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Portafortuna: Calling Pax
Dedicated to combining compelling stories and great drinks, Portafortuna has launched two expressions encompassing spirits and chocolate under the Pax44 brand.
Portafortuna UK was established in 2022 after eight years of developing its flagship product, Portafortuna XO, the first bottled blend of brandy and Port wine. The inaugural spirit was made by a team based near Arnhem in the Netherlands, famous for World War II’s Operation Market Garden, and glorified by the film A Bridge Too Far.
“We have been inspired by The Battle of Arnhem 1944 for our latest project, Pax44. For a few days, Arnhem was the most intense and brutal battle zone on Earth,” says Owen James, owner of Portafortuna UK. “But amid the relentless horror stories, we found a rare and beautiful moment of humanity. During the battle, a small group of British paratroopers found themselves trapped in a house by a German SS patrol. Instead of fighting, the soldiers connected and called for a truce – pax – during which the British paratroopers lowered whisky to the German soldiers, who, in turn, sent up their chocolate rations.
Calling pax created a connection that halted the barbarity and sponsored an exchange of simple human comforts.
“This powerful moment of humanity amid conflict inspired Pax44, The Warrior Spirit. It represents the courage and moral compass demonstrated by these opposing soldiers, and resembles the famous Christmas Truce of 1914 when soldiers put down their weapons to play football. We are honoured to handcraft this commemorative brand and contribute to telling the story of Arnhem’s gift to humanity – a pax, a truce, a moment of peace to ensure the sacrifice from both sides is never forgotten.”
To commemorate this moment, Portafortuna has created two styles of Pax44. The brand has been set up so that, under the guidance of a supervisory board, all profits will go to projects that support PTSD and loneliness in the community.
The Presentation Edition of Cognac and chocolate is limited to 44 bottles, and is strictly for private presentations and charity auctions.
The Arnhem Edition of whiskey and chocolate is offered in a 700ml bottle at 44% ABV, and is available for general distribution. Pax44 is a blend of a young, triple-distilled Irish whiskey from the East Coast, cocoa extract, and distillate. The company uses Port wine essence and vanillin to merge the whiskey and chocolate flavours. The subtle sweetness of the vanillin also smooths out the harsh tones of the young blend, giving the impression of a more mature whiskey.
The Pax44 Arnhem Edition will launch in September in Arnhem, coinciding with the 80th commemoration of Operation Market Garden. Once the launch is complete, the spirit will be available in the UK, and talks are under way with distributors to launch in the US and Canada.
Pax44 is best enjoyed neat as a premium and powerful Irish whiskey with subtle chocolate tones. The flavours naturally bring delicious twists to classic cocktails, particularly creams and coffees.
“There is a lot of exciting work in hand to build the values of ‘Calling Pax’, including a launch in Kyiv, and a Pax Statue for Peace. These events and more can be followed on our social media,” says James.
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