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The Macallan Launches Diamond Jubilee Bottling

The Macallan have revealed details of their Diamond Jubilee edition, to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 60th year on the throne.

The bottle bears a unique image of the Queen by the sculptor Arnold Machin, while the pack was designed by acclaimed Art Director David Holmes, who was responsible for the 2011 Macallan Royal Marriage edition.

The whisky within has been specially chosen for when it was drawn from the casks, 6th February, the Queen’s accession and the first week in June, traditionally when the Jubilees are celebrated. Bottled at 52%, in line with the year of the Queen’s accession, the exceptional sherry cask matured single malt gives hints of citrus fruits, ginger and clove.

Ken Grier, Director of Malts at Edrington commented, in a press release: “The Macallan is honoured to showcase and play host to such an iconic British emblem. This unique combination between art and whisky results in an exquisitely designed creation which continues our exceptional attention to detail in all The Macallan products.

“Our Whisky Maker, Bob Dalgarno has put together a superb single malt which carries the character and nobility of the occasion it commemorates, whilst David Holmes has given us a truly inspiring way to use this iconic image”

The 2012 bottles are available for £350, either from distillery or online (for UK customers only) at www.themacallan.com.

The Macallan Diamond Jubilee Bottling £350

Via Whisky Drinker

Sartorial Life - Style with Substance

Christie’s Jubilee Line Exhibition 30 May To 1 June

While there are more Jubilee related events than anyone has time for, Christie’s is offering a unique opportunity to mark this milestone that should not be missed.

From 30 May to 1 June, more than fifty works from the Royal Portrait Collection of Sir Timothy Rice will be on view at Christie’s King Street location.

Included in this exhibition is a very fine portrait of Henry VIII dating from around 1520 by an unknown English School artist. The curious thing is that for most of its history, this painting was thought to be of Charles Brandon, Duke of Suffolk an idea that was only overturned in 2001 by David Moore-Gwyn.

Other highlights include a depiction of Queen Elizabeth I (Sieve Portrait), a Warhol of Prince Charles and a hologram of Queen Elizabeth II by Chris Levine who’s work currently graces the cover of Time magazine. With a timeline than spans almost 500 years there is enough variety to make this an enjoyable cultural outing for all.

All exhibition artwork is courtesy of Christie’s

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Sartorial Life - Style with Substance

Ralph Lauren: The Enduring Appeal

This has been said many times before in more abstract ways, but it deserves to be stated distinctly. It is astounding how effective Ralph Lauren has been at selling a very particular dream over the past 45 years.

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Sartorial Life - Style with Substance

Gieves & Hawkes Bio-Elastic Suiting

Available in either navy or charcoal and your choice of a single or double breasted jacket, these new suit separates from Gieves & Hawkes are made from super 110′s wool that feature a dense concentration of high twist yarn that help make the fabric wrinkle resistant.

I own a suit with this type of wool and believe me, it does make a difference. Keep in mind this is wrinkle resistant and not entirely wrinkle proof. The other added bonus is that this material also has built in stretch which can add to the overall comfort. A great material to keep you looking sharp.

Jacket Details:

• 6 button double breasted, 2 button single breasted notch lapel or 1 button single breasted notch lapel
• Iconic Savile Row roped shoulder
• Four button uncut English working cuff
• Jet hip pockets with pocket flap, jet ticket pocket with pocket flap. Outer breast welt pocket
• Fully lined internal lining construction. Interior jacket pockets include ticket pocket for extra security when traveling, pen pocket

Trouser Details:

• Single pleat or flat front
• Internal curtain waistband, 2 hook and bar fastenings and zip fly front
• 6 belt loops, fob pocket at wearers right hand side under waistband, slant front pockets
• Double jet back pockets with button closure
• Half lined to the knee

Jacket price: £600.00-£700.00

Trouser price: £200.00

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Ardbeg Day Islay-limpics 2 June 2012

While everyone across the globe is aware that the Olympics will be held in London this summer, the Islay-limpics are not on the tip of everyone’s tongue. These events are essentially a series of mock Highland games to celebrate “Ardbeg Day” which will take place on 2 June 2012.

Throughout the world Ardbeg Embassies will be uncorking bottles of Ardbeg Day Whisky, a special commemorative bottling, and hosting their own Island games.

Ardbeg will be adding updates to their website as well as letting us know via Twitter and Facebook  about mini training events to help us get in shape before the big day.

To participate in the festivities make your way to the Distillery or check the website for an Embassy in your area.

Ardbeg Uigeadail ‘World Whisky of the Year’ in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2009

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Sartorial Life - Style with Substance

In-Depth: The Watches Of Mad Men (Season 5)

Few television shows have been as loudly or consistently praised for the quality and authenticity of its costumes, sets and props as AMC’s Mad Men. Now in its fifth season, the show continues to go to great efforts to source appropriate accessories to showcase a hyper real version of New York in 1966.

This obsession with historically accurate physical culture extends to the wrists of the characters, and for years watch fans have eagerly paused DVDs on partially blurred wristshots of Don Draper and his co-workers. The ability to accurately identify a watch from 50 paces (or a blurred screengrab) is a highly prized skill among watch fans. Today we’d like to take a closer look at some of the lesser stars of Mad Men: Four watches used in the most recent season.

Derek Dier, owner of Watches to Buy, received a call from Ellen Freund, the prop-master for Mad Men, a scant 24 hours before shooting was about to start. She needed a watch, not just any watch – she needed Don Draper’s watch.

Of all the wrists of Mad Men, Don Draper’s has been the most scrutinised. In series one he wore a Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox, but with replacement “Tuxedo” style dial. Season two sees him graduate to a gold Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso (we even saw a special tribute edition of the 1931 Reverso), and season 4 stepped it up another notch with a Rolex Explorer.

So for series five the props master has specific needs. They needed a watch from 1966 (only the latest model for Don), and they wanted a Rolex.  Derek suggested that a Rolex from 1966 would be indistinguishable to a casual eye to a Rolex from 1956 or 1986, and argued that Omega, specifically the Seamaster Deville, was an iconic watch of the 60s. And that is how Don Draper ended up with his elegant and refined black dialled Deville.

Don Draper Omega Seamaster Deville

Derek didn’t stop there. In consultation with the Freund he was able to supply a further four watches to the show, but could only tell us about three, because to tell us about the last one would give away as yet unaired storylines (there’s something to look forward too).

Roger Sterling was next, and his choice was an easier one. Of all the watches Derek suggested, everyone agreed that the clear choice was the Tudor oyster prince with a ‘Tuxedo’ dial. It’s a striking watch, so striking that John Slattery (who plays Sterling) wanted to buy one for himself. We certainly agree that this is a great choice for Sterling; a slightly older model than Draper’s Seamaster, but a classic piece nonetheless.

Roger Sterling Tudor Oyster Prince

Freund chose Pete Campbell’s watch herself, and to be honest she hit the nail on the head. Campbell wears a very 60s Hamilton Sputnik on a strap (we do think an original spiedel band would have been ideal, but tough to find in good condition. The Hamilton is a more accessible watch – the 1960 sticker price of $100 makes it comparable with modern Hamilton watches in price. We think it’s the perfect piece for Campbell; it’s a watch with more than a hint of boyish wonder, and as Dier suggests, a perfectly plausible watch for a young Campbell to receive as a gift, perhaps given along with a Chip ‘n Dip.

Pete Campbell Hamilton Sputnik

The last watch Dier provided for the show was something more of a challenge, a watch for Don’s new bride Megan. Dier was told to find a watch that expressed ‘youth an modernity.’  While we’re not sure that the nineteenth century Swiss brand, Jules Jurgensen screams modernity – the ellipse dialled, diamond bezelled white dialled watch is certainly an appropriate choice for the energetic Megan Draper.

Megan Draper Jules Jurgensen

As watch enthusiasts it’s great to see a television show such as Mad Men pay such close attention to the wrists of the characters, and to historical accuracy. And it’s fascinating to get an insight into the processes involved in selecting a watch for a character, and we look forward to analysing the wrists of Draper et al for many seasons to come.

Via Hodinkee

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Sartorial Life - Style with Substance

Bespoke Ties From Drakes London

If you find yourself unsatisfied with the available choices in the ready-made tie marketplace, Drakes may have a solution that fits your requirements. For £155, you can obtain a superbly handcrafted tie cut to your personal specifications.

In order to keep things as balanced as possible, Drakes has gone ahead and prepared a selection of tie lengths that guarantees the knot area is neither too wide nor too narrow to help you along in your selection process.

The turnaround time is 2 – 6 weeks and there is no minimum so you can order one and examine the workmanship for yourself before spending hundreds of pounds. With almost fifty fabrics to choose from, even the fussiest of men may be satisfied.

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Lighter And Brighter Fred Perry Polo Shirts Summer 2012

With the change of season comes a change in mood and seasonal clothing is a reflection of that feeling. Featured here are four polo shirts from Fred Perry that express this summer sensibility.

First up are the Blue and Pink Oxford models (M3000) which I would consider absolute summer classics that are as close to timeless as you can get. They are solid and come in pleasing shades that are easy to gravitate towards for most.

The Citron and Canary Yellow on the other hand may not be for everyone but pack that extra amount of punch that will surely be a standout on the right person. For the complete collection visit Fred Perry.

This month Bridge55 is offering 25% off on all Fred Perry clothing.

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Sartorial Life - Style with Substance

Bowmore Launches New Expression: Bowmore Small Batch Reserve – Scotch Whisky News

Bowmore, the first Islay Single Malt Whisky, is launching a new expression in the UK, Bowmore Small Batch Reserve. Uniquely created from a selection of the finest first- and second-fill bourbon casks, and brought together for an extended period of maturation, this expression is Bowmore’s most delicate and best balanced yet. The combination of the Bowmore spirit and ex Bourbon casks is widely regarded as the perfect marriage as demonstrated by the layers of sweet vanilla that prevail within this whisky. The new addition coincides with the release earlier this year of new packaging across the core range and new travel retail expressions. Bowmore Small Batch Reserve is available from select off-trade accounts from May at RRP £32.99.

As Bowmore’s lightest and most delicate expression to date, Small Batch Reserve has been developed especially for the discerning whisky drinker wishing to explore the Islay Single Malt category. With over 230 years of experience and its unique location on Islay, Bowmore is widely acknowledged to be among the finest and most balanced whiskies in the world, renowned for its rich peaty and smoky tones. Bowmore Small Batch Reserve is no different and one sip transports the drinker to its magical island home. The packaging also encapsulates Bowmore’s Islay heritage, traditions and craftsmanship, giving consumers a sense of drinking a specific place, history and way of life.

Launched also in response to increased consumer demand for special and small batch whiskies, Bowmore’s new proposition is just that. A genuine release of limited volume, Small Batch Reserve is vatted in restricted quantities and is created from a careful hand selection of exceptional North American Oak casks brought together to produce a unique expression of remarkable style and character.

Exclusively matured in first and second fill ex Bourbon casks, then blissfully married together, Small Batch Reserve exhibits the best qualities of both. First-fill bourbon offers delicious vanilla sweetness, subtle spices and bourbon oak smoke to complement Bowmore’s gentle peaty smokiness, while the second-fill cask enhances Bowmore’s fresh fruity complexity and showcases its trademark honey and creamy malt character. During the marrying period, they combine to create an exceedingly complex expression, showcasing the perfect balance between top quality bourbon cask sweetness and spice, and the natural elements of Islay; air, water, earth and fire beautifully balanced and in perfect harmony.

Rachel Barrie, Master Blender of Morrison Bowmore Distillers, adds: “Bowmore Small Batch Reserve encapsulates the perfect harmony of nature’s elements on a summer’s day on Islay. The sweetest smoked barley and highest quality bourbon oak casks have created a vanilla elixir with ripe orchard fruits, honeycomb and teasing wispy smoke. Relax, take it easy and enter Islay time with the harmonious taste of Small Batch Reserve.”

Experience the delicious, if not unusual, combination of Bowmore Small Batch Reserve accompanied withsome high-quality vanilla ice cream drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkling of sea-salt. See how the vanilla ice cream brings out the sweet vanilla from the first- and second-fill bourbon casks, the olive oil complements the Bowmorepeat smoke, while the salt highlights the trademark Bowmore sea-salt tang.

BOWMORESMALL BATCH RESERVE

40% ABV, £32.99 RRP

TASTING NOTES

On the eye warm gold

Breathe in vanilla fudge, sea air and peat smoke, balanced beautifully by honeycomb and cinnamon spice

Sip mouth-watering citrus, gentle saltiness and vanilla with flakes of coconut

Savour the wispy smoke, bourbon vanilla and lime finish

For more information, please visit www.bowmore.com

The Bowmore domestic product range:

Bowmore Legend
Bowmore 12 Years Old
Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’
Bowmore 18 Years Old
Bowmore 25 Years Old

Islay

Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, and is also known as “The Queen of the Hebrides.” Its mild climate and rich peaty soil make it ideal for creating whisky, and despite having a population of not much more than 3,000, it’s home to no fewer than eight distilleries.

Via WhiskyIntelligence.com

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Sartorial Life - Style with Substance

Moscot Originals At Tres Bien Shop

With clientele that includes Buddy Holly, Truman Capote, Johnny Depp and Sting in addition to having roughly 100 years in the business, Moscot must have a little more going for them than just celebrity hype.

Based in New York City but celebrated globally for spectacles with classic style, Moscot is also available in Europe through the Tres Bien Shop in Sweden who have recently restocked the Lemtosh and Miltzen models adding to the existing range of Moscot Originals which also includes the Zolman and Nebb.

Obviously an inspiration for other brands in the industry seeking to capture that authentic vintage look, if you want the genuine article be prepared to fork over between 200-250€ for a pair at Tres Bien.

Moscot Zolman Tortoise G15

Moscot Miltzen Crystal G15

Moscot Lemtosh Blonde G15

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Sartorial Life - Style with Substance