Treat dad to a limited edition cask of the Cotswolds’ first-ever Single Malt whisky this Father’s Day

Looking for a unique Father’s Day gift and one he’ll treasure for years to come? Then treat him to a limited edition cask of the Cotswolds Distillery’s first ever Single Malt whisky, ahead of the big day on 18^th June.

This rare opportunity offers dads the chance to visit the distillery – based in the leafy Warwickshire countryside – fill their very own numbered cask and watch it age into the distillery’s distinctive Single Malt, the first to be distilled in this area of the UK.

Containing 200 litres of the premium spirit, the barrels are American oak first-fill ex-Bourbon, delivering a traditional finish with characteristic vanilla, honey and tropical fruit flavour notes. These perfectly complement the light, fruity character of the distillery’s spirit, which was awarded 94/100 ‘Liquid Gold’ in the last two editions of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.

Ten years’ storage in the distillery’s bonded warehouse will be provided, but lucky recipients can opt to age their whisky for as long as they want, perfecting the liquid to suit their palette with annual check ins.

A certificate of ownership and expert advice from their team of whisky connoisseurs will also be included in the 2,995 price tag.

Only a limited number of this one-of-a-kind gift are available for purchase. Visit www.cotswoldsdistillery.com and give your dad the gift he deserves this Father’s Day.

The details:

• Recipient will receive a commemorative certificate with the number of the cask
• At the bottling stage, recipients will be responsible for bottling and labelling costs, excise duty and VAT costs
• Additional years of storage are available at 25 per year
• Thinking a barrel is too much whisky for you? No worries, Cotswolds Distillery provide three different options to suit your needs:
  • Bottling of 1/3 of your cask at no additional charge to you, in which the distillery retain 2/3 of the barrel;
  • Or if you change your mind, you have the option of selling the cask back to the distillery under bond. 

Notes

• The Cotswolds Distillery began production on its idyllic North Cotswolds site in September 2014 and already has an award-winning product – Cotswolds Dry Gin – on sale nationally and in over 15 countries.  Key national accounts include M&S, Majestic, Oddbins, Laithwaites, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, and Fortnum & Mason.
• Its young Cotswolds Single Malt, made entirely using local Cotswolds barley, was recently rated as ‘Liquid Gold’ – scoring 94 out of 100 points – by noted whisky writer Jim Murray, in both the 2016 and 2017 editions of his Whisky Bible.  It will officially become whisky (3 years and 1 day in the cask) at the end of September 2017, with the Inaugural Release scheduled for the first week of October.
• The distillery has become a premier local attraction, offering tours and tastings daily, and receives nearly 15,000 visitors a year.  It represents an investment of 5 million, much of which was by the founder, but also through local investors and its highly successful ‘Angels’ Share’ crowdfunding round in 2016.

Sazerac Company Unveils New Southern Comfort Plans

New Packaging, Positioning, Bringing Whiskey Back and New 80 Proof Black Label Offering All Set To Drive Brand’s Global Acceleration 

New Orleans, LA (May 30, 2017) – Southern Comfort has officially found its way back to New Orleans with a revamped package and new positioning, tabbed “The Spirit of New Orleans,” a nod to the brand’s connection to the colorful city for 140+ years. In addition, the brand will once again include whiskey in the blend, which over time had been phased out prior to Sazerac’s purchase of the iconic brand in 2016. As a result, new label designs have been developed that better represent the brand’s whiskey credentials and New Orleans affiliation.

            Other improvements to the brand include the introduction of a robust, whiskey-forward 80 proof black label expression, in addition to the existing 70 proof and 100 proof bottlings. The bottles have been made taller and slightly narrower and will retain their longstanding iconic fluted shoulders plus the signature of the creator, M.W. Heron.  An upscale cap rounds out the packaging enhancements.

            “We believe the new packaging reinforces the brand’s authentic whiskey and New Orleans roots,” states Senior Marketing Director Kevin Richards. “New Orleans was an integral part of Southern Comfort’s positioning for decades. We’re excited to reinforce that critical connection into the future. Like Southern Comfort, New Orleans is adored for its uniqueness and spirited character.”

            Indeed, Southern Comfort’s roots run deep in New Orleans, as does brand owner Sazerac’s.  In 1874 creator and legendary southerner M.W. Heron created the first batch of his genuine smooth drinking Southern Comfort whiskey using his very own blend of fruits and spices. Around the same time the Sazerac Company was planting its roots in New Orleans at the Sazerac Coffee House on Exchange Alley in the French Quarter, home of the world famous Sazerac Cocktail.

            In the 140 years since its humble origins, Southern Comfort has become a highly successful global whiskey brand, selling in more than 100 countries. It has become a key ingredient in America’s drinking landscape and pop culture for generations. “We’re incredibly excited about our plans to strengthen Southern Comfort’s position as an iconic global whiskey brand for the next fifty years,” said Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer, Sazerac Company. “We believe Southern Comfort can be a 10 million case brand one day.”

            Southern Comfort’s new packaging and new 80 proof black label expression will roll out in Summer 2017 in the United States and by the end of 2017 across the rest of the world. Suggested retail prices are as follows in the United States for 750 mL: 70 proof $15.99; 80 proof $17.99 and 100 proof $19.99.

About the Sazerac Company

         Sazerac is one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in Louisiana, Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, Maryland, California, United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com.

Jura 10, a Unique Island Whisky, Launches in U.S. Markets 

New York, NY (May 02, 2017) — Jura Whisky today announced the launch of Jura 10, an exceptional Island Single Malt Scotch Whisky and the first release in Jura’s new core line for the U.S. Hailing from one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, this whisky marries peated and unpeated malt with a Sherry cask finish to create a spirit that is a long way from ordinary.

Jura 10 is handcrafted on the Isle of Jura, a rugged, elemental island nestled a few miles off the West Coast of Scotland. Home to around 200 Islanders, one road, one pub and one distillery, Jura was once described by author George Orwell as the ‘most un-get-at-able’ place due to its remote location. Established in 1810, Jura whisky has been crafted on its island home for over two centuries.

“The launch of the new Jura 10 celebrates our heritage of whisky-making” said Graham Logan, Jura Distillery Manager. “The craft of producing great whisky has been at the heart of Jura’s close-knit community for hundreds of years and we look forward to sharing the long-standing traditions and unmistakable flavors of Jura 10’s island home with the world.”

While many distilleries create either peated or unpeated whiskies, Jura 10 marries together the best of both for a truly unique Island Single Malt that is subtly smoky with a sweet Sherry cask finish. It is matured for ten years in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels with an aged Oloroso Sherry cask finish.

Copper gold in color, Jura 10 has aromas of fruit, cracked pepper and dark chocolate, followed by nectarines, ginger and freshly ground coffee on the palate with a subtle touch of smoke on the finish. With its rich and rounded balance of subtle smoky notes and sweet Sherry cask finish, Jura 10 serves as a beautiful welcome to the Island and its whisky for those new to Scotch.

Jura 10 is available at retailers nationwide with a suggested retail price of $54.99 per 750ml bottle. To learn more, please visit jurawhisky.com or follow @jurawhiskyus on Instagram and Facebook.

About Jura

Sometimes wild, yet always beautiful, Jura is a small island off the West Coast of Scotland. Rough, rugged and elemental, it’s only a few miles from the mainland, though to visitors it can feel like an entire world away. The island’s single road leads to the distillery and island’s only pub which lie at the heart of Jura’s small but passionate community of around 200 people.

Established in 1810, the distillery fell into disrepair and closed in 1901. In 1963, after years of economic depression, the islanders felt it high time to revive the economy by rebuilding Jura’s distillery from scratch; a monumental feat achieved through determination, endeavor and true community spirit.

On a mission to produce a spirit unlike anything else, the distillery manager William Delmé-Evans, went to extreme lengths to ship unusually tall stills to an island which has been called ‘the most un-get-at-able place’ (by George Orwell, author of 1984, written in a remote farmhouse on Jura). You see, the taller the still, the purer the spirit. It’s the reason why you can taste the difference in every drop.

Since then, the distillery has flourished, producing expertly crafted, award-winning whisky, as unique as the island it comes from.

Jura 10 – 750 ml / 40% ABV

A marriage of peated and unpeated malt aged for 10 years in American White Oak ex-bourbon barrels with a Sherry cask finish 

Colour: Copper gold

Aromas: Fruit, cracked pepper and dark chocolate

Taste: Nectarines, ginger and freshly ground coffee

Jura 10 was recently awarded 94 Points at the 2017 Ultimate Spirits Challenge and Gold at the 2017 World’s Spirits Competition.

Please enjoy Jura responsibly.

ROYAL SALUTE LAUNCHES ALL NEW 21 YEAR OLD POLO EDITION

Limited edition flagon celebrates the ‘King of Whisky’ and the ‘Sport of Kings’  

Royal Salute, the exceptionally crafted and aged Scotch whisky, has unveiled an all-new 21 Year Old Polo Edition featuring a more delicate-flavoured blend designed to be enjoyed during the day and as an accompaniment to sophisticated sporting occasions such as polo, a sport synonymous with Royal Salute’s values of luxury, tradition and prestige.

Sandy Hyslop, Royal Salute’s Director of Blending, developed the new blend from a combination of fragrant grains and fruity malts aged for a minimum of 21 years. The new liquid embodies the values of polo as a sport and a lifestyle: strength, balance and finesse. Brighter in texture and tone with notes of ripe honeydew melon, homemade berry jam and creamy toffee, this new expression is smooth and sophisticated, providing a long-lasting tasting experience, perfect for basking in the sunshine and outdoor entertaining.

The new Scotch whisky is housed in Royal Salute’s iconic hand-crafted, porcelain bottles with a distinct polo theme, unique to the limited edition whisky. Eye-catching turquoise heroes the bottle and complements three shades of blue to mimic the blue sky and green grass of the traditional polo field. The bottles are embossed with intricate but powerful scenes of polo players in action.

Peter Moore, Prestige Brand Director at Chivas Brothers, commented: ‘‘Polo is a noble game of honour, skill, integrity and respect – all values inherent in Royal Salute. We wanted to continue to celebrate the iconic pairing of our ‘King of Whisky’ with the ‘Sport of Kings’, and this new Polo Edition does just that in a more delicate tasting blend ideal for outdoor, daytime enjoyment.  We’re thrilled to bring it to whisky aficionados around the world.”

The Royal Salute Polo Edition will be showcased at a polo event in Singapore and is exclusively available in Singapore duty free in June. It will be available globally from September at a RRP of USD $140.

Notes

About Royal Salute 

Royal Salute is a careful blend of matured malt and grain whiskies – with its youngest whisky matured for a minimum of 21 years. Created to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, which was honoured with a traditional 21 gun salute, Royal Salute is steeped in tradition, while still firmly engaged in the modern world by constantly pushing the art of blending into new, creative and ambitious forms. Royal Salute is deeply involved in polo – the world’s oldest surviving team sport and a game that’s expanding in the modern era. The brand sponsors more than 15 international tournaments from the UK and the USA through Argentina and China to Korea.

www.royalsalute.com

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

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 PerrierJouët 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.

Milroys in Paris

You have been invited to a bar take over in Paris. Come and see Milroys own The Vault at a take over at Anouk in Paris from the 12th to the 18th of June. Contact management@amastanparis.com for bookings.

Milroy’s of Soho
3 Greek Street
London, England W1D 4NX
United Kingdom

A. Smith Bowman Distillery Releases Sequential Series Bourbon 

Extremely Limited, Available Mostly in Virginia

Fredericksburg, VA. (May 25, 2017) – A. Smith Bowman Distillery announces the latest release in its Abraham Bowman line of experimental whiskey, the Abraham Bowman Sequential Series Bourbon.

This limited release explores how flavor profiles are affected when bourbon, first aged in new charred white oak barrels, is then finished in different kinds of used barrels for its final years, and also explores how the barrel entry proof affects the finish.

This release is comprised of two expressions, each finished in two different kinds of barrels. The first expression was aged for nine years in new charred white oak barrels before being transferred into barrels that had previously held bourbon for nine years. Half of those bourbon barrels were barreled at 125 proof and half were barreled at 115 proof, before finishing for three years and five months.

The second expression was aged for nine years in new charred white oak barrels before being transferred into barrels that had previously been used to age bourbon and port wine, and then were used to finish their Abraham Bowman Port Finish Bourbon, which went on to be named the 2016 World’s Best Bourbon by Whisky Magazine. Half of these fourth-use barrels were barreled at 125 proof and half were barreled at 115 proof before finishing for three years and five months.

For the bourbon from the second-use barrels Master Distiller, Brian Prewitt notes “vanilla, baked apples, and cherry, followed by sweet caramel that pleasantly dances in the nose,” and describes the taste as “smooth, sweet flavor reminiscent of brown sugar and toasted nuts with a light leathery tobacco note with brown spice lingering on the palate.”

For the fourth-use barrels, Prewitt notes “dried fruit and dark spices on the nose,” and describes a taste of “figs and vanilla followed by a medium mouthfeel that tops off with a slight peppery finish with subdued oak.”

The Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Sequential Series Bourbon is part of a series of limited edition whiskies, named after Abraham Bowman, the commander of the 8^th Virginia Regiment in the American Revolutionary War. Each edition of the Abraham line is a different expression and a new release is offered a few times a year.  This is the 16^th release in the Abraham line.  The Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Sequential Series Bourbon will be available for Virginia residents to purchase through the VA ABC Lottery, and will be available in the A. Smith Bowman Distillery Visitor Center starting Saturday, May 27. Quantities are very limited and most product will be available in Virginia, however limited amounts will be available in other states this summer. The Abraham Bowman series aims to release new and different expressions of innovative whiskey for each release, so it is unlikely this exact bourbon will be repeated. The total age of this bourbon is 12 years and five months and bottled at 100 proof. These 375ml bottles have a suggested retail price of $39.99.

About A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  The Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. Its various brands have won more than 100 awards in the past five years, including “World’s Best Bourbon” in 2016 for its Abraham Bowman Port Finished Bourbon and again in 2017 for its John J. Bowman Single Barrel at the World Whisky Awards.  For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit http://www.asmithbowman.com/.

Wyoming Whiskey Pours into California

Kirby, WY (June 1, 2017) – America’s next great bourbon has landed on the West Coast. Wyoming Whiskey is now available in California through its boutique distributor, The Craft Spirits Cooperative. Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon, Outryder Straight American Whiskey, Private Stock Single Barrel Bourbon, and limited quantities of sherry-finished Double Cask are now available throughout the state.

“We tested the California waters in Los Angeles during a six month trial period.” Said co-founder David DeFazio. “During that time, the Cooperative proved that it is the right partner for our brand and we look forward to seeing them distribute our whiskies across the state.” Peter J. Scheufele, Director of The Craft Spirits Cooperative stated, “With our hybrid program, pairing brand building efforts with distribution, we are singularly focused on bringing exceptional products to remarkable accounts. Our salespeople practice an education-first selling style to let the unique stories and liquids produced by our suppliers shine, and the reaction to Wyoming Whiskey has been outstanding. We are excited to begin introducing these authentic products our accounts across the state.”

Wyoming Whiskey is a family-owned and operated craft distiller built on a simple (but not easy) concept: to create a traditional bourbon in an untraditional place. Using only Wyoming-sourced, non-GMO ingredients, and water from a mile-deep, limestone aquifer, Wyoming Whiskey respects the maxims of great bourbon, yet also reflects the feel and taste of the state where it is made. Wyoming Whiskey holds fast to its western heritage.

Californians can now experience these award-winning Wyoming spirits firsthand. National bourbon connoisseurs have testified that exceptional bourbon is being made on the Wyoming frontier. This year, Wyoming Whiskey’s limited release Barrel Strength Bourbon received a “Liquid Gold” award in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. The flagship Small Batch Bourbon received a score of 95 from WhiskyCast’s Mark Gillespie, stating it is “one of the best bourbons [he’s] ever tasted.” The Spirit Journal’s Paul Pacult also called Wyoming Whiskey “a whiskey distiller to watch” after sampling Small Batch and awarding it 4/5 stars.

The following Wyoming Whiskey offerings now available throughout California:

Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch ($39.99 / 44% ABV / 88 Proof): Wyoming Whiskey’s Small Batch Bourbon is medium amber in color with a nose of sweet corn, molasses, and clove. It is medium-bodied with a palate of vanilla, caramel, charred oak, and a hint of citrus. The finish is mild with lingering caramel and toast, and is very smooth. Mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley. Age: 5 years.

Wyoming Whiskey Outryder ($54.99 / 50% ABV / 100 Proof): Launched in October 2016, Outryder Straight American Whiskey is Bottled in Bond and represents Wyoming Whiskey’s first use of rye, along with corn and malted barley, to craft a straight whiskey from two distinct mash bills. These two whiskies were laid down in November of 2011 at the behest of co-founder David DeFazio. The first mash bill contains 48% winter rye, 40% corn, and 12% malted barley and the second reflects a traditional bourbon mash bill of 68% corn, 20% winter rye, and 12% malted barley. Outryder has an initial nose of creamy browned butter with cinnamon, clove and allspice, along with freshly baked, dark-rye bread. Hints of orange blossom honey are on the palate. A long, spicy rye finish is coupled with hints of buttery toffee. Age: 4 years and 10 months.

Wyoming Whiskey Private Stock ($49.99 – $54.99/ 92-112 Proof): Wyoming Whiskey retailers have the option to hand-select one-of-a-kind Wyoming Whiskey bourbon barrels. Head distiller Sam Mead and industry consultant Nancy Fraley will choose the initial barrel samples based on their unique, and varied, flavor profiles. Through the Private Stock Barrel Program, retailers can select from five different 100ml Wyoming Whiskey barrel samples. Accounts will select their barrel, and proof, and it will become uniquely theirs as indicated on the custom label. Depending on the barrel, and proof, a 34 – 38 case yield should be expected. Stores will have the unique option to pick the proof of their chosen bourbon between 92 – cask strength of approximately 112 proof. This gives retailers the ability to further customize their barrel selection to suit the desires of their customers. Mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley. Age: 5 years

Wyoming Whiskey Double Cask ($59.99 / 50% ABV / 100 Proof): Wyoming Whiskey Double Cask is the first sherry barrel-finished bourbon offered out of Wyoming. Pedro Ximenez barrels were chosen to compliment the flavor profile of specifically chosen barrels of fully-matured Wyoming Whiskey bourbon. Double Cask features dark, autumnal notes of dried apricot and fig, stewed prune, black currant and toasted nuts. There are hints of candied orange peel, vanilla butter cream, and molasses underneath. The finish is comprised of dark, dried fruit followed by warm, brown baking spices. Mash bill: 68% corn, 20% wheat, 12% malted barley. Age: 5 years.

Wyoming Whiskey product character highlights:

• All water used to produce WW award-winning bourbon comes from a mile-deep, limestone aquifer in Manderson, Wyoming.

• Wyoming Whiskey’s wheat, corn, barley, and rye have been grown within 100 miles of the distillery in Kirby, Byron, Thermopolis, and Riverton, Wyoming.

• Wyoming Whiskey’s barley is malted in Great Falls, Montana, the nearest malting facility.

• Wyoming Whiskey’s grains are milled on-site daily with a two-stage roller mill guaranteeing freshness.

• All fermentation and distillation occurs on-site through the use of four 2,500 gallon fermentation tanks and a continuous distillation system comprised of a 38’ tall and 18” wide column still and a 42” by 40” pot still.

• Wyoming Whiskey bourbon is bottled on-site. No product, other than their own, makes it into the bottle.

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About Wyoming Whiskey
Wyoming Whiskey has a simple goal: to create America’s next great bourbon. Based in Kirby, Wyoming, the company and product is a collaboration between its partners and 97,818 square miles of Wyoming. The Mead family first came to Wyoming as ranchers in 1890 and the state defines them, and their whiskey. They use the finest corn, wheat, barley, and water from the Big Horn Basin and promote Wyoming’s natural and human resources. Every drop of this bourbon is 100% Wyoming. To learn more, visit wyomingwhiskey.com.

Isle of Arran Distillery toasts international drinks tourism award win

Isle of Arran Distillers has been recognised at the prestigious Drinks Business Awards for their success and investment in wine and spirits tourism.

An international award judged by the biggest drinks trade magazine in the world, the distillery beat off tough competition from wineries and distilleries to win the accolade for ‘Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism’.

The judges praised the distillery’s success in enhancing the whisky tourism offering in Scotland, their role in the impressive boost in visitors to the island and for the substantial investment into Lochranza and the new distillery planned for Lagg.

James MacTaggart, master distiller at the Isle of Arran Distillery, said: “We are fiercely proud of our island home and of the welcome we offer to all those seeking ‘the Arran Waters’.

“The Distillery & Visitor Centre at Lochranza, our large network of worldwide distributors and our investment in the south of the island at Lagg, are all central to our business success. It is also core to our wish to introduce the world to the qualities of our malt whisky, and to the people and places involved in its production.

“Arran has a unique position in the history of Scotland’s most recognised product and this award is testament to our contribution to the bright future the industry has.”

Faye Waterlow, visitor centre manager, said: “Everyone is over-the-moon with this award.

“We are one of over 130 distilleries in Scotland, and certainly one of the most remote, but we are proud to offer visitors a very warm welcome complete with fascinating tours, good food and, of course, the finest spirit.

“We work continually all year round to distribute our whisky in countries all over the world and it is important for us to offer a first class welcome to all those who make the long journey to our home in Lochranza.

“Our whole company is dedicated to building on this recognition as we look towards the opening of the new centre at Lagg and an exciting new chapter of whisky-production on Arran.”

The visitor centre at Lochranza welcomed a record number of visitors last year. 104,000 people made the journey to the distillery in 2016 – a 93% increase since 2012, and 18% increase on 2015.

Currently the highest-rated attraction on the island on Trip Advisor, Lochranza recently reopened after the completion of £1 million worth of rennovations to both the visitor centre and distillery.

The Company currently distributes their Single Malt in 50 worldwide markets.

The business is also making a £10m investment in the south of the island with a new distillery site and visitor centre at Lagg. Focusing on peated single malts, the Lagg centre will overlook the southern fields and cliffs of the island offering a striking contrast to Lochranza in the mountainous north.

Visitors to Lagg are expected to exceed 62,400 in the first full year (60% of visitors to Lochranza in 2016) rising by 10% per year to 75,504 by 2020. It is projected that by 2020 the number of visitors to both sites will surpass 200,000, resulting in a combined turnover in excess of £2 million.

Notes:

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

Scottish Field Visitor Experience of the Year 2014 & 2015

Drinks Business Best Contribution to Wine and Spirits Tourism (2017)

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.

TALENT OF TOMORROW TO RECEIVE £5,000 CHIVAS BROTHERS’ BURSARY FOR SECOND YEAR

Today, Chivas Brothers began the search for bright, enthusiastic and dedicated applicants for its popular bursary scheme in partnership with the Scottish International Educational Trust (SIET). The initiative, which launched to great acclaim for the first time last year, offers financial support to ambitious employees or their family members, helping them to realise their aspirations and take their talents to the next level, whether through further education or vocational training.

This sought-after bursary scheme sees Chivas Brothers team up with SIET, a body which provides talented men and women with grants to complete further education studies. The partnership provides employees and direct family members with the opportunity to secure funding of up to £5,000 a year over three years.

Last year, the bursary, which is open to the 1,600 employees of Chivas Brothers, contributed towards the studies of an aeronautical engineer, a budding actress and a Classics student studying at Cambridge University. Employees throughout the country at 32 sites in Orkney, Speyside, Central Scotland, Ayrshire, London and Plymouth are now being encouraged to apply and further their personal and professional goals.

Mia Forbes, one of the three recipients of last year’s bursary said: “The bursary has been invaluable, it has relieved the stress surrounding my financial situation at university and allowed me to be more focused on my education. People underestimate the cost of books and other resources, but without the bursary it would have been a struggle. Chivas Brothers helped me to pursue my dream degree, easing the pressure of financial costs, something I will always be thankful for.”

Adam Donnelly, who is studying to become an engineer in aeronautics said: “It’s safe to say, I don’t know what I would have done without the bursary. It enabled me to travel to college, something which was a high expense in my plans for further education. For anyone wanting to further their learning, I cannot urge you enough to apply, it’s an invaluable opportunity and the business’s support just eases that pressure of the financial demands.”

Jennie Norrish, Global Communications Director at Chivas Brothers said: “When we launched the Chivas Brothers Bursary last year, we were overwhelmed by the response and the high calibre of those who applied for it. Last year’s recipients have really benefited from the funding provided and we can’t wait to see the aspirations of this year’s applicants. An entrepreneurial mind-set is something that we champion at Chivas Brothers and so to be able to support that with not only our employees but their families too, is something we are truly proud of as a business.”

Michael Ewart, Director of SIET, said: “This bursary is such a worthwhile initiative and we are delighted to be working with Chivas Brothers again this year. The scheme shows the business’s dedication and commitment to its employees, opening up opportunities for them that might never have been possible otherwise.”

To apply, employees can visit the company’s digital hub for its staff where an application form will be available. Applicants will be required to showcase why they should be selected via three sections on personal details, education and work experience. Here there will also be a variety of information about the beneficiaries from 2016.

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

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. 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, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 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.

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

Investing in Water for the Future of Whisky

 blog post by Ronald Daalmans, Environmental Sustainability Manager 

In my past five years working at Chivas Brothers, I have been right at the centre of whisky production and have seen water resources become a more prevalent issue within the industry. A sustainable, good quality water supply is critical for safeguarding the production of Scotch whisky for the future and we cannot take water availability for granted. With the steady growth the industry is seeing, it’s even more important for us to invest in and support research to preserve this important ingredient.

Having assessed the flow levels expected in our catchments in future, there is a need to prepare for or mitigate against periods of low flows, which will occur where the frequency and duration of warm and dry spells increase or change, especially across rural uplands. Less is know about what will happen to water temperatures, as monitoring has been limited in the past but this could limit Scotch whisky production during warmer periods, as we rely on water of a consistent temperature.

Forearmed is forewarned and through our partnership with the University of Aberdeen and the James Hutton Institute, we will be looking for the most effective techniques to help combat the impact of climate change on distillery water resources. This is not only important for us as a business but can also be passed on as best practice and used by other distillers.

 As we need help to develop and test novel solutions we have been looking at opportunities to support further research, which is why we are enabling a PhD student to embark on a four-year Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) industrial studentship. During the project they will develop an understanding of our water needs for process and cooling, as a part of our environmental sustainability team. Their field research will take place at The Glenlivet distillery, which has two water gathering areas, allowing for comparison research to take place. Much of their work will centre around identifying and testing the effectiveness of novel solutions to manage water flow. This will include identifying the best locations to use these techniques as this may vary depending on the type of soil, ground cover and land gradient.  The scale at which these measures are needed to have a suitable effect will also be assessed, using computer models of the area.

Our ambition is that this research will provide a solid foundation for further development in the future, and will take us – and the wider industry – one step closer to securing sustainable water resources in the long term. We hope that we will set the example for others within the industry and will be working collaboratively to ensure we protect an ingredient that plays such a vital role in the development of quality Scotch whisky.

You can read more about our PhD support here