The Homes of Zee
Why you’ll want to spend Php 376,000 on this bottle of tequila
Landmark collaboration brings together Mexico’s premier tequila distiller and the masters of French crystal
Patrón tequila, one of the world’s highest-quality sophisticated spirits, and Lalique, the ultimate symbol of French luxury, have come together to introduce a first-of-its-kind exclusive collaboration, Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1.
“At Patrón, crafting the world’s finest tequila is an art,” says Ed Brown, President and CEO of Patrón Spirits International. “This unwavering dedication to our passion inspired us to find other artists committed to their specific crafts, which led us to Lalique.”
Silvio Denz, Chairman and CEO of Lalique, says, “It is the first time Lalique has worked with a tequila brand and we are proud to partner with Patrón. Our two brands share strong and mutual values of creativity, craftsmanship and artistry, both striving for uncompromising quality and excellence.”
The exquisite bottle of Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1 was launched in Cebu last week in a cocktail event that had guests buzzing about its Php 376,000 price tag. So what makes this particular Patrón worth it? We find out.
There are only 500 bottles in the world
Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1 is a limited-edition crystal decanter handmade by Lalique’s master artisans. The design of this exquisite bottle was inspired by Mexico’s indigenous Weber Blue Agave plant, from which tequila is produced. The meticulous detail of the amber crystal bottle stopper is perfectly shaped to represent the heart of the agave, the piña. The decanter showcases Lalique’s signature technique of contrasting clear and frosted crystal finishes to showcase its perfect detail and enhance the unique amber color of the tequila.
Each of the 500 individually numbered and hand-polished bottles of Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1 are placed inside a handmade leather display case elegantly adorned with gemstone detail. A leather-bound book and video that documents the historic collaboration are also included.
It’s the best tequila you’ll ever have
Inside each breathtaking bottle of Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1 is an exceptional blend of the oldest and rarest Patrón tequilas, hand-selected from Patrón’s barrel aging room at the Hacienda Patrón distillery in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. The extra añejo tequila is aged for at least four years in a combination of new American oak and new and used French oak barrels to achieve the right balance of agave and oak notes. This special series is limited to 500 bottles worldwide.
“The exclusive small batch of tequila we perfected for Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1 is a remarkable extra añejo tequila with a well-balanced taste and complex notes of sweet caramel, honey, vanilla, dried fruits and nuts,” adds Francisco Alcaraz, Patrón’s Master Distiller who created the original recipe and process for Patrón tequila more than two decades ago. “This is a stunningly beautiful spirit, both inside and out.”
It’s crafted by the world’s best
The partnership, the latest extension of Patrón’s “Art of Patrón” platform (a unique collection of experiences that reflects artists’ uncompromising commitment to their craft), marks the first time that Lalique has collaborated with a tequila brand, and the first time that Patrón has joined with a crystal maker to reimagine the iconic Patrón tequila bottle.
“Creating such a unique decanter is very challenging and represents countless hours of work due to the finesse of the design. Our master craftsmen put all of their savoir-faire and passion into producing each bottle,” adds Denz.
For almost 100 years, Lalique creations have been produced at the Lalique factory in Wingen-sur-Moder, in Alsace, France. In this region of tremendous glassmaking tradition, Lalique’s dedicated craftsmen combine an exceptional mastery of modern techniques and traditional skills throughout the complex crystal making process. Each piece is blown, pressed, fashioned, cut, engraved, polished and signed.
The skills of the Lalique master craftsmen embrace the two essential stages of crystal making: the hot and cold processes. Founded in 1888, Lalique has continuously developed its crystal-making know-how over the years to become the undisputed Master of crystal worldwide, and a timeless symbol of French luxury.
“Patrón and Lalique both share a passion for authenticity, detail and superior quality, and that’s unmistakably demonstrated in the bottle and the liquid in this extraordinary Serie 1 limited edition,” added Brown. “This is truly a rare opportunity for Lalique collectors and spirits aficionados alike.”
Available at Rustan’s Department Store
The Homes of Zee
The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 12
Christmas House No. 12 – Heart-felt Holidays at the Hofers’
Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!
Nestled in Banilad, Cebu City, the George Hofer residence stands as testament to enduring elegance. Constructed in the late sixties to early seventies, the mansion exudes timeless charm with warm brown molave wood panels and pristine white marble floors.
Stepping into this grand abode during the Christmas season unveils a journey into a beautifully storied past. This season, Molave wooden entance, intricately carved with the Hofer couple’s monogram, are adorned with opulent yuletide garlands. White velvet poinsettias and persimmon peonies alongside mother of pearl camellias are interspersed with pearlescent berries. Archangel Michael showers the guests with blessings from above, while a macassar ebony wooden effigy of Saint George (slaying the dragon) pays homage to the house owner’s namesake.
Adjacent to a private elevator, a grandiose Christmas tree stands tall, welcoming guests into a sprawling waiting hall. Here, an angel in teal and gold lamé cloth grouped together with exotic blooms gracefully plays the lyre; seemingly entertaining those who await entry.
Further down the hall is an ecru grand piano, where the lady of the house, a skilled pianist, performs Monti’s Czardas, Schubert’s Ständchen, and other rhapsodies on special occasions. A commissioned portrait of George and Dulce hangs on a wall above a console table that separates the hall from the formal dining area.
The Hofer home exudes old-world elegance that is seldom found today, yet its true charm lies in the joyous laughter and warm greetings of the Hofers, who gather annually to share Christmas cheer and delightful yuletide stories in this vibrant space.
The Homes of Zee
The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 11
Christmas House No. 11 – Christine Pelaez
Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!
Designed by the noted Cebu architect Teng Jacinto, this expansive residence stands as a testament to the artful curation of Jun Pelaez. Over the years, he has meticulously assembled a collection of artworks, transforming the home into a gallery that reflects his discerning taste and appreciation for the aesthetic.
As the holiday season graces the air, the residence undergoes a festive tone under the artful touch of Jun’s wife, Christine. Embracing tradition, she bathes the home in the classic Christmas palette of reds and greens, infusing each corner with warmth and seasonal charm. The interior becomes a canvas for the holiday spirit, adorned with wreaths, ornaments, and the timeless glow of twinkling lights.
However, the true heart of this home lies in its welcoming spirit. There are two dining rooms, with chairs adorned with red bows and festive centerpieces, where family and friends converge for an equally sumptuous meal.
The Homes of Zee
The Homes of Zee–Holiday Edition: Christmas House No. 10
Christmas House No. 10 – The Hudsons’ Christmas Chronicles
Check out why this holiday home is on our list of 12 Cebu homes this season. Zee.ph offers a glimpse of Cebu’s holiday homes from far and wide. Please follow our series as we bring you a different home in the next few days!
The Hudson’s household buzzes with enthusiasm each time the holiday season unfolds. The heart of their Tokyo home, the Hudson Christmas tree, stands tall and proud, adorned with tinsel and cherished trimmings that span the years of their family’s growth. Each ornament tells a story, marking the arrival of a new family member with the annual addition of baubles bearing their names: Mary, George, Victoria and Charles.
Charles, the youngest Hudson at twelve, beams with joy as he proudly places the Christmas star atop the tree. No longer reliant on his father’s shoulders, Charles revels in his newfound height and the welcomed responsibility that comes with it.
In addition to the twinkling blue lights, the festive icons and the white-and-silvery ornaments, another cherished tradition had been completed at the beginning of the joyful season. The Hudson’s much-anticipated Christmas cards, an exciting accountof the family’s adventures, had been creatively crafted by Rose and Karl. The lively narrative chronicles the milestones and quests of each family member, with Karl’s animated storytelling and Rose’s artistic touch bringing the tales to life.
Rose shares, “by mid-November we print two hundred post cards of the Hudson family chronicles. The entire family, from the oldest to the youngest, gathers around to sign each card. Envelopes are lovingly addressed, and the kids lend a hand in labeling.”
In a heartwarming shift of roles, the Hudson parents, Karl and Rose, prepare to pass the baton. The careful planning and distribution of the Christmas cards are soon to become the responsibility of the eager younger generation.
With laughter, love, and a touch of adventure, the Hudson family embraces the season, creating and sharing memories that they and their friends treasure for life.
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