Bacardi reveals bartender shortlist

The five finalists in the 2015 Bacardi Cruise Competition Bartender of the Year have been announced, with more than 2,500 entries received. Now in its 10th year, the competition recognises the best bartender in the global cruise/ferry industry. This year’s winner will be chosen on 20 March 2015 in Miami. Participants had to create their own cocktail recipes inspired by their travels, using at least one spirit from the Bacardi portfolio. 

The five finalists (in alphabetical order) are:

Richard Anderson, bartender on Carnival Glory, for “Scottish Spring”: A long muddled drink inspired by a cool evening at sea with friends, Scottish Spring features Dewar’s White Label, maple syrup, fresh root ginger, rhubarb bitters fresh orange and lime juice.

Asti Flora cocktail, created by Kenneth Tuason

Gerome Firmalo, bartender on Holland America MS's Oosterdam, for “Passion Blossom 13”: This classic martini cocktail stars Bombay Sapphire and St-Germain with passion fruit syrup, cranberry juice and lemon sour. The combination provides a distinctive floral flavour of both botanicals and elderflower, which balances with the passion fruit.

Oleksandr Lurchenko, bartender on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas, for “Nadia”: This recipe features Bacardi Limon, St-Germain, Martini Prosecco, lime juice, fresh mint and raspberries, and personifies Lurchenko’s hope for a more peaceful life for his fellow Ukrainians.

Exotic mélange

Nilesh Patel, bartender on Carnival Sensation, for “Blue Thai Curry”: A self-proclaimed “liquid chef”, Patel takes inspiration from his culinary colleagues and has brought together an exotic mélange of Bombay Sapphire and Blue Curacao, spiced up with basil leaves, kaffir lime leaves, Thai ginger, lemon grass, coconut water and simple syrup.

Kenneth Tuason, bartender on Holland America MS's Maasdam, for “Asti Flora”: Inspired by Sangria, Asti Flora is a refreshing mix of Grey Goose La Poire, St-Germain and Martini Asti Spumante garnished with fresh rose petals and slices of lemon, pear and apple.

Zachary Sulkes, regional manager Bacardi Travel Retail Americas, said: “Each time I visit a ship I witness inspiring examples of the passion this community has for excellence in cocktail making. The five finalists we have shortlisted are prime examples of individuals who understand the importance of their role in creating amazing guest experiences.”

The winner will receive $5,000 and a Bacardi experience that will further their craft.

Godiva serves an ace with tennis star

Godiva Chocolatier has unveiled tennis player Caroline Wozniacki as its global celebrity ambassador. The deal is the first global celebrity partnership for the Belgian chocolate brand, and the first confectionery deal for Wozniacki. Godiva CEO Mohamed Elsarky said: “At Godiva we like to say that we can turn a simple smile into a WOW, and Caroline does the same around the world. We are excited to welcome Caroline into the Godiva family, and feel she is the ideal face for the brand – a vibrant, world-class talent, with appeal well beyond the tennis court.”

Godiva's new Coeur Iconique Limited Edition chocolates

Wozniacki has a well-documented sweet tooth. Godiva contacted Wozniacki after Dave Marberger, Godiva’s CFO, read about Wozniacki’s love of chocolate in a Wall Street Journal article in late 2014. As ambassador, Wozniacki will support Godiva initiatives globally while she is on the tournament circuit, scheduled to make stops in China, Europe, the US and the Middle East.

Godiva has more than 500 boutiques in over 80 countries, so Wozniacki’s global appeal makes the partnership a natural fit. “No matter where tennis takes me across the globe, I always find myself in a Godiva store. It’s the perfect partnership because it allows me to indulge a little when I’m on the road and in need of a pick-me-up,” Wozniacki said.

The partnership was announced with a private gathering at Godiva’s Fifth Avenue boutique in New York.

Godiva Sablés gift box 

Three new giftable creations

In other news, Godiva has revealed details of three gift product launches, all available in travel retail shops:

Coeur Iconique Limited Edition: This trendy box of two neon pop colour combinations has been designed to appeal to Millennial consumers. Playing on the keepsake and cuteness factor, Coeur Iconique Limited Edition comprises six Godiva hearts, available in milk, dark and white chocolate variations. It is available from June 1.

Godiva Mousse Meringue

Sablés: These rich butter biscuits call on the culinary traditions of different cultures: spicy ginger from Asia, buttery pecans from Central America, dark chocolate from the African continent and almond speculoos from Belgium. Dipped in Belgian chocolate, these sablés feature gold detail and embossing on the packaging. A hot air balloon design on the box conveys a vintage theme of quality and heritage while making the offer relevant to travellers. The collection offers three monopacks: Almond Speculoos, Pecan chocolate chips and Ultimate Chocolate; an exclusive Travel Retail Quattro Pack (two ultimate chocolate, one pecan chips chocolate and one almond speculoos); and an 18-piece pack of individually wrapped biscuits (Ultimate Chocolate, macadamia ginger and almond speculoos). The individually wrapped biscuits aim to ensure freshness and meet consumer expectations, particularly in the American and Asian markets.

Mousse Meringue: Bringing together the world of patisserie with Godiva’s classic chocolates, beneath each rich, hard chocolate shell is a light filling containing a meringue piece. The taste and texture seeks to contrast with its light crunchiness. The collection offers six recipes: from chocolate and praliné, to refreshing lemon and mandarin, tangy strawberry and smooth coffee mousse. Appealing to all ages, these cloud-like confections come in two sizes of nine and 16 pieces in a light pink gift box with soft white embossed meringue swirls and finished with a gold ribbon.

Diageo unveils King George V exclusive

Diageo has released a limited-edition design of its award-winning John Walker & Sons King George V blended Scotch whisky as a travel-retail exclusive in time for the Chinese New Year. The limited edition is available for six months and retails at around $500.

John Walker & Sons King George V Limited Edition Scotch whisky

A visual celebration of the Arts and Crafts movement

The elegant design marks the 80th anniversary of the awarding of the Royal Warrant to John Walker & Sons, and the pack was crafted as a visual celebration of the Arts and Crafts movement that blossomed during the 1930s. The pack has a luxurious burgundy finish, featuring an intricate motif and a gold chandelier print, in keeping with the art deco style of the time, and sumptuous, warm colours.

The sophisticated blend is crafted exclusively using whiskies from distilleries in existence at the time of King George V, including precious casks of Port Ellen single malt from the Isle of Islay. This was the period - the 1930s - when John Walker & Sons was first granted the Royal Warrant as a supplier to the royal household. The Royal Warrant is regarded as a mark of quality and is an honour John Walker & Sons still holds.

Gillian Naylor, head of Johnnie Walker marketing for Diageo’s travel retail division, said: “To mark the 80th anniversary, we are proud to present a special limited-edition design of this exquisite, hand-crafted blend exclusively for luxury travellers. The limited-edition pack expresses the unique heritage of this remarkable blend and is the perfect gift, not only for Asian travellers during Chinese New Year, but for all discerning whisky consumers.”

Johnnie Walker master blender Jim Beveridge added: “John Walker & Sons King George V is a highly distinctive, commemorative blend of rare and prestigious whiskies. It has an immense structure that has been handcrafted to combine big flavours and a profound, mellow smokiness with elegance and depth.”

MCM celebrates US flagship store

German luxury brand MCM has opened its US flagship store - a two-storey, 4,000sq ft space in the heart of SoHo, the lively downtown New York City neighbourhood. Both industrial and modern, the space on Greene Street is inspired by the cross-section of fashion and technology while returning to the tradition of the German Bauhaus movement.

MCM's store on Greene Street, SoHo

Designed by Kramer Design Group, the split-level boutique features clean lines, open spaces, an industrial edge and simplicity. There is also a nod to SoHo’s manufacturing past.

MCM's New York store interior has an industrial feel

Exclusively in the SoHo store, MCM presents a space dedicated to its collaboration with acclaimed German pop artist Stefan Strumbel. Renowned for his artistic explorations with the conceptual Black Forest “Heimat”, Strumbel fuses classic and contemporary motifs with stylistic elements of street and pop-art. Through bold, colourful visuals and stunning installations, Strumbel's artworks are designed to spark the imagination.

The staircase is decorated with neon crosses

The boutique, which carries MCM's ready-to-wear and accessories collections, features a dynamic media wall on the ground floor, beaming the latest campaigns, backstage exclusives and fashion shows.

Above and below: Pop artist Stefan Strumbel's artwork adorns the walls

Christopher Ward takes a new jump

Christopher Ward is celebrating the launch of its ground-breaking C9 Jumping Hour Mark III presented in a stylish new design. With the growing demand for smaller diameter dress watches, the new 40mm model offers an elegant evolution of the C9 aesthetic that has become the signature look of the brand’s premium watch collection. It is the third expression of watchmaker Johannes Jahnke’s calibre JJ01 modified movement.

Christopher Ward C9 Jumping Hour Mark III watch

Understated design

Hand-assembled at the company’s atelier in Biel, Switzerland, the Mark III adopts Arabic numerals in the hour change aperture at the 12 position on the optic white dial. The new features are designed to combine with the understated design of the dial. The Mark III retains the proven calibre JJ01 that is visible through the screw-down exhibition case-back, and is offered on a leather strap with a double-folded Bader deployment. 

Jahnke’s modified jumping hour complication is among the most precise jumping hour mechanisms, according to the company. The energy for the jump is generated over the course of an hour, ensuring that the power usage for the watch remains consistent throughout and also makes for a more robust movement. The model incorporates a 38-hour power reserve.

Appealing to both men and women

Mike France, co-founder of Christopher Ward, explains the emphasis behind the new sizing: “The Jumping Hour, powered by the outstanding calibre JJ01, stands as one of our finest creations. The new 40mm size provides a stunning new option for customers seeking a smaller case size and we see this model appealing to both men and women wanting not only a more compact dress watch but also a more intriguing one. We are especially delighted to see how the evolution of the model has delivered three unique expressions while clearly retaining the essence of the crisp design aesthetic of the C9 family.”

He continues: "The Christopher Ward brand was founded on a mission to put premium quality watches within the reach of everyone and, with this launch, the Jumping Hour achieves a quantum leap in the level of value for the customer. We’re delighted that we are starting to reap the cost benefits of last year’s merger with our long-standing Swiss atelier partner, Synergies Horlogères, and the release of the stunning new smaller diameter Jumping Hour Mark III is an opportunity for us to share these benefits with our customers."

The stylish presentation box contains a letter of authenticity, signed by Jahnke. 

The C9 Jumping Hour Mark III retails at £995/$1,375/€1,250 and is available to buy at www.christopherward.co.uk.  

Furla opens new store in Moscow

Italian leather goods company Furla has opened its second travel retail location in Moscow Vnukovo airport with a 30sq m personalised corner in the duty-paid store in Terminal D. The first began trading in 2013 in the duty-free shop in the same terminal. Both are operated by RegStaer. The new corner opened in January with Furla’s Spring/Summer 2015 collection.

Above and below: Furla's new corner at Moscow Vnukovo airport

Said global travel retail director Gerry Munday: “We have been very busy with our European openings, with personalised corners in Germany, Turkey, Israel, France, and now Russia, which are all doing extremely well. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank RegStaer for their support with this opening.”

Travel retail exclusive line

In other news, Furla has announced the launch of a global travel retail exclusive line, following the success of its Icon Piper bag and to meet the growing demand for difference within the channel.

The Furla Piper travel retail exclusive collection

The Piper Medium Dome is described as a modern, limited-edition bag, available in soft Ares leather in Rose, and new Caramello and Storm colours. To distinguish the bag, the company has designed a charm not found in the main collection. The three colours will be featured in the main Autumn/Winter 2015/16 collection but are exclusive to travel retail in the Piper line.

“I am extremely pleased that Furla has the confidence and trust in travel retail to warrant the development of this exclusive line," said Munday. "The travel retail business continues to grow steadily for the brand on a global basis on the ground, in the air and at sea. I am very confident that the addition of this exclusive Piper bag will give further appeal to the Furla brand and become a compelling offer for travellers looking for something a little different to the high street.”

Bacardi, aged 153, revamps bottle design

Bacardi rum, which celebrated its 153rd anniversary on February 4, has announced the first packaging update to the world’s best-selling rum in more than a decade. The new bottle is designed to reflect the brand’s heritage and launches in travel retail from April 2015 as part of a global roll-out.

Bacardi White Rum in the new bottle design

Bacardi is one of the world’s most popular and widely distributed spirits and is one of the top trending rums in the Drinks International Top 50 Bars 2015, so the brand turned to some of the world’s top bartenders to help design a bottle that suited their needs. The new bottle – still in the classic Georgia Green colour glass – is slimmer and taller and designed to be easier to handle.

Each new bottle from the portfolio of both light and dark rums also features its own printer’s ornament, which tells a brief story of the history of the family, the brand and the rum. The paper labels are made from recycled cane fibre, a by-product of rum making.

The new bottle maintains and re-works several of the features historically associated with the brand. The signature bat logo, representing good fortune, good health and family unity, was inspired by hand-drawn Bacardi bat designs from the early 1900s. Heavily influenced by Art Deco style, the bottles reflect the brand’s history.

Bacardi Gold Rum

Watch the film

A film developed to support the launch brings to life the production process and passion behind the crafting of the rum. It features Bacardi Maestro de Ron (master blender) Juan Piñera and well-known New York bartender Steve Schneider, working in close partnership with the brand on the launch, and is soundtracked by DJ/producer Hudson Mohawke. It can be seen at http://youtu.be/jV2fOu8uezg

Bacardi global brand director Caroline Hipperson said: “We are excited to be announcing our brand new design portfolio of bottles on February 4, our Founders Day, which marks the birth of the family-run business in Cuba in 1862. Our vision was to create a bottle that told the story of Bacardi, its unique heritage and the masterful crafting that goes into the creation of each of our premium rums.”

Mike Birch, managing director of Bacardi Global Travel Retail, added: “This is a powerful new design that expresses a dynamic contemporary edge for the Bacardi brand while fully retaining and respecting its extraordinary heritage.

“Rum is a key component in our strategy to drive spirits category growth in travel retail. The rum category in global travel retail is not as premiumised as other spirits categories like Cognac or whisky. Rum offers a wide range, quality, with blending and ageing and is equally skilled and complex like Cognac and whisky. We are keen to work with retailers who share our passion for presenting these aspects of the rum category in a way that also enables its fun personality to shine through.”

Bacardi rum is produced with the same methods pioneered by founder Don Facundo Bacardí Massó, using special yeast, lightly charred American white oak barrels and a secret combination of charcoals to filter the rum. The flavour profile of the rum has remained unchanged since 1862, and this is celebrated in the new bottle design.

Bacardi splashes out on cocktail campaign

In other Bacardi news, the brand reported the success of Cocktails of the World, a destination-focused shopper experience created specially with DFS in 2014. Running at several DFS flagship airport locations, the in-store experience was created to express the character of the local cities linked with the five feature airport gateways: Singapore, Los Angeles, Abu Dhabi, Auckland and Hong Kong.

The best of local cocktail culture was brought to life on the spot with signature serves from the Bacardi portfolio. Hong Kong travellers enjoyed the Dragon Fruit Bacardi Mojito, while Singapore Changi presented the Singapore Sling, featuring Bombay Sapphire and Benedictine. Los Angeles showcased Grey Goose Le Fizz, and in Auckland shoppers were invited to try 42 Below Falling Water with Feijoa.

The cocktail experience was supported by gift boxes, recipe cards and gwps, including the Grey Goose taste box to inspire shoppers to re-create their cocktail adventures at home.

Martell showcases French art de vivre

Cognac house Martell has launched its 300^th anniversary celebrations in Asia with a pop-up experience at Hong Kong International airport. From now to end of February 2015, travellers will be given a multi-sensory introduction to the French art de vivre through the art of craftsmanship, gastronomy and tasting.

Martell celebrates 300th anniversary at Hong Kong airport

Founded in 1715, Martell was established in a golden era of French history towards the end of the reign of Louis XIV, the Sun King, renowned for his lavish Palace of Versailles. This age of enlightenment saw the blossoming of French literature, arts, crafts, philosophy and gastronomy that shaped the French art de vivre, which still represents fine living today.

The elegant Martell 300th Anniversary pop-up space, located at the airport’s north-side Departures East hall of Terminal 1, celebrates this rich heritage with tastings of the Martell Chanteloup Cognac combined with foie gras, personalised Chinese calligraphy and Cognac-sprayed wooden olfactory mementos.

Martell display at Hong Kong airport

At the heart of the display, which features items from the Martell archives, such as vintage-style demi-johns, ‘montres’ bottles, books and other authentic pieces, sits the ultra-exclusive Martell Premier Voyage. This spirit is made from 18 eaux-de-vie ranging from 1977 to 1868, aged in 300-year-old oak casks and enclosed in its own specially-commissioned artwork by French artist, Bernar Venet.

Two more rare 300th anniversary limited-edition Cognacs will also be available for purchase. These include the Martell XO 300th Anniversary Limited Edition (70cl) and the Martell XO 300th Anniversary Limited Edition (70cl and 10cl).

Renowned calligrapher Cathy Wu Ho will create personalised bags and bookmarks for customers at the pop-up space as a keepsake. A perfume workshop, spraying Cognac on a wooden stick to release its aromas, will provide a final souvenir.

Videos and interactive iPads revealing the art of Cognac making and Martell’s history will also be available. 

Hendrick’s unveils mind-blowing spectacle

Hendrick’s gin, owned by William Grant & Sons, has unveiled a whimsical new promotion at Singapore Changi Airport designed to revitalise travellers after the festive season. The promotion uses the “Manipulatory and Invasive Neural Distorter” Blower, known as the M.I.N.D Blower.

Are you sitting comfortably?

Here, the company explains how it works:

“The passenger sits comfortably within the Hendrick’s M.I.N.D Blower chair. They are blindfolded and fitted with an auditory assistance device (in modern parlance, a set of headphones). Then the experiment begins. A 4-dimensional roller coaster experience follows as their sense of sight, sound, taste and smell are first distorted and stretched before being harmonised and finally recalibrated. Only at this point, once every aspect has been rebalanced and the ultimate state of expectation and desire has been attained, can the subject be served a perfect Hendrick’s Gin & Tonic.”

A traveller undergoes the Hendrick's gin experiment

One passenger who undertook – and survived – the experiment commented: “It is a most unusual activation. A one-of-a-kind. It was a lovely Hendrick’s and tonic and a most comfortable seat. If I was not going to be flying through the central departures store in Singapore Changi airport Terminal 3 during the months of January and February I would buy a new aeroplane ticket and fly there just to take part in this most spectacular experiment.”

The promotion runs from January 5 to February 28 in the Terminal 3 departures lounge.

Another successful Hendrick's experiment

Tasting notes

Hendrick’s gin is distilled in Scotland, in batches of only 450 litres at a time. It is made with infusions of cucumber and rose petals, producing a refreshing gin with a floral aroma. Hendrick’s is the only gin made in a combination of a Carter-Head and copper pot still, creating a smooth gin with both character and balance of subtle flavours.

Visit www.hendricksgin.com

Catch a glimpse of Johnnie Walker Blue Label

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label 2015 limited-edition design has hit the shelves in selected travel-retail outlets worldwide, brand owner Diageo has announced. Retailing at $258, the bottle design is a visual celebration of the whisky inside and allows the liquid to be seen through the case.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label limited-edition 2015 whisky

A limited number of the exclusive design has been produced, each celebrating the art of blending. From the distinctive outer casing to the luxurious materials used in its construction, each aspect is designed to reflect the rarity and craft behind the liquid.

The interior of the product is finished with a multi-faceted mirror that magnifies the spirit inside. Once unboxed, the classic light-blue glass bottle, sitting on a built-in plinth, features an engraved version of the iconic whisky maker.

Airport retailers around the globe, including Korea, Singapore, China, UAE and the US, will create in-store activations to celebrate the launch of this new design, which is designed for both collectors and for gifting.

The new Johnnie Walker Blue Label promotion at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport

Peter Fairbrother, global marketing director of Diageo Global Travel and Middle East, said: “We know that shoppers are looking for something special to take home from their travels, so the availability of this premium limited-edition bottle delivers just that. It is a special version of one of the rarest blends of Johnnie Walker.”

Tasting notes

Johnnie Walker Blue Label celebrates the original Old Highland Whisky created by Alexander Walker in 1867. Layers of fresh sweet flavours burst onto the palate, before rich fruit and chocolatey malt tones come to the fore. Old oak woody notes reveal themselves next, evolving into aromatic spice. Finally, the signature Johnnie Walker smokiness delivers a long finish.

Master blender Jim Beveridge said: “Johnnie Walker Blue Label is the pinnacle blend for Johnnie Walker, so every year we want to showcase its rarity in a fresh and pioneering way. This year’s route gives consumers a glimpse into the special liquid that lives within, with its outer beauty truly reflecting the rarity and complexity which this whisky holds.”

Gérard Bertrand cracks the Code Rouge

Gérard Bertrand, the award-winning Languedoc winemaker, has written a new autobiography, titled Le Vin à la belle étoile (Wine, Moon and Stars). Published by Editions de La Martinière, the former Stade Français rugby captain describes it as a “passionate” book. Gérard Bertrand chose to give his royalties to the GoodPlanet Foundation, chaired by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, which seeks to raise public awareness of ecology and to promote living together in harmony.

French winemaker Gérard Bertrand's new autobiography

In other news, Gérard Bertrand has launched a new sparkling wine called Code Rouge. The Code Rouge Brut Eternal cuvée is presented in a striking red-coloured bottle and pays tribute to the world’s first sparkling wines, made by the monks of Saint Hilaire Abbey, near Limoux.

Code Rouge Brut Eternel cuvée

In addition, Gérard Bertrand has finally released the long-awaited red wine Clos d’Ora, which the winemaker has celebrated with a poem:

“It all began with this vision I had

“when wandering through this spot in 1997.

“I felt myself to be at peace and in harmony with nature.

“And from this, a love of creation welled up inside me.

“The idea of producing an exceptional wine on this terroir had been born.

“Some 15 years later, we created the first vintage.

“Thank you for your patience.”

Clos d'Ora red wine

In further product launch news, Gérard Bertrand has released the Collection Legend Vintage, an exclusive range of vintages from 1875 to 1974.

Meanwhile, the company is highlighting food pairings. Gris Blanc, a pale and crystalline rosé, pairs well with seafood, especially oysters, and Asian food. Aigle Royal Pinot Noir 2012 is recommended with truffles, while Code Rouge is said to go well with the festive king cake.

Gérard Bertrand wines hail from several estates, notably Domaine de Villemajou, located in Corbières, the family home and estate of Gérard Bertrand, and Château l'Hospitalet, a famous wine tourism destination that promotes the Mediterranean art de vivre. Château l'Hospitalet was the only red wine poured at the banquet of the 2013 Nobel Prize Ceremony.

Other notable estates are: Domaine de Cigalus (MJ Rabbit’s personal favourite), cultivated with biodynamic agriculture; Domaine de l'Aigle; Château Laville Bertrou; Château Aigues Vives; Château La Sauvageonne; and Château de la Soujeole.

Cheers!