Here on Islay, there’s no rush. So why not sit back awhile, wherever you are in the world, and enjoy your visit to the home of Ardbeg, the Ultimate Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky.

It is, perhaps, the most peaty malt whisky in the world – certainly of all the Islay malts. Not to mention beautifully balanced, complex and deep. It’s unthinkable now, but in 1981 production ceased and the distillery was mothballed. Happily in 1997, this beautiful malt began to flow again and enjoys enduring protection from all things bad by a loyal band in the shape of The Ardbeg Committee – a worldwide family of Ardbeg aficionados in 90 countries who work tirelessly to drink more Ardbeg and bring others into this esteemed fold. If you love Ardbeg, you too can help us keep the doors open by becoming a member… you’ll enjoy some rather nice privileges too. But first things first. Pour yourself a wee (or large!) dram and take a look around.

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Adour Alain Ducasse at the St. Regis is named for the Adour River that flows through the southwest region of France where the famous chef spent his childhood and developed his “passion for authentic ingredients,” he says. The chef’s personal touch is evident in everything from its namesake to its inventive menu, decor, and extraordinary wine list with approximately 500 references. The artful pairing of flavors and wines is at the cornerstone of the dining experience, and wine aficionados can even purchase one of Adour’s private wine vaults, located within the Private Vault Room, an intimate lounge space, to house their personal collections and have first access to limited and collectible wine selections. Architect David Rockwell designed the space, which includes the 10-seat Private Vault Room and a four-seat Wine Library (shown), which provides information about each wine’s origin, producer, varietals, flavors, and character through “cellar notes” projected onto the surface of the bar. (212.753.4500, www.adour-stregis.com)

Technorati Tags: Alain Ducasse, St. Regis, Wine, Adour River, France

The Napa Valley Reserve offers the opportunity to experience and enjoy the way of life that surrounds the production of wine, which includes vastly more than just winemaking. Napa Valley living is inspired by agriculture, food and wine and is connected through farming, the ebb and flow of the seasons and a love of the land. Here life is a magical balance of work and rewards, activity and rest, vineyards and cellar, garden and kitchen, quiet time alone and celebrations with family and friends.

Located in the center of the Napa Valley, The Reserve’s eighty-acre property of vineyards, orchards and gardens, is the essence of a wine estate as it has always been in the Napa Valley. The wine in the glasses is from the vineyard. The honey on the table is from the hives on the hill and the olive oil from the orchard. The heirloom tomatoes are picked from the garden at the perfect ripeness each day and taken straight into the kitchen. This is an experience that is at once comfortingly reminiscent of the past and vividly of the moment. Spend an afternoon in the garden as part of a tour or event and you will never want to leave.

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Digital Beer Dispenser: How could we have lasted as a society
this long without a digital beer dispenser in our homes? Think of all
the times our forefathers courageously drank their glasses of draught
beer without knowing its temperature, its age, or how much was left in
the keg without lifting it up and shaking it. Those archaic days are
forever over with the BeerTender by Heineken. This revolutionary
dispenser, which is made by Krups, is prompting beer lovers to raise
their chilled mugs and toast a device that is single handedly upgrading
the ebb and flow of draught beer.

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Recently I was in the planning stages of a trip to Austin & San
Antonio, Texas, when I stumbled upon something I had never heard
before. According to Frommers & Orbitz, the Hill Country of Texas
is the second most visited wine region in the States, second only to
the Napa Valley.

Texas!? The Texas that I know & kinda sorta but not really
love? Wow, how astonishing. So, I had to check it out. I visited
three separate vineyards that took me from 30 minutes away from Austin,
to about an hour and & half away, but the real gem was, as always,
the last. Save the best for last, eh?

Mandolas Estate Winery & their
on-site restaurant, Trattoria Lisina, have made quite an impression on
me. From the personal tour with a supremely competent guide, Oscar, to
the last bite of my cannoli, this winery was a match made in heaven.

Once I entered the estate proper, I was thrilled by the
Tuscan-inspired architecture & stunning live oaks that situated the
property with grace. Starting with a tasting, I fell in love with
Mandolas Sangiovese as well as their Canto Felice & had to take a
couple bottles home, of course.

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Is there a step-up from Grey Goose? Ranking up with Elit and other pricey vodkas is Christiania, a vodka manufactured in Norway. The vodka is made with organic Trondelag potatoes and pure Norwegian water. it is six times column distilled, charcoal filtered and aerated using a unique air filtration process. The brand is named after Norway's King Christian IV who in 1602 commissioned a recipe fro premium vodka.Christiania sells for $41.99 and is currently available in the New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area.

Via Luxist

Precious wines, $225,000 Tequila, diamond vodka…we have told you about them all! And, for the connoisseurs who have rich taste, here is the million dollar coconut brandy from Mendis. Mendis coconut brandy is a 100% all-natural clear brandy distilled from the essence of the coconut flower and it is also the world’s first clear ultra-premium brandy produced from coconut. The company has decided to offer the first coconut brandy bottle ever for $1,000,000 to the public. The bottle will be signed and numbered by the founder of the distillery and will come with a certificate of authenticity. Besides, the purchaser will also be provided with a luxury trip and personal security for the bottle.

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