Sabrage, the technique of opening a Champagne bottle with a special sabre or sword, is used for special and ceremonial occasions.
137 Pillars House is proud to be the first “Caveau de Sabrage” in Chiang Mai, and to offer this exquisite service that enhances the experience of drinking Champagne.
Sabrage, the technique of opening a Champagne bottle with a special sabre or sword, is used for special and ceremonial occasions. The sabre is slid along the body of the bottle to break the entire neck away from the bottle, leaving only the base of the bottle open and ready to pour. All this is done under much pomp and ceremony with the sword bearers wearing elaborate capes with rich gold brocade. A caveau is an establishment where Champagne bottles are opened in the historical way with a golden sabre.
Sabrage became popular in France when Napoleon’s army visited many aristocratic domains. Just after the French Revolution, the sabre was the weapon of choice of Napoleon’s light cavalry.
During their victory celebrations across Europe the cavalry would open the Champagne with their sabre. Perhaps it is from here that Napoleon’s famous quote was born: “Champagne! In victory one deserves it; in defeat one needs it.”
With an ever-growing number of Champagne drinkers in Chiang Mai, 137 Pillars House wanted to offer them a venue to enjoy drinking Champagne, according to Manfred Ilg, General Manager of 137 Pillars House.
“137 Pillars House will also offer the Sabrage service to corporate MICE clients, as well as to groups of Champagne and/or food lovers. As we are always looking to enhance our guests’ stay, we feel that Sabrage is the perfect and unique service that will help make our guests’ experience here a memorable one,” he added. A licensed Maitre Sabreur, Manfred is qualified to teach this traditional art.
To celebrate their inauguration of becoming the first “Caveau de Sabrage” in Chiang Mai, 137 Pillars House held an exquisite Gala dinner last week, created by Executive Chef Amporn Choeng-Ngam.
Photo caption (left to right): Mr Eric Brandt, Deputy Ambassador of the Confrerie de Sabre d’Or in Thailand, Mr Henry Widler, Governor of the Confrerie de Sabre d’Or for Asia Pacific, Mr Manfred Ilg, General Manager, 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, Mr Eric Hallin, Ambassador of the Confrerie de Sabre d’Or in Thailand.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
