Sip Into Something More Comfortable
With Marcy Rudershausen, Master of Whisky for Johnnie Walker® & the Diageo® Whisky brands
I spent the evening a few weeks ago with some friends when one of them offered me a Nuvo. She handed me this pink bottle along with a champagne flute filled with ice. Anyone who knows me knows I’m a whisky lovin’ woman but I’m also game to try something new. So, Nuvo, it was pink and in a champagne flute….and it was quite nice. Light, effervescent, fruity and refreshing. Of course I felt compelled to do a little research and share with all of you my discovery. Nuvo is the first and only sparkling spirit for women in the US. It is an Ultra premium blend of 95 % Fine French vodka, French sparkling wine, and exotic fruit nectar created by Raphael Yakcoby. Nuvo (founder of Hypnotiq) is a true balance of a cosmopolitan and the elegance of champagne. The Bottle design is inspired by fine perfume bottles: sleek and elegant with a unique square bottle. It comes in two manageable sizes 200ml and 375ml. You can only find it in Florida and New York for now.
I’d say this is the next evolution of super premium vodka. It’s not a prepared cocktail. It’s naturally flavored sparkling vodka. With Nuvo, you don’t have to worry about a bartender not creating a well balanced cocktail for you…the flavor is in the bottle…new, fresh and elegant.
To all my lady friends who attended the Whisky 101 for Women in May, if you didn’t quite get into all the whisky flavors this may be something for you.
So if you’d like to discover the next HOT thing keep your eyes open for Nuvo. Gather your best girlfriends and gentleman that’s not to say you wouldn’t enjoy this yummy cocktail as well, introduce your friends to something new, elegant and on the Hot list. As always, sip into something more comfortable responsibly and enjoy Nuvo.
Slainte! Salud! Cheers!
Sip Into Something More Comfortable
With Marcy Rudershausen, Master of Whisky for Johnnie Walker® & the Diageo® Whisky brands
Ahh, Welcome to summertime! Hot, rainy, humid, it’s this time of year that we have to get creative on how to spend the evening or weekends. At any moment the clouds can darken the skies to night as the rains descend upon us. Just as quickly the clouds can part, the sun comes out and once again you can frolic on the beach without a care in the world. A few days ago I was chatting with my co worker Christina Aguado, Reserve Brand Ambassador for Diageo, freshly returned from her honeymoon and she was teaching me about a new rum she has been given charge to care for. Now, I’m not well versed in rum so when she took me through a comparative tasting against some other leading brands I was pleased to discover I actually choose ORONOCO as my favorite and the best! Whew!! Nothing like being put to the test. This is what Christina had to say about this superb rum:
“Right now I have been enjoying an incredible new Super Premium Brazilian Rum called ORONOCO. The rum is made from Brazilian mountain cane and comes in a stylish bottle with a recycled leather wrap. ORONOCO is triple distilled by column and copper pot stills and blended with aged South American rums, for a very elegant and refined taste. It is lightly rested in Brazilian wood casks to round out the flavor. The bottles are batch numbered and sell for around $35. ORONOCO can be found only in select stores and in some trendy restaurants and bars, if you have a chance to pick one up, I would highly recommend the following cocktail.
The Paulistano
Ingredients:
- 3 freshly cut lime wedges
- 1 1/2 oz Oronoco rum
- 3 mint leaves
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- Splash of orange cognac
- Mint for garnish
Muddle lime wedges in a cocktail shaker. Add Oronoco rum, mint leaves, pineapple juice, orange cognac and shake with ice. Strain the mixture into a martini glass and garnish with mint. (Created by: Mixologist, Lucio Andrage, Hotel Unique's Sky Bar, Sao Paulo)
Also, try a couple of my favorites out of the Captain Morgan line of Rums. I particularly enjoy, Captain Morgan Parrot Bay Pineapple Rum, it is like a cool breeze off clear waters, an unexpectedly refreshing experience to be enjoyed when the sun is high and the sand is hot. A premium blend of fresh, rich, pineapple flavors with light, crisp Puerto Rican rum. It can be enjoyed in several of your favorite summertime cocktails including Pina Coladas and Mojitos.
And of course, for those sip and savor occasions I pour myself a glass of Captain Morgan Rum Private Stock. The finest of Captain Morgan's private reserves, Captain Morgan Private Stock is an extremely smooth, rich blend of the Captain's Puerto Rican rum and distinctive spices. Captain Morgan Private Stock is so smooth that it can be enjoyed straight or on the rocks, as well as in mixed drinks.”
From this whisky drinkin’ woman to you, if you love great spirits and enjoy fine rum on occasion, these are some not to be missed! I love the slight woody flavors and delightful smooth vanilla finish of ORONOCO! And the Captain makes any rum occasion a party, just strike the pose and see what response you elicit from your company…”Arrgh” says the captain. So after a long day at the office whether its raining cats and dogs or sunny as the day is long kick back this weekend and introduce your friends to something that will please their taste buds and as always, sip into something more comfortable responsibly and enjoy ORONOCO Brazilian Rum or Captain Morgan.
Slainte! Salud! Cheers!
Sip Into Something More Comfortable
With Marcy Rudershausen, Master of Whisky for Johnnie Walker® & the Diageo® Whisky brands
I was once asked to name my favorite whisky drinking occasion. I’d have to say it is when I first started with Johnnie Walker & The Classic Malts and was preparing to give my first tasting seminar. I was very nervous, so I decided to have a practice run. I sat my father down in his dining room, placed the full line of Johnnie Walker & The Classic Malts in front of him and proceeded with my presentation. Nine years later, my Dad is still my best guy to share a dram with. Fortunately for me, Dad is always willing to try something new whether a fine single malt, bourbon or his reliable Johnnie Walker. So with Father’s Day just around the corner, I’d like to share my favorite selection of Whiskies to honor our fathers.
My father is a long-time Johnnie Walker man and Johnnie Walker Blue Label has joined us on several special occasions. Nothing says exclusive, honor and valued, as the rare whiskies brought together to create the rich vanilla, touch of sandalwood and malty flavors’ of Johnnie Walker Blue Label.
I’ve recently introduced Dad to another rare whisky, Crown Royal XR. This fine Canadian Whisky is a phenomenal blend of the last remaining whiskies from the Waterloo Distillery that succumbed to flames in 1992. Crown Royal XR starts with notes of fruit, vanilla and spicy wood. The blend boasts a creamy smoothness and a long finish. Truly a whisky that will never be repeated, there is only enough stock to supply a few thousand cases. So experience it now, and enjoy it while you can. Crown Royal XR is definitely one to have behind the whisky connoisseur’s bar.
When my parents first moved to the United States from Bolivia, Dad tells me he was introduced to bourbon. When I brought home a bottle of Bulleit bourbon, you can imagine his excitement. As Bulleit Bourbon was quite different to his customary scotch, we did a little taste comparison and enjoyed the differences in flavors. The sweetness of rye in this whisky makes the spicy notes stand out. We found Bulleit to make a perfect cocktail. Our favorite is Bulleit Bourbon and tonic with a lemon squeeze; this is a very refreshing pleasant cocktail for every occasion.
This Father’s Day, my Pop will enjoy a fine Irish Single malt. Since he is well versed in Scotch Single Malts, I decided to make this year a Bushmill’s 16 year old Single malt Irish whiskey holiday. With “Three Wood” maturation and finishing, a malt of distinction emerges, with a fullness of depth and flavor rarely found. This whiskey is first matured 50/50 in a combination of American bourbon barrels and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks for 16 years and upwards. In these barrels, mild toasted wood, vanilla and sweet nutty flavors develop gently in the spirit. The malt whiskey is then vatted and married for many months in large old port wine pipes. A nice finishing touch of sweet wine character is acquired, and all these various flavor elements mature and mellow together mysteriously.
When you think of how to honor your Dad this Father’s Day aside from cooking him a great meal and making him king for the day, he’ll enjoy a little something just for him. A fine whisky would be a fabulous choice. So bring your Dad his slippers, wash his car, tell him you love him several times through out the day and join him as you both sip into something more comfortable responsibly, he deserves it.
Slainte! Salud! Cheers!
Sip Into Something More Comfortable
With Marcy Rudershausen, Master of Whisky for Johnnie Walker® & the Diageo® Whisky brands
With 5 de Mayo just around the corner this is the perfect time to head south of the border and pay a visit to our Mexican brothers and sisters. On Cinco de Mayo holiday, we all become lovers of all things Mexican especially TEQUILA! .A friend once told me Tequila is a happy drink. Have you ever seen someone drink a Margarita while sad? Well…no, not really.
Tequila has an interesting history. There are different styles and flavors to suit any taste. I have a couple favorites. Don Julio is on top of my list, as it is so well known and loved through out Mexico. Don Julio uses only mature Agaves, at least 10 years old as well as exclusively using seasoned Kentucky oak bourbon barrels for aging its tequilas. Jose Cuervo has some new flavored tequilas that make for great cocktails. Let’s take a look at the different styles available, so you can better choose what to enjoy.
Blanco: Don Julio Blanco is double-distilled to achieve a balanced quality that is light, clean and dry, with a touch of black pepper. The nose is pure fresh agave. It’s crisp, clean essence can be enjoyed by simply pouring over ice with a squeeze of fresh lime or as the essential ingredient in the signature drink, “Margarita Legendario”, the ultimate margarita
Reposado: Don Julio Reposado is double-distilled and carefully rested in oak barrels for up to 11 months. It has a light, sweet character with aromas of vanilla and chocolate. The resulting taste is silky and smooth with slight hints of dark chocolate. Don Julio Reposado makes a refreshing cocktail when mixed over ice and accompanied with Squirt, as the supreme cocktail, “La Paloma Suprema” –a traditional way to enjoy Reposado style tequila in Mexico.
Añejo: Don Julio Añejo is double-distilled and carefully aged in oak barrels for over one year. The finished product has a natural golden hue with aromas that contain hints of lime, grapefruit and mandarin. The resulting taste is smooth and rich with a sweet touch of wild honey. This delicate tequila can be savored neat in a snifter, or enjoyed over ice
1942: This exquisite Añejo tequila was created to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Don Julio. Don Julio 1942 is double-distilled and carefully aged in oak barrels for over two years. The agaves used in production are hand selected stocks by Don Julio himself. The nose is full with vanilla and nuts. The flavor is silky with a sweet and satiny finish. It is best served in a snifter
Real: Gentle scents of citrus and honey accentuated by cooked agave and mild herbs. Flavor is exceptionally smooth and graceful, with notes of caramel, chocolate and toffee unfolding into a long, sweet, seductive finish with only the slightest hint of wood. Sip slowly in a snifter or Reidel Tequila glass to enjoy every subtle nuance of flavor.
Jose Cuervo Tequila has new flavors available that would make for delightfully, fabulous cocktails. Attached is a recipe for the Jose Cuervo Tequila Sunrise. Start your sunrise at sunset! Add some salsa and chips and your good to go for a festive 5 de Mayo.
Jose Cuervo Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients:
· 1 ½ oz Jose Cuervo Flavored Tequila (Citrico, Tropina or Oranjo)
· 4 oz of Orange Juice
· Splash of Cranberry Juice or Grenadine
· Fresh Fruit Slices
Instructions: Pour Jose Cuervo Flavored Tequila and orange juice over ice in a highball glass. Mix and float with cranberry juice or grenadine. Garnish with your favorite fruit – lime, orange or pineapple slices.
Invite your amigo’s over, call out the mariachi’s, put your dancing shoes on, break out the salsa and chips and arriba, arriba!!!…….as always, sip into something more comfortable responsibly. Slainte! Salud! Cheers!
Sip Into Something More Comfortable
with Marcy Rudershausen, Master of Whisky for Johnnie Walker® & the Diageo® Whisky brands
It has always amazed me how every March 17th the entire nation becomes the sons and daughters of Ireland. Saint Patrick’s Day is just weeks away. This year it falls on a Saturday which means there will be plenty of parties to celebrate one of the most festive holidays of the year. Corn Beef and Cabbage!! Yeah…uh...I mean…Guinness, Baileys and Bushmill's Irish Whisky ah! Yes much better. Let the festivities begin.
Now, I know most of you are scotch lovers. So am I. I highly recommend you take a moment to take stroll to the Irish side and give one of Bushmill's fine Irish whiskies a taste. Bushmill’s is unique in that it is the oldest working distillery in Ireland. Whiskey making on the Bushmill’s site draws on centuries-old traditions, as well as the first license to distill whiskey, granted for the county of Atrim in 1608. At Bushmill’s, we make both malt and blended whiskeys, because there should be a great tasting whiskey to match every occasion.
If you would like to start off with a cocktail one of my favorites is Bushmill’s Black Bush and ginger ale. It’s light and refreshing, the perfect way to start the evening. Perhaps you prefer something a little more flavorful, then you have quite the selection between Bushmill’s 10 year old single malt (*Top Irish whiskey pick in The New York Times competitive tasting of 16 Irish whiskey), Bushmill’s 16 year old single malt matured in a combination or Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon casks, then matured for several months in port wine barrels, and Bushmill’s 21 year old rare single malt finished for 2 years in Madeira casks.
You may prefer something a little sweeter and creamier, then Bailey’s is the call for you. 50 million gallons of milk per year go into the making of Bailey’s Original Irish Cream liqueur. A mere 40,000 dairy cow produce the daily cream requirement for Bailey’s. And now you have a few flavors to choose from Mint Chocolate, Caramel and the beloved Original Bailey’s Irish Cream.
If an ice cold beer is more your style, then by all means Guinness is the way to go. In 1759 Arthur Guinness signed a 9000 year lease on the brewery at St. James Gate in Dublin, Ireland. Still brewed at the St. James Gate Brewery and at only 125 calories a pint Guinness’ complex, robust taste is extremely full bodied and has the creamiest of aftertastes.
So whether you choose to raise a pint of Guinness, sip a little chilled Bailey’s or toasted the evening with a fine Bushmill’s Irish whiskey may you do it amongst friends and family and as always sip into something more comfortable responsibly.
Slainte! Salud! Cheers!
Sip Into Something More Comfortable
With Marcy Rudershausen, Master of Whisky for Johnnie Walker® & the Diageo® Whisky brands
The year is 2007…unbelievable, it seems like the millennium was just yesterday. Well seven years have gone by and there isn’t a better year to have at our disposal the spectacular Johnnie Walker Blue Label 1.75ml bottle. I can’t think of a better way to bring in the New Year then with the finest scotch whisky of them all….and what a bottle. It’s beautiful! Perfect for your at home New Years Eve celebration. Johnnie Walker Blue Label is a rare blend of our finest hand selected scotch whiskies perfectly blended together for your rarest of occasions. Then again Johnnie Walker Gold Label served ice cold out of the freezer is also a spectacularly indulgent way to bring in the New Year. Pair ice cold, Johnnie Walker Gold Label with a decadently chocolate dessert and you are definitely on your way to a spectacular New Year. The honey sweet creaminess of Gold Label paired with the bitterness of a dark chocolate dessert is sure to bring the most reluctant of revelers to their knees. More so, try one of these indulgent cocktails and your party will surely be the party of the New Year. My favorite is the Gold Label Standard. There’s nothing like a little Gold Label and bubbly to ring in the New Year. What ever your method of marking the occasion, celebrating the moment and bring in the New Year…..it is my deep wish that you be amongst the ones you love most, that it be one more year amongst many happy years and that the blessings of all good things be yours. As always, sip into something more comfortable responsibly and get ready for a spirited and Joyous New Year. Slainte! Salud! Cheers!
Sip Into Something More Comfortable
With Marcy Rudershausen, Master of Whisky for Johnnie Walker® & the Diageo® Whisky brands
With the holidays approaching, a favorite gift to give as well as receive is a fine bottle Scotch whisky. A bottle of Johnnie Walker blended Scotch whisky, the icon of personal progress recognized around the world is a most welcome gift almost everywhere. So, with several Johnnie Walker labels available, which one?
When you think of Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky what color comes to mind? Black, Gold, Green, Red, Blue? Each color tends to conjure a different feeling or situation for me. If I’ve got a fabulously rich dark chocolate desert in front of me well then I’m definitely pairing it up with an ice cold Johnnie Walker Gold Label Scotch whisky. If I’m hanging with my Dad, we break out the Blue Label Scotch whisky. I love a tall Johnnie Walker Red Label Scotch whisky with ginger ale especially in the summertime. Green Label Scotch whisky with two ice cubes pairs beautifully with a nice rich steak and Black Label Scotch whisky, well, in my opinion, Black Label Scotch whisky goes with everything anytime. It’s what I always go back to.
Aside from all the colors we also have the great fortune to have another flavor of Johnnie Walker Scotch whisky here in Florida. Johnnie Walker Swing Scotch whisky. And with the holidays approaching it is the perfect unique gift for the scotch lovers on your list. Thanks to Johnnie’s grandson, Sir Alexander Walker, Johnnie Walker Swing Scotch whisky was created in the 1930’s for the cruise ship industry. He put his great skill as a blender to the task of creating a blend that matched the elegance and style of the era. As the big ocean liners were making their way across the pond and the ship was pitching and rolling, all the other bottles were falling off the shelf, the Johnnie Walker Swing bottle, in its rolling --- and almost spill-proof --- ship’s decanter was elegantly swinging along, never losing its balance. It was during Prohibition, so for some it was the last chance to enjoy a great time before disembarking in America. Johnnie Walker Swing Scotch whisky is a deluxe blended Scotch whisky. The bottle itself is shaped like a genie bottle perhaps giving you a hint of the treat that waits inside. You’ll find a beautiful braid of thistle design molded into the glass.
Tasting Notes for Johnnie Walker Swing blended Scotch whisky:
This blend of up to thirty-five individual whiskies contains a high proportion of Speyside malts: Some have been matured in sherry casks for many years to gain richness, whilst others are lighter and aromatic.
Color: Rich old gold.
Nose: Complex and sophisticated. Almost perfumed sweetness; soft and accessible with vanilla and sherry-cask wood notes coming through. It is the least smoky of any of the Johnnie Walker whiskies.
Palate: Smooth and sweet, with a light freshness that covers a deeper fruitiness with some smoke and restrained oak flavors.
Finish: , Rich and sweet
If you’re looking to put a smile on someone’s face in the coming months, put a little “swing” in their step with Johnnie Walker Swing blended Scotch whisky.
So sip into something more comfortable responsibly and get ready for a spirited Holiday Season.
Slainte! Salud! Cheers!
