United in Spirit: Jim Beam® And U.S. Soccer Federation Announce New, Multi-Year Partnership

Jim Beam is bringing people together over their love of bourbon and live sport as the Official Spirit Partner of U.S. Soccer

CLERMONT, K.Y., – Jim Beam, the world’s #1 bourbon and an enduring American icon, is thrilled to announce its new partnership with the U.S. Soccer Federation as the exclusive spirit sponsor. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both brands, uniting the rich heritage of Jim Beam with the rising popularity of soccer in the U.S. Together, they will create experiences that bring people together to celebrate.

As Official Partner of U.S. Soccer, Jim Beam will have a year-round presence at select U.S. Women’s (USWNT), Men’s (USMNT), and Extended National Team matches across the country, including on-field activations and fan events. Embracing the rich traditions cherished by soccer enthusiasts nationwide, Jim Beam is diving headfirst into the vibrant and growing world of U.S. soccer., which will include our National Teams’ participation in some of the sport’s biggest global events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup which will be co-hosted by the United States.

“Jim Beam is thrilled to join forces with the U.S. Soccer Federation ,” said Rashidi Hodari, Managing Director of James B. Beam Distilling Co. “Through this partnership we aim to unite those who love the game worldwide, empowering them to passionately express and exchange their adoration. At Jim Beam, we value new connections that are formed when people can experience moments together, that’s why we’re committed to enhancing and fostering a sense of community across the country. We look forward to raising a glass to the passionate fans of the U.S. Soccer Federation at matches across the country.”

To kick off the partnership, Jim Beam will host a celebratory block party in Orlando, FL, ahead of the U.S. Men’s National Team match against five-time world champion. Brazil on June 12, 2024. Throughout the year, Jim Beam and U.S. Soccer’s block parties will transform vibrant neighborhoods across the country into electrifying festivals celebrating Jim Beam and game days. Each event will be a pre-match celebration for both the Men’s and Women’s National Teams, pulsating with passion, live music, interactive games, delicious food, and the finest American Whiskey, Jim Beam.

“U.S. Soccer is thrilled to welcome Suntory Global Spirits as its Official Spirits Partner during this incredibly exciting runway for our sport,” said Dan Gaiman, Sr. Vice President of Partnership Development & Strategy at U.S. Soccer.  “Jim Beam is an iconic brand that brings people together and we’re looking forward to collaborating to further enhance the U.S. Soccer fan experience.”

Sign up for Team Beam to learn more about the U.S. Soccer partnership, exclusive events, and bourbon drops. Visit ussoccer.com or follow @jimbeamofficial and @ussoccer on Instagram.

About Jim Beam® Bourbon  

Jim Beam is the world’s best-selling bourbon, crafted by seven generations of family distillers since 1795. Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s 7th Generation Master Distiller, has stayed true to the family recipe that’s been passed down through generations. The Jim Beam portfolio of products includes Jim Beam Bourbon, Jim Beam Black, Jim Beam Double Oak, Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, Jim Beam Flavors, and Jim Beam Rye among other offerings. For more information, go to www.jimbeam.com @jimbeamofficial on Instagram and @jimbeam on Twitter.

About Suntory Global Spirits

As a world leader in premium spirits, Suntory Global Spirits inspires the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for people, in harmony with nature. Known for its craftsmanship of premium whiskies, including Jim Beam® and Maker’s Mark®; Japanese whiskies, including Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™; and leading Scotch brands including Laphroaig® and Bowmore®, Suntory Global Spirits also produces leading brands such as Tres Generaciones® and El Tesoro® tequila, Roku™ and Sipsmith® gin, and is a world leader in Ready-To-Drink cocktails, with brands like -196 and On The Rocks™ Premium Cocktails.

A global company with approximately 6,000 employees in nearly 30 countries, Suntory Global Spirits is driven by its core values of Growing for Good, Yatte Minahare and Giving Back to Society. The company’s Proof Positive sustainability strategy includes ambitious goals and investments to drive sustainable change and have a positive impact on the planet, consumers and communities. Headquartered in New York City, Suntory Global Spirits is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information, visit www.suntoryglobalspirits.com

About the U.S. Soccer Federation  

Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer has been the official governing body of the sport in the United States for more than 100 years. As U.S. Soccer looks toward the future amid an unprecedented moment of opportunity, it has aligned its efforts around five strategic pillars: Grow the game by increasing youth and adult participation and accessibility to the sport; Foster best playing environments through quality of referees and coaches, and commitment to participant safety; Develop winning teams through solidified pathways and success of professional leagues; Grow the soccer economy to fuel reinvestment by increasing membership, fandom and commercial success; and Create a world-class organization through revitalized structure and culture, best-in-class talent, progress in DEIB, and more. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/ourvision.

Heaven Hill Brands Announces New Leadership Appointments, Names Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Production Officer

Heaven Hill Brands, the largest independent, family-owned and led distilled spirits supplier, announced today the appointment of two world-class executives to the leadership team.

Veteran human resources executive Tony Georges joins Heaven Hill as its new Chief Human Resources Officer, overseeing all aspects of HR strategy and staffing, aligning them with the company’s overall business objectives. With over three decades of experience in HR leadership, as well as operations and IT roles, Georges brings a wealth of diverse experience, knowledge, and expertise to the Heaven Hill team.

Most recently, Georges served as Vice President, Human Resources for UPS Airlines based in Louisville, Ky. In this capacity, he was responsible for a broad range of areas, including talent management and acquisition, compensation and benefits, and employee engagement. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to building high-performing teams and creating an environment where employees can thrive and succeed.

Proven operations leader Josh Anderson joins Heaven Hill as its new Chief Production Officer, overseeing all aspects of operations and manufacturing, providing strategic direction and leadership to achieve the overall business strategy. Anderson is an inspirational leader with a remarkable 25 years of experience in operations, plant management, technical services, continuous improvement, and engineering within the consumer-packaged goods industry.

Anderson spent the last four years with Brown-Forman, where he was Vice President of Manufacturing overseeing 11 of the company’s manufacturing facilities. He also recently served as Global Vice President of Technical Services responsible for corporate engineering, packaging engineering, quality assurance, corporate safety, and environmental and sustainability compliance. Prior to Brown-Forman, Anderson spent over two decades at General Mills in a variety of leadership roles with increasing authority.

Importantly, both will serve as members of Heaven Hill’s Executive Leadership Team, responsible for evolving and implementing the company’s strategic business plan, positioning them for future growth.

“Tony and Josh are experienced, people-driven leaders who know how to achieve results and build a best-in-class organization,” said Kate Latts, Co-President of Heaven Hill Brands. “Their proven track record of driving organizational effectiveness and empowering high performance will be invaluable as we continue to grow and evolve as a company. “

Georges holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Workforce Development and Training from the University of Louisville. For the last eight years, Georges has been a Board Member for KentuckianaWorks where he recently served as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Also, for the last four years Georges served as a Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board Member and on the Board of Directors for the Leadership Louisville Center.

Anderson holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He is also deeply committed to community service, having served on the boards of The United Way, Books from Birth, and the Newton County, GA Chamber of Commerce. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Fund for The Arts in Louisville.

We’re celebrating the 4th of July, with the early release of this American bourbon whiskey from July’s Outturn. Cask No. B7.14: Gelatissimo is available to buy NOW.  This bottle’s mash bill is 51% corn, 45% wheat and 4% malted barley – a real adventure!

GELATISSIMO

Cask No. B7.14

It’s deliciously creamy, floral and fruity, reminding our Tasting Panel of sweet cream chocolate chip ice cream or, as the Italians call it “gelato stracciatella” – bellissimo.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

A.Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey – Overholt is the longest standing American whiskey brand, which just launched A. Overholt. ABV: 47.5% | SRP: $40

Scofflaw

2 ounces of Overholt rye whiskey

1⁄2 ounce dry vermouth

3⁄4 ounce grenadine

3⁄4 ounce fresh lemon juice

Orange twist, for garnish

Served up

Happy 4th of July to our friends in the United States of America!

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 531: Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

Mark Dermul, Belgian whiskyblogger, tries a nice bourbon. Brief introduction: The Woodford Reserve Distillery is located in Versailles, Kentucky, on the spot where historians believe Elijah Pepper began distilling whiskey in 1812. This is where the sour mash was used for the first time. The distillery was first called Oscar Pepper Distillery (1838), then renamed Labrot & Graham Distillery and was sold in 1941 to Brown-Forman, who closed it in 1968 and sold it in 1971… but bought it all back in 1993 and launched Woodford Reserve in 1996. Since 2000, the building has been a National Historic Landmark. In the glass is the so-called Double Oak, where the bourbon was finished on a ‘New Heavily Toasted, Lightly Charred Barrel’ after a regular maturation.

https://youtu.be/4xwOKeBFs38

#Ardbeg #Islay #ArdbegAnthology #ArdbegTheUnicornsTale

EXPERIMENTAL WHISKY CROSSES MADEIRA CASKS’
SWEETNESS WITH ARDBEG’S CLASSIC SMOKE

< Aged 14 years, The Unicorn’s Tale is the second release
in Distillery’s Anthology Collection of rare and strange malts >

Ardbeg Islay single malt whisky today reveals a beguilingly sweet and smoky bottling – the second release in its Anthology Collection of rare and strange single malts. Ardbeg Anthology: The Unicorn’s Tale is Ardbeg’s first whisky matured in a marriage of Madeira wine casks and bourbon casks. Aged 14 years, this intriguing limited edition whisky takes smoky-malt lovers on a flavour-filled canter through powerful bursts of smoke, notes of banana, menthol and lime.

The Ardbeg Anthology Collection comprises unusual single malts from the Distillery, which cross classic Ardbeg with experimental stock for new flavour combinations. In homage to these whiskies’ outlandish “hybrid” style, each malt’s name and packaging are inspired by a different mythological creature, which some say they have glimpsed on Islay (although others are understandably sceptical…).

A dark horse of a dram, The Unicorn’s Tale fuses the tropical sweetness of whisky aged in Madeira casks with Ardbeg’s trademark zesty, smoky notes, resulting in a fruity, aromatic and smoky creation. It follows Ardbeg Anthology’s inaugural release, The Harpy’s Tale, which marries classic Ardbeg with the Distillery’s first whisky aged in Sauternes sweet white wine casks.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, said: “At Ardbeg we love to experiment with how we can push our spirit’s smoky balance into new worlds of flavour. Some time ago, we decided to try maturing Ardbeg in unusual cask types for the distillery to create sweet and smoky ‘hybrids’– and so the Anthology Collection was born.

“The Unicorn’s Tale is the second release in this series, which has been created by marrying classic Ardbeg matured in bourbon casks with a parcel of whisky wholly matured in sweet Madeira wine casks. The outcome is a whisky bursting with notes of banana bread and tropical fruit, fused with Ardbeg’s hallmark flavours of camphor, lime zest and wood smoke. This 14-year-old whisky may appear sweet in nature, but its smoky side is not to be underestimated!”

Priced at £130 with an ABV of 46%, Ardbeg Anthology: The Unicorn’s Tale will be available for purchase on ardbeg.com, in Ardbeg Embassies, at the Distillery Visitor Centre on Islay and in selected whisky specialists.

RRP: £130 

For exclusive Ardbeg news and releases, fans and whisky lovers can sign up to the Ardbeg Committee by visiting www.ardbeg.com/ardbeg/committee . Membership is free, and all Ardbeg fans are welcome.

www.ardbeg.com

Follow us on:

Instagram: @ardbeg

Facebook: @ardbeg

Tasting notes

ABV: 46%

Colour Pure Gold

Aroma Rich, sweet, aromatic and fruity, baked banana bread and syrupy sponge pudding fill the senses. Notes of treacle trot into a distinctive suggestion of burning cedarwood. A splash of water releases a bounty of tropical fruits. Eucalyptus oil mingles with soft, aromatic smoke.

Taste Zesty notes of lime and sweet peaches canter across the palate. A burst of rich smoked fruit and baked bread prance into antiseptic lozenges, creosote, and aniseed. Soft barley malt combines with nutmeg and peat smoke.

Finish The influence of these rare Madeira casks is undeniable. A whimsically smoky finish welcomes a long and lingering aftertaste of menthol, clove, wood smoke and camphor.

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts. Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’. During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future, and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction. Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well-established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following. Today, Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee. The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today there are more than 180,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in over 130 countries. Committee Members are regularly consulted on new bottlings and expressions and are offered exclusive Committee bottlings. Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events. The Committee, chaired by Jackie Thomson, is free to join at Ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Ardbeg is one of the world’s most highly awarded smoky single malt whiskies.  Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions.  Ardbeg has twice been awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at the World Whiskies Awards (2010, 2013).  At the 2014 Global Icons of Whisky Awards, Mickey Heads was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.  The following year, Ardbeg’s expressions took the top three spots in Whisky Advocate magazine’s review of the best single malt Scotch whiskies under US$100.  Meanwhile, both Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Ardbeg Uigeadail have been awarded gold medals at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Ardbeg 10 Years Old also won the Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Year Old at the International Whisky Competition 2019, while the Ardbeg Distillery won the Distillery of the Year 2019. In 2020, the International Whisky Competition awarded Ardbeg Corryvreckan first place for Best Single Malt Scotch, Best Single Malt Scotch (No Age Statement), Best cask Strength (Over 57% ABV), Best Peated Scotch and Best Islay Single Malt. Ardbeg Wee Beastie also earned first place for Best Single Malt Scotch Under 10 Year Old and The Ardbeg Distillery achieved another Distillery of the Year award. In 2021, Dr Bill Lumsden was awarded Master Distiller of the Year for the fifth time, and Ardbeg Uigeadail won World Whisky of the Year in the International Whisky Competition. In 2022, at the International Whisky Competition, Ardbeg was awarded The Distillery of the Year Award, while Ardbeg Ardcore won first place in Best New Scotch Release, Best Peated Single Malt and Best Islay Single Malt. In 2023, Ardbeg was awarded four Gold and eight Silver medals at the International Spirits Competition, Silver in the International Wine & Spirits Competition and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Ardbeg Anthology Collection:

This experimental collection comprises rare and experimental Ardbegs, each created from intriguing cask combinations entirely new to the Distillery. Each whisky in the series takes its name from a mythological creature.

The Harpy’s Tale: The series’ first single malt was released in August 2023. Aged for 13 years in a combination of classic bourbon and sweet Sauternes wine casks, this unique Ardbeg is characterised by a tussle between powerful smoke and rich sweetness.

The Unicorn’s Tale: The second whisky in the collection combines classic Ardbeg aged in bourbon casks with whisky fully matured in Malmsey Madeira casks – the sweetest and most prized of the Madeira wines.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Ardbeg whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

INTERNATIONAL BRAND AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR AWARD 

GOES TO CALLUM A FRASER

Callum A Fraser was named Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival International Ambassador at the Touch of Tartan opening dinner, joining a prestigious list of whisky personalities. Despite being kept busy in his role as Production Manager, Callum always finds time to engage with whisky lovers both at home and abroad – anyone who has had the pleasure of meeting him certainly won’t forget it. He is an amazing ambassador for both Glenfarclas and Speyside and we are absolutely thrilled to see this recognised by our peers.

Congratulations Callum!

LOOKING BACK AT THE 2024 SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL

This year’s festival was as busy as ever, and saw us hosting a fun mix of events, from old favourites such as the Family Cask Selection and Managers Tour to new events including the 107 distillery exclusive mini launches and the first Glenfarclas eight decades tasting. One of the highlights was the introduction of the Big Glenfarclas Barbecue which featured fantastic food from Martin’s Catering, a performance from local musicians as well as beer from the local Spey Valley Brewery not to mention a dram or two of our fine whisky!

We also officially launched a new addition to our permanent tour lineup – the 1950s experience. With the unique opportunity to learn more about older style whiskies, this experience offers guests a chance to try five different vintages whiskies from the 1950s. After an overwhelmingly positive response to the first tour which we launched as part of the festival, we will be running this very exclusive experience subject to availability and by prior appointment only. This one of a kind experience is aptly priced at £511.19p, the same amount our Chariman’s great-great-grandfather paid for the distillery in 1865. For further information please contact the Visitor Centre direct by email at visitorcentre@glenfarclas.com.

2024 MARKET VISITS

The first half of the year was a busy time for our sales colleagues, visiting markets and distributors all across the globe. The team’s travels have taken them to Sweden, Finland, The Netherlands, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Bulgaria, The USA, Canada, Austria, Germany, Italy and Denmark. The rest of the year holds some very exciting events, festivals and visits and we are looking forward to sharing these with you later in the year.

THE LAUNCH OF THE 105 16 YEAR OLD

At the beginning of this year we were delighted to announce the release of our 105 16 year old. 5,280 bottles were released worldwide and we are delighted to say that it has had some incredible feedback. For markets that are further afield it will only just be making it onto your shelves. We hope everyone that tries this limited edition bottling enjoys it!

THE BIG GOLF RACE 2024

Recently, a group of golfers from the Scotch Whisky Industry took part in The Big Golf Race 2024 – the challenge is 100 holes in a single day to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK. Amongst the golfers were Glenfarclas team members Douglas and Duncan, who played through the adverse weather conditions to complete the challenge in 17 hours. A huge well done to everyone who took part.

If you feel you are able to support them please use this link to donate to the team’s Just Giving page.

The 25

An Evolution of Flavour

After a quarter century of waiting, making room for beauty only time can touch, the elegance of our whisky intensifies. Flavour and fragrance mingle and melt in sumptuous harmony.  Fruit becomes more aromatic, vanilla notes more decadent, delicate nuttiness more luxurious and fragrance intensified.

 Our delicate spirit ages in a distinctive way.  Over time, bold, bright, fruity notes progressively become more refined and fragrant.  It is a distinctive alchemy which is illustrated perfectly in The 25.

Whilst wood plays a key role in maturation, by the time our whisky gets to 25 years, the evolution of the new make spirit itself starts to have a significant impact on the overall flavour profile, developing fragrance, refinement and an aromatic quality which complements the wood derived flavours.

Find Out More

The 25 is available at selected specialist retailers throughout the world.  Find your local stockist on our website

Springbank 1993 21 Year Old Open Day 2015

Distilled at the iconic Springbank distillery, this expression was produced for their 2015 Open Day. It was laid down to mature in 1993, having spent some time maturing in a refill claret wine cask. Free from chill filtration, at natural colour and presented at 46% abv. Only 264 bottles were made.

Please note: this bottle is from a private collection.

£1,850.00

SHOP NOW ❯