No chips off this OLD BLOCK

FRENCH PREMIUM vodka Grey Goose takes the artisan cocktail to the next level with what looks set to become Thailand’s most expensive drink, Grey Goose L’Aristocrate, which is now served exclusively at the Mandarin Oriental’s classy Bamboo Bar.
The name, explains Grey Goose product manager Kasinsuk Maklamthong, takes it queue from the French word for an aristocrat, the deep-pocketed Paris residents whose ample and luxurious lifestyle in 1760 defined undeniable sophistication and elegance. Inspired by such a refined modus vivendi, the Grey Goose team spent nine months researching a traditional and authentic way to create the cocktail. They also journeyed through the inspiring cities like Paris, London, Singapore and New York, to pick up the essence of artisan mixology from some of the world’s most vibrant cocktail scenes.
Grey Goose L’Aristocrate is constructed in the Old Fashioned style and boasts a clear and transparent hue that makes it challenging to gauge what the liquid is promising. The smooth and perfect balance of the alcohol and the other ingredients render a long-lasting finish on the palate.
“Grey Goose L’Aristocrate has become the priciest cocktail because of its prestigious features,” Kasinsuk told the press at the extravagant French Rococo-inspired launch party last week.
“Besides Grey Goose vodka, we use Noilly Prat Vermouth, the much-revered French fortified wine that is not yet available in Thailand. There is also the Dash Fire Bitter, the world’s rarest bitter made from premium quality brandy, and a wine syrup made from premium French wine and Grey Goose vodka.
“The syrup used in L’Aristocrate is made from Semillion white wine that is boiled at exactly 60 degrees and rested overnight. The wine is then mixed with cold water and simmered over and over again – in true French style. Besides the intricate process, the pot and the spatula used are carefully selected to get the desired quality product, hence each jar of this exquisite syrup is priced differently depending on the process and the wine.”
Last but not least is the serving glass, the Moser Crystal from Czechoslovakia, which is highly regarded for the its luxuriously exquisite craftsmanship. For crystal ware worthy of such noble drink, Grey Goose chose the limited edition “Lady Hamington”, the rarest collection of |glasses in the world with only six ever produced. Costing a hefty Bt22,000 each and impossible to replace, the bartenders will be on eggshells in case they get chipped!
The launch party of Grey Goose L’Aristocrate commenced with the attention grabbing performance of L’Aristocrate Choir who mesmerised the crowd with French poetry and lively tunes. The highlight of the night was the much-anticipated cocktail making session by the Grey Goose mixologist whose expertise and artistic know-how rendered Grey Goose L’Aristocrate.
Grey Goose L’Aristocrate is served with chocolate Mille Feuille, a sweet sensation made of layers of thin pastry sheets and rich chocolate, topped with icing and even more chocolate – Mandarin Oriental Bangkok’s pastry chef’s signature recipe.
For the past two years, Grey Goose has been offering a series of ultimate experiences in cocktail enjoyment through its “Secret Journeys” campaign.

Grey Goose L’Aristocrate is served at Bt1,200 per glass at Bamboo Bar, Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, until further notice.
For more about the campaign, visit www.Secret-Journeys.com.