Luxist

Sandeman Offers A Century of Tawny Port

Deidre Woollard — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits

Colder weather always makes me crave Port, the sweet fortified wine from Portugal has a natural affinity for cold weather, fireplaces and rich desserts. One of the venerable Port producers, the House of Sandeman releasing a collection of Ports including the Ten-Years Old, Twenty-Years Old, Thirty-Years Old, and Forty-Years Old, creating A Century of Tawny Ports. Each additional decade of aging gives the Port its own distinctive flavor. The collection of four bottles in a wood box sells for $349.

Sandeman Offers A Century of Tawny Port originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World's Oldest Cognac for $6,000 a Shot

Jared Paul Stern — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Cigars, Journeys, Spirits

The luxe Lanesborough Hotel in London has just acquired the world's oldest bottle of cognac, distilled in 1770, and is offering it to patrons of their plush Library Bar (above) for £4,000, or about $6,000, per shot. That's considerably more than the ultra-expensive Louis XIII Black Pearl Magnum cognac my colleague Lisa Palladino wrote about last summer, which cost $2,500 per shot. In addition to the 240-year-old tipple, the Lanesborough, a St. Regis property, just installed a new walk-in cigar humidor, the first of its kind in a London hotel. The humidor houses 1,000 cigars and contains 25 private lockers for the personal collections of top patrons, who can enjoy Cuban and even pre-Castro smokes in the hotel's posh Garden Room.

[via JustLuxe]

World's Oldest Cognac for $6,000 a Shot originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Ultimate Glenrothes Experience

Deidre Woollard — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits

This time of year is usually when London's bankers start dreaming of what to spend their bonuses on. Were there still any bankers possessing the wherewithal to spend $25,000 in a single evening, our friends at Spungle have sourced quite the splurge. The Ultimate Glenrothes Experience is a one-of-a-kind experience for 10 people to indulge in Glenrothes vintage single malts. The tasting takes place in the well-appointed cellars of Berry Brothers & Rudd's St. James Street location and is led by Ronnie Cox, recently-named Whiskey Ambassador for Scotland for 2008 and Master of the Keepers of the Quaich. The vintages will be paired with dishes prepared by Berry Brothers & Rudd Head Chef, Stewart Turner. Vintages included are a trip through time in distilled form including The Glenrothes 1966 Single Cask #1438, The Glenrothes 1979 Vintage (Bottled 1994) and The Glenrothes 1985 Vintage (Bottled 1997). With dinner, guests will also enjoy some exceptional wines from the Berry family reserves held under lock and key in their private cellars. The Ultimate Glenrothes Experience is limited to 10 individuals and the inclusive cost is $25,000. Booking can require as much as a year's notice, so book now and who knows, you might have the money by then. Those interested can contact Bridget DiMartino at 212-477-8090 or e-mail her at bridget (at) tbtpr.com.

The Ultimate Glenrothes Experience originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1800 Tequila Ltd. Edition Essential Artists Series

Jared Paul Stern — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits, Art

1800 Tequila, the high-end 100% blue Agave tequila brand that takes it name from the year in which the spirit was first aged in wood, recently embarked on an ambitious and inspired campaign centered around around nine cutting-edge artists it considers to be "Essential." The Essential Artists and their artwork were featured as part of a national advertising campaign including print, billboard, internet, and radio; now each piece of artwork is featured on brilliant 1800 limited edition tequila bottles, available nationwide in stores or online here.

Each artist is different, with work that could have been found spray painted on a city street, in the best art gallery, or both. These chosen artists are willing to follow their independent vision, and adapt it to a bottle of great tequila. The nine artists are: Glenn Barr, one of Detroit's most celebrated and successful underground artists; San Francisco-based illustrator and designer Hannah Stouffer; Jorge Alderete, a pop illustrator, who uses trash culture, 50's science fiction films, wrestling and surf music imagery in his psychotronic illustrations, animations and comics; Josh Ellingson, whose work has been featured on everything from handheld games to custom vinyl toys.

Atlanta-based husband and wife design duo UrbanMedium; Artillery, whose hand-cut stencil designs feature candy-coated colors and an "almost Warhol-esque twist on banal imagery"; Jeremy Bacharach, whose work includes painting, drawing, photography, and digital media; Dosa Kim, whose art can be best described as "whimsical, dark and sometimes minimal"; and Chris Dean, whose "synthesis of offbeat imagery and stereoscopic process has brought the nostalgic of medium of lenticular pictures to a new level of artistry".

See the gallery to view their impressive bottles. 1800 is now on the search for the next essential artists, via an innovative interactive project taking place on their website. Any aspiring artist or fan can upload their art on a custom 1800 bottle and join the competition to win $10,000 and be featured in a national advertising campaign, just like the original avant-garde nine. How come no one ever thought of this before?

The site allows fans to log in and in three simple steps join the competition and also spread the word through a custom artwork widget to embed on their own site. Connoisseurs can also view the gallery and vote on the thousands of submissions. Fans can upload up to five pieces of art until the contest ends in mid-December. Competition is sure to be fierce, and we can't wait to see the results.

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1800 Tequila Ltd. Edition Essential Artists Series originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Macallan Rankin Edition

Deidre Woollard — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits, Art

Scottish whiskeymaking and Scottish photography combine with the launch of The Macallan Masters of Photography Rankin Edition. Rankin is a famed Scottish photographer and he was chosen to Easter Elchies House, the "spiritual home of The Macallan." He spent a summer interpreting the The Macallan Estate through his camera lens. The result is 1,000 unique bottles of The Macallan Fine Oak 30 year old single malt whisky each bearing an original Rankin image, captured on Polaroid. Since Polaroid was discontinued this year,The Masters of Photography represents the end of an era. The black-and-white pictures include artistic studies of the lovely Tuuli, Rankin's muse, shown on this bottle, as well as pictures of Easter Elchies House, shots of craftspeople at the distillery, and still life images of the surrounding flora and fauna at the estate. Each bottle comes in a black leather box lined with velvet and containing an original Rankin Polaroid. Each bottle will have an individually printed label which matches the specific Polaroid contained within the box and a booklet of authenticity signed by Rankin. Each bottle sells for around $1,300.

[via Brand Republic]

The Macallan Rankin Edition originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Classicist: The History of Veuve Clicquot

Jared Paul Stern — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits, Wine, The Classicist

The history of renowned French champagne house Veuve Clicquot is told in a fascinating new book by Tilar J. Mazzeo, who reveals the young widow who brought it to fame and fortune. The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It is the story of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, who was "a young witness to the dramatic events of the French Revolution and a new widow during the chaotic years of the Napoleonic Wars."

After her husband Francois' death, Barbe-Nicole, 27, defied convention by assuming control of their fledgling family wine business. With much bravery and good fortune, against all odds and through "dizzying political and financial reversals", she became one of the world's first great businesswomen and one of the richest women of her time. Pictured above is her estate the Hotel du Marc in Reims.

A legend in her native France, Barbe-Nicole's story is not well known abroad. Mazzeo has uncovered many fascinating details about the grande dame of champagne, including the following:

o. By her late 30s, Barbe-Nicole was one of the richest women in France, with annual sales of more than $30 million per year. She's credited with having taken champagne from marginal to mainstream and making it synonymous with style.

o. As the Napoleonic Wars wound down, Barbe-Nicole risked her entire fortune and ran the blockade with 10,000 bottles of her most precious vintage, positioning herself to corner the huge Russian market the moment it re-opened. She was there weeks ahead of her competitors, selling her champagne for $100 a bottle to the celebrating Russians, becoming famous practically overnight.

o. Barbe-Nicole invented champagne-making techniques that shaved months off production time and are still used today. Thanks to her employees' loyalty and a shrewd profit-sharing plan, she kept her method secret for almost a decade, solidifying her market dominance.

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Continue reading The Classicist: The History of Veuve Clicquot

The Classicist: The History of Veuve Clicquot originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russian Standard Vodka Brings Miss Russia Girls to US

Jared Paul Stern — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits

Russian Standard Vodka, which bills itself as Russia's #1 luxury vodka, has embarked on a nine-city U.S. tour with a gaggle of gorgeous contestants from the Miss Russia Pageant. In each city, the models are toasting the U.S. and providing fans "an insider look into Russia's most popular cities, cultural heritage and legendary nightlife." The Russian beauties, including Alina Ivanova (above) pictured at the Russian Standard distillery, are currently in Miami making their way to New York for a Nov. 19 finale.

The Miss Russia Pageant is Russia's national beauty pageant which draws contestants from over 70 regions and serves as a springboard to national and international fame for many young women. The annual Miss Russia winner receives a $100,000 cash prize, free use of an apartment for a year, a university stipend and a modeling contract. Russian Standard vodkas are made with only the finest local ingredients, "uniquely conforming to the formula for vodka established in 1894" by famed Russian scientist Dimitri Mendeleev for Russia's Czars.

Russian Standard Vodka Brings Miss Russia Girls to US originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 16 Nov 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Camus Cuvée 3.128 Cognac

Deidre Woollard — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits

Coganc house Camus has unveiled their latest special edition, Cuvée 3.128. The Camus Cuvée 3.128 is its first super-premium offer and represents a new flagship for the house. It is a blend of three unique eaux de vie from leading vineyards belonging to one family. The 128 refers to the total of the ages of the three eaux de vie use in the blend (41, 43 and 44 years old).

There are just 3,068 bottles available in the batch. When those are sold a new limited edition will be created with a different blend of spirits. It comes in a Baccarat crystal decanter designed by French artist Serge Mansau, and is topped with necklace of pearls. It sells for $2,500.

Camus Cuvée 3.128 Cognac originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TRU Organic Spirits Launches Artisanal Gin

Jared Paul Stern — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits

Los Angeles-based TRU Organic Spirits has launched a new small batch, artisanal gin using 14 whole botanicals. The botanicals in TRU2 Gin (right) are macerated in layers forming an organic wheat base spirit.

The gin is not re-distilled after the maceration process in order to preserve its rich, balanced flavor profile, a technique that "harks back to the earliest curative gins made by 16th century physicians throughout Europe," the company notes.

We're used to gins these days being crystal clear, but the macerated ingredients including juniper berries, fresh lavender and chamomile impart a distinctive amber hue to this flavorful spirit.

TRU, which is known for its artisanal vodkas (our favorite is the lemon infused version), uses state-of-the art column stills that produce the purest spirits possible in only one pass in order to conserve energy. The company also plants a tree for every bottle sold.

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TRU Organic Spirits Launches Artisanal Gin originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remy Martin Releases Louis XIII Bottles

Laura Malesich — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits

This fine champagne cognac from Rémy Martin is showcased in a 70cl carafe Baccarat crystal decanter with fleur-de-lys stopper. Although its size and price cannot compare with the Louis XIII Black Pearl Magnum cognac this more portable bottle offers its consumer the finest champagne cognac with rich notes of jasmine, saffron and five spice aromas along with subtle flavors of fig, sandalwood and ginger. Made from the most premier grapes from the Grand Champagne region this century-old cognac has been tediously tended to and perfected by three generations of Cellar Masters. It will cost you £1200 for your own personal stash.

Remy Martin Releases Louis XIII Bottles originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Glenmorangie Signet

Deidre Woollard — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits

I've been hearing lots of buzz lately about the Glemorangie Signet, people really want to get their hands on this bottle. The whisky is causing a stir for several reasons, the first that it is not touting the age on the bottle and the second that the whisky uses a chocolate malt mixed in with barley to create the mash. The word being used to describe it is "voluptuous" and both a Businessweek article and Bill Dowd seem to heartily concur while John Hansell of Malt Advocate seems a bit more reserved although he does declare it to be a fun whisky. It has notes of sherry, maple, marmalade, tobacco and yes, chocolate.

The age of whiskies in Signet hasn't been revealed but it's likely a younger concoction and a smart move to make one at a time when Scotland is feeling the pinch of a shortage of older whiskies ready to tap. The Signet is priced like an older whisky, $185 a bottle but so far the tasters seem to think its worth it. It should start showing up in stores this month.

Glenmorangie Signet originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rémy Martin 1989 Cognac

Deidre Woollard — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits

Rémy Martin has announced their first single-harvest cognac since Rémy Martin 1965. Rémy Martin has chosen a cognac crafted from the legendary 1989 vintage. Hot summer days combined with cool nights for ideal maturation of the Ugni Blanc grapes. Georges Clot, Rémy Martin cellar master at the time, strove to select the best plots from over a thousand exclusively located in Grande Champagne vineyards, choosing eaux-de-vie from four estate-owned plots. After 18 years of ageing in Limousin oak barrels which were kept separately in a dedicated Rémy Martin cellar, it was decided at the annual tasting in 2007, that Rémy Martin 1989 was reaching its peak.

Tasting notes highlight clove and fig with an intense lingering mouthfeel. It is sold in a black frosted bottle with a resealable wooden cork hand dipped in wax to create a unique seal for each bottle and sells for $300.

Rémy Martin 1989 Cognac originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Johnnie Walker Blue Label Diary 'By Appointment Only'

Laura Malesich — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits, Events, Books

Some special books come with online access codes bringing additional insight into the topic, a beautiful handmade bookmark or an original signature of the author but the 'By Appointment Only' diary from Johnnie Walker Blue Label is more than just a place to log your writings -- it is a doorway to exclusive events and services. Included in this expensive holiday package are tickets to the Monaco Grand Prix 2009 and Johnnie Walker Golf Championships, a bespoke blending experience with a Johnnie Walker Master Blender creating your very own whisky, and access to a premiere concierge service offering more Johnnie Walker experiences at your fingertips.

The leather bound diary, of which there are only three, is priced at an impressive £95,000 and comes from luxury stationer Aspinal of London. There are an additional twenty diaries available for £2,000 with access to the services and events above as well -- the difference in price I am sure accounts for less luxurious accommodations or some other discrepancy in experience but nonetheless would make a spectacular gift.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Diary 'By Appointment Only' originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Dalmore 50

Deidre Woollard — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits

An article in the Financial Times on whisky recently discussed the fact that whisky distiller might just be a pretty good occupation to have in these tough economic times. While some whiskies are seen as affordable luxury, this one might be stretching it. The latest edition of The Dalmore is a 50-year old vintage malt that is being released as a limited edition. The blend includes whisky first distilled 140 years ago. A total of 191 hand-blown, Portuguese crystal decanters will be available from luxury retailers and will sell for around £700 for a 10cl bottle (an additional 50 will be sold through travel retail outlets). The drink is said to have tastes of Old English marmalade and fruitcake with an aftertaste of crushed almonds and cinnamon.

[via Just Drinks]

The Dalmore 50 originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Double Cross Vodka, Filtered Through Diamond Dust

Jared Paul Stern — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits

The new Double Cross Luxury Vodka, which is filtered through diamond dust and is the only Slovakian vodka to be released in the United States, is produced in the 13th century village of Stara Lubovna in the foothills of the breathtaking Tatra Mountain range.

The seven-times-distilled spirit uses only 100 percent organic, estate-grown winter wheat and mountain spring water drawn from aquifers located 200-feet below ground level. Double Cross' diamond dust filtration system is said to provide unprecedented filtration capability because of the "unique shape and sub-micron size of the diamond dust particles."

The result is a clean, crisp vodka with hints of white pepper and lemon zest. The unique rectangular bottle has no seams and features a number of artistic elements including verses of old-world Slovakian poetry silk-screened on the back, a metal top and a metal Double Cross logo, derived from the Slovakian flag and embedded in the front.

Double Cross Vodka, Filtered Through Diamond Dust originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 02 Nov 2008 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Woodford Reserve 1838 Sweet Mash

Deidre Woollard — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits

Louisville, Kentucky's Woodford Reserve has struck off in a new, and yet old direction with the third whiskey in their Master's Collection series. The 1838 Sweet Mash revives a historic technique using fresh grains yeast and water, the sweet mash, instead of a sour mash process in which ingredients from a prior distillation are introduced into a new mash mixture. The sweet mash is fermented for several days and then distilled resulting in a higher pH level and a milder, and as the name might reveal, sweeter flavor with notes of fruit and maple syrup. The 1838 Sweet Mash is believed to be the first sweet mash bourbon to be made since Prohibition. It will be sold in 25 U.S. markets and in Canada and each bottle is numbered (1.045 cases available). It sells for $90 a bottle.

[via Kentucky.com]

Woodford Reserve 1838 Sweet Mash originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 01 Nov 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Giant Nose Promotes New Whisky Book

Deidre Woollard — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits, Books

They say that when blending whisky it's all about the sniffer. Small wonder then that a new book by master whiskey blender Richard Patterson and Gavin D Smith features Patterson on the cover with his nose headed glassward and goes by the title "Goodness Nose." Cute, right? What's even cuter, although perhaps veering into the strange is that a six-foot high nose, based on Patterson's more modest proboscis has been spotted around Edinburgh as part the promotion for the book. The Edinburgh News reports that the nose has been spotted in the city's Multrees Walk, the Royal Mile and Princes Street Gardens. I'm hoping pictures surface soon, this I've got to see.

Giant Nose Promotes New Whisky Book originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beam Launches New Modern Rye Whiskey

Deidre Woollard — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits

Rye whiskey doesn't have a reputation for being a particularly modern tipple but Beam is trying to help that profile along with the introduction of (rī)1 Whiskey, the company's first ultra-premium rye whiskey. The (rī)1 (pronounced "rye one") has the slightly peppery edge to it that draws people to rye whiskey. When served with water, the fuirt and spice notes become more apparent. Of course rye whiskey has a natural home in Manhattans and Old Fashioneds but the they have also created a new cocktail, the Rising Sun, that uses lemon juice and orange juice. I haven't had a chance to taste what's inside yet but at least the bottle doesn't make you feel like you're drinking grandpa's booze. It sells for $46-$48 and future (rī)2 and (rī)3 editions are planned.

[via Wine & Spirits Daily]

Beam Launches New Modern Rye Whiskey originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ltd. Edition Chivas Regal Bottle by Alexander McQueen

Jared Paul Stern — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spirits

British fashion star Alexander McQueen has designed a limited edition "couture" bottle of Chivas Regal 18-Year-Old Gold Signature Scotch for the holidays. McQueen's design features royal blue leather detailing and comes topped with a hand-enameled blue, red and gold cap.

"This is a piece of art which reflects the luxury and craftsmanship values of what haute couture is all about," McQueen tells Vogue UK. "You can see my signature 'stamp' with the blue leather 'dress' and the Union Jack colors. I have created a rare collector's item that those with an eye for design will want to keep."

Only 2,000 individually numbered bottles are being produced and will be available exclusively from deluxe UK department store Selfridges, for about $500.

Ltd. Edition Chivas Regal Bottle by Alexander McQueen originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moet & Chandon Golden Sleeve

Annie Scott — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Jewelry, Spirits, Wine

What's more beautiful than a bottle of champagne? A gold bottle of champagne.

Here at right is Moët & Chandon's newest luxury: A limited edition, gold-cased bottle of Midnight Gold, an Imperial Crude Moët & Chandon signed by French designer Camille Toupet.

The case is gold lambskin with Swarovski crystals and gilded pearls to simulate champagne bubbles. The "neck tie" at the top of the bottle can be removed and worn as a bracelet.

Only 100 handmade Moët & Chandon Midnight Gold cases will be released in 2009. Better reserve yours today at Lavinia. We hope you speak French.

[via luxuo.com]

Moet & Chandon Golden Sleeve originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 25 Oct 2008 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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