vault catalogue
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
Where others saw fine spirits as a drink to be poured into
a glass and sipped, Keshav Prakash could hear the murmurs
of long forgotten tales that hung in wisps around every
single bottle of fine spirit. The stories of its land, its culture,
the artisans who had slipped in a little bit of themselves into
the spirits they had crafted.
This fascination of his for the untold and unsung histories
led him on a journey to far off lands (Guyana, Guadalajara,
Haiti, Kentucky, France, England and of course Scotland)
in search of these fine spirits and their distillers.
During his travels, he also met the ‘maestros of fine spirits’.
Charles MacLean. Dave Broom. Tomas Estes. Considered
as legends in their respective fields, they further fuelled
Keshav’s passion by sharing with him their knowledge of the
most boutique and rare spirits sourced from the remotest
corners of the world.
Back home when Keshav decided to share these experiences
with other like minded people, it seemed destined that he
would team up with these three wise men again.
And thus The Vault was born. It offers a never before curated
collection of artisanal whiskies, rums, tequilas, cognacs, gins
and other spirits.
Handcrafted. And handpicked.
Keshav Prakash Founder of The Vault
THE VAULT
Men driven by liquid passions. Revered for their intimate
knowledge of fine spirits and consummate tasting skills,
Vault’s experiences are curated by these living gurus.
In the hallowed world of whiskies, Charles MacLean’s
name is spoken of in hushed whispers by those who
worship at the altar of this amber liquid. To whisky lovers
all over the world, MacLean’s word is akin to the gospel
and his vast experience is the compass that guides them
deeper and deeper into the secrets of the single malt.
Such reverence is hardly surprising. With ten books on
scotch whisky to his credit, Charles MacLean is known as
the ultimate knowledge house of whiskies. He was elected
a ‘Keeper of the Quaich’ in 1992 for his services to scotch
over many years and has also been granted the rare honour
of being elected ‘Master of the Quaich’, the industry’s
highest accolade, in October 2009.
A member of the Judging Panel (Spirits) of the International
Wines & Spirits Competition, MacLean was trained in the
sensory evaluation of potable spirits by the Scotch Whisky
Research Institute in 1992 and has presented numerous
tastings and talks in the United Kingdom and abroad for
whisky companies, corporations, universities and clubs,
and on radio and television.
Charles MacLean’s master classes on the fine art of whisky
appreciation are much awaited by whisky aficionados all
across the globe.
CHARLES MACLEAN
DAVE BROOM
As the saying goes, what Dave doesn’t know about whisky,
rum, cognac and other fine spirits is not worth knowing.
This one–man–walking–encyclopaedia has been writing
and teaching about fine spirits for over twenty years and
is hailed as one of the world’s leading experts on the
subject. A contributing editor to the Whisky Magazine UK,
the editor of the Whisky Magazine Japan, columnist for
Malt Advocate and many other esteemed international
publications, Dave Broom’s passion for fine spirits has
earned him a fan following in every corner of the world.
He has written 10 books on this subject, the more recent
of which, ‘The World Atlas of Whisky’ has been called
a landmark publication.
His other major accolades include multiple winner of
the Glenfiddich Award for his writing and education,
Harper’s Spirits Personality of the Year, Keeper of the
Quaich, a Kentucky Colonel and IWSC (International
Wine and Spirits Competition) Global Communicator of
the Year 2013.
Dave Broom is truly one of a kind connoisseur who
straddles both the worlds of whisky as well as other fine
spirits with equal ease.
TOMAS ESTES
Even though his quiet demeanour is quite at odds with the
flamboyant spirit that has become his soulmate, Tomas Estes
is truly one of the best things to have happened to the world
of tequila.
What began as a boyhood curiosity for this enigmatic, fiery
drink snowballed into an all consuming passion that led
Tomas again and again to Mexico. To the heart of the agave
region where he learnt everything that needed to be learnt
about the making and appreciation of tequila.
His love for tequila didn’t go unnoticed; Tomas is one of
the two Tequila Ambassadors for the Mexican Government
worldwide. In fact, he has the unique distinction of being
recognised twice by the Mexican National Tequila Chamber
with the title of ‘Ambassador to Europe for Tequila’.
One of the most influential people in the tequila industry,
Tomas Estes has also received a Lifetime Achievement Award
from Theme Magazine for his work with tequila in the
hospitality industry.
This tequila messiah is also a veteran in the hospitality
industry. Tomas Estes has opened 17 restaurants and/ or bars
in Holland, England, France, Germany, Italy and Australia
(he still owns his four flagship properties). He speaks four
languages and continues to write articles about tequila in
Europe and America.
In 2008 Tomas Estes was given the award of ‘Outstanding
Contribution to the Bar and Restaurant Industry’ in
the United Kingdom and was voted the ‘Sixth Most
Influential Person in the U.K. Bar Trade’ by the readers of
Theme Magazine.
Artisanal, boutique spirits birthed by master artisans in
the remotest of glens, deserts and caves. Vault’s curated fine spirit
collection is a work of love and art.
KILCHOMAN Region – Islay, Scotland
MACHIR BAY 46% Abv
Machir Bay, a heavily peated (50 PPM) whisky, is a vatting of 4 and 5 year old ex–bourbon casks, with the 4 year being finished in oloroso sherry butts for 4 weeks prior to bottling.
Machir Bay was named ‘Whisky of the Year 2013’ at the International Whisky Competition.
Tasting Notes: The Machir Bay starts with a nose of soft cooked fruits with strong peaty aromas which in turn leads to a palate of mixed fruits and vanilla with an intense sweetness before a long lingering finish.
100% ISLAY 50% Abv
Mildly peated to about 15-20 PPM, the entire production process for the 100% Islay takes place at the farm distillery – from barley to the bottle. The barley is grown, malted, distilled, matured and bottled at Kilchoman.
Tasting Notes: Soft peaty aromas and a blend of citrus, lemon and pear drops. The palate has an initial sweetness that is followed by soft peat smoke and mixed fruits. The finish is long, clean and fresh.
With an ambition to take whisky production back to its
traditional roots, Anthony Wills founded and built Kilchoman
(pronounced kil–ho–man) distillery in 2005 on a farm situated
on the rugged west coast of Islay. Islay’s fertile soil is legendary;
here barley can grow in abundance and it has plenty of water
and peat for drying the malt. Today, housed on Rockside Farm,
Kilchoman is one of the youngest and smallest of the eight
distilleries in Islay with an annual production of approximately
100,000 litres of alcohol. Adhering to the concept of farm
distilleries, Kilchoman grows a portion of its own malting barley
on the farm and every single step of whisky production from
traditional floor maltings to ageing is done on site and under
detailed supervision. As of 2011, Kilchoman has even built
their own bottling room on the farm thus making it a truly start–
to–finish distillery. Much sought after by whisky aficionados
across all the continents, Kilchoman Whiskies are a work of
patience, craftsmanship and art.
Kilchoman’s distiller, Anthony Wills, won the ‘Master Distiller
of the Year 2013’ at the International Whisky Competition
(IWC).
WHISKY W
ARRANRegion – Island, Isle of Arran
10 YEAR OLD 46% Abv
The classic expression of Arran – their fresh and unique island style is captured beautifully in their 10 Year Old Single Malt. It is without doubt a ‘must have’ in the collection of all single malt whisky enthusiasts. A combination of both ex–sherry and ex–bourbon casks are used for maturing the 10 Year Old to create a wonderfully balanced flavour profile.
Tasting Notes: The initial rush of vanilla sweetness gives way to the fruits of slow distillation – kiwi, banana, cantaloupe melon – with just a dusting of cocoa powder. It is undoubtedly complex and yet the aromas are in complete harmony with the malt. The palate has a spicy cinnamon edge to the soft and sweet texture. The classic Arran citrus notes have rounded with age and reveal new depths of character against a background of sweet oak. The Arran 10 Year Old drifts like golden syrup and fades ever so slowly to tempt another sip.
14 YEAR OLD 46% Abv
The older sibling to the 10 Year Old – this edition of the Arran Malt has a true depth of character borne from the extra years in cask. A higher proportion of ex–bourbon casks is used with the 14 Year Old creating a rich, lush palate that allows the intrinsic sweet fruity characteristics of the Arran Malt to truly shine.
Tasting Notes: Dried fruits, vanilla and toffee upfront. With a little water, a salty tang appears along with caramelised fruits indicating a depth of flavour. The palate has an initial burst of brine leading onto warming toffee apples and hazlenuts. This is followed by dates, chocolate orange and spiced tea cake. The mouth feel is overwhelmingly rich and weighty.
The Isle of Arran with its picturesque mountains, lowlands,
glens, lochs and royal castles is known as the ‘Scotland in
Miniature’. Located in this naturally blessed region, the
Arran distillery uses water that has been cleansed by granite
and softened by peat as it comes down from the mountain
above, making it one of the purest water sources in all of
Scotland. Shunning contemporary convenience for ancient
wisdom, Arran distillery uses only the traditional methods of
distilling, with wooden washbacks and copper stills designed
to its exact specification in order to produce an award winning
whisky. Non chill filtered and unpeated as it is, the final
Arran Single Malt is dry and light, with hints of vanilla and
ripe tropical fruit.
The whisky has a beautiful golden hue which comes only from
the casks used for maturation. No artificial colouring is
used with any Arran Single Malt. Here again, nature has
magnanimously lent its heft to the end process; washed by
the warm waters of the gulf streams, the isle enjoys a fantastic
microclimate that is truly ideal for maturing fine single malts.
WHISKY W
EDRADOURRegion – Highland
CALEDONIA 12 YEAR OLD 46% Abv
This 12 Year Old has spent the last four years of its maturation in oloroso sherry casks. Caledonia is a toast to songwriter Dougie MacLean who had selected a single oloroso cask from 1997 as part of the homecoming celebrations and named it after his most famous song, ‘Caledonia’. Its enthusiastic reception led to the adoption of the whisky’s name on a permanent basis.
Tasting Notes: This full golden whisky starts off with a nose of peppermint, sugared almond, a hint of sherry, honey and spicy smoky notes. The palate is minty clean, malty and has a remarkable creamy texture for a relatively light malt. The finish is mellow and warming.
Edradour is a unique, single Highland malt whisky made
in one of the smallest whisky distilleries in Scotland;
possibly the last original ‘farm’ distillery in Perthshire.
Nestling in a picturesque pocket glen, this charming cluster of
white buildings with its distinctive red doors has an enviable
170 year history. Time truly seems to have stood still here.
John Reid and his two assistants, David Ramsbottom and
James Kennedy handcraft Edradour without any fuss and
modern equipment, just like it was done a century ago. Even
today they are just about capable of producing commercial
quantities making them an anomaly in this mass production
world order. This commitment to old world values has not
been in vain; Edradour is revered among whisky connoisseurs
for its exquisitely smooth and creamy texture, with just a hint
of smokiness. The result of the region’s fine blend of altitude
and mountain water, Edradour is truly the jewel in the
Highland crown.
Naturally then, given the emphasis on traditional methods,
only 12 casks of whisky are produced in a week. This makes
the Edradour Single Malt a much coveted but rarely acquired
pleasure. Should you manage to find one, you will be one of
the few people lucky enough to experience its magic.
WHISKY W
SPRINGBANK Region – Campbeltown, Scotland
10 YEAR OLD 46% Abv
The perfect introduction to the Springbank range, the 10 Year Old is matured mostly in bourbon casks, emphasising the distillery’s character; the 10 Year Old is considered by many to be Springbank in its purest form with its salty, briny flavour. Complexity is the key word here. Yet the combination of this Springbank matured in bourbon and sherry casks remains perfectly balanced from first sip to the full, rich finish.
Tasting Notes: The experience starts with a nose of orchard fruit (pear) with a hint of peat, vanilla and malt, a palate of malt, oak, spice, nutmeg and cinnamon, vanilla essence and a finish that is sweet with a lingering salty tingle.
18 YEAR OLD 46% Abv
Complex is a word which is often used to describe the whiskies from Springbank and never is this more appropriate than in the case of the 18 Year Old expression. Matured mainly in bourbon casks, but with an additional bit of sherry cask influence, Springbank 18 Year Old is a perfect balance between finely distilled spirit and a long maturation in high quality casks.
Tasting Notes: Full of authority. Rich and creamy at first, the nose develops to reveal vanilla, ripe fruits and marzipan before hints of sherbet, almonds and strawberries tempt you onwards to the first mouthful. The whisky has a palate of a classic full bodied dram. Thick and oily in texture with an extremely fruity and mellow taste which gives way to a sweet liquorice and aniseed flavour as it opens up. The finish is sweet and chocolatey with some coconut, long and consistent with a pleasant smokey tingle.
Springbank distillery, located in Campbeltown, is unique in
more than one way. The only distillery in Scotland to carry
out the entire production process on one site, this oldest
independent family owned place was founded in 1828 on
the very location where Archibald Mitchell’s illicit still stood.
Today the Springbank distillery is proudly and legally run by
his great great great grand son, Hedley G. Wright. It produces
the most handmade single malt in Scotland with every step of
the traditional floor malting, maturation and bottling being
carried out at the distillery itself. No artificial colourings
are added to a Springbank Whisky (distilled two and a half
times) nor is it ever chill filtered.
And as for the water source which is so crucial to the out
come of a single malt, Springbank’s waters can be traced back
to the pure, mineral laden springs that find their way down
the northern slopes of the 1155 feet high Beinn Ghuilean
mountain. And last but not the least, Springbank is probably
the only distillery that produces three different single malts
using three different production methods.
WHISKY W
GLENDRONACH Region – Highlands, Scotland
12 YEARS OLD ORIGINAL 43% Abv
The Glendronach 12 Years Old Original has been matured inside the finest sherry casks. It is still doing James Allardice proud over 180 years later. Non chill filtered and of natural colour.
Tasting Notes: Sweet, creamy vanilla with hints of ginger. Spiced mulled wine and pear. Rich, creamy, silky smooth palate. A mouth feel that is warm, rich oak and sherry sweetness with raisins and soft fruits. The finish is spicy and is of a medium length.
15 YEARS OLD REVIVAL 46% Abv
Revival, Glendronach’s 15 Years Old expression is a remarkable whisky, full of character. This world famous, iconic expression returned in 2009 under the new name of Revival and is fully matured in oloroso sherry casks. It is non chill filtered and of natural colour.
Tasting Notes: The Revival has got an incredible concentration of aromas especially of treacle toffee and chocolate orange. The palate reveals a very dynamic and full bodied dram for its age. Chewy with coffee, chocolate and treacle scones. It finishes as a veritable feast to enliven the senses.
21 YEARS OLD PARLIAMENT 48% Abv
This outstanding expression is named after the ‘parliament’ of rooks that have been nesting in the trees overlooking Glendronach distillery for almost 200 years. The Glendronach Parliament 21 Years Old offers an incredible concentration of aromas. Satisfyingly long, the complex flavours linger on the palate. It is a delightful whisky to be sipped and savoured. The 21 Years Old is matured in a combination of the finest oloroso and pedro ximenez sherry casks. Non chill filtered and of natural colour.
Tasting Notes: The Parliament has a delicate nose of ripe autumnal fruits – notably blackberries and red plums. The palate has resolute flavours of fine oloroso sherry and bitter chocolate sauce, which has been spread liberally over homemade plum pudding. This is all infused with fabulous spicy notes – cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. The finish is full bodied with smooth tannins, long and lingering.
Famous for their richly sherried single malt whiskies of
inimitable character, the Glendronach distillery is situated in
the rolling hills of Aberdeenshire in the Scottish Highlands.
Since 1826, under the watchful eye of James Allardice,
Glendronach Single Malt Whiskies have been maturing
patiently in superior quality sherry casks. Over the years of
extended maturation, these carefully seasoned casks have
helped create the unique sherried style that Glendronach is
now synonymous with.
Right from the germination of the barley to the flow of the
purest middle cuts of distilled spirit, every single step in the
Glendronach journey to the vat and onwards is taken with
meticulous care and immaculate timing. The glistening
copper mash tun and Oregon pine washbacks form part of
a vigorous but carefully attended process. Lastly, four elegant
copper pot stills distill and redistill the finest, richest spirit
until the individual, idiosyncratic appearance and taste
of the Glendronach Sherried Single Malt is achieved.
WHISKY W
ELEMENTS 8 Region – St. Lucia, Caribbean Islands
PLATINUM 40% Abv
Elements Eight Platinum Rum is a versatile and super premium rum that is a blend of over ten different tropically aged rums, making this one of the few artisanal white rums in the world. Labelled as ‘the only sipping white rum’ by top bartenders in the United Kingdom, Elements Eight Platinum has truly redefined the ‘white rum’ category. Elements Eight Platinum Rum can be enjoyed on the rocks or in one of your favourite long drinks and cocktails.
Tasting Notes: Fresh and clean with hints of citrus and boiled sweets. Complex and balanced with fresh clean raisin fruit and a good soft finish.
GOLD 40% Abv
Aged for 6 years in Buffalo Trace barrels, this is a sensuous, complex golden rum. The harmonious balance of the eight key elements renders this super premium rum exquisitely smooth and flavourful. Ideal in classic cocktails or straight over ice.
Tasting Notes: Full bodied, complex and balanced with exceptionally long finish. Rounded complex nose of honeyed fruit, raisin, prunes, hints of spice with well integrated toasty oak aromas and a soft velvety texture.
‘BARREL INFUSED’ SPICED RUM 40% Abv
Probably the most complex spiced rum to grace a bar, this rum is a handblend of pot and column still rums that have been infused with 10 natural, exotic St. Lucian fruits and spices. Enjoy the Elements Eight Spiced Rum straight or have it on the rocks with a zest of orange.
Tasting Notes: Full bodied, complex and balanced with every spice clearly distinguishable. Rounded complex nose of honey, clove and chocolate, cut with sweet citrus and vibrant orange zest.
Elements Eight. Never has a name been more apt for this
handcrafted molasses based rum from St. Lucia that is born of
the confluence of eight vital elements which when in balance
can create perfection in every sip.
The ideal terroir (Guyana for the cane, St. Lucia for the water
source and ageing). Perfectly ripened cane of the highest
quality. Water that has been naturally filtered while flowing
through underground volcanic rock formations of St. Lucia’s
protected virgin rainforest. Batch fermentation involving
three unique chill fermented yeast strains. A 3–still artisan
distillation method. Superlative quality lightly charred
American oak bourbon barrels for the tropical ageing process.
Handblending by master blenders, with no concession
spared to expense. And the last element of a light charcoal
filtration process to remove any residual impurities. Indeed,
when nature and man work together in harmony, the result
is Elements Eight.
RUM R
CARONI 12 RUM Region –Trinidad, Caribbean Islands
100% TRINIDAD RUM 50% Abv
The Caroni 12 Year Old bottling contains rum from the 2000 vintage, the last available barrels of 100% Trinidad Rum made from local molasses, distilled and matured for 12 years on the island. The tropical conditions result in a 60% loss of the distilled spirit due to evaporation; the angel’s share. To perfectly capture the unique heavy rum character of this closed distillery, the Caroni 12 Year Old has been bottled at 50%. Furthermore, the label reflects an original from 1940 to commemorate the golden age of Trinidad rum. This is indeed a limited stock. It would be prudent to own one even if you are not a regular rum drinker.
Tasting Notes: This deep gold rum has an aroma of charred molasses, a barbeque in your neighbour’s garden, vanilla and caramelized ripe bananas. The palate is velvety, has hints of toasted nuts, smoked liquorice, vanilla infused honey, marzipan and delicate spices. It is a heavy bodied rum that has a balanced and harmonious palate, with a long finish. A Caribbean classic.
Rum; the leitmotif of the Caribbean Islands has had a long
tryst with the isles and her people. One such interesting history
is that of the Caroni Rum from the island of Trinidad. Once
there were 50 distilleries on Trinidad. By 1950 there were just
eight, and today there is only one. But from 1923 till 2003 was
the golden rule of the Caroni Rum distillery. Founded in the
heart of the Caroni plain’s sugarcane plantations, this famed
Trinidad distillery was renowned throughout the world for
producing one of the finest heavy rums, receiving high praise
from the British Navy. In 2003 though, disaster struck. The
closing of the nearby state owned sugar refinery resulted in
the gradual decline of the Trinidad sugarcane production and
it was only a matter of time before the Caroni distillery was
shut down shortly after.
RUM R
COGNAC FERRANDRegion – Cognac, France
PIERRE FERRAND AMBRE 40% Abv
The ambre is pure warm comfort, mellow, rounded, aromatic and as its name implies, is a rich, glowing golden amber colour.
Tasting Notes: It has surprisingly little wood evident. Instead there is light spicy cinnamon and a whisper of vanilla. There’s a distinct floral note of roses as well, and a wonderful whiff of fresh fruit pastries baking in the oven, with a wisp of almond paste or marzipan.
PIERRE FERRAND RESERVE 40% Abv
The Reserve has depth and density. The fresh roses have transitioned to dried roses, and the bright citrus has softened and mellowed into something richer and more diffused.
Tasting Notes: A distinct note of honey pervades the nose and the texture is dense, soft and silky. Subtle nuances of clove, burnt orange peel and cocoa begin to emerge, then a whiff of liquorice, tobacco leaf and toasted nuts.
PIERRE FERRAND SELECTION DES ANGES 40% Abv
The Selection Des Anges (named after the ‘angel’s share’ – the liquid that vaporizes through the aging process) enters into an entirely new territory. Here the essential basic aromas, nuances of bouquet and flavours have transformed into different elements of age, maturation and the magic of the blender’s art.
Tasting Notes: The dried roses of the Reserve have compacted and intensified into jasmine and violet. The soft cinnamon has become spicy warm ginger, laced with nutmeg. A fragrant suffusion of dried herbs has appeared, mingling with a distinct note of curry! And at the finish there is a cedar/methol tang.
In the heart of the famous ‘Golden Triangle’ in Grande
Champagne lies the production of one of the world’s most
venerated cognacs, Pierre Ferrand Cognac. The House of
Ferrand is synonymous with award winning cognacs – aided
part by the produce of the region’s chalky limestone soil
and part by some of the best vintners in the industry. This
complex, yet subtle, aromatic spirit is double distilled ‘on the
lees’ which contributes both body and bouquet as well as
rich, fruity aromas to the cognac.
It takes from two to six years to blend different lots and
make a reduction that achieves just the right structure before
ageing; for some cognac producers, this process might take
only a few days. Pierre Ferrand then nurtures the cognac in
its cellars exclusively in 320 litres limousin oak barrels, whose
small capacity and porous nature allows the cognac to ‘breathe’
thus providing the best conditions for harmonious exchanges
between the eaux-de-vie, oak and the surrounding air.
COGNAC C
LÉOPOLD GOURMEL Region – Cognac, France
PREMIERES SAVEURS, 6 CARATS 40% Abv
The perfect introduction into the world of natural cognacs. Because the wine is richer and stronger, the ‘fat’ distillation retains the beautiful aromas and concentrates the richness into the cognac. Enjoy this after lunch or early evening paired with an espresso.
Tasting Notes: A fresh, supple nose of white fruits (pear, white peach), it is never aggressive but complements the palate that is clean and intensive with a refreshing long lasting finish.
AGE DU FRUIT, 10 YEARS 41% Abv
Pleasant roundness of matured fruits with notes of citrus. This maturity with a hidden strength makes the cognac last and remain neat, clean and straight. This grand 10 year old cognac can well complement Asian cuisine.
Tasting Notes: A delicate bitterness, fresh almond, richer, more mature notes starts the nose before a palate that is thicker, more oily, longer in the cheeks, all the way to the throat. A beautiful finish of preserved fruits, citrus, apricot, orange zest, lemon peel.
AGE DES EPICES, 20 YEARS 43% Abv
Powerful, round, with a touch of pepper, enticingly rich in depth and length. The cognac penetrates slowly in the casks; it is imperative to respect this slow pace. After more than 20 years, the cognac naturally reaches the best part of the wood.
This is the quintessential finish to any grand evening, to die for with pure dark chocolate.
Tasting Notes: A nose that is round, with a sweetness from the wood, honey, old leather. A palate that is rich and powerful, it opens slowly revealing spices of pepper and coriander. Warm complexity in the finish – cloves, ginger, butterscotch.
When Pierre Voisin decided to start his cognac house
along with Olivier Blanc in the year 1972, it was a foregone
conclusion that it would be dedicated to and named after
his grandfather, Léopold Gourmel, a man of his word and
possessing great vision whose affinity to all things natural
was legendary. Such a respect for the environment perfectly
matched their vision of an extremely authentic cognac made
entirely from nature’s benign resources without any additives
or commercial shortcuts.
All Léopold Cognacs are pure vintage and never ever
blended. They are in fact, made from richer wines originating
from Premier Cru Fins Bois, the oldest soil of the region,
characterized by deeper roots, lower yield, older vines and a
systematic parcellization. After each parcel has been harvested,
vinified and distilled separately, the resulting distillation is
‘fat’ yielding an aromatic, rich, fat spirit which is then aged
in unburnt, extra fine grain French oak casks.
Needless to say, Léopold Cognacs are never chill filtered,
never use any additives, artificial colour, wood extracts and no
added sugar. It is therefore hardly surprising that most of the
Michelin star restaurants in Paris and rest of Europe consider
Léopold Cognac as the reference in quality cognac.
COGNAC C
PALE & DRY XO (70 cl) 40% Abv
This is a blend of various old Grande Champagne cognacs, appropriately aged and then matured in well seasoned Limousin oak casks. It is so named because in appearance it is much paler than other cognacs of this age and ‘dry’ because it has only its natural sweetness.
Tasting Notes: Its bouquet is characterized by the powerfulness and length of the intensely floral aromas backed by the distinctive vanilla of its rancio. Its mellow roundness on the palate blossoms into a full bodied fruitiness with a slight, harmonious hint of liquorice.
TRIO PACK: PALE & DRY XO, VESPER XO, TRES VENERABLE (3 X 20 cl Bottles)
A fantastic way to sample some of the finest cognacs from a Grande Cognac house, the Trio Pack makes an ideal gift for the connoisseur.
Apart from the Pale & Dry, the Trio Pack contains:
The Vesper, a full bodied Grande Champagne XO Cognac, crafted in a different, more classic style than the Pale & Dry.
Tres Venerable, named for its venerable status (the maximum age to which cognac can improve). This blend of extremely old Grande Champagne cognacs has benefited from maximum barrel ageing.
DELAMAINRegion – Cognac, France
The uniqueness of the House of Delamain lies in its
commitment to the craftsmanship involved in the crucial
operations of cognac making – right from purchasing the
eaux–de–vie, ageing, blending and reducing it. As befits the
legendary lineage of James Delamain, its current descendants
Patrick Peyrelongue and his cousin Charles Braastad,
have remained faithful to the true spirit of the House of
Delamain – all the preparatory methods are carried out by
hand and commerce takes a backseat in the relentless quest
for quality. After the finest eaux–de–vie has been selected
from the terroirs of Grande Champagne, it is then aged in
old 350 litres French oak barrels amidst the ideal conditions
in the House of Delamain’s cellars on the banks of the
Charente river. Such is the extraordinary consistency of a
cognac from the House of Delamain that it continues to
win appreciation and accolades from leading connoisseurs
all over the world.
COGNAC C
SIPSMITHRegion – United Kingdom
SIPSMITH GIN
41.6% Abv
Sipsmith is one of the only gins in the world made using the traditional ‘one shot’ method, rather than as a concentrate. This multi gold medal winning gin is bold, complex and aromatic thanks to the botanicals sourced from all over the world. Macedonian juniper berries, Bulgarian coriander seeds, French angelica root, Spanish liquorice root, Italian orris root, Spanish ground almonds, Chinese cassia bark, Madagascan cinnamon, Sevillian orange and Spanish lemon peels are artfully mixed to craft a classic, traditional London dry gin – smooth enough for a martini, but rich and balanced, perfect for a gin & tonic.
Tasting Notes: This crystal bright and pure gin has floral, summer meadow notes, followed by mellow rounded juniper and zesty, citrus freshness. It confidently hits the palate with juniper, warms it with spice and then wrings it dry, begging you to take another sip.
With the first copper pot still to launch in London over 200
years, the ‘sip–smiths’, as they call themselves, have rapidly
garnered worldwide acclaim as one of the finest distillers
leading the micro distilling renaissance. The Sipsmiths are so
passionate about their craft that they even have a name for
their still – Prudence, the only one of its kind in the world.
The swan motif on the Sipsmith mark is a reference to the
‘swan–neck’ pipe where the spirit vapour turns above the still,
and is a representation of the beautiful and elegant Prudence
who is at the heart of everything the sip–smiths do.
GIN G
WILLIAMSRegion – United Kingdom
WILLIAMS CHASE GIN
48% Abv
Made from an infusion of eleven wild botanicals, this is a full bodied, sharp gin with aromatic complexity. Williams Gin makes a perfect gin martini and the ultimate British gin and tonic.
Tasting Notes: Williams Gin has fresh aromas of juniper, citrus fruit and spices with an elegant palate that is crisp followed by warm spices and earthy undertones. The gin is full bodied, expressing aromatic complexity and a long finish.
Proudly presented as the ‘the most complicated gin in the
world’, Williams Gin is literally and figuratively made from
scratch at the distillery on the family run Herefordshire farm.
Unwilling to compromise on the quality of the base spirit
from which gin is made, the Chase siblings decided to make a
truly single estate from–field–to–bottle gin. Their farm grown
organic cider apples are pressed, fermented into cider, distilled
into vodka and then redistilled into gin.
GIN G
CITADELLERegion – France
CITADELLE GIN 44 % Abv
The judicious selection and addition of nineteen botanicals, including cardamom from India, allows the flavours and aromas to intermingle in perfect balance complementing this gin that is distilled with time. The result is a gin with an unequalled taste and texture. Complex, refined and elegant, Citadelle Gin is a work of craft and infinite patience.
Tasting Notes: Citadelle has a delicate and fragrant nose of fresh flowers, jasmine, honeysuckle and cinnamon. After a few moments, stronger, more herbaceous aromas of anise, grains of paradise and cinnamon develop in a most remarkable way. On the palate it is rich and oily with more floral and citrus notes, plus an interesting sweet and salty component with a subtle finish of delicate herbs and spices.
Modelled after the French Royal distillery patented by King
Louis XVI in 1775, the Citadelle Gin distillery has yet
another visionary, albeit a modern one, at its helm. Alexander
Gabriel of the Pierre Ferrand Cognac lineage along with his
master distiller decided to revive the original style of gin
making at their distillery in Cognac. Citadelle is painstakingly
distilled from wheat the way gins were in the 18th century
– in small Charentais copper pots and using a naked flame,
the only remaining gin that is distilled this way.
GIN G
CHASERegion – United Kingdom
CHASE VODKA 40 % Abv
A truly artisanal, single estate vodka. As the first and only British potato vodka on the market, Chase Vodka is made with full pedigree potatoes; grown, mashed, fermented and distilled on the Chase family farm. It is 3 times distilled in the bespoke copper pot still and twice through the 70ft column, before being chill filtered and bottled by hand, to create the finest smooth and creamy spirit with true provenance. Taste this vodka slightly chilled to enjoy the flavors or straight from the freezer for a subtle experience.
Tasting Notes: The nose is very clean with light white pepper and a hint of freshly sliced potato. The palate is creamy with subtle black pepper, waxy oiliness and macadamia nuts. A rounded finish of actual tuber potato with mineral notes.
MARMALADE VODKA 40% Abv
Chase Marmalade Vodka is made by marinating the original single estate vodka with deliciously rich English marmalade preserve and infusing it with fresh Seville orange peels in their bespoke alembic copper pot still. The result is a spirit that exudes zesty orange aromas, has a naturally rich bitter sweet flavour and a warm velvety mouth feel. It is perfect over ice and tonic or in fresh summer fruity cocktails. Try it neat, chilled or use it to make a classic breakfast martini.
Tasting Notes: Tempting aromas of orange and lemon marmalades on rye toast. The palate is supple, fruity medium–to–full body and tangy. A naturally rich bitter sweet finish with hints of golden hue and orange zest.
Chase is a single estate distillery, founded by William Chase in
2008. Favouring a unique handcrafted copper batch pot over
the industry norm scale strippers, the Chase family makes
innovative spirits from the produce grown on their farm in
Herefordshire, 30 miles north west of Cheltenham. King
Edward and Lady Claire potatoes, organically grown cider
apples are handpicked, handcrafted and handbottled into
world class vodkas and gins.
VODKA V
SIPSMITH Region – United Kingdom
Inspired by over two hundred years of London distilling
history, the Sipsmiths balance modern technology with
traditional recipies and techniques to create extraordinary
vodkas. The vodkas are made in both the copper and the five
plates in the distillation column of the very versatile and
unique still named Prudence.
Copper is crucial to the purification process as it removes
the impurities from the spirit. It is then cut, in a similar way
to a single malt whisky, separating the heart from the heads
and tails. The result is truly pure vodkas that retain natural
flavours.
SIPSMITH BARLEY VODKA 40% Abv
Produced in small batches of fewer than 400 bottles from an English barley, this limited production vodka is handmade from the best spirit from the heart of the run. This means there is no need to filter, add glycerine, fructose, or any artificial aromatisers. No compromises; just unadulterated smooth, pure vodka that derives its flavours from its essential grain base – barley.
Tasting Notes: An aroma that is subtle but rounded nuttiness & barley notes, garnished by a hint of spice. Sipsmith Vodka has a palate of elegant texture, an underlying mellow barley note & gentle, luscious spices that emerge midway. It finishes with a sweet dry balance with nuttiness & a hint of pepper coming through.
VODKA V
CITADELLE - 6C Region – France
CITADELLE 6C VODKA
40% Abv
Made exclusively from whole wheat grown on the plains of the Beauce, the vodka is initially distilled in a five–column still. Later on, it undergoes a sixth distillation in a small Charentais copper pot still under the expert eye of the master distiller who incorporates a few secret ingredients that gives the spirit its unique taste and style. This last distillation – the 6C (the sixth distillation using the Charentais method) is also the identity of this crystal clear vodka that is rich and pure as diamond.
Tasting Notes: The nose is well balanced and pure with slight nuances of ripe wheat and lemon peel. The initial palate is sweet and savoury, then the taste develops with a fresh mid palate. Eventually, a vibrant clean finish with grain notes.
Sharing the same distinguished lineage as of Cognac Ferrand
and Citadelle Gin, Citadelle 6C Vodka is the result of several
centuries’ experience of the art of distilling. In an age of
extreme industrialisation, Citadelle Vodka, distilled in the
ancient craft tradition, truly belongs to another era.
VODKA V
CALLE 23 Region – Los Altos de Jalisco, Central Mexico
CALLE 23 BLANCO 40 % Abv
Small batch unaged 100% agave. The Blanco reflects the purest expression of the 100% pure agave flavour making it a perfect choice for the purist. It has been created with 2 specific yeasts allowing the agave flavour to express at its best.
Tasting Notes: The Blanco is crystalline clear, with a medium body with a nose of cooked agaves, hints of citrus and herbaceous notes. On the palate it is soft and gentle yet with much character. Full agave flavour, hints of fruit especially Granny Smith apples and pears in the long, lingering aftertaste.
Calle 23 Tequila is the result of a journey started back in
2003 by master distiller Sophie Decobecq, whose patience
and passion drove her to obtain a tequila that could satisfy
first of all, her own palate and then the possible potential
aficionados. Calle 23 is a 100% pure agave tequila produced in
Zapotlanejo, Jalisco, from fully mature blue agaves harvested
from the ‘Los Altos de Jalisco’ area (the Highlands area) in
Jalisco, Central Mexico. Calle 23 Tequila is double distilled
in pot stills with copper streamer – the first distillation
produces a low alcohol spirit called ‘ordinario’ but the second
distillation ends with a clear, colorless liquid of a higher
alcohol content, ‘El Tequila’. This then gets married with
locally sourced pure spring water to reach 40% alc.vol and
then and only then is a Calle 23 Tequila properly ready
for handbottling.
TEQUILA T
TEQUILA OCHO Region – Mexico
OCHO BLANCOSingle Estate–Rancho ‘El Refugio’ 40%Abv
All the agaves used to create this tequila have come from one unique single ranch, in this case, Rancho ‘El Refugio’. It is well defined by the natural tree cactus enclosure that surrounds it. Refugio means refuge. Its red oxide earth with many undulating contours gives a variety of agave positions vis–à–vis its total terroir. Shake this with triple sec and lemon juice to make delicious margaritas.
Tasting Notes: The Ocho Blanco Tequila starts with a bouquet of olives, guava, peppermint and elements of fresh nuts before leading to sweet agave, tree bark and hints of ginger. The Blanco finishes with fresh cut grass and sparks of spice.
OCHO REPOSADOSingle Estate–Rancho ‘El Refugio’
40% Abv
Rested for 8 weeks, Ocho Reposado is one of the few tequilas made in the ‘slow food’ manner, using extra ripe agaves with high sugar content leading to smooth drinkability. Pairs very well with Indian food, try this as an alternative to wine.
Tasting Notes: A nose of fresh mint, pine, sugar, christmas spice, raw oatmeal, almond, mandarin blossom, dry hay and butter. Mid palate opens with pepper, ends with spearmint, brown sugar, orange spice, white pepper and light cinnamon spice.
OCHO ANEJOSingle Estate–Rancho ‘El Carrizal’
40% Abv
Rancho ‘El Carrizal’ was nicknamed ‘La Langacha’ by Don Felipe Camarena because it is a long thin strip of land which he joked could be jumped over. These agaves with a fine balance of sugar and acidity combined with artisanal slow distillation results in a tequila that is sublime. Ocho Anejo is aged 12 months and is best savoured at room temperature in a tasting glass or a snifter. Sip it as one would enjoy a fine single malt.
Tasting Notes: A complex nose of Meyer lemon, smoke, earth and subtle saline seaweed note leads to a biggish mouth of sweet pea, mint, cocoa, a serious Arandas chew. Like other Ocho vintages, it is startlingly clear in its flavour, slicing across the palate like a jimador’s blade.
Made from an agave variety called tequilana weber azul, a
noble plant from the lily family, Tequila Ocho is one of the few
100% agave tequilas which is still made in an old fashioned
traditional way. Ocho is also the first tequila that embodies
the spirit of the ‘terroir’ hitherto restricted to the world of
wines. It is a known fact that the soil composition, altitude,
temperature, rainfall, humidity and sunlight of a region yields
a tremendous and distinctive influence on the final produce.
Ocho explores this concept by distilling tequila from agaves
harvested from its single estates such as Rancho El Refugio
and El Carrizal. That means each batch produced from
a different field or a ‘rancho’ shows its own distinctive
characteristics such as masculine, earthy, peppery or more
feminine, softer, fruity or floral.
Ocho is not chill filtered.
TEQUILA T
GLENCAIRN
Lead free whisky glass
Whisky, the world’s most complex spirit, is a drink to be sipped, nosed and slowly savoured.
And yet ironically, while much is made of brandy, champagne, wine and beer to the extent that they all have their own distinct glasses, whisky ended up getting the short shrift and could be found served in anything from tumblers to goblets.
Until of course, Raymond Davidson, the founder of Glencairn decided it was about time someone designed a proper whisky glass; he envisioned a glass that would encourage the user to appreciate the nose of the whisky as well as the palate but would be robust and functional in a bar environment. So he designed the perfect glass for whisky and then forgot all about it for 20 years till his sons, Paul and Scott, found the design and decided to take it to the master blenders for their suggestions.
With their help and support, the Davidson family revived the whisky glass and the rest, as they say, is history. Today the Glencairn Glass is unequivocally known as the ‘official glass’ for whisky, developed by the whisky industry for the whisky industry.
The roots of the Glencairn Glass lie in the traditional nosing glasses used by blenders and distillers around the world when analysing their casks and blends – the sherry ‘copita’. But termed as too fragile and awkward for general consumer use, Glencairn made several pertinent changes and additions to the copita’s design which allowed for a better and richer whisky savouring experience.
The mouth was tapered to allow an ease of drinking not associated with traditional nosing glasses whilst capturing the aromas on the nose. The bowl was widened to allow for the fullest appreciation of the whisky’s colour and the solid base was designed to be easy on the hand.
Its size and shape was perfected to accommodate a 35ml pour, allowing for addition of water but keeping an optimum amount of liquid in contact with air to allow the aromas to develop.
The Glencairn Glass has won accolades from around the world including the Queens Award, the highest award for business in the UK and is accepted as the only glass a true whisky connoisseur will consider pouring his single malt in.
Whether as part of our master class or as stand alone sessions,
Vault’s tasting sessions can open up a whole new world for you.
Discover, why despite being termed as ‘tasting’ sessions, your
tastebuds are only of secondary importance when it comes to the
sensory evaluation of any fine spirits be it whisky, cognac, gin
or tequila. Or why you might want to not reach out for your
perfume on the day of the tasting session.
Did you know that though there are only four primary tastes
(sweet, sour, salty and bitter), yet there are 32 primary aromas
from which we build our sensory universe. And from therein,
springs an entire new vocabulary of fine spirit tasting – winey,
woody, sulphury, oaky, feinty, peaty, floral, fruity, cereal. So come,
attend a Vault tasting session and expand your knowledge about
the infinite world of fine spirits.*
Vault can also arrange personalised tasting sessions centred around
your particular area of interest at your home, office or venue of
your choice.
And if you wish for a higher, more sublime level of tasting, why
not consider inviting one of our curators – Charles MacLean,
Dave Broom, Tomas Estes for an exclusive session that can open
a whole new world of fine spirits experiences!
TASTING SESSIONS
Poised between an inhale, an exhale
and a sip, lies the ancient art of summoning
the spirits and rousing long forgotten memories.
At Vault’s tasting sessions, magic happens.
When you choose a curated Vault fine spirit as a gift, it speaks
as much of your discerning taste as it does about the unique
distillery it has been sourced from. Of course, with over thirty
artisanal labels to choose from, you can always rely on our
experience and expert advice to help pair the perfect fine
spirit with your perfectionist husband or a maverick business
associate or the newly wedded couple or even a potential father
in law. Once chosen, all you need to do is get in touch with our
Concierge. Then sit back and revel in the heartfelt appreciation
that will soon be coming your way; the nitty gritties are to be
left to us. Right from choosing the elegant gift wrapping
to inscribing your personalised message to making a call to
confirm that the receiver is at home, we will handdeliver your
gift in such a dignified style that it will do you proud.
GIFTING
A sigh. A gleam in the eye. And a rush of
eternal gratitude. Vault’s curated collection
possesses the rare ability to transport the receiver
into a realm of ecstasy.
Vault is proud to offer its most high end ‘Celebrations’
service in partnership with Fluid Movement – the legends of
mixology and bartending. Be it a wedding or a business night
or a reunion, we can now help you take your celebration to an
international level by flying in acclaimed bartenders and
mixologists to helm the show.
Conceptualised and executed by the same team of talented
mixologists who own and run London’s most talked about
cocktail bars – Purl and The Worship Street Whistling Shop
(which incidentally, often find a mention in Conde Nast’s
World’s Best Bars), Fluid Movement is known the world over
for using the finest ingredients, harnessing the art of rotary
evaporation and utilising techniques including spherification,
cryogenics and the ageing of cocktails. No wonder then that
Fluid Movement is always in the news for managing the bars
at the most happening playgrounds across the globe.
+
CELEBRATIONS
Smoke and mirrors. Fire and ice. A sleight
of hand, an implosion of senses and voila!
Vault conjures up a liquid extravaganza.
*The tasting sessions will only be open to those who satisfy all legal requirements for participating in such sessions as may be prescribed by the applicable local laws. To ascertain the legal requirements and whether you satisfy the conditions or not, please write to us on [email protected] or speak to our Concierge at +91 22 22028811
© All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright holders. This brochure is for trade information only. Not for sale. Printed at: Brindavan Printers, Bengaluru.
™
I believe that when people familiarise themselves with the craft and
history that surrounds fine spirits, it always makes for a finer, richer
and more intimate experience. Thus, I conceptualised The Vault as
not just an exclusive curated collection of boutique, award winning
brands from all across the world but also as a mind space to acquaint
connoisseurs and seekers alike to the culture and appreciation of
fine spirits.
The Vault and I are both based in Mumbai, India.
Keshav Prakash
Founder-The Vault
The Vault Fine Spirits Pvt. Ltd.
#5, 2nd Floor, Modern House
15, Dr.V.B.Gandhi Marg, Fort
Mumbai 400001, India
Ph: +91 22-22028811, 22028822
e-mail: [email protected]
www.vaultfinespirits.com
Our Concierge offers you exclusive access to all our brands. For purchases, please call or email us and we will facilitate
the order. This service is also ideal for those requiring more information on our fine spirits or assistance in choosing a
gift or pairing fine spirits with menus or planning an event. email: [email protected]
Ph: +91 22-22028811/ 22028822 (Monday to Friday: 11.00am – 6.00pm, Saturday: 11.00am – 3.00pm)
vaultfinespirits.com