CHIVAS BROTHERS’ DUNBARTONSHIRE EMPLOYEES DONATE TO BEATSON CANCER CHARITY

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, is today awarding £5,000 to Beatson Cancer Charity, after employees from its Dunbartonshire sites voted in their droves to support the organisation.

Each year, Chivas Brothers’ staff select their favourite causes to support as part of the company’s commitment to build strong relations with the local communities where it operates. The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre is an internationally renowned cancer centre and the busiest in the UK in terms of clinical activity and patient numbers. A £5,000 donation will support the charity’s pioneering work, which supports the 8,000 new patients and their families who attend the cancer centre every year.

Joyce Ross, Fundraising Manager at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “On behalf of everyone at Beatson Cancer Charity, I’d like to express our sincere thanks to everyone at Chivas Brothers for this incredibly generous donation.

“Alarmingly, more than one in three people are affected by cancer in the West of Scotland – the highest cancer rate in Europe. As technology advances and new treatments are developed, the demands on cancer services continue to grow so this truly amazing level of support is so vital in helping us to continue to provide funding and wellbeing services to enhance the wonderful care thousands of patients receive at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and related facilities each year.

“All money raised will go a very long way in the fight against cancer, now and in the future and for that we are truly thankful.”

Jennie Norrish, Head of Communications at Chivas Brothers, said: “It is a great pleasure to announce that our employees have chosen to support Beatson Cancer Charity this year. We are dedicated to being a part of the communities where our employees live and work, and therefore to support this incredibly worthy cause that is so close to the hearts of our Dalmuir, Dumbuck and Kilmalid workforce. The Charity of the Year initiative is a great opportunity for Chivas Brothers to give back to our local communities.”

Three of the Chivas Brothers employees who voted for the charity recently visited the Beatson Cancer Charity Wellbeing Centre and were kindly shown around the facility by Joyce Ross.

Valerie McNamara (pictured) is an employee at Kilmalid manufacturing site in Dumbarton and said: “We’ve all been touched by cancer in one way or another and it’s very rewarding to be involved with such an inspiring charity. The work they do in supporting people at the most difficult time of their lives is fantastic.”

Catherine Cairns (pictured), also based at Kilmalid, added: “My reasons for nominating Beatson Cancer Charity are firstly because of all the help and support given to my boyfriend’s father and his family, before he passed away early last year, and also because it is so local – as I know others who share a connection with The Beatson.”

Another Kilmalid employee, David Moffat (pictured) added: “I have known and know too many family and friends who have had and are currently receiving treatment from The Beatson. I have witnessed first-hand how caring, dedicated and wonderful everyone connected with the centre is and that’s why when The Beatson was one of the nominated charities I opted for it.”

The donation to Beatson Cancer Charity forms part of a £20,000 contribution to four charities across the UK, each representing a region in which Chivas Brothers operates and includes; Beatson Cancer Charity, Dunbartonshire; Alzheimer Scotland, Northern Scotland region; Macmillan Cancer Support West of Scotland, Paisley, Glasgow and Ayrshire; and the Jake McCarthy Foundation, London and Plymouth region.

The annual charity vote is just one of a number of initiatives that Chivas Brothers’ employees can take part in throughout the year, including a ‘doubling-up scheme’ where the company matches funds raised for good causes by workers in their spare time.

Notes:

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s No.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.2 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 40index.
www.pernod-ricard.com

Lights, camera, action! Speyside Distillery takes on starring role in celebrations for the Edinburgh International Film Festival World Premiere of Whisky Galore!

Speyside Distillery is about take a starring role at the premiere of the remake of Whisky Galore! – almost 70 years after making its screen debut in the original version of the classic Scottish comedy.

The latest big-screen version of Compton McKenzie’s much-loved novel will close the Edinburgh International Film Festival on Sunday (June 26), and Speyside Distillery will be ensuring plenty of whisky flows at the after-party.

The distillery’s parent company, Harvey’s of Edinburgh, appeared in the original version of the film, which was released in 1949. Boxes branded with the company’s logo appeared in the movie, which is based on the true story of a shipwreck off the coast of Eriskay.

The ship, packed with export-only whisky, was sailing to the United States during World War II and the islanders take advantage of the unexpected windfall of alcohol and try to outfox the local Home Guard.

Speyside Distillery will be the official whisky sponsor for the closing part of the Festival, which takes place in the stunning surroundings of the Playfair Library following an earlier screening of Whisky Galore!

John says, “My family established their whisky business back in the 1770s and it continued through the generations. My grandfather, Alex Harvey, was a whisky trader and actually exported to the United States in the early part of the last century, around the time Whisky Galore! was first made.

“We looked at some shots of the original Whisky Galore! movie, and were both surprised and delighted to see Harvey’s of Edinburgh wooden boxes being scooped up from the water by some of the locals.

“We were extremely pleased to be asked to support the after-party for Whisky Galore! and will even be dressing the venue with some of those wooden boxes which were central to the original film.

“We’ll be supporting Whisky Galore! at other film festivals around the world, and we’re looking forward to this weekend and raising a glass of SPEY from Speyside Distillery in toast to the success of this wonderful Scottish film.”

The remake of Whisky Galore! is produced by Iain McLean and stars several well-known Scottish actors including Gregor Fisher and James Cosmo, in addition to Eddie Izzard in the role of Captain Waggett.

Speyside Distillery near Kingussie has been in production since 1990 and is operated by Speyside Distillers Ltd. It is home to the SPEY from Speyside Distillery range of single malt Scotch whiskies. For more information, visit www.speysidedistillery.co.uk

Established in 1947, Edinburgh International Film Festival is renowned around the world for discovering and promoting the very best in international cinema – and for heralding and debating changes in global filmmaking.

Intimate in its scale, ambitious in its scope, and fuelled by pure passion for cinema in all its manifestations, EIFF seeks to spotlight the most exciting and innovative new film talent, in a setting steeped in history. 2016 marks the 70th edition of the Festival, making it the longest continually running film festival in the world.

Ends

Picture caption: Speyside Distillery CEO John Harvey McDonough with one of the wooden boxes form Harvey’s of Edinburgh which appeared in the original film version of Whisky Galore!

THE ENGLISH WHISKY COMPANY WITH CHIEF WHISKY MAKER DAVID FITT

Founded in 2006, The English Whisky Company was the first to establish a commercial distillery in England for more than 120 years. Over the past decade it has been turning heads with a range of great whiskies.

Our host for the evening is David Fitt, chief whisky maker at The English Whisky Company’s Norfolk distillery. A former brewer, David has been in charge of production since 2008 and is well known for his love of experimentation.

David will be leading us through the distillery’s core whiskies as well as some TWE exclusives and a pair of very special drams:

English Whisky Chapter 7
English Whisky Chapter 9
TWE Exclusive Classic
TWE Exclusive Peated
Limited Edition Founder’s Cask Virgin Oak Finish
A mystery whisky, as selected by David…

An evening of pioneering whiskies, presented by the man who made them – a tasting not to be missed.

The tasting will take place on Tuesday 5 July from 7.30pm

£35 per ticket

BOOK YOUR TICKET

Tickets on sale now!

VENUE

THE JUDGE’S COURT, BROWNS,
82-84 ST MARTIN’S LANE
LONDON WC2N 4AG

PLEASE ARRIVE AT THE VENUE FROM 7.15PM FOR A 7.30PM START

JUNE AUCTION NOW LIVE

…place your bids at www.whiskyhammer.co.uk/ 

EASY REGISTRATION

Sate of the art online bidding platform

BID NOW

An excellent selection of whiskies; to drink, collect or invest

HIGHEST BIDDER? GET IT FAST

Immediate shipping worldwide

COMPETITIVE

The lowest whisky auctioneer commission found online

Glendronach 12 Year Old

£26.67 ex. VAT

This superb richly sherried single malt is matured for at least 12 years in a combination of the finest spanish pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks. Tasting notes:  Nose: sweet, creamy vanilla, with hints of ginger. Spiced mulled wine and pear. Palate: rich, creamy, silky-smooth. Warm, rich oak and sherry sweetness, full mouth feel, raisins and soft fruits. Spicy with medium length and a dry finish.Finish: long, full and firm, slightly nutty. (Official Tasting Note)

 Black Bull 12 Year Old

£31.67 ex. VAT

Black Bull contains 50% malt whisky and 50% grain whisky. It is bottled at 50% ABV and has not been altered by chilled-filtration. Tasting notes: Nose: robust, chunky aromas. Chocolate, toffee, sherry, vanilla and lemon sherbet. Palate: smooth, mellow and rounded. Milk chocolate, treacle toffee, pears, green apples and lots of sweet vanilla. Finish: some heavier fruity notes emerge, and lots of creamy notes coming through. (Tasting Notes by Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited).

Glenturret 16 Year Old – Fly’s Master Edition

A new limited edition Glenturret aged for 16 years and released to celebrate a unique and historic tail. The inspiration for this bottling came from a photo which was unearthed at the distillery, which dated back to 1905. It pictured 16 stillman and a collie dog called Fly, which was believed to be the distillery managers dog.

£89.98

Wolfburn Single Malt Whisky

Launched early 2016, this is the first official Wolfburn single malt Scotch whisky to be released since the distillery started production in 2013. Now the most northerly whisky distillery on the Scottish mainland, the original Wolfburn distillery was first established in 1821 and the new site was built only 350m from where this was located.

£44.90

Glenglassaugh Octaves – Peated

Created using richly peated barely and fully matured in an Octave cask which is approximately 1/8th the size of a butt. Maturing whisky in a smaller cask allows more contact with the wood which delveops and ages the whisky a lot quicker.  Bottled at 44% and one off two special Octave bottlings released by Glenglassaugh distillery in the Summer of 2016.

£54.40

Glenglassaugh Octaves – Classic

Fully matured in an Octave cask, this special Glenglassaugh release is one of two bottlings released by the distillery in June 2016. Maturing whisky in a smaller cask allows more contact with the wood, developing and ageing the whisky a lot quicker.

£54.40

Allt-à-Bhainne 22 Year Old – 1993

A single cask Allt-à-Bhainne bottled by The Vintage Malt Whisky Co. for their excellent Cooper’s Choice range. Distilled in 1993 and aged for over 22 years in American oak, with some additional ageing in a port wine pipe, giving it a superb and very inviting colour. 312 bottles filled from cask #9338.

£89.90

BenRiach Peated Quarter Cask

A new release from BenRiach distillery, distilled from peated malted barley and fully matured in quarter casks. Maturing whisky in smaller casks such as a quarter casks allows for more contact with the wood, resulting in a quicker maturation.

£48.80

Ardbeg Dark Cove

Ardbeg Dark Cove pays homage to smugglers and all sorts of shenanigans that used to take place on Ardbeg’s coastline, back in the day. Created from sherry cask matured whisky along with whisky matured in ex-bourbon barrels. Launched on Ardbeg’s open day (Ardbeg Night) during the Feis Ile 2016 – Dark Cove is said to be the darkest Ardbeg to date!

£105.00

CHIVAS BROTHERS MARKS GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION WITH HUGE NATIONAL VOLUNTEER INITIATIVE

Scotch whisky and premium gin producer Chivas Brothers is set to get into the spirit of National Volunteers Week 2016 by supporting community projects across the UK. The activity will form part of Responsib’ALL Day, a global day of action hosted annually by its parent company Pernod Ricard.

Chivas Brothers’ 1,600 employees will dedicate thousands of hours to causes on Thursday 2^nd June by undertaking activities to support and develop their local communities. The focus is on creating or renewing convivial spaces for residents. A number of events are due to take place near the company’s sites in Scotland and London as part of the day.

Dozens of green-fingered employees based at the company’s site in Hammersmith, London, will help to spruce up the nearby Bishops Park by planting new flowerbeds and removing waste. Others will spend the day renovating a secret garden for residents at St Vincent Care Home.

In Scotland, teams from Paisley and Dumbarton will join forces with local schools to create allotments to grow their own fresh food as well as outdoor learning areas. Employees will also work with West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership at Langcraigs Day Centre in Dumbarton, which supports elderly people with disabilities and people with mental health issues.

A 30-strong team of green-fingered employees from the company’s Strathisla Distillery will help to spruce up St Rufus Park in Keith. As part of the project, they will work with Moray Council and St Rufus Regeneration Group to replace benches and install new bicycle racks at the park’s entrance.

Employees who are unable to take part in the community projects will be tasked to join a two minute litter pick with Keep Scotland Beautiful, a charity which aims to make Scotland green, clean and more sustainable.

Laurent Lacassagne, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, said: “This year, we focused on supporting the communities where we have a presence, helping to create and renew convivial spaces for residents. Responsib’ALL Day has coincided with National Volunteers Week, giving us even more motivation to show our support for a number of fantastic local projects.

“Volunteers make a real difference across our communities by helping to develop and sustain the local area and support those who need our help. We are extremely proud of our staff for embracing the activities with enthusiasm and I hope our achievements will have a lasting impact.”

Investing in local communities is just one of Chivas Brothers’ commitments, along with promoting responsible drinking, protecting the planet and empowering its people. Throughout the year employees are also encouraged to participate in Chivas Spirit of Support (Chivas SOS) – a staff inspired community scheme that offers all employees an opportunity to volunteer in local communities.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

All Chivas Brothers 1,600 employees are offered the opportunity to take part in activities which help to develop their communities as part of Responsib’ALL Day.

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s no.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.

http://www.chivasspirit.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/chivas-brothers

@ChivasNewsRoom

JUNE AUCTION LIVE FRIDAY 24^th !

Summer has arrived and with it comes our June Auction! If the sun isn’t shining where you are take a look through the sale and bask in the warm glow from some of the hottest bottles around right now!

THAT BOUTIQUE-Y WHISKY COMPANY COLLECTION 

Dazzling this auction is a vast array of That Boutique-y Whisky Company bottles! More colourful than bunting at a summer fete, the collection includes fantastic Port Ellen and Brora releases among many others. 

GLENUGIE 1966 SAMAROLI 33 YEAR OLD, GLENUGIE 1966 SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND

& GLENUGIE 1966 THE BOTTLERS 

We rarely see Glenugie these days let alone of this superb old vintage and from three different bottlers!? A real treat!

KINCLAITH 18 YEAR OLD CADENHEAD’S 1980S 

A rare bottling of very rare whisky from Glasgow’s last distillery, Kinclaith, which only operated for 18 years!

LAGAVULIN 18 YEAR OLD FEIS ILE 2016 

This bottle inspired some of the longest queues on Islay during the 2016 Feis Ile. If you couldn’t make it over pick up yours here!

PORT ELLEN ANNUAL RELEASES 1^st – 10^th 

The lost jewel in Islay’s crown, Port Ellen has achieved near mythical status since its closure in 1983. Here we have numbers 1 through 10 of their incredible annual releases, don’t miss your chance to fill that gap in your collection!

There is no registration fee, our commission structure is very competitive and we offer worldwide shipping. For our terms and conditions please click here.

Happy bidding from Friday!

Make your reservations today! 6th Anniversary seated Whiskey Tasting Saturday June 25, 2pm and 5pm

(we’re going to taste some great whiskeys) (and a surprise taste too!)

As part of our 6th Anniversary, Rock Town is holding two exclusive sit down tastings on Saturday, June 25th at 2pm and 5pm. Phil Brandon will lead the tasting and we’ll taste four rare and exceptional Rock Town whiskeys.  Pairings include:

• 6th Anniversary Four Grain Sour Mash Bourbon Whiskey – 100 proof
  • Paired with Kent Walker Gouda Cheese
• Single Barrel Hickory Smoked Whiskey – Cask Strength
  • Paired with Hillcrest Artisan Meats – Duck Ham
• Single Barrel Rye Whiskey – Cask Strength
  • Paired with Kent Walker Leicester Cheese
• Our now famous Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey – Cask Strength
  • Paired with Trevor Swedenburg’s bacon wrapped dates with bourbon glaze

Phil will explain how each whiskey is made, how to taste and enjoy the pairing and answer your whiskey questions during the tasting. Space is extremely limited for the tastings and the cost is $40 per person. Tasting reservations can be made Here If you have problems with the website please call 501-907-5244 for reservations.

Click here to make your reservation

Rock Town is also offering free tours from 11am – 6pm on Saturday the 25th to celebrate our 6th Anniversary.

‘Islay is the eighth wonder of the world’

#Lagavulin200 – celebrating a big birthday

Colin Dunn knows how to open a whisky tasting. While invoking wonder-dom for Islay may seem hyperbolic, there are some tasting line-ups that justify such comments – our Lagavulin 200th Anniversary tasting was certainly one of those.

While Lagavulin is hugely popular among whisky aficionados, there are surprisingly few expressions available on the market. The core range consist of just two whiskies – Lagavulin 16 Year Old and Lagavulin Distillers Edition. Add to that the yearly 12-year-old Special Release and you’ve still only got three whiskies. Our original plan of putting together a line-up of six distillery bottlings is an impressive feat, but on the night we went one better…

Seven Lagavulins!

We kicked off the evening with the 2015 edition of the Lagavulin 12 Year Old. It’s a cask-strength monster of a whisky that you wouldn’t normally start proceedings with, but Colin was adamant – ‘The best whisky to start with is the one you shouldn’t!’ It’s a punchy dram and woke up the room.

Along with the regular whisky range, the line-up also included three special editions: the 200th Anniversary 8-year-old (you can read Stu’s take on it here), the sold-out 2015 Islay Jazz Festival bottling and, the whisky I was most looking forward to, the Lagavulin 1991 21yo Sherry Cask. I was lucky enough to taste it when it was released as part of the 2012 Diageo Special Releases, and have been trying to find an excuse to do so again ever since. My palate’s got a lot more sophisticated over the past four years, so here are my updated tasting notes:

Lagavulin 1991 21 Year Old Sherry Cask

Nose: Malt loaf, dates and butter, hints of salty liquorice and wet peat smoke. Spiced, butter-rich shortbread develops, along with singed pineapple and spiced sponge – Heston Blumenthal’s tipsy cake with spit-roast fruit – dried apricot and mango, and a touch of coal dust.

Palate: Soft and fruity, with peach, pear and apple backed up by dark, sticky, sweet black liquorice. Sweet and savoury notes of herbal throat lozenges build, with spiced treacle sponge, sultanas and raisins. Minty hints, dark chocolate and soft smoke linger at the back.

Finish: Raspberry jam, coal and wood smoke, earthy peat and lingering apple sauce.

Comment: Fruitier than I remember, especially on the nose, but just as elegant and poised. A classic.

While the 1991 was the billed highlight of the evening, Colin had one more trick up his sleeve – the recently launched and much-spoken-about Lagavulin 18 Year Old, bottled specially for this year’s Islay Festival and only available from the distillery. It’s almost certainly sold out by now, with only a handful of bottles still available at the distillery at the time of the tasting, and Colin sneaked this bottle off the island so that we could have a taste.

Lagavulin 18 Year Old – Feis Ile 2016

Nose: Waxy, with notes of distant swimming pools. Sweet fruit and grassy savoury notes roll in, with pink Chewits and soft wood smoke joined by ferns, sour peat and freshly cut grass. The smoke stays subdued, with barley sugar, malted milk biscuits and cream filling out the palate.

Palate: Soft and sweet with earthy undertones: mulch, chocolate and liquorice, ashy touches and slowly developing orchard fruit. Salted caramel sauce sits drizzled on top, balanced by aromatically muddy notes of freshly turned sod.

Finish: Bitter liquorice pastilles, apple Jolly Ranchers, hints of marzipan, recently trimmed hedges and a touch of bung cloth.

Comment: A soft and fruity whisky, with well-integrated smoke. It’s my favourite style and I’m now even more sad that I didn’t make it to Islay this year. Now to make friends with people who did…

For the full rundown on the evening, head to Storify, where you can see all the tweets from the night.