BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY NAMED

VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR BY WHISKY MAGAZINE

Buffalo Trace Visitor Center Manager Highly Commended 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (March 2, 2017) – Whisky Magazine has named Buffalo Trace Distillery its 2017 Icons of Whisky America Visitor Attraction of the Year. The Distillery received this award Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017 at the Whisky Magazine Awards America presentation in New York City where it was honored for its visitor experience. The Distillery’s Visitor Center Manager, Matt Higgins was also highly commended for Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year.

“We hold a strong commitment to providing an exceptional visitor experience for our guests and work very hard to continually expand our abilities to support the growing number of people we welcome,” Meredith Moody, marketing services director said. “We are thrilled and beyond honored to be named Visitor Attraction of the Year.”

To support its ever-growing visitation, Buffalo Trace Distillery has more than doubled capacity with the expansion of its Visitor Center, and is continually expanding its tours. In calendar year 2016, the Distillery welcomed 170,587 guests, an increase of 17 percent over the previous year, and a 227 percent increase since 2010.

The Distillery currently offers five unique tours and provides all tours and tastings complimentary to its guests. With its visitors and the preservation of its history in mind, Buffalo Trace will also be incorporating the recent discovery of the intact O.F.C. Distillery foundation and fermenters into a future tour yet to be announced.

Buffalo Trace Distillery will now go on to compete for this title on a global level. The global Icons of Whisky awards will be announced March 30 at the Whisky Magazine Awards Dinner in London.

American Icons are determined following nominations from producers, retailers, distributors and importers, which are then voted on by those in the industry before Whisky Magazine’s editorial panel reviews and draws up a shortlist from which the winners are selected.

For more information about the World Whisky Awards and the Icons of Whiskey, visit www.worldwhiskiesawards.com/ and http://iconsofwhisky.com/.

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/

SAZERAC NEARS COMPLETION OF THE OLD MONTREAL DISTILLERY 

MONTREAL (Feb. 28, 2017) Canadian whisky will soon be made in Montreal again. The Sazerac Company’s Old Montreal Distillery is nearing completion of its whisky distillation capability with plans to begin distillation of super-premium Canadian Whisky in the fall of 2017.

Currently the Distillery has long had the capacity to distill spirits, including award winning Genever gin, but has recently added a 4,000 gallon mash cooker, converted some existing equipment, and is in the process of having a 18 foot still built by Vendome in Louisville, Ky, all to prepare for making super-premium Canadian whisky.  The Distillery will also have the capacity to experiment with new whiskies, much like it does at its other distilleries.

“We’re excited to expand our distilling operations in Montreal and bring back Canadian whisky making to a city steeped in distilling history, not least of all as the headquarters of the legendary Seagram Company and its patriarch Sam Bronfman,” said Sazerac President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Brown. “We have wanted to undertake this project since we purchased the Old Montreal Distillery six years ago and it is very nice to be able to now make it a reality.”

Barrel storage will be mostly on-site, with the possibility of using other facilities in the future. A formal christening of the still will be held sometime in 2018, and it is likely tours will be added sometime after.

The Old Montreal Distillery, located in the downtown area adjacent to the Port and Old Montreal, dates back to 1929.  It currently employs over 100 people. The addition of the new distilling operation will add more full time employees. Caribou Crossing, the world’s first single barrel Canadian whisky, is bottled at the Old Montreal Distillery, along with many other long time favorites.

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, France, Australia and Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit http://www.sazerac.com/.

Indie Bottlers Allow Fringe Whisky Exploration

UNITED KINGDOM — Tues 28 Feb – Offering a large selection of independently bottled whiskies and exclusive expressions from the top distilleries, e-commerce venture Whisky Foundation encourages whisky fans to veer from the mainstream in search of a distinctive dram.  This week’s exclusive new arrivals to Whisky Foundation include a selection of independently bottled whiskies from world-renowned Macallan, Bunnahabhain, Springbank and Tobermory.

Like the indie music producers of the whisky world, independent bottlers offer expressions from top distilleries that would not otherwise reach the general public. Hand-selecting casks to match their collections and preferences, these independent bottlers release limited numbers of expressions that are often at cask strength, often with no added colour and non-chill filtered, to showcase the whisky’s distinct flavour profile.

Independent bottlings offer an alternative and more authentic way to sample a whisky from great distilleries such as Laphroaig, Port Charlotte, Aberlour and Caol Ila. Whisky Foundation exclusives added this week focus heavily on the celebrated Macallan distillery, including a gorgeous Macallan 18 year old aged in sherry casks, a very special  Macallan 25 year old bottled by Wilson & Morgan and a Macallan 7 year old gift set, complete with branded glasses.

“Independent bottling is probably not as commonly understood as it should be,” says Head Caskologist George Koutsakis. “We’d like to help more people understand the process because independent bottlers produce single cask or limited editions releases that contribute wonderful variety and vibrancy to the world of whisky. With whisky prices soaring, independent bottlers have had to work harder than ever to persuade distilleries to part with their prized casks, but we’re seeing great results and an increasingly imaginative array of delicious drams.”

As the expressions are sourced from very small lots, sometimes even a single cask, very limited numbers of bottles are released.  Many of the independent bottlings listed on Whisky Foundation cannot be found anywhere else. Notable releases from the Islay distillery of Caol Ila were bottled by independent bottler Kingsbury exclusively for sale at Whisky Foundation. Expressions from The Maltman have been produced exclusively for Whisky Foundation, including an Aberlour 21 year old, a Springbank 20 year old and a  Glenlossie 18 year old bottling.

Whisky Foundation offers stock from widely-recognised independent bottlers such as Gordon & MacPhail, Berry Bros. & Rudd and Signatory Vintage, alongside up-and-coming gems such as Kingsbury, Rest & Be Thankful, Sar Obair and The Maltman. In addition to premium single malt whisky, the collection also includes varieties of independently bottled rumfrom the likes of Silver Seal and Martinique.

Whisky fans can get read more about independent bottling, whisky news and top Scottish distilleries at the Whisky Foundation blog.

Notes 

About Whisky Foundation

Founded in 2016, e-commerce venture Whisky Foundation offers a large selection of independently bottled whisky and rum, including exclusive expressions from the top distilleries, such as Laphroaig, Macallan, Port Charlotte and Caol Ila. Among the independent bottlers stocked are Gordon & MacPhail, Signatory Vintage, Kingsbury, Rest & Be Thankful, Sar Obair and The Maltman.

Follow Whisky Foundation on Twitter:  @WhiskyFdn

Like Whisky Foundation on Facebook:  facebook.com/whiskyfoundation/

2017 continues to celebrate Benromach’s growing success 

1^st March, The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd has unveiled the latest expression in its portfolio, Benromach Sassicaia Wood Finish 2009 – with the number of bottles released for sale double the size of the previous edition, in response to the growing success and worldwide demand for Benromach whiskies.

The latest Wood Finish limited edition, of which there will be 8,000 bottles available, offers whisky lovers a unique flavour profile, as a result of a final finishing period in Sassicaia wine casks from the renowned Bolgheri wine region.

Distilled in 2009 and initially matured in first fill bourbon barrels, Benromach Sassicaia Wood Finish (45% ABV) is a deep ruby red in colour, with notes of ripe berries, milk chocolate drops, and hints of ginger and cinnamon, complemented by a subtle sense of smoke

The new release follows previous special edition Benromach Sassicaia Wood Finish 2007 and coupled with the run of recent accolades, including the Benromach 10 Year Old being in the running for World’s Best Single Malt Whisky at the World Whiskies Awards, highlights the growing interest and popularity of the Forres based distillery.

Benromach Distillery Manager Keith Cruickshank said: “Our previous Wood Finishes were incredibly well received and demand has been so great we are doubling the quantity we will be making available.

“Our Wood Finish expressions allow us the opportunity to provide our customers with a special malt which is full of character, thanks to the final maturation period in casks from distinguished wine regions, as well as offering them the chance to experience Benromach whisky in a different way.

“As the popularity and success of our Benromach 10 Years Old continues to grow, we are delighted that whisky fans all over the world are still enjoying the classic character of our pre-1960’s Speyside single malt, and we are honoured that it is held in such high regard within the industry, as the World Whiskies Award demonstrates.”

The classic Benromach 10 Years Old won the Scottish Single Malt category at the World Whiskies Awards and will now go head to head with other winning Single Malts from across the world with the hope of being crowned World’s Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky next month. Benromach 35 Years Old also scooped a gold award in the Speyside 21 & over category.

Benromach Sassicaia Wood Finish will be available to purchase from specialist whisky retailers at an RRP of £38.99 in the UK, with approximately 8,000 bottles released for sale worldwide.  Prices in overseas markets will vary due to local taxes and duty.

For further information on Benromach, and to find out more about Benromach Wood Finishes, please visit www.benromach.com/.  

Notes

Benromach Distillery

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery was brought back to life when leading whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five-year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four-star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world famous Malt Whisky Trail.

Limestone Branch Distillery Launches Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey

(Lebanon, Ky.) February 27, 2017 – Limestone Branch Distillery introduces Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey, featuring straight rye whiskey with a sherry cask finish and bottled at 90 proof.

“My grandfather, Minor Case Beam, made rye whiskey in his day, before prohibition, which was his specialty. This rye whiskey is inspired by him and a tribute to his distilling legacy,” says Steve Beam, president and distiller of Limestone Branch Distillery. “His mission was to craft only the finest whiskey – we are honoring him, his passion for distilling and what could’ve been if prohibition didn’t occur with this straight rye.”

Available in 750ml bottles and aged two years, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey offers a warm rye spice complemented by the dried fruit notes from being finished in a sherry cask barrel. The combination offers depth to the overall experience of this whiskey.

“This is a direct link to our family lineage on our father’s side, the Beams. We are excited to share our family heritage and proud to honor our great-grandfather with the release of this product,” says Steve Beam.

The whiskey is packaged in a unique flask-style bottle with a letterpress label and a cork topper. All of the details of the packaging are also a nod to the family history and tradition. The bottle features the crest Minor Case Beam used in his labels back when he had his own distillery. “We wanted to incorporate his original logo as a special touch. If you look closely, you can see the letters M, C and B in the crest,” says Steve Beam.

The whiskey will be offered nationwide beginning at the end of February for the suggested retail price of $49.99.

Steve Beam and his brother Paul Beam opened Limestone Branch Distillery in 2011, with the goal of crafting the finest whiskey in small batches. With a history of distilling on both sides of their family – Beam and Dant – the brothers are seventh-generation distillers. In 2015, they brought the Yellowstone brand back to the family and launched a limited edition bourbon to commemorate the brand’s 105th anniversary.

For more information on Limestone Branch Distillery and Yellowstone, please visit www.limestonebranch.com, www.yellowstonebourbon.com or www.facebook.com/limestone-branch-distillery.

Lucky Bastard Straight Malted Rye Whisky Released

Saskatoon, SK, February 23, 2017 – LB Distillers is pleased and excited to announce the release of their first malt whiskies. Release number 1 is a Lucky Bastard Straight Malted Rye Whisky and release number 2 is a Lucky Bastard Single Malt Whisky. The whiskies will be available exclusively at LB Distillers and exclusively to our customers who entered the Lucky Bastard Whisky Lottery. Given the high anticipation and demand for the very limited supply of our whisky, we thought it best to have customers enter an email lottery allowing the winners a chance to purchase a bottle without having to stand outside in line during a Saskatchewan winter. To enter our Whisky Lottery for upcoming releases, please check out www.luckybastard.ca/whisky-lottery-1

Lucky Bastard whiskies will be bottled as Single Cask offerings in individually numbered bottles. Our first release is a STRAIGHT MALTED RYE WHISKY, distilled and barreled in 2012. This whisky was hand crafted in a very small batch using 100% Saskatchewan grown and malted grains. The mash bill of the first release is 67% malted rye and 33% malted barley. This whisky has aged four years in a charred American white oak barrel and has been bottled at 46% alcohol. It has not been chill filtered to retain all the amazing flavours. Our second release is a traditional SINGLE MALT BARLEY WHISKY, distilled and barreled in 2013. This whisky was also hand crafted in a small batch using 100% Saskatchewan grown and malted grains consisting of 100% malted barley. This whisky has aged 3 years in charred American white oak barrels and has been bottled at 46% alcohol and again it has not been chill filtered to retain all the amazing flavours.

Our whisky program is very diverse currently consisting of 23 styles of whisky each offering a unique experience. The mash bills (recipes) consist of different combinations of a variety of malted cereal grains, different roasts, and some have had local fruits and botanicals added to the initial fermentation. For our whiskies, we do only two distillations in our two copper pot stills. The first distillation is to strip the alcohol from the fermentation, the second to make cuts allowing us to capture only the crème de la crème of the spirit. We only distill to 75% alcohol allowing our spirit to retain all the wonderful notes and flavours of the grains, malt, yeast and esters created in the fermentations. Every barreling will also be unique depending on the style and flavor profile we desire; using once used bourbon barrels, new whisky barrels (with various char profiles), French oak, ex-sherry casks etc. Every release will be small batch, single cask bottlings and will be individually labeled and numbered.

LB Distillers was established in 2010 and opened its doors in 2012. Since that time, we have been handcrafting the world’s finest spirits and liqueurs using locally sourced grains and fruit. We believe in quality over quantity and we won’t bottle it until it is over-proof awesome.

For more information on our distillery and brands check us out online at www.luckybastard.ca

You can also contact Cary Bowman our president of good times at LB Distillers: cary@luckybastard.ca

Diageo, in partnership with Black Tomato, is launching a video series that brings together exclusive travel itineraries and two Diageo brands, Bulleit and George Dickel.  The trip will explore historic American whiskey brands, via the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience and George Dickel Distillery at Cascade Hollow, while exposing customers to the hidden wonders and luxurious hospitality of southern whiskey country.

Black Tomato brings to life the rich American Whiskey culture of Kentucky and Tennessee through new, immersive experiences. Cruise on Willie Nelson’s tour bus from Kentucky to Nashville and get a private tour of the elite Three Chimney’s Racing Stable. All this and more awaits on this lavish deep south adventure. To get a glimpse of this experience, check out these beautifully shot videos made by Studio Black Tomato.

Highlights of the trip include:

• Following an acclaimed lunch at Proof on Main, get chauffeured in a vintage American convertible for the Ultimate Masterclass in bourbon making, paired with a private tasting with the on-site whiskey guru at Stitzel-Weller distillery (Bulleit Frontier Whiskey)

• A hands-on distilling experience in the ‘still house’ for something truly unique and memorable along with an immersive, behind the scenes, all access VIP tour of the distillery

• Travel like a rock star from Kentucky to Nashville (and then on to Cascade Hollow a day later) in your choice of tour bus used by Taylor Swift, Lenny Kravitz, Willie Nelson or Tom Petty, followed by a personal songwriting and recording session with Grammy award-winning writers

• Behind-the-scenes tour, where you will taste the liquid at every stage of the intricate process that goes into making George Dickel Tennessee Whisky
• As evening creeps in at George Dickel, guests will take in the majesty of the mountains via a short private helicopter ride over Cascade Hollow to your final respite, the unparalleled Blackberry Farm, one of America’s most celebrated intimate luxury properties
• Prices range from $3,740PP to $9,538PP including accommodations, experiences, some meals, and transfers, excl. flights

BULLEIT BOURBON UNITES LOCAL ARTISTS TO CELEBRATE LA’s TATTOO CULTURE

Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Creates 35 Ft Tattoo Art Installation in LA 

FEB. 22, 2017 – LOS ANGELES, CALIF. – Los Angeles will have a little more ink following the introduction of a new tattoo art installation at 3921 W Sunset Blvd. & Hyperion Ave. to kick off the Bulleit Frontier Works project. This is the first piece in a series of projects Bulleit will commission to celebrate and unite the thriving creative collaborator community in Los Angeles and beyond.

The tattoo, which features Bulleit Frontier Whiskey’s iconic label alongside dozens of LA-inspired tattoo designs, was crafted by 24 tattoo artists who are locals of the Los Angeles area. The artists who contributed are people who have made a serious impact on the LA tattoo community, including Kim Saigh, Charles Belñavis, Henry Lewis, Shawn Barber and Jason Schroder. Each artist was given a section of the installation’s canvas to design and as a result every illustration carefully portrays Los Angeles in a way that is unique and personal to each artist. The tattooists selected to be part of this collaboration have collectively been in the industry for more than 100 years and have drawn thousands of tattoos that have adorned the people who roam the streets of Los Angeles and cross the globe.

“Tattooing is an art form that takes years of practice to perfect,” says tattoo artist Christina Ramos. “I was honored when Bulleit approached me to help create this, as tattoos are so relevant in LA’s culture. Tattoos are typically permanent, lifelong commitments so when I was asked to be a part of this group I knew we needed to come together to create something special that really personified and paid homage to the soul of our city that would leave a lasting impression.”

The Bulleit Frontier Works sign, located in the Silverlake neighborhood, is an incredible mix of design and artistic ability that took the tattooists more than 90 hours to design and create. Flanking Bulleit’s bourbon logo are more than 24 separate etchings that were inspired by the Los Angeles vibe including favorite local food trucks, views of the LA skyline, depictions of the beach scene and tributes to the Los Angeles movie industry.

“Bulleit gave me a lot of creative freedom when designing my piece of leather for the installation,” said Nathan Kostechko, one of the tattoo artists participating in the collaboration. “The group of tattooists brought the project to life beautifully and I hope it makes people smile when they pass by.”

The Bulleit Frontier Works program will continue with another art installation in Los Angeles this spring before branching out to other cities around the country. The program aims to unite and celebrate the makers, artists and entrepreneurs who dedicate their lives to pushing the boundaries of the cultural frontier. Bulleit, a whiskey founded by Tom Bulleit who abandoned a successful law career to fulfill a lifelong dream of reviving his family’s century old high rye bourbon recipe, chose to launch in Los Angeles based on the relations made with bartenders, partners and friends who’ve embraced the whiskey so much that LA is now Bulleit’s bestselling market.

“From our partners at Coolhaus Ice Cream in Culver City to our friends at WeWork Santa Monica to dozens of bartenders we’ve known for years opening up fantastic new cocktail spots, LA is our kind of place,” said Bulleit Brand Director Ed Bello. “The kind of place where people who’ve been stirred by the frontier can unite to accomplish amazing things.”

To celebrate the installation, Bulleit will host the artists, press and members of the community at a private event thanking them for their support and appreciation of the tattoo industry. The event will allow guests to enjoy delicious Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye cocktails responsibly – a message also featured prominently on the sign.

About Bulleit Frontier Whiskey

The Bulleit Distilling Co. was founded in 1987 by Tom Bulleit, whose Bulleit Bourbon is inspired by a family tradition. Bulleit Rye, a straight rye whiskey, was added to the portfolio in 2011 to critical acclaim, and the brand’s third variant, Bulleit Bourbon 10-Years Old, was introduced in 2013. Bulleit whiskeys use a large amount of rye grain, which gives them their distinctive bold, spicy taste. Bulleit ranks as one of the fastest-growing whiskeys in America, which Tom largely credits to word of mouth recommendations. In 2014, Bulleit broke ground on a new $115 million distillery located in Shelby County, Ky., anticipated to be operational by early 2017. Guests are invited to learn more about the past, present and future of Bulleit by visiting the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Experience at Stitzel-Weller in Louisville, Ky., a member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour. For more information, visit www.bulleit.com/.

About Diageo 

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.  Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) 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. Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.  Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

IRISH DISTILLERS’ MASTERS AND APPRENTICES UNITE TO CREATE THE NEXT GENERATION OF IRISH WHISKEY

Irish Distillers introduces METHOD AND MADNESS; a new range of experimental super premium whiskeys designed to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey. METHOD AND MADNESS launches with a series of unique whiskeys that underpin a continued commitment by Irish Distillers to experimentation and innovation at the home of Irish whiskey in Midlelton, Co. Cork, Ireland.

METHOD AND MADNESS aims to harness the creativity of Midleton’s whiskey masters through the fresh talent of its apprentices. Taking inspiration from the famous Shakespearean quote, ‘Though this be madness, yet there is method in ’t’, METHOD AND MADNESS is designed to reflect a next generation Irish spirit brand with a measure of curiosity and intrigue (MADNESS), while honouring the tradition and expertise grounded in the generations of expertise at the Midleton Distillery (METHOD).

The METHOD AND MADNESS range launches with four new Irish Whiskeys, each with its own twist; a Single Grain Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Spanish Oak; a Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in French Chestnut; a Single Malt Irish Whiskey enhanced with French Limousin Oak; and a 31 Year Old Single Cask, Single Grain Limited Edition bottled at cask strength.

Brian Nation, Master Distiller at Irish Distillers commented: “At the Midleton Distillery, we are committed to innovation and experimenting with new whiskey styles. We are also invested in training and nurturing the next generation of Irish whiskey makers and this project really brings that commitment to life. The passing on of knowledge and skills is part of our DNA from our long line of master distillers, to the generations of coopers that served their apprenticeships at the Midleton Distillery. In fact, this summer our apprentice cooper, Killian O’Mahony will become our first qualified cooper in over 40 years’’.

Karen Cotter, who joined Irish Distillers as a graduate distiller in 2012 said: “METHOD AND MADNESS is a great opportunity for myself and the team to work closely with and learn from the whiskey masters. Our Micro Distillery in Midleton will act as an experimental hub enabling us to trial and test new spirit types followed by aging in new cask types. The process will see new METHOD AND MADNESS releases but also others that may never see the light of day. It’s a really exciting project to be involved with”.

Brendan Buckley, Global Innovation & Prestige Whiskeys Director at Irish Distillers added: “At Irish Distillers, we are constantly searching for new ways to bring Irish whiskey to a wider audience. Jameson has been the iconic brand which has led the way, supported by niche connoisseur brands such as Redbreast, The Spot Range and Midleton Very Rare so with METHOD AND MADNESS, we are able to not only create an outlet for our whiskey makers to really experiment but also to create a uniquely original brand which will pique the interest of spirits drinkers throughout the world”.

The METHOD AND MADNESS Single Grain, Single Pot Still and Single Malt Irish Whiskeys will be available in the UK, France and Ireland from this month at the respective RRPs of €49, €69 and €79. The METHOD AND MADNESS 31 Year Old, Single Cask, Single Grain will be available in the same territories from April 2017, priced at €1,500.

NOTES

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Grain Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Spanish Oak
After maturing in ex-Bourbon barrels to achieve a light, perfumed flavour on the exceptional grain distillate, the whiskey has uniquely been finished for 12 months in toasted, virgin Spanish oak from Galicia, North West Spain. The process added complexity, cask character and a spicy note until the perfect balance between the subtlety of the grain spirit and the contribution of the Spanish oak was skilfully mastered. The expression is bottled without chill filtration at 46% ABV and is available at the RRP of €49.

Tasting notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton:
Nose: New pencil shavings, light rose petal and fresh rain on pine
Taste: Warm toasted oak, fresh peeled grapefruit and zesty wood spices
Finish: Sweet cereal, clove spiciness and fresh mint

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in French Chestnut
This Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey has been matured in a combination of ex-Oloroso sherry and ex-Bourbon barrels, before being transferred to chestnut casks sourced from the Isére region in France. In a world-first, the French chestnut casks impart a distinctive sweetness that lightens the mouth-feel, increases depth and adds a mahogany glow. The expression is bottled without chill filtration at 46% ABV and is available at the RRP of €69.

Tasting notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton:
Nose: Red Liquorice laces, Fresh Rosemary mint and grated root ginger
Taste: Sweet fruit and spice, cinnamon toast and ripe banana
Finish: Aromatic green tea, dissipating fruit and spice and rich wood farewell

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Malt Irish Whiskey Enhanced with French Limousin Oak
The first Single Malt Irish Whiskey released from Midleton in recent memory, the whiskey has been initially matured in ex-Bourbon barrels, imparting flavours of malt and biscuit, and in a first for the category, has been part-finished in French Limousin oak for one year to add a lighter, floral and herbal note. The expression is bottled without chill filtration at 46% ABV and is available at the RRP of €79.

Tasting notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton:
Nose: Freshly shelled peanut and cereal malt aroma
Taste: Cracked cinnamon stick and ice cream cone wafer
Finish: Fragrant bon bons and a hint of tasted barley

METHOD AND MADNESS Single Grain Irish Whiskey 31 Year Old
A bottling of exceptional single grain distillate matured in an ex-Bourbon cask for 31 years, this rare single cask release has developed a full deep grain character and a taste of honey, juicy mango and ripe melon with an endless dark wood and spicy finish. The expression which includes 3 Single Cask offerings is bottled without chill filtration ranging from 51.3%, 51.8 and 52.5% ABV and will be available from April 2017 at the RRP of €1,500.

Tasting notes by Master Blender, Billy Leighton:
Nose: Crisp floral, black liquorice and succulent fruit
Taste: Creamy honey, wood spice and honeydew melon
Finish: Endless dark wood, lingering fruit and gentle spices

About Irish Distillers
Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines and producer of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish Whiskeys. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the global renaissance of Irish Whiskey. Jameson is the world’s fastest-growing Irish Whiskey, experiencing 27 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 5.7m cases in 2016. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 60 of those experiencing double- or triple-digit growth. Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Powers & Son, John Jameson & Son and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network. In 2015, we completed a €220m investment which doubled our production and bottling capacity to meet global demand for our products.
We employ over 600 people across our operations in Cork and Dublin.

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 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, 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.
www.pernod-ricard.com

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Offers Special, Limited Edition Kentucky Derby Festival Bourbon Bottle

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – As an official sponsor of the Kentucky Derby Festival, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience will release a special edition bottle of 2009 Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon to commemorate the 2017 Kentucky Derby Festival. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience will also be the sole location providing Pegasus Pins through March 6.

Dipped in a unique gold wax with a commemorative pin sealed atop the cap, the bottle features a special face label with the Kentucky Derby Festival logo, and includes a 2017 Pegasus Pin in an envelope attached to each bottle. Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller Charlie Downs and Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO Mike Brown unveiled the official 2017 pin and limited edition bottle at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on Thursday, Feb. 16, by personally hand-dipping two of the limited edition bottles.

This bottle will be available for purchase at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and other area retailers for $74.99 while supplies last.

The limited edition 2009 vintage is bottled at 107 proof, commemorating both the 62^nd Kentucky Derby Festival and 45^th Pegasus Pin anniversary. Like a fine wine, each bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon contains the exact day it was put in an oak barrel to age.

The Bourbon is matured in natural open-rick warehouses under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s Master Distillers, who monitor the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality.

Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage has won five “Whiskey of the Year” awards and is one of the most critically-acclaimed specialty Bourbons produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the world’s second largest holder of aging Bourbon.

“The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is proud to partner with the Kentucky Derby Festival to share the unique Kentucky spirit that is unmatched elsewhere,” said Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller Charlie Downs. “We’re honored to raise a toast to Kentucky’s heritage and welcome Festival Fans across the globe to join in celebrating the 2017 Kentucky Derby.”

Bringing the community together since 1956, the Kentucky Derby Festival has grown to become a whirlwind of more than 70 special events leading up to the big race in May. The Kentucky Derby Festival runs this year from April 20 – May 5. Pegasus Pins, which allow entry to Derby Festival events, may be purchased at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience as well.

“We couldn’t think of a better a pairing of two entities. Both the Derby Festival and Evan Williams Bourbon are part of Kentucky’s history and tradition,” said Mike Berry, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “We know this special edition bottle will be very popular with pin collectors and Festival Fans alike.”

About Kentucky Derby Festival: Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

About the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience: The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience® (www.evanwilliamsbourbonexperience.com/) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first commercial distiller, through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit. An official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the facility offers guests a historical glimpse back in time to see Evan Williams’ original distillery through high definition video recreations of the Louisville wharf and Main Street in the late 18th Century, plus recreations of Whiskey Row building facades along Main Street from the 1890’s through the present. Meanwhile, visitors learn the essential differences between distilling during Evan Williams’ era and Heaven Hill’s modern Bernheim Distillery operations.