BOILER ROOM X BALLANTINE’S TRUE MUSIC HEADS TO POLAND FOR THE FORUM AND FINALE OF ITS THREE-CONTINENT TOUR

HEADLINED BY SETH TROXLER, THE BOILER ROOM X BALLANTINE’S TRUE MUSIC FINALE IN WARSAW ON SEPTEMBER 20 & 21 WILL FEATURE: THE TRUE MUSIC FORUM // ONE INCREDIBLE LIVE-SHOW: SIX STELLAR GLOBAL & LOCAL DJs // THE TRUE MUSIC EP RELEASE // ALL LIVE ON http://truemusic.boilerroom.tv/seth-troxler/

August 2017: Boiler Room x Ballantine’s True Music is touching down in Poland for the culmination of a tour that has so far travelled to Brazil and Russia, delivering a world-class music line-up to millions of fans.

True Music Poland will mark the 18th Boiler Room x Ballantine’s collaboration, a global partnership that supports and celebrates uncompromising artists committed to doing it ‘their way’. It sees headline True Music artist and one of dance music’s most loved characters, producer and DJ Seth Troxler, return to close out the latest series in Warsaw, in what promises to be the biggest line-up yet, across two unique events.

The embodiment of the True Music ethos, Seth has a long history of supporting emerging and underground artists, using his standing to help them succeed.

Seth’s True Music project finale will feature the second True Music Forum, the coming together of some of the music industry’s leading figures to discuss the evolution of music, culture and nightlife in 2017. It culminates with a 1,000 capacity True Music show featuring some of the biggest global and local DJs handpicked by Seth himself, including Brodka, Catz’n’Dogz and Craig Richards, all broadcast live on the True Music site.

Seth Troxler commented: “It’s been a pretty mad six months getting under the skin of such cool cities and working with great friends – new and old – in the countries we’ve visited. What better way to round it off than with the True Music Forum and massive True Music party in Poland.”

2 BOILER ROOM X BALLANTINE’S TRUE MUSIC POLAND SHOW

The No. 2 whisky in the world, Ballantine’s is committed to championing independent artists who have conviction in their music and the final event in Warsaw on Thursday September 21st is the ultimate celebration of this. Hand-selected by Seth Troxler, the line-up features some of the most sought-after global and local artists and spans a variety of electronic genres, including enigmatic Polish alt-pop sensation Brodka, homegrown DJ/ producers Catz ‘n Dogz and Fabric resident Craig Richards. They’ll be joined by acclaimed local producer Bartosz Kruczynski and DJ B. Traits.

The event will be live-streamed on truemusic.boilerroom.tv for fans around the globe to experience the sounds of True Music live and direct wherever they are.

THE BOILER ROOM X BALLANTINE’S TRUE MUSIC FORUM

The Boiler Room x Ballantine’s True Music Forum aims to inspire and engage the next generation of True Music artists through live-streamed panels featuring an impressive line-up of artists and industry innovators from record labels, broadcasters and more.

True Music headline artist Seth Troxler will participate in an insightful, intimate Q&A session with DJ B. Traits during which he will discuss his career, outlook on music, politics and the state of the industry as a whole.

The True Music Forum will also see the likes of artist Kojey Radical, Gosia Plysa (Unsound), Nadine Raihani (Native Instruments), composer SøS Gunver Ryberg and Luz Diaz (Room for Resistance) take to the stage alongside other music industry leaders for four panels exploring:

 Role of Artists in 2017

 A Lens on Poland’s Scene

 The Future of Sound

 The New Media Landscape All the Forum panels will be live streamed at http://truemusic.boilerroom.tv/.

BALLANTINE’S & BOILER ROOM’S TRUE MUSIC EP

While traversing the globe on his three-continent True Music Tour, headline artist Seth Troxler has selected some of his favourite local producers who he feels share his True Music ethos and passion for making exciting music, to work with him on original collaborations. The culmination of these collaborations will be the True Music EP II, comprising remixes from Seth’s back catalogue and original tracks, available as a download in September to coincide with the finale in Warsaw.

True Music EP track listing:

 Seth Troxler – Junkyard Tool (Renato Ratier Remix)

 Julia Govor – Forgotten Cloud (Seth Troxler Remix)

 X

To celebrate the True Music EP release, all three songs will be available to download for free download via truemusic.boilerroom.tv.

To check out more on True Music head to truemusic.boilerroom.tv

Notes

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No. 2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.

About Ballantine’s & Boiler Room

Since first partnering in 2013 Ballantine’s and Boiler Room have explored and celebrated the stories of 14 local music scenes from across three different continents. In the process, 35 million music fans have experienced the live-streamed events, documentaries and music content featuring the likes of DJ Premier, Carl Craig, Nina Kraviz, Underground Resistance, Skream and Seth Troxler. Now heading in to the fourth year, this new phase has been born; True Music. A platform that will be adopted by markets all around the world in local campaigns, and in 2017 will inform a global brand campaign.

www.ballantines.com @Ballantines

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,682 million in FY16. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin and Malibu, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of 18,500 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.

JOHNNIE WALKER INTRODUCES LATEST LIMITED EDITION BLENDERS’ BATCH WHISKIES 

World’s leading Scotch Whisky brand shakes it up with the launch of three experimental whiskies at Diageo World Class event

Johnnie Walker is launching three new experimental whiskies from its Blenders’ Batch range for both whisky aficionados and cocktail lovers. The limited edition whiskies are being introduced at the Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year Final in Mexico City.

All three new blends – Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Wine Cask Blend, Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Rum Cask Finish and Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Espresso Roast – were designed to form the foundation of exceptional Scotch cocktails and yet, like all the brand’s classic whiskies, they can also be enjoyed straight up over ice.

Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch whiskies are the result of bold experiments that push the boundaries in flavour. Like Johnnie Walker Black Label – which was first borne out of flavour experiments more than a century ago and has since gone on to become a true icon of Scotch – these new whiskies are crafted by a small team of 12 passionate and skilled blenders, under the expert guidance of two-time Master Blender of the Year Jim Beveridge^[1].

Johnnie Walker blender Aimée Gibson led the development of Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Wine Cask Blend. She believes the parallels between crafting great whisky and creating extraordinary cocktails make the World Class Final in Mexico City the perfect environment for the introduction of these new whiskies.

“An unforgettable drinks experience is always the end goal. It is what elite mixologists strive to achieve when perfecting cocktails and it is what we, as whisky makers, have at the forefront of our thinking when experimenting and creating exciting new blends,” said Aimée, who was recently presented with the Rising Star Award at the International Spirits Challenge 2017.

Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Wine Cask Blend is the outcome of an experiment in maturation in wine casks set in motion by Aimée’s mentor Beveridge, over a decade ago. It is an exceptionally fruity Scotch that is full of lively fresh berry, sweet toffee flavours and delicate fragrant aromas.

Aimée said: “My goal at Johnnie Walker is to make whiskies that can be enjoyed by people with a range of taste preferences, especially by those who might previously have thought that whisky isn’t for them. As blenders, we draw upon almost 200 years of whisky-making experience and take inspiration from flavour pioneers from around the world.

“Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Wine Cask Blend is light and fruity. It’s perfect for enjoying in an after-work cocktail with friends or for savouring on its own during quieter moments.”

Master Blender Jim Beveridge said: “At Johnnie Walker, we know how to make exceptional Scotch. That was true when we first created Johnnie Walker Black Label over a hundred years ago and it is still true today. Our philosophy and our commitment to creating exceptional Scotch Whiskies is central to everything we do.

“Our blenders are given free rein to take inspiration from anything and everything around them when making whisky: experiences they’ve had, personal passions, sounds, and flavours. Their passion drives them to challenge the whisky-making status quo and to tap into other flavour cultures to create the best possible flavour combinations for all of our blends, every day.”

Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Wine Cask Blend is launching in selected countries from September 2017 with an RRP from US$29.99.

Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Rum Cask Finish and Johnnie Walker Blenders’ Batch Espresso Roast will be available globally at some of the world’s best bars from October 2017.

For more information please visit www.johnniewalker.com

INTRODUCING PORT ASKAIG ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY!

Independent, small-batch Scotch from the Isle of Islay lands on US shores!

Award-winning Scotch whisky brand Port Askaig brings an elegant and approachable single malt to peaty whisky lovers of the United States from the shores of the small Scottish island of Islay, known around the globe for its production of exceptional smoky Scotch whiskies.

Port Askaig 110° Proof is the first of this unique range of single malt whiskies to launch in the US but there will be more releases, including US exclusives, to come in the next few years. Created from carefully selected casks from distilleries across Islay, all whiskies from Port Askaig are truly ‘small-batch’ with as few as two, and no more than 40, casks used for each bottling. Port Askaig 110° Proof is a cask-strength whisky, bottled at 55% and matured in American oak, offering the perfect balance of smoke and sweet fruit. It is intense yet elegant, fresh and citrusy, and full of character that reflects the complex and beguiling nature of beautiful Islay Scotch whisky.

Islay whisky creates a myriad of styles, displaying light honey and sea spray flavours, as well as crashing waves of smoke and peat. These characters are essential to creating an exceptional Islay Scotch whisky and so, in order to maintain the authenticity of the Port Askaig liquid, the creators do not use chill filtering and no colouring is added.

Sam Filmus, President of the brand’s importer ImpEx Beverages, commented:
“Given the growing popularity of Islay whiskies, we are excited to be adding Port Askaig to the ImpEx portfolio of fine Scotches. Port Askaig has already gained widespread popularity outside of the United States among Islayphiles, due to its uniqueness, quality, and the devoted people behind the brand, and we’re thrilled that it’s now available in the U.S.”

The brand has enjoyed great success in the UK and Europe where its creator Elixir Distillers first launched. Oliver Chilton, whiskymaker for Elixir Distillers, expands:
“Since launching Port Askaig in 2009 we have always looked to introduce new people to Islay whisky and it is exciting to take the next step in that journey by taking the brand to America. As we are whisky fans first and foremost we are looking forward to taking our small batch malt and spreading the word with the passionate people at ImpEx. We’ll be focused on putting our whisky into hands of connoisseurs looking for something new as well as using it as a gateway to the incredible world of Islay whisky.”

ImpEx will introduce the brand to the US market via distributors initially in California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Illinois, Maryland, Washington DC, Missouri, Texas, Colorado, Florida, Michigan and Delaware. There are plans to widen availability into other states in 2018.

Port Askaig 110° Proof will be available at all good Scotch whisky retailers from October 2017 at an RSP of $74.99.

About Elixir Distillers – www.elixirdistillers.com
Elixir Distillers is a creator, blender and bottler of fine spirits. The team, led by whiskymaker Oliver Chilton, seeks to combine aesthetically beautiful design with delicious, characterful spirits. The core brands of the business are Port Askaig, Elements of Islay, Single Malts of Scotland and Black Tot. Every member of the Elixir Distillers team is a spirits enthusiast with immense product knowledge, looking to produce the world’s next great drink. Quite simply, this passion is why the company’s brands have become so popular around the world.

About ImpEx Beverages – www.impexbev.com
Founded in 2008, ImpEx is an acclaimed US importer of fine spirits with a focus on independent Scotch whiskies. Their portfolio includes Port Askaig, Kilchoman, Tamdhu, Isle of Skye, Exclusive Malts and Chapter 7 which they distribute nationally.

Hibiki 21 Years Old Named “Supreme Champion Spirit” Top Award of Global Spirits Competition “International Spirits Challenge” Held in UK

Suntory Whisky Hibiki 21 Years Old was honored with the “Supreme Champion Spirit” award at the International Spirits Challenge 2017 awards ceremony held on Wednesday, July 12 (local time). This was the 22nd holding of the International Spirits Challenge, a global competition held in London which recognizes outstanding quality and excellence in spirits.

This year, Hibiki 21 Years Old won the “Supreme Champion Spirit” award, in addition to winning a “Trophy” award (best-in-category) in the “World Whisky” category. The “Supreme Champion Spirit” award is bestowed upon the most outstanding product from among Trophy award winners across all categories. This means that Hibiki 21 Years Old was selected as the top spirit out of 1,480 entries spanning across all categories recognized in the competition. It is the fifth year in a row for Hibiki 21 Years Old to win a “Trophy” award (best-in-category).

Suntory Spirits was also recognized as “World Whisky Producer of the Year,” an award bestowed upon one whisky maker in the “World Whisky” category for producing a wide variety of high-quality products.

We sincerely believe these awards to be a further testament to our masterful blending techniques in making whisky and high levels of product quality recognized by consumers around the world.

▼About Suntory Whisky Hibiki 21 Years Old
This whisky is a blend of rare and meticulously selected mature malt and grain whiskies aged over 21 years. With aromas of sweet dried fruit and a spicy flavor, it is characterized by a solemn, refined richness and profound, lingering echoes.

▼ Award Names and Recipients
Supreme Champion Spirit
Trophy in the World Whisky category: Suntory Whisky Hibiki 21 Years Old
World Whisky Producer of the Year: Suntory Spirits Limited

COLONEL E.H. TAYLOR, JR. SINGLE BARREL NAMED BEST AMERICAN WHISKEY AT 2017 INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS CHALLENGE 

        FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 8, 2017) – Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey was awarded as the best American Whiskey at the International Spirits Challenge gala dinner in London, where it received an ISC Trophy. This awards ceremony honors the best spirits in the world and awards a trophy to only the top product in each category.

        “We feel honored and very grateful to receive this award,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “Our Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Bourbon is a great whiskey and one that we’re very proud of, and we’re excited for it to receive this recognition among the world’s best spirits.”

The ISC gala followed the announcement of medals presented earlier this summer in which Buffalo Trace Distillery was awarded Gold for, Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The Distillery was awarded Silver for its Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Each spirit in the competition underwent a blind tasting, conducted by a panel of renowned industry experts who scored each spirit on its aroma, appearance, taste and finish. This year, the 22^nd annual International Spirits Challenge received more than 1,300 entries from nearly 70 countries around the globe.

Results from the 2017 International Spirits Challenge can be found HERE .

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

SCOTCH’S LENGTHY BULL RUN CONTINUES

The Macallan leads the way accounting for £300 out of every £1,000 spent at auction in the UK

The market for rare whisky has experienced unprecedented growth during the first six months of the year, extending its lengthy bull run, according to new figures published today by whisky analyst, broker and investment experts Rare Whisky 101.

Rare Whisky 101’s 2017 Half Year Report shows that both the volume and value of rare Scotch whisky sold at auction has increased by record amounts during the reporting period. The £ value of collectable bottles of Single Malt Scotch whisky sold at auction in the UK rose by an exceptional 93.66% to an all-time half-year high of £11.176m (H1 2016 £5.771m). The number of bottles of Single Malt Scotch whisky sold at auction in the UK increased by 47.25% to 39,061 (H1 2016 26,527).

The continued increased in values is reflected in the average per-bottle price, which has risen to a new record of £286.13, up from H1 2016’s £217.56 and FY 2016’s £241.87.

The value of the broadest measurement of the market, the Apex 1000 Index, increased 11.50% from 505.98 points at the end of 2016 to 564.16 points at the 2017 mid-year point. This is broadly in line with 2016’s HY increase of 11.78%.

The most expensive bottle of Scotch sold during the period was a 50-year-old Macallan in Lalique, which fetched £65,210 (up from the previous best of £17,000 in 2015).

The Macallan’s secondary market dominance extends, accounting for almost £300 out of every £1,000 spent at auction in the UK. The brand now has a 12.71% volume share of all bottles sold and a staggering 28.90% share of the £ value (up from 10.26% and 21.85% respectively at FY 2016).

In contrast, the market continues to polarize as the broadest measure of non-performing rare whisky assets. The Negative 1000 Index, shows accelerating losses dipping -3.22% through the first half of 2017 (H1 2016 -0.83% and FY 2016 -0.13%).

Scotch leads Japanese in the investment stakes as the Icon 100 Index (a basket of 100 collectable bottles of Scotch whisky) increases 6.56% but the Japanese Icon 100 Index (a basket of 100 collectable bottles of Japanese whisky) re-traces by -4.41% at the half year.

Despite a broader dip in values for Japanese whisky, a bottle of Karuizawa 1960 was sold for £100,100 in April 2017, setting a new UK and European record price for a bottle of whisky.

For more information or to download the full report visit: http://www.rarewhisky101.com/intelligence

Whisky investment analyst and co-founder of Rare Whisky 101, Andy Simpson commented: “Whisky investment analyst and co-founder of Rare Whisky 101, Andy Simpson commented:

“Never has the secondary market for rare whisky been so strong, and we expect the value of Scotch sold at auction in the UK to break £20m this year for the first time ever.”

“At a brand level, individual producers are continually pushing the prices of their premium aged stock. Couple this primary market price inflation with increased global demand and declining stocks of discontinued bottles, and we still look to be in the ‘perfect storm’ for the right bottles to continue to appreciating in value.”

“Of course, as with any investment asset experiencing such a run, it all could come to an end. But right now, the right bottles of Scotch seem to be in ever increasing demand. With so little significantly aged stock still maturing in the cask, it’s unlikely we’ll see prices easing for rarities in the short to medium term.”

“For now, we remain optimistic about Scotch’s burgeoning credentials as an alternative investment… but only, as we always say, for the right bottles.”

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 almost 250,000 price records across over 31,000 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, Rosebank and Highland Park.

GLENWYVIS COMMUNITY-LED DISTILLERY IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

WELCOMES NEW INVESTORS FOR SECOND SHARE OFFER

The world’s first 100% community-owned whisky distillery, GlenWyvis Distillery, based in Dingwall in the Highlands of Scotland, has launched its second open share offer and is welcoming new investors from around the world, to become involved, as they aim to raise an additional £750,000.

With almost £200,000 raised already, the additional funds are being used to accelerate the new distillery’s brand and visitor centre development, to bring gin distilling to Dingwall and to reduce commercial lending costs.

The distillery, which will be entirely powered by green energy, is currently being built at the Heights of Docharty by Dingwall and is on-schedule to open this November. The stills and mash-tuns are now in place and recruitment underway for the master distiller and visitor centre development officer.

Talking about the second share offer, founder and managing director John McKenzie of GlenWyvis Distillery said: “We are making great progress with the distillery build which can now be seen in its stately position from the town below and right across the glen with a wealth of stunning landscapes all around.

“Our sights are firmly set on the first run of spirit in November this year and our second share offer will ensure we maintain our momentum, as we move into our branding and development phase.”

John added: “We are seeing a great deal of interest from international visitors, as we are sited in the Highlands of Scotland but also on the North Coast 500 route and near to some of the prime “Outlander” locations*. We are also within easy reach of Culloden and many clan sites making it an ideal addition to a visitor’s itinerary.

“By investing in the community share offer, it will make it all the more exciting and interesting for investors to come and see the distillery they have invested in, at first hand and really feel a part of the first ever community-led malt whisky distillery.”

Second Share offer investment

GlenWyvis already has some 2,600 members who invested in the original share offer in 2016 and this new share offer opportunity capitalises on continued interest from locals and visitors alike. The minimum investment is £250 for all investors, and supporters will also be able pay extra to have their name added to the distillery wall or the “path to the stills”.

Simon Walker, Head of Campaigns at www.crowdfunder.co.uk said: “The GlenWyvis Distillery is a truly unique project to create the world’s first 100% community-owned whisky distillery. Following last year’s successful crowdfunding campaign with over £2.6 million raised, we’re delighted that the team has decided to use crowdfunder.co.uk once again for the next phase of funding.

“As a project which gives people a chance to play an active role in this venture, we’re excited to see not only the development of the distillery itself, but how the community continues to work together to make the project a reality. We look forward to raising a glass with John and his team over the next couple of months.”

Full details of the open share offer naming options are available on the GlenWyvis Distillery website at www.glenwyvis.com

Investment can be made online via www.crowdfunder.co.uk or www.glenwyvis.com

Josh Office Manager beside new stills at GlenWyvis Distillery

Notes

*North Coast 500 and Outlander interest

Increased tourism interest in the area has come about as a result of the North Coast 500 route taking in Dingwall, where GlenWyvis has set up its new interim visitor centre, GlenWyvis Basecamp. The Dingwall area has also seen an influx of “Outlander” fans as they look for the site of the original “Ferintosh” distillery – which produced the historical whisky of choice of lead character “Jamie”, before moving on to another Outlander location-stop at nearby Castle Leod in Strathpeffer – the inspiration for Castle Leoch in the TV series.

Single malt whisky entirely matured in designer casks makes a return

Five-star success for Chivas Brothers’ distilleries

Scotch whisky and premium gin producer Chivas Brothers is in high spirits after three of its Speyside distilleries were awarded five-star status.

The visitor centres at Aberlour Distillery, Strathisla Distillery and The Glenlivet Distillery have been praised for providing ‘Exceptional Customer Experiences’ during a recent VisitScotland assessment.

The appraisals were carried out as part of VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance Grading Scheme, which is designed to inspire and encourage improvement within the visitor attraction sector by helping participating attractions to achieve their full potential and provide the best possible experience.

Visitor attractions are assessed across a wide range of criteria from the quality of the pre-arrival booking process to staff hospitality and friendliness, experience upon arrival, and catering and retail, with each of Chivas Brothers’ visitor centres scoring above 85 per cent to retain the highest ranking of five stars.

Commenting on the fantastic achievement, Chivas Brothers’ Visitor Centres Manager Caroline Mitchell said: “We are absolutely delighted that three of our Speyside distilleries have once again been awarded five stars for providing outstanding customer experiences.

“The achievement is a huge credit to each of our visitor centre distillery teams at Aberlour, Strathisla and The Glenlivet, which go above and beyond to ensure we maintain our high standards and provide excellent customer service across the board.”

The VisitScotland accreditation bolsters the success of Chivas Brothers’ Aberlour Distillery after Visitor Centre Supervisor Rikki Scott scooped the Whisky Magazine Global Icons of Whisky Award earlier this year.

Notes:

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the single malt whisky that set the standard; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

www.chivasspirit.com

The GlenDronach Distillery Releases ‘Whisky Fit for a Kingsman’

The GlenDronach Distillery is pleased to announce the exclusive release of The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1991 Vintage, a unique collaboration with Marv films and Twentieth Century Fox to mark the release of ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’.

The GlenDronach was personally selected by Film Director, Matthew Vaughn, for his new Kingsman film as The GlenDronach is his single malt whisky of choice. To create The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1991 Vintage, which marks the birth year of Kingsman agent Gary ‘Eggsy’ Unwin, only the finest sherry casks were selected by Whisky Maker Rachel Barrie. Unashamedly Highland and endlessly complex, this rare, limited release shares the Kingsman creed of impossible perfection built on unshakeable tradition.

Film Director Matthew Vaughn said:

“A Kingsman is smooth, elegant and packs a punch, as does The GlenDronach – so it felt like the perfect fit. I selected the 1991 vintage as it marks birth year of ‘Eggsy’, who is also known as Kingsman agent Galahad. It’s really special to get a limited edition vintage like this, and even more so as The GlenDronach is my favourite single malt whisky. I hope Kingsman fans around the world enjoy it as much as I do.”

Each of the special individually hand-numbered whisky bottles is presented in bespoke, luxury packaging, featuring a custom Kingsman gold metal charm. Both the Whisky Maker and Film Director’s signatures adorn the bottle’s packaging. Deep walnut brown in colour, with waves of black grapes on a woody vine on the nose, ripe Victoria plum on the palate

with a lingering and warm finish, the whisky is 48.2% ABV, non chill filtered and, as always for The GlenDronach, of natural colour, for authenticity, richness and texture. The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1991 Vintage will appeal to film fans and whisky collectors alike. This rare limited edition will be available worldwide and can be purchased in speciality retailers across the UK from September.

The GlenDronach Whisky Maker, Rachel Barrie said:

“It took over a quarter of a century for The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition to come of age, matured in sherry casks from birth. As we say at the distillery, ‘Cask is King’ and this is evident in the taste experience of The GlenDronach Kingsman Edition 1991 Vintage, which is richly sherried, elegant and full bodied to the last. We hope you agree, it is whisky fit for a Kingsman’.”

The GlenDronach Distillery Releases ‘Whisky Fit for a Kingsman’

NOTES :

Tasting Notes

Colour: Deep walnut brown.

Nose: Waves of black grapes on a woody vine combine with antique leather and maple leaf tobacco.

Palate: Ripe Victoria plum and Seville orange give way to Old Jamaican ginger cake and sticky black treacle.

Finish: Lingering and warm, with ground coffee, dark chocolate and walnut raisin cake.

ABV: 48.2%, non chill filtered and of natural colour, for authenticity, richness and texture.

RRP: £550

Retail: Across speciality retailers including Berry Bros. & Rudd, The Whisky Shop, Gordon &MacPhail, The Whisky Exchange, Royal Mile Whiskies, The Grapevine, and Master of Malt

About The GlenDronach Distillery:

Nestled in the valley of Forgue, deep in the East Highland hills, is The GlenDronach, one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland. The GlenDronach is of true Highland style: a heavy and robust spirit, perfect for a long maturation period in sherry casks. At The GlenDronach Distillery, we have carried forth the tradition of our founder James Allardice since 1826, maturing our whisky in the finest Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks. The award-winning GlenDronach range marries the best of Highland and Spanish skill and heritage to offer whiskies of elegant, complex character with tremendous depth of taste.

About Kingsman: The Golden Circle:

In “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”, The Kingsman face a new challenge when their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage. Their journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organisation in the US called Statesman, dating back to the day they were both founded. The Statesman, based in Louisville, Kentucky, act as Master Distillers to hide their true identity. In a new adventure that tests their agents’ strength and wits to the limit, these two elite secret organisations band together to defeat a ruthless common enemy, in order to save the world, something that’s becoming a bit of a habit for Eggsy. The sequel to Kingsman: The Secret Service, Kingsman: The Golden Circle is directed by Matthew Vaughn and stars original cast members Colin Firth, Taron Egerton and Mark Strong, and introduces new cast members, Jeff Bridges, Channing Tatum, Pedro Pascal, Halle Berry, Julianne Moore and Elton John.

The ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ world premiere will be in London on 18th September and will be released in UK cinemas on the 20th September.

Visit: www.glendronachdistillery.co.uk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheGlenDronach