If you are looking for a delicious
lower-alcohol choice, Thompson's Cider Mill Hard Cider crafted in
small batches from a proprietary blend of heirloom and antique apples at Thompson's Cider Mill in Croton-on-Hudson,
New York is a fabulous choice. Their award-winning ciders come in 9-flavors, in
dry and semi-dry styles. Thompson's Cider Mill Hard Cider Antique Apple
Blend Semi-Dry, only has 7% alcohol by volume, is delicious to drink on
its own and is also delicious in cocktails. In addition to their hard ciders,
Thompson's Cider Mill also handcrafts fresh cider. Cheers!
|
Read more...
|
|
After
taking a morning Thimble Island Cruise aboard the Sea Mist, we had
worked up a thirst and decided to remedy that by making a visit to Stony Creek Brewery located in Branford, Connecticut. A craft brewery, their specialties include Crankys,
New England India Pale Ales, Ales, Lagers,
Stouts, and more to appeal to diverse styles and palate
preferences. In addition to their diverse selection of beers they also have an
exciting music scene with live music making it a very interesting place to
visit. Cheers!
|
Read more...
|
|
Summer is
on its way, when backyard parties and trips to the beach are the highlights of the
season. For easy and delectable cocktails to enjoy anywhere you go, Fifth State Distillery based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, created the ultimate summer "ready to pour cocktail"
with their newest creation, Fifth State Bee's Knees made with
gin, lemon, and honey. We enjoyed drinking this cocktail on its own as well as
using it as a base to craft other custom cocktails and even a yummy strawberry
sorbet. Cheers, it's cocktail time!
|
Read more...
|
|
If an Espresso
Martini is your go-to bar cocktail, you are in for a treat with Fifth
State Distillery's Master Distiller Rob Schulten's latest creation, a ready-to-drink
Fifth State Espresso Martini made with Rum. It's as easy as pouring 3.5 ounces into a shaker, adding ice, then shake
and pour into a chilled martini glass. The 375-ml size makes it perfect to take
along with you wherever you go, to the beach, to an outdoor concert, or simply to
drink at home. With that said, Luxury Experience readers know that we always take
spirits to the next level and created a few cocktails and a culinary recipe to
tempt your palate, and our Luxury Experience - Espresso Martini Chocolate
Tart is sure to become an absolute favorite. Cheers!
|
Read more...
|
|
Master
Distiller Robert Schulten, owner of Fifth State Distillery located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, was having fun in
the distillery again and created another fabulous gin, Passion Gin,
to add to their award-winning line of spirits. Awarded the 2022 and
2021 Connecticut Gin Distillery of the Year by the prestigious New
York International Spirits Competition, Fifth State Distillery
continues to deliver excellence in every bottle. For his latest Passion Gin, Rob
distills passionfruit and having tried it found it to be very versatile in a
wide variety of cocktails.
|
Read more...
|
|
Tequila
lovers are in for a treat with the
award-winning Tequila Código 1530 Rosa,
as it is exceptionally smooth with layers of flavor nuances that make it
equally enjoyable whether sipped neat, served over ice, used in cocktails, or
to enhance culinary recipes. Made from 100% Blue Agave in Amatitán, Jalisco,
México, this ultra-premium tequila has won a coveted space on our drinks table.
We created three delectable cocktails and a culinary recipe that complement
this outstanding product.
|
Read more...
|
|
Looking for
interesting flavors to create inspired cocktails? We found Wild Moon Cucumber Liqueur created by Creatrix and Infusionary
Lelaneia Dubay, owner of the woman-owned distillery
Hartford Flavor
Company based in Hartford,
Connecticut to be a delectable and versatile ingredient. Wild Moon Cucumber
Liqueur imparted layers of flavor to cocktail classics as well as to creative
modern cocktails and was also delicious in our culinary creations. Who would
think of making a cucumber liqueur? Lelaneia Dubay of course, and for that, we
are grateful! Cheers and Bon Appetit!
|
Read more...
|
|
SONO
1420 American Craft Distillers Vo Vodka is an ultra-premium
vodka handmade in South Norwalk, Connecticut and is America's first distillery
to incorporate hemp seed in its mashbill. Founded
in 2019, the double gold award winning distillery is earning kudos and
followers due to their exceptional products handcrafted in small batches. Their
Vo Vodka is a mixologist's dream to work with as it is hand distilled from a
blend of corn and cane and is sugar and gluten-free. It also took home a bronze
medal from the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Cheers!
|
Read more...
|
|
It was a
perfect Saturday afternoon in Wallingford, Connecticut at the 2022 CT Craft Beer Fest held by the CT Brewers Guild
at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre, learning about (and tasting) the diverse line of Connecticut
Craft Beers. More than 60 craft breweries came from around the state
and brought delectable samples of their artisanal products. Who knew the Connecticut
Craft Beer Movement had so many tasty products?
|
Read more...
|
|
Barceló Imperial - Ron Dominicano is a super-premium
rum from the Dominican Republic and imported by Shaw-Ross International
Importers. Made from fermented
sugar juice, and not from molasses, this delectable rum is carefully crafted
by a blend of rums ranging in age up to ten years and aged
in American bourbon oak barrels. The result is a smooth and delectable sipping
rum that is also an excellent choice for cocktail and culinary recipes. Cheers!
|
Read more...
|
|
We love to use botanicals in our
cocktail and culinary creations and were delighted when we "discovered" Wild
Moon Lavender Liqueur created by Creatrix and Infusionary
Lelaneia Dubay, owner of the woman-owned distillery
Hartford Flavor Company based in Hartford, Connecticut.
Their luscious Wild Moon Lavender Liqueur is perfect to serve chilled or over
ice, and when used in cocktail or culinary recipes adds another layer of flavor
that makes the recipes uniquely tasty.
|
Read more...
|
|
Tasting the award-winning
Henri Bardouin
Pastis is like taking your palate on a trip to Provence,
France. Made in France since 1898, Henri Bardouin Pastis
is made from a delectable blend of 65 plants to create a unique, and very
tasty, elegant liqueur. We found this product to be very versatile as it can be
enjoyed as an aperitif, used in cocktail recipes, added to espresso at the end
of a meal, and can also be used in culinary recipes, making it a perfect
liqueur to add to your liquor cabinet.
|
Read more...
|
|
We took our palates on a trip
around the world (without a need for a passport) during the impressive
selection of offerings at the Whiskeys of the World tasting
and pairing presented by Beam Suntory, Inc.
during the 2022 Mohegan Sun, Sun Wine & Food Festival
held at the Mohegan Sun located in Uncasville,
Connecticut. It was an evening of tasting old favorites and discovering
new ones. We also had the opportunity to sample food pairings from the Celebrity
Chefs - Brian Duffy, Kevin Des Chenes, Lamar
Moore, and David Rose. Cheers!
|
Read more...
|
|
Rhum Barbancourt Estate Reserve Aged 15 Years
is a sensational aged rum made in Haiti
from 100% pure sugar cane juice and aged in French
Limousine oak casks in a method similar to the finest cognacs. This
award-winning rum earned a gold medal - 93 points in 2021 from
the prestigious Beverage Testing Institute and was awarded 94 points from Wine
Enthusiast in 2020. This exceptionally smooth and rich rum is a perfect sipping
rum and is also an admirable companion in cocktail and culinary recipes.
|
Read more...
|
|
ZYR Vodka is an award-winning ultra-smooth Russian
vodka imported by Symphony Importers in Manhasset,
New York. There are many types of vodka on the market these days made
from a variety of ingredients including potatoes, corn, maple sap, sugar cane,
wheat, and rye. Zyr vodka is lovingly crafted in Russia from a delectable blend
of non-GMO winter wheat and rye that has been winning awards
since it launched in 2002. Cheers!
|
Read more...
|
|
Fifth State Seville Gin
is the creation of Master Distiller Robert Schulten, owner of Fifth State Distillery located in Bridgeport,
Connecticut, which was awarded the 2021 Connecticut
Gin Distillery of the Year by the prestigious New York
International Spirits Competition. He handcrafts this delectable gin
from locally grown Connecticut corn and Seville oranges, which is distilled in small
batches in a column still. The result is a smooth and richly flavorful orange
forward gin that is an admirable ingredient in cocktail and culinary recipes.
|
Read more...
|
|
Hartford Flavor
Company Vanilla Flavored Vodka is
a delectable super premium gluten free vodka made with organic sugar cane and infused
Tahitian and Madagascar vanilla beans. Creatrix and Infusionary
Lelaneia Dubay is the driving force behind her innovative woman-owned
distillery in Hartford, Connecticut, where the flavors she
creates are as innovative as she.
|
Read more...
|
|
Wild Moon Rose Liqueur is
a versatile, lower alcohol spirit created by Creatrix and
Infusionary Lelaneia Dubay, owner of the woman-owned
distillery Hartford
Flavor Company based in Hartford, Connecticut. This delectable,
certified gluten free spirit inspired us to create many cocktail and culinary
recipes with it, as well as add it to champagne and prosecco, drizzle it over
vanilla ice cream, jazz up a fresh fruit salad, use it to glaze grilled shrimp
and grilled pineapple, and brush it on the cut sides of cakes to impart layers
of flavor and keep our cakes moist. Cheers!
|
Read more...
|
|
If you love ginger then you are in
for a treat with Fifth State Ginger Zap created by Fifth State
Distillery Master Distiller Robert Schulten in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Distilled from corn and handcrafted in small batches, Fifth State Ginger
Zap is a gluten-free, delectable, award-winning vodka
that is packed with real ginger flavor.
|
Read more...
|
|
Ooh lá,
Farigoule Herbal Thyme Liqueur made in Provence,
France and imported by Crillon
Importers, Ltd. Is c'est magnifique and the perfect
ingredient for delectable cocktails. As cocktalians, we are always on the
lookout for new spirits to inspire cocktail recipes. Farigoule Herbal Thyme
Liqueur is a delectable herbal liqueur made from thyme, verbena, angelica, and
sage that is perfect to sip neat, chilled over ice, or in used in cocktail or
culinary recipes to add layers of delectable flavors.
|
Read more...
|
|
With the rising interest in organic
and gluten-free products, we decided to explore Westford Hill Distillers
Organic Rime Vodka handcrafted in Ashford, Connecticut
with 100% organic non-GMO corn. Master Distiller Louis
Chatey has created another delicious spirit for their handcrafted
artisanal spirit line with the introduction of Rime Vodka.
Delectably smooth and all-natural with nice viscosity and mouthfeel, Rime Vodka
is perfect served chilled or over ice, and is an admirable companion in
cocktail and culinary recipes.
|
Read more...
|
|
Drink local is the sign inside Fifth State
Distillery owned by Rob and Bridget Schulten where
their motto is "Made with pride in the great state of Connecticut."
Based in Bridgeport,
Connecticut, their award-winning Fifth State Distillery
products are made from locally grown Connecticut non-GMO corn and
are gluten-free. Handcrafted in small batches, Fifth State Distillery has been
turning heads with their delectable spirits since 2016.
|
Read more...
|
|
The Baker Brothers -
David, Jack, and Peter, owners of Litchfield
Distillery in Litchfield,
Connecticut have added another very tasty spirit to their long line
of super-premium award-winning spirits, with the addition of their
latest product, Litchfield Distillery Agave Spirits. Made from 100%
blue agave imported from Mexico and distilled and bottled at their
distillery in Connecticut, Litchfield Distillery Agave Spirits is
sure to garner many a fan.
|
Read more...
|
|
Fifth State Gin is an
American premium gin "made with pride in the
great state of Connecticut." Owned by Master Distiller Robert
Schulten and his wife Bridget Schulten, Fifth State
Distillery has been handcrafting their line of award-winning
spirits since 2016. Gin is a very diverse and unique spirit as the
taste is based on the blend of botanicals and spices used. While juniper is
always an ingredient, some gins have a stronger juniper flavor profile, while
others are softer on the palate. Like chefs in a kitchen, each master distiller
has their own preference. Master Distiller Rob Schulten uses juniper,
coriander, cinnamon quills, angelica root, lemon peel, and green pod cardamom
for his award-winning Fifth State Gin, and it is delicious.
|
Read more...
|
|
Westford Gin
is a delectable London-Dry Gin created by Master
Distiller Louis Chatey at Westford Hill Distillers, his distillery
in Ashford, Connecticut.
Licensed to distill in 1998, Louis and his wife Margaret, are
known for their award-winning spirits including eau-de-vies and
apple brandy and have broadened their spirit line with an organic vodka,
gin, and other tasty spirits at Westford Hill Distillers.
|
Read more...
|
|
When Luxury Experience wants to
learn about something, we believe in going to the source. We visited Woodbury Brewing
Company located in Woodbury, Connecticut to learn more as our craft
beer knowledge was limited, and the craft beer movement has been
rapidly growing in Connecticut (there are over 100 breweries in the state). Lagers,
IPAs, Märzens, Sours, Stouts, Flanders Red, Porters, Belgian Quadrupels,
and more, who knew there were so many interesting and tasty brews out there?
|
Read more...
|
|
Bourbon lovers have another reason
to love Litchfield
Distillery with Litchfield Distillery Vanilla
Bourbon. Located in Litchfield, Connecticut, their slogan
is, "The Spirit of Hard Work." As an award-winning bourbon house,
they hand-craft a wide selection of tasty bourbons, as well as crafting gin and
vodka. Their Litchfield Distillery Vanilla Bourbon is an ultra-premium sipping
bourbon that is also the perfect cocktail and culinary companion. Cheers!
|
Read more...
|
|
Master Distiller and Founder
Brandon Collins, of Continuum Distilling in Waterbury,
Connecticut has a new baby - Continuum Distilling Grappa,
to add to his growing spirits house that includes his flagship Charred, Drops, and Blueberry ContinuRum, among others. His
latest foray is making Grappa, the Italian brandy made with grape skins from
nearby Hawk Ridge Winery. We visited Continuum Distilling and
tasted their Continuum Distilling Special Release Grappa Blanco as well as
their Barrel-Aged Grappa and they were delicious! We brought a bottle of the
Grappa Blanco home and created some very tasty recipes for you to enjoy. Cheers!
|
Read more...
|
|
While you may not be able to jet
off to the South of France on a whim, you can enjoy Absente
Absinthe Refined imported by Crillon
Importers, Ltd, anytime, anywhere. Absinthe was the favorite drink
of the French artists Van Gogh and Degas, and Absente Absinthe Refined is a luscious
absinthe product made in the South of France using wormwood, anise, mint, and
spices. It packs a punch at 110 proof (55% Alcohol by Volume), so a little of
this delicious product goes a long way. Luxury Experience was "In the Kitchen
and Behind the Bar" TM creating hand-crafted cocktails and culinary recipes with
Absente Absinthe Refined for you to enjoy.
|
Read more...
|
|
We had a fabulous tour and tasting
at Black Hog
Brewing in Oxford,
Connecticut learning about their tasty products and the craft
brewing movement in Connecticut. Owned by brothers Jason
and Tom Sobocinski and brew master Tyler Jones, Black
Hog Brewing (BHB) has been turning the craft beer movement on its head
since they founded it in 2014 and launched their first products in July 2014.
|
Read more...
|
|
Master Distiller Louis
Chatey creates exceptional eau-de-vie spirits in Ashford,
Connecticut at Westford
Hill Distillers. After visiting and taking a tour and an
in-depth product tasting with Louis and his wife Margaret, we could not wait to
get home and start creating cocktail and culinary recipes using their Westford
Hill Distillers Pear William Eau-de-view (Pear Brandy). Hand-distilled
and made in small batches, their Pear William deserves special treatment.
|
Read more...
|
|
|
Westford Hill
Distillers Aged Apple Brandy made in Ashford,
Connecticut by Master Distiller Louis Chatey, would make
Johnny Appleseed proud. We love the "ABCs" - Armagnac, Brandy, and Cognac,
and we found Westford Hill New World Aged Apple Brandy to be
downright delicious, like drinking potent liquid apple gold. Cheers!
|
Read more...
|
|
Head Distiller and Founder
Brandon Collins has been having fun creating new spirits at Continuum
Distilling, in Waterbury, Connecticut. Made with
Connecticut blueberries, Continuum Distilling Blueberry ContinuRum
is hands down delicious! Made from 100% blackstrap molasses and lots of fresh
blueberries, it is easy to drink, and easy to love. Blueberry ContinuRum works
well sipped over ice, used in cocktails, or to add a little extra flavor and a
kick to culinary recipes! Cheers!
|
Read more...
|
|
Litchfield
Distillery located in Litchfield, Connecticut is
known for its exceptional bourbons, as well as their other
small batch spirits. Their Litchfield Distillery Maple Bourbon
Whiskey is the perfect taste of New England as it starts
out as Litchfield Distillery Straight Bourbon that is then aged
in retired bourbon barrels that a local sugar maker aged his maple syrup in,
so there are layers of luscious flavors with delightful maple notes.
|
Read more...
|
|
Luxury Experience takes
your palate on a trip to Haiti to experience a
delectable white rhum agricole from Rhum Barbancourt.
This prestigious rhum distillery has produced its famed spirits since
1862 when Dupre Barbancourt founded the company. Later, his wife Nathalie Gardère
took over the company reins followed by decades of family management. Fifth-generation
Delphine Gardère helms this exceptional rhum
agricole company, that celebrates its 158th anniversary in 2020. It is the
oldest company and the largest rum exporter in Haiti.
|
Read more...
|
|
Gin is one of the
most diverse and aromatic of spirits due to the botanicals used, and if you
think that all gins are the same, you might want to try them again. Litchfield
Distillery Gin made in Litchfield, Connecticut
proves that the "nutmeg" state knows a thing or two about creating handcrafted
artisanal spirits. While their special blend of botanicals is proprietary, we
can tell you that after sampling their gin, it is absolutely delicious.
|
Read more...
|
|
We had a perfect "Happy Hour" by touring
Continuum Distilling in Waterbury,
Connecticut and meeting with Master Distiller and Founder Brandon
Collins who is creating very tasty and innovative spirits from
reclaimed locally made craft "beer trimmings." While that may seem a bit
strange, the taste of his products is amazingly good. Cheers!
|
Read more...
|
|
We have known Master Distiller French for
many years since he created Scorpion Mezcal. Not someone to sit
back, he is a forward thinker, and with agave slowly depleting he was inspired
to use native Oaxacan ancient heritage corn to create a series of
Mexican Whiskeys. Sierra Norte Single Barrel Mexican Whiskey made with
Native Oaxacan Black Corn is one of a series of exceptional Sierra
Norte Single Barrel Mexican Whiskeys (Black, Yellow, White, and Purple), each designed to maximize their own unique flavors. Cheers!
|
Read more...
|
|
Bourbon lovers are
going to love the award-winning Litchfield
Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey handcrafted in
small batches in Litchfield, Connecticut where their motto is
"The Spirit of Hard Work" and the result is pure excellence. Made from
a delectable blend of locally grown corn, rye, and barley, Litchfield
Distillery Straight Bourbon Whiskey celebrates the best of Connecticut. Known
for their exceptional bourbons, in addition to their Straight Bourbon, Litchfield
Distillery also handcrafts a Maple Bourbon, a Vanilla Bourbon, and a Port Cask
Finish Bourbon, all of which are very tasty.
|
Read more...
|
|
|