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.

Secrets of a Highland heirloom inspire Glenmorangie Cadboll

STUDENTS AWARDED £4,500 AS PART OF CHIVAS BROTHERS BURSARY

Four students are set to take their talents to the next level after being awarded a total of £4,500 in funding as part of Chivas Brothers’ national bursary scheme. Held in partnership with the Scottish International Educational Trust (SIET), the sought-after scheme offers financial support to ambitious employees and their family members, helping them to realise their aspirations through further education or vocational training.

Announced today, this year’s successful recipients are Claire Park, who is studying Applied Science at Moray College; Lauren Evans, a Forensic and Analytical Chemistry student from West Dunbartonshire; Paul McFadden, an aspiring programmer from Glasgow; and Eilidh Ross, a Human Rights and International Politics student at the University of Glasgow.

26-year-old Elgin resident Claire Park first heard about the bursary opportunity from her step-father Fenton Perrie, who works as a Project Engineer at Chivas Brothers. Awarded a total of £1,000, this bursary will help her to fund a higher mathematics course and allow her to purchase study materials for her HNC in Applied Sciences.

Claire said: “I worked as a healthcare assistant from the age of 15 and then last year I decided to go to college to help boost my skills and grow my career prospects. I’m absolutely over the moon to have been selected for this year’s bursary as it means I will now be able to focus on my studies and not worry about any extra costs. Ultimately, I want to move on to study for a degree in Applied Sciences or Pharmacy, and I’m really thankful to Chivas Brothers for helping me to take the next step on my education journey.”

Lauren Evans from Alexandria is currently studying a Forensic and Analytical Chemistry degree at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. She was encouraged to apply for the bursary by her father Raymond, who works as a Team Leader at Chivas Brothers’ Kilmalid site. She said: “I can’t believe that I’ve been accepted. The £1,000 will go a long way in helping to alleviate some of the travel costs I face commuting from Alexandria in West Dunbartonshire to my university in Glasgow. My ultimate career goal is to work for the Forensic Department of Police Scotland, and now I’m determined to make this dream a reality.”

Meanwhile, Paul McFadden, from Glasgow, has been awarded £1,000 to put towards his HNC Games Development Course at West College Scotland in Paisley. With aspirations to become a programmer in the gaming industry, the funding will help him to purchase the latest coding and software development programmes. He said: “I feel very privileged to have been selected as one of this year’s bursary recipients. It has already given me a huge confidence boost and I’ll be able to buy everything I need to develop a career in the games industry. I can’t thank Chivas Brothers enough for supporting me.”

Finally, Eilidh Ross, whose father Bryan works as a Distillery Operations Technician at Chivas Brothers’ Scapa Distillery in Kirkwall, has been awarded £1,500. She is currently working to complete her Masters degree in Human Rights and International Politics at the University of Glasgow, and will use the funding to support with the cost of travel from her home on Orkney. She said: “This bursary will have a massive impact on my studies and also on my career. With the support of Chivas Brothers, I will now be able to attend an important study trip to the United Nations in Geneva. This is something I never thought would be possible, and it will be an important factor in helping me to pursue a career within politics or the humanitarian sector.”

Chivas Brothers’ national bursary scheme launched to great acclaim last year, and has already contributed towards the studies of an aeronautical engineer, a budding actress and a Classics student at Cambridge University. The scheme is open to all 1,600 of Chivas Brothers’ employees and direct family members, providing them with the opportunity to secure funding of up to £5,000 a year. The scheme will run for three years, this being its second.

Jennie Norrish, Global Communications Director at Chivas Brothers, added: “We’re really proud to be able to support our employees and their family members to realise their ambitions. Our 2017 bursary recipients have so much talent and each of them has a real passion and determination to achieve their dreams. This entrepreneurial mind-set is something we really champion at Chivas Brothers, so it’s fantastic to be able to relieve some of the financial pressures that come with studying full time. We can’t wait to see how the funding helps them over the next year.”

Michael Ewart, Director of SIET, a body which provides talented individuals with grants to complete further education studies, added: “This bursary is such a worthwhile initiative and we’re delighted to be able to support a second cohort of students on their education journey. The scheme shows Chivas Brothers’ dedication to championing the success of its employees and their family members.”

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is a global drinks producer and exports company steeped in Scottish heritage. It is the only Pernod Ricard business dedicated entirely to Scotch whisky and comprises a prestigious range of single malt and blended whiskies. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet. With a multitude of awards and accolades for its quality, craftsmanship, industry-leading sites and award-winning campaigns, its brands are at the heart of moments of connection across the globe.

The company comprises 1,600 employees, 14 Scotch distilleries, two bottling facilities and over 300 warehouses across its 26 sites including Orkney, Scotland and London.

www.chivasspirit.com

For further information, please contact Chivas Brothers’ press office team: chivasbrothers@text100.com or 02079086594 About the Scottish International Education Trust The Scottish International Education Trust (SIET) was set up by Sir Sean Connery and Sir Jackie Stewart in 1971. Sir Sean donated his $1m fee for the film “Diamonds are Forever” – at the time the largest fee ever commanded by an actor for a single film. Both Sir Sean and Sir Jackie are Patrons of the Trusts and take an active interest in the Trust’s work. SIET’s principal aim is to give awards to mainly young Scots who have shown particular promise and who need help to take their education or professional training further – usually at post-graduate or equivalent level.

www.scotinted.org.uk

Johnnie Walker celebrates the Chinese New Year with limited edition Year of the Dog Blue Label bottle

Ringing in the festive gifting season, Johnnie Walker celebrates the traditions of Asian culture by introducing the fifth installment from the annual limited edition series for Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

Feature 22 DEC 2017

This year’s Chinese New Year design is inspired by the precious bond between man and dog, created in collaboration with multi-award winning Taiwanese artist, Page Tsou.

In 2018 the Chinese New Year Design will follow the Striding Man around the world as he celebrates with lanterns, fireworks and dancing dragons. Man’s best friend will be woven throughout the design in honour of the Year of the Dog.

Page Tsou, award winning artist said “It is an honour to have been commissioned to create the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Year of the Dog bottle. The precious design consists of a total of four dogs all chosen for their special meaning in Asia.

“This unique design tells the story of Johnnie Walker’s Striding Man and a loyal companion as they journey around the world bringing prosperity and rejoicing in the arrival of the New Year. The design also contains various symbols of wealth and prosperity making this bottle extremely unique and the perfect gift to give this Chinese New Year.”

“During this festive period it’s wonderful to be able to provide whisky consumers with a gift that is luxurious and unique from such an iconic whisky brand. The exquisite design of the Chinese New Year bottle will help to engage new consumers and reward existing ones with a limited edition collectable from Johnnie Walker Blue Label to mark this special time of year”

Dayalan Nayager

Managing Director, Global Travel at Diageo

Diageo in 1999 – Johnnie Walker launch ‘Keep Walking’ campaign

On 17 December 2017, Diageo turned 20 years old. To celebrate this milestone Diageo is looking back over 20 years of its history and highlighting memorable moments since it was formed back in December 1997. 1999 marked the launch of the iconic Johnnie Walker ‘Keep Walking’ campaign that transformed the brand as it was rolled out globally.

In 1999 Johnnie Walker launched ‘Keep Walking’ – the brand’s first ever global advertising campaign. This new global positioning transformed Johnnie Walker into a global leader and saw the brand grow from strength to strength. The pioneering campaign saw Johnnie Walker’s famous Striding Man icon change direction to appear to be walking forward, and was launched in every market around the world.

Johnnie Walker Striding Man event champions responsible drinking and an abuse-free society

Johnnie Walker launches its #strideforgood campaign in South Africa accompanied by 365 Johnnie Walker Striding Men statues, to promote responsible drinking and in support of an abuse-free society.

Johnnie Walker has collaborated with Million Men March, Tswharanang Legal Advocacy Centre and Lifeline, to host an event in Johannesburg in support of an abuse-free society.

The event, which marks the launch of the brand’s #strideforgood campaign in South Africa, raised awareness of the ambition of all parties involved to help eradicate the causes and effects of women and children abuse for all 365 days of the year.

The South African public were invited to offer their support for an abuse-free society, by participating and contributing towards 365 days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children by continuing to promote responsible drinking in South Africa.

Heaven Hill Distillery Launches American Whiskey Tasting Experience Holiday Gift Set

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery invites you to an American Whiskey Tasting Experience this holiday season with a gift set featuring five signature mashbills. The first American Whiskey distillery to offer a tasting experience in premium 100ml glass tubes, samples include Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, and Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey.

As the only heritage distillery producing all major styles of American Whiskey, the tasting experience offers a unique opportunity to taste five different styles of award-winning brands. The gift set includes a brochure that guides consumers through a tasting of Wheat Whiskey, Wheat Bourbon, Single Barrel Bourbon, Small Batch Bourbon, and Rye Whiskey with product information, tasting notes and tips. The back of the box includes historical and tasting note information on all five brands.

“The American Whiskey Tasting Experience takes consumers on a journey through Heaven Hill Distillery’s commitment to quality and heritage for more than 80 years,” said Group Portfolio Director Susan Wahl. “Heaven Hill Distillery is excited to offer an easy way for consumers to taste a full range of premium American Whiskey styles.”

The Heaven Hill Distillery American Whiskey Tasting Experience gift set will be available this holiday season at a suggested retail price of $49.99. Packaged in a premium Heaven Hill Distillery box, each sample is bottled in a 100ml glass tube with brand logos screen-printed on each. The brands included consist of the following:

Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey
This Heaven Hill Distillery original is named for the famed Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Ky. A 7-Year-Old Wheat whiskey, Bernheim Original is the first new style of American whiskey to be introduced since Prohibition. At 90 proof, Bernheim’s mellow taste is refreshingly smooth when served straight or in cocktails.

Larceny Bourbon
Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon has its origins in the history of John E. Fitzgerald and the Old Fitzgerald brand. Heaven Hill’s Master Distillers select a limited number of barrels from specific floor locations in the rickhouse for Larceny’s six-year-old taste profile. Made with wheat as the secondary grain, and at 92 proof, Larceny has a softer, rounder taste profile.

Evan Williams Single Barrel
Each year Heaven Hill’s Master Distillers hand select barrels for this special edition with characteristics unique to that year. Every bottle is marked with the vintage date it was put into oak, along with the year it was bottled and the serial number of the barrel that the Bourbon was drawn from. Each edition is 86.6 proof.

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
Elijah Craig Small Batch is the signature Bourbon bearing the name of Rev. Elijah Craig, a Bourbon pioneer who is credited as the first distiller to age his whiskey in charred oak barrels. Long before the term Small Batch even existed, our Master Distillers were hand-selecting just the right number of barrels to make Elijah Craig. This expertise and attention to detail, and at 94 proof, give Elijah Craig Small Batch the right balance of rich flavor and full body for a warm spice and subtle smoke flavor.

Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey
First produced in Maryland in the 1890s, Pikesville Rye, along with the rest of the once-booming Maryland Rye industry, was shuttered by prohibition. The brand reemerged after prohibition and became the last standing Maryland Rye. Now produced in Kentucky from extra-aged barrels stored in prime warehouse locations at 110 proof, Heaven Hill Distillery keeps this historic Maryland mark alive.

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 54 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 Hill Distillery 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