Davidoff delves into its cigar archives

Davidoff is introducing a global release of small batch cigars for the first time. Using rare tobacco vintages available in its tobacco archives, the Davidoff master blenders have created 12 blends in a series of small batches.

The blends have been created for dedicated regions of the world, and the roller's signature on each of the small batch bundles further confirms the exclusivity of these cigars.

Davidoff Robusto small batch cigars

The master blenders have created a range from medium to full-bodied multi-origin blends made of rare tobaccos from Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru and the Dominican Republic. The cigars are crafted in the popular Toro, Robusto, Belicoso and Corona Extra formats.

To complement the traditional signature white ring standing for the sophistication of each Davidoff cigar, a Small Batch second band underlines its rareness. The cigars are wrapped in Kraft paper bundles comprising five to 10 cigars. Depending on tobacco stocks and blend, the global availability per small batch is as limited as 1,300 cigars. The roller's signature on each bundle gives it a personal touch.

Edward Simon, Chief Marketing Officer at Oettinger Davidoff AG, said: “Introducing these one-of-a-kind small batch cigars, we are excited to add an additional touch of exclusivity to our distinct assortment of premium cigars. The tobaccos used are as rare as the talents that blend them. The roller's signature on each small batch bundle further confirms our dedication and passion. And we are confident that they will delight the few fortunate aficionados who find them with a truly unique cigar experience.”

The cigars will be available from September 2019 at selected Davidoff merchants in Germany, UK, Switzerland, the US and Asia.

Zino -Z- cigar case

Zino -Z- accessories in vibrant colours

After the successful launch of Davidoff’s Zino -Z- collection in 2018, the brand is introducing striking humidors and leather cases for cigar care at home or on the move to complement the assortment. These additions with vibrant accent colours aim to attract younger aficionados seeking stylish accessories.

The Z80 humidor comes in a modern design combining a wooden look with fresh accent colours. The result is striking blends: natural oak/red, black oak/mint, grey oak/cyan. The humidors are equipped with the proprietary Zino slim self-regulating humidification system that provides optimal storage conditions for up to 80 cigars, ensuring 70-72% relative humidity.

Made of cowhide leather and lined with vibrant colours that match the humidors, the cigar case will keep two cigars up to a 54 ring gauge humidified for 15 days. Its ergonomic shape with adjustable length provides comfort in the hand. These hand-made cigar cases are available in two sizes: XL-2 to fit up to a Toro format, and R-2 that fits up to a Robusto format.

From October 2019, the new Zino -Z- collection accessories will be available at selected tobacco stores, selected Davidoff merchants, Davidoff of Geneva since 1911 flagship stores and global travel retail locations. Launch dates may vary depending on country.

Bacardi pledges $1m to Dorian disaster relief

Following the devastating impact of Hurricane Dorian on the Bahamas, Bacardi Limited and the Bacardí family have donated $1m in cash and other assistance to the disaster relief efforts.

Bacardi will collaborate with non-profit partners and the Bahamian government to ensure that this cash donation provides immediate and long-term assistance to local relief agencies.

The company has also organised an employee drive to collect items for those in need as well as communicated a website to provide cash donations to a global humanitarian partner.

Bacardi has a long relationship with the Bahamas, which became its adopted home in the early 1960s when the company moved there after the revolutionary government forces in Cuba illegally confiscated all assets in Cuba from Bacardi.

“We have never forgotten the incredible kindness of the Bahamian people and the important role they played in the history of our company,” said Facundo L. Bacardi, Chairman of family-owned Bacardi Limited. “We hope in a small way to contribute to the rebuilding of this great country in the face of this tragedy just as the Bahamas helped Bacardi rebuild nearly 60 years ago.”

The company produced its rum in the Bahamas for nearly 50 years and many Bacardi family members still have roots in the islands.

Company founder and Bacardi rum creator Don Facundo Bacardí Massó began the company’s tradition of corporate responsibility in 1862 when he volunteered as the chief organizer of disaster relief in his hometown of Santiago de Cuba after a horrific earthquake. Since then, the Bacardí family and company have continued to build upon his commitment to assist in times of catastrophic natural disasters.

In 2017, in the wake of the destruction wrought by Hurricanes Maria and Irma, as well as the earthquakes in Mexico, Bacardi committed a total of $3m to relief efforts in Puerto Rico, Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas. In recent years, Bacardi has also made donations to aid organisations supporting relief efforts in Southeast Asia, China, Australia, Italy, Haiti, Cuba, Brazil, Chile and the US.

New MCM collection knows no bounds

German luxury goods brand MCM has tapped Billie Eilish and Childish Major, two breakthrough artists leading the next generation of music and creation, for its Autumn/Winter 2019 campaign.

Billie Eilish wears the MCM Trey 4-in-1 sling and Himmel sneakers

MCM has created new iterations of its signature Visetos material for this season, and the latest in ready-to-wear is intended for genderless styling. Standout items include the Jemison backpack and Milano Boston bag.

The collection celebrates fluidity of identity and the freedom of expression, and the campaign was shot by Lea Colombo.

Childish Major wears the MCM Jemison mini cross body bag and Himmel sneakers

MCM campaign credits:

Creative Direction: Doug Lloyd

Agency: Lloyd & Co

Photography: Lea Colombo

Talent: Billie Eilish, Childish Major

Styling: Jay Massacret

Aultmore ages well with wine cask malts

Bacardi Global Travel Retail has launched Aultmore Wine Cask Collection into the single malt category, exclusively bottled for London Heathrow Airport.

The new collection joins the Exceptional Cask Series, launched in May 2018, of rare, limited-edition finishes of the aged single malts from the distilleries for Aberfeldy, Aultmore, Craigellachie, Royal Brackla and Glen Deveron.

Aultmore Wine Cask Collection

Stephanie MacLeod, Aultmore’s Malt Master, has hand-selected three 22yo Aultmore expressions, each with a distinct wine cask finish, bringing a fresh twist to the definition of discovery malts. The collection is a global travel retail exclusive available only from World Duty Free and World of Whiskies stores at Heathrow Airport. 

The range is designed to appeal to single malt collectors and fans of Aultmore of the Foggie Moss, a rare Speyside classic. First distilled in 1897, it was seldom available for purchase for well over a century until 2015 when it was released as a single malt. It carries the accolade of Top Class status as one of only 12 single malts selected by a group of master distillers.

Each whisky in the Wine Cask Collection was matured for 11 years in re-fill sherry and bourbon casks, followed by an additional 11-year maturation in one of three different ex-wine casks:

Aultmore 22yo Super Tuscan Finish: Maturing for an additional 11 years in a Super Tuscan red wine cask, from one of the world’s greatest Cabernet Sauvignons, imparts elegance and an intense smoothness. Notes of buttery toffee, vanilla and concentrated floral aromas are offset with a delicate oakiness. Bottled at 52.1%abv, 108 bottles are available. Retail price is £360 (70cl).

Aultmore 22yo Châteauneuf-du-Pape Finish: The rich Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wine casks enhance the delicate side of Aultmore to create luxurious deep red fruity notes, veiling the whisky with floral hues and touches of spice. Complex fruits – figs, plump juicy grapes and the scent of honeysuckle all redolent of the south of France. Bottled at 52.1%abv, 144 bottles are available. Retail price is £340 (70cl).

Aultmore 22yo Moscatel Finish: After 11 years in Moscatel, these sweet wine casks impart honeyed sweetness to the whisky. Layered with florals, vibrant with ripe fruits, potent spices and a long, luxurious finish. Bottled at 52.1%abv, 222 bottles are available. Retail price is £320 (70cl).

Julie Witherden, Marketing Director, Global Travel Retail said: “The Aultmore Wine Cask Collection is a genuinely disruptive range, developed especially for specialist whisky consumers in travel retail and plays to their motivation for exceptional discoveries. We are continually challenging ourselves to raise the bar in whisky innovation and wanted a fantastic shopper experience as the setting for one of our most exciting launches to date.”

Bacardi has invested in extensive digital marketing support to engage travellers with the collection on their journey through the airport, culminating with in-store tastings. The global brand ambassador for Aultmore, Georgie Bell, made a personal appearance to lead shopper tastings and bottle signings in Heathrow Terminals 3 and 5. The first 50 shoppers purchasing all three expressions together could choose to have them housed in an elegant wine presentation box, featuring tasting notes.