Noteworthy in the News: James’ Martini, Jack Gets Presidential, Awards, Wine & Contests

Noteworthy in the News: James’ Martini, Jack Gets Presidential, Awards, Wine & Contests – Nov 20

James Moreland, disagrees with the long time held theory that the shaken vodka martini is the way to go. It may be preferred by secret agents, but not by select BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Master Mixologists. In a recent press release James Moreland explains why shaking compromises the integrity of the spirit by filling the drink with air bubbles and tiny shards of ice. This in turn damages the delicate flavor of the spirit. Read more in the “Stirred Not Shaken!” press release about the fine art of the martini and BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin in the press release. Feast on this gem while you read further:

Ultimate Martini Holiday 08

BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® ULTIMATE MARTINI COCKTAIL

3 parts BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® Gin

A dash NOILLY PRAT® Original French Dry Vermouth

Pour ingredients into a shaker filled with ice, stir thoroughly and strain into a chilled martini cocktail glass. Garnish with green olives or a twist of lemon, if desired.

In case you haven’t heard enough about politics recently, I missed a press release Oct 31, from the Jack Daniels Distillery. Of course it was Halloween and the scary cocktails kept me a little busy, but this is exciting and interesting news. The Jack Daniels Distillery will honor the next President we now know to be Obama by setting aside a barrel of Tennessee Whiskey at the time of the swearing-in ceremony. This “Presidential Barrel” will be set aside to continue maturing through the seasons. Once the whiskey reaches full maturity, the barrel will be bottled, sold and all proceeds will go to various charities. There is more commentary within the Jack Daniels press release which makes for interesting quoted reading.

Malt Advocate honored Welsh Whisky Co. with “The Microdistillery of the Year” award for their highly regarded single malt whisky, Penderyn. The list of honorees will be published in the January 2009 issue of Malt Advocate. Gillian Howell, distiller of Penderyn, accepted the award at Whiskyfest earlier this month. Penderyn is distilled in a specially designed still, aged in used bourbon barrels and finished in Madeira casks. John Hansell, editor of Malt Advocate describes Penderyn as “soft, pleasant whisky, with layers of creamy sweetness (vanilla, toffee), delicate fruit (coconut, blueberry, black raspberry), and almond.” Read more in the Welsh Whisky press release.

Several Diageo employees were honored at the National Women of Color Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Conference last month for their outstanding dedication to community service. The women recognized: Elizabeth Gutierrez, Pamela Penn, Garset Gayle-Flemmings, and Marsha McIntosh. The press release describes what each of these women do within their respective fields and the activities they pursue in community service. We all would do well to read about these women and take a look within our own communities to see what part we could do to lend a hand no matter how small or large a part we are able to contribute. Ladies, thank you for the positive news!

I must admit, I am not very Facebook savvy, however Facebook is CorkSavvy. CorkSavvy just launched a Wine Journal and Virtual Bottle Rack for Facebook. This too brings wine lovers a variety of tools that entertain and educate. Rather than keep a handwritten journal that so often may get lost or may not be available while you are out of town, now CorkSavvy makes it easy for mobile use. Keep detailed tasting notes, memorable vintages and dining experiences with the click of a few computer keys. Something else you can’t do with handwritten journals that you can do with CorkSavvy…share with friends anywhere in the world at anytime. Read about it in the press release and give it a try.

Millbrook Vineyards and Winery offers custom labeled wine for personalized gifts for the holidays. Millbrook’s entire selection of wines is available for label-customization. The turnaround time for custom-labeled wine is seven to ten days which sound about normal for online ordering to me. Shipping is available almost everywhere within the U.S. The exception of course would be states that still do not allow wine to be shipped in state. Take a look at the Custom Labeled Wine press release from Millbrook and then hop on over to their site for a virtual tour.

Seann William Scott

DRAMBUIE hosts the 2009 DRAMBUIE Pursuit in May 2009. This is an adrenaline-packed competition, consisting of a series of grueling outdoor adventure races across the Scottish Highlands. Events include archery, white-water rafting, dune-buggy racing and many other breathtaking challenges. The course follows a 100-mile course that has roots in the history of passion and rebellion of Scotland’s rebel Bonnie Prince Charlie. This is the Prince of DRAMBUIE lore who gifted the recipe of this delicious liqueur to his loyal subjects. Read the press release to find out more about the 2009 DRAMBUIE Pursuit and find out how you can apply for a chance to join actor Seann William Scott’s team.

This was mentioned yesterday morning in front page posting, but there is a press release to read in full. BORU Vodka’s “Defend the Bar Band” competition has chosen a winner. Loveblisters song “Devotion” may be heard through YANGAROO’S DMDS format. The link is found in the front page posting or click on the YANGAROO press release. The Loveblisters sound fabulous by the way. So did many others. I am sure the battle was fierce and a tough choice to make. Good luck to all who entered.