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Liquor Cabinet
Great International Beer, Cider, Mead & Sake Competition, South Norwalk, CT, USA
GIBCMSC - Graat International Beer, Cider, Mead & Sake Competition
Could there be any better job than being a spirits' judge? We lent our spirits knowledge as well as our palates to act as judges for the 25th anniversary of the Great International Beer, Cider, Mead & Sake Competition held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, in the Magnificent Room at The SoNo Collection in South Norwalk, Connecticut! Over the course of four hours, we, along with our fellow judges, tasted products in assigned categories in a blind tasting, with winners awarded at the end of the competition. Cheers!
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Thompson's Cider Mill Hard Cider Antique Apple Blend Semi-Dry
thompsons-cider-mil-hard_cider-antique_apple_blend.jpg
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!
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Flight Tasting at Stony Creek Brewery, Branford, CT, USA
Stony Creek Brewery - Edward Nesta - photo by Luxury Experience
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!
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Fifth State Bee's Knees
Bee's Knees - Fifth State Distillery - photo by Luxury Experience
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!
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Fifth State Espresso Martini
Fifth State Espresso Martini - photo by Luxury Experience
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!
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Fifth State Passion Gin
Fifth State Passion Gin
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.
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Tequila Codigo 1530 Rosa
codigo 1530 rosa
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.
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Wild Moon Cucumber Liqueur from Hartford Flavor Company
Hartford Flavor Company - Wild Moon Cucumber Liqueur
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!
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SONO 1420 American Craft Distillers Vo Vodka
SONO-1420 - Vo Vodka
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!
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CT Craft Beer Fest 2022, Wallingford, CT, USA
CT Craft Beer Fest 2022
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?
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Barcelo Imperial - Ron Dominicano
Barcelo Imperial Ron Dominicano
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!
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Wild Moon Lavender Liqueur from Hartford Flavor Company
Wild Moon Lavender Liqueur - Hartford Flavor Company
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.
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Henri Bardouin Pastis
Henri Bardouin Pastis
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.
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Whiskeys of the World, The Sun Wine & Food Festival at Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT, USA
Whiskeys of the World - Sun, Wine & Food Festival - photo by Luxury Experience
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!
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Rhum Barbancourt Estate Reserve Aged 15 Years
Rhum Barbancourt Estate Reserver 15 years
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.
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Zyr Vodka
zyr-vodka-bottle.jpg
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!
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Fifth State Seville Gin
Fifth State Seville Gin
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.
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Hartford Flavor Company Vanilla Flavored Vodka
Hartford Flavor Company Vanilla Flavored Vodka
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.
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Wild Moon Rose Liqueur from Hartford Flavor Company
Wild Moon Rose Liqueur
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!
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Fifth State Ginger Zap Vodka
Fifth State Ginger Zap Vodka
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. 
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Farigoule Herbal Thyme Liqueur - A Taste of Provence
Farigoule Herbal Thyme Liqueur
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. 
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Westford Hill Distillers Organic Rime Vodka
Westford Distillers Organic Rime Vodka
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.
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Touring Fifth State Distillery, Bridgeport, CT, USA
Fifth State Distillery
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.
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Litchfield Distillery Agave Spirits
Litchfield Distillery Agave Spirits
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. 
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Fifth State Gin
Fifth State Gin
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.
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Westford Gin
Westford Gin
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.  
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Tasting and Touring at Woodbury Brewing Company, Woodbury, CT, USA
Woodbury Brewing  Comapny
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? 
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Litchfield Distillery Vanilla Bourbon Whiskey
Litchfeld Vanilla Bourbon Whiskey
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!
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Continuum Distilling Grappa (Blanco)
Continuum Distilling Grappa
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!
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Absente Absinthe Refined
Absente Absinthe Refined
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. 
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Touring and Tasting at Black Hog Brewing, Oxford, CT, USA
Black Hog Brewing, Oxford, CT - photo by Luxury Experience
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.
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