The LOST HIGHWAY™ Motorcycle Show & Concert will also include two charity rides. Friday’s LOST HIGHWAY™ Motorcycle Show & Concert First Responders Ride in support of all first responders will raise funds for the Bushkill Volunteer Fire Company. Saturday’s LOST HIGHWAY™ Motorcycle Show & Concert Warrior Built Ride will raise funds for the Warrior Built Foundation, an organization that supports combat veterans and wounded service members by providing vocational and recreational opportunities within the motorsports industry.
Both charity rides are LIMITED to the first 125 registrants and will gather for coffee and donuts at Pocono Mountain Harley Davidson (110 Hill Motor Lodge Rd. in Tannersville) beginning at 10 a.m. Following a brief demonstration by Ride Like a Pro, both rides will depart at approximately 11 a.m. for LOST HIGHWAY™ Motorcycle Show & Concert at POCONOS PARK and be guided by Poconos Mountain HOG Chapter along a scenic route showcasing the beauty of the region.
EARLY-BIRD Ride Bundles for Friday’s First Responders’ Charity Ride or Saturday’s Warrior Built Charity Ride are now available starting at $24.99(which includes a corresponding LOST HIGHWAY™ Motorcycle Show & Concert General Admission ticket). Ride Charity Ride prices will go up on Monday, April 24, so go to LOSTHIGHWAYSHOW.COM and reserve your spot today!!
A smashing success on the West Coast and named “Best Event” by Hot Bikemagazine, LOST HIGHWAY™ Motorcycle Show & Concert was founded in 2015 by bike & music enthusiast John M. Oakes (CEO-From The Roots–the venue management/real estate company that owns and operates POCONOS PARK.
“We are thrilled for the LOST HIGHWAY™ Motorcycle Show & Concert to launch on the East Coast! We will be showcasing the finest bikes and some of the best riding the East Coast has to offer,” states Oakes, “…with great music all weekend long!” he adds. “However, the window is closing to take advantage of early pricing discounts, enter the LOST HIGHWAY sweepstakes, and enter our Battle of the Bands competition to be part of the musical lineup that includes Lynyrd Skynyrd.” He suggests, “so, maybe put that tax refund to good use and let the good times roll in the Poconos!”
LOST HIGHWAY™ Motorcycle Show & Concert’s Sweepstakes tickets are still available through Sunday evening. Fans can win a VIP trip for two to see Lynyrd Skynyrd at LOST HIGHWAY™ Motorcycle Show & Concert (including flights, hotel, a backstage tour, and more), PLUS a 2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special from Poconos Mountain Harley-Davidson customized by Steve Edgar from Speed Kings Cycle Supply (or $20,000 in cash–your choice)! Proceeds go to The Warrior Built Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides vocational and recreational therapy to combat veterans and wounded warriors. A $50 donation is suggested to greatly increase your chance of winning.
Go to www.LostHighwayShow.com* to enter!
Friday, May 19**
10:00 AM – First Responders Ride (Registration) at Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson
11:00 AM – First Responders Charity Ride from Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson
1:00 PM – Gates Open with DJ Party
1:00 PM –“Copper” Mike Custom Bike Show (Registration)
All day – Poker Chip Ride
1-7 PM – Motorcycle Mall & Vendor Village
2:15 PM – Battle of the Bands Winner Performance
2:55 PM – Rick Monroe & The Hitmen
5:05 PM – Seth Enslow
6:15 PM – The Jess Zimmerman Band
7:30 PM – The Marshall Tucker Band
9:00 PM – Lynyrd SkynyrdSaturday, May 20**
10:00 AM – Warrior Built Ride (Registration) at Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson
11:00 AM – Warrior Built Charity Ride from Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson
1:00 PM – Gates Open with DJ Party
1:00 PM – Deadbeat Customs Clash Bike Show (Registration)
All Day – Poker Chip Ride
1-9 PM – Motorcycle Mall & Vendor Village
2:15 PM – Battle of the Bands Winner Performance
2:55 PM – Rick Monroe & The Hitmen
4:00 PM – Redlight King
5:15 PM – Bones Owens
6:35 PM – Struggle JenningsFinally, there is still time for talented bands to enter POCONOS PARK Battle of the Bands to perform at the LOST HIGHWAY™ Motorcycle Show & Concert. Fans are also encouraged to visit the site and vote for their favorite bands to kick off Friday evening’s lineup featuring the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd! Visit BattleOfTheBands.com for more information.
ABOUT POCONOS PARK™
POCONOS PARK™, located only 18 miles north of Stroudsburg in the Bushkill Falls region near Delaware Water Gap National Park, will operate as a boutique festival site and play host to world-class tours and productions, as well as special events. The complex includes two sizable venues: the Amphitheater at Poconos Park, a 10,000+-capacity, open-air, amphitheater with thousands of seats near the stage, and a beautiful grass lawn for thousands more to enjoy entertainment in the great outdoors. (The amphitheater can also be converted to a 3,000-capacity, fully-enclosed venue for year-round performances); and the Lake House at Poconos Park, a 14,000-square-foot banquet hall is located on a scenic 90-acre lake. (The theater can seat up to 400 people for private events such as banquets, corporate retreats, weddings, etc., and serve as a facility for first-class VIP experiences for concerts, festivals, and other large events.) For more information, please visit PoconosPark.com.
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NYC is looking for Sipping Tequila: Mayenda Introduces Reposado Double Cask, A First-of-its-kind Aged Sipping Tequila Infused with Roasted Agave & Agave Miel
Mayenda Introduces Reposado Double Cask, A First-of-its-kind Aged Sipping Tequila Infused with Roasted Agave & Agave Miel
Mayenda, the sipping tequila that goes two steps above, today introduces its newest offering, Mayenda Tequila Reposado Double Cask.
Mayenda Reposado is a sophisticated evolution of Mayenda Blanco
Mayenda Reposado is a sophisticated evolution of Mayenda Blanco — the first tequila made using the brand’s signature process of infusing the finest tequila with both roasted agave and agave miel (honey) before the final distillation step.
This naturally deepens the notes of fresh roasted agave and adds herbal complexity with only three ingredients: Blue Weber agave, yeast, and water.
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For Mayenda Reposado Double Cask, the tequila is then aged for six months in a mix of American and European Oak, showcasing Mayenda’s continued commitment to developing innovative tequilas that stand apart from others on the market today.
This elegant sipping tequila will be available in the U.S. and Mexico beginning June 2024.
“With Mayenda Blanco, we knew we had unlocked new possibilities for expressing deeper flavors of the agave, thanks to the two extra steps in our signature process; yet it still felt like we had only scratched the surface of what was possible,” said Jesus Susunaga, Maestro Tequilero at Casa San Nicolás. “When developing our Reposado, we decided to employ a double cask maturation and longer aging process. This resulted in an exceptionally smooth and balanced, aged tequila that maintains the soul of our beloved Blanco.”
Mayenda’s Signature Process: Every Mayenda Tequila is made at Casa San Nicolás (NOM: 1440) in the highlands of Jalisco, using only mature 100% blue weber agave. Mayenda starts the same way as other premium tequilas, but the magic is in the two extra steps. Maestro Tequilero Susunaga and his team steep (or infuse) roasted agave and then agave miel from the cooking process just before the last distillation step. This naturally captures fresh roasted agave notes and herbal complexity that are typically lost in the tequila-making process, creating a soulful sipping tequila with a honeyed and multi-dimensional flavor profile.
Double Cask Aging in American & European Oak: For Mayenda Reposado Double Cask, Mayenda Blanco is then aged in the finest American and European Oak barrels. Each barrel type enhances the opposing characteristics of the other — one barrel adds impact while the other softens. The dry, spicy and earthy profile of cinnamon, chamomile and red apple in the European Oak is expertly balanced with the rich, fresh, sweeter notes of butterscotch, honeycomb and vanilla in the American Oak.
A Longer (6 Month) Aging Process: While most Reposado Tequilas are aged two to three months, the aging for Mayenda Reposado Double Cask is extended to a minimum of six months to impart the optimal amount of flavor from each cask. A longer aging time brings a more sophisticated, multi-layered and refined flavor profile.
Artful Master Blending: Careful to keep the essence of Mayenda Blanco in every sip, Maestro Tequilero Jesus Susunaga and his team of experts at Casa San Nicolás carefully blend every drop of Mayenda Tequila to ensure the highest quality of consistency, flavor, texture and refinement. Jesus’s extensive experience blending some of the finest aged spirits around the globe has helped him master this delicate craft and pioneer a new type of tequila in Mayenda.
Mayenda Reposado Double Cask may be enjoyed neat or in elevated cocktails such as a Morita Martini or Elevated Paloma. For recipes, visit mayendatequila.com.
Mayenda Reposado Double Cask will be available at select retailers in the United States for SRP $75USD per 750 mL bottle and in Mexico for $1,445 Pesos. Please sip responsibly.
Follow them on social media @mayendatequila and visit their website Mayendatequila.com
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The Best Wines for Spring revealed by Sommelier Jaime Smith
The best wines for Spring revealed by Sommelier Jaime Smith
With the coming of spring and the equinox, we start a time of renewal in nature, particularly in the northern hemisphere as the vineyards start to bud and come alive with energy. As the weather starts to warm and the plants wake up from a nice winter snooze, it’s time to think about what the last few years harvests have given us (as far as bottled wine).
With this warming, we still have cool if not cold nights, so when thinking about choosing wines for this new season, we have few limits.
We can celebrate in the day with sparklers and fade into the evening with a heartier red to keep you toasty.
These wines were chosen for QPR (quality to price ratio) as this is the single best determinate that defines well made wines. A good way to think about this is that if you have the means to drink a bottle daily, sub $20 is a sweet spot.
If you prefer one better bottle a week for a nice dinner on the weekend, perhaps $35 is a nice option; a very special bottle shouldn’t cost more than $75 (ever) in a store.
Not to give away the game but generally at wholesale if a bottle costs, for terms of simplicity, $10, in a store it would be 35% on top of that; on a shelf to you for ~ $14.
The markup for a restaurant is generally 300-400%, as they have many operating costs inlaid.
If anyone ever tells you they understand how bottles of wine are priced, they are lying.
These 15 wines represent some of the tastiness that is the exciting wine market right now. The wine will include both domestic and international selections and depending on where you live, will dictate the availability of each; the internet is the great leveler of the field!
For ease of choice to match both your moos and temperature needs, we split these up into a few categories. Mix and match!
Sparkling Springtime Wines
Sparkling wines are an everyday pleasure, from Pet-nats to traditional Champagne, the category is wide open, exciting and affordable.
Kobal, Bajta, Blaufrankisch, Natural Sparkling Rosé, Slovenia $22
Absolutely one of the most fun and tasty and colorful sparklers out there, the wine nerds and G-Ma would both drink this.
Buy Kobal, Bajta, Blaufrankisch, Natural Sparkling Rosé here
Alfredo Bertolani, Lambrusco, Rose Emilia-Romagna , Italy $14
Don’t buy this if you want that sweet & heavy sparkling red, this is another level, fully dry and zippy.
Buy Alfredo Bertolani, Lambrusco, Rose Emilia-Romagna here
Le Vigne di Alice, Tajad, Prosecco, Italy, $18
Hands down one of the best dry Prosecco’s made.
Buy Le Vigne di Alice here.
1+1=3 , Cava, Brut, Spain $15
Traditional Cava , off – dry, not fruity and solid QPR.
Buy 1+1+3 Cava here.
FRESNE-DUCRET, LES NOUVEAUX EXPLORATEURS, Champagne, France $41
A Champagne for this price that destroys all the big names in this category.
Buy Fresne-Ducret here
White wines for Springtime
White wines: light to heavy and joyous to accompany the new season!
2020 SELBACH ‘INCLINE’ RIESLING QUALITÄTSWEIN, MOSEL, GERMANY $17
Pure Riesling essence, a touch fruity, green apple crunchy!Buy Selbach ‘Incline’ Riesling here
ARNEIS, COLLINA SAN PONZIO Roero , Piedmont, Italy $14
Clean, fresh, apple and fennel , zippy minerals, perfect.Buy Arneis Collina San Ponzio here
Dog Point Vineyard, Sauvignon Blanc , New Zealand $20
Find a better savvie , you won’t!Buy Dog Point Vineyard’s Sauvignon Blanc here
Scar of the Sea x Dedalus, Central Coast, Chardonnay, California $30
New school, rich and complex, no butter in sight.Buy Scar of the Sea x Dedalus here
GRENACHE BLANC, COTES-DU-RHONE, DOM DE LA SOLITUDE, France $16
Deep and rich, a heavier wine with texture for days.
Buy Grenache Blanc Dom De La Solitude here
Red Wines for Springtime
Red Wines: lighter to heavier again, dealers choice.
Matilda Nieves, Mencia, Ribeira Sacra, Spain $18
Light , zippy, Smokey , perfect for a warm night.Buy Matilda Nieves, Mencia, Ribeira Sacra here
Lieu Dit, Gamay , Santa Maria, California $25
Step outside of Beaujolais and see what the cool kids are drinking from Cali.Buy Lieu Dit, Gamay here
CLAUDIO QUARTA VIGNAIOLO, Aglianico, Irpinia, Italy $16
Medium bodied, dense black fruits, Smokey, meaty, lovely.Buy CLAUDIO QUARTA VIGNAIOLO, Aglianico here
BORDEAUX, CH LANDES, LUSSAC-ST-EMILION, France $25
A classic claret!Buy Bordeaux, Chateau Landes Emilion here
COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES-SAINT GERVAIS, ROUVIERES, MOURVEDRE/SYRAH, France $18
Full bodied, spiced, herbed, a rich bowl of black fruits.
Buy Cotes Dr Rhone Villages-Saint Gervais Rouvieres here
About Sommelier Jaime Smith
a drone in the Sommelier Brain Collective. Jaime Smith loves wine. He’s currently in DC causing havoc.
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