CHIVAS REGAL INVITES BAR MASTERS TO TEST THEIR SKILLS

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, is once again selecting the world’s top bartenders to take part in this year’s Chivas Masters competition. Developed to celebrate innovation, camaraderie and the craftsmanship at the heart of mixology the competition will see global finalists compete to become the 2015 Chivas Master.

Following the success of the inaugural competition in 2014, Hong Kong will be the first of 12 countries to hold national finals, before the competition culminates in a two-day grand final in New York City in July which will be judged by a distinguished panel of leading bartenders and industry experts. To become the Chivas Master, competitors will need to demonstrate their knowledge of cocktail heritage, mastery of the art of presenting and making great drinks to produce their own classic serve.

As well as putting the industry’s best bartenders onto the world stage, the competition enables competitors to explore cocktail history through Chivas Regal’s rich heritage. Finalists will be challenged to create classic drinks from four of the great cocktail eras – the Classic Age (1880-1920) in which Chivas Regal was created; the Post War Boom (1945-1965) during which time Chivas 12 was introduced; the Disco Years (1975-1990) when Scotch whisky became a truly global brand, and the present modern Age of Revivalism, as Chivas continues to build its reputation as an icon of timeless luxury and exceptional quality.

A unique prize waits for the global 2015 Chivas Master, as they will have the opportunity to work in three iconic bars, in three iconic cities to create three iconic signature drinks. The Chivas Master will be taken on an extraordinary experience where they will work alongside some of the most influential bartenders around the world to collaborate on the creation of a series of signature drinks.

Max Warner, International Brand Ambassador for Chivas Regal comments, “Last year’s Chivas Masters surpassed all expectations, and we were thrilled to see what was achieved by finalists when placed under competition pressure. We are very excited to again to be engaging with the top bartenders in the world and celebrating this amazing industry we are all a part of.”

Over the next few months, national heats will play out around the world as bartenders compete in countries such as China, France, Russia and the United States. Only one competitor from each market will be selected to travel to New York to take part in the grand final in July.

About Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, selling 4.9 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old. www.chivas.com

About 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. www.chivasbrothers.com

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €7,945 million in 2013/14. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin & Spirit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector and employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people, operating through a decentralized organization with 6 ‘Brand Companies’ and 80 ‘Market Companies’ established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index. www.pernod-ricard.com