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‘No Reserve’ Auction of Wines from the Cellar of Lewis Chester Totals £1.4 Million / $1.7 Million

By Sotheby’s

Expansive offering represents a fraction of one of Europe’s most extensive and comprehensive cellars, curated over many years by the collector, fine wine and rare spirits writer, and founder of the ‘Oscars of Fine Wine’: The Golden Vines® Awards

LONDON, 2 JUNE 2023 – Sotheby’s sale of wines from the cellar of Lewis Chester concluded yesterday, having achieved an exceptional total of £1,382,309 / $1,727,886. The ‘No Reserve’ auction attracted more than 15,700 bids and global participation from 35 countries, with all 774 lots going to some 200 buyers across Europe, the US and Asia – 30% of them new to Sotheby’s.

The expansive offering represented a mere fraction of one of Europe’s most extensive and comprehensive cellars, curated over many years by Lewis Chester DipWSET – the extraordinarily determined collector and fine wine and rare spirits writer, and founder of the ‘Oscars of Fine Wine’: The Golden Vines® Awards.

Lewis’ motivation to offer the first tranche of his collection at auction was driven in part by his collection having grown far too big to contemplate consuming it all, and by a desire to provide fellow fine wine devotees the opportunity to acquire superb wines with impeccable provenance. All bottles were purchased either direct from the respective Domaines via allocation or from only the most reputable UK merchant, then carefully cellared in professional temperature-controlled storage.

“We knew that Lewis’s cellar was extraordinary in terms of quality and quantity, as he’s such an ardent, focussed collector. It’s a huge joy to have had such a positive result, and it’s a thrill for the team in London to have brought these wines to the market and to see such magnificent results. The prices provide a strong and positive signpost into the second half of the year, underlining Sotheby’s strength in the marketplace and connection to collectors, both new and existing.”

GARY OWEN, HEAD OF AUCTION SALES, UK, SOTHEBY’S WINE

“Firstly, a big thank you to the extraordinary team at Sotheby’s Wine who have been a joy to work with, both for this auction and in building our new long-term partnership for the Golden Vines® and Gerard Basset Foundation. It’s been very exciting to see the positive reaction from fine wine lovers globally to the wines being sold in this inaugural auction which reflect my own journey of discovery and love for fine wine.”

LEWIS CHESTER

The Inaugural Selection was dominated by wines from five key regions: Burgundy, Champagne, Bordeaux, Rhône, and Piedmont. Lewis’ meticulous approach to collecting and study of fine wine was reflected in not only the all-star roster of legendary Domaines and Châteaux, but crucially also in the strict prevalence of lauded vintages from all of the represented appellations.

Burgundy led the charge, and the selection was fittingly typified by apex Domaines: Rousseau, Roumier, de Vogüé, Leflaive, and Ponsot, to name but a few. Venturing north to Champagne, the monumental houses of Krug and Dom Pérignon were represented by a staggering range of cuvées, vintages and large formats. First Growths Lafite, Latour, and Margaux plus Haut-Brion Blanc flew the flag for the Left Bank in Bordeaux, with the Right Bank supplying rare double-magnums of Le Pin and magnums of Lafleur. The consignment also included wines from the Loire and Mosel valleys, Tuscany, Switzerland, and Santa Cruz Mountains.

Full results of The Cellar of Lewis Chester | The Inaugural Selection | No Reserve available here.

Liquid Icons and The Golden Vines® Awards

“Our partnership with Lewis will continue this year with October’s Golden Vines weekend in Paris. Inspirational gala dinners, luxurious lunches and exceptional masterclasses await those who join us as we raise money exclusively for The Gérard Basset Foundation to fund educational programmes on diversity and inclusivity in the wine.”

AMAYÈS AOULI, SOTHEBY’S HEAD OF WINE, EUROPE

Earlier this year, Sotheby’s Wine announced a new multi-year partnership with The Golden Vines® Awards and the Gérard Basset Foundation. Sotheby’s will conduct the Golden Vines® Live Auction which raises money exclusively for the Foundation’s work around diversity and inclusivity in the wine, spirits and hospitality sector, during the Golden Vines® Dress to Party Charity Gala on Friday 13 October 2023 at Pavillons de Bercy in Paris.

Liquid Icons was founded by two friends, Gérard Basset OBE MW MS and Lewis Chester DipWSET. When Gérard discovered that he had terminal cancer, the need to create something lasting and emphatic that would help create a lasting legacy for Gérard’s incredible achievements became a singular goal for the company. In 2018, The Global Fine Wine Report was born which, since Gérard’s death in January 2019, has become known as The Gérard Basset Global Fine Wine Report. Uniquely, the Report – a free publication – is based on a detailed survey that is completed by leading fine wine professionals globally: Masters of Wine (MW), Master Sommeliers (MS), sommeliers, wine brokers and merchants, wine press and other members of the fine wine industry.

In the summer of 2020, Lewis had the idea of taking the ‘Winners in the Report’ and creating the ‘Oscars of Fine Wine’, to be known as The Golden Vines Awards. These awards would help elevate the fine wine industry by creating a world-class event that would celebrate the very best from the world of fine wine. At the same time, in order to enhance Gérard’s lasting legacy, Lewis and Nina Basset (Gérard’s widow) agreed to create a charity in Gerard’s name: the Gérard Basset Foundation (the Foundation). The Golden Vines Awards would be run as a not-for-profit, with all profits from the event and related charity auctions going to the Foundation.

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Inside Angel’s Envy – Bartending and the Art of Bitters with Alex Staub

Inside Angel’s Envy

Bartending and the Art of Bitters with Alex Staub

Alex Staub has been working behind our Finishing Room bar since the earliest days of the distillery. In March of 2020, he’ll begin leading a workshop teaching guests how to create their own bitters and incorporate them into their cocktails. We sat down with Alex to discuss his professional history and what inspires him to craft his own bitters.

Alex Staub

Tell us about your time at the Angel’s Envy distillery—what have you found rewarding? What’s been different from other jobs? Have there been any unique challenges?

I was fortunate enough to work the inaugural event at Angel’s Envy. Before there was an actual bar program in place, I was working for the restaurant that catered the ribbon cutting event. We must have done a decent job because we were asked to come back and work some of the other private events hosted in the Finishing Room. Back then, the only cocktails on our menu were our signature cocktail, The Henderson, and a classic Manhattan. It is very rewarding to see how far we’ve come since those first few events and to see how our menu has evolved to incorporate handcrafted bitters, ingredients and elaborate garnishes. One of the most enjoyable challenges of the job is consistently trying to outdo ourselves. Another perk of this job is the freedom to create. Every other bar program that I’ve ever been a part of has had their own prefabricated menu created by their own beverage director. At Angel’s Envy our menu is a collaborative effort from the bar team. We won’t put a drink on our menu that doesn’t get a unanimous “Yes” from everyone.

What do you like about crafting bitters? What initially drew you to it?
My girlfriend bought me a book while she was on a sales trip to San Francisco called Drinking the Devil’s Acre: A Love Letter from San Francisco and Her Cocktails by Duggan McDonnell and Luke Abiol that has a basic aromatic bitters recipe in it. I brought that book to the bar and that recipe kind of got the ball rolling for our team making bitters and tinctures (extracts). I still have a ton of bookmarks in that book from different recipes we’ve played around with. I guess my girlfriend buying me that book and the creative freedom that I have here at Angel’s Envy is what really got me into crafting bitters.

Can you walk us through what goes into creating a batch of bitters? Is there a simple recipe you’d recommend for people to try at home?
There are a lot of different ways to do it but the way that I like to make bitters is pretty simple. I have a big box full of little mason jars with different tinctures and bittering agents in them that I play around with. To make the tinctures, I combine a blend of overproof vodka and a selection of ingredients such as peels, roots, herbs and spices from our bar’s “toolbox.” I currently have about 60 tinctures to play with.

After the tinctures sit for a while and taste the way I want, I’ll blend flavors that I think might go well together in a very small batch until I have something that I like. I often utilize The Flavor Bible by Karen A. Page and Andrew Dornenburg to find flavors that pair well. It’s a great resource for creating bitters, cocktails or cooking at home.

Once I have a good idea of what flavors I want for the bitters, I’ll begin working on making a larger batch by combining the raw ingredients in large mason jar and then adding 100 proof vodka. Every couple of days I’ll give the mason jar a shake and taste the mixture to see how fast or slow it is infusing. I don’t really have a set amount of time that I let them infuse. I taste them frequently and when they taste the way I want them to, I’ll strain out the solid ingredients first through a mesh strainer, then for a second time through a coffee filter. It’s a lot of trial and error. For every recipe I’m happy with there are dozens of failed attempts. I think that’s the fun part. It’s okay to mess up and learn from those errors. When you have a final product that you’re happy with it is very satisfying.

Do you have any suggestions for how people should use their bitters? Is there a cocktail recipe you’d be willing to share?
I forget where I heard this, otherwise I would totally give them credit. A while ago someone told me to think of bitters as the salt and pepper of cocktails. That really resonated with me. Bitters can help balance the sweetness or acidity of a drink while subtly adding a hint of flavor or aroma on the back end. The right bitters can turn an okay cocktail into a great cocktail. You just need to learn through trial and error what flavors will complement each other. Bitters are cool because they can add those desired flavors, aromas and complexity to your drink without noticeably increasing the volume in your glass. If you have a cocktail that you’re working on that is almost right but missing something, you can give it a few dashes of the right bitter and you’ll have a great drink.

My orange bitters recipe is simple and can be used in many different cocktails. You’ll need orange peels, coriander, timut peppercorn and gentian root. I start by filling a quart sized mason jar with about a cup of orange peels. Then I’ll add a tablespoon of coriander seeds, a tablespoon of timut peppercorn and a tablespoon of gentian root. After that you fill your jar with 100 proof vodka and wait. Every couple of days shake your mixture and give it a taste. When it has a flavor that you like, strain it and it’s ready to use. It usually takes about two weeks before it starts tasting right. You can store it in a clean mason jar or put it into smaller jars. This is going to be a large batch for your home bar but works fine for our bar at the distillery. We go through a ton of orange bitters, so I always have a batch in rotation. I recommend trying out these homemade bitters in a classic Old Fashioned.

How did you get your start in the service industry? How did you find your way behind the bar?
When I was 16 I landed a job as a server assistant in a popular chain restaurant, but it wasn’t until I found an opportunity at a local Louisville restaurant that I really started to understand the ins and outs of the service industry, and the staff became like a family to me. I started as a part time busser, worked my way up to becoming a waiter. Eventually I found myself behind the bar where I tried Angel’s Envy Finished in Port Wine Barrels for the first time. Angel’s Envy was a fresh, new product back then and one of my co-workers who is a whiskey enthusiast was very excited about us adding it to our menu. We tried it together and we were both blown away! There aren’t a whole lot of other spirits that I vividly remember trying for the first time—at least none that resonated with me the way Angel’s Envy did.

What is it that you enjoy about the work? What keeps you involved and interested in what you do?
There are a lot of things that I enjoy about the work, but I’d say that here at Angel’s Envy, I really enjoy the guest’s reactions to a lot of our cocktails and just seeing the bar in general. It wasn’t until recently that a distillery could legally offer a cocktail experience at the end of a tour, so for the first couple years we were open, the bar was a real surprise and delight. Now here we are into our third year and I have regulars! We have guests who have taken the tour multiple times or attended one of our monthly cocktail classes to show their friends and family our cocktail bar. That is amazing to me. I think that is what keeps me interested in what I do.

Orange Bitters Recipe

Ingredients:

1 Cup orange peels
1 Tablespoon coriander seeds
1 Tablespoon timut peppercorn
1 Tablespoon gentian root
1 Quart 100 proof vodka

Instructions:

Fill quart-sized mason jar with all ingredients and top with vodka. Shake the jar every few days, and taste to check the flavor around the two-week mark. Once it’s reached the desired flavor, store in a clean jar, or smaller clean jars. Add a few dashes to your favorite cocktails, particularly the Old Fashioned.

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RAPHA + ROCKET R58 ESPRESSO MACHINE

RAPHA + ROCKET R58 ESPRESSO MACHINE

A limited edition R Cinquantotto espresso machine handmade in Milan by Rocket Espresso. 1 of 100 made to order exclusively for members of the Rapha Cycling Club.
$3,725.00

Some of our newest products are available exclusively to members of the Rapha Cycling Club for a period of time before general release. Other items, including the club’s exclusive kit and a number of special edition releases each year, can only be purchased by members. To find out more about the benefits of membership and join the club follow the link below.

DESCRIPTION

  • Cycling and coffee are a classic combination. Handmade in Milan, the limited edition R58 espresso machine from Rocket Espresso ensures every ride gets off to the best possible start. To allow optimal extraction of any coffee type or roast style, the R58 features two independently operated, PID controlled boilers. Inclined boiler technology makes for precise group temperature adjustment and unrivalled levels of temperature stability. A high-grade rotary pump can draw either from the machine’s internal water reservoir or from a direct mains water supply. And for complete control at the swipe of your finger, all of the machine’s myriad functions are operated via a touch-screen display, now with an automatic on/off function to ensure your machine is always ready to make the world’s finest coffee.

Details on order process:

  • Every machine is built by hand, made to order and delivered within 12 weeks of purchase. You will receive an additional confirmation email from Rapha after your purchase, and an additional confirmation when your machine is ready to ship, complete with tracking link.
  • Your machine will be configured to use the recommended power socket and voltage for your delivery country provided at the time of your order. You can contact the RCC within seven days of purchase to amend this, but we are unable to amend your delivery address after purchase.
  • Your Rapha + Rocket Espresso Machine will be dispatched directly from Rocket Espresso in Milan – shipping and any applicable import duties are included in the purchase price. If you are asked to pay any import duties, please contact the RCC at rcc@rapha.cc who will liaise with Rocket on your behalf.
  • Each machine is built by hand and made to order. Cancellations and amendments are only possible within seven days of purchase, before Rocket starts to produce your machine.
  • Your machine will arrive on a wooden pallet in a custom wooden crate with a total weight of 55kg. As you prepare for your delivery, be aware that the crate measures 60cm high,56cm wide, and 40cm deep.
  • Please make sure this product is the only item in your basket. If there are any other products in your basket, you will not be able to checkout.

FEATURES

STAINLESS STEEL PORTAFILTER

Two 58mm portafilters – one with a single spout, the other with a double spout – each finished with a stainless steel basket and a luxurious wooden handle.

TOUCH-SCREEN POD

Digital touch-screen display for complete control of the machine’s myriad functions at the swipe of a finger.

PRECISE TEMPERATURE ADJUSTMENT

Rocket Espresso’s boiler technology allows for precise and stable group temperature adjustment to deliver a cup of the finest espresso.

STAINLESS STEEL PORTAFILTER

Two 58mm portafilters – one with a single spout, the other with a double spout – each finished with a stainless steel basket and a luxurious wooden handle.

TOUCH-SCREEN POD

Digital touch-screen display for complete control of the machine’s myriad functions at the swipe of a finger.

DETAILS AND MATERIALS

  • Dual PID controlled boilers of 0.58 and 1.8 litres
  • 2.5 litre water reservoir or direct water connection option
  • Tank access at rear of cup storage
  • 2-litre internal water tank capacity
  • Semi-automatic operation
  • Commercial grade E61 type group head
  • No-burn steam and water wand
  • Rotary pump
  • Full stainless steel drip tray
  • Copper tubing with brass fittings and tubes
  • Stainless steel body
  • Stainless steel tamper
  • Two portafilter holders
  • Machine Size: 310mm wide x 440mm deep x 385mm high
  • Machine Weight: 29kg
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The Macallan Harmony Collection chef Jordi Roca of three Michelin star restaurant El Celler de Can Roca
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The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao

The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao

Inspired by our deep-rooted connection to nature for nearly 200 years, The Macallan Harmony Collection is an exploration into the world of sustainable packaging. It fuses innovative techniques with materials from the natural world at the end of their life to see them reborn with a renewed purpose.

The Macallan Harmony Collection

The Macallan Harmony Collection

An exceptionally rich single malt whisky characterised by its deep, dark chocolate profile.

The Harmony Collection Rich Cacao is now out of stock but can be found in specialist whisky retailers globally.

AN EXPLORATION OF CHOCOLATE

The Macallan Harmony Collection

Continuing our long-standing partnership with the Roca brothers, The Harmony Collection Rich Cacao is a collaboration with Jordi Roca and Casa Cacao to bring the worlds of chocolate and whisky to life.

The Harmony Collection Rich Cacao is the first release in a series exploring the world of sustainable packaging. It brings together innovative techniques with materials from the natural world at the end of their life, to see them reborn with a renewed purpose.

CASA CACAO

In 2020, the Roca brothers opened Casa Cacao, a hotel and chocolate factory in central Girona, Spain, the same town as their three Michelin star restaurant El Celler de Can Roca. Led by pastry chef Jordi Roca, Casa Cacao comprises 15 hotel bedrooms, a chocolate workshop, chocolate shop and chocolate factory.

The Macallan Whisky Maker Polly Logan travelled to Girona to visit Casa Cacao, and she immersed herself in the world of chocolate, exploring their chocolate-making process and learning about the distinctive flavour profiles.

DISCOVER THE COLLECTION

Working in collaboration with Jordi Roca, acknowledged as one of the best and most creative pastry chefs in the world, and with exceptional chocolatier, Damian Allsop, I went on a journey of discovery, learning of the craftsmanship, passion and creativity which goes into making chocolate.

 Polly Logan The Macallan Whisky Maker

A collaboration with renowned pastry chef Jordi Roca of three Michelin star restaurant El Celler de Can Roca, this release brings the worlds of chocolate and whisky to life. To create the first limited edition whisky in a new annual release series, The Macallan Whisky Maker Polly Logan embarked on a unique journey to Girona, Spain, where she immersed herself in the world of chocolate, exploring the chocolate-making process and uncovering the distinctive flavour profiles at Casa Cacao.

Polly worked with Jordi Roca, owner of the famed chocolate boutique and hotel, Casa Cacao and the youngest of the acclaimed Roca brothers. As part of the exploration, she also spent time with master chocolatier of Casa Cacao, Damien Allsop.

SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION

In homage to its chocolate influence, The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao is presented in a 100% recyclable gift box, made using discarded husks from cacao pods.
A by-product in the chocolate-making process, these husks would have been sent to landfill or destroyed but have now been reborn with a renewed purpose.

BRINGING TOGETHER CHOCOLATE AND WHISKY

Through this unique experience, Polly took inspiration from the duo’s passion, knowledge and creativity to create The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao. She explored The Macallan’s maturing casks to seek out whisky with rare indulgent chocolate notes that would harmoniously pair with fine chocolates for a rich and unique tasting experience.

Both take time and exceptional attention to detail, with even the slightest changes to the process encouraging different aromas and flavours to emerge.

 Polly Logan The Macallan Whisky Maker

THE EXPERIENCE

  • COLOUR

    Toasted cacao beans

  • AROMA

    Chocolate fondant, honey, oak, zesty lime and ginger

  • PALATE

    Dark chocolate, honey, dates, vanilla and cinnamon.

  • FINISH

    Long with rich chocolate.

  • ABV

    44%

For this expression, I sought out a specific chocolate note in The Macallan’s traditional sherry seasoned European oak casks and combined this with a vanilla note imparted by sherry seasoned American oak casks to sweeten the slightly bitter chocolate note I had found. This exquisite single malt offers a delightful whisky and chocolate pairing experience and the chance to elevate the enjoyment of The Macallan to a new dimension.

 Polly Logan The Macallan Whisky Maker

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YAMAZAKI 55-YEAR-OLD JAPANESE WHISKY

FROM YAMAZAKI,

The birthplace of Japanese Whisky.

Introducing Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki 55 Years Old. The oldest single malt whisky in the history of the House of Suntory. Bottled in 2020.

CRAFTED BY TIME.

In its much anticipated first release of the Yamazaki 55, the House of  Suntory pays tribute to the passage of time. It was in Showa 38 (1963)  that Kotobukiya was renamed Suntory after Keizo Saji succeeded his father, founder Shinjiro Torii as the House’s Second Generation  Master Blender. Keizo was charged to bring his father’s dream to life,  creating not only the quality liquid gold but a quintessentially Japanese experience and lifestyle that rooted Suntory Whisky as the people’s choice.

Today, the House of Suntory is not only regarded as one of the most awarded distillers but as a House that has consistently introduced  Japanese Whisky as a cultural experience to the world.

Keizo Saji and Shinjiro Torii

TOUCHED BY THE HAND OF SHINJIRO TORII,  YAMAZAKI 55 REACHES OUT ACROSS TIME.

A spiritual blend highlighting the Mizunara cask whisky distilled in 1960 under the supervision of founder Shinjiro Torii and the White Oak cask whisky distilled in 1964. Each matured, amber drop reveals  a complex and mystical Yamazaki-ness the world has yet to discover.

Yamazaki 55 is the House of Suntory’s tribute to the passage of time.

THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY’S ART OF AGING

In the world of whisky, we are often led to believe that age is the defining criteria of quality. That the more aged the whisky, the more precious it is. The House of Suntory has consistently challenged this convention because like anything else, the truth is not so simple. Fifth Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo demonstrated this belief with the launch of Yamazaki Distiller’s  Reserve in 2014 that changed perception of no age statements,  highlighting the young bloomers – the fruity and exuberant malt  whiskies as “ young talents ”, receiving worldly acclaim.

The House of Suntory has always believed that like people, each  malt whisky has its own narrative. Each whisky celebrating its own  peak regardless of age.

There are both young and late bloomers.
With the Yamazaki 55, Fukuyo faced an ironic challenge confronting the complexity of working with rare old whiskies. When he acknowledged imperfections in the casks of 1964, the challenge was  to enhance the potential of these late bloomers, to unveil a Yamazaki-ness not known before.

Fukuyo worked closely at hand with Shingo Torii, Third Generation  Master Blender, to find the right creative alchemy and master the signature art of blending to properly reveal the particular depth,  complexity and wisdom that is Yamazaki 55. What Fukuyo respected throughout this process was a combination of the passage of time and what the Japanese refer to as Wabisabi – the imperfections that make up perfection.

‘‘ Very old Scotch Whiskies gave me this impression of them being perfect Greek sculptures with  beautiful toned beauty. Instantly impressive as a piece of art. But the Yamazaki 55 is more like an old Buddhist statue. Calm and mysterious.  It takes time to take in its inner beauty with the smell of Japanese incense and stripped old wood,  like the Toshodaiji Temple in Nara. ’’

Shinji Fukuyo and Shingo Torii

TASTING NOTES

COLOR
Deep amber distinctive of Mizunara casks.

NOSE
A robust aroma redolent of sandal wood.  A sweet, mature bouquet like well-ripened fruit.

PALATE
A soft, smooth first sip that blossoms in the mouth with flavor.
A mixture of sweet and slightly bitter, followed by a woody note
from the Mizunara cask.

FINISH
Slightly bitter, a fragrance like scented wood and a hint of smokiness.
A sweet, rich, lingering finish.

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KALAMAZOO OUTDOOR GOURMET – THE ARTISAN FIRE PIZZA OVEN – PIZZA AND SO MUCH MORE

KALAMAZOO OUTDOOR GOURMET

THE ARTISAN FIRE PIZZA OVEN – PIZZA AND SO MUCH MORE

Temperatures exceeding 800°F. Quick, convenient preheat. A hollow-core baking deck that’s ultra responsive to heat changes.

The Artisan Fire Pizza Oven is engineered to cook incredible pizzas. But it is also extremely versatile, excelling at roasting fish, meats, veggies and even bread and desserts. There’s a lot to love about the Artisan Fire. Watch it in action.

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NESPRESSO PARTNERS WITH CHIARA FERRAGNI FOR A REFRESHING SUMMER COLLECTION

THE GLOBAL DIGITAL ENTREPRENEUR BRINGS AN IMAGINATIVE TWIST TO NESPRESSO’S LATEST LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION

NESPRESSO PARTNERS WITH CHIARA FERRAGNI FOR A REFRESHING SUMMER COLLECTION

Nespresso is set to bring some stylish sizzle this summer with its latest collaboration with world-renowned Italian entrepreneur Chiara Ferragni. The partnership will see Chiara Ferragni transform some of the most loved Nespresso machines and accessories with her iconic style, so fans can look forward to her use of bold colours and vibrant design.

Nespresso and Chiara Ferragni are coming together to serve up coffee with style this summer. With her infectious playfulness and family values, the digital entrepreneur is the ideal personification of summer with Nespresso. Chiara Ferragni’s well-known eye for detail, disruptive ideas and active support for female empowerment are key components of the Nespresso brand, and are all brought together in this collaboration.

The Nespresso x Chiara Ferragni collaboration includes a range of activations, from the launch of the limited edition collection to exclusive events, through to summer-inspired coffee recipes and behind the scenes access. Coffee lovers eager to join Chiara Ferragni on her seasonal adventures with Nespresso are invited to stay tuned to social media for further announcements.

Speaking of her collaboration with Nespresso, Chiara Ferragni, said: “As an Italian, I am a big coffee drinker and have been a fan of Nespresso for a very long time. Nespresso really represents a contemporary way of living with its practical and smart approach to high quality coffee. This is why I am so thrilled to work on this collection, filled with fun and luxurious designs. When I first met the brand, they introduced me to a lot of initiatives regarding sustainability and recycling, that I deeply want to be a part of and contribute to in a near future.”

Anna Lundstrom, Chief Brand Officer at Nespresso, said: “We are delighted to announce this collaboration. Chiara Ferragni is a trailblazing global entrepreneur and has led the way in setting trends across fashion, lifestyle and digital engagement. As one of our most extensive brand collaborations to date, this exciting project showcases a fresh approach for Nespresso while supporting our creative vision. We are really excited to share Chiara Ferragni’s take on the Nespresso brand and cannot wait to finally bring the project to life to our communities.”

Blend aesthetic style and delicious coffee with the branded limited edition Nespresso x Chiara Ferragni Vertuo Next machine. As a twist on Nespresso’s newest machine, it will be available in a beautiful pastel pink colour, with her iconic logo emblazoned on its side. The intuitive one-touch machine can prepare a range of different coffee sizes, for every taste or moment with friends and family this summer.

Compact and chic, the Nespresso x Chiara Ferragni Essenza Mini opens up a whole world of high quality espresso-based coffees. Selected for the Nespresso x Chiara Ferragni collection to celebrate her love of the Ispirazione Roma coffee, the Essenza Mini has been updated with a vibrant coloured pattern showcasing the two brands distinctive visual signature.

Adding a pop of pink to your home, the limited edition Nespresso x Chiara Ferragni Aeroccino 3 offers a quick and sleek way to prepare hot or cold milk froth. Perfectly matching the Essenza Mini, this accessory can elevate espressos into a luxurious milky coffee, ideal for a relaxing summer experience.

Designed for indulgent coffee moments, the Nespresso x Chiara Ferragni Coffee Mug allows consumers to savour their favourite Nespresso cup at home. The mug is embellished with Nespresso’s monogram, which has been stylishly revisited with Chiara’s favourite pop colours to suit the season’s hottest trends.

For delicious coffee drinks while on the go, the Nespresso x Chiara Ferragni Nomad Travel Mug has been given a twist with her signature eye design. With its striking pastel pink colour, this limited edition Nomad Travel Mug is this summer’s must-have travel accessory.

SUMMER DRINKS WITH A TWIST

Exclusively for Nespresso, Chiara Ferragni has imagined her own signature iced coffee recipe, combining her favourite iced espresso with a rich coconut flavour for a tropical summer twist. To re-create this recipe at home, coffee lovers and fans of Chiara Ferragni can even add a touch of cotton candy to make the recipe bold and sweet, just like her. For the full recipe, fans can visit http://www.nespresso.com/chiara-ferragni.

The limited edition Nespresso x Chiara Ferragni summer collection will be available on www.nespresso.com and in selected boutiques as of May 28.

ABOUT CHIARA FERRAGNI

Chiara Ferragni is an Entrepreneur and a global Italian fashion icon.

Chiara’s career started in 2009 when she launched her personal style blog, The Blonde Salad. With her strong personal branding through social media, she successfully gained presence in the digital space and a mass following, nowadays she has more than 23 million followers on Instagram.

Chiara has collaborated with multiple fashion brands and has been on the cover of the most eligible fashion magazines all over the world including Vogue, Vanity Fair, and InStyle. She has also been included in Forbes’s list “30 influential people under 30” in 2015 and undoubtedly recognized as one of the most influential personalities in the fashion industry.

ABOUT CHIARA FERRAGNI BRAND

Chiara Ferragni is a fashion yet pop brand launched in 2013 that now offers total look collections.

The Brand is renowned for its iconic Eye logo and it presents today playful yet stylish collections where inspirational elements from travels, music, pop culture and contemporary art universe melt together. Global, positive, powerful and pure brand that combines prints, glitters and patches resulting in a contemporary and dynamic collection.

The brand launched mono brand stores in several locations including Milan and pop-up stores around the world in selected boutiques and department stores having a global expansion.

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LÉGENDAIREQUINTESSENCE DU TEMPS
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FERRAND COGNAC – Legendary Quintessence of Time

LEGENDARYQUINTESSENCE OF TIME
FERRAND COGNAC

L’HÉRITAGE DE LA VIGNE

Stretching deep into the fertile soil and stretching back through the ages, the vines that adorn the gentle slopes of Grande Champagne de Cognac turn their luscious fruits in the sun like homages to Mother Nature. These ancient vineyards – the Premier Cru de Cognac – are our homeland, the genesis of rare and precious cognacs with a unique minerality and finesse that reflect the blessings of this land of legend. Each grape is a world in itself: a microcosm, an exceptional terroir of Cretaceous limestones, warmed by abundant sun and cooled by the ocean breeze, like no other place on earth.

THE DIVINE INTERVENTION OF TIME

Under the Ferrand family mansion, built in 1861, our Chais Paradis is guarded by two zealous angels: Time and Patience. Together, they work their magic on spirits that age in noble wood barrels. The oldest contain messages left by missing craftsmen, to be deciphered by those lucky enough to discover them.

When the angels are satisfied and the cognacs they have kept reach their peak of perfection, it is time to give a final transcendent touch. The contents of the old barrels are transferred to a wooden barrel where the magic of assembly takes place. The very particular effect of wood stripes on the barrel is due to the staves which are gradually replaced by new ones every few years to give even more complexity and finesse to the whole.

REALIZATION OF A MASTERPIECE

Alexandre Gabriel, Cellar Master of Maison Ferrand for over 30 years, embarks on each creation with a unique vision. For Légendaire, the masterpiece of Cognac Ferrand, he composes a blend of the most venerable cognacs from Paradise. Each cognac which lends its voice to the harmony of Légendaire brings a unique tone, echoing its particular aromatic profile, its length of aging and the share offered to the angels. The striped barrel in which the blend is made only produces 500 bottles of a truly sublime and unique cognac. This is the ultimate expression of the pursuit of perfection that is the hallmark of Cognac Ferrand.

LÉGENDAIREQUINTESSENCE DU TEMPS

LÉGENDAIREQUINTESSENCE DU TEMPS

THE ESSENCE OF TIME, PRESERVED IN THE CRYSTAL

A cognac as distinguished and rare as Légendaire is intended to be served in a decanter as impressive as the unrivaled spirit it contains. The illustrious master crystal makers of Waltersperger have created a container worthy of this cognac, a hand-blown crystal decanter, made in the heart of the Bresle valley in Haute-Normandie, France. Like Cognac Ferrand, which never ceases to defend the art and craftsmanship of cognac, Waltersperger embodies the know-how and quality that have characterized the tradition of crystal making in the Bresle valley since the 15th century. A work of art in itself, the crystal decanter recounts the wonders of Legendary in beautifully crafted imagery.

LIVE THE SUBLIME

Thanks to the many lives that Légendaire has lived in Chais Paradis, the ultimate cognac reveals notes of rancio of chocolate, prune, sandalwood, tobacco and nutmeg. Rare sweetness and complexity, the subtly spicy aromas of clove, cardamom, pepper and paprika mingle with the richness of buttered caramel, almond, vanilla and honey. A floral and fruity profile follows with dried rose, jasmine, saffron, passion fruit and old port wine.

The final stage of the Légendaire tasting evokes tangerine, blackberry and hawthorn combined with foam, cocoa and incense, reinforcing the transcendent sensation of fullness and depth. Like the noble grape, Legendary contains multitudes, a microcosm of the wonders of nature and centuries of craftsmanship that culminate in this moment.

www.ferrandcognac.com

 

 

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‘TIS THE SEASON TO SURPRISE AND DELIGHT, NESPRESSO WELCOMES YOU TO CASA NESPRESSO

‘TIS THE SEASON TO SURPRISE AND DELIGHT, NESPRESSO WELCOMES YOU TO CASA NESPRESSO

LAUNCHING ITS LATEST LIMITED EDITION COFFEE RANGE, VARIATIONS ITALIA WITH A SELECTION OF MUST-HAVE ACCESSORIES

This holiday season, Nespresso is opening its Casa Nespresso doors, arming coffee lovers with an array of appealing gifts for the holidays. A season, dedicated to generosity and indulgence, Nespresso believes there is no better time to bring people together and treat loved ones with the gift of Nespresso. Whether you’re writing your own wish list or wanting to surprise your nearest and dearest, Casa Nespresso will be sure to inspire your gifting this season.

To celebrate, Nespresso is launching its Variations Italia Limited Edition coffee range. Inspired by the traditions of Italy, Nespresso’s Variations Italia is a homage to true Italian hospitality, celebrating those warm, soft-hearted moments spent with loved ones during the holidays. This year’s coffees are influenced by the traditional Italian flavours of regional sweet treats, including hazelnut cake, amaretti and pecan biscotti. With four flavoured coffees, two non-flavoured coffees and a range of accessories, Nespresso’s festive coffee offer caters for all this holiday season. 

SURPRISE AND DELIGHT YOUR TASTE BUDS WITH NESPRESSO’S VARIATIONS ITALIA COFFEE RANGE

Variations Italia Amaretti  Flavour

Available for Original

Amaretti are traditional Italian biscuits made using ground almonds, egg whites and sugar, giving them their unmistakeable bittersweet taste. Coffee lovers can expect, in this flavoured coffee, almond and vanilla notes layered with South American Arabica’s lingering cereal character, giving it a zesty fruit note.

Variations Italia Torta di Nocciole Flavour

Available for Original

Variations Italia Torta Di Nocciole Flavour coffee fills out the South American Arabicas’ lasting cereal taste with notes of toasted hazelnut and vanilla. Like coffee and cake, this espresso is a warm and welcoming treat to celebrate the moment together.

Il Caffè

Available for Original

Il Caffè takes you right to the heart of the classic Italian espresso experience. Vietnamese and Indonesian Washed Robustas graced with a little Colombian Arabica hit that punchy combination of smooth, velvety taste and roasty, cereal aromas.

Variations Italia Pecan Biscotti  Flavour

Available for Vertuo

This flavoured coffee is based on the iconic Italian twice-baked “Biscotti”, also known as Cantucci, often used for dunking into a cup of coffee. Variations Italia Pecan Biscotti Flavour marries a velvety texture and nutty notes from Latin American and African Arabicas, creating a smooth cereal taste.

Variations Italia Amaretti Flavour

Available for Vertuo

When sipping Variations Italia Amaretti, coffee lovers can expect to experience cereal notes and a smooth texture. Layered on to this Latin American and African Arabica base is the Amaretti flavour withits warming notes of bittersweet almond and vanilla. The marriage of sweetness and a rich nuttiness is the perfect complement to the company of loved ones.

Il Caffè

Available for Vertuo

Il Caffè takes you right to the heart of the classic Italian coffee experience. Coffee lovers can expect a punchy combination of smooth, velvety tastes and roasted, cereal aromas by blending Vietnamese and Indonesian Washed Robustas with a little Colombian Arabica.

MAKE THOSE NESPRESSO MOMENTS LAST LONGER – DISCOVER NESPRESSO’S LATEST ACCESSORIES

Along with these indulgent coffees, Nespresso has also launched a range of coffee and homeware accessories, that elevate those special coffee moments spent at home and make for delightful gifts this holiday season.

A Festive Coffee Countdown

Give the gift of time with Nespresso’s 2020 Variations Italia advent calendar. This coffee countdown allows Nespresso fans to enjoy a Nespresso coffee each day from December 1st to 23rd and a gift on the 24th. Available for both Vertuo and Original, the Nespresso Festive Advent Calendar will be sure to bring excitement to any household ahead of the big day.

y with the Nespresso Lume Collection

Designed by Milanese designer Federica Biasi, the new Lume Collection is a refreshing twist on the traditional white porcelain coffee cup set. Its timeless, organic shape aims to bring a sense of cosiness and warmth, creating a true moment of coffee indulgence.

The word Lume is Italian for light, which is what Federica Biasi aims to portray through this collection. The delicate design and white matte finish creates a touch of luxury making it a perfect gift for any coffee lover.

The permanent collection comes in five sizes, from Espresso (80ml) to Coffee Mug (400ml).

For those looking for a sleek storage solution for their Nespresso capsules, Federica Biasi has also designed an accompanying Lume Mia capsule dispenser, the transparent design creates a luminous sparkle to your capsules, suiting any kitchen counter space.

Celebrate and entertain with Alessi X Nespresso

This year, Nespresso is also proud to have partnered with iconic Italian design brand Alessi, co-creating a limited edition centrepiece for entertaining and sharing meaningful moments with loved ones.

Thoughtfully designed, with an exclusive granulated finish reinterpreting an ancient goldsmithing technique, the Alessi X Nespresso centrepiece bowl has been created for every at-home celebration in mind.

A GIFT FOR YOU, A GIFT FOR ME

Nespresso is also offering two luxury limited edition gifts that are only available to coffee lovers with select purchases. So, if you’re treating someone else, you too can also treat yourself and take something home from the Casa Nespresso.

Holidays on the go with Nespresso’s Limited Edition Touch Travel Mug

For coffee lovers who just don’t stop, Nespresso Limited Edition Touch Travel Mug is a great companion for any journey, whether it’s running for the last train or a long journey to see family for the holidays. This stylish laser engraved travel mug will keep your Nespresso coffee warm and its double insulation means that your hands will stay cool. This limited edition gift is available with purchase.

Relax and unwind with Nespresso’s Café Absolu scented candle

For an extra moment of relaxation Nespresso has also collaborated with French perfumer Olivia Giacobetti to create the Café Absolu scented candle. This exclusive candle’s aroma is filled with hints of coffee, cocoa, woody notes and lingering vanilla. Its full-bodied and velvety fragrance creates a cosy warming atmosphere. Great for relaxing and unwinding after a busy day of festivities. This limited edition gift is available with purchase.

Explore Casa Nespresso to see the full festive range including machines, and take your gifting ideas to the next level at www.nespresso.com and in Nespresso boutiques.

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Tuna Scope -The Secrets to a Tuna’s Flavor are Hidden in the Tail.

Tuna examination is one of the many vital artisanal skills that supports the culinary culture revolving around this fish. It is a skill that allows master tuna merchants to determine properties such as the flavor and texture of a tuna just by eye without ever tasting it themselves. As the number of practitioners of this craft dwindle, these trade secrets are in danger of disappearing, so we decided to pass the torch to AI. When want to ensure that people around the world could enjoy the same standard of delicious tuna, even into the far future.

Tuna is one of the ocean’s greatest treasures.

Entrusting the Future of Tuna Examination to AI.

High-quality Tuna for All, Sustainably.

The Secrets to a Tuna’s Flavor are Hidden in the Tail.

The cross section of a tuna’s tail is a road map detailing an intricate story about it’s flavor, texture, freshness and overall quality. Master tuna merchants will examine things like the color and sheen, firmness, and the layering of fat, and through a process forged by experience and intuition, instantly determine the quality of a given fish. This examination has been the primary determiner of prices at fish markets for ages.

Inheriting the Disappearing Legacy of Tuna Examiners.

“No matter how talented someone may be, it takes at least ten years to be able to do this by yourself.” Quality examination is a skill that is cultivated from a combination of years of training, experience and individual intuition, and each practitioner has their own unique tried and true methods. The number of craftsmen, who judges the quality of fish with their highly trained eyes, has fallen to less than half of the industry’s golden age. In the near future, it’s feared that there will be no successors to carry on the occupation.

STORY

We created an AI model that instantaneously determines the quality of a given tuna based on a cross sectional tail scan. We took roughly 4,000 tail images, a number equivalent to that an examiner might see on their ten year path to proficiency, and input the data into the AI program, which succeeded in mastering the skill in a mere month through machine learning. This was the birth of a new successor to the tuna examination tradition that could be utilized around-the-clock anywhere in the world.

The Development of TUNA SCOPE

At a fish processing facility in Yaizu, yellowfin tuna data was recorded along with grades given by real examiners on a four-level scale. on a four to five level scale. Using machine learning, we took the data for roughly 4,000 fish and used it to teach AI the unexplainable nuances of the tuna examination craft.

Testing at the Yaizu Fish Processing Facility

The AI quality examination app was introduced to the yellowfin tuna inspection process at the Yaizu fish processing facility. We tested the app’s accuracy by comparing it to the results of real examiners, revealing that the app was already achieving accuracy level 78%85% as high as its human counterparts with 35 years of experience.

The Creation of “AI Tuna”

Promoting it in sushi restaurants. The tuna that was ranked highest by the AI went on to become its own brand, which was labeled “AI Tuna”. This high quality AI-examined tuna was brought to a sushi restaurant in Tokyo where roughly 1,000 plates were served to customers over five days. According to a survey executed at the restaurant, the brand achieved a 90% customer satisfaction rate.

TUNA SCOPE Goes Global

TUNA SCOPE’s next step is to become a real part of the inspection process at factories, and utilize the data to become increasingly skilled. By expanding beyond Japan, and continuing to acquire data from fisheries around the world, TUNA SCOPE aims to create a world standard for tuna quality in the near future.

FUTURE

Artisan Skills in the Hands of AI

The technology developed for TUNA SCOPE has untapped potential for applications across a wide variety of industries. By teaching AI the secrets and nuances required to perform the tasks humans have perfected over the years with the naked eye, we may gain a new ally against a host of problems that humanity faces today. That future might be closer than we think.

www.tuna-scope.com

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