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

Old Forester Releases 2010 Vintage Dated Birthday Bourbon

Vintage Dated Old Forester Birthday Bourbon Set to Hit Shelves
2010 Release Aged 12 Years and Bottled at 95 Proof



Louisville, Ky. (August 31, 2010) - Old Forester has released the 2010 expression of its vintage-dated Birthday Bourbon in honor of George Garvin Brown, the founder of Louisville-based Brown-Forman and Old Forester, America's First Bottled Bourbon™. Launched eight years ago to commemorate Brown’s Birthday on September 2, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon is a limited-edition, historically award-winning bourbon which is released annually.



“This year’s vintage release of Old Forester is crafted from a 72 barrel batch that was put into barrels on October 24, 1997,” said Chris Morris, Brown-Forman Master Distiller. “These barrels were evenly matured together in the very middle of Warehouse K, on the 5th floor in ricks 42, 43 and 45, surrounded by open space. This environment allowed the barrels to easily breathe during maturation and develop a rich fruit and spice character.”



Unlike the standard Old Forester, which is a batch of whisky from several different years, Birthday Bourbon is a vintage-dated bourbon, hand-selected by Morris from one specific day of production. The result is a one-of-a-kind character and flavor that will never be replicated again. Its unique decanter style glass bottle is a throwback to the late 1800’s when Old Forester was first produced. Old Forester is the only bourbon still in existence today that was produced before, during and after Prohibition by its original distiller. No other bourbon brand sold in the U.S. today can make that claim.



Since its introduction in 2002, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon has received unprecedented acclaim and has collected honors from USA Today, Malt Advocate, Whisky Magazine, Spirit Journal, and Santé. A favorite among critics, Old Forester Birthday Bourbon has taken home gold from numerous tasting competitions including a gold medal in the 2005, 2006 & 2007 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The 2007 expression was also named American Whiskey of the Year at Malt Advocate WhiskyFest New York.



Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, a Brown-Forman product, has a suggested retail price of $49.99 and is sold at most liquor stores with a wide and varied range of bourbons. The 2010 edition of Birthday Bourbon is bottled at 95 proof.



For more information on Old Forester and Old Forester Birthday Bourbon, visit the Old Forester website at www.oldforester.com or visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/oldforester.



About Old Forester Bourbon

George Garvin Brown was the founder of Old Forester Bourbon Whisky and Brown-Forman Corporation. Brown-Forman Corporation, Louisville, Kentucky, is a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Canadian Mist, Woodford Reserve, Fetzer wines, and Korbel California Champagnes.


Cheers,
Carmen Operetta

Whisky on the Hudson: 4 days to go!!

WHISKY ON THE HUDSON
August 26, 2010
7:00pm -10:00pm
Pier 59 @ West 23rd Street New York, NY

Join us for Whisky on the Hudson. The premier whisky event in New York. Come enjoy the opportunity to sample from more than 200 rare and exclusive whiskies, showcased by distillery managers and master blenders from Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and Japan.

VIP Boarding Time: 6:00pm
General Boarding Time: 7:00-7:30pm
Sail Time: 7:30-10:00pm

Ticket Price $95
VIP Ticket Price $115 (Board At 6:00pm)
TICKET PRICE INCLUDES FULL BUFFET DINNER AND ALL WHISKY SAMPLING

*Also available for sampling, over 20 rare wines and hand-crafted beers!*

Click Here For Tickets or Call 908-578-2726



SAMPLE WHISKY LIST



ABERLOUR 12 YR
ABERLOUR 16 YR
ABERLOUR A'BUNADH
Ancnoc 12 YR
Ancnoc 16 YR
Ardbeg 10 yr
ARDBEG UIGEADAIL
ARDMORE TRADITIONAL
ARDMORE 30 YR
BalBlair 1997
BalBlair 1991
The Balvenie Classic
The Balvenie 12yo Signature, Batch 1
The Balvenie 12yo Signature, Batch 2
The Balvenie 12yo Signature, Batch 3
The Balvenie 14yo Golden Cask (Travel Retail Exclusive)
The Balvenie 14yo Caribbean Rum (launching Sept 2010)
The Balvenie 14yo Rum Wood
The Balvenie 15yo 15676 (11/80-2/2000) 50.4%
The Balvenie 15yo 14694 (11/89-06/08) 47.8%
The Balvenie 15yo 3449 (2/90-5/08)
The Balvenie 15yo 8270 (5/90-2/08)
The Balvenie 15yo 9844 (7/90-5/08)
The Balvenie 15yo 13539 (10/89-4/08)
The Balvenie 15yo 9822 (7/90-5/08)
The Balvenie 15yo 11956 (12/93-10/09)
The Balvenie 15yo 11928 (12/93-9/09)
The Balvenie 15yo 11971 (12/93-10/09)
The Balvenie 16yo Balvenie Rose (Distillery Exclusive)
The Balvenie 17yo Islay Cask (rel. 2001)
The Balvenie 17yo New Wood(rel. 2005)
The Balvenie 17yo New Oak (rel. 2006)
The Balvenie 17yo Sherry (rel. 2007)
The Balvenie 17yo Rum (rel. 2008)
The Balvenie 17yo Madeira (rel. 2009)
The Balvenie 17yo Peated Cask (launching Sept 2010)
The Balvenie 21yo Port Wood
The Balvenie 25yo Single Barrel
The Balvenie 30
The Balvenie 1978
BAYWAY MACALLAN 16 YR
BAYWAY EVAN WILLIAM 99
BAYWAY ELMER T. LEE
BAYWAY BLANTON'S
BAYWAY JACK DANIELS
BENRIACH
BRANDY LIBRARY RANGE (SINGLE MALT & CONGANCS)
BRUICHLADDICH
BUSHMILLS
BUSHMILLS 12 YR
BUSHMILLS 16 YR
BUSHMILLS 21 YR
BUNNAHABIN 12 YR
BUNNAHABIN 18 YR
BUNNAHABIN 25 YR
CLONTARF Black Label Blend
Connemara
Connemara CS
CRAGGANMORE
DALWHINNIE
DEANSTON 12 YR
DEANSTON 30 YR
Danny Boy Irish Whiskey
Douglas Benrinnes 13 YR
Douglas Blair Athol 13 YR
Douglas Bowmore 18 YR
Douglas Bunnahabhain 12 YR
Douglas Glen Grant 31 YR
Douglas Laphrioag 15YR
Douglas Macallan 20 YR
Douglas Port Ellen 25 YR
DRUMGREY
THE GLENLIVET 12 YR
THE GLENLIVET 15 YR
THE GLENLIVET 16 YR Nadurra
THE GLENLIVET 18 YR
THE GLENLIVET 21 YR
THE GLENLIVET XXV
GLENFIDDICH 12 YR
GLENFIDDICH 15 YR Solera
GLENFIDDICH 18 YR Ancient
GLENFIDDICH 21 YR Rum Cask
GREENORE 8 YR
GLENDRONACH

NBC+Absolut Vodka competition!

NBC is having a cocktail competition in conjunction with Absolut Vodka and the prize is 100K. If you know someone that might like this opportunity OR yourself, check out the info below!




Good Luck!!

TOTC Day 1

As everyone in the cocktail community know that it is the biggest convention/event of the year: TALES OF THE COCKTAIL! I've arrived yesterday and everything has been close to perfection thus far.

My first stop was the MOTAC's "State of the Art, part 2". This was my first time at the museum and I was blown away by the antique bar, the mixologist mixing up their very best libations, and the vintage collection the museum possesses!

The 8 mixologist had some seriously kick butt creations and I want to share the top 1 that I loved.

Danny Valdez's "Audubon Park Swizzle"

1.5 oz Appleton Reserve
.5 oz Del Maguey Chichicapa mezxal
.5 oz demerara simple syrup
.75 oz lime juice
4 dashes of the Bitter Truth Creole bitters
4-6 large mint leaves

Method: Place mint, demerara, rum, lime juice, in tin or mixing glass, lightly muddle and mix ingredients. Add all ingredients into highball/collins glass. Top until 3/4 full with crushed ice/cracked ice. Add bitters and mezcal. Swizzle with swizzle stick. Top with more crushed/cracked ice.

Garnish: with mint sprig.

Info on MOTAC: http://www.museumoftheamericancocktail.org/

"Un-Written Past Times"...Vol.3:March+April

1st: Atlantico Dominican Crawl, 3/14/10
Location:Washington Heights, NY:
1. Elsa, La Reina de Chicharron, Dominican street food 2. Cana y Cafe,Dominican restaurant 3. Fumee, cigar club 4. Tabaco y Ron, club
Video Tour link(A MUST SEE): http://bit.ly/9Xtu57 *It will take a few seconds to download*

I don't know how much I can say about this great Dominican rum! I've written about it in the past for the launch and now we're celebrating the spirit in the heart of NY's largest Dominican community, Washington Heights!

This authentic exploration through the Heights was an experience to remember! The brand ambassador, Effie Panagopoulos and Atlantico's owner Brandon Lieb escorted us through the streets via van and on foot.

The street food was the first stop, in order to experience what Dominicans eat for an inexpensive fare. Second, was the elegant Cana y Cafe restaurant where we had the delicious cuisine at this 4.5 star hot spot.

Next, was an absolute treat! The members only "Fumee" cigar club. We played poker, smoked some great cigars and relaxed with the members.

On the last leg of this tour, was a Dominican club,"Tobaco y Ron". We had an impromptu cocktail challenge, featuring Atlantico. Heck, I even got in on the mayhem! After we danced out little toes out on the dance floor, we hopped into our Atlantico caravan in pure happiness!!

Video Credit: Atlantico
**PLEASE CHECK OUT THE LINK ABOVE TO EXPERIENCE THE ATLANTICO TOUR: A MUST**
Photo Credit: Omnibibulous.com

2nd: Gin Symposium, 3/22/10
Location: W hotel(Union Square), NYC

What a great treat to get a chance to listen and learn from the very best of the gin world! Anistastia Miller and Jared Brown was on hand to speak about the history of gin along with Beefeater's Master Distiller, Desmond Payne, cocktail aficionado/author, Gary Regan and Plymouth gin's Master Distiller, Sean Harrison.

The all-star mixologist cast: Dan Warner, Simon Ford, Nick Strangeway, Giuseppe Gonzalez was also in attendance speaking on new and classic gin cocktails, such as the original martini, Monk's Gimlet, The Rouge, The Alaska, The Jolly Stomper, and the English Breakfast.

To wrap this marvelous afternoon up, Audrey Saunders, owner of Pegu Club, talked about why she use's different gins in her cocktails for perfect pairing in the libations.

I want to thank Plymouth and Beefeater for this special opportunity, which I've learned so much and was honored to be in the presence of greatness!!


3rd:Whisky Live 2010, 4/7/10
Location:Pier 60,Chelsea Piers,NYC

This is the one of the finest whisky experience NYC has to offer! This time I didn't attend any of the Master classes, because I was so excited to meet several brands and wanted to speak to them and sample their spirits before all of the other massive whisky fans invaded the event! 1st, I had to pad my belly with the delightful buffet selection. Next, I walked over to the the Jazz Chef lounge, and experienced the various whiskies with chocolate pairings. I have to admit that I didn't know that I wanted chocolate with my whisky, until now!

Tasting the brands: With so many whiskies under one roof, It was only a handful that I was interested in and haven't tasted. Here's is the list of spirits that dazzled my taste buds:

1. Balblair Highland Single Malt
2. Glen Garioch Single Malt
3. Tomatin 12 year
   
4. Tomatin 18year
5. Sheep Dip

*Also a special thank you to Belhaven and Innis+Gunn**

After everything wrapped up, we headed over to the Brandy Library and finished the evening with more whisky and great conversation with good whisky friends.

Photo Credit: Keith Allison

4th: Blogger's Brunch #2, 4/25/10
Location: Rye House, NYC


Miss Selena Ricks from the Dizzy Fizz has put together her Blogger's brunch -part duex. The first one in January was amazing and I was wondering what she would do this time to make it just as great.

Selena was in confluence with Ann Tuennerman, founder of Tales of the Cocktail, who lead the Herbsaint tasting with 3 cocktails consisting of Frappe's, Fizz's, and Herbsaint drips.

The Sazerac 6 year brunch menu had many options to choose from, and I went with the mac+cheese to accompany my RYEhouse burger. For dessert, I had the tasty Pecan Ice cream, while Ann gave away prizes from the raffle.

During the brunch, Ann spoke to us about Tales of the Cocktail and what to expect this year(7/21-7/25) and she also enjoyed meeting so many people in the NYC social media industry.

It was a great brunch and I thank Selena, Ann, and the RYE House for such a special afternoon!!
Photo Credit: Lush Life Productions