Isle of Arran Distillery announces record visitor numbers to

 award-winning Lochranza site

The award-winning Isle of Arran Distillery visitor centre at Lochranza welcomed a record number of visitors last year. Almost 110,000 people made the journey to find ‘the Arran Waters’ in 2017 – a 6% increase on 2016 – meaning visitor numbers have more than doubled since 2012.

With the Scotch Whisky Association’s most recent report estimating 1.7 million visits to all 130 Scotch whisky distilleries, Arran accounts for 7%. An impressive total considering its isolated location and distance from other producers.

The independent distillery recorded a turnover of over £6.9m in 2016 – an increase of 11% – with the Visitor Centre contributing 17% of this total.

Over the six years from 2010 – a period of extensive investment – turnover has increased two and half times and net profit surged tenfold to over £1.3.

Euan Mitchell, managing director of the Isle of Arran Distillers, said: “2017 was another fantastic year for us – both in terms of tourism and sales of the Arran Malt itself.

“We’re particularly proud that so many people are making the journey to Lochranza – from self-proclaimed whisky tourist to curious holiday-makers on Arran and everyone inbetween.

“It is for this reason that we have placed so much emphasis on the visitor experience. With the completion of a £1m renovation at Lochranza, and with the current construction of second £10m distillery and visitor centre site on the south of the island at Lagg, we intend to improve an already world-class whisky tourism destination.”

As a consequence of this investment, last year the distillery was awarded Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism at the international Drinks Business Awards and Best Distillery/Brewery Tour at the Scottish Outdoor and Leisure Awards.

Faye Waterlow, visitor centre manager at Lochranza, said: “We have long recognised the value of giving consumers the chance to experience the whisky making process and the source of the Arran spirit. We appreciate the enormous contribution that the location of our distillery makes.

“The steady growth of the visitor centre is a testament to increasing consumer demand for authenticity and whisky with a story to tell. We look forward to sharing this story with even more visitors when the second site opens next year.”

Total visitor numbers to both sites are expected to exceed 200,000 by 2020 once the new visitor centre in Lagg has been opened. The contribution to turnover is forecast to exceed £2m a year.

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.)

Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism – Drinks Business Awards 2017

Best Distillery/Brewery Tour – Scottish Outdoor and Leisure Awards 2017

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.

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Reaches 1,000th Barrel Milestone

LOUISVILLE, KY – The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, a cornerstone of Whiskey Row’s renaissance in Downtown Louisville, filled the 1,000th barrel on February 1, 2018. The artisanal distillery reaches this milestone after producing one barrel per day since production began in September 2013, compared to the 1,300 barrels produced per day at Heaven Hill Distillery’s Bernheim Facility. The multi-million dollar artisanal distillery, immersive tour experience and retail location celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first distiller, and is the first official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Bourbon tourism continues to grow rapidly, with more than 1.4 million visitors enjoying tourism experiences across Kentucky in 2017. As the first distillery to re-open on Whiskey Row, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience celebrates the heritage and craft of American Whiskey distilling in Louisville.

“When the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience opened in 2013, a unique, innovative experience was created where Bourbon fans, historians, and visitors alike could enjoy our nation’s spirit,” said Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira. “We are proud to celebrate filling 1,000 barrels at our artisanal distillery with the City of Louisville and look forward to sharing product from the first barrels when they mature.”

Evan Williams was not only a pioneer in Bourbon, but also a Trustee of the City of Louisville, wharfmaster, and built the first county clerk’s office and city jail. In honor of Williams’ heritage in Louisville and the milestone achieved by the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, the 1,000th barrel was dedicated to the City of Louisville. The unfilled barrel was displayed in the lobbies of seven downtown partners for one day each before being transported from Mayor Greg Fischer’s office to the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience to be filled. All visitors were invited to sign the barrel on the day of the filling.

“Bourbon is a unique part of both our rich history and our bright future,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “Distillery experiences like Evan Williams are part of what we call Bourbonism, creating a great opportunity for our city to become an even more popular tourist destination in the years ahead. And that’s more great news for our economy.”

Marked by a five-story Evan Williams Bourbon bottle on the building façade at 528 West Main Street, the facility epitomizes Louisville ‘Bourbonism’ movement at its finest. Artisanal Distiller Jodie Filiatreau operates a fully functioning, copper pot still distillery producing one barrel per day, just as Evan Williams would have in his distillery on the Ohio River more than 200 years ago.

As Heaven Hill Distillery’s flagship Bourbon brand and the second largest selling Kentucky Bourbon in the world, the legacy of Evan Williams is brought to life through a state-of-the-art modern facility. Guests are transported through the distillation process and history of Whiskey Row when Williams himself first built his distillery. Premium tastings of Heaven Hill Distillery’s award-winning whiskeys are also included on a variety of tours offered.

Visitors can learn more about tours and tastings at www.evanwilliams.com/visit.

About Heaven Hill Distillery
Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.3 million barrels aging in 55 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection. Heaven Distillery currently holds the title of 2017 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, and previously held the titles of 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year, 2016 Whiskey Advocate American Whiskey of the Year and 2016 Rye Whiskey of the Year from “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.” For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

Rebel Yell Bourbon Kicks Off Rebel & Records Contest

Giveaway Contest Invites Fans to Let Their Rebel Spirit Be Heard for

Chance to Win Vinyl-Themed Prizes 

(ST. LOUIS, MO) February 14, 2018—Rebel Yell Bourbon is now spinning its nationwide Rebel & Records Contest, where hundreds will win weekly prizes, and three lucky people will win the ultimate private concert experience, as well as a custom hi-fi record playing system and other vinyl prizes.

The Rebel & Records Contest invites Rebel Yell fans to upload a photo of themselves “Letting Your Rebel Spirit Be Heard” to www.rebelandrecords.com for a chance to win the grand prize, as well as more than 1,000 individual weekly prizes.

Three grand prizes will be awarded, and entries will be judged for the grand prizes based on creativity and uniqueness, personality, communication of contest theme, and overall appeal. Each grand prize includes all the necessary tools to create the ultimate at-home listening experience: a custom hi-fi record playing system, a private concert experience, 10 vinyl records, headphones, a vinyl record tote, slipmat, record crate, set of vinyl record dividers, Rebel Yell sticker pack and Rebel Yell guitar pick.

Weekly winners will be selected in a random drawing and may receive concert ticket vouchers, vinyl records from artists at Los Angeles-based record label Innovative Leisure – an independent label that represents Indie artists, whose music rebels from the mainstream and doesn’t fall into a single, defined musical style or genre – portable turntables, headphones, vinyl record totes, vinyl record dividers, record crates and more.

“Vinyl has seen a huge resurgence, with sales hitting a 25-year high,” said Fletcher Buchman, brand manager at Luxco. “People want something tangible and real. We are excited to be sharing the rebellious spirit of Rebel Yell with vinyl fans all over the country.”

Visit www.rebelandrecords.com to become a “Band of Rebels” member and to enter the contest. Participants can submit one entry per day (February 12 through April 30, 2018). Official contest rules can be found online at www.rebelandrecords.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.

World’s first regulated whisky fund taps into booming demand for liquid gold 

Investors with a passion for liquid gold have an opportunity to invest in the world’s first regulated single malt whisky fund.

Launched by Swedish whisky enthusiast, Christian Svantesson, the Single Malt Fund provides investors with the opportunity to indirectly own a small part of a large collection of rare and limited-edition whiskies.

The Single Malt Fund’s rare whiskies will be selected by five internationally acclaimed portfolio managers. In addition to investing in the fund, whisky fans will also have the opportunity to buy single bottles from the fund’s online inventory as the fund realises its investments. Sales will be managed through its own website, where rare whisky will be made available to investors before going up for sale on the open market.

The fund will be supervised by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority and has received approval to launch on the Nordic Growth Market (NGM) exchange in Stockholm, Sweden, making it the world’s first regulated and publicly listed single malt whisky fund. Scheduled to liquidate after six years, the Fund offers a target return rate of 10% per annum.

The Fund has been launched on the back of soaring demand for rare whisky from investors, connoisseurs and collectors across the world.

Figures from the world’s leading rare whisky analysts and brokers, Rare Whisky 101, show that the returns produced by rare whisky over the past few years have outstripped many other alternative and traditional asset classes. The RW Apex 100 (the world’s top 100 performing bottles) has climbed 485% since 2010.

Between 2013 and 2017, the average price per bottle of rare whisky bought at auction in the UK has climbed from £223.60 to £299.36.

With auction prices on the rise, whisky enthusiasts from across the work are increasingly turning to liquid gold as an investment. A recent survey by RW101 and Whisky Auctioneer identify private whisky collections worth an estimated £75million, and with an average value of £50,000.

Commenting on the Single Malt Fund, Christian Svantesson said: “The Single Malt Fund is created for whisky enthusiasts and others who want to invest in rare whisky. When selling, the fund will first offer its limited rare whisky to its investors, giving them access to selected rare whisky which is very hard to come by without the right knowledge and contacts. With global demand for rare whisky continuing to soar, I hope that our fund will make the rare whisky market more inclusive and accessible for even more rare whisky enthusiasts. The fund in that respect has opened up a new opportunity for whisky fans to indulge in their passion.

“My inspiration for the fund comes from my own passion for single malt whisky. Knowing how much my own limited rare whiskies have appreciated in value, I spotted an opportunity to take a more professional approach to the whisky investor market. As an entrepreneur, I couldn’t resist the temptation to combine my passion for whisky with my entrepreneurial drive.

“I wanted to create a ‘commodity fund’ for whisky – regulated, transparent, and listed on a public exchange, preferably here in Sweden.

For more information, visit www.thesinglemaltfund.com 

SCOTTISH LEADER AND I SEE A DIFFERENT YOU TO INSPIRE AFRO-POSITIVITY

Popular whisky brand Scottish Leader, together with the dynamic I See A Different You creative collective, is setting out to bring South Africans an Afro-optimistic new perspective. They will be looking for, interpreting and expressing the unique beauty and dynamism of the country; and inspiring others to do the same.

Born and bred in Soweto, the internationally acclaimed I See A Different You duo, featuring Innocent Mukheli and Vuyo Mpantsha, shot to fame through their photographic blog launched in 2011. Their movement was born from a pure love in the very place they are from. The friends wanted to show a different Soweto – their Soweto – to the world, simultaneously retelling and reframing the township story in an optimistic and creative light to alter negative, contrived and outdated perceptions.

The success of their blog made way for a broader focus beyond Soweto and their own personal stories, to showcase the South African experience and its striking diversity in their signature style.

“The I See A Different You philosophy beautifully mirrors the Scottish Leader ethos of viewing things from a new perspective to discover richer possibilities. It therefore made sense for us to team up and intensify the expression of a shared narrative, while at the same time promoting the three seductively sweet, smooth, rich and smoky Scottish Leader variants that sell in South Africa, including Original, Signature and 12-year-old,” says Meryll Stocks Roos, marketing spokesperson for Scottish Leader in South Africa.

I See A Different You’s Mukheli agrees. “In essence, both brands stand for positive change. Only when you look at the world differently can you bring about positive and meaningful change. Together with Scottish Leader, we are working on encouraging South Africans to believe in their potential and power to transform their lives and in so doing, make a difference that transcends them as individuals.”

Scottish Leader and I See A Different You collaboration, conceived and produced in association with FCB Cape Town, will be rolled out in various phases, starting in early February with an out-of-home billboard campaign.

“I See A Different You is not only adding their authentic voice to our campaign, but also participating in creating visual assets and networking opportunities for the Scottish Leader brand, that reflect our shared Afro-positive narrative,” says Paul Carstens, FCB Cape Town’ creative director.

“The choice of locations for the campaign visuals had to be distinctive, as well as capture the reality, vibrancy and essence of township lifestyle, as can be seen in the scenes reflecting a typical game of pool, a Spaza shop, the distinctive roofs of Kliptown in Soweto, and the Alexandra township, amongst others.”

Carstens also said that Scottish Leader’s three blended whiskies available in South Africa – Original, Signature and 12-year-old – are visually represented via their distinct label colour accent; red, teal and blue respectively; with each photo shoot location echoing one of these.

Stocks Roos explained that in addition to the outdoor advertising campaign, South Africans could look forward to a host of related brand activities this year, including launch parties, an innovative digital photography drive, as well as regular social networking events. She said that more would be revealed in due course.

Visit www.scottishleader.co.za and www.iseeadifferentyou.com for more information on the two brands.

Follow and engage with Scottish Leader on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ScottishLeaderSouthAfrica), Twitter (www.twitter.com/ScottishLeader) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/ScottishLeaderWhisky).

Join the conversation using:

@ScottishLeader

@ISeeADifferentYou

#ISeeANewPerspective

#NewPerspective

Notes:

Scottish Leader is an award-winning, internationally respected, blended Scotch whisky sold in around 30 countries, crafted by a single, dedicated team with nearly 400 years’ combined experience.  The blending team is spearheaded by female lead blender, Dr Kirstie McCallum, who offers a wealth of experience, as well as a forward-thinking, dynamic outlook.

The price of Scottish Leader ranges from R180 to R220 and R320 for the Original, Signature, and 12-year-old whiskies respectively.

Rare whisky market smashes £25M as global demand soars

The UK’s rare whisky auction market has exceeded £25M in a single year for the first time as global demand for liquid gold soars.

The findings are part of the 2017 annual report published today by whisky analyst, broker and investment experts Rare Whisky 101.

According to the report, both the volume and value of rare Scotch whisky sold at auction increased by record amounts. The £ value of collectable bottles of Single Malt Scotch whisky sold at auction in the UK rose by a staggering 76.33% to a record £25.06m (2016 £14.21m). The number of bottles of Single Malt Scotch whisky sold at auction in the UK increased by 42.47% to 83,713 (2016 58,758).

The most expensive bottle to sell at auction in the UK was a bottle of 62 year old Dalmore (one of 12 originally released) for £95,000.

RW101’s leading index for rare whisky, the Apex 1000 Index, which tracks the best performing 1000 bottles of rare whisky, closed the year up 27.51%, once again outperforming the Liv-Ex Fine Wine 100 (5.28%), FTSE 100 (7.63%), Brent Crude (17.78%) and Gold (13.59%).

December alone saw 8,848 bottles of Scotch sold at auction in the UK, a record month and a large part of the 25,123 bottles sold through the final quarter of 2017. Just four years ago in 2013, a total of 20,211 bottles were sold throughout the full year. From a value perspective, December saw £3.148m sold, slightly ahead of 2012’s full year sales value of £2.911m.

At the end of 2016, ten distilleries had seen a single bottle sell at auction in the UK for more than £10,000. One year on and that number has grown to fourteen.

Andy Simpson, director and co-founder of Rare Whisky 101 said: “We were fully expecting to break £20 million for the first time. However, £25 million shows the level of pure demand in the market at the moment. The volume of bottles on the open market is at record highs, but demand for the right bottles, for now at least, continues to excess these record levels of supply.”

Commenting on the global thirst for liquid gold, co-founder of Rare Whisky 101, David Robertson said: “We are experiencing increasing demand from almost all parts of the globe. South East Asia remains a key factor for the market, but is by no means the exclusive driver. Demand from the domestic market, central Europe and further afield is higher than we’ve ever seen.

“From a rare whisky perspective, approaching on the horizon are the dynamic economies and the burgeoning middle classes of mainland China and India; neither have got to the starting blocks yet, let alone begun to try and win the rare whisky acquisition race. When, and indeed, if they do, we’re expecting demand to hit levels unlike anything we’ve ever seen.”

On the rare whisky auction market’s future prospects, Simpson continued: “As a category, Scotch is appealing to more and more buyers, and the pinnacle product, single malt, is becoming ever more popular with connoisseurs, collectors and investors. Older spirit is still very challenging to come by in the cask and is commanding ever higher prices. We don’t see that changing.

“In certain parts of the world, collecting and investing is still very much in its infancy, but wealthy status buyers are targeting high value bottles and consuming them as they were always intended. This is, in turn pushing prices north, with rarities increasing in price with almost every single subsequent sale.

“The growing importance, almost dominance, of the UK’s auction market, which is the largest in the world, will continue to be underpinned by the rapidly increasing number of rare whisky retailers running auctions in parallel to their traditional retail business. The rare-whisky acquisition landscape has changed forever as the consumer, rather than the retailer, now decides what price they will pay for a bottle of rare and collectable whisky.

“We’ve talked about rare whisky being in an almost perfect storm of diminishing stocks (through consumption) and skyrocketing demand. That situation looks like continuing as the bulls remain in control of the market.”

About Rare Whisky 101
Andy Simpson and David Robertson launched Rare Whisky 101 in 2014 with the aim of offering a whisky valuation service, brokerage and consultancy for whisky connoisseurs, collectors and investors. Having tracked every bottle sold at UK auctions over the past 12 years, the business now offers the world’s first, only and most comprehensive online single malt Scotch & Japanese whisky dataset covering some 276,000 price records over 33,000 different bottle types. In the last 12 months, RW101 have brokered around 20,000 rare whisky bottles around the globe in addition to trading in aged casks from iconic distilleries such as The Macallan, Ardbeg, Bowmore, Springbank, Mortlach, Talisker, Caol Ila, Lagavulin and Highland Park.

FORTY CREEK TURNS TO FANS TO CHOOSE 2018 LIMITED EDITION BLEND IN FIRST-EVER SOCIAL RELEASE

CANADIAN WHISKY BRAND USES SOCIAL INTIATIVE TO SEARCH COAST-TO-COAST FOR FOUR CANADIANS TO CAST THEIR VOTE

TORONTO, ON – Award-winning whisky brand, Forty Creek, is once again putting flavour first as it seeks input from Canadian taste buds across the country to determine their next limited edition release. In a contest like no other, fans will have the chance to win an exclusive VIP tasting at Forty Creek’s distillery in Grimsby, Ontario where they’ll cast their vote for the first-ever limited edition social release.

Forty Creek is known for coming “from a good place”; a concept that was introduced last year through the brand’s foray into television advertising. While the TV spots shone a spotlight on Grimsby and the individuals who have been essential in making Forty Creek the success it is today, this new social media initiative aims to take that concept one step further by inviting fans to represent their good place and choose a whisky that is for all Canadians.

Starting February 9, 2018 Canadian whisky fans are encouraged to visit Forty Creek’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/FortyCreekWhisky) and comment on why Forty Creek is their whisky of choice for the chance to make Forty Creek history. Four fans from across Canada (excluding Quebec) will be chosen at random and invited to the Forty Creek distillery to sample and vote on a selection of blends that have the potential to be the 2018 Limited Edition. The choice will be in their hands as the blend with the most votes will be crowned the winner. Contest closes March 4, 2018.

“From the very beginning Forty Creek has been a whisky that puts its customers first,” says John Andersen, Senior Brand Manager, North American Whiskies. “While Forty Creek is incredibly proud of our Grimsby roots, we know that there are many other places in Canada worthy of celebration. Knowing that, we wanted to give Canadians from coast-to-coast a chance to represent the tastes of their respective regions and choose, what will ultimately be, a great whisky for Canadians, chosen by Canadians.”

The winning blend will be announced and available for reservation prior to Forty Creek’s annual Whisky Weekend in September.  Whisky Weekend is Forty Creek’s annual celebration all things Canadian and Forty Creek, with tours, tastings, seminars, and the official launch of the annual limited edition release.

About Campari Group:

Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliates (‘Campari Group’), is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. The Group’s portfolio includes over 50 premium and super premium brands. Internationally-renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton Estate, Campari, Cinzano, Grand Marnier, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey. In 2014, The Group acquired Forty Creek Distillery Ltd., a Canadian spirits company with a portfolio of brands including whisky, vodka, brandy, rum and liqueurs. Internationally-recognized for its superior taste and quality, the multi-award winning Forty Creek Whisky serves as both the fastest growing brand in its category across North America and Canada’s first successfully launched whisky brand in over 70 years. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari owns 18 plants worldwide and has its own distribution network in 20 countries. The Group employs around 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: http://www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy our brands responsibly.

TRIO OF DESIGNERS BRING SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION

TO JAMESON’S ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY BOTTLE 

Jameson Irish whiskey, which is produced by Irish Distillers in Midleton Distillery, has kicked off St. Patrick’s Day 2018 with its seventh annual limited-edition bottle design. For the first time in its history, Jameson has collaborated with a group of artists, representing the bravery, unity and opportunities that are possible when friends come together.

Irish illustrator Claudine O’Sullivan led the design process, recruiting two close friends from different creative fields to form a collective to curate the label. British designer, Alex Mellon, and Irish photographer Leonn Ward joined O’Sullivan, with the result being a design that celebrates the openness and spirit of friendship that Ireland is renowned for.

The 2018 collectable bottle is inspired by the Fianna; Irish mythological warriors known for valuing loyalty and bravery – the foundation of every strong friendship. Claudine’s soaring eagle, drawn by hand, represents the unity felt by the silhouette of three friends on a night out – shot against Dublin’s Ha’penny Bridge by Leonn. The three friends on the label are depicted rallying around banners and symbols representing Irish tribes of past and present, drawn by Alex, and are set to inspire whiskey drinkers around the world to come together and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Jameson.

A limited edition for March 2018, each bottle is equipped with a near field communication (NFC) chip which allows consumers to access content on www.jamesonwhiskey.com

where they can find out more about the artists and the story behind their design. The limited edition bottle will be available in 35 countries, including Ireland, Japan and Australia, from February 2018.

Lead designer in the project, Claudine O’Sullivan, commented: “Over the past 18 months, Leonn, Alex and I have come together from our different disciplines with the same vision – to create a clean, fresh and impactful design that brings the spirit of the Fianna and Ireland’s history of embellishment in storytelling to life. On a personal note, it has been a dream come true to work with Jameson.  My family lives on historic Jameson land both in Dublin and in Cork, so the whiskey has been in my life since before I can remember. Sláinte!”

Simon Fay, International Marketing Director at Irish Distillers, added: “Dublin has long been a city of artists, adventurers and friends, so for Jameson’s 2018 limited edition bottle we collaborated with three artists with different creative backgrounds to celebrate true friendship. St. Patrick’s Day is Jameson’s second Christmas and is synonymous with great friends getting together, so we are confident that our new seasonal release will encourage modern day adventurers to enjoy Jameson together during their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.”

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