Stylish digital experience at www.stellaartois.com lets participants create Chalices in a mythical factory; Thousands will earn a specially-crafted Chalice of their own.

Stella Artois® has introduced The Chalice Factory, a digital experience that walks participants through the experience of creating a Stella Artois Chalice, the famed vessel that has been carefully crafted to yield the perfect Stella Artois experience. The Chalice Factory is located at www.stellaartois.com, and will be open through April 30, 2012. One thousand participants will be randomly chosen throughout each day to receive their own Chalice after completing a lively tour of the Factory.*

The Stella Artois Chalice represents a feat of beer-enjoyment engineering. Countless versions were developed and tested before the final Chalice was chosen. The Chalice’s physical profile matches the flavor profile of Stella Artois – in doing so, it lifts Stella Artois to the peak of its flavor. Just as red and white wines are poured into specific glasses for peak flavor and enjoyment, the curved shape of the Stella Artois Chalice was designed to enhance the beer’s flavor by releasing the aromas when the liquid is poured and increase the retention of the foam head. Its elegant “star” stem encourages drinkers to keep their warm fingers off of the cold glass, keeping the beer colder for longer.

The Chalice Factory: Step by Step

• End to end, the Stella Artois Chalice Factory experience can last more than five minutes. Participants are led by ALICE, a virtual tour guide. The experience is interactive; participants can enable a microphone to speak directly with ALICE, or can communicate with her via keyboard.
• ALICE will help the user select the elements that will eventually comprise the Stella Artois Chalice. She will guide the user through the mythical Chalice Factory itself, a stylish realm populated by beautiful workers. She will help the user heat, shape and craft their Chalice. At the conclusion, she will inform the user whether they can take the Chalice home. Ultimately, Stella Artois will bestow thousands of Chalices upon Chalice Factory visitors.
• In advance of the Chalice Factory launch, Stella Artois delivered engraved chalices to dozens of Academy Award nominees in the major categories, as well as select influencers associated with the event. A national television spot, titled “Chalice Factory,” premiered during the Academy Awards red carpet and awards broadcasts. The spot can be viewed at www.facebook.com/StellaArtoisUSA.
• Both the digital Chalice Factory and the commercial were developed by Mother New York / London.

Beyond new television and digital programming behind “Chalice Factory,” Stella Artois is conducting a retail promotion across the country that runs through the end of March. On specially-marked 12-packs of Stella Artois, adults can secure a promotional code on the inside of the box that’s redeemable online for a customized, engraved Chalice (offer not valid in Texas).

*No Purchase Necessary. Open to U.S. residents 21+. Game ends at 2:59:59 p.m. CDT on 4/30/12. To play, visit www.stellaartois.com/chalicefactory and follow the online instructions for a chance to win a prize. See Official Rules available at www.stellaartois.com/chalicefactory for complete details. Void where prohibited.

Stella Artois®

Stella Artois® is part of a Belgian brewing tradition dating back to 1366. It is the number one Belgian beer in the world and is present in over 80 countries. Stella Artois® is a bottom filtered, blonde pilsner. It is thirst quenching with a malty middle and crisp finish delivering a full flavor and a hint of bitterness. Stella Artois® is best enjoyed served between 3 and 5 degrees Celsius and should be served in the unique Stella Artois® Chalice according to the 9-Step Pouring Ritual to guarantee a perfect experience of this gold standard lager.

Damrak Gin, from Lucas Bols, has been awarded a gold medal in the “gin” category from epicurean tastemaker The Fifty Best at a blind gin tasting in New York.

The Fifty Best held a “blind” tasting of 24 premium gins with 19 pre-qualified judges. Strict tasting rules were applied. The scoring was done on a 5-point system, with 5 as the best. The gins were ranked according to the final scores received from the judges. Damrak, which is considered anything but a London-style gin, was described as having a nose of Garden of Eden, cinnamon, sweet spice, lots of spice, herbal juniper, lime soufflé, lime, and mint.Judges also noted a palate of floral juniper, cracked juniper berries, flowers, mint leaves, mint, tea, coriander, orange, anise, pine resin, and menthol. On the finish, described as spicy, soft, and easy, drinkers will experience floral talc, juniper, peppercorn, herbs, and dried citrus.

Damrak Amsterdam Original Gin combines 17 botanicals and is distilled five times for unparalleled clarity at 83.6 proof. The recipe for Damrak Original Gin is based on a discovered recipe from Lucas Bols, one of the world’s oldest existing commercial distilleries in the world.

Damrak Amsterdam Original Gin is an exceptionally smooth gin that is anything but a London Dry Gin. The profile contains much less pronounced juniper flavor and a higher concentration of citrus notes. Damrak is a premium gin ideal for the new gin drinker seeking an accessible, unique citrus flavor or even the non-gin drinker who loves a great citrus spirit.

Suggested recipe using Damrak Gin

Basil Gimlet

• 3 fresh basil leaves
• 1 ½ ounces Damrak Gin
• ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
• ½ ounce simple syrup

Place the basil leaves in the shaker, add the other ingredients and shake vigorously with ice. Double strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a basil leaf.

Damrak Gin is available in a 750ml bottle and the SRP is$ 24.99 / 750ml

Lucas Bols B.V.was originally established in 1575 in Amsterdam. The company is built on a long and rich heritage which forms the basis for all of its brands. As one of the world’s leading cocktail liqueur and spirit producers, the company prides itself on its commitment to innovation and excellence, incorporating the lively, cosmopolitan spirit of modern day Amsterdam with an international flavour. Based in its homeland Amsterdam, Lucas Bols B.V. distributes across 110 countries. www.lucasbols.com

The Santa Barbara Vintners’ Foundation has not only hit the $2 million milestone in funds generated for Direct Relief efforts, it has also witnessed the direct result of last week’s $500,000 donation streamlined to tornado victims in the Midwest and Southern United States.

This home-grown effort, spearheaded by the Santa Barbara Vintners’ Association’s charitable arm, gives fresh meaning to the term “juice,” with American Riviera Wine Auction funds translating into $15 million in leveraged goods for Direct Relief.

In 2010, the Santa Barbara Vintners’ donation provided the seed money for Direct Relief’s award-winning Medical Reserve Corps packs – “grab and go” emergency medical kits that have been fully adopted by the State of California and due to roll out nationally.

The Santa Barbara Vintners’ Foundation has collaborated with Direct Relief on seven American Riviera Wine Auctions since 2000. This year’s check, which represents a 50 percent increase from past auctions, caps the $2 million milestone. The year of that first auction, Direct Relief faced a financial shortfall of $100,000 that threatened its future. The $250,000 in proceeds from the auction relieved Direct Relief’s immediate financial crisis and launched it toward its present platform which allows delivery of $300 million in aid annually.

Background

While Direct Relief’s initial relief efforts targeted medically underserved areas internationally, in response to the need arising in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, DRI was able to translate their successful overseas model to a domestic situation. A realization that the need for affordable medicine at home transcended Hurricane Katrina, Direct Relief has since launched Direct Relief USA and now supplies $50 million yearly on the home front, including millions of dollars for dental and ophthalmic care as well as the distribution of relief packs for emergency responders in Santa Barbara County.

The Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1983 to support and promote Santa Barbara County as a premium wine producing and wine grape growing region. The Association includes more than 100 winery members whosewineries are located in and whose annual production is at least 75% grown inSanta Barbara County, as well as grower/vineyard members and vineyard managers. The Santa Barbara Vintners’ Foundation is the charitable umbrella under which the Santa Barbara County Vintners’ Association conducts its philanthropic work.

3/2012 (Photo Credit: Nick Preskianov)

West Coast meets South Beach.  One of the only cities that rivals with Vegas nightlife has officially met its match.

“GBDC has quickly become the must-attend daylife experience in Las Vegas,” said Jon Gray, Senior Vice President and General Manager of 9 Group. “We are excited to bring a very fresh and innovative party that we formed in Vegas to South Beach. Mokai is known for throwing the best parties in Miami, and we are excited to partner with them.”

Prepare yourself to party. GBDC is a daytime extravaganza filled with debauchery at its finest. Guests of the party are encouraged to don playful costumes while dancing to the beats of Vegas headliners Zen Freeman, Sex Panther and Alie Layus. The unrestrained commotion of poppin’ bottles and piñatas will make you come crawling back for another round. Chaotic revelry includes high-end beer bongs, flowing champagne, house music and piñata smashing.

GBDC, ghostbar dayclub, will invade Miami at Mokai on Thursday, March 22 and create the same party atmosphere that has become a staple in the Vegas daylife scene. Advanced tickets can be purchased online for $40 at www.ghostbardayclub.com. For table reservations, call 305.877.8303.

About Ghostbar: High above the glittering expanse of Las Vegas, the 8,000 square foot ghostbar is a sultry and sophisticated indoor-outdoor lounge and sky deck on the 55th floor of the Palms Casino Resort.  Indoors amid the seductive shadows, the sleek, chic ghostbar offers ultra-lounging luxury that features 14-foot floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a dramatic view of the night sky and city below and a 30-foot ghost-shaped soffit in the ceiling that changes colors as a deejay spins an eclectic music mix. Patrons can lounge on the custom, ultra-contemporary furniture, seek privacy in the intimate seating arrangements or VIP lounge, or mingle at the terrazzo bar. Behind the bar, shelves of premium spirits glow with the incandescence cast by backlit panels of acrylic-encased fabric.  The dramatic outdoor deck provides a near 360-degree view of the Vegas skyline, with a glass inset in the floor offering a jaw-dropping view straight down. Posh seating areas are enhanced with a fiber-optically lit drink rail running most of the circumference of the deck.  Specialty cocktails include champagne concoctions and high-end wines by the glass.

In 1864, George Lett first brewed the rich, red beer that would become known and loved as George Killian’s Irish Red. His simple inspiration? He wanted a beer he could share with friends and family in his local pub in Enniscorthy, Ireland. Nearly 150 years later, George Killian’s Irish Red is returning to its roots with a complete re-launch of the brand leading into St. Patrick’s Day.

Killian’s is introducing bolder, modernized packaging that more prominently calls out its Irish heritage. The brand’s subtle transformation continues right down to the beer itself. The recipe update results in a rich, roasted, full-bodied, well-balanced lager that maintains the beer’s deep ruby red color, but links it more closely to the beer George first brewed back in Enniscorthy.

“George Lett brewed a beer for his friends, and it’s our friends we have in mind as we reintroduce the new look and taste of George Killian’s Irish Red,” said Katie Cowan, Killian’s brand manager. “This is a more robust, more complex lager, but still balanced and easy to drink with friends. It goes great with a wide variety of popular pub food, like wings, burgers and fish and chips.”

Killian’s will celebrate its makeover by giving fans a chance to win a trip to Ireland. Now through March 21, Killian’s fans aged 21 and up can visit Facebook.com/GeorgeKillians to submit a photo of themselves and friends having a great time. A panel of judges will narrow down the photos to 10 finalists. Killian’s will post finalists at Facebook.com/GeorgeKillians on March 26, and eligible voters will determine the winner.

Also, through “30 Days, 30 Giveaways,” Killian’s is giving fans a chance to win prizes, such as dartboards, barstools, neons and golf equipment. Killian’s fans aged 21 and older can enter daily Feb. 17 through March 17 by clicking the “St. Pat’s 2012” tab on Facebook.com/GeorgeKillians.

For complete rules and details on how to enter, visit www.GeorgeKillians.com.

About George Killian’s Irish Red
George Killian’s Irish Red is an authentic Irish lager based on an original family recipe that dates back to 1864 in Enniscorthy, Ireland. George Killian first brewed a ruby ale that later became the inspiration for George Killian’s Irish Red. He used only pure spring water and the finest caramel malts roasted longer and slower to give his brew a rich red color and distinctive taste. The beer is still known for its rich amber color and thick, creamy head. More information is available at www.GeorgeKillians.com or at Facebook.com/GeorgeKillians.

The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) reached a milestone this month with more than 30,000 members. The 34-year-old not-for-profit organization has reached this record number thanks in part to the hobby’s recent growth in popularity. Current estimates indicate that approximately 1 million Americans are making their own beer and wine at home.

Love is in the air at 30,000 feet this Valentine’s Day on Delta. The airline will surprise and delight customers traveling in its BusinessElite cabin between New York and Los Angeles, and New York and San Francisco on February 14 with complimentary Moët & Chandon Imperial and Ghiradelli Chocolates.

On every other day of the year, Delta Air Line’s Transcon BusinessElite customers can enjoy a gourmet three course menu designed by renowned chef Michael Chiarello, Gogo® In-flight Internet access, a wide range of entertainment options, and seats you can sleep in equipped with premium pillows, quilted duvets and headrests with wings.

“We’re honored to be part of this event recognizing so many small businesses that apply American entrepreneurial spirit to creating high quality, local, sustainable food and drink”, said Allison Evanow, Square One Organic Spirits Founder and CEO, “when I started Square One, many didn’t understand the value of organics in distilled spirits. The Good Food Awards helps to further the awareness that organic and sustainable business practices strengthen the environmental and economic health of our communities.”

Square One Organic Vodka, made from 100% organic American rye and whose distillation is also certified organic, met the rigorous award requirements that the product utilize ingredients which are traceable and that the producers can speak to where they come from; that the product does not contain any genetically modified ingredients; and they contain no artificial additives.  The Good Food Awards Gold Seal awarded to Square One Organic Vodka further recognizes that the spirit is certified organic.

At the award ceremony, in each category, the winners chose one of their own to accept the award on their behalf and the theme of solidarity with their peers rang true in each speech, culminating in an announcement of a new Good Food Guild by awards Founder Sarah Weiner:

“You are nearly 100 strong, but you represent many more: nearly 1000 entrants pledged to the Good Food Awards criteria this year…With an eye towards supporting and moving the entire food system forward, with all of you leading the way, I am thrilled to announce tonight the formalization of a movement to unite, share, mentor, distinguish and support each other as good food businesses.”

The following day, many thousands more took part in the celebration of America’s food artisans by attending the Good Food Awards Marketplace and new Beer & Spirits Garden. There, they met the winners, tasted and purchased 54 of the award winning foods and drinks.

Good Food Awards website: www.goodfoodawards.org

Bacardi celebrates 150th anniversary in 2012 with worldwide birthday parties and innovations

Celebrate with BACARDI® at exclusive parties around the world in Berlin, Miami, London, Indianapolis, Madrid, Shanghai, Sao Paulo and cities in between bringing people together to create lasting memories.

Join the party: Host your own with BACARDI party packs and share the fun on Facebook
Enjoy the rare $2,000 rum created especially for the 150th anniversary
Win BACARDI–branded apparel in social media promotions
Tour with National Geographic Channel where tradition and technology create BACARDI rum on “Ultimate Factories”
Hamilton, Bermuda, January 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately-owned spirits company, declared today that 2012 will be its most innovative year since the creation of BACARDI® rum in 1862. Throughout the year…

Click here to view the complete Multimedia News Release.

Click here to visit the Bacardi Limited Website.

Southern Comfort has made a donation of $25,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The NFFF’s mission is to honor and remember America's fallen fire heroes and to provide resources to assist their survivors in rebuilding their lives. 

As part of their Fiery Pepper product launch, Southern Comfort invited its fans via Facebook to post about a firefighter in their life who they would like to see recognized. The donation was made to the NFFF by Southern Comfort in the name of all firefighters who were posted by friends and family. People logged on from all over the country and shared their thoughts and memories of those lost in the line of duty as well as those still serving today.

"We are honored to be able to offer our financial support for this worthy foundation,” said John Tichenor, VP, Group Brand Director for Southern Comfort. “Southern Comfort is happy to be able to help the families of those heroes that we have lost.”

Congress created the NFFF to lead a nationwide effort to honor America's fallen firefighters. Since 1992, the non-profit Foundation has developed and expanded programs that fulfill that mandate.

“We appreciate Southern Comfort’s efforts to raise awareness about the NFFF’s mission to honor the fallen, offer support to their families and help reduce firefighter line-of-duty injuries and deaths,” said Ronald J. Siarnicki, executive director of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. “This generous gift from Southern Comfort will help the Foundation provide valuable assistance to the families and coworkers of firefighters who die in the line of duty.”

Those who wish to make a direct donation to the NFFF may do so by logging on to www.firehero.org