The 918 Spyder was first shown as a concept at the 80th Geneva Motor Show in March 2010. Ten years later we return to Geneva to drive and experience this one of a kind hypercar. One thing is clear: Porsche has set a standard of how supercars need to be build in the future. Read on to know why!

The Porsche 918 Spyder's story

Just three months after revealing the concept at the Geneva Motor Show, Porsche managed to collect 2'000 declarations of interest by car enthusiasts. Following, the supervisory board of Porsche AG went ahead and swiftly approved series development of the 918 Spyder.

The production version was eventually unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. It was produced in a limited series of, you guessed it, 918 cars. Development took place in Weissach, before being assembled in Zuffenhausen. The first deliveries were made beginning of December 2013 with the cars bearing a price tag of EUR 611'000 and USD 845'000 respectively.

Would you have guessed that the country with the most orders was the United States with 297 units? The US were followed by China and Germany with around 100 orders each.

Hypercar of the future

Powered by a naturally aspirated 4.6 L V8 engine, developing 599 hp, the 918 Spyder has to be added to the category of Hypercars. The Germans even added two electric motors delivering an additional 282 hp for a combined output of 875 hp. With these specs one just has to admit that is plays in the same league as the McLaren P1 and LaFerrari. In fact, the trio is making up the so-called holy trinity of Hypercars.

Although the 918 Spyder is carrying heavier and more powerful electric motors and more battery capacity than either of its Hypercar competitors from Ferrari or McLaren, it capitalizes on its 21st-century zero-emissions technology to appeal as a driver’s car that neither could quite level with.

Actually, the 918 Spyder can be driven for around 24 kilometers on electric power alone. This is a pretty impressive stat for such a heavy car. At the same time it also has a motorsport-derived normally aspirated V8 engine that revs to almost 9000rpm and makes the car both raw and exciting. Add four-wheel drive and more than 900lb ft of torque into the mix and you have a truly amazing Hypercar that sets new standards in the industry.

Touring around in Geneva

As we take the 918 Spyder on the road we are totally amazed by the spine-tingling roar of the V8 engine. At the same time, we are happy that we can make use of the hybrid in the city since loud cars are not particularly liked by everyone. Actually, this mode is especially useful in places like Monaco. There, the police regularly confiscates Supercars from drivers who let the engine roar too loudly.

While in Geneva, we stop for coffee at Oh Martine before enjoying a long drive along the Lac Léman with beautiful views of the Swiss and French Alps. In the evening, we have a reservation at La Terrasse, the restaurant inside the Hôtel Beau-Rivage Genève. Here, we enjoy a wonderful dinner with magnificient views over the Jet d'Eau and the Old Town of Geneva. The perfect way to end an eventful day with the Porsche 918 Spyder.

If you want to read more about Supercars, please check out this blogpost about the Lamborghini Aventador.

Switzerland is an extraordinary country with world-class hotels in leading tourism destination. But is there a lesser-known area with a hotel that can deliver the highest level of hospitality excellence? We have found it in an unexpected place, nestled away high up in the Swiss Alps. Let us tell you more about it!

Arriving at The Chedi Andermatt

Our journey takes us first along the majestic Lake Lucerne and then high up into the mountains. We come to realize that today's modern, winding roads are a luxury. Back in the 13th century, when people first started to pass through this region in Central Switzerland, this journey was long, exhausting and even dangerous. Today, the iconic Devil’s Bridge across the wild Schöllenen Gorge just below Andermatt reminds one of these adventurous times.

Just a couple minutes after passing the spectacular bridge, we arrive in the mountain village of Andermatt. Here, we check in at The Chedi Andermatt. Opened in December 2013, it is a modern five-star deluxe hotel that embodies an authentic yet unusual liaison of Alpine chic and Asian expression. 123 spacious, elegant rooms and suites await guests coming here from all over the world. Over 200 dedicated employees ensure that guests are taken care of in the most professional yet familiar way possible.

Upon entering The Chedi, guests dive into an Alpine / Asian world that will be hard to leave again when checking out. A modern interior design with dominant elements like dark wood, soft leather sofas and gentle colors creates a unique atmosphere that feels warm and cozy thanks to over 200 fireplaces scattered all over the hotel.

Another thing that immediately catches our eyes is the library concept. Wine, cigars and even cheese are not stowed away in a dark cellar but displayed proudly. The Chedi offers more than 1'000 different bottles of wine and has dedicated a distinct library for the carefully chosen bottles. That's the way we like to choose our wine for dinner!

Diving into a timeless oasis

As we step into our room, we notice how spacious is it. All rooms at The Chedi are at least 52 square meters in size. Large picture windows invite guests to spend time looking out over the magical mountain landscape.

Luxurious bathrooms, inspired by Asian architecture, feature large bathtubs and wonderful natural stone floors. Separate rain showers entice guests to enjoy moments relaxation while being enveloped in the fine fragrance of The Chedi Andermatt, pampered with the top-flight products from Acqua di Parma.

While the bathrooms in the rooms are already close to a spa, The Chedi offers extensive wellness & health facilities. Here, we immerse ourselves in a world of calm and relaxation. The Chedi is regarded as one of the most attractive wellness hotels in Switzerland. Indeed, we are impressed you the generous 35-meter indoor and 12-meter outdoor pools as well as with the sauna area. There is even a authentic Tibetan Relaxation Lounge and a variety of Far Eastern treatments are offered to suit everyone's personal needs.

During the months of May and June 2020, guests can enjoy a 20% discount on bookings during the week. Free access to the golf course is even included! If you are interested in this offer, then click here.

Sustainable gastronomy concept

The gastronomy at The Chedi Andermatt is extraordinary. Chosen by GaultMillau as Hotel of the Year 2017, its cuisine makes a clear statement. Five different exquisite offers are available to guests for them to indulge in the world of perfect taste. Also, a big focus is put on sustainability. Many ingredients are sourced locally. A big cheese humidor holds cheese sourced within a few kilometers in the Swiss Alps. Also, they have teamed up with a local farmer to breed local Wagyu beef. Amazing, right?

At The Restaurant, an innovative concept awaits guests. Here, we get to enjoy a variety of wonderful dishes prepared right in front of our eyes. Chefs prepare both Asian and European dishes in a total of four open kitchens. The menu is based on several dominant ingredients to choose from. Afterwards, the guest can decide if the dish should be prepared in a Western or Asian way. We enjoy this concept a lot!

Besides The Restaurant, they also have something very special to offer: The Japanese Restaurant! With 1 Michelin Star and 16 GaultMillau points, it is one of the leading Asian restaurants in Switzerland. Top-flight authentic Japanese dishes are served here. Modern five- to ten-course Kaiseki menus ensure an unforgettable experience because they are on the lines of Western haute cuisine. Combining the taste, texture, form and colors of the foods at the highest level, you will find a perfect harmony here!

A sushi and sashimi bar can be found here as well. Plus an extraordinary choice of sake to discover all the facets of the culinary world of Japan. In fact, The Japanese Restaurant has the most extensive sake selection in Switzerland with its own dedicated sake sommelier!

Guests continue to be amazed when heading over to The Bar. A sustainable concept with biodegradable straws and creative ways to minimize food waste was implemented here. For example, syrup is made from leftover champagne or shrub is made from fruits for delicious cocktails. This mindset has led the barmen and -women to develop a very innovative and creative mindset. They serve cocktails with a wide variety of spirits and ingredients. For some, even old cigars are used to create smoky flavors!

Besides cocktails, the bar offers an incredible selection of whisky. Scotch, Bourbon, local gems and Japanese whisky can be ordered her. They also stock some extremely rare bottles. For example a Nikka from the Barrel. Definitely one of our favorites at The Chedi Andermatt.

Experience The Chedi Style in the Cigar Library

By now we have had a delicious multi-course dinner, we enjoyed an amazing cocktail at the bar and are ready for another treat before going to bed. So we head over to The Cigar Library for the last highlight of the day. Here, we get to browse through the largest selection of cigars of any Swiss hotel.

Competent and passionate staff assist us in finding the right cigars. The help is much appreciated because it can get quite complicated to navigate through the impressive collection of 400 different cigars from the most exotic corners of the earth. They are all stored well-visible in a stylish walk-in Humidor. It holds hard-to-find rarities and special editions from 15 countries including Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba and Dominican Republic. Cigar enthusiasts will be delighted to hear, that the hotel offers most cigars at normal retail prices. Here, guests are invited to dive into the fascinating world of cigars and to discover new treasures!

Upon request, Marie Gerber, hostess of The Cigar Library, will do a signature cigar pairing with guests. We couldn't resist the temptation and signed up. Because we are whisky-lovers, Marie prepared an extraordinary pairing with 2 cigars and 9 whiskies from Scotland, Japan and the US. We learned how different whiskies are recommended for every third of a cigar. It was truly inspiring to share experiences and views with Marie during this extensive and relaxing cigar pairing. We can definitely recommend this!

By the way, make sure to follow The Chedi Cigar Circle on Instagram in case you want to know more about the cigar culture at The Chedi Andermatt!

Paradise for car- & outdoor enthusiasts

After a good night sleep and a nice swim in the pool, it is time for breakfast. It gets served at The Restaurant. Here, guests can choose from many à la carte dishes such as Eggs Benedict and a big buffet. Platters with local charcuterie, cheese and other diary products let us enjoy an authentic Swiss breakfast - including Birchermüesli of course.

Now that we are full of energy, it is time to explore the mountainous surroundings of The Chedi. Since the holiday region of Andermatt is situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps, it is surrounded by eight breathtaking mountain passes. A journey over the passes is a wonderful experience in itself, but for those who make time for a few stops along those famous roads, a whole host of experiences awaits. You can explore diverse and varying landscapes. From lush, blooming meadows to green forests. From intimidating rock formations to towering stretches of mountains and glaciers. All that can be found up here!

For those who enjoy driving on winding mountain roads, The Chedi has prepared a Road Book with useful information. We definitely recommend checking out the historic Tremola road or the new pass road, the legendary Gotthard Pass, which connects the Ursern valley to the southern canton of Ticino.

Another road we recommend for a gents drive is the Furka Pass. The region's discovery as a travel paradise goes back to the 19th century. Even today, the numerous historic hotel buildings along the route remind of those times. A special treat awaits James Bond fans. Some scenes of the iconic movie Goldfinger with Sean Connery were filmed here! Can you tell a difference between him and us?

In case you are more into golf than cars, you will be fully satisfied at The Chedi as well. Their golf course`s outstanding offering has been recognized across the international golf scene: The World Golf Awards have voted it the Best Golf Course in Switzerland for three consecutive years. For 2020, The Chedi has even a special offering for golf enthusiasts. Check it out here!

The scenic drive up and down the Furka Pass marks the end of our stay at The Chedi Andermatt. A wonderful and relaxing time comes to an end. We are happy to have discovered this gem high up in the Swiss Alps. In case you want to unwind Chedi Style too, click here and benefit from a 20% discount on your booking during the week until the end of June 2020.

If you prefer holidays in the city, read this blogpost about The Dolder Grand in Zurich. Enjoy!

When thinking of classy places to visit, many come to mind. But is there a place that combines classy elements with rough nature and offers incredible indigenous craftsmanship? We found it in Scotland. Let us tell you why we think this northern country is the ultimate destination for gents!

Vibrant coffee culture in Edinburgh and Glasgow

As we land in Edinburgh after an early morning flight from Geneva, we want to go straight to a coffee shop. Luckily we arranged a car pick up directly at the airport. For this road trip we chose a versatile yet sporty car and found the perfect model: Jaguar F-Pace SVR. But now, off to get coffee!

In recent years, Edinburgh has developed a vibrant coffee culture. Many small, independent coffee shops have opened. Moreover, the Scots have discovered the fun in roasting their own beans! This resulted in a number of new micro roasters all over Scotland.

Eventually, we decide to visit the lovely coffee shop Strumpets in the West End district. Owner Ingrida is preparing the delicious flat whites and espressos herself! She managed to create a warm coffee shop atmosphere with a nice interior design and a cozy outdoor seating area.

Here, we settle down for a bit in order to make plans for our trip ahead. The flat white tastes great and we can't help ourselves but order another round! Ingrida is a very welcoming host and she shares with us many insider tips that are super useful for our planned journey.

Unfortunately, we don't spend more time in Edinburgh because there would be more great coffee shops around. For top notch barista coffee we can recommend The Milkman, Leo's Beanery or Söderberg. Find the complete list here!

The next day, we wake up in Glasgow. Scotland's cultural hub is just a one hour drive away from the capital city. Here, we stop at East Coffee Company in the up and coming Dennistoun district. They recently opened a second outlet just around the corner from their original store.

Here, at 30 Hillfoot St they also roast their coffee beans. We love how this gives the location an artisanal and crafty touch! First, we enjoy a round of fresh flat whites and talk about watches from Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Personally, we love to wear the iconic Reverso. More specifically the Reverso Classic Large Duoface Small Seconds. With two time zones on both dials, this watch is both classy and useful! We love how the proportions of the dial are adhering to the famous golden rule and embodies the Art Deco style. What are you thoughts about it?

But now back to the café. Here, a wonderful brunch gets served. The kitchen crew is extremely creative and offers re-interpreted breakfast classics like pancakes, pain au chocolat or banana bread. We are blown away by the fusion flavors that the pancakes with rhubarb and ginger offer!

Other good coffee shops in Glasgow include Wilson Street Pantry, Steamie Coffee Roasters and Papercup Coffee Company. Find the whole list here!

Road trip through the Highlands

After two days in Scotland's largest cities it is time to head up north. After all, the Highlands are the main reason why we came to Scotland. Incredible landscapes, wonderful drives, wild animals, Scotch whisky and local delicacies. All that is awaiting us!

First, we drive from Glasgow through the Loch Lomond National Park. The scenic drive along the Loch Lomond would already be worth this trip. However, our goals is the iconic Glen Etive near the town of Glencoe. Here, some sequences of the final scene in Skyfall were shot. Cool, right?

Also, wild and majestic stags can be spotted right from the narrow road if you get lucky. We did!

After a night in Fort William, at the foot of Scotland's tallest mountain Ben Nevis, we continue our drive up north to Skye. On our way, we get to see stunning scenery and experience wildly changing weather. From sun, to rain, to snowfall in only a couple of minutes!

Because our stay on the Isle of Skye was so memorable, we dedicated it a separate blogpost which can be read here.

After a night on Skye at The Three Chimneys and The House Over-by, we set out for a long drive. Our destination is the iconic region around the Dornoch Firth. On our way there we have to once again battle adverse weather conditions. Luckily we did not run into any issues with our reliable Jaguar F-Pace SVR!

What distilleries to visit?

Since we are whisky enthusiasts, we recently started publishing articles about the topic. Our love to Highland spirits was also one reason why we decided to take this trip! Now, when it comes to Scotch, the island of Islay is a hotspot for great distilleries. Two of which are Laphroaig and Lagavulin.

However, there is also an excellent distillery on Skye. For now it is even the only one on the island! Talisker crafts a rather smoky and rich whisky in a very scenic location. Just next to their production premises, Caora Dhubh Coffee Company has opened a small takeout shop a while ago. Now you can get properly prepared for your distillery tour by having a delicious flat white!

As mentioned before, we drove all the way from Skye to the Dornoch Firth region. Here, a high concentration of world-class whisky brands can be found. Two of which, we will be visiting!

Just as the sun sets, we arrive at the charming Tarrel Farmhouse, situated right at the coast. Jennie and Joe are lovely hosts and make us feel very comfortable. We are happy to have found a cozy place for a good night sleep after a long drive.

The next morning we get an early start. After a delicious breakfast with home-made, barista-style coffee (!) we head to the nearby Glenmorangie House. This wonderful estate has a long history in the region. Moreover, lots of the Barley Glenmorangie uses for their whisky, grows just around the property.

Next, we go on a distillery tour at Glenmorangie. The brand is one of the most iconic Scotch producers in the world and we hence dedicated a whole blogpost to our experience there. Read it here!

Since Glenmorangie is a rather big brand, we also wanted to visit smaller company. In Balblair we found the ideal distillery! It is situated just a couple miles away in Edderton. Here, people have been distilling since 1790. It is not surprising that the people working at Balblair are very proud of that long tradition.

At Balblair they only operate two stills. However, their whisky is incredibly smooth and quite rare because of the small quantities they produce each year. We highly recommend reading this blogpost we published about Balblair if you want to know more about this fascinating brand.

After two days at the Dornoch Firth, we head down south again. On our way we stop in Wilkhaven to see the Tarbat Ness Lighthouse and then in Cromarty again to have a coffee at the wonderful Slaughterhouse Coffee. Here, you can enjoy a clean flat white right at the waterfront - wonderful, isn't it?

This is where we end our travel report from Scotland. Do you agree that Scotland is the ultimate destination for gents? Leave a comment with your favorite place in this magnificent country!

If you want to read more about road trips in the UK, we recommend you to read this blogpost about Southern England.

Seldom will you find a Scottish distillery in more scenic and unspoiled surroundings. The distillery we talk about is located near the banks of the beautiful Dornoch Firth in the rugged shadow of Struie Hill. Are you eager to learn more about Balblair?

Experience true Highland spirit

We find ourselves in the ancient heart of the Scottish Highlands. Here, Balblair Distillery was established as early as 1790 by local man John Ross. The Balblair whiky perfecly reflects both the place and people who have been here for generations: a perfect mix of nature and nurture with the sole purpose of crafting exceptional whisky!

As we step on the property of Balblair we quickly realize that this is a place where true craftsmanship, tradition and passion build the foundation for something special.

Our distillery tour starts with the first step in crafting malt whisky: mashing! The ‚grist‘ (miller malted barley) is mixed with hot water in the ‚mash tun‘ which creates a sugary liquid known as ‚wort‘. It is then drained off and the remaining solids at the bottom of the ‚mash tun‘ - called ‚draff‘ - are collected to be used as cattle feed.

When crafting whiky, there is one key ingredient one shouldn't forget: water! Luckily, the Balblair distillery sits at the foot of the Struie Hills near the Allt Dearg burn, their source of natural water. This soft, untreated water source flows through an open ditch to the distillery and totally lives up to its essential role in the production of Balblair whisky.

In the ‚wash back‘, yeast is added to the sugary ‚wort‘ to begin the process of fermentation which in turn creates alcohol. This part of the process takes approximately two and a half days and the alcoholic liquid produced is known as the ‚wash‘. This liquid wash is then heated to a point where the alcohol becomes vapor, which rises up to the top of the ‚wash still‘ and is condensed back into liquid. This produces a stronger alcoholic liquid known as ‚low wines‘.

Later, the ‚low wines‘ from the first distillation are passed into a second still - called the ‚spirit still‘ - for a second distillation. Here, the spirit still gives birth a very strong Highland spirit.

But first, the Balblair whisky needs to age in oak casks. This takes place in traditional ‚dunnage‘ warehouses. The legal minimum for maturation is 3 years, however Balblair is aged for much longer!

The majority of casks used to mature Balblair are ex-bourbon but they also use a small percentage of sherry casks. Over time, these casks give the whisky a distinct color and enhance its flavor. Also, up to 2% of the maturing spirit can evaporate every year. This phenomenon has become known as the ‘angle’s share’.

Tasting a product of time and place

As we leave the distillery building we can't help ourselves but grab a bottle of Balblair 12 Year Old for the quick tour through the warehouses. Here, in the middle of the maturing whisky we do a pairing with finest dark Swiss chocolate by Läderach. There is no better place to do experience the contrasting flavors of fruit, spice and sweetness than in Balblair's dunnage warehouses.

During our tasting we hear about the Distillery Manager, John MacDonald, who is an exceptionally talented, driven and, above all, patient man. Patience is especially important for a Distillery Manager since fine single malts won't be rushed!

We also get to learn that the Norwegian Army occupied those warehouses during the Second World War while the buildings were commandeered by the British Army. Truly a place of history!

To finish off our wonderful tour at Balblair we get to taste something special: a 1999 vintage that was exclusively crafted for the Single Malt Club China. A true delight!

Tasting: Balblair 12y & 15y

On the nose we got two very round and soft whiskies matured on the site of the Balbair distillery. Both are matured in double-fired American oak casks. The 15-years-old Balblair is then moved over to first-fill Spanish oak butts.

This second maturation is providing a great spicy flavor on the palate of the 15-years-old malt. A deeper concentration of fruit notes compared to the 12-years-old on the finish, and joined by some dark chocolate elements too.

Conclusion

The Balblair whiskies are crafted with a lot of care and respect to the tradition of whisky-making. You won't get these bottles in every supermarket as they are very exclusive. In our opinion the Balblair whiskies get a very nice and smooth taste due to the careful maturation in perfect and stable conditions. With their modern and stylish packaging these whiskies belong in every collection. In addition you can probably show your friends a new malt they never tasted before.

Therefore, we award 7.5 Artworth Whisky Points to the 15-years-old Balblair and 7 Artworth Whisky Points to the 12-years-old Balblair.

Want to read more whisky reviews? Click here to continue reading!

Skye is a truly magical place. As Scotland's second-largest island, it is home to some of the country's most iconic landscapes. Actually, it is more like a 50-mile-long patchwork of moors, mountains, lochs and stunning sea cliffs. Plus Skye is home to one particularly special place. A restaurant around which people plan their holidays. Let us tell you more about this magical place!

Checking in to The House Over-By

Whether you are visiting for a few days whilst on a tour of Scotland or staying for a longer spell, Skye has countless ways to enchant you. With its miles of dramatic coastline, the island is only sparsely populated and hence ideal for a calm retreat. Especially at The House Over-By at The Three Chimneys! Here, guests will find world-class Scottish Highland hospitality in an intimate and familiar setting. All that directly set on the shores of Loch Dunvegan!

As we check in, we get warmly greeted at the front desk. Our room is ready and we get served tea and freshly prepared home-baked delights. What a way to arrive after a long drive!

The charming house offers only six calming and beautifully appointed rooms. For us, they are perfect for a refreshing escape from the busy city life. In the rooms, complimentary fresh fruit, fresh milk and mineral water are provided.

Meanwhile, the lounge is the place where people gather to read, play chess or simply settle down nearby the fire place to admire the stunning view over Loch Dunvegan. Again, we love the familiar atmosphere and enjoy having conversations about Skye, Whisky and the Highland life with other guests!

Here, we have found a place to retreat and where the staff works towards ensuring that their impact on the environment is kept to a minimum. Their unique location on the stunning Isle of Skye should be preserved for the enjoyment of the guests and the local community for generations to come. We honor this mindset by opting for a local dram by the nearby Talisker distillery. Sláinte!

Experiencing world-class gastronomy

Guests who stay at The House Over-By are usually here for the culinary delights. Hence, it is not surprising that evenings usually start with an optional tasting. Today, we get to enjoy a wine tasting put together by the house's sommelier.

Later, we head over to The Three Chimneys. Here, we want to find out why many guests first book a table here and then plan their whole vacation around this particular date. We are lucky enough to get a glimpse behind the scenes because we are invited to the Chef's Table inside the kitchen!

Here, Head Chef Scott Davies and his team honor the 35 year ethos of iconic restaurant by turning the rich natural bounty which Skye's land and sea have to offer into mouth-watering dishes. Blessed to have some of the world's freshest and most tasteful ingredients, Scott and team prepare wonderful dishes applying finest techniques of ancient Nordic and haute Scottish cuisine.

While dining at the chef's table, we get to live through a unique dining experience. We quickly realize that Chef Scott often finds himself inspired by one element of a dish and then creates a culinary narrative around it. This is a creative element that unfolds perfectly on the plate!

While the crew is passionately coming up with new recipes at a groundbreaking speed, the ingredients can't be rushed. Apparently, Scott has carefully forged excellent working relationships with over fifty local and national producers and suppliers. However, most ingredients are still sourced directly from Skye. The degree of this freshness is the hallmark of the dining experience at The Three Chimneys and definitely makes the difference for us!

Exploring the Isle of Skye

While a stay at The Three Chimneys itself is the main reason for a stay on Skye, the island has still some amazing sights to offer. Hence, we enjoy an early morning breakfast before going on an excursion to the nearby Neist Point Lighthouse.

Actually, Skye is known for its majestic geological features, such as the Old Man of Storr, the Quiraing and the Cuillin. Today, we will only see some cliffs. Yet, they are already breathtakingly dramatic!

As we drive on Skye's winding roads with our Jaguar F-Pace SVR, we get to witness the end of a stunning sunrise. We can only wonder what kind of wild creatures are looking at the exact same phenomenon now: White Tailed Sea Eagles, otters, seals, whales, dolphins and red deer. They can all be found on Skye actually!

Today, we only get to see sheep. Lots of them! Sometimes we have to slow down patiently while a herd of them walks in the middle of the road in front of us. Not in a hurry at all! Luckily, neither are we.

As we arrive at the Neist Point Car Park, we walk a couple of stairs down to the cliff. It is a magical place with free roaming sheep, breaking waves and stunning views of the lighthouse and dramatic cliffs. We can definitely recommend coming here. Not only for the lighthouse itself but also for the scenic drive!

Way too fast, our stay at The Three Chimneys and The House Over-By comes to an end. As we pack our bags and say our goodbyes, we know that we will treasure the many good memories until we will be back the next time!

Are you looking for more travel inspiration in the UK? Read this blogpost about our road trip in Southern England!

Recently we have started to blog about whisky to share our experience with our fellow whisky enthusiasts. As a consequence, we had to book a flight to Scotland because we couldn't wait any longer to see a full working distillery! However, the many outstanding brands made it really hard to decide on what distillery to visit. Eventually we settled for the one with the tallest stills in Scotland. Can you guess which one it is?

Exploring the Highlands

We find ourselves in the peaceful surroundings on the banks of the Dornoch Firth. After an exhausting journey by plane and Jaguar F-Pace SVR on adventurous Scottish roads, we arrive at the Tarrel Farmhouse just as the sun is setting. After a warm welcome by lovely host Jennie, we are soon ready for bed because an exciting day is awaiting us soon!

In the morning, we start early with a mouth-watering breakfast at the Farmhouse. Then, we take a short 15 minute drive to the nearby Glenmorangie House in the nearby Cadboll area. The charming 17th century house was built next to the ruins of an old castle and hosts guests from all over the world in a very intimate setting. Also, the barley for the Glenmorangie single malt whisky is harvested from the fields surrounding the property!

Glenmorangie distillery tour

By now you might have guessed it: we will be visiting the iconic Glenmorangie distillery! The distillery itself is only a short drive away from the House. Here, the Men of Tain are distilling one of the smoothest single malt whisky found on the planet - and that since 1843!

As we start our tour we learn that most ingredients needed to craft Glenmorangie whisky are sourced very locally. Besides the barley from their own fields, they also get the water from the local Tarlogie Springs. It is the house's own water source and most prized asset. Layers of limestone and sandstone give it its 'hard water' qualities and provide Glenmorangie with a raw ingredient unique among Highland distilleries.

Inside the distillery we learn that Glenmorangie practices three washes in the mash tun. The product of the two first ones is called ‘worts’. It is later mixed with yeast to start the fermentation process. During a period of 52 hours, the worts is converted into an alcoholic liquid called ‘wash’ with a strength of 8% ABV.

Now we enter the halls where the magic happens. We are amazed by the extremely tall stills with their long copper necks. In fact, Glenmorangie's stills are the tallest in Scotland. They are 8 meters high, the same height as a fully grown adult giraffe! The 5 meter high copper necks make sure that only the very lightest and purest vapors make it to the top. This creates a smoother, more elegant whisky.

The art of maturing

Next, we learn about the art of maturation. The freshly distilled whisky spends 10 years in first and second fill American white oak casks. The ex-bourbon casks give The Original its perfect balance between sweetness and complexity, a mature spirit that is soft, mellow and creamy.

In order to get the best quality oak casks possible, Glenmorangie has acquired their own forest in Missouri, USA. They lease their proper casks to bourbon makers for 10 years before shipping them over to Scotland to mature their fine whisky.

Slow growth trees with a more open wood structure are selected for their unique porous nature. The trees are felled into staves and gently air-seasoned for at least two years. The wood breathes and softens, imparting the first elements of flavors: vanilla, crème brulée and eucalyptus. Expert coopers in America shape the staves into barrels. Those casks are then heavily toasted and lightly charred. This process is giving its pale golden hue to Glenmorangie spirits.

The second step in the maturation process is only for a selected number of casks. Glenmorangie pioneered extra maturation in 1994 and remains an expert in the field. Their very own Dr Bill Lumsden has spent over 20 years experimenting in order to perfect the different finishes that make up the Glenmorangie extra-matured range. He had the genius idea to put their whiksy for 2 years in Oloroso Sherry Butts, Ruby Port Pipes or Sauternes Barriques to add unique finishing notes to the spirit.

As we stand in one of the many warehouses, our tour comes to an end. We are happy to round it up with a dram: a glass of Quinta Ruban 14 Years Old. Luckily they offered us a takeaway for the driver. Sláinte!

Tasting: Glenmorangie Extremely Rare 18 Years

When it comes to the value for money you will hardly find a better malt than the Glenmorangie Extremely Rare 18 Years. The 18 year old has always been one of the best of Glenmorangie's core range and has even won a World Whisky Award. Time for us to taste this wonderful dram!

You may know different whiskies which were matured in bourbon oak casks and then transferred to sherry-, rum-, port- or sauternes casks. This 18 year old malt spent its first 15 years in American white oak bourbon casks. After this time, 30% was transferred to Oloroso sherry casks where it spent its final days, as the rest remained in bourbon casks. After 18 years has passed in total, the whisky was reunited and bottled. This is what makes this whisky unique. The Extremely Rare 18 Years is a round and sweet whisky with crisp toffee sweetness of crème brulée in the nose. Hints of vibrant oranges & lemons are found. Then sparkling floral tones emerge, taking the edge off any cloying sweetness, with the green, almost herbal bouquet of geranium.

The palate is tropical and creamy with nectarines and honey, after butterscotch is rounding the tastes off. Flavors of rich, sticky date and fig are appearing on the finish as they are heightened by the unexpected caress of wood smoke.

In our opinion the box of this wonderful whisky is a highlight as well and underlines the elegant and exclusive style of the Glenmorangie Extremely Rare 18 Years. These small and careful details are leading us to the conclusion of 8 Artworth Whisky Points out of 10!

Continue reading about whisky by clicking here.

Do you ski? Or maybe you enjoy a calm tour with the snowshoes? Today, we want to share with you our experience with a very different winter sport that we discovered thanks to Longines. But let's start from the beginning!

Driving through winter wonderland

Our adventure starts near the Swiss capital of Bern. We pack our winter stuff into the versatile Land Rover Discovery Sport and arrive after a 3 hour drive at the famous Julier Pass in the Canton of Grisons.

We chose the Discovery Sport for this trip because of its flexible 5+2 seating, clever storage solutions and enough space for everyone. With its distinct contours, perfectly balanced proportions and characteristic design, it is also aesthetically pleasing!

After some kilometers of pure driving pleasure we arrive on top of the Julier Pass. Here, we are happy to be wearing our AW Driving Gloves. With the many times we get out of the car to take photos, our hands would feel uncomfortably cold to drive.

Exploring St. Moritz' rich history

After leaving the winding roads of the Julier Pass behind us, we arrive in the Engadin. It represents a long, high Alpine valley region in the eastern Swiss Alps. Protected by high mountain ranges on all sides and famous for its sunny climate and beautiful landscapes, the valley is home to the Alpine metropolis of St. Moritz.

Some of you might have guessed it by now, we will be attending the White Turf! It is already the third time that we will witness the spectacular races on the frozen lake. However, this time we also want to take a full day to explore the picturesque town. First up, we head to the Badrutt's Palace to attend the Grand Prix Cocktail presented by Longines. Here, we get to meet some of the jockeys who will race on Sunday. Also, we enjoy a wonderful view down on the frozen lake. The conditions are perfect for a thrilling day at the races!

Next up, we head to the iconic Kulm Country Club for dinner. Here, top athletes and celebrities gathered during the Roaring Twenties, including the silent film legend Charlie Chaplin and US President Calvin Coolidge. Watching the tumult in front of the pavilion from the finely carved arched windows was just as popular then as it is today!

Although recently renovated, the Kulm Country Clubs has luckily preserved the original Art Deco and wood. Where necessary, the windows and doors were custom-built, true to the original! Besides the excellent cuisine and charming interior design, the classy atmosphere and rich history of the establishment are doing the trick for us.

Elegant racing Sunday

After a relaxing night we get up early because we are eager to start into this exciting day ahead of us! Attending the White Turf is always something that we look forward to weeks in advance. As a unique, exclusive, top-class event with exciting horse-racing and gourmet catering, it is one of our favorite weekends of the year. Imagine regular horse racing but on a frozen lake. All taking place in winter sunshine among the stunningly beautiful, snow-capped mountains of St Moritz. Truly a dream come true!

Horse racing has a long tradition in St. Moritz. Very long actually! Because the first race-meeting took place back in 1907. Since then, the White Turf has established itself as annual event where race-horse owners, trainers and jockeys from all over the world meet up for a thrilling competition.

In order to get to the race track, we transfer by horse carriage from the hotel to the frozen Lake St. Moritz. Could it get any classier? At the race track we first get spoiled in the VIP area: champagne, delicious snacks and good company await us!

Besides enjoying the extraordinary catering, we get the chance to get some new watches on our wrists. Here, one of the highlights is definitely the new HydroConquest in green color. Actually, the timepiece is more of a khaki tone. It features a ceramic bezel that compliments the dial very well. Overall a very beautiful, sport watch that is extremely hard to beat in terms of value for money!

Next up, a model from the Conquest V.H.P. line catches our attention. With its white dial, stainless steel case and bracelet and quartz movement, this watch is a true all-rounder and ideal companion for adventures outdoors. Although Longines is a traditional watchmaker with a strong portfolio of mechanical timepieces, their V.H.P. line strives to offer the highest degree of precision and reliability. Two values we appreciate!

The third and last watch we want to introduce to you is one of our all-time favorites by the St-Imier based watchmaker. Called the Avigation BigEye, this timepiece pays tribute to Longines' rich history in producing watches and instruments for the aviation industry. We appreciate how closely this re-issue resembles the original one from the 1930s. It perfectly matches today's Zeitgeist with its well-sized lugs and pushers. Also, at 41mm it comes in a modern size that fits most wrists extremely well!

Giddy-up!

After spending some time talking about timepieces, it is finally time to watch some races! A stunning 13’500 spectators gather on this Sunday to cheer for the jockeys and their horses. Today's highlight is the Longines 81. Grosse Preis von St. Moritz with a prize money of 111k Swiss Francs. Eventually, Jockey Dennis Schiergen rides his horse Wargrave to a great victory. Congrats Dennis!

After the thrilling race we settle down in the Longines tent and enjoy a wonderful selection of delicious sweets as desert. At the White Turf, they really know how to spoil their guests!

Way too soon, the event is over and we have to head back home. It was once again a weekend to remember. Weather, gastronomy, races and wonderful company - that more than we can ask for. To us, the combination of elegance and adrenaline at the White Turf makes for an ideal getaway!

Are you eager to read more about our adventures in the Swiss Alps? Click here for the blogpost about our roadtrip to Aosta.

Do you find yourself getting caught-up in a daily routine with your lover? Today we want to show you how you could spice things up for Valentine's Day. Little spoiler: our recommendation includes culinary delights, high-end hospitality at the Gstaad Palace and plenty of adrenaline!

Romantic retreat at the Gstaad Palace

First of all, we recommend to leave your usual surroundings. In our case, we pack our winter clothes and head to the picturesque mountain village Gstaad in the Bernese Oberland. There, somethings special awaits our girlfriends. Like many other women, they dreamed of a life as beautiful princesses when they were little girls. Hence, we decided to take them out for a romantic retreat at the wonderfully situated Gstaad Palace.

The hotel is rich in history. Opened up in 1913, the Gstaad Palace has established itself as one of the leading 5 star hotels in the world and is extremely popular with both Swiss and international guests. Each season, the hotel is investing a substantial amount of money in the rooms and facilities of the hotel. Since 60% of bookings come from recurring guests, this is highly appreciated!

For us it is the first time at the Gstaad Palace. We are blown-away by the cozy rooms that are all designed individually. Although, the highlight is the spa. Why? A big fireplace with couches is inviting guests to settle down and relax in a calming chalet atmosphere. Exactly what is needed for a romantic retreat!

Culinary delights

We know that the quickest way to the heart of a woman is by gifting her chocolate. Hence, we stopped by at Läderach to get a FreshChocolate heart as a surprise!

It is the ideal gift to complement an extraordinary breakfast enjoyed in a suite. For the latter, the chef put together a wonderful choice of local cheese, charcuterie, fresh bread, sweet delights and deliciously prepared egg dishes.

There is nothing better than an extended brunch with a loved one, right?

Later that day we can choose from three exceptional restaurants for dinner. While La Fromagerie serves innovative cheese dishes and Gildo's Ristorante spoils guests with Italian delicacies, we decide to dine at Le Grill. It was awarded 15 Gault Millau points and has exceptional local meat on its menu.

While the food itself is already outstanding, the top chefs are preparing many dishes right at our table! This turns our dinner into a true experience for all senses. We get to enjoy a perfectly prepared Chateaubriand from local beef with a delicious Béarnaise sauce.

Besides serving mouth-watering dishes, Le Grill is doing an outstanding job in creating a romantic atmosphere. A live band is playing acoustic covers of popular and classic tunes. Meanwhile, the waiters serve the guests in a very kind, proactive and professional manner.

Finally, we get to the dessert. Upon arrival at the restaurant we ordered a soufflé. This was a wise decision since it takes the chef over an hour to prepare this delicacy! One can now only imagine how good it tastes... one of the best desserts we ever had and the perfect way to end the first whole day in Gstaad.

A gentleman's dream

Besides offering many aspects that will appeal to couples, the Gstaad Palace is also the perfect hotel for bachelors. We don't want to pass on the opportunity to enjoy a hot espresso in the lounge while reading the newspaper in the morning. How do you like this vintage Omega Cosmic by the way? Pieces like this one are available on our shop!

Besides excellent coffee, the bar has also an impressive collection of top-notch whiskies and cigars. Actually, the smoking lounge is one of the most charming places in the hotel. It is a true gent's place with nice furniture, classy atmosphere and a stunning view!

We can't help ourselves and light up a cigar and pour a glass of fine whisky while reading about the rich history of the iconic Gstaad Palace.

Adrenaline on the ice field

While our girlfriends enjoy an extended spa day, we head to Saanen for a special occasion. Next to the local airfield, car manufacturers like Jaguar or Land Rover are offering winter driving experiences. Since we admire British cars, we can't miss the opportunity of participating in such a training!

We get to drive many cars from the wide range of Jaguar Land Rover. Besides sports cars like the Jaguar F-Type SVR, we can also test SUVs like the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography. It is fascinating to see how differently those car react to the manoeuvres on the ice field.

While we have a lot of fun on the snow and ice, we can also take advantage of an off-road training in which we learn more about the impressive capabilities of Jaguar and Land Rover SUVs.

Back at the Gstaad Palace we warm up in the lobby and meet up with our girlfriends before heading back home. They won't stop praising the outstanding room service because they put a new bouquet of flowers in our rooms on every single day.

That wraps up our extraordinary stay. Both we and our partners got to experience things we enjoyed to the fullest. What a Valentine's retreat!

Do you want to read more about classy couple trips? Click here to learn about our trip to the Lago di Como!

What city in Switzerland is best known for watchmaking? You might want to say Geneva. While many famous watch brands are headquartered in this international city, most inventions, know-how and talents come from smaller towns in the so-called Watch Valley. One town has become particularly famous for fine watchmaking. Want to find out why it is La-Chaux-de-Fonds?

Get to know the home of fine watchmaking

What do Patek Philippe, Girard-Perregaux, TAG Heuer and Ulysse Nardin have in common? They all manufacture their calibres in La Chaux-de-Fonds (CdF)! The watchmaking city was founded as early as 1656. Since it has become the most important centre of the watchmaking industry, its growth and prosperity is mainly bound up with it.

Today, the town’s grid street plan reminds one of New York City because in 1794, La Chaux-de-Fonds was rebuilt after a devastating fire. Besides watches, the city is known for being the home of famous architect Le Corbusier. Also, the car maker Louis Chevrolet was born there.

The climate in the Jura is harsh. Some refer to the area around La Chaux-de-Fonds as Siberia of Switzerland. With –41°, it holds the record for the lowest temperature ever recorded in Switzerland. The trees along its main street are trimmed at a height of 1,000 metres above sea level and make CdF the highest city in Europe.

In order to withstand the harsh winters, people in La Chaux-de-Fonds had to find an additional source of income. Hence, they specialized in the craft of precision mechanics because they could complete many tasks from home. For example, families completed several parts of mechanical pocket watches at their homes, before supplying them to local workshops. There, watchmakers assembled them to functioning timepieces, which then got sold to retailers in cities like London, Paris or New York.

Jaquet Droz - The philosophy of the unique

One of the pioneers in CdF's watchmaking history was Pierre Jaquet-Droz. He was born in 1721 on a small farm but took a serious interest in clockmaking and precision mechanics. He produced a series of “grandfather” clocks featuring increasingly sophisticated movements. They soon outclassed anything that had yet been produced! He even enhanced his watchmaking movements with music and marvelous automata. It didn't take long for the wealthy and demanding clientèle to discover his extraordinary creations.

Today, Jaquet Droz is best knows for their automations and in-house Ateliers d’Art. The latter has the aim to preserve the centuries of special expertise that define the brand’s identity. The meticulous work involved in miniature painting, carving, engraving and paillonnée enameling is highlighted in some exceptional pieces in their collection. For example the Magic Lotus Automaton. This masterpiece features a hand-engraved and hand-painted white mother-of-pearl dial and black onyx subdial. Its marvelous decoration in 18-karat red and yellow gold requires a lot of manual work of highly skilled professionals. Featuring a mechanical automaton movement with push-button, this masterpiece offers a magnificent mechanism animating pond, carp and lotus flower. It is the result of age-old craftsmanship!

Another classic of the brand is the Grande Seconde, a piece inspired by a pocket watch created in the 18th century. The hour and minute display at 12 o’clock overlapping the seconds counter at 6 o’clock. It has become the distinct look for Jaquet Droz' timepieces.

One of our favorite watches by Jaquet Droz is the sporty yet elegant looking Grande Seconde Skelet-one Ceramic. It is simplistic, clean and comes with the distinct Jaquet Droz look. Yet, the skeletonization and rather prominent crown add a sophisticated touch!

Schwarz Etienne - Manufacture since 1902

In 1902, another watch manufacturer enters the picture. The industrialization is disrupting Europe's economy and Paul Arthur Schwarz and his wife Olga Etienne decide to go ahead and found the company Schwarz Etienne. This La Chaux-de-Fonds based family business specializes in manufacturing mechanical movements for other watch brands or sophisticated clients such as the Vatican and Leonid Brezhnev, former President of the Soviet Union.

Today, Schwarz Etienne develops and sells watches under their own brand name, gradually becoming recognized as a fully-fledged manufacturer with distinct qualities: creativity, innovation and expertise!

Our favorite watch from their current collection is the Tourbillon PSR. The movement of this breathtaking timepiece is manufactured entirely in-house, even including the hairspring! Two of the main features are the small second retrograde complication at 11 o'clock and the tourbillon at 1 o'clock. In addition, it is powered by a visible micro rotor.

While the two steel versions come with either green Aventurine fine stone or blue Opal fine stone, the rose gold features Hematite Specularite fine stone. These fine details really do the trick for us!

Greubel Forsey - Art of invention

One of the latest actors to enter the stage of fine watchmaking is Greubel Forsey. They impersonate the new age of manufacturing high-end timepieces. Without a rich history to bank on, Robert Greubel and Stephan Forsey decided to dedicate themselves entirely to improving the performance of existing complications but also to invent innovative mechanisms since 2004.

In 2009, Greubel Forsey moved into their new manufacture in La Chaux-de-Fonds. It is an architectonic masterpiece! Combining a painstakingly restored farmhouse from the 17th century and the actual atelier. The latter houses the development and production workshops. Its sloping roof gives the impression that it could have risen from the ground!

Only few know that Greubel and Forsey have invented a series of new complications. With the Invention Piece 1 they open up whole new vistas for their first major invention: the Double Tourbillon 30°! Four years of meticulous research were devoted to developing this revolutionary mechanism.

While the Invention Piece 1 symbolizes a milestone for Greubel Forsey, the GMT collection has won our hearts. It displays a spinning globe as a real-time reproduction of the Earth’s rotation, offering an intuitive view of time all over the world as well as a day/night indication.

The latest addition to this iconic collection is the GMT Sport. A newly developed titanium case positions this GMT in a "sports" league of its own. The limits of ergonomics and wrist comfort have definitely been pushed back with the launch of this timepiece. A totally new case form, perfectly round from above, while revealing the accentuated arched and ovoid shape from other angles, was invented by for this watch. Additionally, lugs and strap were integrated in order to achieve a functional form that perfectly fits any wrist. It is definitely one of our favorite watches ever manufactured in La Chaux-de-Fonds!

We hope to have given you a comprehensive overview of the watchmaking industry in La Chaux-de-Fonds including some notable manufacturers. Get in touch with us if you are interested in knowing more about watchmaking in Switzerland!

Interested in reading more about fine watchmaking in the Watch Valley? Read this blogpost about Jaeger-LeCoultre's manufacture in the Vallée de Joux!

Lagavulin is probably one of the most legendary whiskies out there. Especially when it comes to the smoky ones. Actually, it is the reason why we fell in love with smoky and peaty whiskies. You probably got in touch with the 16-year-old edition of this Islay single malt. By the way, this very popular island is pronounced as "eye-la" in Scottish. You absolutely need to know this as whisky enthusiast! Learn more about this famous whisky and get a comparison with the new and rare 10-year-old edition. With the 10-year-old single malt, Lagavulin extended their core range with a special edition. It is a traveler exclusive version which is sold at duty free stores.

The Lagavulin distillery

The Lagavulin distillery is located on the rough south shore of Islay next to the famous city of Port Ellen. They are in good company on the south coast of the island with the famous distilleries of Ardbeg and Laphroaig next to it. The distillery of Lagavulin officially dates back to 1816, when John Johnston and Archibald Campbell Brooks constructed two distilleries on the site.

Tasting: Lagavulin 10y & 16y

Both whiskies are very similar to be honest. The mix of casks used at the 10-years-old brings out more of the character of the malt and introduces a little bit sweetness and heat. It has been matured in ex-Bourbon, refill and rejuvenated, newly charred casks. Dr. Craig Wilson, Malt Master for Diageo said: “The different wood types used have helped create a whisky with a fiery yet light, and smoky yet smooth character – one that is filled with surprising contrasts.”

On the nose, both malts open with lots of heat. The aroma is full of earthy peat with cinnamon and pepper spice and sea salt notes. You get more of the spiciness on the 10-years-old version. The flavor and spices are distinct and warming. They tie in perfectly with the earthy richness of the peat.

To taste, the flavor is sweeter but still spicy. On the palate you get caramel and cinnamon, a smooth and warming mouth feel. A very enjoyable interaction of sweet and salty! Peat smoke continues here and is backed by the spices. It is dense and aromatic. Did you know barley grain are dried with peat-smoke and therefore creates these heavily peated notes? Whiskies from Islay are especially known for their intense smoky flavors because of the peat which is used on the island to dry the malt.

The finish wraps up well with a lasting note of peat and smoke. The different notes are lasting for a long time and turn into the taste of figs and dates.

The packaging of the Lagavulin malts is very classy. While holding a bottle of this fine Scotch single malt in your hand, you can literally feel 200 years of distilling tradition. The 10-years-old version comes in a very beautiful white box while the 16-years-old edition comes in a dark green.

Conclusion

Probably one of the smokiest whiskies with a heavily peated nose and palate. Yet it is still quite fruity with very interesting sweet notes. This is exactly what we need to combine with a intense and strong espresso or some dark Swiss chocolate. However, we wouldn't recommend it for a cigar pairing as you would probably get a smoke intoxication. But the rounded sweet notes with a punch of smoke and peat are letting us come to the result of 8 Artworth Whisky Points out of 10!

Do you prefer the very fruity and smooth whiskies? Here is the tasting of the Hibiki - Japanese Harmony.