New in Town
Dom Pérignon has launched its limited edition Luminous Collection ($488)—bottles of its 2002 Vintage which light up in green when you press a button. Promo pictures make it look like a light saber. It’s available at Attica and Le Noir for a limited time. If you’re in the River Valley area, stop by Old Empire Gastro Bar, a new joint where “Dispenser of Mischief” Karambir Khanijou will ply you with over 40 beers. One other thing—visit Néktar before May 31 and yell “I‐S Magazine!” Apart from confused stares, you’ll also get 50% off the award‐winning Ketel Kurrie cocktail (usual price $30).
A French Revolution
Cognac ad campaigns might be all about prestige and being classy, but generally we still associate the spirit with boorish businessmen who can’t hold their drinks. That might all change with the introduction of single estate Cognac ABK6. Single estate Cognacs are comparable to single malt whiskies in that they offer greater complexity and a wider variety of flavors (and they impress people). The ABK6 VSOP ($128) and XO ($198) will be available at a bar near you soon. It might be a bit premature to call this the next big thing, but hey, it’s been less than a decade since whisky was only drunk by that creepy uncle no one talked about.
Damm It
To our surprise, the Ferran Adria/elBulli‐branded Estrella Damm Inedit is actually a beer. We had our bets on “foam”, “a type of beer‐scented gas” and “some kind of yeast cotton,” but it’s actually quite ordinary. Midway between a lager and a wheat beer, with a creamy mouthfeel and a pleasant floral aroma, Inedit’s citrus peel and coriander flavors are quite Belgian. It’s recommended that you have it in a white wine glass, and pair it with “challenging foods” which contain “citrus and oils” and “bitter notes.” Get it from Wine Exchange Asia and Bilbao Restaurant & Gastrobar at $20 and $26 respectively for a 750ml bottle.
