Ballantine’s Wins Top Gold at Prestigious International Spirits Competition

Ballantine’s, the No 1 whisky in Europe, has been awarded a Gold ‘Best in Class’ medal by the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2011, for one of its aged range expressions – Ballantine’s 17 Year Old.

Ballantine’s offers the most comprehensive and innovative range of aged blended Scotch whiskies available. Ballantine’s 17 Year Old is an ultra-premium brand with a deep complex flavour and is regarded as the Scotch whisky by consumers in the Far East.

Often recognised for its quality credentials, the expression was named Scotch Blend of the Year 2010 by Jim Murray in his Whisky Bible, which is widely regarded as the world’s most influential book on whiskies from around the world. This years IWSC judges followed suit, referring to it as a ‘charming and refined’ whisky with a ‘gorgeous floral nose’ and ‘long, lingering finish.’

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director, Ballantine’s comments: “This is an outstanding achievement for our Master Blender Sandy Hyslop. His skill and dedication to blending is second to none, and we are delighted that he and his blends continue to be recognised and celebrated by industry leaders such as the IWSC judges.”

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