POCKETS Best of Men’s Style
POCKETS SPRING/SUMMER 2010
GOLF IN IRELAND
Maserati Debuts The GT Convertible
Maserati GranTurismo
How Sean Connery Got To Be Bond Triumph T-Bird: Power To Spare
REDBREAST WHISKEY
Rolex Takes Time To Extremes
Dalmatian Coastal Escape
Nick Faldo’s New Irish Greens
TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD
BEST
OF
MEN’S STYLE
SPRING / SUMMER 2010
2010
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The COOL EFFECT Fabric reflects the sun’s rays
AN ENDURING PASSION FOR FABRIC, INNOVATION AND QUALITY SINCE 1910
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{ contents }
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columns The Sporting Life Golf is just one of the pleasures at Lough Erne, a new world-class resort in Northern Ireland.
features
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Seduction on Wheels The Maserati GranTurismo delivers it all: Pininfarina looks, performance, comfort and the throatiest engine on the road.
Malt Complex and balanced, Redbreast is proof that the best Irish whiskey is among the best whiskey anywhere.
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Strong Suits This season’s take-charge clothing styles are tailor-made for the confident male.
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Finishing Touch
Dalmatian Holiday On Korcula, legendary birthplace of Marco Polo, the Lesic Dimitri Palace offers thoroughly modern comfort in an old-world setting.
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What elevates a tuxedo to sartorial perfection? It’s partly design and partly a matter of expert fitting.
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T-Bird Rising A British-built motorcycle with American styling, the 2010 Triumph Thunderbird is an instant classic in the cruiser category.
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Taking Time to Extremes True to its pioneering tradition of conquering Everest and the ocean depths, Rolex keeps pace with life’s adventures.
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departments Hot Stuff
Invitation to Style Cool items for the warm months
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The Pockets Guide Zegna at 100 … Mercedes goes green. … Rice and beans from Margaret’s kitchen … The fine art of neckwear … and more!
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The best furnishings, accessories and shoes for spring and summer, handselected by our team of experts
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Elements of Style Ordering custom shirts is an adventure in choice and distinction.
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Viva Italia! The latest men’s fashion and enduring beauty on a trip to where style is born
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ICON
Sean Connery The actor who made Bond famous is proof that clothes do make the man, and that urbanity can be acquired.
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Cover: Crisp summer suiting by Canali. Photograph by Daniel Springston.
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Authentic denim. Handcrafted in California
AG AVE DE NIM .COM
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{ invitation to style }
POCKETS 48 HIGHLAND PARK VILLAGE, DALLAS, TX 75205 214.368.1167 www.pocketsmenswear.com
Store Hours MONDAY to SATURDAY: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Editorial Director D AV I D S M I T H
Editor & Publisher Creative Director Art Director
MARK DOWDEN AMY A. DOWDEN
S T E P H E N M . V I TA R B O
Contributing Editors J E N N I F E R C E N I C O L A , LEE LUSARDI CONNOR, CAROLINE GOYETTE, J U L I A C . I R E L A N D , T I M O T H Y K E L L E Y, MARIA LISSANDRELLO, EVERETT POTTER, PA U L R O G E R S Contributing Photographer DANIEL SPRINGSTON
Art Associate
LAURA CARAMAGNA
Art Assistant
PAT R I C E H O R VAT H
Corporate Editorial Director R I TA G U A R N A
Publishing Staff Associate Publisher
You are what
Pocket squares are
SHAE MARCUS
you carry; people
a way to dress up a
Senior Advertising Account Executive
notice quality.
sportcoat and add some
JODI LASALA
Advertising Account Executive
You don’t have to be a
color. Come by the store
S T E P H A N I E S TA I A N O
and we’ll show you how
Production Director C H R I S T I N E H A M E L
pocket squares work.
Production Assistant J U L I A N I E D Z W I E C K I
surgeon to want working
Advertising Services Director THOMAS RAGUSA
buttons on your coat cuffs. They are cool, sophisti-
A famous person once said that a well-dressed man
cated and a bit snobby.
should be attentive to the style and condition of his belt (a black dress belt is not right with jeans).
Senior Art Director, Agency Services KIJOO KIM
Marketing Manager A N D R E A S T R E I S F E L D Accounting A G N E S A LV E S , J E S S I C A S O L L O WAY
Published by Chairman C A R R O L L V. D O W D E N President M A R K D O W D E N Executive Vice President DEBORAH JONES BARROW
Vice Presidents A M Y A . D O W D E N , N I G E L E D E L S H A I N , R I TA G U A R N A , SHANNON STEITZ Circulation Director L A U R E N M E N A
COOL IS IN THE D E TA I L S Attention to detail and insistence on quality are what separate the man of style from those dull drones who muddle through life. But you already know this, or you wouldn’t be reading this magazine. At Pockets Menswear, we have always wanted our customers to dress better than they have to, and we delight in seeking out the clothing, casual wear, accessories and furnishings that represent the best combination of stylish design, quality materials, craftsmanship and value. The merchandise pictured above, along with the images you see throughout this issue, are just a taste of the fine selection you’ll find in our Highland Park Village store. In these pages you’ll also read about cool cars, luxury travel destinations and other topics—all carefully selected for the man of style. We hope you enjoy, and we look forward to seeing you in our store soon.
P O C K E T S Magazine is published twice a year by Wainscot Media, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645, in association with Pockets. Copyright © 2010 by Wainscot Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Editorial Contributions: Write to Editor, Pockets, 110 Summit Avenue, Montvale, NJ 07645; telephone 201.782.5730; email mark.dowden@wainscotmedia.com. The magazine is not responsible for the return or loss of unsolicited submissions. Subscription Services: To change an address or request a subscription, write to Subscriptions, POCKETS, Circulation Department, PO Box 1788, Land O Lakes, FL 34639; telephone 813.996.6579; email lauren.mena@wainscotmedia.com. Advertising Inquiries: Contact Shae Marcus at 856.797.2227 or shae.marcus@wainscotmedia.com.
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{ the
pockets guide } Zegna at 100
Mercedes goes green Want to drive a Big Benz, but still be green? Meet the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, the world’s first massproduction car with a lithium ion battery. Known as a mild-hybrid, the S400 boosts fuel efficiency with the assistance of the battery-powered electric motor. The EPA rating for the car is 19 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway. When HybridCars.com tested the S400 on a 150-mile jaunt in Southern Germany, they managed an impressive 29.3 mpg, and that included some stretches on the Autobahn where they let the Benz rip at more than 100 mph. The other green aspect of the car is its toprated carbon emissions profile, which includes zero emissions at stand-still because the engine stops automatically. Weighing only 120 lbs. more than the standard S-Class sedan, the S400 Hybrid offers comparable handling and sure-footedness, with no compromise in cabin volume or cargo space. The price, however, is lower. For a test drive, contact Park Place Motorcars Dallas at 888-354-7176; mercedesbenzdallas.parkplacetexas.com
As Ermenegildo Zegna celebrates its centennial, the brand’s luster continues to grow. Zegna is continually pushing the boundaries of fabric technology—as with its exclusive Cool Effect fabric, which offers heat protection by reflecting the sun’s rays. And then there’s the marvelous clothing itself, with its elegant marriage of traditional tailoring and contemporary Italian styling. For ready-to-wear, made-to-measure and couture, Pockets is proud to be your Dallas source for the best Zegna has to offer.
Straight Up with a Twist Adam Derrick, footwear specialist at To Boot New York, takes pride in his ability to infuse his tradition-inspired collections with the spirit of modern menswear trends. Handcrafted in small Italian factories, each pair of shoes undergoes 200 steps in the journey from concept to final design. Derrick ensures that To Boot footwear is made of only the finest Italian and French-cut leathers and soles, making the company’s shoes and boots both stylish and durable. In addition to offering classic styles in dress shoes (lace-ups, slip-ons and loafers), To Boot New York’s spring-summer line boasts plenty of casual options with sandals, moccasins and sleek drivers. Why not stop by the store and try them on for yourself?
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Jeans Genie Skinny or low, distressed or dark blue, laid-back or dressed up—how many kinds of jeans do you need, and, more important, which pair is appropriate for what occasion? Our Pockets staff will be glad to help you figure all that out. Here you can find not only the best jeans available—with brands like Agave, AG (pictured here), Nudie, Hiltl, Zegna and 7 for All Mankind—but also cool casual shoes (see the selection on page 15 of this issue), shirts and jackets. Stop by the store for an education in the ever-evolving world of men’s jeans—and walk out looking better than ever.
THE A-to-Z LIST Pockets features more than 40 designer brands under one roof. See if you don’t find your favorites in the list below. Then stop by the store for a shopping experience you’ll love. AG Jeans Arnold Zimberg Canali Carrot & Gibbs Clint Orms Engravers CP Company Dolcepunta Ermenegildo Zegna Eyebobs Gimo’s Gran Sasso Gravati Hiltl Incotex Inhabit Jake Agave John Varvatos La Matta Lorenzini Luciano Barbera
Martin Dingman Masons Massimo Bizzocchi Michael Toschi Moore & Giles Moreschi Mulholland Nicky Nudie Jeans Pantherella Robert Comstock Saltaire St. Croix 7 for all mankind Tasca To Boot Transit W. Kleinberg Zanella
Canali Moore & Giles
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Visit the Upscale Mall That Started It All Highland Park Village, the home of Pockets since 2004, has been the inspiration for countless upscale retailers. That’s because when it opened in 1931 it was the very first planned shopping center in the U.S. Styles have changed, but the lushly landscaped Highland Park Village still offers a superb range of fine men’s and women’s clothing, accessories and other accoutrements of the good life, from Anne Fontaine through Williams Sonoma. We also love it for its brand-new concierge service (they’ll shop, wrap and deliver for you—and even wash your car while you shop or dine). There’s a real sense of community here, perhaps because there are so many reasons to visit—whether it’s to get your daily Starbucks or get a quick trim at the Village Barber Shop. This fall will see the unveiling of the newly renovated Village Theatre and the Marquee Club, a new restaurant and lounge. To learn more about the great things in store here, visit www.hpvillage.com.
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TIE One On Rolando Scapellato named his necktie collection Dolcepunta (Italian for “soft point”) after its signature detail—the subtly curving tip that demands more skill from a tailor than a standard point. Scapellato’s neckwear is all about craftsmanship. Dolcepunta’s seven-fold tie—a large piece of lightweight silk folded seven times to create a symmetrical triangular-tipped blade—requires four times more silk than the average necktie and heaps more skill. “With that much fabric, the trick is to keep the lightness,” Scapellato has said. “Otherwise you end up with a tarp around your neck.” Dolcepunta ties come in a range of colorful satins, foulard prints and richly colored jacquard weaves, all of which sit lightly on the neck and make a long, chunky, beautifully dimpled knot. You will not find a betterconstructed necktie.
From Margaret’s Kitchen Margaret Smith loves cooking—much to the delight of the Smiths’ family and friends—and has been sharpening her culinary skills since David first bought her a gift certificate for a cooking class in 1972. She prefers simple dishes made with fresh ingredients and flare. Here’s the recipe for one of her specialties: BLACK BEANS AND RICE
1 lb. black beans 1 qt. chicken stock 1 large, meaty ham bone 1 cup chopped onion, sautéed 1 large green pepper, chopped and sautéed 1 bay leaf 1/2 cup of chopped celery 1/2 tsp. dry mustard 1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
The Eyes Have It
“Why bother putting on a terrific suit or wearing terrific shoes,” asks eyebobs founder Julie Allinson, “if you are going to put a cheap pair of readers on your face?” Good point, Julie! At Pockets you’ll find a great selection of eyebobs reading glasses to suit any mood and style.
2 cloves garlic, minced Add to taste: Tabasco sauce, salt and pepper, sherry or wine Rinse beans and cover with chicken stock and two cups of water. Add ham bone and simmer for about 6 hours. Remove bone; puree half the bean mixture. Add onions, celery, green peppers, puree and remaining ingredients to the pot. Cook for another hour. Serve over rice. Recommended sides: avocado slices, grated cheese, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, sour cream, lime slices. SPRING
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VIVA ITALIA! Pockets Menswear was one of 17 specialty stores in the U.S. invited by the Italian Government and Esquire Magazine to visit Italy in January. We attended the premier fashion market in the world, Pitti Uomo, in Florence; had VIP seats at the best runway shows during fashion week in Milan; visited the Caruso clothing factory in Parma; and toured Lanificio Zegna, the mill where the world-renowned fabrics of Ermenegildo Zegna are created, in Trivero. When we weren’t touring or shopping for next fall’s offerings at Pockets, we were, of course, soaking up everything beautiful, historic and magical about the people, the food and the culture of Italy. Here are some of favorite moments from an incredible trip. Ciao!
After a hearty lunch at the Antica Corte Pallavicina in Parma, David Smith and Enrique from Caruso smile for the camera.
Historic wooden boxes are employed to store yarn at Lanificio Zegna.
In this typical Milanese street scene behind a vintage electric streetcar. Note the ancient stone pavers. Coming at you: the finale of the Ermenegildo Zegna fashion show in Milan. The brand is celebrating its centennial this year.
Linda, the guide at Casa Zegna, shows off the archive of historic fabrics.
Next season’s Italian-made outerwear on display at Pitti Uomo in Florence On a chilly night in Milan, the Missoni party is the place to be. Models show off Missoni’s fall 2010 menswear collection. Culatello hams custom-cured for Armani aging in a cellar in Parma
Abbondanza: A typical lunch in Tuscany features meat, cheese and more. Boglioli’s display at the Pitti show
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The spectacular Duomo in Milan faces a huge and bustling piazza.
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STYLE. SOPHISTICATION. TORQUE. Nothing turns heads quite like a world-class luxury vehicle from Park Place Maserati. And no one helps you find the perfect fit better than our our sales consultants and service professionals. Their commitment to excellence begins the moment you arrive and continues throughout the life of your vehicle—so it’s no wonder Park Place continues to win praise and awards year after year. It all just goes to show that a truly exceptional dealership experience never goes out of style.
2010 GranTurismo Convertible
5300 Lemmon Avenue
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{ hot stuff }
Beyond
Basics
Every man’s must-haves get an upgrade to first class
Pockets sets you up for the season with an Ermenegildo Zegna Trofeo sportcoat, shirt and tie.
Cool and casual jean belts from Orciani in leather and suede
Classic with a twist: Hush Puppies’ driving moccasin in soft suede with contrast stitching
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Simply irresistible: Alexander Julian Private Reserve sportshirts in watercolor prints, made in Italy
Marcoliani socks are clearly superior— thanks to their fine yarns, perfect fit, easy care and great colors.
With love from Italy: 100 percent silk ties from Ermenegildo Zegna SPRING
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{ hot stuff }
STAFF PICKS
These are a few of our favorite things
Doug Duckworth’s pick: A rugged jean belt of faux gator with a vintage buckle design from Moore & Giles
Andy Weil is wowed by Clint Orms’ western belts fashioned from exotic skins and sterling silver hardware.
David Smith likes “Sawyer,” a peppy sport shoe in smooth calf and suede from To Boot New York
Laura Mcelyea loves a sized-justright, glazed and tumbled leather weekender bag from Brompton; also available in rustic bison
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Happy feet With shoes this good-looking, you’ll be walking on air “Aaron” brown calf cap toe with fine perf detailing from To Boot New York
Split-toe chocolate brown suede shoe with tan saddle from Gravati
Classic two-eye boat shoe in brown suede from Timberland
“Clay” driving shoe in burnished cognac calf from To Boot New York
Brown calf lace-up dress shoe from To Boot New York
“Venetian” in brown oiled calfskin from Timberland’s Counterpane collection
“Venetian” in tan suede from Timberland
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{ elements of style }
COLLARS Multiple collar
MONOGRAMMING
styles are available, from a
Choose from a full array of
classic point to an English
colors to personalize your shirt.
spread. Collars are all sized individually to ensure a perfect fit!
FABRICS Select from hundreds of the world’s most exclusive fabrics, from casual to elegant dress, in every color, texture and style.
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Made to Measure A Pockets custom shirt is an adventure in choice and distinction. Your shirt is tailored to your exact measurments and fashioned to your taste in color, pattern & detail
CUFFS French cuff,
barrel cuff, one button, two button, rounded, angled and squared ... the choice is yours.
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Sean Connery on the set of the 1964 film Woman of Straw, in which he co-starred with Gina Lollobrigida. In the film, which came out just after he made it big as Bond, Connery plotted to murder his wealthy uncle. A rare villainous role for him, it helped cement his sophisticated, sexy image.
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{ icon }
SEAN CONNERY Ask the women in your life about Sean Connery, and odds are
donned in From Russia with Love, the three-piece (complete
they’ll confirm that they find him irresistible. The man who
with lapelled waistcoat) made famous in Goldfinger. So com-
uttered the unforgettable line, “The name is Bond … James
fortable has he become with fashion that this spring, for the
Bond” (in 1962’s Dr. No) was voted Sexiest Man of the Century
eighth year in a row, he hosts the Dressed to Kilt New York
by People magazine in 1999. Recently, at age 79, the actor
fashion show, created to highlight Scottish designers. And
scored 90 percent in “Woman Magnetism” in an online poll.
Louis Vuitton chose him as a style icon for the brand’s ongoing
What’s Sean Connery’s secret? At least to some degree,
Core Values campaign.
he is proof that clothes do make the man, and that urbanity
In the end, it’s not just what Connery wears, but the way
can be acquired. A foul-mouthed ex-milkman and Mr. Universe
he wears it that makes him the emblem of innate cool. Here is
finalist from Edinburgh, Connery was an unlikely choice for
a man with presence. From his 007 days to The Hunt for Red
the role of Bond. Producer
October, in roles ranging
Harry Saltzman claimed he
from Indiana Jones’ father
chose Connery for the role
to a reclusive professor (in
after watching him walk
Finding Forrester), he strikes
down the street. But not
the perfect balance of sua-
only did Ian Fleming him-
vity and swagger, charm and
self have doubts—he called
confidence. His shoulders
Connery
“Glaswegian
stay squared, his arms are
truck driver”—so did Dr.
held slightly away from his
No director Terence Young,
body, his stance is relaxed.
who schooled Connery in
And as Bond, he exempli-
the ways of the well-bred.
fies the “dark triad” of traits
Young reputedly made Con-
study-proven to get the girl:
nery wear a suit around the
narcissism, a penchant for
clock—even to bed—to get
thrill-seeking and an easy
used to the feel.
comfort with deceit.
a
And get used to it he
Assuming that in real
did. Connery exuded style
life, Connery—Sir Sean since
whether sipping a martini
2000—is no more egotistical
or facing imminent death
or deceitful than your aver-
by laser beam. He looks
age bloke, how then can we
utterly at ease in the sleek
sum up his enduring appeal?
gray suit (narrow notched
Venerable film critic Pauline
lapels, angled slit pock-
Kael seems to have nailed it:
ets) he wore in Dr. No, the
“Women want to meet him,
seven-stripe glen plaid he
and men want to be him.”
Connery is proof that clothes do make the man, and that urbanity can be acquired.
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Seduction on
Wheels |
The Maserati GranTurismo delivers it all: Pininfarina looks, performance, comfort and the throatiest engine on the road
BY MARIA LISSANDRELLO
JUST A GLANCE AT THE MASERATI GRANTURISMO in all its curvy glory tells you
this two-door 2+2 coupé is a modern-day classic. No surprise, given its lineage: From nose to tail, the car is a stylish paean to its aerodynamic ancestor, the
original 1947 GranTurismo. Known as the AG 1500 GT, that Pininfarina gem was the first Maserati built for the road, not the raceway, and today’s version follows suit with bold fenders arching closely around 20-inch wheels, a long nose with strong V-shaped lines and dramatic wide-set headlights. As for its most distinctive feature—the trident studding the large concave grille—it arguably stands as the automotive world’s most elegant emblem. But looks aren’t the only thing that makes the GranTurismo so damn, well, sexy: In a 2008 study by British luxury car insurer Hiscox, a whopping 100 percent of female participants had a marked biological response to the mere sound of Maserati’s V8 engine. Turns out the same sexy snarl that gets
With its sophisticated design and superior balance, the GranTurismo owns the curves—both visually and literally. State-of-the-art suspension means smooth driving even at high speeds, but the GT also functions as an elegant touring machine.
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Design in the details: This page, in the new GT Convertible, you can go from enclosed comfort to the joy of open-top motoring in less than 30 seconds; next page, clockwise, on the GT S Automatic, each rear light cluster has 96 LEDs; the 4.7-liter engine sits behind the front axle for superior weight distribution; the passenger cabin is beautifully appointed in the owner’s choice of wood and leather.
the GranTurismo going also sends women’s testosterone levels
the base model and the “S,” but it has the same larger engine and
soaring. (Biology refresher: Women also rely on the “mostly male”
gives up none of the performance. In addition to fully automatic
hormone for a libido lift.) In short, firing up the spectacular GT may
mode (which is surprisingly fluid), the six-speed can be driven in
be literally the most powerful seduction strategy on earth.
semi-manual mode. No clutching is required; the gears are changed
The Trident Marque made the car still throatier last year when it introduced the GranTurismo S. Engine displacement got bumped from 4.2 liters to 4.7, via added bore and stroke. This change ratcheted the
via column-mounted paddles (“down” on the left side of the steering wheel and “up” on the right). No matter your pick, the 4,000-pound machine performs admira-
horses to an ample 440, compared with 405 hp for what is now the
bly, whipping around corners, hurtling up hills, braking at will—with-
base model.
out lurching, rolling or hesitating in the slightest. Credit goes not
Maserati also launched an automatic model of the GranTurismo
just to the smooth transmission but also to the Skyhook adaptive
S in 2009—joining most other high-end makers in a move consid-
suspension system, which makes more than 100 accommodations
ered sacrilegious by some sports-car purists. This is the model we
per second based on every bump in the road to guarantee a ride that
tested. With a sticker starting at $125,900, it’s mid-priced between
is at once stable and thrilling. The true personality of the car emerges in sport mode, with
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M A R I A L I S S A N D R E L L O writes frequently about Italian automobiles,
the simple push of the “sport” button. Flaps in the dual exhaust
food and culture.
open, producing an even throatier thrum when the engine is idling.
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Under way, there’s an immediate difference in feel: The steering is
19 exterior colors and six brake-caliper color options, the Gran-
tauter—the suspension, too—and the shifts from the gearbox are
Turismo is one of the most customizable ways to show off your
quicker. Sport mode rules! What of comfort? It often yields to performance in the sports-car
automotive personality.
THE MASERATI GRANTURISMO S AUTOMATIC
AT A GLANCE
New for 2010 is a drophead version called the GranCabrio, which is sold in
world, but not here. The interior of
BASE PRICE: $125,900
the U.S. as the GranTurismo Convertible.
the GranTurismo is downright sumptu-
STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS:
Unlike the metal-roofed Ferrari California,
ous. Poltrona Frau and Alcantara (or peccary) leather seats cradle the body for the long haul. The leather (available in 10 colors) snakes around the door and dash and can be combined
| 4.7L V8 ENGINE | 361 LB-FT @ 4,750 RPM | 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC WITH PADDLE SHIFTER | 440 BHP @ 7,000 RPM | REAR-WHEEL DRIVE | BREMBO ABS 4 WHEEL | 12 MPG CITY, 19 MPG HIGHWAY PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS:
| 0–60 MPH IN 4.8 SECONDS | TOP SPEED: 183 MPH
the GT Convertible features a cloth roof that deploys automatically over the fourseat passenger compartment, a design that neither adds weight nor sacrifices space. This is the first four-seat convert-
with one of three wood trims—wal-
CLOSEST COMPETITORS:
ible in Maserati history, and it sports the
nut, rosewood and wengé—polished
| BMW M6 | ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE | AUDI R8 | MERCEDES CL550
longest wheel-base of any convertible in
to your liking. Indeed, with 18 million
FOR A TEST DRIVE, CONTACT PARK PLACE MASERATI DALLAS
its class. It goes without saying: This is
color and trim combinations, including
214.443.5215; MASERATIDALLAS.PARKPLACETEXAS.COM
no ordinary ragtop. SPRING
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STRONG SUITS
This season’s best tailored clothing is an outward expression of inner confidence
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Opposite, Anderson wears a Canali suit, Ermenegildo Zegna dress shirt and necktie, and Massimo Bizzocchi silk pocket square.This page, Anton wears an Ermenegildo Zegna suit and dress shirt.
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Anderson wears a summerweight wool sportcoat in a stone gray windowpane pattern with coordinating silk necktie, both by Ermenegildo Zegna.
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Anton wears an Ermenegildo Zegna Traveller Micronsphere suit, dress shirt and necktie.
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DALMATIAN
On Korcula, legendary birthplace of Marco Polo, the Lesic Dimitri Palace offers thoroughly
HOLIDAY SAIL ALONG THE DALMATIAN COAST OF CROATIA, and you’ll see more than a thousand islands. Scat-
tered like gemstones, with the mainland mountains as a backdrop, they’re part of one of the most scenic coastlines in Europe. Some are no more than rocky outcroppings, while others are topped with pine forests or vineyards, islands that are home to fishing villages and lively port towns. You could spend many summers sailing the beautiful waters of the Adriatic, seeking paradise. But you could save yourself time simply by asking a well-traveled native to name the most beautiful of all of the islands. Chances are, the reply would be “Korcula.” Twenty miles long and no wider than five miles, Korcula lies about 100 miles from Dubrovnik and just a mile off the Croatian coast. It was once covered with pine trees and thus called Kerkyra Malaina (Black Corfu) by Greeks, who settled here around 400 B.C. When you board a ferry in Orebic or Split to make the journey, you’re crossing to an island that is the essence of fairy-tale Europe, a place you imagined existed in the past but had long since disappeared. That fairy-tale CONTINUED . . .
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BY E V E R E T T P O T T E R
modern comfort in a fairy-tale setting
Korcula’s Old Town is surrounded by thick stone walls, circa 14th century. The landmark Cathedral Sveti Marko is the island’s tallest structure.
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quality endures, which may explain why
Korcula has many small and
Korcula, and especially its namesake me-
secluded coves for those seeking
dieval town, has emerged as one of the
privacy, as well as bigger, family-
choicest getaways in the Adriatic.
friendly beaches. Above, the
Crossing the Peljesac Channel and
gorgeous colors in Zitna Bay’s
approaching the marina, you’ll see a fleet
water are the result of its sandy
of vintage fishing boats and the fortress
sea floor. Right, an exterior view
walls of Korcula town. As you disembark,
of the 18th-century Lesic Dimitri
try to ignore the bustle of the dock area
Palace. The town’s streets are
shops and cafes, and go for instant im-
arranged in a fish-bone pattern as
mersion in the past. Climb the19th-
protection against strong winds.
century Grand Staircase with its 15thcentury Revelin tower and walk through the 14th-century Land Gate, built to celebrate the island’s successful defense against the Ottoman navy in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Now you’re in the heart of medieval Korcula, with its tiny streets, winding alleyways and terra-cotta-tiled houses in the Renaissance and Gothic styles. The well-preserved stone buildings may well remind you of
old town is located in a restored 18th-century bishop’s palace and five
Venice. That’s no surprise, given that the Venetians ruled Korcula, an im-
cottages that date from the 15th and 16th centuries. The one- and two-
portant outpost on the spice route, at various times throughout the Middle
story buildings lie on either side of a narrow street that runs from the
Ages. Korcula has even greater fame as the reputed birthplace of the
town center down to the sea.
great explorer Marco Polo, though honestly, there’s nothing to document that assertion. But after a few days here, you’ll come to believe it yourself. Later on, you can walk to the main square, the Pjaceta, overlooked
Lesic Dimitri is less a hotel than a series of six self-contained suites.
by the town hall, and the 17th-century Church of St. Michael. But be-
For example, there is no central lobby per se. Each unit is a luxury
fore you explore the hilly streets and shops, pause to check into one of
apartment. The bigger units have living rooms, private courtyards or
the finest properties in Croatia.
balconies, and as many as four bedrooms apiece.
The Lesic Dimitri Palace, which opened in the summer of 2009, is not an ordinary hotel. Rather, this luxurious retreat in the heart of the 30
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An English-Croatian family spent six years meticulously renovating the palace and managed to retain its unique structure. Which is why
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Inspired by Korcula’s connection with Marco Polo, who supposedly lived next door, each suite has been named after a stop on Marco Polo’s
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A traditional band in uniforms of 13th-century design marches through the old paved streets near the Cathedral Sveti Marko. The ornate 15th-century cathedral was created by some of the same artisans who worked in Renaissance Venice and Dubrovnik.
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Left, oysters, mussels and all manner of seafood are regular features on island menus—often washed down with, a local dry white wine. Above, a lightfilled room in the Arabia residence; right, the Venice residence, with its red-stained ceiling, pays homage to Marco Polo’s Venetian roots.
of grk, a local white wine from the nearby village of Lumbarda. And yes, the word “grk” means Greek, a reference to the grapevines that those early settlers brought centuries ago. On a hot afternoon at the bar, the pace is positively medieval. At night, it’s even quieter. You come to Lesic Dimitri and Korcula for luxurious 13th-century Silk Road. Hence, they are called India, China, Venice, Ceylon, Arabia and Korcula, respectively. The two-bedroom India residence,
relaxation, not nightlife. While you can explore the town and the island on your own, you can
for example, is completely white, and has stone floors and beams, along
also elect to have one of the hotel’s guides take you to local landmarks such
with a Jacuzzi in the room and a private courtyard. The one-bedroom Ara-
as the Korcula Museum and the 14th–century St. Peter’s Church. If you’re
bia has a white, tent-like ceiling, Moorish patterns, a large, low-slung divan
lucky, you’ll be on the island when the Moreska Sword Dance is being
and 360-degree views that encompass the Peljesac Channel and the red
performed. This is pure 15th-century street theater, where 20 costumed
roofs of the town. The three-bedroom, three-bath Venice residence has a
men with swords perform a mock dance/battle that tells of two kings who
private carved wood balcony.
compete for the love of a princess.
While the décor may be varied, all of the residences are elegant,
Have a car and driver take you to the best vineyards on the island,
understated and delicately themed, their tone and taste reminiscent of
passing olive groves and fields of lavender. Or have someone drop you
a Four Seasons property. There’s nothing splashy here. The designer
off at one of the better beaches, such as Vela Przina at Lumbarda. On
has wisely let the architecture speak for itself.
another day, you can hop a ferry for the hour-long trip to Hvar, a hip is-
This is the only luxury hotel within the walls of the old town, and
land that has the air of the Riviera and a harbor full of gleaming yachts.
it is staffed by native Korculanis. Service is gracious, the bathrooms
Or head the other way and ferry to the island of Mljet, which has a
appointed with locally made lavender products. While every residence
national park and two saltwater lakes.
has a kitchen as well as multiple plasma TVs and iPod docking stations, these 21st–century conveniences almost seem beside the point.
But perhaps the best excursion of all is to arrange a day on the Lesic Dimitri’s vintage wooden sailing boat, Vipera. It’s a lazy day spent exploring
There are two Thai masseuses on staff (a coy reference, perhaps, to
the coast of Korcula and other nearby islands, with a trained skipper at the
the Silk Road), and they offer massages in your residence—a fine interim
helm and cold drinks on board. Plan on jumping into the Adriatic when the
solution until the LD Spa opens later in 2010 with four treatment rooms.
mood suits, and lunching on board or at a remote seaside restaurant. It’s a
The hotel’s restaurant also will open this summer, so breakfast is
voyage that Marco Polo himself would have envied.
served in your room. But the LD Bar—a wine bar on the seafront below the hotel—already has become a hit. The drink of choice here is a glass
PLANNING YOUR TRIP LESIC DIMITRI PALACE, KORCULA, CROATIA
E V E R E T T P O T T E R writes frequently about travel. 32
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Doubles from $348 per person, including continental breakfast. www.lesic-dimitri.com
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The bell tower of the Cathedral Sveti Marko, a marvel of artisan stonework. Among the treasures inside are two paintings by Venetian artist Jacopo Tintoretto— one, the main altarpiece, and the other the famous “Our Lady of the Islond” icon, said to have protected Korcula from Turkish invasion in 1571.
FA L L
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T-Bird Rising The 2010 Triumph Thunderbird is an instant classic in the cruiser category
MARLON BRANDO TERRORIZED A SMALL TOWN —and made his bike the ultimate
symbol of rebellion—when he showed up on his 1950 Triumph Thunderbird in
the film The Wild One. Since that time, the Triumph motorcycle brand has had its ups and downs in the marketplace. But it’s safe to say that, with the reintroduction of the Thunderbird this year, the cruiser has regained its iconic status. Triumph put muscle in this model: Its water-cooled, 1600cc engine puts out 85 horsepower and 108 foot-pounds of torque. Unique among cruisers, the engine is a parallel-twin rather than the expected V-twin. And instead of a chain drive, Triumph uses a belt drive—its first since 1922—to transfer all that torque from the engine to the wheels. The rap on cruisers is that they don’t handle well, but the T-Bird, voted Cruiser of the Year by Cycle World magazine, has earned widespread praise for its acceleration, maneuverability and braking. And then there’s the matter of looks. British Triumph tapped American designer Tim Prentice to craft the appearance of the new T-Bird. The result of the threeyear project is a clean-lined bike—with long exhaust pipes and plenty of chrome, of course—that highlights the uncluttered engine. The teardrop fuel tank, a defining design detail of any cruiser, is especially fat, curvaceous and just plain beautiful.
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TAKING TIME TO
True to its pioneering tradition, Rolex keeps pace with life’s adventures
|
BY CAROLINE GOYETTE
EXTREMES A ROLEX WATCH IS COVETED for its superior
legend in its own right, Rolex continues
reliability, fine craftsmanship and iconic
to push watchmaking boundaries, per-
design. But beyond such attributes lies
petually redefining what we can expect
an extraordinary history of adventure to
from a luxury timepiece.
which few brands can lay claim. Since
The Rolex story begins in 1905 with
the company’s founding more than a
Bavarian-born Hans Wilsdorf. Founder of a
century ago, Rolex watches have joined
London company specializing in the distribu-
in exploration the world over, accompany-
tion of timepieces throughout the British
ing pioneering expeditions to the summit
Empire, he was determined to change
of Mount Everest; breaking the sound
public perception of the wristwatch. At the
barrier with American pilot Chuck Yeager; and plunging to the depths of the Pacific Ocean with Swiss
time, pocket watches were the industry standard, while wristwatches were viewed as imprecise and
engineer Jacques Piccard. A
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primarily decorative. Yet Wilsdorf saw their great potential for the demands
disrupt the Oyster’s precision and function, and the company celebrat-
of modern life. To advance his case and ensure reliability, he outfitted his
ed the watch’s success on the front page of London’s Daily Mail.
timepieces with highly precise movements manufactured by a Swiss com-
Then, in 1931, Rolex created the Perpetual Rotor, an invention that
pany in Bienne. His creation would be called “Rolex,” he decided—a name
paved the way for the modern automatic watch. Rather than relying on
pronounceable in all European languages and concise enough to fit on a
attentive winding by its owner, the watch could wind itself with every
watch dial. Soon, the new product garnered its first awards for precision,
flick of the wearer’s wrist. Low maintenance and reliable, Rolex quickly
and the wristwatch and Rolex were on their way to global acclaim.
became the watch of choice for professional adventurers. Whether the
The coming years saw Rolex introduce innovations that would
agenda included mountain climbing or deep-sea diving, racing or avia-
cement its status as a forerunner and a legendary brand. One such
tion, Rolex stood up to test after test of the most extreme conditions.
breakthrough came in 1926, when Rolex unveiled the first waterproof
Soon, the company began offering capabilities beyond basic time
and dustproof watch. Called the “Oyster,” the timepiece featured a
function to aid explorers in their quests. The Submariner, a diver’s watch
hermetically sealed case that worked like a safe to protect the watch’s
guaranteed to a depth of 100 meters (330 feet), had a rotatable bezel
delicate mechanisms. The technology was soon put to the test by a
(the ring surrounding the face of the watch) to calculate time under
young swimmer named Mercedes Gleitze, who wore it as she swam
water. The GMT-Master presented two different time zones, while the
across the English Channel. Ten hours of chilly water did nothing to
Milgauss boasted resistance to strong magnetic fields. While scientists and explorers favored Rolex for its remarkable utility, collectors marveled
Clockwise from top left: Hans Wilsdorf, visionary creator of Rolex watches, as a young man; a Rolex factory outside of Geneva; an original model of the celebrated Rolex Oyster watch, which debuted in 1926 with a fully waterproof case.
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over the horologic advances and the brand rapidly gained prestige. Today, Rolex’s commitment to adventure carries on through the Enterprise Awards, which honor achievement in the sciences and
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The Grand Reverso 101 is set with nearly 4 carats of F-G color, top-quality diamonds.
other fields, as well as through the brand’s involvement in five major
nents are designed to withstand the very harshest environments.
sports: golf, sailing, tennis, equestrian sports and automobile racing.
Celebrated as the premiere “race driver’s watch,” the versatile
Based in Geneva, where Wilsdorf moved the company after World
Cosmograph Daytona boasts a precision ability to measure elapsed
War I, Rolex maintains its headquarters along with two development
time and calculate average speed. The Yacht-Master II helps sailing
and manufacturing sites in the area. A fourth site in Bienne is home
enthusiasts keep tabs on a regatta with a programmable countdown
to the precise watch movements upon which Wilsdorf built the busi-
function and mechanical memory, the first complication of its kind.
ness. Overseeing the manufacture of vital watch components affords
Having grown from the vision of its founder to a company of glob-
Rolex quality control over its product, but the company also relies on
al significance, Rolex’s legacy may be best described as forward-look-
the expertise of nearly 4,000 watchmakers, who assemble the time-
ing. As such, ownership of such a fine timepiece is inevitably about the
pieces by hand and maintain them through careful after-sales service.
future: both the goals and adventures that lie ahead for its wearer, and
Meanwhile, the company persists in innovation, eager to keep
the next generation to whom he or she might hand it down.
pace with the needs of its enterprising clientele. The Oyster Perpetual Explorer II, for example, builds on a legendary model introduced
Clockwise from top left: The Rolex Oyster made it to the summit of Mt. Everest in
in 1953 to mark the first successful ascent of Mount Everest. Strong
the famed 1953 expedition with Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay;
and sleek in appearance, the watch features a 24-hour fixed bezel
the Rolex Submariner, designed for diving, has appeared in several James Bond
and 24-hour hand to display two time zones; its 904L steel compo-
films; an ad placed in London’s Daily Mail after swimmer Mercedes Gleitze swam the English Channel with her Oyster; the bathyscaphe Trieste, the
CAROLINE GOYETTE specializes in writing about design and the arts.
submersion vehicle used by Jacques Piccard to go to the bottom of the
She lives in New Orleans.
Mariana Trench with a special Rolex DeepSea watch attached to it.
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{ the sporting life }
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TeeatTime
The Faldo Championship Course is just one of the pleasures at this new world-class resort in Northern Ireland
Lough Erne B Y PA U L R O G E R S
WELL BEFORE TIGER WOODS took his indefinite leave from
least populated county in Ulster and one of the least
professional golf, avid followers of the sport widely
populated in all of Ireland. Fermanagh has been largely
agreed on who was poised to become its next great
known—to the extent that it’s been known at all—for
star: the gifted young Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy.
the opportunities to go fishing, birding and canoeing
In keeping with golf’s global reach, the cap that McIlroy
among the 150-plus islands that dot its waterways.
wears over his bushy hair bears the name of a hotel
Some of these islands, including Devenish and White,
group based in Dubai. But on his golf bag, emblazoned
offer the added appeal of visiting age-old ruins.
under his name, appears an ad for a destination which
Such attractions remain, but golf now beckons
for McIlroy is much closer to home, Lough Erne Golf
as well. Lough Erne developer Jim Treacy hired Nick
Resort (pronounced Lock Earn).
Faldo, the architect, TV commentator and six-time
Just as McIlroy is gaining renown, so, too, it seems
major champion, to design the resort’s flagship course.
safe to say, will this beguiling new getaway in a remote
(Lough Erne also has a modest though scenic second
corner of his native land. The resort sits magnificently on
course, Castle Hume, which was built on the site of
a 600-acre peninsula between two lakes, Lower Lough
a World War II U.S. Army training camp and which
Erne and Castle Hume Lough, in County Fermanagh. Fermanagh (pronounced Fir-MAN-ah) is the
POC.sportingfinal.lc.indd 41
Far and away: Sir Nick Faldo on the 17th hole of the lakeside
southwestern-most of the six counties that make up
course he designed at Lough Erne. It was ranked third in Golf
Northern Ireland. Home to just 54,000 people, it is the
magazine’s Best New Courses of 2009.
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Treacy acquired as part of the development.) Treacy told Faldo he wanted
respect: an emphasis on strategy over might. From the back tees, the
tion from Loch Lomond Golf Club on the fabled bonnie banks in Scotland.
par-72 layout may stretch to a lengthy 7,167 yards, but most if not every
Given the quality of Ireland’s seaside links, convincing international
Take the 565-yard, par-five 16th, which begins a rousing—and
all, boasts two of the world’s finest links, Royal County Down and Royal
watery—closing stretch. Standing on the elevated tee, the player faces
Portrush, the latter being the only course outside of Scotland and England
a decision: Drive up the left side, challenging a large fairway bunker in
ever to host the British Open (in 1951). Nearer to Lough Erne lie a few
hopes of setting up a clear approach to the green, or opt for the safer
more seaside treasures: County Sligo Golf Club, also known as Rosses
route to the right. The second shot poses another question: Go for the
Point; Enniscrone Golf Club; and Donegal Golf Club at Murvagh.
green despite the threat of water to the right and bunkers beyond the putting surface, or lay up to avoid the trouble. At Lough Erne, says Direc-
holds no pretensions of being a links course. Faldo and his design team
tor of Golf Andy Campbell, “it’s not a game of muscle necessarily; you
eschewed trappings, such as ragged-edged bunkers and tall fescues,
must plot your way around.”
that have been used so commonly on non-links sites in recent years as to become cliché. Instead, they fashioned a course very much in keeping with its
Another engaging feature is that the course has two four-hole stretches—one on the front nine, one on the back—that go as follows: par three, par five, par three, par five. Guy Hockley, the lead architect for
bucolic surroundings. The fairways are lush and green. Many of them
Faldo Design, describes this as a “syncopated rhythm.” The designers
flow from a central spine on the property down to either the massive
didn’t set out to do this, he says. They discovered while walking the site
Lower Lough Erne or the much smaller Castle Hume Lough. Some
that the land lent itself to these rather unusual runs.
holes play entirely at the water’s edge, often skirting marshland. Others nose into the woods. /
hole presents a choice of shots to play.
travelers to play an inland layout is no small feat. Northern Ireland, after
Lough Erne’s Faldo Championship Course, which opened last year,
42
The Faldo Course does borrow from the classic links in one key
to have the finest lakeside course in Ireland, urging him to draw inspira-
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No sooner had the course opened than talk began to surface about Lough Erne’s someday hosting a PGA European Tour event. Thousands
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Rock around the lough: clockwise from left, boasting year-round playing conditions, Lough Erne also prides itself on signature touches, such as the 101 Irish whiskeys at the Blaney Bar; the 595-yard 6th hole is a par five; an aerial view of the resort. In construction as well as maintenance, great care is taken to preserve the environment and natural habitat of swans, red squirrels and Irish hares. Below, far left, the resort’s “golf team”: Andy Campbell, Director of Golf, Peter Smyth, Golf Operations Manager, and Dave Peden, Golf Sales Manager.
of spectators turned out for an exhibition between McIlroy and fellow
offers a grazing menu and an exhaustive collection of Irish whiskeys.
Irishman Padraig Harrington in July 2009. The players arrived by seaplane
Rounding out the amenities is a state-of-the-art Thai spa.
and were enthusiastically followed during their match, which McIlroy won by two strokes. Lough Erne’s creators knew, however, that it would take more than
All of which has helped earn Lough Erne the Automobile Association’s (AA) first five-star rating for a hotel in Northern Ireland. What’s more, it would be an opportunity missed to visit the resort
a well-designed course to draw serious attention. The conditioning also
and fail to explore the islands of Fermanagh. Devenish Island is home to
would have to be superb, a challenge because of the area’s frequent rain.
a hundred-foot-tall round tower believed to date back to the 12th century.
So they trucked in tons of sand to cap the fairways and near-roughs to
On White Island, treasures include quartzite carvings of tunic-clad church-
make them drain better and thus allow for year-round play.
men, thought to have been made between 800 and 1000 A.D.
The appeal of Lough Erne also extends well beyond the golf. The
Just how much staying power Lough Erne will have remains to be
resort offers a luxury experience that carries through to the accommoda-
seen. But, like McIlroy, who last year notched his first victory as a profes-
tions: 120 tastefully appointed guest rooms. Visitors can stay in either a
sional at age 19, the Faldo Championship Course and the encompassing
country manor house or one of 25 full-service two- and three-bedroom
resort are each off to an impressive start.
lakeside lodges, several of them designed with cylindrical walls and conical roofs to evoke an old dovecote on a neighboring property. The dining, too, is first-rate. Catalina, the resort’s most ambitious
LOUGH ERNE GOLF RESORT Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
restaurant, has been recognized nationally for its emphasis on local ingre-
www.loughernegolfresort.com
dients and authentic Irish cuisine. The Blaney Bar, a more casual option,
THE FALDO COURSE Architect: Nick Faldo, 2009. Yardage: 7,167. Par: 72. GETTING THERE The resort is two hours by car from Belfast International Airport and
P A U L R O G E R S is a New York–based writer whose work has appeared in
two-and-a-half hours from Dublin International Airport. It’s minutes away from the Enniskillen
numerous magazines. He is a former senior editor of Travel + Leisure Golf.
(St. Angelo) Airport, a private airfield for small planes and helicopters.
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{ malt }
|
BY M A R K D O W D E N
GET YOUR IRISH UP
Beautifully balanced and complex beyond reason, Redbreast is proof that the best Irish whiskey is among the best whiskey anywhere ALTHOUGH THE IRISH ARE SAID to have invented whiskey,
tilled twice), smooth and, many Scotch lovers
their product gets little attention in a world of connoisseur-
would say, bland by comparison.
ship that revolves around Scotch. It’s a pity—and surely
The IDG closed its three historic distilleries
bound to change—because Irish whiskey is enjoying a
and in 1975 opened the New Midleton Distillery
renaissance. Forget any preconceptions about Irish be-
in County Cork. Thus there came to be a single
ing best used to flavor coffee. That’s a fine use for
licensed distillery, albeit a massive one, in all of
Jameson, but it would be a waste to mix Red-
the republic, plus Old Bushmills in the North.
breast, Green Spot or Black Bush with any-
Today the Midleton facility is owned by Pernod
thing other than soft water.
Ricard (yes, the French control most Irish whis-
The commercial history of Irish
key), while Old Bushmills is owned by the other
whiskey follows a curious arc. In
global beverage giant, Diageo. A third player,
the late 19th and early 20th centu-
Cooley Distillery, opened in 1987—independent
ries, Irish outsold Scotch around the
and Irish-owned, by God! In addition to its plant
globe. Then the industry was hit by
in County Louth, Cooley recently reopened the
the double-whammy of Prohibition in
Old Kilbeggan distillery, which had been shut-
the United States and independence
tered for more than half a century.
from the United Kingdom. The break
This brings the number of Irish distilleries
from the U.K. meant that the far-
to only four today—compare that to 90 in Scot-
flung Empire market for Irish whiskey
land—but these four are producing an impres-
dried up completely and swung over
sive range of whiskey styles. The three main
to Scotch. Irish production crashed
categories are malt, single grain and pure pot
and never recovered.
still, the latter a unique Irish style made from
By the 1960s, only three distill-
a mash of malted and unmalted barley. Most
eries remained in Ireland. They were
Irish brands are blends, and some combine
Jameson, Powers and Cork Distill-
two or all three of these styles. Here’s an over-
ers, which banded for survival into
view of the brandscape:
the Irish Distillers Group. In 1972,
Midleton Distillery produces Jameson and
Bushmills in Northern Ireland joined
Jameson’s premium reserve range (of which
the IDG. The members bought into
there are currently six expressions), Powers
the strategy of making a product as
and Midleton Very Rare, which is vintage-dat-
unlike Scotch as possible, and so
ed. These brands are all blends of pot still and
all Irish whiskey for a time was un-
grain spirit. Also made at Midleton are Paddy
peated, triple-distilled (Scotch is dis-
and Tullamore Dew, which add malt whiskey to
Redbreast is a “pure pot still” spirit, the most traditional style of Irish whiskey. Its distinctive flavor profile is reminiscent of the best Speyside Scotch.
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These pot stills at the sprawling Midleton Distillery produce brands ranging from Jameson to Redbreast. The old water wheel (right), which dates to 1825 and once provided the power for all distillery operations, is still turning today. The map below shows the four extant distilleries in all of Ireland.
the blend, and two pure pot still whiskies, Redbreast 12-year-
it around the mouth, and all kinds of flavors
old and Green Spot.
come welling up—malt, ginger, toffee, even cinnamon. The finish is long and oily,
Old Bushmills produces triple-distilled malts
with a faint licorice tail.
under the Bushmills brand (including Black
All of this mouth drama comes
Bush, which is blended with Midleton grain whiskey and has a sherried finish)
as an exceptional value. If you
and post-1994 vintages of Knappogue
drink much single-malt Scotch,
Castle single malt.
you may have noticed that prices have shot skyward in the past
The leading brand from Cooley,
two years, financial crisis be
which specializes in reviving old styles and marks, is Connemara, a
damned. Redbreast 12-year-old,
peated single malt that seems un-
by comparison, is a great deal at
Gaelic but in truth harks back to the
about $50 per bottle. (I should add
golden age of Irish whiskey. Cooley
that the same is true of some of the best bourbons.)
also makes the superb Tyrconnell
Does it get any better? Well,
unpeated single malt; Kilbeggan, a blend; and Greenore, the only
yes: Redbreast 15-year-old is com-
Irish single grain whiskey.
ing. This older expression, which
Not long ago, I uncorked
was only released once, in very
a bottle of Redbreast, the pure
limited quantities, in Europe, will be
pot still spirit frequently cited
available in the United States this fall. Meantime, find yourself a bottle
as Ireland’s best. Pure pot still
of the 12-year-old and raise a glass to
as a style has a characteristically
County Cork’s pure pot still perfectionists.
oily mouthfeel and a distinctive
As they say over there, “Up Cork!”
flavor profile. There’s no mistaking Redbreast for an American whiskey, although it is plenty sweet. You might well peg it for a Speyside Scotch, given the fruit and floral notes. Displaying tremendous complexity on the nose and palate, this whiskey requires some quiet time (in my case, by the fireside during a snowstorm) for one to plumb the developing aromas and tastes. There is ripe fruit on the nose, some sherry and vanilla, and a resinous, linseed-like tang. I also found a pleasing note of rye spice, although no rye is used in the mash. Redbreast is positively fat on the tongue. Roll
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TASTING NOTES REDBREAST 12-YEAR-OLD IRISH WHISKEY C O L O R | Deep amber N O S E | Spice cake, nuts, sherry, cream soda, meadow flowers and grass, honey, cherries, linseed oil, rye-like overtones. PA L AT E | Silky mouthfeel, with tastes of ginger cake and treacle sponge, malt, butter, maple syrup, a hint of cinnamon. It’s simultaneously redolent of a Vermont breakfast and a sticky English dessert. Sweet but not cloying.
M A R K D O W D E N , a native of Kentucky who was educated at the
F I N I S H | Oily, spicy and long, with honey, sherry and licorice.
University of St. Andrews, is a fan of all whiskey.
P R I C E | $50
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