Perfect ice for perfect drinks

Written by: Rebecca Milner on May 7, 2008 at 10:22 pm | In 01 Technology & Gadget Trends | 15 Comments

Somebody out there is working on a device to create the perfect ice cube. Or ice sphere actually.

Taisin has introduced a mold that seamlessly creates a perfect sphere, no chipping and shaving required. Simple place a chunk of ice into the metal press and, as it melts, the device will close around the ice forming a ball, which is then released by the flick of a switch.

The Ice Mold, available in 55, 65, 70, and 80mm mold sizes, can make 30-40 ice balls an hour.

Spheres of ice are preferred by serious on the rocks drinkers because the reduced surface size means that the ice melts at a slower pace, keeping your drink from getting watery to quickly.

Contrary to what you might think, bartenders in Japan consistently take home top honors at global competitions, not because of their flashy antics or strange new concoctions but because there is an intense devotion to making simply the best drink, of which perfect ice is an obvious component.

Speaking of top-notch beverages, Asahi’s Nikka Whiskey label will be releasing again for a limited time its Non-chill Filtered 20 Year Single Malt Whisky that took home the award for best single malt whiskey at the annual World Whisky Awards.

Chilling during the filtering process is common practice to reduce the risk of the whiskey becoming cloudy, though at a sacrifice of taste. Nikka’s Non-chilled filtered goes for full taste, at the risk of having to sacrifice a few cloudy batches. Sales are limited to 1350 bottles and will sell for ¥20,000 (about $187), which considering the other premium beverages on the market, seems totally reasonable.

Combine the Non-chill Filtered Nikka Whiskey on the rocks and a Taisin ice sphere for a perfect whiskey on the rocks!

Tags: Asahi, beverages, gadgets

4 million yen cognac, courtesy of Asahi

Written by: Rebecca Milner on May 3, 2008 at 10:42 pm | In 03 Fashion & Lifestyle Trends | 3 Comments

Asahi Beer, which holds the rights to distribute French cognac Remy Martin in Japan, has announced that 30 bottles of Remy Martin’s premium champagne cognac Louis 13th Black Pearl Magnum will be released in Japan from this month. 358 bottles will be released globally, which gives Japan nearly 10% of the shares. Not bad!

The precious liquid, which comes in an original Baccarat crystal holder, will be available at select department stores for an astounding ¥4,000,000 (or about $38,000) for a 1,500ml bottle.

And we thought the 30-year-old special reserve Hibiki Whisky that Suntory released last year this time was expensive! That limited edition liquid gold went for a mere ¥1,000,000 a bottle and was limited to 100 bottles in Japan, 10 of those in Tokyo.

Like the Hibiki (pictured above), we expect the Louis 13th Black Pearl Magnum to be swallowed up in the high-end nightlife establishments in Tokyo’s Ginza and Kyoto’s Gion at an even more exorbitant 50% mark-up. Cheers to the high life!

Posted by Rebecca Milner

Tags: alcohol, Asahi, beverages