CHIVAS STARTS GLOBAL SEARCH FOR ITS NEXT MASTER

9th January 2017: Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, has launched its search for the 2017 Global Chivas Master. Now in its fourth year, the Chivas Masters cocktail competition is built on Chivas’ belief that great bartending is measured not only by the achievements of an individual, but by the ability to work together as a team. This year’s competition is set to celebrate the impact of Asia’s innovative and booming cocktail scene on the world, by holding the Global Final in Tokyo for the first time ever.

National stages of the competition will challenge entrants to celebrate the versatility and international appeal of Chivas Regal, through the creation of three new cocktails showcasing its smooth, rich and generous house style. Bartenders will be invited to take inspiration from the classic cocktails of New York, where Chivas was first launched in 1909; local flavours from their individual countries; and the celebrated traditions of Tokyo’s bartending scene, which is renowned for its extraordinary craftsmanship, kind service and precision.

The move to hold the Global Final in Tokyo – whose unique cocktail customs fascinate bartenders from across the world – continues Chivas Regal’s exploration of Asia’s cocktail capitals, following last year’s final in Shanghai. The most talented competitor from each market will be invited to spend an immersive week in Tokyo at the Chivas Masters Global Final, where the internationally-acclaimed panel of judges will share some of their insights and expertise through inspirational masterclasses.

The ultimate winner will not only impress with their individual bartending skills, but – crucially – will also prove their ability to work with an international bartending team, and collaborate and share success with international peers, through the Chivas Masters Collective team challenge. The 2017 Global Chivas Master will win the opportunity to travel to an iconic bar in the city of their choice, to work alongside some of the world’s most influential bartenders.

Max Warner, International Brand Ambassador for Chivas Regal, comments: “2016 was a year of firsts for the Chivas Masters: the first time the final of a global cocktail competition had been held in Shanghai, and the first time the concept of the Chivas Masters Collective was realised. The 2017 Chivas Masters competition is set to build on these innovations, cementing Chivas Regal’s commitment to hospitality and collaboration – traits central to the bartending industry – and set against the backdrop of Tokyo, one of the world’s great cocktail capitals. We welcome entry from bartenders from across the world, who believe they epitomise our values of brotherhood and generosity.”   Do you think you have what it takes to be the next Chivas Master? Visit chivas.com/chivasmasters to find out more about the competition, or get in touch with your local Pernod Ricard representative.

 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 Extra, Chivas 18, Chivas 25, the pinnacle of the range ultra-prestige blend, Chivas Regal The Icon and the Global Travel Retail exclusive, Chivas Brothers Blend. Launched in October 2016, Chivas Regal Ultis is the first blended malt Scotch whisky from the House of Chivas and represents the true essence of Chivas Regal. www.pernod-ricard.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; 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 € 8,682 million in FY16. 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