Whatever your whisky love story is, we’re curious: how do you choose your drink? Are you team tested-and-trusted, or, are you open to trying new brands?  If you’re in the latter category, how do you decide what new brand to try out? Do you just glance through the label and follow your gut? Or are you drawn more by what your eyes can see?

While there may be no right or wrong way to make a decision, Sotheby’s has a guide that can give you an idea of what a bottle of whisky would taste like even before it hits your tongue. And even if you belong to the tried-and-trusted gang, it does not hurt to know that, should you decide to be more adventurous in the future, there is a foolproof guide to making the best decision quickly.

Now that that’s out of the way, here’s what to know

Whisky or whiskey? The spelling matters!

Not in a pedantic sort of way. However, there is a difference that is beyond the spelling. If it’s American or Irish, it’ll be ‘whiskey’. If it’s from Scotland, Canada or Japan, that will be ‘whisky.’

But the difference doesn’t end there. American and Scottish whiskeys are distilled twice while their Irish cousins go through distillation three times. That’s why they are also so smooth and buttery-soft.

Location too!

Of course, where a drink comes from determines how it tastes. The originating region influences the style, flavour and colour of every whisky. There are three classic regions in this regard: Scotland, Ireland, and America. All scotch comes from Scotland (of course) and must have been aged for at least three years. Irish whiskey is made from malted or unmalted barley and is typically triple-distilled, resulting in a characteristically smooth taste.

Whiskey from America’s South – which by the way is referred to as Bourbon –  is notable for its slight sweetness and richness and is made from a mash containing at least 51% corn, aged in charred wooden barrels (cypress or oak) and bottled at no less than 80% proof.

Japan is another notable player in the world of whiskies, although it does not have a long provenance like the other regions. The Asian country produces scotch-inspired whiskies that tend to be lighter (both in flavour and colour) with a slightly fruity taste.

Casks are important …

Casks are a crucial part of whisky production, as they are used in its storage and maturation. The type of wood used, and how said wood is treated imparts a distinct flavour on this deliciously golden liquid.

Casks are traditionally made from oak sourced from Europe and America, and in the United States, they are charred to remove traces of previous use and imbue the fluid with a rich flavour. Once the whisky is distilled (in a large device called a potstill), it’s poured into these wooden vessels for maturation. The length of time spent in the cask is noted on bottles as the whisky’s age.

Also, whisky distillers may state whether the casks are ‘first-fill’ or ‘refill’. A ‘first-fill’ cask is one that has never been used and will therefore transfer the most flavour from wood to spirit. A refill is just what it sounds like – a previously used cask. Refills are often used to balance and adjust mellowness in whiskeys initially seasoned in first-fills.

Sherry-seasoned casks are also commonplace, the wood imbuing a mild flavouring of the sweet wine to the whisky.

… As are the ABV and age of the particular bottle you’re looking to purchase

ABV, alcohol by volume, tells you what percentage of alcohol each whisky contains, while age indicates the amount of time the whisky spent maturing in the cask.

The average ABV for whiskies is 40-50 per cent. Scotch, by law, must have a minimum ABV of 40 per cent, while special ‘expressions’ ( whisky-speak for limited variations, or special editions) often boast of higher percentages. Special expressions are typically stronger, more complex in taste and, in some cases, bottled directly from the cask with no added water.

Some whiskies spend their entire lives in a single cask, with distillers regularly tasting to achieve the right flavours. However, the usual method is to move them from cask to cask during the maturation cycle to balance or shift their flavours. Age corresponds to a whiskey’s richness: the longer the maturing process, the longer the flavours have to develop. This doesn’t mean that younger vintages aren’t flavourful, but typically, they will likely be less complex.

And finally, mash, peat and smoke

You’re more likely to hear the word ‘mash’ from distillers than you are to see it on a bottle of whisky. Mash is the mixture of grains used to create the whiskey, with malted barley being the most typical grain used. There’s also corn and rye, and, depending on the region and variation, wheat.

Peat is primarily used in Scotch whiskey from the Northern Isles. It typically refers to a distinct, earthy, smoky flavour that is achieved when peat is used to dry malted barley as part of the whisky’s production. The length and intensity of exposure to the peat smoke will determine just how smoky the final product will be.

And there you have it. So, the next time you want to try a new bottle of whisky, maybe instead of trusting your gut, thoroughly read the label to make the right decision for you.

Source: Sotheby’s

The post What to Look Out For on The Label Before Purchasing a Bottle of Whisky first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post What to Look Out For on The Label Before Purchasing a Bottle of Whisky appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

This is not surprising, especially when you consider their versatility and what they are used for. For example, what is the main ingredient of your favourite cocktail? Your answer would most likely be a spirit or liqueur, which well, is a type of spirit!

It does not automatically mean other alcoholic beverages aren’t as useful. Vermouth has been used by mixologists for years, and recently, more wineries are encouraging and promoting wine cocktails as a better alcoholic option for those who cannot stomach high levels of alcohol. Beer cocktails are also a thing, as a quick Google search will reveal.

However, spirits appear to offer a more diverse range of cocktail options. This may be attributed to the fact that they have been used for so long in this area that a robust range of recipes and experimentation abound. It also helps that at its core, a spirit – be it a gin or rum or whisky – is an uncomplicated alcoholic beverage, making it perfect for whatever concoction you’re looking to put together. Lastly, compared to wines, they are more affordable, which means more people can have access to them.

Including here in Africa, where it is isn’t only used for cocktails, but for ceremonies and religious events. Spirits have been produced for more than a hundred years now across several countries in Africa, yet surprisingly, they are not as popular as others from beyond the continent.

If you love mixing up a good cocktail or would rather take a bottle of gin or vodka or rum above other types of alcoholic drinks, here are some premium, made-in-Africa brands to immediately try out, that is, if you haven’t already!

Pedro’s Ogogoro, Nigeria

Pedro’s Ogogoro is arguably one of the more popular spirits out of Africa, so there is a pretty high chance that you’ve tasted it or heard about it. Per Lola Pedro, one of its co-founders, Ogogoro is “a palm spirit from palm wine” not a gin, nor a rum, nor vodka.

During Nigeria’s colonial era, Ogogoro was associated with illicit and badly-produced alcohol. These days, it is used to refer to any cheap, badly-produced alcohol with a high ABV sold by roadsides all over Nigeria at least. In reality, neither one of these is what Ogogoro is.

Pedro’s is not only on a mission to change this narrative but is also eager to make this locally-produced alcoholic beverage a worldwide phenomenon.

Aphro Palm Spirit, Ghana

Like Pedro’s, Aphro is an alcoholic spirit made from the sap of palm trees. In fact, it is the same as Nigeria’s Ogogoro, only that in Ghana, it is known as Akpeteshie.

Just like its Nigerian brother, Akpeteshie was turned into a villainous, poisonous drink during the colonial era to push the sale of imported spirits.

Aphro is also trying to correct this misnomer, and if you’re looking to try something different yet familiar, then look no further than the Aphro Palm Spirit which comes in two flavours: the Nubi which is a mix of flamed pineapple, tropical passion fruit and a little West African honey, and, the Moor which mixes local ginger, spices and Hwentia pepper to make a spicy, robust delightful beverage.

Vusa Vodka, South Africa

Vusa Vodka is the brainchild of Chris Frederick and Damola Timeyin, the duo behind Spearhead Spirits which also produces Bayab Gin.

Unlike Pedro and Aphro, Spearhead Spirits is not so much about promoting original locally-developed alcoholic beverages as it is focused on proving that the continent is just as capable of making internationally acclaimed drinks as its counterparts.

Vusa Vodka is made from sugarcane grown in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, and distilled in small batches in copper pot stills. It is then filtered through the shells of the baobab fruit before bottling to give it a clean, crisp finish.

Waragi Wildcrane, Uganda

The name ‘Waragi’ has some interesting history. According to sources, its original name wasn’t Waragi; although what that was is not immediately clear. The recipe for the alcoholic drink was passed on from generation to generation and, all over Uganda, it was the favoured drink for both the rich and poor.

When the colonisers came, they noticed that Ugandans would immediately bring out this spirit during periods of victory and celebration. And so they nicknamed it ‘war gin’. As with most things, war gin was soon localised to ‘Waragi’, which has now become the official name of the ancient local Ugandan drink made from a mix of any of the following: bananas, millet, cassava or sugarcane.

Unlike Nigeria’s Ogogoro, Waragi is widely produced and consumed in Uganda, and several distilleries making premium, standard Waragi exist. One such is the Kakira distillery whose Wildcrane Premium Gin uses the Waragi recipe in its formulation. What is this recipe exactly? We don’t know, but, judging by the fact that its other spirits have won international awards, it may be safe to say that this is possibly the Waragi you should add to your spirits portfolio.

Tambour Sodabi, Benin Republic

Sodabi is to Benin, as Akpeteshie is to Ghana, and Koutoukou is to Côte d’Ivoire. But unlike the others, the Beninese can actually trace the history of their Sodabi to its humble beginnings.

Per Tambour, it all started when Bonou Kiti Sodabi, a Beninese soldier, went to Europe to fight in WW1. There, he saw how the distillation process worked, and upon his return to his country, teamed up with his brother, Gbehlaton, to produce Sodabi using the popular palm wine as their main material after an initial failed experiment with bananas.

By 1920, Sodabi had become widespread and its popularity only continued to grow, leading the colonialists to ban its production and sale in 1931. The Sodabi brothers were even arrested, but this did nothing. As in other countries and civilisations of the world, prohibition only led to secret manufacture and sales.

In 1975, fifteen years after its independence, Benin officially lifted the prohibition against Sodabi. Today, Tambour Sodabi is perhaps the best-known palm spirit from the country, having won international awards twice now. You can choose between its two distinct flavours: the spiced Sodabi and its recently launched brother, White Sodabi.

The post Here are Some of Africa’s Finest Spirits You Should Know. Plus, Their Storied Histories! first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Here are Some of Africa’s Finest Spirits You Should Know. Plus, Their Storied Histories! appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The Macallan Horizon: a design like no other

A little over a year after announcing their partnership, The Macallan and Bentley Motors have unveiled the design and vision of their first product – The Macallan Horizon, a limited-edition single malt whisky that is set to be available in the summer of 2023.

The Macallan Horizon perfectly represents the vision of luxury and sustainability both brands had in mind when they chose to work together. Combining their traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology and innovative materials, the brands designed a bottle that rests horizontally, instead of vertically to reflect the horizontal trajectory of the automotive world.

Whisky experts understand the sheer innovation of this design: whisky bottles, unlike their wine counterparts, must be stored upright to keep the cork from disintegrating which would in turn lead to leaks. That The Macallan Horizon can rest horizontally without affecting the cork is a testament to the skill, innovative tech, research and creativity behind its creation.

Twisting 180 degrees from base to top in a move that reflects motion through space and time (Bentley is the self-acclaimed master of the former and The Macallan, the latter), the bottle has no standing base and therefore, must be stored in its case.

A fine fusion of Luxury and sustainability

Staying true to their original goals, The Macallan and Bentley Motors incorporated six unique upcycled, repurposed or ethically sourced materials in the production of The Macallan Horizon. Among them are recycled copper from the disused curiously small spirit stills which were located within The Macallan’s former distillery; aluminium recovered from the Bentley Motors manufacturing process; recycled wood; recyclable glass and carbon neutral leather, locally sourced, and also used in the recently unveiled Bentley Mulliner grand tourer.

As for the drink itself, its flavour profile was developed by The Macallan Master Whisky Maker Kirsteen Campbell following a visit to Bentley Motors in Crewe, where she observed first-hand their shared passion for creativity, craftsmanship and innovation.

A new era for the drinks industry?

Over time, rare whiskies have proven to be great alternative investment items. Would The Macallan Horizon, with its unusual innovative design based on the pillars of luxury and sustainability open a new chapter in the design and development of whiskies in general, thereby bumping up their value over time?

This is one question only the future can answer.

The post The Macallan x Bentley Horizon is Perhaps the Most Beautiful Decantar You’ll See this Year first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

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The Ones Who Keep Walking features more than 20 defiantly optimistic voices from across Africa including one of the biggest African artists of the moment and social media sensation, CKay (Nigeria); rapper and songwriter Sampa the Great (Zambia); dancer and artist Kamo Mphela (South Africa); producer and DJ Nandele (Mozambique); legendary photographer James Barnor (Ghana); fashion designer Loza Maléombho (Ivory Coast); creative collective Urban Pitchaz (Kenya) and, Bose Ogulu AKA Mama Burna (Nigeria) manager-mother to global superstar and Johnnie Walker partner, Burna Boy.

The documentary explores the different cultures, passions and challenges on the continent through never before heard stories, and in-depth conversations that also provide an insight into how fresh creative energy, sheer determination, and a pioneering spirit is bringing authentic African expression to the world.

Director and Forbes 30 under 30 filmmaker, Amarachi Nwosu says, “Making The Ones Who Keep Walking with Johnnie Walker was an opportunity to tell a story that reimagines how we see Africa and the creative renaissance taking place. Telling powerful stories from the Afrofuturist lens is what inspires me, so having the opportunity to shine a light on these amazing people and their incredible journeys, all whilst showcasing the spirit and beauty that embodies Africa, is a dream come true. I can’t wait for everyone to see it”

Produced by Something Originals and a team of 200+ creatives and talent from across Africa, The Ones Who Keep Walking picks up on the closing provocation of The Man Who Walked Around the World – ‘what’s next?’ – to shine a light on those who embody the spirit of Keep Walking and who, on their own terms, are forging a bold new direction for their countries, cultures and the World.

You can stream the documentary here, or you can watch it on the following DSTV channels: Africa Magic Family, Maisha Magic East, Zambezi Magic, Mzansi Magic, Mzansi Wethu, Channel O and Canal+ owned TV5 Monde.

Source: PR Newswire

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The whiskey and cigar chest has been designed to reflect the Rolls Royce ethos of precision engineering, exquisite hand craftsmanship and a breath-taking presentation of luxury. Its different compartments were carefully put together to perfect any soiree, providing clients with effortless and affable hosting opportunities. The brand promises that the Cellarette will both surprise and delight those who encounter it.

“The Rolls-Royce Cellarette, the latest addition to the Rolls-Royce Connoisseur’s Collection, offers our clients new ways to enhance their lifestyle beyond the experience of their Rolls-Royce motor car. Historically, Cellarettes were used to secure wine and spirits. This bespoke chest can be configured to stow aperitifs or digestifs, dependent on the client’s preferences, alongside prized cigars, in a spectacular fashion,” says an official statement from the brand.

The elegant exterior features a polished aluminium chassis surrounded by embossed Rolls-Royce Havana leather. It comes with an Obsidian Ayous Open Pore veneer serving tray with Spirit of Ecstasy inlay, that, when opened, reveals a warm interior.

This interior is lined with Armagnac leather highlights which is further accentuated by a soft light, evoking the atmosphere of a distinguished Members’ Club. An array of beautiful accessories are revealed in a mechanical fashion, mirroring the opening of the coach doors of a Rolls-Royce motor car. Once unfurled, the client is presented with hand-blown lowball glasses, each exquisitely finished with the ‘RR’ monogram. These glasses rotate outwards as the unit opens, evoking a charming sense of theatre.

In unison with the glasses, a magnificent Armagnac leather-lined bottle pannier is revealed. The ‘RR’ embellished holder can adapt to different bottle sizes, with the bottle held in place magnetically by a polished aluminium fastener, ensuring safe stowage of any one of the client’s preferred refreshments.

On the opposite side is the humidor containing a cigar tray. Cigars are nestled in Spanish Cedarwood at the chosen humidity level for optimum enjoyment, a measure that is precisely monitored by a hygrometer. Featuring unique detailing, the hygrometer recalls the hands of the fabled Rolls-Royce clock.

But that is not all. The humidor also packs the perfect accessories for cigar enthusiasts. Magnetically held at either end of the cassette are two smaller containers – one for an intricately detailed cigar cutter and lighter, made by S. T. Dupont, Paris, and engraved with the Spirit of Ecstasy Expression, and the other for an ashtray. To ensure compact transit, the ashtray’s cigar cradles extend only once the container is opened.

The Rolls-Royce Cellarette starts at £40,570 and is available for purchase in all Rolls-Royce dealerships. It can also be customised to your exact specification, just like any Rolls-Royce product.

Source: Rolls Royce

The post Rolls-Royce Unveils the Cellarette, an Exquisite Accessory for Private Soirées first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

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“Whisky has truly captured the modern collecting zeitgeist. It is such an exciting time to curate your personal collection. As the first-ever Justerini & Brooks whisky masterclass, we are hoping that the series will help individuals gain a real insight,” explains Tom Bradbury, the brand’s head of rare and collectible whiskies.

Titled The Art of Collecting Rare Whiskies, the masterclass is a three-part online guide that will lead viewers on an immersive journey towards starting their own rare whisky collection. From the meticulously considered decisions that take place in the distillery to produce those sought-after releases to ‘nosing’ your whisky like a pro, Bradbury will teach viewers how to begin building a collection, what bottles to search for and how to taste, as well as how to look after their all-important bottles.

The first part of the course will be an introduction to the world of rare whiskey. Here, viewers will learn how to start collecting from the people at the heart of Diageo’s portfolio of fine Scottish whiskies.

The second instalment is all about tasting. Viewers will be invited to enjoy an exclusive tasting kit made up of coveted drams from both working and ‘ghost’ or closed distilleries. This includes Talisker’s oldest official release, the Xpedition Oak, 43-Year-Old; the rich and fruity Mortlach, 26-Year-Old; Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Ghost and Rare, The Glenury Royal; and ‘The Cally’, 40-Year-Old, a limited release with liquid from The Caledonian, an all but forgotten Edinburgh distillery which finally shut up shop in 1988.

Through the session, Bradbury will help deepen viewers understanding of the spirit, sharing guidance on how to identify subtle nuances, notes and characteristics as well as decoding the language used when describing tastes and flavours.

In the final chapter, viewers will be invited to begin crafting their own story as Bradbury shares advice on which whiskies are best suited to viewer’s tastes and preferences, how to care for rare bottles and how to build a collection that is truly bespoke.

Available from the end of October 2021, the full digital masterclass three-part series including a Justerini & Brooks tasting kit and Smythson whisky journal is priced at £500.

Source: Elite Traveler

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Diageo, the owner of 28 Scotch distilleries, is not a stranger to this kind of collection. Last year, it debuted the first Prima and ultima collection alongside its annual special releases. Now, in a surprising move – ‘prima’ and ‘ultima’ meaning ‘first’ and ‘last’ respectively, and last year’s release was expected to be one-off – it has announced a new set of extraordinary and storied liquids under the Prima and Ultima collection.

The collection is comprised of cask-strength bottlings drawn from the historic stocks of some of Scotland’s most revered and storied distilleries. Each one comes with an impressive back story and none will exist again. From the first cask ever filled at a distillery to unrepeated experiments, all are either the first or last of their kind.

Taking over from Jim Beveridge, this year’s collection was curated by the equally qualified Maureen Robinson. With over 40 years in the industry, the master blender took inspiration from her own journey, selecting casks that she has had her eye on for decades.

Selected distilleries range from household names like Talisker and Lagavulin to the almost forgotten ghost distillery, Convalmore. The biggest name of all is the legendary Brora, a revered ghost distillery that was revived only this year.

All eight are remarkable in their own way, but none more so than the 47 Year Old from Speyside distillery Auchroisk. The 48.7% liquid was drawn from the very first cask filled on the very first day of distilling on January 15, 1974. For any single cask to mature for 47 years is rare in itself. The fact that the first cask ever has made it to this age may well be unique. The liquid is rich and spicy with a mellow taste of baked apple and cut grass. It is a perfectly aged Speyside single malt, of which just 382 bottles exist (the rarest in the collection).

Whereas Auchroisk marks the beginning of a distillery’s journey, the 36 Year Old from Canvalmore marks an end. The 48.6% whisky was drawn from three American Oak hogsheads filled just months before Convalmore closed. Very little of the distillery’s stocks remain, so this is likely to be one of the final releases ever. Similarly, the headline act, the 40 Year Old Brora, is drawn from Diageo’s final 1980 casks, bringing an end to the height of its peated era.

Says Robinson of the collections, “This is a selection of very special Single Malts – some that have never before seen the light of day and others that are the fleeting and final examples of their kind. Each bottling shares a glimpse into the history of Scotch and one that I am honoured to have witnessed in person.”

“I remember choosing to hold back the cask filled at Auchroisk knowing it would be special for the future and the anticipation and excitement of the maturation trials we undertook with Linkwood and The Singleton, now realized in these releases. Some of these casks I helped to lay down, and have taken great pleasure in tending to them since, so I chose them with rich memories in mind. Each has its own unique style, which you can now explore for yourself.”

Just 376 full sets of the Prima & Ultima Second Release are available for purchase. Those interested have until August 23 to register their interest here. The set is priced at £23,500 and is available globally through Prima & Ultima agents.

There will also be a chance to own the elusive set No 1 – with each bottle personally signed by Robinson – when it goes under the hammer at Sotheby’s Hong Kong from September 15-24. All the proceeds of the sale will support Care International UK’s work to empower women and their communities around the world through encouraging entrepreneurship, building livelihoods, improving access to education and healthcare, and responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Source: Elite Traveler

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The Hainan International Consumer Products Expo

The first of its kind, the Hainan International Consumer Expo which ran from the 7^th of May 2021 all through to the 10^th drew the biggest names from all over the world. Apart from the huge participation of 69 countries, with Switzerland coming as the guest country of honour, the biggest names in the world of luxury consumer goods were duly represented.

Hainan International Media Centre (HIMC) reports that 2,628 premium consumer brands made an appearance.

A gathering of luxury giants

There was LVMH and Kering. Swarovski was present as was Shiseido. Not even Tapestry Inc., owner of Kate Spade, Coach and Stuart Weitzman, was missing.

Brands like Shiseido and L’Oréal used the Expo to introduce new brands to the Chinese market, but they were not the only ones. Swarovski unveiled its new brand identity and store concept under the Wonderlab banner at the event, transforming its exhibition booth into a new Instant Wonder immersive retail store, similar to those just opened in Milan, Paris and New York. Instant Wonder stores are slated to open this year in a number of Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai.

According to HIMC, 93 new products were debuted at that Expo, with a total of 550 new product announcements.

The Hainan International Consumer Products Expo as a fecund garden of partnerships

Even as brands were recording a high percentage of sales – aided not just by easy access to premium goods, but also by the duty-free policies in place at Hainan – other important commercial activities were taking place. At least 12 suppliers were matched with an equal number of purchasers including Macallan, the luxury single malt Scotch whisky brand which signed a deal worth RMB 100 million with a Shenzhen trade company on 7 May, according to local media reports.

Hainan, a haven for luxury shoppers and travellers

Hainan, a province in the southernmost part of China, is fast becoming a top destination for luxury travellers. Its similarity to Hawaii is a contributing factor, as well as the 200 smaller islands plus the Hainan island that make it up. Each island has its own unique features that set it apart, and visitors can never run out of activities to indulge in.

Its image is further bolstered by the luxury accommodation it offers in its different islands, but perhaps, the biggest attractive factor is its duty-free shopping policy. Hainan currently offers shoppers a duty-free allowance of RMB 100,000 ($15,470), the most generous in the world.

If you are planning to do some serious shopping during your next vacation, or you are looking to make business connections with the world’s top luxury brands, then you may want to ensure it coincides with the Expo. Already, 80% of participating companies plan to attend again next year, including L’Oréal, Shiseidō, Tapestry and De Beers.

As CEO of Rémy Martin Cognac has noted, Hainan “is going to shape the future of travel retail, even luxury.”

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Some people might consider Valentine’s Day to be a worn-out celebration, but, like Christmas, even the hardest critic would not deny that February 14 presents the perfect opportunity to celebrate with the people or persons you love and that make your existence a bit more worthwhile. It is also the perfect time to create magical moments, something Lyxvara Concierge knows only too well.

Lyxvara Concierge

Other people may view a proposal on Valentine’s Day a tad cliché, but not you. Not when it falls on a day as unique as Sunday.

Or, you might just want a romantic dinner for two to celebrate that awesome person that has had your back through everything from really difficult days even before the Coronavirus. Or maybe you just know that on a day specifically dedicated to love, it would be the perfect occasion to fan the flickering embers of your intimate life.

Lyxvara Concierge gets it. A boutique concierge company, it is dedicated to creating and managing unique experiences and lifestyle benefits. No matter what language you speak or what desire you want to bring to life, its team of world-class luxury lifestyle professionals are ready to provide corporate experiences and luxury services for your unique lifestyle needs, once they are legal and ethical.

This season, Lyxvara Concierge has put together the following packages to make the 14^th extra special

Dine-in with a Private Chef

Give the gift of a personal chef this valentine for a romantic, unforgettable dinner for two. “Sharing a meal together is the perfect way to spend Valentine’s day and the intimacy of home makes it even more special.” Bask in the luxury of a personal chef, who will develop a custom menu for Valentine’s Day and then cook the meal in your home. This is one date you will definitely always remember.

Dine out at an Exclusive Restaurant

Lyxvara Concierge has rounded up some of the cosiest, most romantic restaurants in each state. They’re the perfect dinner spot, whether you’re celebrating with your spouse, best friend or your family, we are able to recommend and book the best spots.

Not only do they serve the most exquisite and exotic menus, they also offer dim lighting and cosy spaces to make your romantic night out perfect.

Explore your love over Exquisite Wine Collections

Indulge in decadent wine and enjoy VIP wine tasting with trained wine experts. Learn about the characteristics of wine and how to pick your favourites during a wine-tasting appreciation presentation. You will also get to enjoy a delicious winery meal!

Delight each other with Luxury Gifts and Baskets

It needs to look effortless and spontaneous but also thoughtful and deliberate. It should reflect how important they are to you and be unique without being too edgy or risque. Find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift or experience through Lyxvara Concierge’s array of luxurious options.

– Spoil them with a show-stopping bouquet of flowers! Available in three metallic colours, they’re specially preserved to last a whole year!

– Personalized luxury items can be ordered till the 10th of Feb.

– Estate Engraved Gold- Filled Wide Bangle Bracelet.

– Macallan Whisky Double Cask Gold.

– Moet & Chandon Art-de-Vivre bottle.

– Surprise your someone special with a sleek luxurious watch. Add your own secret message to be engraved on the back.

Or simply pick from one of our prearranged luxury gift baskets.

To order any of these packages and find out more, visit Lyxvara Concierge Services at 13 Olosa street, Victoria Island, Lagos or any of their social media handles.

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The annual release has become highly-anticipated due to the unusual nature of the whiskies included. The series is curated by Diageo’s master blender, Dr. Craig Wilson, who searches through Diageo’s huge portfolio to find uncommon age points and experimental flavour profiles.

This year’s collection marks the continued trend of atypical cask finishes, such as the 8-Year-Old Talisker, Diageo’s first-ever rum cask finished single malt. These experimental finishes have become quite common, particularly with Glenfiddich, after a relaxation in Scotch regulation paved the way. The Talisker combines the tropical nature of a rum finished with the intense smokiness that it is known for. The result is an unusual flavour profile that defies its comparatively young age.

On the other side of Scotland, the 21-Year-Old Mortlach is likely to prove popular, combining one of Speyside’s biggest names with a Pedro Ximenez & Oloroso Sherry seasoned cask finish. A more intense version of this whisky was included last year and this one delivers on its promise to dial down the sherry influences. It shows distilleries are still finding their way to the sweet spot with some cask finishes.

Other more notable inclusions are the 30-Year-Old Dalwhinnie, which is matured in refill hogshead and combines a deep oakiness alongside the typical fruity aromas. The 30-Year-Old Pittyvaich marks the only whisky taken from a closed distillery, making it particularly interesting for the collector.

Dr. Wilson said: “I’ve created this year’s Special Releases Collection from some of my favourite distilleries across Scotland with whisky enthusiasts in mind. For those who enjoy spicy flavours, my recommendation would be to try our Cardhu, and for those who favour rich, intense and smooth flavours my choice would be Mortlach 21 year old. If you are curious about discovering something very rare, the Pittyvaich – the single ghost distillery in our Special Releases Collection this year – is an unforgettable dram.”

Visit malts.com to view the full collection which will be available for a limited time only.

Source: Elite Traveler

The post Diageo Reveals its 2020 Special Releases Whisky Collection first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Diageo Reveals its 2020 Special Releases Whisky Collection appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.