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Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/737871
www.cheersonline.com 9 October 2016 • DRINK CULTURE MARTINI UNVEILS "SMART" ICE CUBE The vermouth brand Martini has launched Smart Cube, an ice-cube-shaped device that when included in drinks can communicate with bartenders. As a guest consumes his or her cocktail, for example, Smart Cube uses Bluetooth technology to anticipate when the drink is finished and signals the bar staff in real-time. The bartender can then prepare drinks in advance so that guests do not have to wait. Smart Cube also keeps track of the number of drinks people have consumed, to encourage responsible drinking. Smart Cube detects drink levels using capacitive liquid sensors within the cube case. When a cocktail reaches a low level, the cube's transmission beacon switches off momentarily and the LEDs in the ice cube pulse in a unique color sequence. The LED and beacon are controlled from a custom-designed printed circuit board (PCB) and powered by a small battery. Smart Cube communicates via Bluetooth to an iPad Pro equipped with a bespoke web application. The iPad Pro web app stores data on the cloud and features ana- lytics to track drink activity and metrics such as number of bianco vs. rosso wines ordered. The company developed prototype ice-cube cases using advanced 3D modeling software and produced them via 3D printing. The final product cases were in- jection-molded in food-safe resin and sealed with silicon. Smart Cube also functions as a traditional ice cube thank to Aerogel, a technology created by NASA. Aerogel keeps the temperature of the cube cool and allows it to stay buoyant. "There's huge potential for innovation within the beverage industry, and this is just the beginning," says Laila Mignoni, Martini's creative excellence director. Other potential applications of the Smart Cubes in- clude detecting when drinks have been tampered with and measuring the alcohol content of cocktails and consumption. And by tracking the number of drinks ordered, the technology can help businesses with in- ventory and measuring drink popularity. —KS Chateau St. Jean has unveiled its 2014 North Coast Chardonnay. Working with neighboring counties around Sonoma, Chateau St. Jean winemaker Margo Van Staaveren had flexibility in fruit sourcing to make a "rich, delicious and fruit-forward chardonnay," the company says. The wine has a core of fruit and bright acidity. The suggested retail price is $11.99 per 750-ml. bottle. John Dewar & Sons has expanded its Scotch portfolio with two new expressions: Aberfeldy 16 and Craigellachie 17. Aberfeldy 16 presents a new version of this Highland-style malt, the company reports, offering a taste more mature than the 12-year-old, and with less body than the 21-year-old. The suggested retail price is $90 per 750-ml. bottle. Craigellachie 17 is identified with more "sweet" flavors than those of existing age-statements. The suggested retail price is $145 per 750-ml. bottle. Captain Morgan has announced a fall seasonal version of its Cannon Blast pre- made shot: Captain Morgan Jack-O'Blast. This expression combines Captain Morgan rum with pumpkin, cinnamon and other autumnal spices for a flavored shot. It comes in a cannon-ball-shaped bottle colored orange and green. The rum (60 proof, 30% ABV) has a suggested retail price of $15.99 for a 750-ml. bottle and is available nationwide for a limited time. Smith & Hook has released Smith & Hook Proprietary Red Blend, a wine that the company says represents California's Central Coast. This 2013 vintage retails for $25 per 750-ml. bottle. Grapes for the blend were sourced from Santa Lucia Highlands, Arroyo Seco, San Antonio Valley and Paso Robles.