The Homes of Zee

Four reasons you should be drinking Glenmorangie Single Malt Whiskey

Mark Twain said, “Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.” That must be true for Glenmorangie’s finely crafted single malt whiskies.

Mark Twain said, “Too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough.” We wholeheartedly agree, especially when you’re drinking a whiskey as fine as Glenmorangie Single Malt Whiskey.

Many single malt whiskies are made with love and care, but only Glenmorangie marries tradition and innovation with over 170 years of dedication. The special traditions of Glenmorangie rest in the hands of the Men of Tain, select local Highland craftsmen. For generations, they have dedicated their working lives to the quality and character of Glenmorangie whiskey, using the finest Scotland has to offer.

With its warm pale gold color and floral aroma, the brand’s flagship Glenmorangie original is a result of classic whiskey-making. It opens sweetly with notes of mandarin oranges, creme brulee and menthol, followed by hints of vanilla and peaches. This sophisticated yet accessible profile is something that appeals equally to new drinkers and dedicated malt whiskey enthusiasts alike.

GLENMORANGIE HAS A STRICT STANDARD OF QUALITY

Brothers William and John Matheson founded the Glenmorangie distillery at the Morangie Farm in 1843. Since then, they have employed local men who maintain the heritage and standards of Glenmorangie. The deep understanding of whiskey, the skill and indefinable feel for the spirit has been passed on through generations.

“There’s a very particular mindset to the Men of Tain,” says Dr. Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling and Whiskey Creation. The dedication and unique process has created a distinct taste that serves the brand well. “It has incredible complexity and finesse. It is unusual to find so many flavors and this degree of delicacy, especially in a Scotch malt whiskey. This is a universal taste, arguably the most accessible quality single malt.”

GLENMORANGIE USES THE TALLEST STILLS IN SCOTLAND

Much of the whiskey’s unique complexity is down to its distillation in the tallest stills in the Scotch whiskey industry–magnificent copper columns that are almost 17 feet high. Still is the term used to described the distillation apparatus used in the process.

“People traditionally used copper to build stills because you could mold the metal by hand,” explains Brendan McCarron, Glenmorangie’s Head of Maturing Whiskey Stocks.”The industry later discovered that copper is a catalyst, which strips out the undesirable notes during the distillation process. The taller the still, the more copper exposure the spirit gets. So, our very tall copper stills are a big part of bringing those beautiful light, delicate aromas to the fore in Glenmorangie Original.”

Some of the barrels that Glenmorangie uses to age their whiskies

GLENMORANGIE IS THE EXPERT WHEN IT COMES TO CASKS

For many years, Glenmorangie led the industry in the pioneering use of only the finest oak casks to mature the whiskey. Glenmorangie Original, the brand’s flagship, is matured exclusively in the finest first and second fill bourbon casts for a minimum period of ten years.

“Most whiskey makers will use casks made from wood that has been cut only a matter of months previously,” Dr. Bill says. “For us, it takes a minimum of eight years from when the wood is cut to when we get our hands on the barrel.” That’s 18 years from cut wood to finished bottle–an unseen testament to quality.

Finally, Glenmorangie is matured for carefully defined periods in unheated warehouses. Other whiskey-makers use heated warehouses to drive the flavor out of the wood. Also unlike the others who use their casks several times over, Glenmorangie retires their casks after using them just twice.

“It’s a gentler regime,” says Dr. Bill. “But we’re completely dedicated to ensuring that we get the right flavors and the right maturation. You can’t rush it and you can’t cut corners.”

GLENMORANGIE IS THE PIONEER IN EXTRA-MATURATION TECHNIQUES

In the 1980s, Glenmorangie pioneered the original concept of extra-maturation using a variety of exclusive ex-wine casks. The Whiskey Creation Team are still the leading experts in this field as they painstakingly explore the most distinguished vineyards of Europe in the search for exceptional casks. These casks provide rich, intriguing and compelling layers of flavors and tastes to the original character of Glenmorangie.

The unprecedented technique of extra-maturation allows the pure spirit to lie in the peaceful darkness and solitude of fine American white oak ex-bourbon casks for at least ten years. It is then transferred to different, high quality ex-wine casks for a further two years. Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban extra matures in ex-port pipes from the Quintas (or wine estates) of Portugal. The Glenmorangie Lasanta in ex-Olorosa Sherry casks from Jerez in Spain. The Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or in ex-Sauternes wine barriques from France.

At their heart, the Extra Matured Range whiskies have the quintessentially Glenmorangie character. But each particular exclusive cask gives additional and individual qualities, forming a unique expression influenced by each distinguished provenance. It’s a journey for whiskey enthusiasts to explore and discover such a range of tastes, flavors, aromas and textures.

As with everything in the world of Glenmorangie, they’re not about rushing themselves. Why would they? In the marriage of intuition and science, of wood and whiskey, time brings out the best in everything. Not for nothing does the Gaelic name Glenmorangie translate as “glen of tranquility.”

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The Homes of Zee

THE HOMES OF ZEE: A Cosmopolitan Life

A home for a young couple that mixes tradition and modernity.

By Eva Gullas photography Pablo Quiza

If Colin and Araminta had a penthouse in Cebu, this would be it. This 15-storey buiding in the heart of Cebu’s financial district is easy to spot but not many people know that its top floor is actually home to a young couple and their toddler son. And a huge King Shepherd dog, Vesian.

After years of residing abroad, the prospect of building a home from scratch, or in this case, the carcass of a whole floor of an unfinished building, is anything but easy. Having to transform more than a thousand square meters of open space into a family home is a daunting task that takes a lot of imagination and is not for the faint-hearted. It didn’t start that way, of course. The original plan was to construct a house in one of the city’s gated communities. But it wasn’t too hard to convince the man of the house that having a home in the city center would give him the ease of being close to the business and a garage big enough for his car collection. “Being born and raised in Hong Kong and having the city below me was something I got used to,” he quips.

First on the design plan was to ensure a double-height ceiling fronted by a wall of glass that would give clear views of the sky, the city’s business center and Mactan Island beyond. The partitions came next. For this, the home-owners, Martin and Claudia Yeung, consulted with Arlen de Guzman, the Manila-based interior designer whose discipline comes mostly from working on projects involving the hospitality industry. Arlen spent 20 years working for HBA in Hong Kong, including the design for the Grand Hyatt Hotel, before setting up his own shop.

The mutual respect shared between the client and Arlen has made this home the way it is. As expected from someone who moves in and out of some of the most stylish homes and hotels, Martin has a very particular taste. With his direction, the decorator executed most of the division plans, including a space for a gym and a pool table, and the master’s bedroom with a loft TV room and a huge space for the closet area and en suite bathroom. In the loft area, the most private sanctum in this home, a highly coveted collection of Hollywood memorabilia is on display. The treasure trove features Achilles’ helmet worn by Brad Pitt in the movie Troy, the Lannister mask from Game of Thrones, and the Roman cuirass used by Maximus played by actor Russell Crowe in the movie Gladiator, among others. “It started as a hobby, but now it’s turning into a good investment as well,” Martin laughingly adds. Prices for these items bought at auction have more than doubled in recent years.

Entry to this private residence goes through a series of security checks, from guards and protection details at the lobby level, to the many cameras that are strategically positioned. If that doesn’t deter unwelcome guests, the ginormous size of 200-pound Vesian should stop anyone in his tracks.

The very essence of sophistication meets guests the moment the elevator doors open. At the entrance, a large rococo framed painting against a wood paneled wall, a modern glass chandelier and dark hide floor covering set the tone for things to come. Tall wooden doors on both sides of the elevator serve as access to the apartment. Stepping inside, the expansive view and the sheer enormity of the living and dining areas that almost spans the entire width of the building is something you don’t often see unless you check in to a luxury hotel like an urban Aman or a Four Seasons.

An open kitchen of wood and black glass anchors the far side and is equipped with a built-in refrigerator, ice-maker, freezer and storage cabinets hidden below the counter while behind its wall is the service kitchen. On the opposite end of the kitchen is the powder room, concealed neatly with 2 sides of exposed glass walls overlooking more city views.

The open floor plan has several seating arrangements—dark leather sofas and club chairs with Italian tables, a dining table made of solid hard wood with 14 seats and a bar filled with bottles of single malt scotch. Lighting is a big deal as well in this home. Several easel lamps and dark wrought-iron chandeliers play a huge role, but it’s the hidden ceiling lighting fixtures, with its various mood-changing combinations activated by remote control, that truly add to the drama. Set against a backdrop of glass and bare cement walls, leather and fine wood carpentry, the lighting effects evoke a welcoming luxury and a refined urbanity with the cityscape sprawled before your eyes. The layering of different styles is the main point in the over-all design. “I would think that it’s a good balance of tradition and modernity,” Martin sums it up.

If there’s not enough space, one floor up is the rooftop deck which provides more entertaining room. Furnished with outdoor sofas and added dining areas, this is the perfect venue for a good party on any given night.

As the only son of an industrialist family, Martin is actively involved in moving the family corporation forward. He is heavily invested in tourism with the company’s real estate portfolio including some of the most desirable beach properties in Cebu. The first premium resort he developed is the posh resort of Kandaya in the north. He’s currently developing an expansion that would offer an alternate lodging that is more affordable.

“Cebu is home to me and my family now,” admits the itinerant gentleman who is well-loved by his employees. “There’s a lot of potential here, and we would like to be part of the growth of this country.”

Design

Trendy Renovation Ideas for the Home or Condo. Part 4

by Christa M. Cañizares IDr.

Part 4: Upgrade your Choices

A. Create different moods with lighting. The use of warm colored indirect lighting such as lamps, colored LED back lights, or even string lights can create a cozy and relaxing vibe after a day’s work.

Beautiful lighting can transform a small modern apartment.

B.) Convert to smart home systems. From door locks, CCTV cameras, you’ll also be able to control and turn on lights, appliances even if you’re away from home. All you need is a wifi connection and the applications on your mobile phone.

Smart phone apps can also control lights and home appliances.

C.) Hire a professional interior designer. We always get an impression that hiring a professional would be expensive, but they actually help you make the best choices and save you from making bad purchases.

Go over design options and your color palette with a professional interior designer to get better results and save more.

IDr. Christa M. Cañizares, piid
Founding Member, Philippine Institute of Interior Designers – Cebu Chapter
Principal Designer, CMC Interior Design
Specializes in residential and commercial design.
A homebody and renovation aficionado.

Design

Trendy Renovation Ideas for the Home or Condo. Part 3

Trendy Home & Condo Renovation Tips. Part 3

by Christa M. Cañizares IDr.

Part 3: Maximize Impact of Small Spaces

A.) Storage spaces. You can go with concealed storage systems such as built-in cabinets on walls, under the bed or seating. Keep the items that you use often more reachable than the occasional ones. Choose what works best for your space and for your convenience.

There are many affordable storage options to de-clutter your room.

B.) Showcase your collection of interesting conversation pieces, like items you acquire from past travels, an artwork, an heirloom, coffee table books or a collector’s item. Make sure to save a special place for them in your home.

Your personal collections can be nice decorative pieces.

C.) Move things around to attract renewed energy into your space. May it be moving a sofa to the adjacent wall, creating a dining nook near a window, shuffling your accessories on to a different shelf? Little efforts go a long way.