England's Finest:Colin Appiah+Simon Ford at 1534!!!

Photo credit:
http://bit.ly/hMvYBS

Here we go again ladies and gents. Mr. Colin Appiah and Mr. Simon Ford are coming to the 1534 Lounge tomorrow, April 20th from 8pm-12am!

The gentlemen will be recreating or should I say reconstructing the finest cocktails from the 1990's London era. Are you thirsty yet? Well get yourselves in alignment, while these premier mixologist will show you the way to libational heaven.

It's not to be missed and I can't explain to you how much this evening with the Englishmen in New York City will satisfy all of your savoury senses.

See you there,

Carmen Operetta

1534 Info:

20 Prince St
(between Elizabeth St & Mott St)
New York, NY 10012

Also: The 90's British sound DJ'ing from Nick Van Tiel!

P.S. It's a British themed event. Show your love to our favorite brethren's from across the pond!!


Photo Credits:
Simon Ford: http://www.foodgps.com/qa-with-bartender-simon-ford/

Whisky Live:NYC, April 6, 2011!

RECEIVE A 10% DISCOUNT IF YOU MENTION MY CODE: CO2011
It's that time of year friends when the winter blues is washed away with the spring time sunshine! I know that smoky Islay peaty whisky kept you warm through these brutal snow drenched months (in some parts), or that Caribbean cask tantalized your senses like the beams of sunshine on your morning awakening face.

Well here is your chance to reserve your tickets to the WHISKY LIVE 2011 NYC!!!

This year Whisky Live is focusing on the education of what whisky is and the understanding of how bourbon and scotch correlates.

So come prepared to taste, get educated, and entertained on Pier 60 at the Chelsea Piers this spring in beautiful NYC with all the Master Classes, exhibits, tasting halls, the LIVE stage, and this year's featured OBAN WHISKY EXPERIENCE. You would NOT want to miss this!

Slaandjivaa,

Carmen

Photo Credits: WhiskyLive.com

For more details, check out Whisky Live's web page:

http://www.whiskylive.com/usa/21/new-york-2011

DONT FORGET TO USE MY CODE:CO2011 for a 10% discount!!!

The Cocktail Twins at FATTY JOHNSON'S!

Please join the distinct Colin Asare-Appiah and Philip Pepperdine as they create some of the most tantalizing libations at Fatty Johnson's on 1.14.11 from 7pm to 2am for your drinking pleasure.

Come share the love with friends and satisfy your senses!

Sponsored by U'Luvka vodka and St. Germain

Location: 50 Carmine Street,NYC

Web Page: http://www.fattyjohnsons.com/

See you there!

Carmen Operetta

Photot Credits:

U'Luvka and

St. Germain: google.com

EXCLUSIVE 1890 VINTAGE BOTTLE OF CHERRY HEERING TO BE AUCTION AT SOTHEBY'S NYC!

Exclusive 1890 Vintage Bottle of Scandinavian Brand CHERRY HEERING® Revealed

To Be Auctioned at Sotheby’s in New York



Cherry Heering, considered the original cherry liqueur, has plans to release a rare vintage from 1890 for the first time in history. The original bottle can be found and bid on online at Charitybuzz.com lot # 253504 from now until December 6th at 12 pm EST. The bottle will also be made available to the public via a live auction at the New York branch of the international auction house, Sotheby’s, on the evening of December 6th. The exact value of the rare blend is currently unknown, but estimated to be worth over $100,000.



The 1890 vintage was discovered in the Heering cellars in Denmark where it had been perfectly aged since production more than 120 years ago. Only a few bottles were found, all perfectly preserved in original casks, hand packed in wooden casings, and exquisitely marked with the original Royal Arms as purveyors to The Royal Danish and Imperial Russian courts as well as his Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.



To explore the vintage’s quality, a tasting was organized in May at The Campbell Apartment in New York with some of the industry’s top experts. The panel included Jörgen Tilander, owner of the Cherry Heering brand; Jackson Cannon, famed New England mixologist; Akiko Katayama; former Iron Chef Judge and renowned international author; and Tony Abu Ganim, a pioneer in the spirit world. The vintage rating was based on five factors including: mouth feel, stretch on the palette, degree of sweetness, post resonance, and overall balance.



“This vintage is really well kept, providing notes of chocolate and cigar - as if they really rolled everything into the whole spirit,” noted panelist Ganim. “I was eager to see how long it can be aged and still maintain a refined taste. It is deep, more rounded, more impactful – this is my favorite.”



To everyone’s delight the blend was in immaculate condition, prompting the Sotheby’s auction. All proceeds will benefit the charity organization DIFFA, Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids. Fashion has been the communication platform for the Cherry Heering brand for quite some time, and this is an opportunity for them to give back.




About CHERRY HEERING®
Cherry Heering lays claim to being one of the best all-time classic and quality tasting brands. The liqueur, purveyor to H.M. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and H.M. Queen Elizabeth II of the U.K., is the original cherry brandy found in classic cocktails including the Singapore Sling and the Blood & Sand. Cherry Heering, a product of Denmark, is one of the world's first brands to reach a global market. It has traveled the globe on a victorious course, gaining a foothold even in the most remote areas. Today, you will find Cherry Heering in more than 100 markets worldwide. Since its launch in 1818, Cherry Heering’s original recipe has been upheld without any artificial ingredients, colors, or flavors.


Cheers,
Carmen Operetta

Photo Credit: prnewswire.com

Bacardi Reserva Limitada Release!

BACARDI has released its exclusive BACARDI Reserva Limitada rum in the United States, on sale this fall at select retailers of fine spirits and wines. Until now, this rare reserve was available in scarce quantities in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands and Aruba. Referred to as the “Founder’s Blend,” BACARDI Reserva Limitada was originally created by the BACARDI Maestro de Ron (Rum Master) as a personal blend for the Bacardí family in honor of BACARDI founder Don Facundo Bacardí Massó. It was first released to the public in 2003 to celebrate the inauguration of the BACARDI Visitors Centre at the BACARDI distillery in Cataño, Puerto Rico.

Individually bottled, numbered and sealed by hand with a cork finish, BACARDI Reserva Limitada consists of the finest BACARDI rums rested in lightly-charred American white oak barrels between 10 and 16 years. Each barrel is hand selected for its durability and is periodically inspected to ensure it imparts exceptionally developed flavors to the spirit. The result is a remarkable, deep golden-hued rum with dark reddish undertones and a character symbolized by exquisite aromas of vanilla, oak and dried fruits that possesses a rich, smooth taste and velvety finish.

The conception of BACARDI Reserva Limitada was the result of good fortune when BACARDI Maestro de Ron Luis Planas was drawn to place a few choice barrels of rum aside to age.

“It was almost as if Don Facundo himself was telling me, ‘Luis, keep aside some of those barrels because from there something good will come,’” said Planas. “I began to blend the resulting liquids and the end product was something only a house pioneering in rum could develop. That is what we now proudly bring to the United States.”

According to Joaquin Bacardí III, Bacardí family member and head of the company’s business operations in Puerto Rico where BACARDI Reserva Limitada was conceived and is produced, “BACARDI Reserva Limitada was created to commemorate the patriarch of our family. Until now, to get a bottle, U.S. rum lovers had to travel to our distillery in Puerto Rico or one of just three other Caribbean islands. It’s fulfilling we can now bring this truly exceptional spirit to rum connoisseurs in the United States.”

Initially, just 1,000 cases (six 750ml bottles per case) of BACARDI Reserva Limitada will be available in the United States, with additional quantities expected to be released to the U.S. in the future, based on availability. BACARDI Reserva Limitada will be sold in select bars, restaurants and fine wine and spirits retail outlets throughout the United States with a suggested retail price of $110.00.

BACARDI Reserva Limitada has received global recognition and awards, including:

2010	· International High Quality Trophy: Monde Selection, Belgium
2009	· Excellence Award: Puerto Rico Products Association, Puerto Rico · Gold Medal: Ministry of Rum Tasting Competition, Miami
2008	· Gold Medal: Aged Rum, World Spirits Awards, Austria · Silver Medal: San Francisco World Spirit Competition, San Francisco Grand Gold Award: Monde Selection, Belgium · Gold Award: Beverage Testing Institute, Chicago
2007	· Silver Medal: San Francisco World Spirit Competition, San Francisco · Gold Medal: Beverage Testing Institute, Chicago · Silver Medal – Golden Caribbean Blended 12 Years: International Wine and Spirits Championship, London
2006	· Grand Gold Award: Monde Selection, Belgium · Platinum Award: World Beverage Competition, Geneva
2005	· Silver Award – Gold Rums: San Francisco World Spirits Competition, San Francisco · Silver Award: World Beverage Competition, Geneva

About BACARDI Rums

In 1862, in Santiago de Cuba, BACARDI revolutionized the spirits industry when founder Don Facundo Bacardi began producing his remarkable light-bodied, smooth rum – BACARDI, the world’s favorite premium rum brand and the most awarded premium rum in the world. Today, BACARDI Rum is produced in Puerto Rico following the production legacy set forth by Don Facundo – crafted in a five step distillation process, aged in American white oak barrels, and filtered five times for unparalleled quality and smoothness. For more information visit: www.Bacardi.com

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import and distribution arm of one of the world's leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including BACARDI® rum, the world's favorite and best-selling premium rum, as well as the world's most awarded rum; GREY GOOSE® vodka, the world-leader in super-premium vodka; DEWAR'S® Blended Scotch Whisky, the number-one selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, the top-valued premium gin in the world; CAZADORES® blue agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in the world; MARTINI® vermouth, the world-leader in vermouth; and other leading and emerging brands. For more information, visit www.BacardiUSA.com.

Photo Credit: popsop.com

Salud,
Carmen Operetta

Meet the Creator – Davinia Vitrac

It is fair to state that Davinia is better known for her nose than she presently is for her dressing gowns, however all that is about to change! Having graduated from University with an honors Degree in Marketing, Davinia went on to pursue a successful 8 year career in the luxury spirits
industry working for one of the biggest single malt whisky brands in the world, Glenmorangie.

Glenmorangie is owned by LVMH, the global leader in luxury goods. During her time with Glenmoangie, Davinia gained international experience in the sales, marketing and promotion of consumer goods and fulfilled various roles from Sales Management based in London, Marketing and Promotions in Chicago and later Brand Management in New York.

In more recent times Davinia has been part of the Whisky Creation Team at the Edinburgh Head Office and has been involved in new Product Development and whisky creation. On 22nd August 2007 Davinia was getting married and with the entire wedding planned and prepared by the close of June she turned her attention to the honeymoon. There was in fact, very little for her to do in this department for the simple reason that her charming and handsome betrothed had planned, booked and paid for the entire two weeks! In fact all she needed to do was to decide what to pack!

With romantic notions in her head of breakfasts on the veranda of the honeymoon suite, Davinia set off in search of the perfect dressing gown that would suitably match such a grandiose occasion. Having trawled the internet, high street stores and boutiques of Edinburgh, London, Paris and New York Davinia finally came to the realisation that no such garment existed; there was nothing else for it but to make her own!

From a young age dressmaking was always a passion and favourite pursuit of Davinia. After designing and creating her honeymoon dressing gown Davinia was swamped with requests from close friends and relatives all wanting a similar gown of their own. After identifying a real need existed for glamorous, floor length dressing gowns, Davinia took the decision to leave her Brand Management rôle in the world of luxury spirits and so in 2008 founded TheDressingGown.com with one single mission: to bring the ‘essence of femininity’ back into the world of dressing gowns!

TheDressingGown.com is a brand new online boutique that opened its virtual doors on 13th September 2010. TheDressingGown.com design, manufacture and retail glamorous, floor length, figure hugging dressing gowns. Registered under the Davinia trademark, the dressing gowns are sold direct to the public through the online boutique. Taking inspiration from the screen sirens of yesteryear, TheDressingGown.com aims to revolutionise the world of loungewear.

The new line of dressing gowns are made exclusively for TheDressingGown.com and are designed by Davinia. Davinia takes her inspiration from the feminine elegance of the 1950s twinned with the colour and vibrancy of the 60s and 70s. This unique fusion results in truly individual pieces that combine effortless glamour with practical comfort. The dressing gowns will be available to purchase at a price of £75 (pounds sterling). The gowns are presented in a selection of vibrant prints on rich satin/polyester mix fabrics, which can be machine-washed using a cool gentle cycle. TheDressingGown.com will offer free shipping within the United
Kingdom.


Webpage: thedressinggown.com
Photo Credit: thefashionglobe.com

Brasilian Independance Day Celebration!

Did you know that the Brazilian Declaration of Independence is all because a devoted wife sent a note to her royal husband warning him of Portugal’s intent to usurp his diminishing power? Prince Pedro received the note from Princess Leopoldina of Habsburg on September 7, 1822. This information was enough for him to turn to his companions, unsheathe his sword and declare, “Independence or death!” Prince Pedro’s stand was full of passion, patriotism and confidence and at that moment ended 322 years of Portugal’s colonial dominance over Brazil.

Recognized in Brazil as “Sete de Setembro”, it is a joyful celebration. Toasting with the nation’s official cocktail, the caipirinha, Brazilian Independence Day is celebrated all over the world on September 7 with festivals, parades and concerts. Last year alone, Brazilian Independence Day was celebrated with parties and pageantry in a global way - the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan and even the Republic of Angola to name a few. One of the most impassioned declarations of independence in world history deserves a toast.

This year revelers can join the celebration with a pitcher of the Ultimate Caipirinha using Authentically Brazilian Cabana Cachaça. While the traditional caipirinha is simply made with cachaça, lime and sugar, variations on the recipe are as diverse as Brazilians themselves. And here's a little known fact, for true Brazilians, the word caipirinha translates to “little peasant girl”.


This year, join Cabana Cachaça and the people of Brazil to toast Sete de Setembro with the official cocktail of the country that brought you Pelé and Gisele Bundchen.


The Ultimate Caipirinha
Classic Pitcher Recipe:
8oz Cabana Cachaça
8 teaspoons superfine sugar OR 4 ounces of simple syrup
5 Limes quartered

Muddle the quartered limes in the bottom of a pitcher. Add all other ingredients and plenty of ice. Stir about 30 times. For an extra burst of color and flavor, muddle in some fresh berries with the limes. Enjoy!

Carmen Operetta