THE MACALLAN UNVEILS THE 1977 FINE & RARE VINTAGE BOTTLING

New Vintage is Latest Addition to Prestigious Fine & Rare Collection 

January 17, 2018 (New York, New York) – The Macallan, the world’s most admired single malt Scotch whisky, has unveiled a new release in its highly regarded Fine & Rare collection, the 1977 vintage.

The Macallan Fine & Rare collection, created to identify the very best of The Macallan’s finest maturing stock, features some of the greatest vintage single malts ever released. The 1977 vintage – of which only 4 bottles are allocated to the US market this year – continues to add to the liquid history of The Macallan, offering new insights into the aroma and flavor characteristic of this exquisite single malt.

“The release of the 1977 Fine & Rare vintage adds an outstanding whisky to this collection of unique and mature expressions of The Macallan,” said The Macallan’s Master Distiller, Nick Savage. “The full, rich, classic Macallan body holds the supporting characters of sweet apples & vanillas, to give an all-encompassing whisky. A hint of peat in the background draws inspiration from The Macallan heritage, balanced with maturation in a smaller hogshead cask for a rich, yet delicate experience. The 1977 Fine & Rare vintage has reached its gentle maturity over 40 years and represents the classic Macallan style.”

Charlie Whitfield, Manager of Prestige Whiskies at The Macallan, said: “Now 15 years since its launch, with more than 50 individual vintages releases, The Macallan Fine & Rare Collection retains its status as one of the most iconic ranges within the world of single malt. The most recent vintage released took the collection up to 1991, but now we take a few steps back in time to the late 1970s. A superb single cask whisky from a memorable year, when cinema-goers were first introduced to George Lucas’ Star Wars and the world mourned the death of Elvis Presley. On The Macallan Estate on September 26^th 1977, our predecessors filled one particular Hogshead, amongst many Sherry-seasoned casks, not knowing the fate that lay ahead 40 years later.”

Over the years, the Fine & Rare collection has underpinned The Macallan as the world’s most valuable and collectable single malt whisky, dominating auctions around the world and setting world record prices, both at auction and private sale.

The 1977 Fine & Rare vintage comes from Cask No.8661 and has an ABV of 48.5%. The release will be limited to 4 bottles in the US market this year, with a similar amount expected next year. There is a suggested retail price of approximately $15,000 USD per 750ml bottle. For purchasing inquiries, please email: Inquiries.us@themacallan.com

Tasting notes:

Color:  Golden Barley

Nose:  Classic aromas of rounded citrus fruit and lemon zest, sweet apples and vanilla. Toasted oak delivers delicate wood smoke in the background.

Palate:  Wood spice, sweet citrus and soft peat. Soft yet intense.

Finish:  Lingering notes of fruit and resinous oak afford a long finish.

ABV: 48.5%

Bottles produced: 151

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s finest single malt whiskies.  The story of The Macallan is built on the Six Pillars, each influencing the whisky in its own distinct way.  From the spiritual home of Easter Elchies House; curiously small stills giving richness to the pure spirit; finest cut of the distillation, to exceptional oak casks which account for up to 80% of the final flavor in the whisky; natural color and finally peerless spirit, The Macallan itself.

Wood sits at the heart of The Macallan. The vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, together with true mastery, set it apart from the rest. For more information on The Macallan, visit www.themacallan.com. The Macallan can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

The Essence of Suntory Whisky for Pre-Order at dekantā

TOKYO — 16 January 2018 – Japanese whisky fans worldwide can order these limited release, creative new whiskies from Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita, otherwise only available in Japan, through dekantā.com.

Due for release on 27 February 2018, The Essence of Suntory collection includes three brand new expressions from the Japanese whisky giant, now available for worldwide delivery from Japanese spirit specialists dekantā. Shoppers at dekantā will be among the first to own and experience these limited release whiskies, as the world’s largest e-commerce retailer for high end Japanese spirits is one of few, if not the only, online stores stocking the new The Essence of Suntory releases.

Cask strength, limited releases, of single malt and single grain whiskies, The Essence of Suntory expressions offer surprising takes on produce from favourite Japanese whisky distilleries. The branding of this bottle range has moved away from the iconic Suntory branding of their other single malt ranges, Yamazaki and Hakushu, in both shape, colour and labelling. With slim bottles and label designs showcasing modern Japanese art, they exemplify a fresh, adventurous new look for Suntory.

The Essence of Suntory Single Malt Yamazaki Peated Malt 2018 12 year old (500ml, 49% ABV) offers sweet berry notes and acidity joined by the influence of gentle smoke. The Essence of Suntory Single Grain Hakushu Rye Type 2018 (500ml, 57% ABV) is aged for 4 years, a surprising single grain, rye expression from Hakushu. The use of rye brings a rich, deep spice to pair with the green, fruity Hakushu character, offering a whisky with great balance. The Essence of Suntory Single Grain Chita Wine Cask 4 year Finish 2018 (500ml, 49% ABV) is a rare 16 year old single grain whisky, which has spent 4 years finishing in a wine cask, resulting in plum-influenced sweet and sour notes on the palate, with a smooth mouthfeel and mellow aroma.

“We have always prided ourselves on being able to bring an authentic Japanese whisky and cultural experience to customers worldwide, that they would only otherwise find on a visit to Japan,” said Founder Makiyo Masa. “We’re delighted to offer these extremely exclusive limited release bottles to fans of Japanese whisky worldwide and congratulate Suntory on their creativity, which has brought such exciting diversity to their offering of Japanese whiskies.”

The Essence of Suntory Whisky – Yamazaki Peated Malt 2018, The Essence of Suntory Whisky Hakushu Rye Type 2018 and The Essence of Suntory Whisky – Chita Wine Cask 4 Year Finish 2018 are available for pre-order from the dekantā website, with worldwide shipping beginning in March. Quantities are limited and the bottles are expected to sell out quickly.

Notes:

About dekantā

dekantā offers customers access to the world’s largest online selection of authentic Japanese Spirits and has delivered to 127 countries across every continent in the world. A family owned and run business, dekantā’s founders have been selling collectibles since 1985 and specialize in rare, collectible, and new release single malt Japanese whisky. dekantā offers worldwide delivery on an extensive range of Japanese single malt whisky, Japanese grain whisky and Japanese blended whisky, in addition to Scottish whisky released for the Japanese market only.

Consumers who would like to learn more about Japanese whisky should visit the dekantā website, which boasts the most extensive repository of information dedicated to Japanese whisky, including distillery history and tasting notes for each bottle. Bilingual concierge service is available 24 hours a day, providing expert recommendations in both English and Japanese.

dekanta.com
Follow dekantā on Twitter: @dekantawhisky
Like dekantā on Facebook: facebook.com/dekantawhisky/

CHIVAS REGAL HARNESSES COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN SEARCH FOR THE 2018 CHIVAS MASTERS GLOBAL CHAMPION 

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR BARTENDERS WHO CREATIVELY CAPTURE

THE SPIRIT OF THEIR COMMUNITY 

8^th January, 2018: Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, has launched its search for the 2018 Chivas Masters Global Champion. Now in its fifth year, the Chivas Masters is a global competition that celebrates bartenders who demonstrate cutting-edge skill and creativity and share Chivas Regal’s core values of community, collaboration and generosity.

Launching in 22 countries across six continents, the Chivas Masters offers bartenders a once in a lifetime opportunity to grow their skills in a collaborative environment where they can learn from peers, alumni and industry experts from across the globe. This year, the theme of community will sit at the very heart of the competition, with the national stages challenging participants to produce a Chivas drink that is inspired by someone in their local community. The winner of each of the 22 national finals will go on to the Global Final to represent their market and compete for the coveted title of Chivas Masters Global Champion 2018.

This year’s Global Final will be hosted in the United Kingdom – both in London and at Strathisla distillery in Speyside, the spiritual home of Chivas Regal. Throughout a series of masterclasses and intense individual and team challenges, the bartenders’ skills and creativity will be tested, and they will have to prove that they can be as generous with their expertise as they are with a dram of Chivas Regal, by collaborating with their fellow finalists to achieve shared success.

At the culmination of the six-day programme, the Chivas Masters Global Champion 2018 will be crowned, and will win an all-expenses-paid trip to Tales of The Cocktail 2018 in New Orleans, and the chance to travel the world with Chivas to inspire the bartenders of the future.

Max Warner, Global Brand Ambassador for Chivas Regal, comments: “At Chivas Regal, we believe that generosity and success go hand in hand – a belief inspired by our founding brothers, James and John Chivas, who shared their success with the local community as their business grew. These are the values that have influenced the Chivas Masters right from the start, and the reason why in 2018 we are beyond excited to bring the Global Final home to where our brand, values and indeed our own community were born.”

If you think you have what it takes to be the next Chivas Masters Global Champion, visit www.chivas.com/chivasmasters to find out more.

#ChivasMasters 

Notes:

About Chivas Regal

Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, which aims to inspire a new generation whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. The Chivas Regal range includes: Chivas Regal 12, Chivas Regal Extra, Chivas Regal Mizunara, Chivas Regal 18, our first blended malt Chivas Regal Ultis, Chivas Regal 25, pinnacle of the range and ultra-prestige blend Chivas Regal The Icon, and the Global Travel Retail exclusive Chivas Brothers Blend. www.chivas.com

Old Pulteney unveils three new Travel Retail exclusive whiskies

We’re delighted to announce the launch of three new Travel Retail exclusive whiskies, each of which will be joining us today as we sail on the world’s largest floating whisky festival, Viking Line, Cinderella Whiskymassa 2018.

Firstly, and in honour of the 10th anniversary of the Viking Line Cinderella Whisky Fair, we’d like to reveal Swedish Travel Retail exclusive Old Pulteney Single Cask 2002 (number 717). This elegant whisky has matured in ex-bourbon American oak barrels. Bright gold in colour, Old Pulteney Single Cask 2002 (717) boasts sweet toffee and chocolate aromas, followed by light citrus fruits and a slight saltiness – adopted from its time maturing near the rugged coast here in Wick. This whisky exudes creamy chocolate flavours, paired with vanilla and coconut to entice the senses. Soft fruits, hints of spice and saltiness follow, with a warming, sweet finish peppered with a signature Old Pulteney tang.

The Single Cask 2002 (717) is neither chill-filtered nor coloured and is bottled at its natural cask strength of 58.2% ABV. It has a RRP of SKE 1299 per bottle. Old Pulteney Single Cask 2002 (717) is now available to guests attending the Cinderella Whisky Fair on the 11th -14th  of January 2018 in Sweden, on each of the three dedicated 24-hour return sailings aboard the Viking Line Cinderella from Stockholm to Mariehamn. In additon to the launch of the Swedish Exclusive Single Cask 2002 (717), and further to overwhelming demand following an exclusive release within Heathrow Airport in 2017, we’re also thrilled to announce the roll out of Old Pulteney 1990 Vintage across Travel Retail outlets globally.

The 1990 Vintage tells a tale of craftsmanship and dedication, dating back over a quarter of a century. This full-bodied spirit began its story in American oak ex-bourbon casks, developing its characteristically complex nature, before moving to Spanish oak where it became richer, darker and adopted a sweetness with hints of spice. The unique expression then experienced a brief spell in casks which previously held heavily peated whisky – providing a unique smoky final flourish to our powerful Maritime Malt.

Polished copper in colour, 1990 Vintage offers an aroma of spice, vanilla, toffee and sweet honey, balanced by a thin veil of warming wood smoke and oak. Bitter orange marmalade and caramel apples soon follow on the nose to create a long-lasting sensory experience for this exquisite dram.

Rich in mouth feel and intense in flavour, the palate opens up with strong praline and sultana sweetness on a thick bed of warm, savoury smoke. Citrus strikes the top note with hints of vanilla lingering in the background, giving a finish which is long and smoky.

The 1990 Vintage is neither chill-filtered nor coloured and is bottled at its natural cask strength of 46% ABV. It has a RRP of £288 per bottle.

Lastly, and most certainly not least, we are pleased to reveal that both our newly released Single Cask 2002 and 1990 Vintage will be joining the crew at Viking Line, Cinderella Whiskymassa 2018 alongside a third new Travel Retail Exclusive, 2006 Vintage. The 2006 Vintage is matured in ex Bourbon American Oak casks for 11 years. Polished copper in colour, the scent is spicy and sweet with notes of vanilla and toffee, balanced by a thin veil of wood smoke and embers. Bitter marmalade and hints of caramel apples soon follow. Rich in texture and with intense flavours, this expression entices the palate with strong chords of pralines and sultanas on a bed of deliciously warm, savoury smoke. Citrus and vanilla notes linger for a long, smoky finish.

The 2006 Vintage is neither chill-filtered nor coloured and is bottled at its natural cask strength of 46% ABV. It has a RRP of £55.00 per bottle.

In honor of the upcoming Chinese New Year on February 16^th, The Macallan released a Chinese New Year Limited Edition Gift Box, containing two bottles of Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old.

Some more details:

• This celebratory co-pack honors the Year of the Dog
• Currently available in select retailers for a limited time
• Only 2,500 packs will be available in the U.S.
• Will be available for an MSRP of $130.00
• Tasting notes:

o    Color: Harvest sun

o    Nose: Creamy butterscotch, toffee apple, candied orange, vanilla custard and fresh oak

o    Finish: Oak lingers, warm, sweet and drying

o    Palate: Ginger, nutmeg, citrus, caramel, raisins & resinous

o    Strength: 43% ABV

Isle of Arran Distillers announce Burns Unbroke events

Isle of Arran Distillers, sponsors of Burns Unbroke, a brand new multi-arts Robert Burns Festival have announced a series of masterclasses at the inaugural celebration, and a cocktail reception on the opening night of the Festival.

To be held on the 26^th January, 1^st February, 15^th February and 1^st March, the masterclass tastings will include a selection of expressions from the award-winning Arran Malt range including the Robert Burns Malt – the only whisky officially endorsed by the World Burns Federation.

Under the tutelage of the experienced, friendly staff from the Isle of Arran Distillery Festival goers will have the chance to taste the ‘Arran Waters’ with five drams of the Arran Malt, as well as the delicious Arran liqueur, discovering the inspiration and craft behind each. You will be guaranteed an informal and enjoyable evening.

Running at the Summerhall in Edinburgh for six weeks from the 25^th January 2018, the program for Burns Unbroke will celebrate the plethora of artistic and performing talent in Scotland, and beyond, through the prism offered by new interpretations of the life and work of Robert Burns. The opening night of the Festival take place on Wednesday 24^th January for press.

Invited guests will be welcomed at the evening reception by two bespoke cocktails created for Arran Whisky by Glasgow agency The Drink Cabinet, who specialise in experiential events in the drinks industry. Using Arran Whisky’s Robert Burns Malt, the specialists from The Drinks Cabinet will offer guests the chance to taste two delicious cocktails inspired by the Bard himself, a most fitting way to kick start the Burns Unbroke Festival celebrations.

The Isle of Arran Distillery is a headline sponsor of Burns Unbroke alongside Creative Scotland and Scotland.org.

James MacTaggart, Master Distiller at Isle of Arran Distillery, said: “As the producer of the official Robert Burns Malt, we were delighted to be involved in a festival that shares our passion for the poet.

“At Arran, we regard whisky making as a form of story telling. Each of our expressions take inspiration from the landscape, history and legends of the island we call home.

“We’re really looking forward to sharing these stories with festival goers and, of course, raising a glass to the Bard.”

Sheilagh Tennant, Burns Unbroke Director, says “Just as ‘ freedom an’ whisky gang thegither’, so to does Burns Unbroke and a quality dram.

“The Arran masterclasses will be a great chance for people to learn more about the history and heritage of our national drink, and we are looking forward to enjoying the cocktails inspired by their whisky and Burns himself on our opening night.”

Burns Unbroke open to press and invited guests on Wedneday 24^th January and runs at Summerhall from 25 January – 10 March 2018, with the majority of performance events focussed around the weekend of 26-28 January.

The Arran masterclasses will be held in the Anatomy Lecture Theatre of Summerhall at 6:30pm on four dates; 26^th January, 1^st February, 15^th February and 1^st March 2018. Tickets are priced at £10 which includes five tasting drams and a cream liqueur. The tasting lasts approx. 1hr 30mins. 

Tickets are available here.  

Notes: For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com

Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.)

Scottish Field Visitor Experience of the Year 2014 & 2015.

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2012). Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards (2012). Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year-old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards 2014.

Diageo policy on plastic straws

In December 2017 we confirmed a new policy in relation to the use and promotion of plastic straws and plastic drink stirrers by our business and brands.

Commenting on the policy, David Croft, Global Sustainable Development Director said:

“Diageo is committed to minimising our environmental impact and we are, like many of our consumers, increasingly concerned about the negative environmental impact associated with the irresponsible disposal of plastic straws. We are therefore committed to phasing out the use of all plastic straws and stirrers from all our offices, events, promotions, advertising and marketing globally – and will advocate the same to our partners and customers. When the use of straws is important to the enjoyment of our brands we will only use reusable, compostable or biodegradable alternatives.”

We have a comprehensive approach to managing the environmental impact of our packaging – an integral part of our Diageo Sustainability & Responsibility 2020 Targets. Specifically we have committed to reduce the overall weight of our packaging, increase the level of recycled materials we use in our packaging, and ensuring all our packaging is recyclable as set out in our Diageo Supplementary Guideline on Plastics and our Sustainable Packaging Commitments.

Burns Night in Soho

On Thursday 25th January 2018, Blade Hairclub in Soho will be raising a glass to the famous bard, Rabbie Burns. Celebrating with whisky tastings and cocktails, the evening is sure to attract both Scots and Londoners with a penchant for whisky alike.

Priding itself as stocking some of the best whisky selections in town, Blade’s owner Stroo has stocked his subterranean bar with a fine hand-picked selection of whiskies from across the world. Personal favourites include the Bunnahabhain 26, Springbank 15 and Kilkerran 12.

This Burns Night, Blade is inviting every guest through the door to indulge in whisky tastings coupled with delicious whisky cocktails.

Blade Hairclub is an innovative bar and hair concept, combining great cuts and treatments from a bright young team of talented stylists, with an invitation to indulge in a meticulously curated drinks menu, created in-house and served from a cosy bar.

DALMORE LEGENDARY RELEASE FEATURES AT BONHAMS WHISKY SALE

Dalmore Eos-59 year old, estimated at HK$220,000 – $280,000

Bonhams upcoming Whisky sale leads with two exceptional bottles from the Dalmore Legendary Release, a limited edition showcasing the depth and quality of the celebrated distillery’s aged stock and supervised under the skills of its Master Distiller, Richard Paterson, one of the most influential characters in the industry.

The sale takes place in Hong Kong on Friday 2 February at 6pm with a total of 358 lots and also features a selection of Silver Seal Decanters and a Macallan Millennium Decanter. 

From the Dalmore Legendary collection, the sale brings the Dalmore Eos-59 year old, estimated at HK$220,000 – $280,000. With only 20 bottles ever released, it was named after the Titan goddess of the dawn, Eos, and is a highly prized expression crafted from two outstanding sherry casks. The casks were left to mature from 1951 before both were combined to create this truly brilliant whisky. Equally distinguished, the Dalmore Selene-58 year old is estimated at HK$200,000 – $260,000. Only 30 bottles were ever released and this vintage was so magnificent it required a name of equal magnitude. The name Selene was chosen after the Titan goddess of the moon. The Dalmore Selene brings together two extraordinary sherry casks, number 1781 and 1782, both had been left to mature since 1951. Over half a century passed before the Master Distiller deemed it the time right to combine them and create this phenomenal whisky.

Other Dalmore whiskies in the February auction include two bottles from the Constellation Collection including Dalmore Ceti-30 year old (estimated at HK$12,000-16,000) and Dalmore Astrum-40 year old (estimated at $33,000-43,000).

Bonhams Head of Fine Wine and Whisky in Hong Kong, Daniel Lam, said, “Richard Paterson, also known as “The Nose”, has over 50 years’ experience in creating master piece whiskies like no other and this collection of Legendary Release is a testament to that unflinching commitment. The limited production, premium quality, and prestigious craftsmanship are all factors that attribute to the success of Dalmore and make it highly sought after by private collectors.” 

Silver Seal Decanters:

The sale boasts an extensive selection of Sestante’s Silver Seal decanters including a bottle of Macallan-Glenlivet 1937 Bohemian Moser Decanter, estimated at HK$65,000 – 85,000. Started in 1979, Silver Seal is regarded as the successor of the highly acclaimed Italian whisky bottler Sestante, which ceased to operate around 1990. The original Sestante bottlings are rare gems treasured by collectors.

Other Silver Seal decanters include Macallan-1964 Decanter (estimated at HK$40,000 – 50,000), Macallan-Glenlivet-1954 Decanter (estimated at HK$45,000 – 60,000) and Macallan-1979-25 year old Decanter (estimated at HK$35,000-$45,000)

Macallan Millennium Decanter:

The sale also includes a bottle of Macallan Millennium, estimated at HK$200,000 – 260,000. Limited to 900 bottles, this whisky was distilled in 1949 and aged for 50 years in Spanish oak Sherry casks, and bottled in 1999. With a taste described as “Christmas cake-style fruit”, The Macallan Millennium is thought to be the greatest aged Macallan whisky.

Other highlights include Brora-1982-35 year old (estimated at HK$45,000-$60,000; only 217 bottles released); Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt-Ace of Spades (estimated at HK$70,000-$90,000; only 300 bottles released); and Yamazaki-1984 (estimated at HK$38,000 – 48,000; only 2500 bottles released).

Preview dates: Hong Kong at Bonhams, Suite 2001, One Pacific Place, Admiralty Tuesday 30 January–Thursday 1 February; 10am–6pm Friday 2 February; 10am–5pm

Fine Wine and Whisky Sale

Bonhams, Suite 2001, One Pacific Place, AdmiraltyFriday 2 February, 2018 at 6.00 p.m.Specialist: Daniel Lam Head of Fine Wine and Whisky

Contact

For further information and images call Louise Oram on +852 6892 1171 (Hong Kong), or email louiseorampr@gmail.com or press@bonhams.com.

About Bonhams 

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned auctioneers of fine art and antiques, motor cars and jewellery. The main salerooms are in London, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, with sales also held in Knightsbridge, Edinburgh, Paris, San Francisco and Sydney. With a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams offers sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of forthcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, please visit bonhams.com.

THE WORLD PREPARES FOR CELEBRATIONS TO MARK INTERNATIONAL SCOTCH DAY ON FEBRUARY 8^th 2018 

LONDON, JANUARY 8 2018: Scotch, the world’s favourite whisky, will be celebrated across the globe on Thursday 8^th February with a series of events to mark International Scotch Day.

Now in its second year, the day is a true celebration of Scotland’s greatest gift, cementing Scotch’s status as both the world’s favourite whisky and the perfect drink to be shared with good company, wherever, whenever.

Celebrations will take place in homes, bars, clubs and events across the world, as Scotch aficionados, enthusiasts and fans alike raise a glass to their favourite whisky.

Ronan Beirne, Global Brand Marketing Director at Diageo said: “Last year we launched International Scotch Day and its huge success proved what we at Diageo already knew – the world loves Scotch. This year is going to be even bigger, with celebrations taking place globally, from Scotch Whisky tastings to opening the doors to Diageo’s archive in Scotland, free passes to distillery visitor centres and celebrity events in cities from Manila to Johannesburg”.

International Scotch Day is an opportunity to celebrate the world’s favourite whisky and to shine a spotlight on the entire Scotch Whisky category. The popularity of Scotch has been built through its integrity, quality and authenticity, and no other spirit can offer as diverse a range of tastes, textures and flavours.

Ewan Gunn, Global Scotch Whisky Master from Diageo commented: “Scotch is made all the way across Scotland – from the romantic west coast, through the whisky heartland of Speyside, to the vibrant urban central belt of Scotland, and though it is made here, it belongs to the world and is truly the world’s favourite whisky.  Hosting International Scotch Day for a second year shows how confident we are about the popularity of this truly international drink.”

2018 celebrity ambassadors and global locations will be revealed in February.

Join the celebration and get involved by using #LoveScotch #InternationalScotchDay and #jointhecelebration. For more information visit facebook.com/LoveofScotch

Please drink responsibly.

NOTES

People interested in visiting the Diageo archive on February 8^th should email archive.menstrie@diageo.com to secure a ticket.  There is no charge, but places are limited.

Diageo distillery Visitor Centres will be open free of charge on February 8^th, 10^th and 11^th. The Visitor Centres are at Blair Athol, Caol Ila, Cardhu, Clynelish, Cragganmore, Dalwhinnie, Glenkinchie, Glen Ord, Lagavulin, Oban, Royal Lochnagar and Talisker. Places are limited. Details will be announced in due course.

About #LoveScotch:

LoveScotch is about getting the world talking, thinking and trying the world’s favourite whisky and celebrates all that gives scotch its unique character, flavour and personality. The LoveScotch annual event, International Scotch Day on February 8^th, is a day for people everywhere to join in and celebrate during the week of the birthday one of the world’s most influential Master Blenders – Alexander Walker the son of John ‘Johnnie’ Walker. 

About Diageo:  Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.  Diageo is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.