Glengoyne collaborate with Jolomo for The Glasgow School of Art

Glengoyne Highland Single Malt has announced its latest collaboration with one of Scotland’s best-loved contemporary artists in association with The Glasgow School of Art.

The Single Malt has again teamed up with Glasgow School of Art graduate, John Lowrie Morrison OBE (Jolomo), to reveal the third in a series of specially commissioned seasonal paintings inspired by the distillery.

‘Spring Blossoms at Glengoyne’ will be printed on limited edition Glengoyne 10 Year Old gift tins in time for Christmas, with Glengoyne making a donation to The Glasgow School of Art.

Alan Horn, Director of Development for The Glasgow School of Art said: “We’re delighted that Glengoyne and Jolomo are continuing their association with The Glasgow School of Art through this inspiring collaborative project.

We’re grateful that Glengoyne has chosen to continue this relationship with Jolomo and the School and we look forward to working with them both again this year, to build on the success of the previous gift tins.

The last few months have been particularly challenging, and we would like to thank Glengoyne and Jolomo for their continued kind thoughts and support.”

Katy Macanna, Brand Manager for Glengoyne, added: “As one of Glasgow’s local whisky distilleries, we take great pride in contributing to the recovery of one of the city’s most iconic cultural landmarks, helping to secure its legacy and support future creative talent.

“The latest artwork that Jolomo has created is truly stunning, and captures the essence of Glengoyne perfectly, so if you’re looking to start your Christmas shopping, the Glengoyne 10 Year Old ‘Spring Blossoms at Glengoyne’ Limited Edition tin is the perfect present for art and whisky lovers alike.”

The limited edition tins, each containing a bottle of the classic 10 Year Old from Glengoyne and a print of ‘Spring Blossoms at Glengoyne Distillery’, will be available to buy online from 17^th October for £35.49 per bottle from glengoyne.com, the Glengoyne Distillery shop and specialist and independent retailers.

Nestled at the foot of Dumgoyne Hill with the hills of Loch Lomond in the distance, Glengoyne is widely considered one of Scotland’s most beautiful distilleries. Just 14 miles north of Glasgow, Glengoyne sits on the border between Highland and Lowland whisky regions.

www.glengoyne.com

www.drinkaware.co.uk www.scotch-whisky.org.uk

Notes 

About Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky:

Glengoyne, uncompromising in its pursuit of excellence, runs its stills slower than any other distillery in order to create the complex, sweet flavours for which the malt is known. The Glengoyne Highland Single Malt range is matured in the finest sherry casks from within its traditional dunnage warehouses.

About The Glasgow School of Art:

The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) was founded in 1845 as one of the first Government Schools of Design, as a centre of creativity promoting good design for the manufacturing industries of Glasgow.  However, the School’s lineage can be traced to 1753, when Robert Foulis established a school of art and design in Glasgow, described as “the single most influential factor in the development of eighteenth-century Scottish Art”.  Today, The GSA is internationally recognised as one of Europe’s leading university-level institutions for Architecture, Design, Digital Visualisation, Innovation and Fine Art. It is also a key contributor to Glasgow’s reputation as an internationally renowned creative city.

The studio-based approach to research and teaching brings disciplines together to explore problems in new ways to find new innovative solutions. The studio creates the environment for inter-disciplinarily, peer learning, critical inquiry, experimentation and prototyping, helping to addressing many of the major challenged confronting society and contemporary business.

www.gsa.ac.uk

About Jolomo:

John Lowrie Morrison was born in Glasgow and trained at Glasgow School of Art. He worked in education for 25 years, taking up painting full-time in 1997. He lives and works in Argyll. He has been awarded honorary doctorates from the University of the West of Scotland and from the University of Abertay, Dundee. In 2011, he received an OBE for services to art and charity in Scotland. He was the subject of a major retrospective exhibition at Clydebank Town Hall Museum & Art Gallery in summer 2013, and a major show in the Mitchell Library, Glasgow, in November 2015. John and his wife Maureen are Vice Presidents of the charity Carers Trust, along with HRH The Princess Royal.

Buffalo Trace Whiskies Win Two of Top Three Whisky Bible Awards, Including World Whisky of the Year

Two additional Sazerac Whiskies Receive Top Honors  

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Oct. 9, 2018) Two whiskies from Buffalo Trace Distillery won top awards from “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2019,” with William Larue Weller being named World Whisky of the Year and Thomas Handy Sazerac Straight Rye winning Third Best Whiskey in the world.  This is the second year in a row a whiskey from Buffalo Trace Distillery has taken home this coveted prize of number one whiskey in the world from Jim Murray.

The winning William Larue Weller, at 128.2 proof, was part of the Distillery’s 2017 Antique Collection, as was the third runner up Thomas Handy Sazerac Straight Rye, at 127.2 proof.

In addition, Buffalo Trace’s Blanton’s Gold Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was named Single Cask of the Year, and Sazerac owned The Last Drop Distillers’ “Glenrothes” release was honored as Scotch Single Cask of the Year.

“We are both delighted and immensely proud to have won not only the World Whiskey of the Year for the second year in a row, but also to hold the 3rd finest whiskey of the world title, as well as good showings in the single cask of the year categories, said Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer, Buffalo Trace Distillery.  “These wins are special to us because we hold Jim’s palate in the highest esteem, but also because they are a testament to the skill and craft of the men and women of Buffalo Trace, who consistently produce the best whiskies in the world.”

The winning William Larue Weller makes this the seventh whiskey produced by Buffalo Trace to receive World Whiskey of the Year in the last 15 years. Those whiskies include E. H. Taylor Four Grain Bourbon in 2018, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac, 128.6 proof in 2013, the Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye Whiskey in 2010, The George T. Stagg Bourbon 129 proof in 2006, and the George T. Stagg Bourbon in both 2005 and 2004.

            “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2019” can be pre-ordered at http://whiskybible.com/

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018.”  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Irish Distillers announces €150 million investment in sites in Cork and Dublin

More than €150 million is to be invested into Irish Distillers’ Midleton Distillery, maturation site in Dungourney, Co. Cork, and bottling plant Fox and Geese, Dublin over the next two years 

• Nearly €130 million to be spent expanding and upgrading Irish Distillers’ distillery in Midleton, and maturation site in Dungourney, Co. Cork
• Over €20 million investment in upgrades to Irish Distillers’ Fox and Geese bottling site in Dublin, including extensions to the main operating bottling hall and storage warehouses
• Eight new maturation warehouses, holding 16,800 casks each, to be built at Dungourney maturation site
• Additional equipment installed in Midleton Distillery to expand capacity 

Irish Distillers, the makers of the world’s most enjoyed whiskeys and one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of spirits and wines, has announced the investment of over €150 million in its sites in Cork and Dublin to meet demand for its products as the Irish whiskey renaissance continues apace. This is accelerated by the continued growth of Jameson which is now in double or triple-digit growth in more than 80 markets across the world. Nearly €130 million is to be spent expanding and upgrading the distillery in Midleton, and maturation site in Dungourney, Co. Cork, with over €20 million being invested in development of its bottling plant in Fox and Geese, Co. Dublin.

The investment will see the construction of eight new maturation warehouses, each holding 16,800 casks, with further land to be purchased to support the next phase of development, in Dungourney, Co. Cork.

The company has also added an additional mechanical vapour recompression evaporator, made by GEA Wiegand in Germany, to its Midleton Distillery in East Cork. The addition allows the distillery to further expand its capacity. A third mash filter and new fermenters are also to be installed in the distillery to meet the increasing demand for its portfolio of whiskeys. The distillery will also complete construction of a new office building in July 2019.

Investment in Irish Distillers’ bottling site in Fox and Geese will see extensions to the main operating bottling hall, storage warehouses, laboratory, and office spaces and additional upgrades to bottling and packing equipment.

Commenting on the investment, Conor McQuaid, Chairman and CEO said: “This €150 million investment in Midleton, Dungourney and Fox and Geese reflects the growing international success of Irish Distillers’ whiskey portfolio. With a tradition dating back to 1780, we have been distilling in the Midleton Distillery since 1975 and we are delighted to confirm our commitment to this tradition, and at the same time continue to embrace progress, delivering new and innovative expressions of Irish whiskey. We look forward to building upon our success story by continuing to bring innovative Irish whiskeys to the market. 

“Irish whiskey is the fastest growing premium spirit in the world, with sales now accounting for more than one third of all Irish beverage exports. This investment will help to allow this growth to continue for years to come. The company is proud to play its role in the Irish drinks industry, which is a hugely important part of the Irish economy.”

Notes

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish whiskey, experiencing 28 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 7.3m cases in 2017/18. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 80 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth. 

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. Since 2012, we have invested over €400 million to double our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products. 

We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin. 

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of €8,987 million in FY18. 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, Malibu liqueur, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,900 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 86 “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

Distillery recreates extinct Native Oyster reefs in the Dornoch Firth, an environmental first

Glenmorangie returns 20,000 oysters to the sea near its home

Photo caption: Scientists lay Native European Oysters on the recreated reef in the Dornoch Firth as part of Glenmorangie’s DEEP project.

12^th October 2018. A total of 20,000 oysters are to be introduced into the sea near Glenmorangie’s Highland home, as part of the Single Malt whisky’s ground-breaking project to restore oyster reefs fished to extinction a century ago. In pursuit of its vision to enhance the marine biodiversity of the Dornoch Firth, Glenmorangie and its partners last year placed 300 oysters in its protected waters, to confirm the species could survive. Now, for the second phase of the project, they are to recreate entire reefs – the very first time this has been attempted anywhere in Europe.

Glenmorangie is dedicated to protecting and improving the beautiful surroundings which have been its home for 175 years. With this commitment in mind, it forged the Dornoch Environmental Enhancement Project (DEEP), with Heriot-Watt University and the Marine Conservation Society in 2014, to bring oysters back to the Firth. Established reefs in the Firth will increase biodiversity and act in tandem with Glenmorangie’s anaerobic digestion plant, to purify the surrounding seas of their distillation.

Researchers introduced the first 300 native European oysters in 2017. These oysters thrived, paving the way for a feat never before attempted in Europe – recreating natural reefs. From this month, 20,000 oysters will be carefully placed on the first of these reefs, specially created from waste shell, to mimic their natural habitat. The native oysters, all grown in the UK, painstakingly cleaned and checked for disease and unwanted hitchhikers, will be regularly monitored. Based on a successful outcome of this 20,000 oyster trial numbers will be increased to 200,000 over three years. Over five years, the population will be built up to four million, spread over 40 hectares restoring the self-sustaining oyster reefs that existed in the Firth, until they were fished out in the 1800s.

An Independent Research Advisory Panel (IRAP) of leading European Marine scientists has also been created. Led by Professor John Baxter the panel will have oversight of the DEEP project.

Hamish Torrie, Glenmorangie’s CSR Director, said: ‘We are very excited to move DEEP to its next stage and have been hugely encouraged by the enthusiastic support that our meticulous, research-led approach has received from a wide range of Scottish Government agencies and native oyster growers – it is a truly collaborative effort. We are all very proud that in our 175^th year the Distillery has such a pioneering environmental project right on its doorstep.’

Dr Bill Sanderson, Associate Professor of Marine Biodiversity at Heriot-Watt, said: “This is the first time anyone has tried to recreate a natural European oyster habitat in a protected area. Working closely with Glenmorangie, we hope to create an outstanding environment for marine life in the Firth – and act as a driving force behind other oyster regeneration work across Europe.”

Thomas Moradpour, President and CEO of The Glenmorangie Company, said: “DEEP is a vital part of our vision for a fully sustainable business. Supported by Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and our partners, we’ll do all we can to champion this innovative project, soon to be showcased at our Open Weekend

at The Glenmorangie Distillery.’

For each bottle sold of limited-edition Glenmorangie Dornoch, a donation is made to the Marine Conservation Society to support DEEP. RRP: £69.

https://www.glenmorangie.com/

Follow Glenmorangie on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Glenmorangie

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheGlenmorangie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glenmorangiecom 

NOTES: 

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at
the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland for a purer spirit, expertly matured in the finest oak casks for great depth, and perfected by the Men of Tain, who have passed their skills down the generations, often from father to son.  These select craftsmen go to unseen lengths to ensure that Glenmorangie is made in the same unhurried, uncompromising way as it always has been.  The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field, uniting tradition with innovation.

About DEEP:

This innovative project is the first attempt to restore the endangered Native European oyster to a protected area where it has become extinct.  Begun in 2014, DEEP is delivered through a ground-breaking partnership between Glenmorangie, which has provided seed funding, Heriot-Watt University through research and field work led by Dr Bill Sanderson, and the Marine Conservation Society, which delivers community engagement, communications support and advocacy.  The project’s first phase, led by Dr Sanderson, trawled archaeological records, ancient literature and fisheries records, then sampled shell material, to show that oysters had existed in the Dornoch Firth up to 10,000 years ago – and that reintroducing them was feasible. In 2017, 300 oysters from the UK’s only sizeable wild oyster population in Loch Ryan, were carefully placed on two sites in the Dornoch Firth in ballasted bags, to confirm that they would thrive in the water. Researchers were delighted to see a survival rate in line with their highest expectations – up to 86% on one site.

For the next phase of the project, a total of 20 tonnes of waste shell from the scallop and mussel industry will be placed in two locations on the seabed this month (October 2018), to form reefs for the oysters. This will help to stabilise the sediment and allow the oysters to grow on top, mimicking the conditions in which the species would have grown before they became extinct in the Firth. As this is the first attempt to establish a natural habitat for the native European oyster, scientists will vary shell type, shell density, the way it is laid and the location, to inform their research. Between October and the following spring, they then will place a total of 20,000 oysters, grown by suppliers across the UK, on these reefs. The scientists, who will monitor the oysters every six months, then plan to increase the numbers to 200,000 within three years and to some four million, over around 40 hectares, in five years.  At this stage, they believe the reefs will cover an area and density large enough to ensure a self-sustaining oyster population – replicating the numbers which would have existed before the species was wiped out in the 19^th century.

IRAP visited Glenmorangie earlier in October to validate DEEP’s work. Their support will be invaluable to the project as it moves forward. The panel includes:

Professor John Baxter – chair of the Scottish Blue Carbon Forum (former Principal Marine Adviser  SNH), Scottish Government, Adviser to the IUCN Global Marine and Polar Programme and member of the World Commission on Protected Areas.

Francois Simard – Deputy Director of the Global Marine and Polar Programme

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

Professor Dan Laffoley – Principal Adviser on Marine Science and Conservation at IUCN,

Marine Vice Chair for the World Commission on Protected Areas.

Dr Matt Frost – Deputy Director Marine Biological Association Director of Policy and Knowledge Exchange, President of the European Network of Marine Research Institutes and Stations (MARS) and Chair of the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnership.

Dr Henning von Nordheim – Professor for Marine Nature Conservation, at the University of Rostock.

About DEEP’s benefits:

The success of DEEP would offer many benefits to the marine environment. Oysters filter water as they feed, soaking up nitrogen and improving the water quality (one oyster can filter up to 200 litres of water a day).  Established reefs, together with Glenmorangie’s anaerobic digestion plant, would account for 100 per cent of the organic material in the water that the Distillery releases into the Firth. Native Oysters also create microhabitats for other marine life, which increases an area’s biodiversity. Oyster reefs are amongst the most endangered marine habitats on Earth – and scientists hope that the research conducted as part of DEEP might one day enable conservationists around the world to reintroduce the species to other areas where it has become extinct. Furthermore, DEEP is helping to sustain oyster-growing businesses across the UK, creating demand for the native European oyster.

About Biosecurity:

The researchers are taking every precaution to ensure that the oysters destined for the Firth are free from disease – and are not accompanied by any invasive alien species. Grown by oyster farmers across the UK, they will be tested for disease, and held behind a biosecurity firewall at Heriot-Watt University. There, every single oyster will be thoroughly checked and cleaned – its shell scrubbed and sterilised, with water passed through the inside.

About the Dornoch Firth:

The Dornoch Firth, on the banks of which Glenmorangie Distillery is located, is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, an internationally important Special Area of Conservation, and a Special Protection Area. Conditions are today regarded as favourable for marine life in the Firth. DEEP aims to improve water quality and biodiversity even further. The native European oyster is thought to have thrived in the Firth for around 8,000 years, until being decimated by overfishing in the 19th century – as was commonplace for oyster populations around the world.  Today the species is all but extinct in the wild.

About Glenmorangie’s anaerobic digestion plant:

Glenmorangie’s treatment plant is part of its long-term commitment to protecting and improving the beautiful surroundings in which its Distillery will always be rooted.  Glenmorangie has always been fully compliant with Scottish Environmental Protection Agency guidelines for the chemical oxygen demand (COD – a measure of organic compounds in water) of the water it releases into the Dornoch Firth. But inspired to increase its sustainability even further, Glenmorangie began to build an anaerobic digestion plant in 2015. This unique plant, opened in 2017, treats the Distillery’s pot ale (the solids which remain after primary distillation), spent lees (residue from the spirit distillation) and washing water (the waste water used when cleaning the mash tun and washbacks). The plant reduces the COD of the water that Glenmorangie releases into the Dornoch Firth by 95 per cent. Within a few years, established oyster reefs will account for the remaining 5 per cent – ensuring that Glenmorangie’s nutrient-rich outflow is entirely accounted for. The plant’s other by-products are a copper-rich sludge and biogas. The biogas is used to create steam which helps power the Distillery, reducing Glenmorangie’s reliance on fossil fuels by 15 per cent. Meanwhile, the sludge, which contains copper from Glenmorangie’s signature stills – the tallest in Scotland – is passed to local barley farmers. It helps to reduce their reliance on fertilisers for land which is naturally copper deficient.

About Heriot-Watt:

Heriot-Watt is a specialist university, globally minded and calibrated to the needs of society.  A leading technological and business university, renowned for innovation in business, engineering, design and the physical, social and life sciences, Heriot-Watt defines its presence on the international stage in areas of world importance and value. Its communities of scholars come from across the world and are leaders in ideas and solutions; delivering innovation and educational excellence, the University is ranked in the top 10 for Research Impact in the UK. With roots in Scotland and a truly international reach, Heriot-Watt is a leader in transnational education and a powerful driver and engine of the economy, transforming people and the world. Within the University’s Centre for Marine Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Dr Bill Sanderson’s work concentrates on the marine biodiversity research needed to support sensitive management and sustainable development, often concentrating on species and habitats of high nature-conservation importance, such as biogenic reefs.

About MCS:

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is the UK’s leading charity for the protection of our seas, shores and wildlife. MCS champions a vision of sustainable fisheries, abundant marine life and clean seas and beaches for the enjoyment of all.  As part of DEEP, Glenmorangie has funded a part-time role at the Distillery for an MCS information officer. The post-holder, in place for six months every year, engages visitors with the work of MCS, runs beach cleans, education workshops, and encourages wildlife watching, including the wading birds and seals that sun themselves on the Firth’s sand banks. MCS has a dedicated Scotland conservation programme based at its Edinburgh office that was established in 2000.

International Beverage appoints Cara Chambers to Marketing Director Role

Global drinks business International Beverage Holdings has today (Tuesday 9^th October) announced the appointment of Cara Chambers to the post of Marketing Director.

Based at the company’s Scotch whisky subsidiary Inver House Distillers in Airdrie, Mrs Chambers is tasked with leading marketing and innovation for International Beverage’s award-winning spirits portfolio, which includes the Old Pulteney, anCnoc, Speyburn and Balblair single malt whisky brands, Hankey Bannister blended Scotch, as well as Scotland’s leading super premium gin Caorunn.

She brings 25 years’ experience working for some of the UK’s leading blue chip companies to the position, as well as a strong track record in implementing successful brand marketing strategies for global drinks companies, including Heineken and Whyte & Mackay.

Commenting on her appointment, Mrs Chambers said: ‘I have heard so many positive things about the International Beverage business, its people and its brilliant brands, and I am thrilled to have been appointed to the post. The opportunity to work closely with the team in Scotland, whilst also being part of the company’s international business framework, is a very appealing prospect. It’s a chance for me to learn within a dynamic global team, and to deliver plans to take these successful brands to the next level. I am really looking forward to the challenge.’

Inver House Distillers Managing Director Martin Leonard added: ‘We are entering a very exciting period for our business, with the channels in place to grow our brands in markets around the world. The position of Marketing Director is critical to delivering our ambitious plans, and Cara brings outstanding qualities, skills and experience to the task. She is a great fit for our business and a most welcome addition to our growing team.’

Mrs Chambers began her career in the drinks industry, starting at United Distillers (Diageo), Scottish Courage – where she became Marketing Manager for its cider portfolio – and Scottish & Newcastle / Heineken UK, where she rose to become Head of Innovation.

After a period working in consultancy, Mrs Chambers returned to the drinks industry as Marketing Director for Whyte & Mackay, before moving to Sainsbury’s Bank as Head of Customer and Brand Development, leading a brand, communications and innovation strategy at a pivotal point in the company’s development. Latterly, she was European Marketing Director of Baxters Food Group.

She is a qualified business coach and a fellow of the Marketing Society.

http://www.interbevgroup.com/

International Beverage Holdings Ltd

International Beverage Holdings Ltd is one of the drinks industry’s most dynamic global businesses.  Established in 2006 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Thaibev, the company operates as its international business arm, specialising in the development of premium local spirits for the global market. Its success is built on a strong understanding of local cultures and markets within a worldwide business network. Based in Hong Kong with regional offices in Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, the USA and UK, the company is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium brands in over 85 markets. These brands are built on character, craftsmanship and quality, led by a range of award-winning Scotch whiskies and an array of vibrant beers and spirits. These include:

• Single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc and Speyburn
• Blended Scotch Hankey Bannister
• Caorunn, Scotland’s leading super premium gin
• Mekhong, ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
• Chang Beer, Thailand’s iconic beer brand

Inver House Distillers is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Beverage Holdings Ltd, producing its  Scotch whiskies and gin at five distilleries around Scotland: Pulteney, Speyburn, Knockdhu, Balblair and Balmenach. Inver House is also highly active in the warehousing and blending of Scotch whisky, with warehousing for 500,000 barrels and state of the art blending and laboratory facilities at its headquarters in Airdrie. The business has won many prestigious accolades over the years, including the Icons of Whisky Distiller of the Year Award for Scotland (2017).

www.interbevgroup.com

Focus brands

Old Pulteney, ‘The Maritime Malt’, is crafted in the windswept coastal town of Wick at Pulteney Distillery – established in 1826 and one of the most northerly on the Scottish mainland. ‘Pulteneytown’ once housed 7000 fishermen during Wick’s famous herring boom, and Old Pulteney is the embodiment of this place, its people and its remarkable history. Crafted using the most time-honoured techniques, Old Pulteney recently launched a new core range featuring flagship 12 Years Old, Huddart, 15 and 18 Years Old. www.oldpulteney.com

Speyburn Distillery was established in 1897 by John Hopkins at Rothes in the heart of Speyside. The beautiful natural environment of this location, combined with traditional methods of production and a quest for innovation, produce a whisky that symbolises all that is special about the great Speyside region. Speyburn currently has three core expressions – Bradan Orach, 10 and 15 Years Old. www.speyburn.com

Balblair Distillery is one of the oldest working distilleries in the Scottish Highlands, built in 1790 and sitting on the original site to this day. Balblair whiskies are released as vintage expressions, only when they have reached their exact point of ‘optimum maturation’, the peak of perfection. www.balblair.com

anCnoc is produced at Knockdhu Distillery, built in 1894 and one of the smallest and most enchanting in the Scottish Highlands. It is renowned by malt enthusiasts worldwide for bringing a contemporary twist to the traditions of fine malt whisky, producing a single malt that is accessible and versatile for all occasions. www.ancnoc.com

Hankey Bannister is crafted from a blend of fine single malts from the five Inver House distilleries, producing a smooth and distinctive blend that is true to the original recipe of its historic founders – the flamboyant Mr Beaumont Hankey and his astute business partner, Mr Hugh Bannister. The whiskies of these eighteenth century pioneers were awarded royal warrants under King George V and Edward VII and were enjoyed by the likes of Winston Churchill and the Prince Regent William IV. www.hankeybannister.com

BOURBONS FROM BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY WIN TWO DOUBLE GOLD MEDALS AT THE 2018 NEW YORK WORLD WINE AND SPIRITS COMPETITION 

            FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (October 11, 2018) – A bevy of spirits from Buffalo Trace Distillery won medals at the eighth annual New York World Wine & Spirits Competition (NYWSC), including Best Straight Bourbon and Double Gold Medal to W.L. Weller 12 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon.  Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon also received a Double Gold, along with winning Best Bourbon and Best Small Batch Bourbon.

The NYWSC, held in August, received more than 430 wines and 340 spirits to be judged at this year’s competition, breaking all records of previous years.

Spirits from Buffalo Trace Distillery which received Gold Medals:

• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Benchmark Old No. 8 Brand Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Silver Medals from Buffalo Trace Distillery produced spirits:

• Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
• W.L. Weller Special Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• W.L. Weller Antique 107 Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey
• Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Buffalo Trace Distillery Bronze Medal Spirits Winners:

• Wheatley Vodka
• Buffalo Trace Distillery Bourbon Cream Liqueur

“We are honored to accept the awards at this year’s New York World Wine and Spirits Competition, says Harlen Wheatley, master distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery, “It was truly a team effort.”

Results from the 2018 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition can be found at https://www.nywscomp.com/results/.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 21 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Its Col. E. H. Taylor, Jr. Four Grain Bourbon was named World Whiskey of the Year by “Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible 2018.”  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 500 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Brand Home Manager of Forres distillery joins exclusive Scotch whisky society 

A distillery brand home manager who has been delighting visitors for five years about Benromach Speyside single malt Scotch whisky has become a Keeper of the Quaich at an exclusive ceremony at Blair Castle in Perthshire.

Susan Colville was invited to join the international and select society which recognises those who have shown outstanding commitment to the Scotch whisky industry.

Susan, who was born and raised in Speyside, joined the Forres-based distillery in 2013 to lead a dedicated team of guides who deliver a highly personal and up-close experience to thousands of visitors from all over the world each year.

Throughout 2018, as Benromach celebrates its 20^th anniversary since production restarted, Susan has been driving an exciting programme of activity. She began by leading the team that staged the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival opening gala dinner in May and is helping to host colleague and trade events throughout the year.

Susan was thrilled to be honoured by the Keepers of the Quaich She said: “This has been an incredible year at the distillery, and to receive this accolade during our 20^th anniversary is particularly special for me.

“As one of only a few distilleries in Scotland where every whisky is handcrafted without any automated equipment, we’ve worked hard to deliver tours and tastings to our visitors that are truly unique. Since 2013, we’ve seen a 40% increase in visitor numbers from across the globe.”

Susan, who lives in Elgin, Speyside with her husband and daughter, was determined to pursue a career in the Scotch whisky industry from an early age having been inspired by her father who worked for over 30 years as a distiller at Glenrothes Distillery.

Beginning her career as a tour guide at Glenfiddich and Glenfarclas Distilleries over the summer holidays, she then moved to Edinburgh to work for Royal Mile Whiskies. With a natural disposition for customer service and a love of Scotch whisky, Susan relished the opportunity to develop her knowledge and hone her sales skills.

Sales and marketing roles with Douglas Laing, AD Rattray, Wemyss and Glenglassaugh saw Susan travel the world, conducting countless masterclasses and tastings to an audience keen to learn and enjoy Scotch whisky.

Susan was acknowledged by her industry peers in 2012 when she was presented with the Young Ambassador of the Year accolade at the Icons of Whisky Awards. Following this recognition, Susan was named Visitor Centre Manager of the year at the World Whiskies Awards in 2015.

The venue for the Keepers of the Quaich ceremony – Blair Castle – is home to the Atholl Highlanders, Europe’s only private army. The banquet is held in the Grand Ballroom of the Castle, famous for its ceiling decorated with 175 deer antlers.

Keith Cruickshank, distillery manager at Benromach, commented: “Susan’s tireless commitment and significant contribution to our wonderful industry makes her an outstanding candidate to become a Keeper of the Quaich.

“She is a terrific ambassador for Scotch malt whisky and is truly deserving of this honour.”

Last month, Benromach Distillery, which attracts more than 13,000 visitors per year achieved its Five Star Visitor Attraction status from VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance scheme.

Notes 

Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when the Urquhart family realised a lifelong dream to own a distillery and purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Rothesay in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family wanted to create a single malt whisky that has a classic Speyside character: beautifully balanced with a light touch of smoke.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A five star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail.

FAMED STREET ARTIST FELIPE PANTONE PARTNERS WITH BALLANTINE’S FOR TRUE MUSIC SERIES

OCTOBER 8^th 2018 – Ballantine’s whisky, Europe’s No. 1 Scotch whisky and the world’s No. 2 Scotch whisky, has this month announced Felipe Pantone as the latest True Music Series collaborator following previous partnerships with beatboxer, Reeps One and graphic designers Leif Podhajsky and Dave Ma.

At the cutting edge of street art, Felipe Pantone is an Argentinian-Spanish visual and kinetic artist whose work fuses bold graphics, strong contrasts and vivid colours with mixed typography to create ultra-modern art that often brings music to life.

His work to date has adorned iconic music spaces around the globe including Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel and the Life is Beautiful Music Festival in Las Vegas, as well as featuring in a music video for Anderson Paak and on album artwork for The Stroke’s Julian Casablancas. His latest pieces for Ballantine’s have been inspired by underground club culture, the recording and production process, and music soundwaves.

Featuring his distinctive geometric patterns, vivid colours, holograms and optical art, Felipe has created three inspiring artworks which form this year’s True Music Series limited edition gift packaging for Ballantine’s Finest and Ballantine’s 12 Year Old, which will be available around the world from September.

The True Music Series will take Felipe’s artwork across the globe – from Moscow to Johannesburg via Santiago – to transform a range of different music spaces with the distinctive geometric patterns, vibrant flavour and optical art that form his Ballantine’s limited-edition designs. Felipe’s artwork will connect to sound reactive projectors in each space, creating its own equaliser and allowing musicians to experience a visual representation of the music they produce and play within the space, ensuring a performance experience like no other for music fans.

Felipe Pantone said of the partnership: “I’ve always been surrounded by musicians and collaborating with Ballantine’s – a whisky brand that’s all about music – allowed me to explore a style marked by sound waves and flowing bits, juxtaposed with my signature elements. It’s always a pleasure to work around music artists, the spaces and the fans.”

Tom Elton, Head of Music at Ballantine’s, added: “There are a few artists who are really making waves internationally while creating forward-thinking and truly striking art, and Felipe is definitely one of them. With a passion and affinity for music as well as art, Felipe was an obvious choice for us and we couldn’t be happier with the bold and futuristic gift packs he has produced.

“But the limited-edition packaging is only the beginning; we have some really exciting plans to bring Felipe’s artwork to life in some of the coolest music communities around the world, including Gost Zvuk in Russia, Primavera Fauna in Chile and with Kid Fonque in South Africa – it’s going to be epic.”

The Ballantine’s True Music Series is an annual project that gives uncompromising artists a unique platform to share and visualise music and music scenes that inspire artists and fans worldwide.  The latest limited-edition gift packs created by Felipe Pantone will be available globally from September 2018. Find out more, here: http://www.ballantines.com/truemusicseries. 

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past ten years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.

www.ballantines.com

Instagram: @Ballantines

Facebook: facebook.com/ballantines

Twitter: twitter.com/ballantines

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ballantines

About Felipe Pantone

Felipe Pantone is an Argentinian-born Spanish graffiti and street artist based in Valencia. Influenced by his apprehension of the digital age and technological advancement, Pantone’s futuristic style uses sharp colours and geometric shapes to capture its viewer. His work has adorned a multitude of iconic music spaces across the globe including the Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel and Life is Beautiful Music Festival in Las Vegas as well as within music videos and album artwork for the likes of The Stroke’s Julian Casablancas and singer-songwriter Anderson Paak. 

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader 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

Twitter: @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 and Malibu, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of 18,500 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.

From Guy Phenix at The WhiskyCrowd;

We are a Glasgow based Whisky start up that want to be the first to crowdfund a whisky cask. We have an amazing ex-Bordeaux cask filled with whisky distilled on Islay and has been maturing for the last 7 years. We are offering up 360 parts that correspond to a bottle, 50cl or 70cl. This enables people to own part of a whisky cask and then get a single cask, 61% hand bottled and labelled whisky from £58 with free UK shipping. When placing your order enter the exclusive Whisky Intelligence discount code WHINT5 to receive £5 off!

More info over at our website www.TheWhiskyCrowd.com or visit them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TheWhiskyCrowd also on Instagram www.instagram.com/TheWhiskyCrowd