Some new contests and other news

So I'm sitting here on a beautiful day, sipping a fantastic Rhum Clement Ti Punch in my hammock and enjoying a rather lazy day. I'm not sure that there is a rum drink more suited to a lazy day than the Ti Punch. Simple, easy and elegant and Rhum Clement is the perfect rhum agricole for this drink. Try one at home soon, you'll be quite happy that you did.

In other news, its come to my attention that Tabasco is now marketing a tequila. I know almost nothing about Tabasco tequila, but I have to admit, I'm slightly intrigued and perhaps a bit worried about how this might taste. I'll let you know if I ever get the opportunity to taste it.

Next up, I received some Black Box wine recently. I have to admit I was pretty skeptical about drinking New Zealand sauvignon blanc from a box and was actually planning on using it for cooking, but I poured myself a glass and I'm glad I did. I'm not going to tell you that this is world class wine. Its not. But its good table wine and perfectly acceptable for a weeknight dinner. I still prefer my wine in bottles, and I don't see it being a prejudice that I overcome soon, so I probably won't be buying this wine the next time I'm at the grocery store but I'm glad to have tried it.

The first contest up is a pretty easy one open to everybody. Martini & Rossi is celebrating the launch of their new Martini & Rossi Rose (I can't tell you how it is, I haven't had the chance to taste it). Long story short, you fill out a simple online form for the chance to win a NYC Spa vacation for you and 3 of your friends. The estimated retail value is over 8k and there are lots of 2nd and 3rd prize options as well. Hurry up though as the deadline for entry is the 31st of August. Enter at www.MartiniRose.com

Next up, one of my favorite liqueurs, Benedictine is celebrating its 500th anniversary. To celebrate, they David Wondrich choosing some new Benedictine creations for inclusion in stand alone cocktail guide and the grand prize is a personal stand alone profile in the March issue of Esquire magazine. I don't have a deadline on this one, but I always recommend hurrying up on these things. Your original Benedictine creations can be sent to alchemists@nikecomm.com Based on the info that I do have, this one looks to be industry only.

Finally, the Ultimate Cocktail for a Cure contest (open to both amateurs and pros) ends on the 31st. Make sure to get your submissions in and support this great cause.