Travelux

To seek travel, particularly internationally, is to be open-minded and naturally curious. It’s a way to explore the world beyond our doorsteps, meet people, learn of new stories and explore other cultures. The world of drinks lends itself to people with that kind of outlook. Many producers carefully toe the line between science and nature as they create their liquids and increasingly, as imbibers of fine drinks, we are seeking to understand the stories and histories that come with these brands. Often, we achieve this by visiting the distilleries or wineries where they are made, which may take us around the corner from our home or to the other side of the world. As our palates develop and our tastes become more diverse, it’s understandable that we find ourselves looking further…

The increasingly popular category of aquavit will have a new face as Bache-Gabrielsen launches DistillationS, the first ever aquavit produced in Cognac, France. Exclusively available through the travel retailer Heinemann, Bache-Gabrielsen, which has crafted its reputation in the world of Cognac, has collaborated with Audemus Spirits, a local micro-distillery based in the region. The new range of aquavit combines fresh floral notes with a rounded and expressive spirit. Bache-Gabrielsen and Audemus Spirits created two unique spirits by combining two processes. White Aquavit (42% ABV) is a blend of two spirits. The first is distilled in a Cognac still, with botanicals including caraway, fennel, green anise and coriander blended in. The second was distilled under vacuum in a glass still, with Bache-Gabrielsen extracting angelica. Aged Aquavit (42% ABV) uses the same distillation process as the…

Exclusively for travellers through Dubai Duty Free, St-Rémy has launched the latest addition to its Cask Finish Collection with a brandy that includes a maturation stage in oak casks that have previously held single malts from the famed Scottish isle of Islay. The St-Rémy Cask Finish Collection is a celebration of master blender, Cecile Roudaut’s expertise in maturing St-Rémy brand in various cask types. The collection is true to St-Rémy’s heritage in distilling, ageing and crafting French grape brandies since 1886. Hervé Buzon, global brand director for St-Rémy says: “The latest addition to our Cask Finish Collection joins St-Rémy’s exceptional portfolio, and offers yet another unique twist to this premium taste, which we are pleased to offer exclusively to Dubai Duty Free.” A light golden colour, the brandy’s nose is sweet, with a…

International travellers will now be able to raise an environmentally friendly glass as Champagne Lanson has launched its organic Champagne, Lanson Green Label, into global travel retail. Now available through the travel-retail provider Heinemann, the Green Label was launched in 2017, however, 2019 will be the first time the non-vintage cuvée will be available through duty-free. The blend used for Champagne Lanson Green Label is 50 per cent Pinot Noir, 20 per cent Chardonnay and 30 per cent Pinot Meunier and it has been aged on the lees in the Lanson cellar for three years. Those familiar with Lanson’s Champagne will notice different cues on the packaging as the Maltese Cross logo has turned from red to green, with the rest of the label cream. The packaging is also recyclable. Champagne Lanson’s export…

Tobermory Distillery, famed for its whisky and situated on the Isle of Mull, has turned its hand to gin production and launched Tobermory Hebridean Gin. The only distillery on the colourful Isle of Mull, it is the first time the distillery has produced gin in its history. The Isle of Mull is the second largest of the Inner Hebrides, located off the west of Scotland and the gin has been created with the distillery’s history and location in mind. A splash of spirit from the Tobermory whisky stills is added to the base spirit, while a pinch of Hebridean tea, grown locally, is also including among the 13 botanicals. Each is steeped in the base spirit for at least 24 hours to create an 43.3% ABV gin, with a fruity character. Stephen Woodcock,…

Travelling fans of Islay’s Lagavulin Distillery will be able to enjoy exclusive access to a 10-years-old single malt that will be available exclusively at Dufry duty-free stores in airports across the world. Situated on Islay’s southern shoreline, the new release lives up to Lagavulin’s reputation as being one of the stand-out Islay single malts. Diageo’s master of malts, Dr. Craig Wilson, says: “Many people see Lagavulin as the definitive Islay malt and, like other members of the family, this new expression has a charming exuberance and full-on character.” Describing the whisky, Dr. Wilson says: “It is rich, intense and smoky, having spent time in American Oak casks, while a creamy smoothness and hint of spice shines through from its maturation in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks. This is a whisky filled with surprising contrasts. On…