LOUISVILLE, Ky.—February 18, 2019—Monogram® will demonstrate how a new specialty product will deliver an unmatched sipping experience when it showcases the Forge heated sphere ice press at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show 2019. A product of FirstBuild, the innovation incubator and co-creation community of GE Appliances, a Haier company, Forge was designed for use in the homes of bourbon connoisseurs and by professional bartenders and mixologists.

“We worked alongside whiskey experts and enthusiasts to bring the luxury of ice spheres into sophisticated kitchens and home bars and the finest tasting rooms,” said Larry Portaro, executive director of FirstBuild. “Our initial small batch of the Forge press will be produced in Louisville—the heart of bourbon country and location of FirstBuild’s state-of-the-art microfactory.”

Spherical ice has become the gold standard for discriminating bourbon palates. Because it melts slowly and chills liquid quickly, it preserves flavor and enhances the sipping experience. Until now, achieving a transparent sphere was a time-consuming process, especially in the home bar. Forge uses a heated press to shape clear blocks of ice into Instagram-worthy spheres for a sophisticated appearance that matches its sleek exterior. FirstBuild is also working on the forthcoming release of a countertop clear ice maker to accompany the ice press.

“As thoughtfully crafted as the bourbon produced in its home state of Kentucky, Forge will elevate consumers’ entertainment experience,” Portaro said. “We are excited to bring this product to market this year.”

Forge is the latest among FirstBuild’s unexpected and widely appreciated line of products that also includes the popular Monogram Hearth Oven, which will also be on display at KBIS 2019. The Forge Clear Ice System, including both the heated press and the countertop ice maker, will be available for bourbon enthusiasts to preorder the first half of 2019.

You can learn more and sign up for product updates at www.ForgeClearIce.com.

About FirstBuild

FirstBuild is a global co-creation community backed by GE Appliances, a Haier company, that harnesses the power of the maker movement to change the way major home appliances are conceived, designed and manufactured. With centers of excellence in Louisville, Kentucky, Shanghai, China, and Hyderabad, India, as well as an online community of more than 30,000 individuals, FirstBuild quickly delivers better products that improve the lives of consumers. For more information about how to get involved, visit FirstBuild.com.

About Monogram®

Monogram® takes pride in its quality and artistry, crafting appliances that are expertly engineered and purposefully designed with a minimalist elegance that reflects the feedback, personality and lifestyles of owners with distinctive tastes. With an uncompromising attention to every detail, every material and every industry-exclusive, award-winning feature, Monogram Appliances Elevate Everything™ in the kitchen. For more information on Monogram ranges, cooktops, microwaves, pizza ovens, refrigerators, freezers, ice makers, wine reserves, dishwashers and compactors, visit www.monogram.com.