Sautter Samaroli Develter Launch

AN INFECTIOUS Cuban lilt, fine Champagne, incredible pieces of art, the first presentation of some stunning spirits – and yes, of course, a humidor of hand-rolled cigars.

These formed the backbone of the launch party of the year so far as Sautter, international artist, Christian Develter, and independent spirit bottler extraordinaire, Samaroli, all joined forces to create a night not easily forgotten at London’s Cromwell Place Gallery.

The event was presented in conjunction with The Rake Magazine, and LA fine art photographer Pep Williams added the icing on this particular cake by showcasing his eye-grabbing collections of US urban and Havana-themed photoshoots on the night.

Guests were welcomed with Champagne with which to browse the beautifully arranged artwork and then, accompanied by the beats of Cuba, were able to sample the new spirits launched by Sautter and Samaroli, which feature exclusive labels from the Christian Develter portfolio.

On the night, these releases of a Bajan rum, a Trinidadian rum, a blended Malt Scotch and a Speyside Single Malt were enjoyed in beautiful Samaroli glasses, and guests brave enough to battle the temperatures were even able to step outside to the courtyard with their warming drinks and sample some classic Sautter hand-rolled cigars. This first special series collaboration between Sautter and Samaroli is part of an ongoing project, with further special edition announcements to come in the coming months.

Christian Develter spoke to the gathered audience of his inspirations and Daniele Liberati, Master Blender, and Antonio Bleve, CEO of Samaroli, were also on hand to explain how the spirits were carefully selected and bottled to create this stunning collector’s edition series.

Italian company Samaroli is one of the world’s most respected independent bottlers, curating expressions of extraordinary liquids from around the spirit world. Sautter Cigars of Mayfair needs little introduction – and Christian Develter’s eye-catching and thought-provoking work is sought after in homes, hotels, lounges and bars worldwide. The Rake is one of the world’s great luxury magazines, melding wit, classic style, tailoring, covetous gifts and more to the discerning modern gentleman. The Cromwell Place Gallery proved to be equally as stylish, with high ceilings, light and airy rooms, subtle corners and impeccable service – in short, the sort of venue one remembers repeatedly in the days to follow.

The first bottlings in the Sautter x Samaroli x Develter collaboration are as follows:

• Barbados Single Origin Rum from Foursquare Distillery – aged in American oak barrel, distilled in 2007 and bottled in Scotland in 2022, only 180 bottles produced. 52% ABV. A grassy, herbaceous rum with woody and citrus notes.
• A blended Scotch whisky featuring aged spirit from both Linkwood and Glentauchers Distilleries; a 2008 Linkwood expression aged in an ex-Bourbon Hogshead cask, and a 2008 Glentauchers whisky, aged in a new American oak cask. Bottled in 2022, only 180 bottles produced, 45% ABV. Banana, vanilla, almond and fruit flavours abound.
• A Trinidad Single Origin Rum from the Fernandes Distillery; distilled in 1999 and aged in new American oak, 180 bottles produced, 45% ABV. Tropical wood, nutmeg, raisins, sultanas, coffee, cocoa, liquorice and cigar box!
• Speyside Single Malt from Glenrothes Distillery; distilled in 2008 and aged in a Sherry Butt cask, bottled in 2022, only 180 bottles produced, 45% ABV. Malty, sherry, red fruits, spices, walnuts and almond.