Holland America Line Wins ‘Best Beverage Menu’ for New Concept Half Moon Bar at the 2022 VIBE Vista Awards

May 26, 2022 by evebushman

SEATTLE /PRNewswire/ — Holland America Line took home a win for “Best Beverage Menu’ for its newest onboard bar — Half Moon Bar — at the 2022 VIBE Vista Awards that were presented during the VIBE (Very Important Beverage Executives) conference this week in Carlsbad, California. The award spans the entire beverage industry and competition included a collection of restaurant groups, hotel chains, casinos and more.

Half Moon Bar is an immersive experience looking at the history of cruising through the lens of a cocktail.

Holland America Line’s Half Moon Bar is a new concept for the brand that was exclusively introduced aboard its most recent ship, Rotterdam, which launched in November 2021. The venue is an immersive experience looking at the history of Holland America Line and cruising through the lens of a cocktail. Each drink comes with a fascinating tale of its inspiration that is vividly described in the bar menu for guests to peruse.

“Holland America Line has a rich history of nearly 150 years, and with Half Moon Bar on Rotterdam we wanted to create a bar concept that celebrates our story with an immersive menu, and it’s quickly become the most popular bar on board,” said Michael Smith, senior vice president, guest experience and product development for the cruise line. “We are honored to be named best beverage menu for Half Moon Bar, selected from across the beverage industry, and we thank the panel from Johnson & Wales University for recognizing our commitment to giving our guests an exceptional experience.”

The creative cocktails at Half Moon Bar aim to take guests back in time, on a journey though Holland America Line’s history. Drinks on the menu include:

“The Original” celebrates the line’s first ship, Rotterdam I, made with a Dutch gin and a hint of single malt Scotch, ingredients inspired by the building of the ship and Holland America Line’s Dutch beginnings.
“De Halve Moon” is an ode to the Dutch sense of exploration and the botanical wonderland Henry Hudson found in present-day New York, made with Old Duff genever, lemon rosewater shrub and DDG Bitters.
“Three Mile Run” is a prohibition cocktail that tells the story of Holland America Line Prohibition-era cruises to nowhere for New Yorkers, where cocktail bars on the ship could be legally open. It is made from a combination of lemon, honey and gin for a Bee’s Knees, whiskey for a Gold Rush or rum for a Honey Bee.
“May She Be Blessed” is an ode to the godmothers who bless the Holland America Line ships, made with champagne and a choice of essence.
“Rotterdam VII” is dedicated to its namesake ship and the ship’s unique blend of tradition and innovation, made with smoked gin and maraschino cocktail.

The VIBE Vista Awards recognize the top performers in the beverage industry through the creation, training, execution, management and on-going positive results of beverage programs. Entries were reviewed by a panel of Johnson & Wales University beverage faculty, staff and alumni and were judged on positive beverage sales initiatives, efficient operational innovations and training and service programs producing high quality standards. VIBE Conference is the premier annual event for chain and hotel adult beverage executives and suppliers.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line has been exploring the world since 1873 and was the first cruise line to offer adventures to Alaska and the Yukon nearly 75 years ago. Its fleet of premium ships visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world, offering an ideal mid-sized ship experience. A third Pinnacle-class ship, Rotterdam, joined the fleet in July 2021.

The leader in premium cruising, Holland America Line’s ships feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination exploration and personalized travel. The best live music at sea fills each evening at Music Walk, and dining venues feature exclusive selections from Holland America Line’s esteemed Culinary Council of world-famous chefs.

Vintage Eve Circa April 2017: The Turf Cocktail from 12 Bottle Bar

February 18, 2020 by evebushman

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of recipes from the 12 Bottle Bar book, and not just because the authors have generously served up how-to-make bitters and how-to-make scrubs at Cocktails on the Roof the last two years. We actually have local cocktail aficionados living here and I, for one, am going for the gusto in learning all I can from them.

From the 12 Bottle Bar website, this is who they are:

David Solmonson
An avid home-bartending enthusiast, David is a screenwriter and media executive by trade. He is married to author Lesley Jacobs Solmonson. David is BarSmarts certified.

Lesley Solmonson
Lesley’s book “Gin: A Global History” (Reaktion) was published in 2012, and she is currently working on “Liqueur: A Global History” (Reaktion). She is the cocktail/wine writer for the LA Weekly and writes for Chilled magazine. Lesley has written for many other publications, including Wine Enthusiast, Gourmet, and Santa Barbara, and she serves on the Advisory Board of the Museum of the American Cocktail.

Now about the main ingredient in this cocktail, genever, it took David and Lesley about three times to get me to say it like Geneva with an r at the end and I’m still not sure that’s right. What is genever? Well…I’m a gin fan and the Solmonsons are gin fans so the logical step in my cocktail education was to try a gin-like spirit. Enter genever.

As 12 Bottle Bar explains: “…Modern genever is essentially a blend of two distinct spirits. The first is triple or quadruple pot-distilled ‘maltwine’, equal amounts of corn, rye, and malted barley. The second is neutral spirit like that used in London Dry. And then, of course, there are the botanicals, which must include juniper. It’s the use of juniper that has caused many to call genever “gin”; the term “genever” translates quite literally as juniper. Indeed, when genever made its way to America in the mid-1800s, it was often referred to as Holland gin…” Read more here: http://12bottlebar.com/2012/06/bottle-reboot-part-4-genever/

And the cocktail I loved made with Genever this week is:

The Turf Cocktail

2 oz Bols Genever
1 oz Sweet Vermouth
1 dash Angostura Bitters

Add all ingredients to a chilled mixing glass.
Stir with ice and strain into a coupe.
Garnish with a lemon twist.

Contact: drinks@12bottlebar.com

Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.

Five-Star Hotel on Historic Via Giulia Offers Private ‘Liquor Room’ with Rare Collection of Distilled Spirits

November 29, 2018 by evebushman

Rome, Italy – Inside the D.O.M Hotel Roma, an elegantly modern hotel in a 17^th century palazzo near the Tiber River with 18 guest rooms and suites and restaurant, another surprise awaits: the exclusive Liquor Room, with a far-ranging private collection of distilled spirits from around the world and the first of its kind in Italy.

The refined interior of the spirited space, curated by Italian architect Antonio Girardi, reflects a “modern meets classic” interpretation of Rome’s finest aristocratic homes. Hand-crafted furniture and original artworks create a comfortably elegant space in which to peruse the 33-page menu of the Liquor Room’s Distilleries Collection and then suitably appreciate the selected spirits.

“We are pleased to offer our guests one of the world’s finest private collections of distilled spirits in an inviting space designed to enhance tasting and convivial relaxation. Our Liquor Room menu features hand-selected Whiskys, Rums, Tequila, Mescal and Cachaça, Cognac, Bas-Armagnac and Calvados, Porto and Brandy, Grappa, Fruit Distilles, Vodka, Gin, Genever, Vermouth, Saké and Schochu,” said Matteo Fornasier, Hotel Manager.

“The collection was curated by the owners of Rome’s Enoteca Achilli al Parlamento who are highly respected as experts in wine and gastronomy. Research for unique and rare liquors for the Liquor Room is ongoing, with the menu updated based on findings. Sommeliers of Achilli al DOM oversee the Liquor Room along with Patrizio Boschetto, a world champion bartender.”

Whiskys include a selection of Single and Blended Irish and Scottish Malts, Irish Whiskey, Bourbon Whiskey, Rye Whiskey and New World Whisky from Japan. One of the most prestigious is the Banff Rare Malt Collection Cask Strength 21 Years that was distilled in 1982, with water sourced from Fiskaidly Farms springs. The celebrated Banff Distillery, opened in 1824 on Banff Bay in Inverboyndie, Scotland, ceased operations in 1983.

Rums are sourced from Martinique, including the Vieux Agricole – Carbat 1975, as well as selections from Cuba, Trinidad, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Marie Galante, Haiti, Venezuela, Guatemala, Panama and Nicaragua.

Tequilas from Mexico are offered in Anejo, Blanco, Plata, Silver and Gran Patron Burdeos styles by eight different brands, including Casamigos, Don Julio, Espolon and Patron. There are seven Mescal selections from Mexico and two Cachaça options from Brazil made from fermented sugarcane juice.

There are 10 selections of Cognac du Grande Champagne, including Lherand Vintage 1971, and two choices of Cognac du Petite Champagne.

Aged Brandy from Malaga is offered in three vintages, 1780, 1857 and 1866. Jerez Brandy is a Gran Solera Reserva from Carlos I.

From Italy, the Liquor Room features an inspired selection of Grappa, including a Marolo Grappa di Barolo-15 anni, and a Poli Pavillac 2007, Bottle 2673/5000. Fruit Distillates from Caponella, known for the distilling artistry of Gianni Caponella, includes an Amarena di Montagna, made from sour mountain cherries, and Albiocche de Vesuvio, produced from apricots from Mount Vesuvius.

Eighteen different vodka options are sourced from Poland, Russia, Holland, France, Italy and Japan.

Gin selections include 14 choices from the United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany and Spain, as well as Coffey Gin by Japanese distiller Nikka, and two gins from Italy.

There are thirteen selections of Vermouth from distillers in Italy, Spain and France, ranging from Extra Dry, Rosso and Bianco to Vanilla from Italy’s Martini, Mulassano, Carpano, Martelletti, Cocchi and Galliano; Spain’s Sarti and Lustao, and France’s Lillet.

Six different choices of Sakè and Schochu from Japan by producers Sakè Company and Asahi round out the extensive Distilleries Collection offered to guests at D.O.M. Hotel Roma by Liquor Room.

The Liquor Room Distilled Spirits pricing ranges from €10 to €800 per pour depending on the spirit selected. Advance reservations are required to experience the collection. The Liquor Room is also available to host private events or intimate dinners for up to six people.

About D.O.M Hotel Roma

D.O.M. Hotel Roma is an intimate five-star hotel in a 17^th century palazzo near the Tiber River with 18 luxurious guestrooms and suites. Set in the heart of Rome on historic Via Giulia, the richly textured interiors were restored and curated by Italian architect Antonio Girardi to reflect a “modern meets classic” interpretation of Rome’s finest aristocratic homes. Handcrafted furniture and artworks include original photographic works by Man Ray and Bert Stein and Andy Warhol silkscreen designs. Achilli al D.O.M. serves an inspired menu year-round, with service in season on the rooftop terrace noted for stunning views and an aromatic herb garden. The Liquor Room, home to one of the world’s largest private collections of distilled spirits that date from the 1780s to today, was designed to enhance tasting and convivial relaxation. D.O.M Hotel Roma, Via Giulia 131, Rome, Italy, derives its name from the initials of a Latin inscription, “Deo Optimo Maximo,” found on the original palazzo turned Claretian monastery. For more information, please visit https://www.domhotelroma.com/en/ and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

An Invitation to TASTE THE WORLD (of spirits) 2016 with Henry Wine Group

May 20, 2016 by evebushman

We recently enjoyed a “grand tasting showcasing the Wine and Spirits of over 300 producers from around the world”, at The Beverly Hills Hotel and hosted by The Henry Wine Group, a “Fine Wine and Spirits distributor serving California since 1985.”

In this event, just as we’ve done in the past, I covered the spirits’ portfolio while my business partner, Michael Perlis, did his best to cover probably four or five times as much in the wine section.

The Distilled Beverages

Of note for me in the whiskey category was Kinahan’s blended and 10 year-old single malt Irish whiskies, Edradour 10 year old single malt whiskey, Signatory single malt bottlings of Clynelish 17 year old (my personal new favorite), Highland Park aged 16 years and Bruichladdich 22 year old.

I discovered Northern California’s Charbay’s Ruby Red Grapefruit, true-to-taste Meyer Lemon and Green Tea flavored vodkas, a Tahitian vanilla rum, the “Nostalgie” Black Walnut liqueur as well as two interesting hop-flavored whiskies.

Bainbridge stole the show with their organic wheat vodka, organic wheat whiskey and organic wheat gin. And the real surprise in the flavor category for me was taking that already-killer vodka and infusing it with real vanilla bean. Would be perfect over ice alone in my opinion.

Under “other” I liked the Blackwoods Small Batch Gin; three Amaros: Meletti, Montenegro and Monte san Costanzo; the subtle differences between Meletti’s Anisette and Sambuca; getting a broad education on tequila, rustico, anejo and reposado from the Haas Brothers over some really smooth Don Amado; rums from Panama-Pacific; revisiting Clear Creek Distillery goodies and finding my fave Douglas Fir Brandy dialed down a notch – in a good way.

Genever stole my heart from Diep 9, both the “young” and “old” versions. Like gin kicked up a notch, if that can be done, this spirit is distilled from grain with herbs, the older version with the addition of French oak barrel aging. The Smooth Ambler Greenbriar gin was great as well.

Most of what I enjoyed can be seen in this short YouTube slide show.

SPIRIT LIST AT PRESS TIME

Alvear / Avuá Cachaça / Bodegas Baron / Caribbean Spirits Inc. / Charbay Distillery & Winery / Clear Creek Distillery / Craft + Estate / Domaine Select Wine & Spirits / Elixir / Flemish Lion / Haas Brothers / Imbue / Indigenous Selections / Meletti (Opici) / Montanero Mezcal / Siebra Spirits / Smooth Ambler Spirits / Total Beverage Solution / Vias Imports Ltd.

WINE LIST AT PRESS TIME (Look to Michael Perlis’ coverage on the wine portion of this event.)

Acre Wines / Adelshem Vineyard / Amavi Cellars / Ancient Peaks Winery / Andis Wines / Andrew Murray Vineyards / Banville Wine Merchants / Bespoke Collection / Blue Rock Vineyard / Bodegas Arzuaga / Bodegas Borsao / Bonded Winery No. 9 / Cain Vineyard & Winery / Calera / Claiborne & Churchill / Clos Bellane / Clos LaChance / Coravin / Craft + Estate / Curious Cork Imports / Dark Star Imports / Dashe Cellars / District 3 / Domaine Select Wine & Spirits / Dutton Estate / Elizabeth Spencer Wines / Eighty Four Wines / Fabio Viviani Wines / Fine Estates from Spain / Hand Picked Selections / Head High Wines / Henriot, Inc. / Heron Wines / Highway 12 Vineyards & Winery / Indigenous Selections / Joullian Vineyards / Laely Wine / Lafond Winery / Left Coast Cellars / Lola Kay / Long Meadow Ranch Winery / Lumen Wines / Luna Vineyards / Lynmar Estate / MacRostie Winery and Vineyards / Madness and Cures / Martian Ranch & Vineyards / Medlock Ames / Mettler Family Vineyards / Michael Pozzan Winery / Milbrandt Vineyards / Mindego Ridge / Negociants USA / Nuclear Wine Company / Pali Wine Company / Paolo Scavino / Pepper Bridge / Quinta Vale d. Maria / Red Car Wine Company / Riverbench Vineyard and Winery / Round Pond Estate / Rubissow / San Francisco Wine Exchange / San Lorenzo Winery / Santa Barbara Winery / Saucelito Canyon / Selby Winery / Shafer Vineyards / Sinor-LaVallee / Small Vines / Staete Landt Wine Co. / Stemmler Winery / Stewart Cellars / Taft Street Winery / Thomas Fogarty Wines / Three Sticks Winery / Tierra Divina Vineyards / Titus Vineyards / Vias Imports Ltd. / Vintage Wine Estates / Volker Eisele Family Estate / Warner Henry Offerings / White Hart / Winesellers, Ltd. / ZD Wines

From 12 Bottle Bar: The Pineapple Julep

August 2, 2015 by evebushman

So here we have the Pineapple Julep. We have substituted orange liqueur for the traditional maraschino liqueur (not something we’d do in, say, an Aviation, but it works fine here) and used genever, which was the standard “old gin” called for in early gin julep recipes.

(From 12 Bottle Bar book)

Ingredients

1/2 ounce genever
1/2 ounce orange liqueur
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed orange juice strained
1/2 ounce raspberry syrup or Grenadine
1 teaspoon pineapple juice strained
something sweet and sparkling

Steps

Add all ingredients, save the sparkling, to a mixing glass and stir to combine
Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice, then pour the mixed drink over the ice
Top with a sweet sparkling wine
Garnish with pineapple, berries, and (if desired) mint