It’s Only Proper: Downton Abbey Inspired Wine, Gin, and Cigars
His and her indulgences, just in time for the movie premiere
Ladies, are you swooning in anticipation of the Downton Abbey movie? Guys, are you dreading sitting through this period piece chick flick? Now both the gentler sex and gents can enjoy everything aristocratic and be immersed in the ultimate masterpiece theatre experience, with vintage vino and inspired spirits and cigars.
The Downton Abbey Wine Collection features two enticing blends from the Bordeaux region of France: a “Blanc” white wine and a “Claret” red wine. Downton Abbey Blanc is a light and crisp white blend, while Downton Abbey Claret is medium-bodied red with bright fruit and a silky finish.
Made by the Grands Vins de Bordeaux, a family-owned Winery with more than 130 years of winemaking experience in the prized Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux, France, both blends authentically recreate the finely balanced, elegant wines that were produced in the Downton Era, originating from the same vines, soil and region. It may be hard to find this wine, as it was released in 2014, but a few bottles may still be found at wine clubs.
While the lads may be bored of the polite conversation in the sitting room, they can retreat to the lounge to indulge in a stiff, manly drink of Highclere Caste Gin, produced in England’s oldest gin distillery and made using botanicals grown on the Highclere estate, which of course is the home of the acclaimed Downtown Abbey.
The Highclere botanical gardens pre-exists the castle, and includes lavender planted by the Bishops of Winchester in the 1600s, juniper from the surrounding hills and citrus from the Victorian orangery. Soft on the nose and smooth on the palate, Highclere Castle Gin’s flavor evokes the authentic turn of the century elegance of Highclere itself.
For the Lords of the castle, what is a drink of gin without a fine cigar? Whilst the ladies gab, they can enjoy courser conversation and a smooth Highclere Castle Cigar, laced with notes of pepper, citrus, leather and fireplace. Produced by world-class artisans, these cigar are reminiscent of the classic estate. Launched in 2017 at the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association’s Annual Conference, this limited edition cigar is available in cigar lounges and tobacco shops around the United States.
The ladies may shed a tear and their chaps may nod off during the much-awaited Downton Abbey movie, but a date night of the Crawleys, fine wine, highballs and maybe even a few puffs of a stogie will guarantee an evening of drama.