ARDBEG DISTILLERY TO CELEBRATE ALL THINGS ‘PEAT & LOVE’ FOR ARDBEG DAY 2018 

Ardbeg Day falls on Saturday, 2^nd June 2018. This year, the Islay distillery will be rolling back the years to the Ardbeg Village of the late 1960s 

Each year, Ardbeg Day marks the end of Islay’s Festival of Music and Malt, Fèis Ìle, with a global celebration of the untamed spirit of Islay. Eagerly anticipated by Ardbeggians and smoky malt whisky enthusiasts the world over, this year will take them back in time for a celebration of all things ‘Peat & Love’.

Inspired by the alternative lifestyle and unorthodox spirit of a previous generation, Ardbeg will release this year’s celebratory Limited Edition, Ardbeg Grooves. In his latest experiment, Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation and Whisky Stocks has used re-toasted red wine casks to mature a portion of the whisky. While still sticky with the residue of the wine, these casks were intensely charred to produce heavy grooves into the surface of the wood, a technique that has produced more intense flavours. The result is a whisky aromatic with smoked spices, distant bonfires and chilli-seasoned meats.

Meanwhile, all across the world, Committee Members and lovers of smoky malt will be invited to don their flares, channel some ‘flower power’ and celebrate their passion for the peaty whisky they “dig” above all others.

Distillery Manager Mickey Heads said: “The Ardbeg Village of the 1960s was a very different place – a groovy wee community, with its own post office, billiards hall, two choirs and even a football team. These days the Ardbeg community is a worldwide one, and Ardbeg Day is the best way for us all to come together and raise a dram to the ultimate Islay single malt.”

Ardbeg Day in the UK will play host to a live online tasting, broadcasting to all Ardbeg Embassies nationwide, uniting them in a celebration of Islay’s peatiest malt. The day will also see the launch of Ardbeg’s Summer of Peat & Love Campaign, where Ardbeg’s own 1960s inspired VW van will tour the country making stops at a number of leading music festivals, bars and Ardbeg Embassies serving smoky drams to the masses, spreading a taste of Islay’s ‘Peat & Love’ and good vibes along the way. More details on Ardbeg’s Summer of Peat & Love will be released in the forthcoming weeks.

The Committee release of Ardbeg Peat & Love bottled at 51.6% goes on sale at 9am on 14^th March 2018, RRP: £89. Committee Members will receive a link to purchase their own special bottle. www.ardbeg.com

Follow Ardbeg on:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ardbeg_com

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

NOTES  

Ardbeg Day:

Every year, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music takes place in May or June on Ardbeg’s island home. On the Festival’s final Saturday, Ardbeg Day, the Distillery traditionally throws open its doors to welcome fans from all over the world. In 2012 Ardbeg Day became a global event, enabling the whisky’s passionate international following to take part in a worldwide celebration of all things Ardbeg in their own country. Recent Ardbeg Day themes have included the Islay-limpics and the Peat Football World Cup, while in 2015, Ardbeg Day celebrated the single malt’s 200th anniversary by looking forward 200 years to a retro-futuristic version of Islay in 2215.  For 2016, Ardbeg Day became Ardbeg Night, as fans across the globe recalled Islay’s dark past as a smugglers’ haunt. And in 2017, Ardbeg Day plunged deep under the sea for another legendary celebration.

Ardbeg Grooves:

Ardbeg Grooves is a limited-edition bottling created to celebrate Ardbeg Day 2018. It is the Distillery’s first whisky with a heart matured in wine casks that have been intensely charred to carve heavy grooves in the surface of the wood. The result is a whisky with perfect harmony between smouldering, smoky cinnamon and the sweetness of vanilla popcorn, treacle and pear – with an intensity Ardbeg lovers will adore.

Tasting notes:

Ardbeg Grooves is non-chill filtered and bottled at 46% ABV. 

Nose: Intense aromas of smoked cinnamon and paprika, antique leather and saddle soap, with classic Ardbeg scents of pine resin, tar and briny sea spray in the background. A distant hint of a fragrant bonfire by the shores of the distillery and, finally, an unusual savoury note, like chilli-seasoned meats. A little splash of water releases some beautiful, unexpected aromas: lavender scented soap, ground white pepper, floral and herbal notes entwined. Fresh flowers mix with coriander leaves and mint.

Taste: A powerfully salty mouthfeel drifts into sweet vibes of treacle toffee, vanilla popcorn, salted fruits with soot and tar. Again, those distinctive savoury notes of smoky BBQ, paprika and mustard spice, fading into an unexpected haze of smoked pears and apples, almost like pear cider. 

Finish: Smoked paprika and bonfires with a mellow sweetness throughout.

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg is The Ultimate Islay Single Malt Whisky. Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by whisky lovers around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most intense 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 it 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.  

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 in 130 countries worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  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 Mickey Heads, is free to join at ardbeg.com.

Awards:

Since 2008, Ardbeg has won more than 50 gold and double gold medals in key whisky competitions. Ardbeg was voted ‘World Whisky of the Year’ twice by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (2008, 2009) and 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. In 2017 Ardbeg Kelpie, released to celebrate Ardbeg Day, was named Whisky of the Year International Whisky Competition.

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 Highland Single Malt whisky and Ardbeg Islay Single 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.

#OURWHISKY LAUNCHES TO ILLUSTRATE THE FACE OF THE MODERN WHISKY DRINKER 

London, UK, 6^th March 2018, Becky Paskin, Editor of Scotchwhisky.com and Georgie Bell, Global Whisky Specialist, have partnered to launch #OurWhisky – a new movement designed to challenge perceptions of the stereotypical whisky drinker.

This is the world’s first campaign to unite the global whisky industry and whisky lovers in a combined bid to dispel common myths of who modern whisky drinkers are.

Although the consensus within the industry is that whisky is a drink with widespread appeal, the perception remains among many consumers that whisky is still a “man’s drink” – an opinion perpetuated by decades of male-oriented advertising.

As an on-going global project, #OurWhisky aims to showcase the inclusiveness of whisky and the diversity of its drinkers through a photographical social media series, launching on 6th March in the run-up to International Women’s Day (on 8th March).

For the launch, Georgie and Becky have invited women from across the global whisky industry – ambassadors, distillery managers, blenders, whisky lovers, journalists and bartenders – to participate. By showcasing the diversity that exists within the whisky industry, Becky and Georgie are hoping to inspire whisky lovers all around the world to join the #OurWhisky movement.

The initial drive for the campaign will be to encourage women to tag @OurWhisky in a photo of themselves that illustrates how they like to drink whisky – at a bar, at home with their partners or with friends, and use the hashtag #OurWhisky. Their photos will then be retweeted, regrammed and shared with fellow whisky enthusiasts to build a digital community that reflects the face of the modern whisky drinker.

Becky comments: “We are asking whisky lovers all over the world to take a photo of themselves that illustrates how they like to enjoy whisky, whether in a cocktail, from a hipflask on a wintry walk, as an accompaniment to their favourite meal, wrapped in a blanket on the couch, hanging out with friends or doing something more adventurous!”

“The campaign is called #OurWhisky as our first and foremost priorities are equality, gender parity and inclusiveness. Whisky is a drink that can be enjoyed by everyone, and we feel it’s important to demonstrate that by celebrating the gender and cultural diversity of the modern day whisky drinker.”

Georgie says: “Whisky still widely succumbs to misconceptions amongst consumers. The more people we get involved in spreading the message that whisky does in fact have a broad appeal, the stronger it will become.”

She adds: “This is something we both feel really strongly about, a true passion project – it’s not a branded piece but instead a rally cry to unite whisky lovers and the industry together.”

Following the initial launch, the #OurWhisky campaign will evolve to encompass diversity, highlighting different ethnicities and cultures, to move forward against preconceived notions of what a whisky drinker ‘should’ look like.

The tagged photos will be collated and published on the @ourwhisky Instagram, Twitter and Facebook accounts.

Notes:

OurWhisky is an on-going global campaign to highlight the diversity of the whisky industry, the inclusiveness of whisky and the variety of its drinkers. The project is designed to challenge opinions of what a whisky drinker looks like through a photographical social media series. Spearheaded by Becky Paskin, Editor of Scotchwhisky.com, the leading online whisky magazine, and Georgie Bell, Global Whisky Educator, they hope to inspire people all over the globe by showcasing how diverse the whisky industry really is.

About Becky and Georgie:

 Becky Paskin

Becky Paskin is editor of online magazine Scotchwhisky.com, the world’s leading website for whisky lovers. She was the first journalist to gain a General Certificate in Distillation with the Institute of Brewing and Distilling – a qualification usually reserved for distillery operators. Becky has been writing about drinks for over 10 years, is a member of exclusive society Keepers of the Quaich, and is an expert in all manner of spirits. She regularly presents educational whisky seminars at global drinks shows including Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans and The Whisky Show in London.

Georgie Bell
Georgie Bell, Global Whisky Specialist, started her career in the drinks industry as a cocktail bartender. Going on to study for a diploma in distillation at the Institute of Brewing and Distilling she achieved the highest mark globally, leading to The Worshipful Company of Distillers to grant their International Award and accepting her in to the exclusive society. Georgie began educating through her various whisky brand ambassador roles starting at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, before moving to Diageo and now as a Global Malts Ambassador for Bacardi.

Milk & Honey Distillery – Israel’s first whisky distillery

is launching a second edition of its single malt whisky Experimental Series

After making history on International Whisky Day 2017 with the first single malt whisky in Israel, the Milk & Honey Distillery will launch a second edition of single malt whisky at “Whisky Live 2018 “

After making history in 2017 with the first  ever single malt whisky in Israel, sold at a particularly successful international public auction, Milk & Honey Distillery is launching an exclusive second edition of lightly peated  single charred barrel.

Similar to the first single malt whisky, this cask is also part of the Experimental Series, distilled in the early stages of setting up the distillery – before establishing the distillery in south Tel Aviv and acquiring the current industrial equipment, and before crowd-funding through Indiegogo. This cask was distilled during April 2014.

Distillation of the cask was carried out in a small pot still in a warehouse in the Sharon region by head  distiller Tomer Goren, accompanied by the late Dr. Jim Swan, an international master distiller, in his role as consultant to the distillery at the time. This was a period of experimentation for Dr. Swan and Tomer Goren, using various interesting raw materials, and in this special cask they first experimented with peated malt, which was crafted in house and gave the  distillate light smoky notes.

The liquid was aged and matured over 43 months in two types of barrel – first in a new 225 liter American oak cask, and then, after 28 months, it was transferred to an ex-bourbon cask for the remainder of the period in the distillation warehouse in Tel Aviv, and bottled at the optimal time.

This series is a harbinger of what is to come: a unique Israeli whisky, mature for its age thanks to aging in Israel’s hot climate.

The Milk & Honey Distillery products, including the single malt, are distributed and marketed exclusively by Hacarem Spirits Ltd., and sold at hundreds of points of sale across Israel. The second edition of single malt whisky can be tasted and purchased for the first time at ” Whisky Live 2018″ event. Afterwards the new single malt will be available at specialized stores around the country. 

Tasting impressions

Nose – a delicate maltiness with a hint of lemon in the background, combined with light oak notes and cinnamon, all enveloped in light  peat smoke  appearing in the background.

palate – light-bodied with a malty sweetness, lemon and orange peel notes followed  by a light tang of black pepper and delicate peat smoke. These combine to make a whisky that is both balanced and complex.

Finish – long. Delicate peat dominates the finish, with a hint of maltiness in the background and dark chocolate notes.

General – a balanced and complex whisky. The combination of delicate maltiness and light  peat that creates an interesting whisky that develops as you drink.

Price: Edition 2 Single Malt Whisky 500 ml NIS 449 

About the distillery

The Milk & Honey Distillery is the first and largest whisky distillery in Israel. The distillery produces superior spirits, and is working on an Israeli single malt whisky to be marketed commercially, whose first edition, the Founders Edition, sold out in a successful crowd-funding campaign, is aging in barrels and will see the light in 2019. All the raw materials, equipment, barrels, and processes have been chosen with the aim of ensuring that the final product – whether clear spirit or aged whisky – meets the most stringent standards of quality and taste, without making compromises or cutting corners on the long journey to produce the whisky: guidance and advice from the late Jim Swan, a world-renowned master distiller specializing in hot climate aging; specially designed equipment; carefully selected barrels; and the best raw materials available.

The Milk & Honey Distillery

16 HaTehiya St., Tel Aviv – 03-6320491

mh@mh-distillery.com

www.mh-distillery.com/he/visit-our-distillery

INTRODUCING THE TYRCONNELL® 15 YEAR OLD MADEIRA CASK FINISH,

A LIMITED EDITION IRISH WHISKEY LIKE NONE OTHER 

Like its Irish racehorse namesake, The Tyrconnell emerges victorious with

its most aged Irish whiskey finished in rare Madeira casks

Chicago, IL (March 1, 2018) – The Tyrconnell® is proud to announce the debut of one of the most aged expressions within its cask finish portfolio, The Tyrconnell® 15 Year Old Madeira Cask Finish Single Malt Irish Whiskey. Released to select U.S. markets this month with a suggested retail price of $100 (750ml), only a limited quantity has been produced due to its age and unique finish.

Aged for 15 years in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels and then finished in Madeira wine casks from Portugal’s Madeira Island, The Tyrconnell 15 Year Old Madeira Cask Finish is a one-of-a-kind Irish whiskey with an unsurpassed richness and complexity. It is the oldest Madeira cask finished Tyrconnell released.

By 2007, The Tyrconnell distilling team was experimenting with different finishing techniques after discovering how amenable their light, soft and fruity whiskey was to a cask finish. One of the first modern Irish whiskeys aged in Madeira casks, The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Madeira Cask Finish, was released in 2007 alongside The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Port Cask Finish and The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish, all permanent expressions in the brand’s portfolio.

“We knew we had discovered something special when we first began experimenting with finishing The Tyrconnell in Madeira casks,” says John Cashman, Global Brand Ambassador. “Because we are in the fortunate position of being one of the oldest Irish whiskey-producing companies, we have the patience to wait 15 long years to present something truly remarkable. The 15 year old Tyrconnell finished in Madeira casks is a beautifully rich and spicy spirit, one that I like to enjoy neat or over a few cubes.”

The Tyrconnell is made of just two ingredients – the finest Irish barley and pure Irish spring water. These two simple materials are transformed by experienced hands into an Irish whiskey like no other. Produced in traditional pot stills, The Tyrconnell is one of a rare few Irish whiskeys that utilizes double distillation, allowing more of the rich and natural flavors of The Tyrconnell to remain. This creates a whiskey that carries a delicate flavor atop a creamier, more viscous presence.

Aging the whiskey for 15 years before incorporating the Madeira cask finishing method into this unique limited edition has resulted in an even more complex expression with an incredible evergreen forest freshness. The best way to enjoy this sipping whiskey is on the rocks or neat to showcase the rich, sweet aromas on the nose, its fresh flavor and spicy finish.

The legend of The Tyrconnell® was born in 1876, when R. M. Delamere entered his beautiful chestnut colt, Tyrconnell, in the 10^th running of the prestigious National Produce Stakes Horse Race at The Curragh, considered Ireland’s most important thoroughbred racecourse. A short thoroughbred with the odds stacked against him, fortune found favor that afternoon as Tyrconnell crossed the finish line in first place, besting horses and oddsmakers alike on his march to victory.

The against-all-odds victory captured the imagination of the assembled crowd, which included the Watts, an Irish race horse loving family who had built a thriving whiskey distillery. They chose to commemorate Tyrconnell’s win by creating a limited edition, small batch whiskey that bore the name of their local champion. Although the Watts family intended to make The Tyrconnell just once, it ended up becoming their most popular whiskey, even claimed to have been the best-selling Irish whiskey in America before Prohibition.

TASTING NOTES: THE TYRCONNELL 15 YEAR OLD MADEIRA CASK FINISH

PROOF                  46% ABV

AROMA                Wafer biscuit sweet vanilla aromas mingle with banana bread and deep red fruit skin. Very soft and approachable with hazelnut and dark sugar lingering under the surface.

TASTE                    Initially soft but then an explosion of spice. Viscous and oily, coating the mouth with stone fruit, hints of Peach Melba and a fresh herbaceous zest.

FINISH                  Astonishingly long, initially sweet with the stone fruit to the fore followed closely by burnt orange peel, drying with an almost evergreen forest freshness and a finale of spice that lingers for what seems like an eternity.

The Tyrconnell 15 Year Old Madeira Cask Finish Limited Edition joins, for a limited time, the Tyrconnell portfolio which includes: The Tyrconnell, The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Madeira Cask Finish, The Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Port Cask Finish and The Tyrconnell 10 Sherry Cask Finish. 

About The Tyrconnell® Single Malt Irish Whiskey

The Tyrconnell is produced at the Cooley Distillery, nestled in the foothills of the Cooley Mountains in County Louth. The Cooley Distillery, part of the Kilbeggan Distilling Company, has been the driving force behind the Irish Single Malt evolution. Most Irish malt whiskey has traditionally found its way into blended whiskeys, thus it is rare to find Irish malt whiskey bottled in its single malt form. The award-winning Tyrconnell portfolio includes The Tyrconnell, The Tyrconnell 16 Year Old Limited Edition and a trio of 10 Year Old cask finished expressions: Madeira Cask, Sherry Cask and Port Cask. The Cooley Distillery also produces the award-winning Kilbeggan Blended Irish whiskey, Kilbeggan Single Grain and Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish whiskey. For more information on The Tyrconnell, please visit www.thetyrconnellwhiskey.com

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

JAMESON PUTS ‘TASTE’ CENTRE-STAGE IN NEW GLOBAL CAMPAIGN

Jameson Irish Whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has unveiled its latest advertising platform, entitled ‘Taste, That’s Why’. The campaign launches across television, out of home, digital, display and social media in the USA from this month, ahead of a wider roll-out later this year.

Two television films that reimagine true stories about Jameson and its workers have been created by TBWA Dublin under the helm of John Kane, Executive Creative Director, produced in Ireland and directed by award winning Dutch filmmaker Matthijs van Heijningen.

The first film, ‘Scully was to Blame’, charts a story of redemption for Bill Scully in late 19^th Century Dublin. A character on the Bow Street distillery floor, Scully absentmindedly makes a mistake during the third distillation in the production of Jameson Irish Whiskey – wasting gallons of precious distillate.

The drama captures Ireland’s history of embellishment in storytelling in a humorous and light-hearted yet authentic way. The film premieres on US television in March. Click here to view it: https://youtu.be/Di16EanY_wQ

‘Coopers’ follows the tale of Dempsey and Flanagan, master and apprentice Coopers, at the modern-day Midleton Distillery, County Cork. Passionate about the provenance and craftsmanship of their barrels, the duo panic when their prized barrels are loaned to a local brewery – and only an experiment in maturation, which results in Jameson Caskmates, eventually appeases their concerns. Click here to view it: https://youtu.be/WIekiS5A3vs

A documentary series, ‘The Story behind the Story’, has also been produced and provides never-before-seen glimpses into the real stories, people and places behind Jameson Irish Whiskey. Directed by Nick Rutter, these light-hearted films are available across Jameson social media channels:

Coopers – https://youtu.be/thlH0C45b3c

Scully – https://youtu.be/m4oyVL4uFUg

The campaign has been adapted for out of home, with award-winning US photographers The Wade Brothers shooting a stills campaign in bars in Dublin and New York that brings to life ‘Taste, That’s Why’ through confident and engaging copy for key Jameson expressions and serves.

Simon Fay, International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers, said: “In this campaign we wanted to put the unique taste of the Jameson Family centre-stage of the creative, as this is the reason behind our success – and why bartenders, whiskey lovers and premium spirits drinkers alike all over the world continue to discover Jameson.

“It was also important for us to inject the light-hearted, humorous attitude of Jameson into the campaign in a very direct and transparent way. We feel, along with our partners at TBWA Dublin, that we have achieved the perfect balance of this.

“Our ‘Taste, That’s Why’ campaign presents a fresh, engaging and emotive creative for Jameson that is set to build the profile and personality of the brand in the USA, the world’s largest Irish whiskey market, and beyond. We see further growth potential for Jameson all around the world and we are confident that ‘Taste, That’s Why’ will help us to continue the 28 years of growth that we have achieved with Jameson.” 

Mark Nolan, Chief Strategy Officer TBWA Dublin, added: “While there are very few global brands that could dip into the well of provenance and authenticity like Jameson, here we are not reliant on the past to be relevant today.  ‘Taste, That’s Why’ is pure storytelling and like all the best stories, if they happen to be based on the truth, the more impactful and lasting they tend to be.”

John Kane, Executive Creative Director globally for Jameson at TBWA, said: “Jameson is an iconic Irish brand, so it was a privilege to be given the opportunity to create this global platform. We surrounded ourselves with the best talent we could find and had great fun bringing this work to life. We feel ‘Taste, That’s Why’ really captures the honesty and substance of the brand.”

The ‘Taste, That’s Why,’ campaign will be unveiled across the USA in March, ahead of its introduction to other key Irish whiskey markets throughout 2018.

Notes 

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers is Ireland’s leading supplier 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 6.5m cases in 2017. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 71 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 €250m 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 € 9, 010 million in 2016/17. 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 18,500 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. www.pernod-ricard.com

Ardbeg Distillery rolls back the years to celebrate all things ‘Peat & Love’ on Ardbeg Day

BOURBON ANGELS LAUNCHED IN KENTUCKY

Two family firms have joined forces to bring unique glass angels filled with Bourbon to the US market.

Louisville-based firm A Taste of Kentucky has launched the first Bourbon Angels, made by Scots company Angels’ Share Glass, in their gift shops.

The Angels, crafted by hand in Stirling, Scotland, hold 25ml of Kentucky Bourbon inside the glass – expertly captured by a secret method.

They are based on the distillers’ myth of the `Angels’ Share’ which believes the small amount of whiskey lost during the maturation process is taken away by angels.

John Hassmann, who runs A Taste of Kentucky, discovered the Bourbon Angels by chance when staff from Angels’ Share Glass popped into one of his shops.

He said: “We were so lucky to meet Karen and Jen from Angels’ Share Glass when they came into our shop during a trip to Kentucky.

“We love it when we find unique high-quality items to offer to our customers across the country and were delighted to hear all about the Scottish glass angels.

“Like us, Angels’ Share Glass are a small family-owned company and we appreciate the work ethic of other similar companies.

“We were impressed by the unique nature of the Bourbon Angels and, of course, the distinct Kentucky connection plus the fact our customers can buy products which are not available everywhere.

“We’re pleased with the response to the Angels so far with lots of customers telling us how beautiful and unique they are.

“It’s a positive start and we’re looking forward to a great ongoing partnership with our Scottish friends.”

Angels’ Share Glass Managing Director Karen Somerville and Sales Manager Jen Kidd were in Kentucky as part of a trade trip to the American Midwest organised for Scottish companies.

Mrs Somerville said: “It was a fantastic trip and we organised meetings with representatives of different companies, so we could showcase our products and see if they were interested in partnering with us.

“We actually met John purely by chance after calling into his shop in Louisville to buy some souvenirs just before we flew home.

“Jen and I got chatting to the shop assistant and told her about our firm’s signature product, glass angels filled with Scotch whisky, and she said her boss would love to see them.”

She organised a meeting with Mr Hassmann where Mrs Somerville outlined the idea of creating handmade Bourbon Angels for the Kentucky market given the state’s reputation as the home of Bourbon.

She said: “Since 95% of US Bourbon is distilled in Kentucky, we thought it would be ideal to swap Scotch for Bourbon to create Bourbon Angels and John loved the concept.

“It was a serendipitous meeting and we’re delighted it led to our first American partnership.”

A Taste of Kentucky was established by Mr Hassmann and his wife Sherry more than 30 years ago.

The couple sell products made locally or `in the spirit of Kentucky’ at their three Louisville-based stores and online shop.

The Bourbon Angels are available from the company’s website priced at $49.99 – www.atasteofkentucky.com/product/angels-share-bourbon-angel

Angels’ Share Glass is based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling and was established by Master Glassmaker Tom Young MBE and his daughter Karen Somerville in 2013.

For more details, visit www.angelsshareglass.com

Notes for Editors: Angels’ Share Glass is a family-run business based in Bridge of Allan, near Stirling. The firm was co-founded by Karen Somerville and her father Tom Young MBE – a world-renowned Master Craftsman who has been glassblowing and making lamp-work glassware for 60 years. More information about the company can be found at www.angelsshareglass.com

Notes for Editors: A Taste of Kentucky is an award-winning and family-run chain of stores based in Louisville, Kentucky. The firm was established by John and Sherry Hassmann 33 years ago. For more information go to the website – www.atasteofkentucky.com

Matthew Clark Helps Licensees Drive Sales this St Patrick’s Day

The UK’s largest drinks distributor, Matthew Clark, is set to help licensees make the most of one of the biggest on–trade events of the year, with tailored support packages and bespoke St Patrick’s Day brand activation.

In association with Jameson, Matthew Clark will be offering a full St Patrick’s Day support package, including a themed POS kit, and driving the Jameson ginger and lime perfect serve which will be supported on social media. Enabling licensees to take advantage of this significant sales opportunity, the kit includes 25 Jameson cups, 10 table talkers, 1 bar runners, 50 drink coasters and 3 metres of bunting, helping drive rate of sale and visibility in‐venue.

Matthew Clark is also actively driving distribution of Jameson Caskmates as part of this activity, and together with Meantime has created a perfect pairing of beer and whiskey to enhance the overall experience and provide a unique proposition for outlets looking to take advantage of this growing trend.

In collaboration with Guinness, Matthew Clark will also be supplying Guinness kegs and bottles, as well as offering support for outlets in the form of branded POS to dress venues for the St Patrick’s Day celebrations. The business will also be advising operators to mix up their drinks offering to give customers a variety of St Patrick’s Day themed beverages during their visit. Utilising bespoke POS, menus and recipes will also enable outlets to amplify activation further.

Katie Cook, Category Marketing Manager, Spirits at Matthew Clark, comments; “St. Patrick’s Day presents a huge sales opportunity for licensees, even more so this year with England playing Ireland in the Six Nations tournament on the same day. With this in mind, we’re dedicated to making sure that our customers have everything they need to truly make the most of this unique opportunity, and help drive footfall and increase sales as a result”.

Licensees can also take advantage of Matthew Clark’s recently enhanced online ordering platform, which is 100% mobile and tablet friendly and fully optimised for use 24 hours a day. Users can easily browse over 7,000 products, and purchase at the click of a button.

Recommended products and servings for the St Patrick’s Day activation include:

• Jameson Original
• Jameson Caskmates
• Guinness
• Jameson Ginger & Lime – 50ml Jameson Irish Whiskey, top up with quality bottled ginger ale, squeeze a large wedge of lime and drop into the glass
• Jameson Caskmates Irish Coffee – 40ml Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition, 75ml Colombian Dark Roast Coffee, 25ml 2:1 Rich Demerara Syrup, layer fresh cold double cream on top and garnish with grated nutmeg. Build in a warm Irish Coffee glass
• Perfectly poured pint of Guinness

Notes

Matthew Clark is a leading national drinks wholesaler with over 200 years’ experience supplier drink products, hospitality training, labour management and marketing support to over 16,000 On-Trade premises in the UK.

Award-winning start to Benromach Distillery’s 20^th anniversary year 

The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd. has added to its awards collection following success at the 2018 World Whiskies Awards.

Benromach 15 Years Old single malt was crowned the winner in the Speyside 13-20 category, while the flagship Benromach 10 Years Old was honoured with Gold in the Speyside 12 Years and Under category.

The World Whiskies Awards are part of the prestigious World Drinks Awards scheme, presented by the Drinks Report. Now in the 11^th year, the awards aim to select the highest quality in all internationally recognised styles of drinks.

Benromach Distillery Manager, Keith Cruickshank said: “We’re thrilled with the success of our products in the World Whiskies Awards. We are very proud of our core range of hand crafted single malts providing whisky lovers with the opportunity to discover a lost taste of Speyside.

“This is our anniversary year, celebrating 20 years of distilling since Benromach reopened following its purchase and extensive refurbishment in 1998. The year is off to a great start and we have an exciting calendar of activities and product launches over 2018 to look forward to.”

Gold medal winner Benromach 10 Years Old is created using the finest Scottish barley and pure spring water from the nearby Romach hills. After maturing for ten years, the whisky emerges golden in colour and displays rich fruit, sweet chocolate and delicate spicy aromas. With a rich sherry influence, the mouth-watering palate coats the senses with exotic fruit flavours, toasted malt and a delicate hint of smoke.

With a distinctive golden amber colour thanks to its long maturation in sherry and bourbon casks, the award- winning Benromach 15 Years Old is a stunning dram. Beautifully balanced sherry aromas lead on the nose followed by vanilla and spicy ginger, complemented by delicate chamomile and menthol notes. This is followed by flavours of stewed plum, red apple and the sharp edge of kiwi fruit on the tongue.

To view the award-winning range of Benromach whiskies, please visit: www.benromach.com/whiskies

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 Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, the Urquhart family decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four-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.

2018 Rebel Yell® Bourbon Single Barrel Now Available

Highly acclaimed and aged 10 years, 2018 allocation offered in limited quantity 

(ST. LOUIS, MO) February 26, 2018—Rebel Yell® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has released its 2018 allocation of the award-winning Rebel Yell Single Barrel. At 100 proof, the original time-honored Rebel Yell recipe is meticulously aged in charred oak barrels for 10 years, building a unique flavor profile specific to each batch.

The hand-bottled wheated bourbon ranked at No. 12 in Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 Whiskies of the Year list for 2017, described as maintaining “consistent excellence in a single barrel whiskey.”

“Aging the bourbon for 10 years really brings out the sweetness, oakiness, and caramel and vanilla notes,” says John Rempe, head distiller and at Lux Row Distillers – the new home of Rebel Yell as well as other bourbon brands. “Every barrel is different and has its own unique flavor profile, creating a new experience for consumers with every bottle.”

This ultra-premium bourbon is robust and complex in flavor and is hand-bottled, one barrel at a time, for a uniquely rebellious experience. Each bottle, complete with a premium matte finish closure and natural wood cork, is sold in individual boxes, and each label includes the barrel number and an “aged since” date.

Rebel Yell Single Barrel will be available in most states in 750 ml bottles at a suggested retail price of $59.99 (100 proof/50% ABV) in 2018. Only 2,000 cases will be available, including a limited number of bottles at Lux Row Distillers once it opens its doors for visitors this spring as a new distillery experience along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

For more information about the distillery, visit www.luxrowdistillers.com, or follow it on Facebook and Instagram @luxrowdistillers. For more information on Rebel Yell and its product lineup, visit www.rebelyellbourbon.com. To sign up for the brand’s loyalty program, Band of Rebels, visit www.bandofrebels.com.

About Luxco
A leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products, Luxco’s mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Founded in St. Louis in 1958, Luxco remains locally owned and operated by the Lux family. Lux Row Distillers is bringing the family’s legacy to the heart of Bourbon Country in Bardstown, Kentucky and is now the home of Luxco’s bourbon portfolio, including Rebel Yell, Blood Oath, David Nicholson, and Ezra Brooks. Luxco has also built a new distillery in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico – Destiladora González Luxco – where the company’s 100 percent agave tequilas, El Mayor and Exotico, will be produced. Luxco’s innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit www.luxco.com.