Pulse Products | Drinks

Objects of Desire - Cozy up to warm nights at home

Photos: Graham Lott Words: Roxanne Deiter

Author: Rox Taylor | Published: Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Autumn Fire
As the evenings cool, and contemplation sets with the shadows, retiring to a cozy corner is hardly a retreat. Whether alone or with compelling company, engaging in the warmth of a private hearth and slowing your mood to the circling of smoke dangling in the air is a brilliant time for reflection. Cigar culture never goes out of style and neither does investing in stately accoutrements steeped in the culture of Havana. Family-owned and operated London Jewelers (Manhasset) caters to those whose tastes are refined, but far from stuffy. Black “Havana” ashtray, $495, blue and gold round cigar punch, $355, black lacquered Dupont lighter, $1,225, stainless steel black flask, $50, Ché Guevera leather cigar case, $1,615, orange sycamore Alba humidor, $2,850, ebony 8x10 frame, $295, platinum “scales” 5x7 frame, $130, are just the beginning of their lush indulgences.

Cozy & Luxurious
Personal accessories that are luxurious and refined add importance to your most precious memories. Acclaimed fashion jewelry designer, Jay Strongwater, whose early designs were often paired with Oscar de la Renta, continues producing picture frames as beautiful as the memories they hold. Each frame is a work of art—designed, modeled, cast, plated and enameled by hand before final stones, crystals and paints are added. Shown here are 5x7 plaid, $1,900, 4x6 argyle, $895, and 3x4, $395, from the Highland collection. Inspire new thoughts and record other memories with leather fineries from Long Island-based Graphic Image. Shown here (L-R): 3x5 brown crocodile jotter w/ 24 note cards, $40, purple cayman python iPad sleeve, $125, mini envelope (shown as business card holder) in pink cayman python, $40, and iPhone case in turquoise goatskin, $48. Graphic Image is a leading supplier to quality retailers (like Bergdorf Goodman), but discerning clients may shop them direct online where endless hues, finishes and gilded pages can be found. (graphicimage.com). Montblanc cool blue pen, $460, at London Jewelers. Chocolate, herb & spice, and coffee companions in mocha, lime and taupe goatskin, $75 each by Graphic Image.

Oenophiles
Bragging rights are the domain of those whose tastes are so exquisite, experiences so vast and opinions so indisputable, they are unassailable. Hence the difference between one who dabbles and the true connoisseur. Indulging in tools of the trade that herald the passion of the possessor are simply par for the course. No matter what the vintage, this wood bottle holder gift set ($65, London Jewelers), is the perfect vessel. A professional Wine Reference in garnet goatskin featuring information on wine regions, cellars, vineyards, terminology and pronunciation guide plus maps ($65, Graphic Image) and companion Wine Journal in brown crocodile print leather to document personal experiences, tabbed by country, including editorial on varietals ($37, Graphic Image) harmonize the encounter.

Write On
Thoughtful moments are made all the more intimate when penned personally on fine stationary. Bernard Maisner is hailed for creative hand lettering for film and television (that was his impeccable scrolling in The Age of Innocence), as well as his unique work in manuscripts, greeting cards and illuminated pages. His tabletop collections continue to be sought after by countless luminaries. The latest in his personal stationary line includes this Love Knot folder card and envelope, $80 at London Jewelers, celebrating the symbol of eternal true love. Complete your thoughts with the most poignant “swords,” by Montblanc (carbon steel solitaire pen, $690, black solitaire rollerball, $650) and keep it all together with Agate bookends ($100), all available at London Jewelers. Leathers are the perfect autumn accessory and this Merriam-Webster’s dictionary in lime crocodile print leather w/thumb tabs ($174) and 5x7 weekly datebook in yellow goatskin w/gilt edges ($60) are available through Graphic Image in a variety of colors. Publisher’s antique Egyptian quill holder and ink well n/a.

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Drinkology: LiV Vodka

Author: Michael Purgar | Published: Saturday, July 31, 2010

LiV Vodka is made from 100% potatoes and is thus gluten free. Plus, it’s grown and made here on Long Island.

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It takes 15 pounds of potatoes to make 1 bottle of LiV Vodka.

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The word “Vodka,” with varying dates attributed to its origin (both the word and the beverage), is Russian for “little water” (voda= “water,” ka= a diminutive suffix).

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Long Island Spirits, Inc. has released its new family of spirits called Sorbetta. Crafted in micro-batches from the spirits of LiV Vodka, Sorbettas are the first potato-based liqueur available in the US.

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Drinkology: Ilegal Mezcal

Author: Michael Purgar | Published: Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Alltequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. That’s the first thing. Mezcal could be described as tequila’s older brother (or maybe father) as both are made from the agave plant. While mezcal can be made from any number of agaves, usually espadin agave, tequila must be made from blue agave. Tequila is industrially produced while mezcal is handcrafted in small villages, so the taste varies from village to village.

Huntington native John Rexer, owner of Ilegal Mezcal, derived the name from the many voyages he made “creatively” bringing mezcal from the Oaxaca region of Mexico to his bar in Guatemala. He found that most of his patrons preferred the artisanal quality of mezcal over tequila. He’s since brought Ilegal Mezcal to the US, available at dozens of locations in NYC and several on the west coast. Visit ilegalmezcal.com to find out where to drink and to read John’s story. Or, if you ask us nicely, we might help you get your hands on some (words@lipulse.com).
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Joven
A young mezcal double and triple distilled. Smoke, pungent Espadin agave, pepper, heat and long finish.
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Reposado
Aged for 4-5 months in medium charred new oak barrels. Rounded Espadin agave, smooth smoke, green apple and heat with hints of mesquite and oak.
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Añejo
Aged one year in medium charred new oak. Compared to a fine single malt, hickory nose, hints of vanilla, sweet Espadin agave.

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Sake to You

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published: Wednesday, April 28, 2010

A little known fact about sake: Because it is a naturally fermented alcoholic beverage, it’s in the same general category as wine and beer. A better known fact about sake: Like beer and wine, it’s always fashionable to drink, whether as a standalone cocktail or an accompaniment to food—and even as an ingredient in food. Sake is made from water and rice, and this authentic Gekkeikan sake is completely natural. It can be served in a porcelain or wooden (masu) cup either warm (kan) or chilled (hiya). This brilliant, ultra-premium “Junmai Daiginjo” brand (retail up to $40) has been fermented at low temperatures, giving it a mild flavor and refreshing fruit-like nose.

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Artesian Spirit

Author: Long Island Pulse | Published: Thursday, March 25, 2010

Figs have been revered by mortals and gods since time immemorial. They are a perfect accompaniment to almost any food, rich in good things like calcium and iron, and so special they virtually disintegrate when past ripeness. Just in time for the warmer months (and lighter fare) enter Figenza Mediterranean vodka. Made with real figs and triple distilled for a unique smooth taste, this spirit can stand on its own or be matched with other favorites to create a unique, classy sipper. Available for some time in chic cities like London, Paris, Milan and Barcelona, Figenza has now made a NY debut and is available by fine purveyors of spirits or online. Good recipes include:

Figenza on the Hudson (great for cocktail hour or with tapas)
3 oz Figenza
1 oz Chambord
Splash of pineapple juice
Shake

Fignilla (for Cosmo drinkers seeking the next trend in elegant cocktails)
3 oz Figenza
1 oz vanilla vodka
Splash of amaretto
Shake

And if you’re the kind of guy who worries what his friends think of his softer side, order a:
Friend of the Devil
3 oz Figenza
1.5 oz plum wine
1 oz grapefruit juice
3 dashes of orange bitters
1 dash of absinthe
Shake
(Grateful Dead music optional)