Aberlour Goes for Gold at Leading International Spirit Competition

Aberlour has been awarded two Gold medals at one of the most prestigious international spirit competitions – the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2011.

Aberlour 16 Year Old Double Cask Matured won a Gold ‘Best in Class’ medal at the competition while Aberlour 18 Year Old was presented with a Gold medal.

The Gold ‘Best in Class’ is the highest medal a spirit can receive in the competition. The IWSC judges commended the ‘great depth of character’ of Aberlour 16 Year Old Double Cask Matured. The judge’s praise was also given to Aberlour 18 Year Old for its ‘inviting nose’ and a ‘creamy, rich flow and deep texture.’

Brand Director for Chivas Brothers Malts portfolio, Neil Macdonald, comments: “We are absolutely thrilled with these wins for Aberlour at this prestigious competition. The result highlights the quality of this multi-faceted and distinctive single malt whisky range which continues to attract wide acclaim from industry leaders such as the IWSC judges.”

The Aberlour malt whisky range has some very distinct characteristics, due to the fact it is matured in rare ex-sherry butts and ex-bourbon casks to ensure a perfect balance of flavours. The Aberlour range has a heritage stretching back more than 1,500 years to an ancient Celtic settlement established by St Drostan. Unlike most whiskies, the Aberlour brand name is synonymous with the Speyside village in which the original distillery is still located. The range has also recently undergone a packaging revamp to give the brand a more contemporary look and reflect the quality and richness of the whisky.

Aberlour 16 Year Old Double Cask Matured – launched in 2003, this whisky is matured in sherry and traditional oak casks to ensure a depth of character as well as the spiciness and fruitiness of Aberlour.

Aberlour 18 Year Old – an intense whisky of perfect structure with notes of chocolate and orange zest, leading to a very long, smooth finish.

The IWSC was founded in 1969 to promote and reward the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Winners are selected following a rigorous two-stage judging process of professional blind tasting and a detailed technical analysis. The competition is backed by a group of vice-presidents made up of the most influential individuals in the trade and a judging panel of industry experts. This year’s competition received entries from almost 80 countries.

Notes:

Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010, Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

For further information: Visit: www.chivasbrothers.com