We recently heard about The Living Circlea group of hand-picked hotels and restaurants in incomparably beautiful locations. On the shore of Lake Zurich, a newly renovated hotel was just added to the collective of first-class establishment. Are you eager to learn which one?

ALEX Lake Zurich

The idea to create a city & lake resort in Zurich is brilliant. While being a vibrant world-city, Zurich is also a place for people looking for a calm retreat. Hence, the offering of The Living Circle is great for both people who are on a business trip or for travelers spending a holiday in Switzerland.

Small luxury hotel

As the latest addition to the collective, the hotel ALEX Lake Zurich joined. It is located on the Western shore of the iconic Swiss lake. Its unique position right on the water's edge makes it one of the most stylish and elegant hotels in the Zurich area. Set across five floors and featuring a state-of-the-art stone and glass architectural design, Alex celebrated its opening in 2019.

As Zurich's new luxury waterfront boutique hotel, it offers an elegant and modern style that incorporates harmonious colored, bespoke furniture with natural materials and textures. The interior design connects guests with the unspoiled scenery, clean air and waterside location. Made up by 42 modern studio suites and 2 penthouses, the property offers glorious lake views to its guests. Each studio offers a custom-made design kitchenette, dining and sitting area, master bedroom and en-suite bathroom. We particularly enjoy the direct lake view from both the private balcony. It is the perfect place to enjoy an espresso in the morning while getting mentally prepared for the day.

Aries by the lake

On the property of the ALEX Lake Zurich, the chefs of the pop-up restaurant Aries by the lake are spoiling guests with culinary highlights from the international cuisine of Tino Staub. In addition to his adored Widder signature dishes, Mediterranean creations can be enjoyed here. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that rice, vegetables, fruit and a whole array of exquisite products - including wine - is whisked fresh from The Living Circle's own farms directly to the guests' tables. In terms of location, the restaurant is situated in a very modern space with large windows. Guests get the impression to be sitting directly on the lake while dining. The simplistic interior design adds to an overall fantastic experience!

After a relaxing night, we get to enjoy a wonderful breakfast at the restaurant. We are surprised by the latte art skills of the breakfast team. It is truly rare to get served such a beautifully decorated cappuccino in a hotel. Next we indulge in freshly prepared eggs benedict while taking in the magnificent lake and mountain view. What a way to start into a new day!

Stork & THE NEST

Right before noon, we leave the calm atmosphere of the ALEX Lake Zurich behind us and head for the city. We arrive at the 5-star Hotel Storchenwhich is set in a unique location directly on the Limmat. The hotel has a very special relationship with the city of Zurich. A guest house stood here as long as 661 years ago. Today we are here to enjoy a wonderful lunch in the Barchetta Bar. Situated directly at the Limmat, we feel a bit like in Venice. Chef Fredi Nussbaum and his team prepare a wide variety of delicacies for the guests. We go for classics such as beef tartar and club sandwich but also for Italian-style gnocchi. With it, we pair a glass of champagne. Cheers!

A few floors higher, THE NEST Rooftop is situated. It truly embodies what the Storchen stands for: celebrating savoir vivre in all its wonderful forms - luxurious and unadulterated. From April to the end of October guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Zurich, the lake and the nearby Alps. It is surprising that this incredible bar is still somewhat unknown. So make sure to visit next spring, before it gets too popular!

Aries Bar

In order to conclude our stay at The Living Circle in a proper way, we head to a place just off the world-renowned Bahnhofstrasse in the heart of Zurich's historic old town. Here, we enter the Aries Hotel which is one of the most special and unusual boutique hotels in Zurich. We are here to have a drink at the iconic Aries Bar. It has been an institution of the Zurich bar scene for decades. Offering space and time for extended tea time in the afternoon, it becomes a nightlife hotspot later in the day.

As Zurich's cult bar it is especially well-known for its extensive range of whiskies. As aficionados, this is the perfect place for us. They even have their own Ascona Whisky and a special bottling from an Arran private cask. For gin-lovers, we recommend tasting the bar's very own Ascona Gin. Cheers!

Speaking of whisky, have you ever been to Scotland? Make sure to read this blogpost about the Scottish Highlands and its distilleries.

Great watches have stories that never end, they just get better with time. The same is true for high-quality whisky and vintage champagne. That's why decided to host an evening at Bucherer CPO in Zurich for like-minded ladies and gentlemen to discover the fascinating world of certified pre-owned (CPO) watches. Read on if you want to get a glimpse too!

Artworth at Bucherer CPO Zurich

As soon as we announced our event at the wonderful CPO boutique on the 5th floor of Bucherer in Zurich on InstagramMany like-minded people reached out to us and asked to participate. The guest list filled up quickly and preparations began for the first-ever Artworth event open to the public.

Finally the much awaited day is here and people start to arrive at the newly renovated building of Bucherer on the well-known Bahnhofstrasse in downtown Zurich. They get welcomed with a glass of Veuve Clicquot and quickly get captivated by the many iconic timepieces that are on display. A watch that fascinates many is the Rolex GMT-Master from 1996.

While the watches get great attention, we also have Tim from Glen Fahrn with us who invites the guests to taste some rare whiskies from Scotland, Ireland and beyond. We love the connection between pre-owed watches and a good bottle of whisky. Both get more interesting, more unique over time. A whisky we particularly enjoy is Balblair. Crafted in a small distillery in Scotland, it matured in double-fired American oak casks and offers a deep concentration of fruit notes with a hint of dark chocolate. A delight!

A bubbly surprise

As a first highlight of the evening, we surprise our guests with the reveal of five La Grande Dame 2008 bottles. This winemaking prowess with 92% Pinot Noir and 8% Chardonnay, really brings the Veuve Clicquot style to its quintessence, balancing strength, and elegance. Known in her lifetime as "the Grande Dame of Champagne", Madame Clicquot was a woman ahead of her time. When her husband died in 1805, she took over the reins at just 27 years of age, at a time when women had no place in the world of business. A free and ambitious woman, her signature is recognized the world over as the seal of Veuve Clicquot. This is the story of a Grande Dame, the story of a Grand Champagne.

Created in 1962 and launched in 1972 to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the House, La Grande Dame is a tribute to the inspiring Madame Clicquot. To the eye, it presents a color with bright, golden glints. The initial nose reveals a strong, aerial and delicate attack. Once opened, the wine has notes of dried fruits, ripe white fruits and finishes on subtle toasted notes of hazelnut and praline. These notes create a perfect balance with the freshness and clarity of the blend. La Grande Dame 2008 has a silky texture on young fruits, supported by citrus. These characteristics make it the perfect champagne to spoil our guests with. Santé!

Ending the night overlooking Zurich

Another exciting part of the event is to talk with Keren from Amarcord. She runs a small boutique, offering made-to-measure tailor services and brought the latest winter fabrics for suits that will both keep one warm and look incredibly sharp. Keren has been tailoring some suits for us lately and we are impressed with the rare fabrics she offers. Moreover, she has set up her own supply chain, working with artisans based in Sicily.

As the sun sets, we head up to the rooftop of the Bucherer building to take in the magnificent views over the wonderful city of Zurich. It has been the perfect location for the first-ever Artworth at Bucherer event. In the heart of Zurich and surrounded by iconic timepieces, we talked about watches and suits while enjoying a glass of champagne or whisky. Who knows which city in Europe will be next!

Do you want to learn more about the Bucherer CPO offering? Read this blogpost about their Gallery in Geneva.

Since we grew up in the area of Biel/Bienne, OMEGA has always been a brand that fascinated us. We always wanted to visit their headquarters and talk to people, who are involved in creating their iconic and innovative timepieces. Finally, this day has come and we couldn't be happier to share our experience from a day at OMEGA with you. Are you ready?

Inside the newly opened OMEGA HQ

The new OMEGA headquarters is familiar to us. We pass by it several times a week. However, parking our Jaguar XE right on in front of their building is something new to us. As we get out of the car, we run into the brand's manager for the Swiss market. Over a coffee, we get to know more about the current developments at OMEGA and how they are rolling out new store concepts that will highlight brand experience. Exciting news!

After the warm welcome, we get to do a tour of the new factory. We quickly realise that this building represents the industry's most cutting-edge facility for watch assembly, training and quality control. Designed by the inspiring and Japanese architect Shigeru Banit is an eco-friendly masterpiece built with sustainable Swiss spruce, grown in the forests of the brand's parent company Swatch Group. Moreover, there was an ingenious indoor climate and energy concept implemented, to provide excellent working conditions on 5 floors. Overall, the new factory is combining technical innovation and human expertise to create a modernised manufacturing process. Truly the future of traditional Swiss watchmaking!

OMEGA'S rich History

For more than 170 years, OMEGA's timepieces have recorded the planet's history. They have also served with distinction in space, in the oceans' depths and on the wrists of world leaders, explorers and men and women who appreciate Omega's blend of performance and design.

Humble Beginnings

It all started in 1848 when a young watchmaker named Louis Brandt started developing timepieces in his family villa in La Chaux-de-FondsSwitzerland. He assembled key-wound precision pocket watches from parts supplied by local craftsmen. Soon, he started selling his watches from Italy to Scandinavia and England. After his death in 1894, his two sons Louis-Paul and César take over the family business and relocate to the city of Biel/Biennewhere the company is still headquartered today. It was here where they develop a revolutionary in-house manufacturing and total production control system that allows component parts to be interchangeable. Watches developed with these techniques are now marketed under the OMEGA brand, which is officially presented as an independent company in 1903.

After the death of Louis-Paul and César Brandt it is Paul-Emile Brandt who takes control of the company that produces 240,000 watches annually and employs 800 people at that time. Under his leadership, OMEGA enlarges its distribution network to all six continents by 1909. OMEGA kept innovating well into the 1930s. They won prizes for precision records, launched movements featuring revolutionary innovations and presented the world's first commercially available divers' watch. Moreover, they were a sought-after timekeeper at sporting events all over the globe.

Specialist for Professional Watches

By the start of WWII, OMEGA was commissioned as single largest supplier of watches for the British armed forces and its allies. Innovations made during that time led to the launch of the now iconic Seamaster It was built to withstand any challenge at any altitude, whether in the skies or below the surface of the ocean.

Nine years later, OMEGA introduced its Professional line of watches, consisting of the Speedmaster, the Seamaster 300 and the Railmaster. It was NASA astronaut Wally Schirra who wore his own Speedmaster chronograph on the Mercury Sigma 7 mission in 1962, making the watch an instant classic. After the Appollo 11 landing on the moon, the Speedmaster became forever known as 'the Moonwatch'.

After the Speedmaster was successfully used during the dramatic return of the Appollo 13 crew, OMEGA was presented with the 'Silver Snoopy Award Both, sterling silver lapel pin and certificate, represent the highest distinction awarded by NASA astronauts.

Full Speed ahead

By the 1970s, the OMEGA brand outsold Rolex, its main Swiss rival in the luxury watch segment, although Rolex watches sold at a higher price point. While OMEGA watches tended to be more revolutionary and more professionally focused, Rolex watches were more 'evolutionary' and famous for their mechanical pieces and brand. After a challenging decade due to the quartz crisisOMEGA was back on the wrists of successful and ambitious men and women all around the globe. This was symbolized by the first-ever Seamaster 300M worn by legendary British Secret Service agent 007 in GoldenEye.

Having outgrown their original HQ, the company opened a new building designed by Tokyo-born architect Shigeru Ban in 2017. Two years later, the brand brought back the legendary 321 movement that was last produced more than 50 years ago for the iconic Speedmaster 'Moonwatch'. In the same year, OMEGA also opened its new museum at their HQ in Biel/Bienne. It features many treasures from the brand's exciting and rich history.

Hands-on with our favorite Novelties

After learning a lot about the manufacturing processes and the history of OMEGA, we finally got to see some of our favorite novelties of the brand. Since we are huge James Bond fans, we went hands-on with the new 007 Edition first.

Seamaster Diver 300M 007 Edition

For years, the producers of the James Bond franchise have simply chosen an existing Seamaster for their agent to wear on screen. But OMEGA has now launched a distinct 007 Edition The timepiece that Daniel Craig's James Bond wears on his final outing as 007 is powered by a co-axial movement and features a tough 42mm titanium case. Add some amazing details that pay tribute to the 25 year anniversary of the James Bond x OMEGA collaboration and you get one of the most innovative and beautiful Bond-related watches released to date!

OMEGA Speedmaster Calibre 321

Next, we talk Speedmaster. As you might know, there have been many generations of the iconic timepiece over the decades. However, the most memorable was probably the 3rd generation style, worn during America's first spacewalk in 1965. After 4 years of development, OMEGA has now released exactly the same Speedmaster from that area, powered by the famous and beloved Calibre 321the driving force behind the chronograph's extraordinary space history. The 39.7 mm model features a bezel ring in polished black ceramic, a tachymeter scale in white enamel, and a black step dial with Moonwatch hands and vintage OMEGA logo.

While the vintage look of this Speedmaster is already an eye-catcher, the movement is even more special. It is a manual-winding chronograph movement with column wheel mechanism, featuring a Breguet balance-spring and 18K gold coated finish. How fascinating to think that they managed to replicate the exact same calibre that was worn on the Moon! Due to its complexity, every Calibre 321 is created inside OMEGA's distinct Calibre 321 Workshop. In this unique production space, all of the assembly steps are being performed by the same watchmaker. While this extraordinary timepiece is not limited, it will be limited by production. OMEGA is capable of producing 'only' 1,000 movements a year while ensuring that each new calibre is just as precise and legendary as the original.

"Silver Snoopy Award" - 50th Anniversary

As previously mentioned, OMEGA received the prestigious "Silver Snoopy Award" from the astronauts at NASA in 1970. The prize recognised OMEGA's unique contributions to space exploration, as well as the Speedmaster's role in saving Apollo 13. To pay tribute to this special honor, OMEGA has now, 50 years later, launched an special timepiece. The watch is based on the iconic design of the chronograph's legendary 4th generation style. Hence, it comes is a 42 mm stainless steel case. The silver dial features blue subdials, indices and hands. Snoopy appears as embossed silver medallion, wearing his famous spacesuit.

Just as with the Cal. 321, it is worth looking at the watch's backside. Here, Snoopy appears inside his Command and Service Module on a magical hand. When the chronograph seconds hand is used and 14 seconds have passed, Snoopy takes a trip around the far side of the moon. Why after 14 seconds? Because that's how many seconds the astronauts from the Apollo 13 mission had to time with their Speedmaster back in 1970, in order to get back to Earth safely. A really cool detail on this watch, paying tribute to such a historically significant event. Next to the Snoopy, there is also an Earth disc, which rotates once per minute in sync with the watch's small seconds hand. Overall, a true mechanical marvel!

We conclude our visit of the new OMEGA HQ in their local boutique. It is already designed adhering to the new concept of the brand. Clients will find more space to experience the brand and dive into the unique universe of OMEGA.

Do you want to read more about OMEGA and their connection to the legendary British Secret Service agent James Bond? Then click here to read our blogpost about the watches he has worn on screen.

Did you know that one of the oldest watch brand's roots go back to 1718? In this blog we will tell exciting story of the Swiss watch brand Favre-Leuba and go hands-on with some of their novelties. Are you ready?

Taking time for Favre-Leuba

We follow an invitation of the brand's new CEO Philippe Roten to Zurich. Here, we dive into Favre-Leuba's brand universe. A carefully prepared space that awakes our adventurous spirit awaits us. Here, we soon discover that Favre-Leuba is all about conquering frontiers - both as a brand but also as a supplier of exceptional tool watches for people who dare to attempt the impossible.

Over a delicious dinner we get to know more about the latest Sky Chief Chronograph watches added to the collection of Favre-Leuba. But more about that later. We listen carefully to Philippe Roten's vision for the brand. They will continue to focus on the brand's strengths: heritage, savoir-faire, service excellence and global distribution. Talking about heritage, the brand's history goes back centuries and is truly interesting.

A unique history

In 1718, a gentleman called Abraham Favre began his watchmaker apprenticeship and was mentioned in an official document as an independent watchmaker in Le Locle as early as 1737. Later, he was even appointed Maître horloger du Locle, a high honor at that time. In 1815, the fourth generation of the watchmaker family joined forces with Auguste Leuba from Buttes in Val-de-Travers. Henry-August traveled around the world - from Germany to Russia, through Cuba to New York, from Brazil to Chile - to establish their own workshop's finely-made pocket watches in remote markets. Fritz Favre was the successor to his father and successfully pursued his expansion strategy in Europe, America, and Asia. In 1865, he traveled to India and launched his brand on the subcontinent, which was to quickly develop into an important market for Favre-Leuba.

After the company headquarters were relocated from Le Locle to Geneva, Henri Favre-Leuba (1865-1961) assumed leadership of the family business and continued to steadily grow the brand. He remained president of the board of directors until his death. During his era, Favre-Leuba launched the first mono-pusher chronographs, just when wristwatches started to supersede pocket watches. After WWII, Favre-Leuba was able to count on a stable position in India thanks to their own office in Bombay. Step by step, the family company won back its position and relevance in other watch markets around the globe with branches in Hamburg, London, Rangoon, Karachi, Singapore, New York and others. They secured a well-functioning distribution with first-class customer service.

In the 1950s, Favre-Leuba introduced the manufacture caliber FL101, which was used in the Sea Chief, Sea Kingand Sea Raider watch models. It was followed by the FL102 caliber with calendar used in its Datic models. The automatic movements FL103 and FL104 soon followed, both available without or with a calendar display.

The biggest breakthrough came in 1960, when the very first divers watch, Water Deep, was introduced by the brand. It was the stepping stone for the success it garnered in this category. This achievement was followed by the Bivouac which was released two years later. It was the world's first mechanical wristwatch with aneroid barometer, for altimetry and air pressure measurement. It soon ranked among the indispensable equipment of those who overcame seemingly defined limits. Among others, it was the legendary Italian mountaineer Walter Bonatti who wore a Bivouac when he successfully conquered the north face of the Matterhorn on the most direct route.

To honor Favre-Leuba's achievements of the 1960s, the Fédération Horlogère Suisse awarded first place to them in the Chronographs and Sport Watches category at the World's Fair in Montréal. This great decade for Favre-Leuba was rounded off by the introduction of the Bathythe world's first mechanical wristwatch that not only displayed dive time, but also current diving depth.

Hands-on with the Favre-Leuba Sky Chief Chronograph

Today, Favre-Leuba follows a long-term strategy built on the historic strength and values of the brand. The result is a collection of highly functional watches based on Favre-Leuba's technical and aesthetic achievements, brought up to date with proprietary technologies and a strong, confident design, as well as a contemporary, innovative market presence. The first watches released under the new CEO of the company, are the Sky Chief Chronographs.

The watches are powered by the iconic automatic ETA Valjoux 7753 movement. It features several complications such as hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph with 30-minute counter and date display. Housed in a 43mm stainless steel case, it is protected by a curved sapphire crystal and equipped with a screw-in crown. In total, they issued six different dial variations and offer different vintage-style suede straps and a metal bracelet.

Our personal favorite is the version with a 'panda dial'. Its porcelain white dial is contrasted by black counters and sporty red cherry indexes. The dial is finished off with Favre-Leuba's signature appliquéd index marks. At around USD 2'800, this is a wonderful timepiece with a reliable movement, embodying the world's second oldest watch brand's heritage and signature style perfectly.

Did you enjoy this article? Then click here to discover more content by the Artworth team.

2020 has been the year of domestic tourism so far. And we couldn't be happier about this. Since we live in Switzerland, we got to explore so many beautiful places in our picturesque home country. One of which we will introduce to you in this article. Do you want to know why we think that the Kempinski St Moritz is the ultimate source of well-being? Then read on!

Arriving at the Kempinski St Moritz

As we arrive in St Moritz, we do a quick stop at the Gelateria Palace in the middle of the picturesque mountain village. While enjoying the home-made ice cream, we do some window shopping on Via Serlas, one of the main shopping streets in the town.

Next, we head to St Moritz bath. Here, at the end of the Lake St Moritz, in a sheltered location directly at the source of the famed mineral springs, the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St Moritz can be found. Steeped in tradition, the hotel can look back on an illustrious past. It was built in the 1860s as the Grand Hotel des Bains. The destination originally became famous for its mineral spring, discovered some 3'000 years ago. The Grand Hotel was built right on top of the Mauritius water sourcewhich has helped people recovering and relaxing for centuries.

Set in its iconic original building, the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski is offering timeless European luxury in a breathtaking mountain setting. In 2001, the hotel was completely redesigned, renewed and opened first under Kempinski This five-star superior hotel is located at the foot of the cable car with unrivaled access to the countless hiking trails of the Engadin Valley. To celebrate our arrival, we enjoy a glass of champagne while taking in the breathtaking views on the Grand Hotel.

A treat for all senses

When it comes to enjoying culinary delights, the Kempinski St Moritz has something to offer for every taste. While the Lobby bar serves contemporary delicacies such as club sandwiches or a classic style high tea, the hotel also hosts three outstanding restaurants including the Michelin star awarded Cà d'Oro. It is here where we spend a splendid evening indulging in a variety of creations with finest local and foreign ingredients. All carefully and thoughtfully prepared.

After dinner it is time to relax in a gentleman's manner. We head over to The Smokers Lounge & Library where we light a cigar, order a fine cognac and just sit back to relax. The bar offers a nice selection of whiskies, wines and of course cigars. It is the ideal place to unwind, make plans for the next day and let a perfect evening come to an end.

The next day, we get started by visiting the vast spa area. Here, we immerse ourselves in the Alpine-style environment and experience the feel of the natural elements with all our senses. On 2'800 sqm the Kempinski The Spa has four different saunas, a steam bath, a laconium, an indoor pool, a gym and a sun terrace. For us, the highlight is a large sauna decorated with upcycled local wood. It reminds one of an ancient mountain hut. This makes it extremely charming and authentic.

Another must-see is the iconic indoor pool of the Kempinski St. Moritz. Here, guests can swim in the purifying water of the famous Mauritius spring. Back in the year 1535, the doctor and scientist Paracelsus has re-discovered the manifold qualities of this natural water, that contains above-average concentrations of minerals. Don't miss out on the opportunity of treating your body with the healing qualities of this spring water.

A historically significant collaboration

In collaboration with Veuve Clicquotguests can unwind and take in stunning Alpine views from the Kempinski Park Café in front of the Grand Hotel this summer. While the champagne brand itself might be well-known, its exciting and rich history is most probably not. Just like the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St Moritz, Veuve Clicquot's roots go back centuries. In fact, it was Philippe Clicquot who founded the company in 1772. Thirty years later, Philippe Clicquot retired and left control to his son François who suddenly fell ill a few years later and died at age thirty. Devastated by his death, the young widow (veuve in French) Barbe-Nicole decided to take over her husband's business to continue his legacy. Hence, she became one of the first business women in the early 1800s to run an international business in a world dominated by men.

Madame Clicquot is credited with major breakthroughs. She created the first known vintage champagne in 1810 and invented the riddling table process to clarify champagne. Moreover, she created the first known rosé champagne by blending still red and white champagne wines, a process still used today. During the Napoleonic Wars, Madame Clicquot managed to establish her wine in royal courts throughout Europe, notably that of Imperial Russia. Thanks to her, champagne was established as a favored drink of high society and nobility.

Today, the brand is best known for its distinctive yellow label. This colorful branding gives the wonderful summer lounge in front of the Kempinski in St Moritz a friendly and welcoming touch. We love to sit down outside and share a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label on this sunny afternoon to celebrate life.

Unwinding in the Engadin valley region

Since the hotel itself has so much to offer, guests easily forget that they are surrounded by beautiful nature that awaits to be explored. No matter if you want to go biking, hiking take out a boat for a trip or fishing, you will get lucky! The region is also great for golfing, climbing and alpinism.

We decide to take our Jaguar F-Pace SVR on a scenic drive along the picturesque mountain lakes and through the lush green forests. You can imagine that the pops and crackles coming from the roaring V8 engine while driving on the winding mountain roads put big smiles on our faces.

Soon we realize that one thing one should definitely bring on a trip to St Moritz are leather driving gloves. How do you like our AW Driving Gloves in blue? They are made by artisans in Spain, guarantee a safe grip and great comfort.

While on the road, we keep on discovering new beautiful places. One can't resist and has to get out of the car to get a good long look of the beautiful landscapes surrounding us.

Way too quickly, our staycation comes to an end. It has once again been an extraordinary couple of days up in St Moritz. We feel lucky and blessed to be living in a country with such stunning landscapes and extraordinary hotels like the Kempinski St Moritz. There is no other country we would rather be this year!

Did you know that there are a number of unique events taking place in St Moritz in winter? For example the legendary horse race White turf or the exciting Snow Polo. Both take place on the frozen Lake St Moritz and captivate large crowds. We can highly recommend attending those two events!

Rumors are spreading in the Swiss community of cigar aficionados that The Chedi Andermatt is hosting an exclusive event series for cigar-lovers. The problem? It is by invite only! We had the honor of participating in the 4th edition and we are happy to share our impressions with you. Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of The Chedi Cigar Circle?

Oasis in the Swiss Alps

When arriving at The Chedi Andermattone instantly feels like entering an oasis. After a scenic drive up the winding roads along steep mountain faces, the driveway to The Chedi is like a portal to another world. Guests often get greeted by a fleet of sports cars waiting to be driven up the many scenic mountain passes.

In summer, the hotel is very popular because of its courtyard. Here, guests can enjoy a drink while warming up in the gentle sunlight of the Swiss Alps. While we enjoy sitting outside a lot, we are drawn inside by the iconic walk-in humidor in the Cigar Library. It holds over 400 brands and formats of cigars originating from 15 different countries. In addition, there is a selection of certain cigar rarities that cannot be bought anywhere. Furthermore, The Chedi employs expert staff, who provide excellent advice to the guests and manage the perfectly maintained walk-in humidor with its almost 5 meter high ceiling. We are happy that cigars are the reason why we are here. For now, we wait with smoking because there will be plenty of that in the evening. Instead we head downstairs to the spa to unwind before the much anticipated night.

The Chedi Cigar Circle

Finally it is time to enter the wonderfully spacious Furka Suite and dive into the magical world of The Chedi Cigar Circlean event shrouded in legend. We get greeted with a cocktail created by the talented bar crew of The Chedi. It is prepared with the relatively new and exclusive Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23 Years Single Malt Whisky. What a way to start into a classy evening! Now, according to Tim-Martin Weber, Executive Assistant Manager, the goal is to enjoy different cigars, pair them with fine drinks, exclusive food and spend a grand time getting to know new people.

And that is exactly what we will do! First off, Dietmar Sawyere, Executive Chef of The Japanese Restaurant (1 Michelin star, 16 GaultMillau points) and The Japanese by The Chedi Andermatt on the Gütsch, serves carefully prepared delicacies. A succulent array of Japanese dishes including sushi, summer rolls and oysters get paired with Rosé Champagne, Swiss Chardonnay and, of course, cigars.

We quickly realize how exclusive and special it is to be here. The cigar events at The Chedi Andermatt are always held in small groups of about 15 to 20 people. Selected guests get to enjoy an extraordinary event with a novelty being presented at each event. For this occasion, a top-shot from the cigar scene is always present on site. This year, Marcel Knobel of ADVentura Cigars, is presenting an exclusive Vitola, which is only available at The Chedi Cigar Circle.

While we talk about the captivating world of cigars, we get to enjoy another course of mouth-watering food. This time, Armin Egli, Chef de Cuisine The Restaurant (14 GaultMillau points), serves several dishes of contemporary fusion cuisine.

A Reason to Celebrate

The highlight of the event comes suddenly and was not anticipated by anyone. While The Cigar Circle usually does not allow speeches, it is Michael from the Les Connoisseurs Club who gets the attention. He surprises Marie Gerber, hostess of The Cigar Library, to award her an honorary membership of the club. The occasion is properly celebrated with some glasses of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs Champagne and, you guessed it, more cigars!

Throughout the evening we get to taste different cigars from a variety of countries in Central and South America. It is exciting to pair them with various wines, whiskies and dishes. Also, we enjoy exchanging thoughts with industry professionals like Rouven Bähr from Importadora Corazza. He loves to share his passion for cigars with fellow aficionados and beginners alike.

As the evening progresses, the talented chefs of The Chedi start to prepare the dessert directly in the kitchen of the suite. Additionally, carefully replicated cigars made of fine Swiss chocolate are brought in. A true delight for both eyes and stomach! For us it is another great occasion to pair cigars with dark chocolate, red wine and a rare Glenfiddich 27 Years Exclusive Cask Edition Single Malt.

Way past midnight, we decide to call it a night. While many others still stay to enjoy the remainder of the evening, we fall asleep in the very comfortable beds of The Chedi. What an unforgettable night it was!

The beautiful Way Home

After a good night sleep we start the day with a delicious breakfast before checking out and taking a little detour on our way home. We decide to drive down the iconic Tremola from the Ospizio San Gottardo. What a wise decision that was! We are overwhelmed by the spectacular scenery. The winding road made with pebble stones takes us back to a long gone time when traveling used to be an adventure. Back then, merchants took risks to bring exotic goods, like cigars, to places like Switzerland. With this in mind, we appreciate the past night at the Chedi Cigar Circle even more.

If you want to know more about The Chedi Andermatt, please click here to read about our overall hotel experience.

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 built 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 Terrace, 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 it is. 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 of 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 with the generous 35-meter indoor and 12-meter outdoor pools as well as with the sauna area. There is even an 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 Restaurantan 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 here. 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 Passwhich 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 Williamat 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-bywe 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 store 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 perfectly 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 burntheir 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 to 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 finishand 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!