Food & Spirits: In 1989 two visionaries, Paul Mitchell Systems co-founder, John Paul DeJoria and entrepreneur Martin Crowley formed The Patrón Spirits Company with the singular goal of producing “the best tequila in the world.”

Since then, The Patron Spirits Company has become one of the fastest growing luxury liquor companies in the world, offering an array of luxury tequilas as well as rums from its more recently acquired Pyrat line. The Patron family of premium liquors includes Gran Patrón, Patrón Añejo, Patrón Reposado, Patrón Silver, Patrón XO Café, Patrón Citrónge, Pyrat Cask, Pyrat XO Reserve, Pyrat Superior Blanco. The newest addition to the high-end family is an Ultra Premium Tequila, called Gran Patrón Premium. Gran Patron is “triple distilled then aged to perfection, to make the smoothest sipping tequila ever produced.”

Patron is distilled and packaged entirely by hand and produced from the finest 100-percent Weber Blue agave grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico.

Found not only at the top restaurants and bars around the world, Patron also makes special red carpet appearances to celebrate the best of the best with carefully crafted mixed drinks and cocktails that celebrate Patron luxury.

Every step in producing Patron Tequila, from harvesting the agave to the time-honored roller mill distillation process, to the individual labeling, signing and inspection of each bottle, is done by hand. As John McDonnell, the Patrón Spirits Co. COO, explains, “Patrón is a luxury product–every bottle is hand-blown, cork-finished and individually numbered.”

Have a sip of Patron to celebrate in true luxury.

Technorati Tags: Patron Tequilla, Patron, Gran Patron, Martin Crowley, Patrón Spirits Company, John Paul DeJoria, Patron Anejo

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.

The Distillery
Situated on the south coast of Islay, Ardbeg was famous as a hideout for smugglers who had to make themselves scarce after their cache was discovered by the Excise men in the late 18th century.

The origins of Ardbeg Distillery date as far back as 1794. John MacDougall established the present distillery in 1815, which was fully operational by 1817. The famous whisky historian Alfred Barnard reported in “The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom” that yearly production was about 500 gallons by 1835, although by the time of his visit to Ardbeg in 1886 this had risen to a substantial 250,000 gallons.

The Distillery Today
The MacDougall family retained ownership until 1977 when Hiram Walker gained control. However, with the majority of its output used in blending, Ardbeg struggled to remain viable during the economic downturn of the 1970s, resulting in it being run on a care and maintenance basis from 1983. The distillery closed in July 1996 only to reopen in 1997.

The Whisky
Ardbeg maintains the robust and earthy aromas associated with Islay malts. Described as having a hefty bite and a rich finish, flavours detected include peat-smoke, seaweed, sawdust and iodine. A bedtime malt.

Technorati Tags: Islay, World Whisky 2008, Single Malt Whisky, Scotch, Whisky, Ardbeg

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.

The winery is where the winemaking process comes to life. Under the guidance of the winemaking team, members have the opportunity to hone their winemaking skills at various stages of the winemaking process. Members can participate in the grape-growing process, harvesting, fruit sorting, barrel fermentation and wine blending. At the finishing stages members may assist in the bottling and packaging of the wine as well.

The Napa Valley Reserve is naturally framed on all sides. Nestled into the hillside at the north end of the property, The Reserve’s barns and working buildings have evolved to feel as natural in their setting as the oak trees that have graced the property for hundreds of years. From this perspective one may appreciate the many dimensions of this special place. To the west is the Napa River, to the northeast and south are the hillsides that define this wine estate and lead to the secluded valley which is Meadowood.

Settled on a private estate, Meadowood is a center of social, cultural and viticultural life in Napa Valley and a second home for those who enjoy the beauty and hospitality of wine country.

The property features championship croquet lawns, seven tennis courts, a nine-hole walking golf course, hiking trails, swimming, a full-service health spa, wine education, an annual cultural affairs calendar, eighty-five guest rooms, suites and cottages and wine country cuisine.

Meadowood expresses the authenticity of country life and brings guests closer to the timeless traditions of the region. The estate serves as a common ground for the Napa Valley Vintners and is an integral part of the cultural and social fabric of the community.

Opportunities for personal enrichment are integral to the culture of Meadowood and experts in health and wellness, sports and wine and cuisine are just part of the mosaic.

The enjoyment of wine at Meadowood is presented at many levels, culminating with Director of Wine Education Gilles de Chambure, MS. The only Master Sommelier dedicated to wine education at a Relais & Chateaux property in the United States, Mr. Chambure designed and hosts a broad range of experiences for Meadowood guests including private visits to Napa Valley’s celebrated wine estates, food and wine pairings, spirited discussions, afternoon wine receptions, insights into the region’s diverse appellations as well as entertaining wine classes.

The Meadowood sports experience begins with the property’s beautiful, natural setting and culminates with innovative, progressive instruction in tennis, golf and croquet. Tennis Pro Doug King developed and teaches Acceleration Tennis, a re-interpretation of traditional tennis instruction that’s all about stroking and connecting over swinging and hitting. Golf Pro Doug Pike’s unique instructional blueprint – inspired by a breakdown of 110 pro golfers’ swings – is designed to simplify the game and quickly improve performance. Croquet Professional Jerry Stark, one of the world’s top-ranked players, teaches a simplified version of the sport Golf Croquet on two championship lawns. Croquet, as taught by the genial Stark, has been deemed one of the surprise treasures of Meadowood.

Whether days on the estate are planned or simply left to unfold, each visit affords opportunities for relaxation and discovery in a private setting that feels as familiar and comfortable as home.

Technorati Tags: Napa Valley, Meadowood, Napa Valley Vinters, Private Estate, Winery

Adventures: Traveling and experiencing the world is living the luxury lifestyle at its fullest, as every adventure leaves you desiring more and more! Each journey is an opportunity to discover and create your own experience. The Extraordinary Life Experiences JustLuxé.com Vacation Getaway will give a lucky winner a head start of $3,000 toward a trip to Sydney, Monaco, Ibiza, Los Angeles or Rio de Janeiro.

This is a collaborative effort in association with Jaguar and the 2009 Jaguar XF. The XF is an extraordinary luxury sports sedan so unique it could be in a class of its own. Industry pundits globally assert that it is the most compelling sedan ever built by the esteemed automaker. Britain’s most popular auto-buying What Car? named it the Car of the Year and the Best Executive Car for 2008.

This is your opportunity to experience life in the Luxé lane!

Experience: Sydney

The Establishment Hotel is located in the heart of the bustling city’s Business District. The centrally located five-star hotel has great proximity to local attractions, such as Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. The hotel features three restaurants, four bars, and one of Sydney’s most popular nightclubs, Tank. The award-winning club features three bars, a dance floor and a VIP area. Ravesi’s is a waterfront boutique hotel with roots that date back to 1914. Drift, the hottest beach bar in Bondi, is a haunt for local A-listers and jetsetters. The Observatory Hotel is acclaimed for its fine restaurants, the Galileo and the Globe Bar. The lavish hotel has tennis courts, a full spa, and a 60-meter swimming pool on the premises. Rooms at the Medusa Hotel, which is in Darlinghurst, are vibrant and colorful. The contemporarily decorated hotel is a converted 18th century Victorian mansion. BLUE Sydney is a boutique hotel that over looks the Wharf on Woolloomooloo Bay.

Experience: Monaco

What trip to Monaco is complete without a visit to the Le Louis at the Hotel de Paris, or Le Vistimar at the Hotel Hermitage. Experiences are just waiting to happen to all visitors of the most glamorous principality in the entire world. What came first jetsetters or Monaco? A stay at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort or the Fairmont Monte-Carlo is an lavish affair. Recommended places to experience include the Casino de Monte-Carlo, Jimmyz and Le Café Jordin. Monaco is the capital of opulence with its casinos and nightlife.

Experience: Ibiza
Ibiza is part of the Balearic Islands on the Mediterranean Sea. It is well known for its hot summer parties and decadent nightlife. It hangs anyway you want it in Ibiza with a Mediterranean twist of blissfulness that is simply irresistible. Privilege, which is among the biggest clubs in the world, is large by anyone’s definition with 25-meter-high ceilings and an indoor pool. Located in Ibiza Tourio and San Antonio, the club attracts a fair share of celebrities, debutantes and paparazzi in its gatherings. Other noteworthy hotspots of the night include Amnesia, Eden, and Space. While sleeping is optional in Ibiza, only the finest in accommodations will do. The capital of relaxation and hedonism offers an array of top-caliber hotels that are guaranteed to tickle the fancy of even the most discerning guests. The El Pacho Hotel is posh contemporary elegance extraordinaire. It also is the location of the outrageously inviting Pacha nightclub. The Hotel Es Vive, a 52-room boutique hotel, is lively and buoyantly decadent year round. Check out the Smirnoff Electric Cabaret to replenish and play among the “moving” stars of the town’s vibrant nightlife. The flat roof of the Hotel Ocean Drive is a sunbather’s dream overlooking breezy Talamanca Beach. Ocean Drive Hotel offers easy access to both historic Ibiza and the beach. The Grand Hotel is in the center of Barcelona. Its central location to the city’s best restaurants, shopping and sights puts it on our list of favorite hotels. The Neri Hotel is both architecturally and artistically amazing. The completely renovated hotel was once an eighteenth century palace.

Experience: Los Angeles
From Santa Monica to Hollywood to Beverly Hills, Los Angeles is an experience that provides innumerable hotspots. Shop on Rodeo Drive; cruise Sunset Boulevard; go clubbing in West Hollywood; visit the Santa Monica Pier. And that’s just scratching the surface of the adventures one can enjoy while visiting Los Angeles. The Sofitel Hotel and the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire put their guests in perfect position to be first in line when the heralded shops of Rodeo Drive open their illustrious doors, while the Hollywood Roosevelt, which is on Hollywood Boulevard, is minutes from Universal Studios and the Hollywood Walk of Fame sidewalk. West Hollywood’s Sunset Marquis and Hotel & Villas is a favorite of the entertainment community. It has a full-service recording studio and screening room onsite. The hotel is just moments away from some of West Hollywood’s best attractions, such as the Roxy, the Viper Room, the Stinking Rose, and the Vanguard. L.A. is a cornucopia of savory restaurants and spicy nightlife opportunities. Eat it up!

Experience: Rio de Janeiro
Beyond its fame for being a party-heartily zone, Rio de Janeiro is combination of beaches, sports, sun, exotic parks and gardens, spectacular mountain views. Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city of Brazil. A must-see sight is the Cristo Redentor, a.k.a. as Christ the Redeemer, as it is one of the newly named Seven Wonders of the World. Actually, its position atop the Corcovada Mountains makes it hard to miss. Other noteworthy vistas include the Maracana futbõl stadium, the cable cars of Sambõodromo, and Ipanema Beach in the Zona Sol (South Zone). The Maracana, which is in the Zona Norte (North Zone), is among the largest soccer venues in the world. Other districts of Zona Sol, the richest and most popular region of Rio, are Glória, Flamengo, Botafogo and Urca.

Here is a destination hotel for the adventurous at heart. The Ariau Towers is built entirely on the Rainforest Canopy. It is a treetop luxury hotel that looks down upon the Rainforest. There is a bar that resembles an eagle’s nest and a honeymoon suite that is 110 feet off the ground on a mahogany tree. There are more than three miles of catwalks that bond it into one lofty location. The Copacabana Hotel is the most famous luxury resort with a history dating back to 1923. Other fantastic lodgings of the area include Hotel Fasano and Ponta dos Ganchos Resort. The Hotel Tropical Manuas, the largest hotel of the area with more than 500 guestrooms, has its own zoo and large swimming pools with artificial waves that can be used to enjoy various water-sports activities. Some of the finer restaurants include Porcao, Casa Rosa, and the Zero-Zero Club.

The making of extraordinary life experiences is a personal journey with limitless opportunities. It is a mission that should not be taken lightly. Enter the Extraordinary Life Experiences Vacation Getaway and win a head start toward compliments of JustLuxé.com and Jaguar.

It is yours for the taking … accelerate!

Technorati Tags: Sydney, Life Experiences, Luxury Lifestyle, Fine Living, Sydney harbour, Monaco, Hotel De Paris, Ibizia

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.

The heavy-duty unit’s space-age design is as attractive as it is
functional. Its liquid-crystal touch-screen enables users to preset a
desired temperature and to monitor freshness and beer level. It holds
five liters (16 pints) of Heineken DraughtKegs, and keeps the tapped
keg fresh for up to 30 days. A keg is ready to be tapped after being
chilled in a refrigerator for 10 hours. The BeerTender also chills kegs
directly in 18 hours.

The BeerTender is making it simpler to drink more responsibly. Two
models are available “the B95 and the B90″ and priced at $299 and $279,
respectively. BeerTender Tubes, which connect the kegs to the unit,
must be changed when a fresh keg is tapped. The tubes are available
online at the BeerTender Store. Mandatory accessories such as glasses
and beer skimmers are forthcoming. There is even a special hotline and
a Club BeerTender to tap into the latest on all matters relating to the
BeerTender. Do you know the five-step process in pouring the perfect
glass of draft beer?

Although it is likely that taste of other draught beers
would significantly improve by such flowing technology, the BeerTender
only holds Heineken and Heineken Light DraughtKegs only.

Unlike a conventional bartender, the BeerTender works well without being tipped for every glass it pours. Cheers!

Technorati Tags: Heineken, BeerTender, Krups

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.

But the fun was just beginning, as Oscar led me on a tour of the

winery. Being a somewhat new face on the Hill Country wine scene,
Mandolas does not quite yet have all of their vines producing, so
several of their grapes are actually brought in to do the breaking down
& fermentation process. It was a stellar tour full of good
information, and I was very impressed with Oscar, who is staying
abreast of the wine world.

Then, at long tipsy last, it was on to Trattoria Lisina. You &
I know how rare it is to enjoy a meal from start to finish, so you will
understand that I now have a soft spot for Lucina. I started off with
a decadent cheese plate that featured a panoply of sharp cheeses, then
I, of course, moved on to the cherry-tomato based bruschetta. And I
have to admit that I ate all six pieces on my own & never once
looked back.

All I have to say next is, rare tenderloin on the bone, with roasted
shallots atop. Mouth-watering delicious. I’m jealous of my memories.
Afterward I finished her off with a cappuccino & two
hazelnut-encrusted cannolis. All in a night’s work.

Now, I just have to ask myself, how bad is it to fly to Austin just to eat some of that amazing bruchetta?

Technorati Tags: Mandolas, Lucina, trattoria Lisina, Mandolas Estate Winery , Napa Valley

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

The Santa Ynez wine region is set to have a new destination. Roblar Winery is opening a new winery, cooking school and visitor center on April 28. The Roblar Winery & Vineyards will celebrate the grand opening with gourmet food pairings, chef demonstrations and live music. The lodge-style estate has a grand tasting hall, gourmet marketplace, culinary school, separate VIP lounge and outdoor dinning terraces. Roblar is also home to a 12,000 case production facility making wines varying in price range from $20-$40 including Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc.

The cooking school will host classes taught by chefs focusing on local ingredients and organic produce including some from the winery's own organic herb and vegetable garden. An interesting feature of this facility is the top floor members lounge which is reached via a private elevator and includes over-sized leather chairs, a fireplace, tasting bar and entertainment center. Visitors to the members' lounge also get preferred access to super premium Roblar wines paired with gourmet appetizers. Roblar is offering free membership to the first 500 members (you can sign up online). Membership includes a pair of one-day VIP passes, a subscription to Roblar's eMagazine, discounts and invites to special events.

[via Luxist Woollard, Deidre]

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.

Via BornRich