As autumn arrives, with its poetic charm, what better way to embrace the season than with a touch of mellow indulgence? A smooth, heart-warming sip of fine wine seems to embellish every gathering with elegance. In this edition, Vogue carefully curates a selection of the latest and most exquisite wines and spirits for October, inviting you to savor unforgettable moments in the gentle embrace of a delightful afterglow.
Moët & Chandon L’ÉVOLUTION Series
This year, Moët & Chandon unveils the groundbreaking “L’ÉVOLUTION Series”, a collection of three unique expressions: “BEGIN”, “BECOME”, and “BEYOND”. Conceived by the new Creative Director, Philippe Starck, this series pays homage to the rich and innovative heritage of the Moët & Chandon winery through his distinctive perspective. The essence of the “L’ÉVOLUTION Series” lies in the liquid itself. Each bottle is encased in a protective, innovative 3D-printed cage design, symbolizing the brain’s “convolutions”. Each expression is meticulously crafted with unique materials and colors, reflecting their distinct personalities, mirroring the subconscious mind of each liquid.
Begin, Beyond
Marking the starting point of Moët & Chandon’s distinctive flavor profile, this rare new expression, stemming from the legendary 2.81 distillation process, is characterized by its pure and powerful taste. The barley spirit boasts a delicate malty aroma, distinct layers of sweetness, and a finish that lingers with peppery and meaty spice. “BEGIN” and “BEYOND” are presented as a paired set.
Become
This expression represents a testament to the elegant evolution of a velvety smooth and vibrant Moët & Chandon whisky, crafted through the fusion of liquids spanning five generations. The powerful and full-bodied flavor profile begins with a subtle sweetness, reminiscent of cotton candy and hints of spice, followed by an emergence of salty notes and delicate spice, resulting in a deep, complex whisky character.
The Glenlivet Eternal Series Prelude – 55-Year-Old Single Malt
In celebration of its 200th anniversary, The Glenlivet, a leading Speyside single malt whisky brand, collaborates with AI art master Michael Hansmeyer to create the “Eternal Series Prelude – 55-Year-Old Single Malt.” This extraordinary whisky is presented in a bottle handcrafted from Jesmonite, a cutting-edge sustainable material, adorned with rose gold plating. It is a testament to their rich heritage and will make its grand debut during The Glenlivet’s 200th-anniversary celebration.
This remarkable expression, the oldest Glenlivet ever released, is a product of meticulous aging in sherry casks for 55 years, culminating in an intricate symphony of flavors. Kevin Balmforth, The Glenlivet’s Chief Malt Master, describes the tasting experience as “a delightful feast of warm autumnal fruit aromas, sun-drenched Seville orange peel, and sweet dates. The nose is filled with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg spice, while the palate reveals a smooth combination of blackcurrant jam and vanilla fudge, balanced by a refreshing citrus note.”
The Balvenie
Balvenie 18-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Marking the first aged expression in The Balvenie’s whisky portfolio, the 18-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky embodies the brand’s commitment to reconnecting craftsmanship, terroir, and liquid. Since the distillery’s reopening in 2001, The Balvenie team has championed the use of local barley for distillation, fostering the development of the Islay community. Bottled at 50% ABV, this whisky is crafted from the first batch of Islay-grown barley, matured exclusively on Islay, primarily in bourbon casks and a blend of fine Sauternes and Port casks, upholding The Balvenie’s signature peated style. The full-bodied whisky unfolds with captivating aromas of honey, creamy candy, and citrus, followed by lingering notes of tropical fruit and toasted oak on the palate.
Balvenie 30-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
This exceptional whisky, bottled at 43.2% ABV, is aged in almost forgotten Balvenie casks, showcasing a harmonious interplay of roasted oak, honey, and gentle vanilla sweetness. A hint of dark chocolate complements the whisky’s elegant floral notes, while the refreshing, salty tang of the Islay sea air lingers on the palate, a tribute to its maturation on the iconic island.
Kavalan PALO CORTADO Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky
To commemorate its 45th anniversary, Kavalan Whisky presents the “Kavalan 45th Anniversary Edition: PALO CORTADO Sherry Cask Single Malt Whisky.” This limited-edition expression is meticulously aged for over nine years in rare and enigmatic PALO CORTADO sherry casks from the sherry triangle of Spain. The result is a smooth, full-bodied whisky with alluring notes of dried fruit, pastries, and nougat, creating a complex yet harmonious flavor profile. The anniversary bottle features a wooden case adorned with golden lines, capturing the resolute image of the snow-capped mountains. The bottle itself is crafted from clear crystal glass, showcasing a violin-inspired design with elegant curves. The cap is crafted from high-hardness zinc alloy and adorned with a Swarovski crystal cork, accompanied by a custom-designed Kavalan snow-capped mountain tasting glass.
響 HIBIKI 40-Year-Old Japanese Whisky
This exceptional whisky, a testament to generations of family brewers, embodies the essence of craftsmanship and tradition. The 響 HIBIKI “40-Year-Old Japanese Whisky” was initially distilled under the watchful eye of founder Shinjiro Torii, later entrusted to the second-generation Master Blender, Keizo Saji, and finally perfected by the third-generation family brewer, Shingo Torii, and the fifth-generation Chief Blender, Shinji Fukuyo. This collaboration not only exemplifies the dedication and expertise of these renowned artisans but also serves as a testament to the rich legacy of the Suntory distillery.
Aged in three different types of casks: Japanese Mizunara oak, Spanish oak, and American white oak, this whisky exhibits a profound depth of flavors, giving rise to the unique “harmony” that defines Japanese whisky. Notes of apricot, Japanese loquat, lemon clove, interwoven with fig, honey, and Japanese yuzu, create a luxurious tasting experience. The delicate finish showcases the essence of Japanese sandalwood, while the lingering Mizunara oak aroma leaves an unforgettable impression.
Taiwan Beer
Lemongrass & Lime Ale
For this autumn, Taiwan Beer presents two beers infused with tropical vacation vibes. The first, “Lemongrass & Lime Ale,” a collaboration with the Grand Hyatt Taipei, features a refreshingly tangy lime paired with lemongrass. The smooth acidity unfurls in the mouth, revealing a light, exuberant citrus aroma, while the herbaceous notes of lemongrass add a layer of complexity, culminating in a tantalizing combination of fresh, tangy sweetness that transports you to the relaxed atmosphere of a South Pacific island.
Sunset Passion Dog
The newest addition to Taiwan Beer’s 9.99 series, “Sunset Passion Dog”, is a captivating blend of high alcohol content, a beautiful depiction of a sunset over an idyllic island on the beer can, and an explosion of passion fruit flavor. The bold, sweet and tangy passion fruit is complemented by a medley of red grape and blackcurrant notes. As each sip washes over the palate, the multi-layered fruit aromas take you on a flavor journey, evoking the dreamy ambiance of a South Pacific beach.
Peachy-Oolong
Taiwan Beer continues to enchant taste buds with “Peachy-Oolong”, a delightful fusion of 9.99% alcohol strength with the sweet allure of peach and the refreshing essence of oolong tea. Each sip offers a delightful complexity that tantalizes the senses. The initial burst of peach sweetness explodes in the mouth, followed by a gradual unveiling of the delicate, lingering notes of oolong tea, leaving a lasting impression. Imagine yourself amidst a blooming peach orchard on a springtime day, where happiness blossoms with every sip.
SAKE HUNDRED
Founded in 2018, SAKE HUNDRED (サケハンドレット) has been hailed as the “king of Japanese sake brands” by Nikkei Business. This year, “Weiden Wine Cellar”, dedicated to providing world-class Japanese sake for discerning palates and fine dining experiences, introduces SAKE HUNDRED to Taiwan, presenting three representative expressions: “Byakko”, “Byakko Bespoke”, and the sparkling sake “Shinse”, promising an unprecedented luxurious tasting experience.
Byakko
The essence of this sake lies in its superior brewing techniques, using organically cultivated rice meticulously milled for over 200 hours to achieve an 18% polishing rate, resulting in an unparalleled purity and clarity. This sake unfolds with a delicate, lily-like aroma and notes of pear, white peach, and lychee, followed by a velvety smooth texture on the palate. The finish showcases a subtle balance of bitterness and umami, creating a moist and long-lasting aftertaste. It is best enjoyed at a cool temperature of 5-10°C, complementing light vegetables, seafood, white meat, shellfish, fruits, and Japanese desserts.
Byakko Bespoke
An extension of the SAKE HUNDRED flagship series, “Byakko Bespoke” preserves the essence of “Byakko” while utilizing more widely available ingredients, further enhancing its versatility as a food pairing option. Crafted with “Yamada Nishiki”, renowned as the “king of sake rice”, and meticulously adjusted yeast, this sake strikes a perfect balance between sweetness, umami, and acidity. The aroma evokes white peach, pear, and refreshing herbal notes, while the palate exhibits a creamy smoothness that intensifies with each sip, culminating in a comforting acidity. Enjoy this sake chilled at 5-10°C, pairing it with flavorful seafood, grilled white meat, or dishes with acidic sauces. Its versatility allows for harmonious pairings with a wide range of culinary delights.
Shinse
This sparkling sake, “Shinse”, took center stage at the 77th Cannes Film Festival as the sole sparkling wine selection during the festival’s exclusive parties. It is characterized by its secondary fermentation in the bottle, where unrefined sake is blended with finished sake, triggering an additional fermentation that generates natural bubbles, adding layers of complexity to the liquid. Crafted using the pure water from Mount Kai-Komagatake in the town of Hakushu, Yamanashi Prefecture, this sake exudes a gentle and refreshing taste. Enjoy this sake at 8°C, especially paired with seafood, particularly shellfish, and it complements steamed chicken or pork. Its delicate bubbles and creamy texture harmonize beautifully with crispy fried foods, creating a perfect symphony of flavors.
