The Glenlivet Storms Leading International Spirits Competition

The Glenlivet, the world’s No 2 malt whisky, was last week awarded one of the top trophies at the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2011.

The covetable IWSC Cask Strength Scotch Whisky Trophy was given to The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, which also picked up a Gold ‘Best in Class’ medal in the competition. The pinnacle of the brands success at the IWSC, The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve was commended by IWSC judges as a most ‘elegant and well balanced’ whisky.

The Glenlivet 18 Year Old and The Glenlivet 21 Year Old Archive were also awarded the top Gold ‘Best in Class’ medal, while The Glenlivet Nádurra Cask Strength 16 Year Old won a Gold medal. All three whiskies received acclaim from IWSC judges; The Glenlivet 18 Year Old was referred to as ‘elegant and poised to perfection’ while judges spoke of The Glenlivet 21 Year Old Archive as ‘a grand old whisky’. The Glenlivet Nádurra Cask Strength 16 Year Old received high praise when described as ‘classy in every respect’.

Global Brand Director for Malts at Chivas Brothers, Neil Macdonald, said: “This outstanding achievement highlights the quality credentials of The Glenlivet. A pioneering spirit, inspired by The Glenlivet founder George Smith, runs through the history of The Glenlivet and is just as prevalent today as it was then – as Master Distiller Alan Winchester so perfectly demonstrates with this award-winning range.”

The Glenlivet Distillery in Speyside recently underwent a £10 million expansion. The new facility will help increase production by 75%, as part of Chivas Brothers’ long-term ambition for the brand to become the World’s No 1 single malt Scotch whisky.

The Glenlivet 18 Year Old – the perfect expression of age and elegance, balancing the archetypal ripe fruit notes of The Glenlivet with a drier, evocative oak influence.

The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve 21 Year Old –This is Glenlivet at its best, incredibly smooth and envelops the mouth with delicious and mouthwatering fruity flavours. A limited edition of 1824 bottles were created in recognition of the year George Smith founded the distillery and to celebrate the opening of The Glenlivet distillery expansion.

The Glenlivet 21 Year Old Archive – a batch-produced whisky using only hand-selected casks. It is a complex whisky with sherry and wood notes integrating seamlessly with the aromatic palate.

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Cask Strength – Gaelic for ‘natural’, this 16-year-old single malt Scotch is a bold innovation and an exciting premium addition to The Glenlivet range. Non-chill filtered, Nàdurra is a smooth and fruity Speyside whisky with a softly rich, floral aroma, combined with added richness and creaminess devolved from maturation in first-fill ex-bourbon casks.

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