Best International Brand Ambassador – Chivas Regal’s Max Warner [photo credit – Doron Gild]

CHIVAS REGAL’S MAX WARNER CROWNED BEST INTERNATIONAL BRAND AMBASSADOR AT TALES OF THE COCKTAIL

Max Warner, Global Brand Ambassador for Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, has been named the Best International Brand Ambassador at the 10th annual Spirited Awards, held at Tales of the Cocktail. The award is an industry badge of honour, recognised as one of the most prestigious prizes in the spirits world, judged by some of the cocktail industry’s most respected figureheads

Warner accepted the award from Julie Reiner and Ivy Mix (2015 Winners of Best International Bar Mentor and Best American Bartender respectively) in New Orleans on Saturday night, winning in a competitive category that included Dean Callan of Monkey Shoulder, Camille Vidal of St-Germain and Ian Burrell, Global Rum Ambassador.

The Best International Brand Ambassador accolade is testament to Warner’s continued dedication to creating innovative new ways for Chivas Regal to be experienced and enjoyed globally, having represented the brand across the world for 12 years through initiatives such as the Chivas Masters cocktail competition. With the 2016 Global Final being held last month in Shanghai, Warner was instrumental in making this year’s event the biggest and most impactful yet for Chivas Regal. His personal contribution ranged from careful selection of industry recognised judges, the creative evolution of the Chivas Masters platform – which now brings together finalists from different cultures and countries to ‘win the right way’ as a team – and working closely with the team in Pernod Ricard China to curate and host the finalists to ensure that it was a truly exceptional occasion for all.

Max Warner comments on the award: “Winning the title of Best International Brand Ambassador at the Spirited Awards is a huge honour for me and will definitely go down as one of my career highlights. The Tales of the Cocktail festival holds a very special place in my heart; I have visited every year for the past 7 years with Chivas Regal with the aim to increase the voice of this exceptional Scotch to the industry, which always proves to be one of the best moments in the year. The Scotch whisky category needs to be recognised more and I am so proud to be able to stand tall on the International stage in the country which Chivas Regal was launched being acknowledged amongst such a talented pool of ambassadors alongside so many industry icons, an occasion I will never forget.”

NOTES

About Chivas Regal Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, which aims to inspire a new generation whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. The Chivas Regal range includes Chivas 12, Chivas 18, Chivas 25 and the Global Travel Retail exclusive, Chivas Brothers Blend. In October 2014, Chivas Regal announced the addition of a fifth permanent expression in the Chivas Regal family, Chivas Regal Extra, a new blend with a unique richness derived from selective maturation in rare ex-sherry casks. In 2015, the iconic brand welcomed the pinnacle of the range with the introduction of the new ultra-prestige blend, Chivas Regal The Icon. www.chivas.com

About Chivas Brothers Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.1 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch. www.chivasbrothers.com @ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. 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&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “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 Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index. www.pernod-ricard.com

About Tales of the Cocktail® Founded in 2002, Tales of the Cocktail® has grown from a small gathering of cocktail lovers into the world’s premier cocktail festival. Each year the international spirits industry is welcomed to New Orleans for a week of seminars, tastings, networking events and much more. With 200+ annual events developed specifically for bartenders, distillers and other spirits professionals, Tales of the Cocktail® is the industry’s annual meeting place for exchange of new ideas, products and techniques.Tales of the Cocktail® also produces a number of other events and programs such as Tales of the Cocktail on Tour®, Tales 365®, Tales of the Toddy® and New Orleans Daiquiri Month, all to further the mission of supporting and growing the international cocktail community.

About the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society Tales of the Cocktail® is produced by the New Orleans Culinary & Cultural Preservation Society (NOCCPS), a non-profit organization committed to supporting, promoting and growing the cocktail industry in New Orleans and around the world. In addition to offering opportunities to learn and acquire new skills through Tales of the Cocktail® events and Tales 365®, the NOCCPS invests the proceeds back into the spirits industry. Since 2008, the NOCCPS has invested more than $600,000 into programs like the Cocktail Apprentice Program, a tuition reimbursement program, the Apprentice medical aid fund, educational scholarships and a new health and wellness program for members of the hospitality industry.

Beam Suntory Honors Independent Stave Company as 2015 Supplier of the Year

Deerfield, IL – July 14, 2016 – Beam Suntory has named Independent Stave Company its 2015 Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Program Supplier of the Year. Beam Suntory’s SRM Program was established in 2013, with 15 of the company’s key suppliers, based on their contributions to innovation, quality, service, risk mitigation, and cost.

ISC crafts the oak barrels in which Beam Suntory ages Jim Beam® Bourbon, the world’s No. 1-selling bourbon, as well as other iconic and award-winning Beam Suntory bourbons such as Maker’s Mark®, Knob Creek®, Basil Hayden’s®, Baker’s®, and Booker’s®.

Independent Stave Company was singled out for recognition from thousands of Beam Suntory suppliers for delivering quality improvements annually, strong collaboration with Beam Suntory plants and product development, and increased resource allocation to ensure new products are delivered on time.

“ISC has been a tremendous long-term partner to Beam Suntory, aligning closely with our business needs, and demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement,” said David Hunter, global chief supply chain officer.  “They have invested assets and resources to maintain their competitiveness and to support our growth and innovation agenda.”

“High quality barrels are a critical element in crafting our great bourbons and we appreciate the skill and dedication that the ISC team brings to bear in support of our business,” Hunter added.

In addition to providing barrels to age Beam Suntory bourbons, ISC partners closely with Beam Suntory brands to create oak staves to spec that create surprising flavors in super-premium expressions of well-known bourbons, such as Maker’s 46®.

ISC was founded in 1912 as a stave manufacturing company in the Missouri Ozarks. The company began making barrels in the 1950s. Today ISC’s cooperages in Kentucky and Missouri craft a wide range of oak barrels and oak products to support the bourbon industry.

“We are truly honored to have been selected as Supplier of the Year by one of our oldest and most trusted partners,” said Brad Boswell, ISC President and fourth-generation cooper. “I would like to thank all ISC associates for making this possible. Your commitment to craftsmanship and innovation is the foundation on which our successful relationship with Beam Suntory has been built.”

The award was presented at Beam Suntory’s annual SRM Conference held on May 31st at Beam Suntory’s Urban Stillhouse in Louisville, KY.

“We’ve had an exciting decade navigating the bourbon renaissance in partnership with Beam Suntory, and we couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds,” Boswell said.

TOMATIN DISTILLERY’S PUNCHY LINE UP FOR SUMMER

Highland-based Tomatin Distillery has teamed up with award-winning mixologist Calum Lawrie to create a series of summer whisky cocktails aimed at the growing market of female whisky drinkers.

Scotland’s national drink is enjoying a renewed popularity amongst women, particularly younger women, with some companies in the industry looking for new, innovative ways to experiment with different serves. Single malt is shaking off its previous image as a drink for the older gentleman, typically served neat or on the rocks. Women worldwide are developing a taste for the spirit and the Highland distillery wants to show off the versatility of the drink to this ‘new’ audience with their range of cocktails.

Jennifer Masson, Marketing Manager commented:

“Scotch whisky has had a somewhat demure reputation for decades but the fact is that there is only one way to enjoy single malt; the way you like it. Having recently rebranded our packaging we are looking at other ways to engage with new audiences. This new range of cocktails has been developed in response to demand from our customers worldwide and has allowed us to reinforce our brand positioning as the softer side of the Highlands.

Cocktails have proved an effective means of attracting new customers for Tomatin Distillery in the past, Masson continues –

“As sponsors of the local Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival held near Inverness each August, we’ve seen brand awareness among festival-goers increase by 73% since 2012 with the introduction of whisky cocktails appealing to a wide demographic who would have previously avoided the consumption of whisky due to a preconception about traditional serves.”

The cocktail series features a mix of traditional and accessible entry-level cocktails with a twist, for example a modern take on the classic ‘Old Fashioned’ whisky cocktail to create the ‘Bold Fashioned’ with luxurious coffee and nutty walnut flavours providing an intensely rich serve. The ‘Freeburn Highball’ takes its name from Tomatin’s water source – the Alt-na-Frith Burn – meaning Freeburn, to create a nicely rounded highball serve. One of the most accessible and popular is their simple but refreshing ‘Toma’tin & Tonic’, paying homage to the nation’s favourite; the gin and tonic.

Calum Lawrie, mixologist and former National Bartender of the Year went on to say:

“Summer is the perfect time to enjoy sunshine and spirits and the smooth, dynamic Tomatin malt provides the perfect base for this collection of cocktails. We want to capture the attention of new audiences and showcase new and fresh ways to enjoy this versatile drink this summer.”

These delicious summer sippers can be found at http://www.tomatin.com/enjoyTomatin and will be rolled out in bars worldwide.

Notes

The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends.

1. Website: www.tomatin.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897

3. The cocktails were created by Calum Lawrie of Panch Drinks http://www.panchdrinks.com/
4. Belladrum Festival will take place Aug 4-6 2016: www.tartanheartfestival.co.uk/
5. Press Kit can be downloaded here: http://www.tomatin.com/contact/
6. The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company is now very focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right.
7. Tomatin Distillery produces Tomatin Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Cù Bòcan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
8. The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm
9. Images of all cocktails are available on request. Cocktail photography by Till Britze.

Parkmore Distillery Dufftown

Blog; the Scottish distillery Pagoda

How? Why? When? Have you ever wondered why many Scottish distilleries have a pagoda? Well, wonder no more. How many of you have taken photographs of pagodas? I have, I do like the two copper ones at Dalwhinnie. Now then, these pagodas are not just for show, to look pretty, no – they actually serve a purpose. They are designed to improve the flow of smoke out of the distillery from the fires, traditionally used to dry the malt (barley), a key to any whiskey.

It was Charles Doig who first designed one – by the way, a friend of mine Tim, fae Moscow, and myself stayed at his house a while back , er, he was not there, sadly passed away some time back. I digress, In 1882 he was located in Elgin as an assistant land surveyor, then a partner in the same company, changing his direction a wee bit into architecture. ‘Twas Dailuanine distillery who commissioned his company (and Doig) to carry out alterations around their maltings. He designed/carried out alterations to the existing ventilator into what is now the world famous distillery icon – the pagoda. Many options were submitted before the final selection -, this then became a standard in the industry boom period of the 19^th century, it was later known as the Doig Ventilator. He was born on a farm in the county of Angus in 1855, the son of a Kirriemuir agricultural labourer and went to Elgin in 1882 as assistant to H M S Mackay, land surveyor, and became a partner in the business, specialising in distillery work, his practice in that field extending to Ireland. When he was 25, Doig married Margaret Isabella Dick, he had three sons. Doig’s design activities stretched far beyond Speyside, to embrace Highland Park on Orkney, Talisker on Skye and Ardbeg, Caol Ila and Laphroaig on Islay. In total, he is credited with professional involvement in no fewer than 56 distilleries.

Interesting read I hear you say, well, would you like to take a superb Scottish whisky or an Irish whiskey tour and include many of his distillery pagodas? Of course you would, many have done this with us before now and all away home “happy as Larry”. Allow us to design a bespoke whiskey tour for you – working with you to include favourites, new to you distilleries and some hidden gems, why we can even take you to a distillery where you will be inside the pagoda! Ask Liz for details; liz@mcleanscotland.com

Balblair Distillery – Photo Credit Ian Horne

Luxurious & Exclusive

This week we have an impressive selection of luxury whiskies as well as some bottles that are exclusive to The Whisky Shop. From a 60 year old Glenfarclas to a 40 year old from the lost Ladyburn distillery, these are some very collectable whiskies. Which will you choose?

Free delivery on orders over £75 Worldwide delivery available

LUXURY WHISKY

Glenfarclas 60 Year Old

£14,500 Buy Now

The Last Drop 50 Year Old

£3,000 Buy Now

Brora 37 Year Old

£1,300 Buy Now

Japan

White Oak Akashi Single Malt Whisky (750ml)  $89.99 View

White Oak Distillery Akashi Grain Whisky (750ml) $39.99 View
Scotland

2008 Kilchoman Vintage Islay Single Malt Whisky (750ml) $99.99 View

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

Glencadam 43 Year Old 1972 Signatory Rare Reserve

Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky wins silver at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2016 with travel retail exclusive Black Hill Reserve

Single Malt Scotch whisky brand anCnoc is proud to announce that Black Hill Reserve from it’s the travel retail collection has become a Silver winner at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2016.

Launched in 2014, Black Hill Reserve – named after the Knockdhu Distillery which means Black Hill in Gaelic, pays tribute to anCnoc’s Highland home. Matured in first fill American oak ex-bourbon casks and bright gold in appearance, Black Hill Reserve is crisp on the nose with notes of citrus and green apples along with a full bodied taste of ground spices and pear drops.  The finish is long and intense.

Now in its 47^th year, the International Wine & Spirit Competition aims to award excellence to wines and spirits across the world and sets the international benchmark for quality. This year, the competition received entries from over 90 countries which were judged by over 400 global experts judging products for 7 months of the year.

Stephanie Allison, Brand Manager for anCnoc says “At anCnoc, we pride ourselves on creating award winning whiskies to be celebrated the world over. Black Hill Reserve winning Silver at such a prestigious ceremony is testament to our distillery team’s hard work and passion. The coveted win couldn’t have been more timely as it comes ahead of some exciting news for the expression, with all being revealed at TFWA Cannes this year!”

For further information, please visit www.ancnoc.com/

Hello there…

Well, this is unusual, isn’t it?

Not only is this a “mini” newsflash but the bottle I’m writing to tell you about is not even a Springbank product!

As many of you will know, our sister distillery Mitchell’s Glengyle is releasing it’s first core product, the Kilkerran 12yo Single Malt Scotch Whisky. I have included some product information below and a lovely picture of the bottle. I think you will agree that it looks stunning.

From tomorrow (Friday 5th) this lovely whisky will be available from our Campbeltown Cadenhead shop and elsewhere in the UK a week later (Friday 12th). Unfortunately, due to the fact we anticipate a high level of interest, our shop will not be able to facilitate reservations or pre-orders for this bottling and as such I ask that you be prepared to pay for your bottle upon ordering it. Release dates for other countries and markets will vary. Please contact you nearest stockist or retailer to find out when the Kilkerran 12yo is available near you.

The Kilkerran 12yo will be available for £35.00 in our Campbeltown shop.

You can contact our Campbeltown Cadenhead shop by calling +44 (0)1586 551710

or send us an email: shop@wmcadenhead.com

Important: This will not be available to order through me, nor can I pre-order or reserve you a bottle as this is not a Society bottle. Furthermore the Society discount is not applicable when purchasing this product as it is not a Springbank product.

Kilkerran 12yo has been matured in a marriage of bourbon (70%) and sherry (30%) casks and is bottled at 46% ABV. Like the Work In Progress series – and all releases from Glengyle’s sister distillery Springbank – the whisky has not been chill-filtered and no caramel colouring has been added. The whisky is double distilled in the traditional Scottish style and is produced from lightly-peated malt at around 12-15ppm.

Please visit the Kilkerran website for all the information you need: http://www.kilkerransinglemalt.com/

Find us on Social media:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KilkerranSingleMalt/

Twitter –  https://twitter.com/Springbank1828

Instagram –  Search Springbank Whisky (@springbankwhisky1828)

And finally, I probably should mention that tonight the majority of the staff, including myself, are attending a ceilidh to celebrate the launch of the Kilkerran 12yo and as such I am not convinced many of us will be in a fit state to work on Friday morning… 😉

In all seriousness though, most of the office staff are taking Friday afternoon off so don’t be too alarmed if you have to wait until Monday to secure your bottle.

You will hear from me soon, I am planning on sending you all a regular Society Newsflash(!!!) in around a week or so.

Speak soon.

Slainte,

Nathan

The Springbank Society

United States – Kentucky

Blade & Bow Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (750ml) $45.99 View

I.W. Harper Straight Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)  $29.99 View

Sazerac 90-Proof Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) (3 bottle limit) $29.99 View

K&L Wine Merchants
http://www.klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
Email: wine@klwines.com
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA