Fortnum & Mason’s Sailboat Chocolate is Bringing You 99% Emission-Free Luxury Chocolate

If you think things are moving too fast, then Fortnum & Mason has some news for you. They not only get their own chocolate direct from the source in the Caribbean, but they also do it on their own sailboat! That’s right, a slow-going sailboat. A luxury sailboat.

The general idea is that this helps make the brand the world’s first ’farm to store’ 99% emission-free chocolate. The project is a collaboration between Fortnum & Mason, and the Grenada Chocolate Company in partnership with Chantal Coady OBE.

In addition to the wind-powered boats delivering the chocolate made from Trinitario Cocoa beans, they also come in fully-recyclable boxes.

We’re waiting for the client option to sail on the boat in the Caribbean while eating bars of this sustainable chocolate. (hint, hint)

Puerto Rican Rum brand Don Q Rum debuts Gran Reserva XO

Puerto Rico’s Don Q recently launched its Gran Reserva XO as part of its curated portfolio of super-premium aged rums. TasteTV’s editors and tasters found the Gran Reserva XO to be perfect for sipping by itself, or for adding to hot ciders on a cool evening to warm your heart and body.

Don Q Gran Reserva XO is a rebranding of the award-winning Don Q Gran Añejo, a signature blend of the distillery’s portfolio, that has been popular for more than 25 years. It offers the same great blend of aged rums but is presented in a new bottle design that evokes the refinement and elegance that has characterized the rums crafted by the Serrallés family for more than 155 years.

We updated the Don Q bottle design and packaging to better communicate our brand values and create a look and feel that reflected the quality and craftsmanship of the super-premium aged rum inside each bottle,” says Philippe Brechot, President and CEO of Destilería Serrallés. “This rum blend has been a stellar expression for more than 25 years. We wanted to keep the same great blend of aged rums but present it under the new name of Gran Reserva XO as it better articulates the exclusive nature of the reserve rums that are blended to produce it.”

Gran Reserva XO

Gran Reserva XO is a blend of rums aged between nine and 12 years in American white oak barrels, with the addition of Solera rums aged up to 55 years, creating a unique balance and signature flavor. This smooth, aged rum has no added sugars and its tannins as well as the subtle oak nuances and hints of spice, help distinguish Gran Reserva XO’s award-winning flavor profile. This expression is best served on the rocks, neat or in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan.

  • Color: Bright intense amber
  • Aroma: Gran Reserva XO greets the nose with notes of tropical fruit and spice. Good balance with hints of baked apple, citrus fruits, and roasted nuts and a warm and long finish.
  • Tasting notes: Deep complex nose of molasses, cigar tobacco and dark caramel, with pronounced notes of vanilla, cinnamon and honey.
  • Alcohol: 80 Proof, 40% ALC/VOL
  • Price: Don Q’s Gran Reserva XO (MSRP: $49.99)

About Destilería Serrallés:

Destilería Serrallés is one of America’s oldest family-owned businesses with a rum making tradition that spans six generations and 155 years. Based in Ponce, Puerto Rico, the distillery produces its flagship product, the award-winning Don Q rum brand, the #1 selling rum on the island. The Distillery has been awarded the “Green Award” from The Drinks Business, which recognizes leaders in environmental practices within the beverage industry, and more recently was recognized as “World Class Distillery” by World Spirits Awards. For additional information, visit us at https://donq.com/ and follow us on social media: Facebook.com/DonQ and @donqrum.

About Serrallés USA:

Serrallés USA, based in Stamford CT, is the USA distribution company of Destilería Serrallés. Serrallés USA’s portfolio includes: Don Q Cristal, Don Q Gold, Don Q Gran Reserva XO, Don Q Reserva 7, Don Q Signature Release Single Barrel 2005, 2007 & 2009, Don Q Double Aged Vermouth Cask Finish, Don Q Double Aged Sherry Cask Finish, Don Q Oak Barrel Aged Spiced, Don Q Limón, Don Q Coco, Don Q Pasión, Don Q Piña, Don Q 151, Reserva de la Familia Serrallés, Palo Viejo & Caliche Rum; as well as a sales and marketing alliance with Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection for Luxury Experiences on the Go

Ritz-Carlton has announced the Shore Collection for the Caribbean itineraries of its new Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, where members can live a of luxury untethered.

10 Wellness Vacations to Check In and Check Out

Vacations are for spending time doing exactly what you want, and what many people want now is a life-enhancing experience. Hence, the popularity of wellness and adventure travel experiences. Here are ten such trips that are memorable and active.

Your new Tiwal Personal Sailboat is in the Trunk of Your Car

The inflatable sailing dinghy Tiwal 3 can be taken anywhere, in the trunk of a car, camper van or caravan. This means you can take it on vacation, to the beach, to the lake, or for a quick outing in your Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Saint Lucia’s Tasty Food & Rum Festival

The Saint Lucia Food & Rum festival marked its return with a proof of concept pilot held this year. The festival featured a wide array of culinary and rum experiences across three days, drawing on the island’s rich culinary heritage with participating restaurants and events.