The 1st World Whisky Forum, February 9-10th 2017

A stage for the new wave of distilleries from around the world This is where ideas are born, innovations presented and established truths challenged. The vision is to create a stage for the new wave of distilleries and whisky stakeholders from around the world who put innovation, rethinking and – of course – craftsmanship first. The world’s first World Whisky Forum is hosted at Box Distillery, Sweden, February 9-10th 2017.

There are rapid and very exciting developments in the whisky business. New, experimental projects from traditional whisky countries, and even more exciting new distilleries from countries not traditionally associated with whisky making, are challenging the business and pushing the boundaries, resulting in whisky with new expressions and styles. Some of the most prominent figures in this movement will be at World Whisky Forum.

Dave Broom, an internationally renowned whisky writer, will moderate our ten guest speakers and host the audience as we enjoy interesting panel debates and discussions. The theme is New frontiers in the World of Whisky and we will focus on three subjects: developing new whisky styles, learning from the past and establishing brand identity.

Speakers: Ichiro Akuto and Yomi Yoshikawa from Chichibu Distillery, Jasmin Haider-Stadler from Distillery Haider/Roggenhof, Ludo Ducrocq and Kevin Abrook from William Grant & Sons Distillers Ltd, Tony Reeman-Clark from Strathearn Distillery, Matt Hofmann from Westland Distillery, Roger Melander from Box Distillery, Patrick van Zuidam from Zuidam Distillers, Ian Palmer from InchDairnie Distillery and Steven Kersley from BrewDog. We are very pleased with this line up!

Read more about the speakers, topics and program at www.worldwhiskyforum.org. We are happy to answer all your questions regarding World Whisky Forum and the first event.

jan.groth@worldwhiskyform.org

www.worldwhiskyforum.org

World Whisky Forum is a stage for the new wave of distillers and whisky stakeholders around the world who put innovation, rethinking and, of course, the craftsmanship first. Swedish Box Distillery is the initiator, but the forum will be developed together with some of the most experienced and outspoken whisky authorities. It is a recurring event that will take place every eighteen month. Join us February 9th-10th 2017 at Box Distillery, Sweden, for the world’s first World Whisky Forum.

SAZERAC COMPANY PURCHASES TENNESSEE DISTILLERY 

East Tennessee Distillery allows Sazerac Company

to start producing Tennessee Whiskey 

LOUISVILLE, KY (Dec. 22, 2016) The Sazerac Company has purchased a distillery located in Newport, Tenn. The purchase is of the Distillery only, not any brands.  All employees at the Distillery will be retained, including Master Distiller John Lunn and Master Blender Allisa Henley.

The purchase will allow Sazerac to start producing Tennessee whiskey, using the Lincoln County process.  (The Lincoln County process is a filtration process through charcoal chips before it goes into the barrel.)

“We see a lot of potential in the distilling capabilities of this operation,” said Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer, Sazerac.  “We are excited to have the talents of John Lunn and Allisa Henley on board and we look forward to utilizing their expertise to start laying down true Tennessee whiskey.”

Sazerac will begin investment into the Distillery to modify the pot stills for the Lincoln County process. It is expected the Distillery will be up and running producing Tennessee whiskey in early 2017.  The purchase price is not being disclosed.

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

R&B Distillers in Scotch at The Balmoral

Proud to pioneer handcrafted whiskies of uncommon provenance, R&B Distillers, an exciting new whisky brand, launched their new premium whiskies in November 2015. Firmly ingrained in family history whilst simultaneously being a taste of the brand’s evolving future, Raasay While We Wait and Borders, two distinct and characterful whiskies, mark a new chapter for R&B Distillers.

R&B stands for Raasay and Borders, two unique landscapes brought together through one unique whisky company. Co-founder Alasdair Day embodies this coupling. His great grandfather, Allan MacDonald, hailed from the Hebrides while his other great grandfather, Richard Day was a master-blender in the Borders in the early 19th Century. It is this history that has prompted R&B’s ongoing project to build distilleries at these twin roots in the Isle of Raasay and in the Scottish Borders.

R&B have now been granted permission by the Highland Council to bring the first legal distillery to Raasay in the Inner Hebrides, an island where illicit distilling was once rife. While the distillery is being built, R&B Distillers have released the aptly named Raasay While We Wait whisky, a preview of the calibre and flavour of whisky yet to come – every sip certain to transport the drinker to the rugged island of Raasay.

With Raasay While We Wait, R&B Distillers have crafted a single malt whisky by bringing together two expressions from one distillery: one peated, one un-peated. This precise combination is a tantalising prediction of the flavours that will be produced at the new distillery on the Isle of Rasaay, off the remote west coast of Skye. The smoky peat aroma is softened in the finishing process which occurs in French oak Tuscan red wine casks and results in a unique, lightly fruity aroma and a heather hue. Raasay While We Wait has now been awarded three prestigious international awards: In May 2016, Raasay While We Wait received a bronze medal in the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), in August this was followed with a Silver Medal at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) and in November a bronze from the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition (HKIWSC). The awards are tremendous accolades for such a young whisky.

Meanwhile, Borders echoes the soft rolling landscape of its future location in the South of Scotland. This single grain whisky is lighter and softer in flavour than the smoky peat dram of Raasay While We Wait. Matured in Bourbon casks and finished in Oloroso sherry casks, Borders has been produced to reflect a lowland style. Alasdair Day’s great-grandfather blended whisky in the Coldstream and now, over 150 years since the last distillery in the Scottish Borders, Alasdair is returning to his roots and planning to reinstate whisky in this forgotten region. In 2015, Peebles was selected by the Scottish general public as the preferred location for the new distillery. In November 2016 Borders was awards its first international award – a bronze medal in the HKIWSC.

As a precursor to the new distilleries being built, R&B Distillers also unveiled membership to their Na Tùsairean club (Scots Gaelic for ‘The Pioneers’) – an exclusive offering for whisky aficionados. The inaugural 100 casks of Raasay whisky will be bottled exclusively for Na Tùsairean members who will receive one bottle each year for ten years, gradually acquiring up a rare collection of R&B Whisky. Members will also receive miniatures so they can experience a dram of the whisky without breaking into their collector’s bottle, are entitled to the equivalent of one night’s stay per year for the duration of their membership in the luxury members accommodation.

Raasay While We Wait, priced at £56.95 and Borders priced at £49.95 are available to buy directly from the R&B Distillers website: www.rbdistillers.com

T: 0131 564 0761 E: sales@rbdistillers.com

For trade prices and further press information, please contact Kapranos PR

T: 020 3659 8914 E: harriet@kapranos-pr.com & anne@kapranos-pr.com

NOTES

RETAILERS UK:

 Master of Malt (online)

 Whiski Rooms (Edinburgh shop)

 Oban Whisky & Fine Wines (Oban)

 Shop4Whisky (online)

 JL Gill (Crieff)

 Royal Mile Whiskies (Edinburgh & online)

 Raasay Community Store (Raasay)

 Jeffrey Street Whisky & Tobacco (Edinburgh)

 The Whisky Shop (Dufftown)

 Mainstreet Trading Co. (St Boswells, Scottish Borders)

 Oblo Bar (Eyemouth, Scottish Borders)

BARS/RESTAURANTS

 Whiski Rooms (Edinburgh bar)

 Teuchters Landing (Edinburgh Leith)

 Teuchters West End (Edinburgh West End)

 Drysbrugh Abbey Hotel (Drysbrugh)

 Raasay House Hotel (Raasay)

 Sconser Lodge (Skye)

TASTING NOTES:

‘While We Wait’

Aroma: Surprisingly very little smoke on the nose but instead light fruity notes come through.

Colour: Natural colour, heather tinted imparted from Tuscan red wine oak casks.

Taste: Instantly there is peat smoke and spice (a distant campfire, black pepper, liquorice, oak and then the sea breeze) slowly this is balanced with the dry fruit from the Tuscan red wine casks (black currant, blackberry, raspberry and cherries).

Finish: A long lingering finish.

Food Pairings: Pairs well with Sconser Scallops, Smoked Salmon, game, grouse, woodcock, venison, creamy blue cheese, bacon, haggis.

ABV: 46% Non-Chill Filtered

Year released: November 2015 – 1st Release Limited Edition

‘Borders’

Aroma: Prominent sherry notes on the nose, hints of sugar-coated nuts.

Colour: Natural colour, lightly golden taken from sherry finishing casks.

Taste: Surprisingly dry on the palate with the sherry influences dominating. Walnuts balanced with vanilla, herbaceous and floral notes coming through towards the end, and just a touch of warm spice.

Finish: Lingering, dry and complex.

Food Pairings: Pairs well with Cocoa Black dark praline chocolates.

ABV: 51.7% Non-Chill Filtered

Year released: November 2015 – 1st Release Limited Edition

Bacardi Limited Names K.C. Kavanagh Chief Global Communications Officer 

Starwood Hotels veteran will lead Company’s corporate and brand communications

Hamilton, Bermuda,  Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, today announces the appointment of K.C. Kavanagh as senior vice president and global chief communications officer. Kavanagh reports to Mike Dolan, chief executive officer of Bacardi Limited, and serves on the Company’s global leadership team.

Kavanagh will work closely with Dolan and Chairman Facundo L. Bacardi to develop strategic internal and external corporate communications to support the family-owned company’s efforts to drive growth globally. She will also collaborate with the Company’s brand marketing teams to develop integrated public relations campaigns, social media strategies and content marketing programs for the portfolio of iconic brands. In addition, Kavanagh will oversee the Company’s corporate and brand archives ensuring the preservation of legacies, management of assets, and protection of brand trademarks.

“We are delighted to welcome K.C. to the Bacardi team,” says Dolan. “Her significant corporate and global experience, coupled with her success in launching and nurturing luxury, lifestyle and next generation brands, dovetails perfectly with our efforts to innovatively market our brands and cultivate meaningful relationships with our consumers around the globe.”

Kavanagh joins Bacardi from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. where she was a member of the company’s senior leadership team and led global communications for the hotel giant and its 11 brands including Sheraton®, Westin®, St. Regis® and W Hotels®. During her 18-year tenure at Starwood, Kavanagh and her team established Starwood’s reputation as a brand-led, innovative powerhouse, and she recently served as a member of the company’s deal and integration team during Starwood’s merger with Marriott International. Prior to Starwood, Kavanagh oversaw public relations for Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

“I am honored to join a company with such vibrant brands, tremendous global breadth and a storied family history that has inspired a culture of entrepreneurship and pride,” adds Kavanagh. “I look forward to working with our team to creatively bring our stories and lore to life across many dynamic platforms.”

Kavanagh succeeds Jim Gallagher who has decided to step down from his position at year-end. She will be based at the Company’s global headquarters in Hamilton, Bermuda, subject to Bermuda Department of Immigration approval.

About Bacardi Limited

Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky and the single malt brands of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA®. BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands.

Founded 154 years ago in Santiago de Cuba on February 4, 1862, family-owned Bacardi manufactures its brands at 29 facilities and sells in more than 160 countries. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. www.bacardilimited.com/

Wolfburn Distillery Achieves Record Annual Production

Wolfburn Distillery is today delighted to announce that it has reached its annual production target – and in doing so has laid down more whisky than ever before.

“It has been an incredible year,” commented Shane Fraser, distillery manager. “We increased our workforce by taking on two apprentices, and we commissioned a fourth fermentation vessel. Combined, this means we have been able to increase our rate of production whilst maintaining excellent quality control.”

The team set itself a production target of 130,000 litres of alcohol – roughly the equivalent of 400,000 bottles of whisky. They reached the target during the first week of December, leaving valuable time for equipment maintenance before the Christmas shut-down.

“We filled a record 1,162 casks during 2016,” says Shane, “The volume is great of course, but equally important is that we have consistently managed to acquire really top-notch casks. Maintaining quality is the key to producing first-class whisky, and we have managed to do this very well throughout the whole year.”

2016 is Wolfburn’s first year of sales and the demand for its single malt scotch whisky has been much higher than expected. “We’re going to need these increased production levels to keep up with demand,” adds Shane. “Producing this volume now ensures we will have great quality single malt scotch to sell in years to come.”

Photographs:

1. Shane Fraser and Iain Kerr filling casks at Wolfburn Distillery
2. Wolfburn cartons and bottles studio image

ABOUT WOLFURN:

The original Wolfburn Distillery was founded just to the west of Thurso by William Smith in 1821. In its day it was one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, producing, according to HMRC records, 28,056 “gallons of proof spirit” in a single year. Taking its name from the stream that provided the water – the Wolf Burn – the distillery operated until the 1860s. The reasons for its closure are lost in time, but by the 1870s the newly produced Ordnance Survey maps showed it being in ruins.

In 2011 plans were laid to resurrect the old distillery. Construction began in mid-2012 and in January 2013 the new Wolfburn Distillery commenced production, thereby becoming the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland. Situated 300m from the site of the original distillery, the new Wolfburn operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as single malt scotch whisky. Wolfburn’s first expressions were launched globally in 2016.

Wolfburn Distillery, Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW

www.wolfburn.com

www.facebook.com/wolfburn

World Exclusive Launch of Glenfarclas Pagoda Ruby Reserve in Singapore

The Whisky Corporation introduces a brace of rare luxury whiskies from the family-owned distillery as part of its growing connoisseur and investment portfolio

Glenfarclas Pagoda Ruby Reserve Limited Edition Silver Release, 700ml

Singapore, 12 December 2016 – In a world premiere, whisky investment specialists, The Whisky Corporation, announced it is bringing the critically acclaimed Glenfarclas Pagoda Reserve series, a spectacular collection of ultra-bespoke single malt whiskies from the Glenfarclas distillery in Speyside, Scotland, here to the Singapore market.

The breath-taking collection, launched locally by George Grant, sixth generation distillery director at Glenfarclas alongside leading whisky industry experts around the region, is destined to be one of the most sought-after releases to hit the Asian market to date, and indeed the world.

Glenfarclas Pagoda Reserve Trilogy features three distinct Glenfarclas vintages: the 43-year-old, 48-year-old and 59-year-old, each bottled in beautiful hand-blown Glencairn crystal decanters and topped with a handcrafted, unique magnetic pagoda-shaped stopper in brass, silver and gold finishes.

“With only 100 traditional 700ml sets produced, just 10 1.5-litre magnum sets and a collector’s edition of only 30 silver magnums, it is well-known within the industry these whiskies are extremely rare. Due to the massive pre-order demand prior to its release, only 10 sets will be made available to the market in December. All of the magnums and a total of 90 Trilogies were secured by collectors and those in the know some time ago,” said Ben Morley, Chief Operating Officer, The Whisky Corporation.

“We have seen a huge amount of interest in rare and fine whiskies within Asia through our offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and our most recent expansion in Singapore. As such, we’re concentrating on strategic growth in these key markets where savvy investors are looking to diversify their investment

portfolios, and catering to connoisseurs looking for exceptional and limited edition whiskies to add to their collections.”

Recognising Singapore’s importance in the global market for single malt whisky, the region was also selected above Hong Kong or China as the destination of choice to launch the newest addition to the Pagoda Reserve series, Glenfarclas Pagoda Ruby Reserve. Aged for 62 years, it is the oldest whisky ever to be released by the Glenfarclas Distillery.

The limited edition Glenfarclas Pagoda Ruby Reserve, named in homage to the Glenfarclas distillery’s distinct facade, features citrus notes and an eloquently rich coating with slight sweetness providing exceptional balance, a signature of its era of production. Presented in fine Glencairn crystal, the Pagoda Ruby Reserve comes adorned with its namesake, a ruby pagoda-shaped stopper.

To maintain the whisky’s uniqueness and rarity, the 329-litre Pagoda Ruby Reserve 1954 single cask will be launched under two releases; a Limited Edition Silver and Collector’s Edition Gold. The Silver release will see 180 700ml bottles and 62 Magnum 1.5-litre bottles available to the market. The Collector’s Edition will feature only 50 bottles available each in 700ml and 50 magnums of the Collector’s Edition with Gold.

“The whisky investment landscape is incredibly buoyant and those who have bought the most exclusive whiskies have yielded exceptional returns in recent years. By working with key distilleries such as Glenfarclas to offer limited edition and exclusive collections including the Pagoda series, we provide our clients with access to some of the most sought after and finest collectable whiskies available globally,” added Morley.

As Asia’s recognised specialists in single malt investment, The Whisky Corporation’s Singapore base works closely with its panel of whisky specialists, including ‘Keeper of the Quaich’ Stephen Notman, in guiding Singaporean clients and sourcing for exclusive fine whiskies.

About The Whisky Corporation

Established in Hong Kong in 2008, the Whisky Corporation specialises in creating bespoke single malt whisky portfolios and exclusive private releases from Scotland’s most famous distilleries. As one of Asia’s leading specialists to specialise in professional single malt investment, The Whisky Corporation focuses on assisting private clients to invest safely and securely.

Through its network, The Whisky Corporation sources and brings to market the very finest whisky, including exclusive official distillery bottlings and since its establishment, The Whisky Corporation has enjoyed spectacular success in Hong Kong and plans to expand its growth with the opening of a Singapore office in late 2016.

Glengoyne serves up latest Teapot Dram

Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky will unveil the latest batch of its coveted Teapot Dram this week, just in time to toast the festive season.

Matured in first fill Oloroso sherry oak casks, Glengoyne Teapot Dram V is teeming with brown sugar, sweet fruits and soft spices, with a natural colour of dark mahogany. Bottled unchillfiltered and at cask strength, just 3,138 bottles of Teapot Dram V will be released, available exclusively from the Glengoyne Distillery shop or at Glengoyne.com.

The Teapot Dram was created in tribute to an old Glengoyne Distillery tradition: for over 150 years, workers would be given three fingers of whisky, three times a day. The less seasoned workers would, to save face, discreetly pour some of theirs into a copper teapot on the windowsill. Their older colleagues – veterans of the dram, one and all – would intersperse official drams with unofficial “cups of tea” from the teapot, ensuring none went to waste. Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Glengoyne, said: “There’s a great affection for the Teapot Dram among Glengoyne enthusiasts, and we are sure this edition will be warmly received. It’s a whisky with a great story behind it, and one that’s very special to everyone at Glengoyne because it brings to life the history of the Distillery and the whisky-makers who preceded us.

“With Christmas and New Year around the corner, this would make a really special gift for whisky lovers – and with just 3,138 bottles in this batch, it’ll be an exclusive one too.”

Glengoyne Teapot Dram V is bottled at 59.6% and, because the daily dram would never be taken from an old cask, this is a deliberately young and bold malt. It will retail at £90.

Glengoyne Distillery is owned by one of Scotland’s leading independent, family-owned distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers. Glengoyne runs the slowest stills in Scotland to build up fruity richness and fill the finest Oloroso Sherry casks.  No one takes more time and care.

www.glengoyne.com

TASTING NOTES:

Appearance

Dark mahogany

Nose

Porridge topped with brown sugar; rum and raisin ice cream; strawberries with a sprinkling of pepper

Taste

Initially sweetness gives way to rich, spicy oak, cinnamon swirl and walnuts

Finish

Massively long. Oak gives way to pepper then, after a considerable period, fresh pears wish you a fond farewell.

Notes to Editors:

Glengoyne, being uncompromising in its pursuit of excellence, runs its stills slower than any other distillery in order to create the rich, bold flavours for which the brand is known. The Glengoyne Highland Single Malt range is matured in the finest oak casks from within its traditional dunnage warehouses.

Chivas Brothers launches its 2017 International Graduate Programme 

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, has announced the expansion of its International Graduate Programme. The programme, now its third year, sets graduates on an international career with the opportunity to be posted to any number of continents around the world from North and South America to Europe, Africa and Asia.

During the two-year programme graduates work as brand ambassadors for some of the world’s most recognisable spirit brands including Chivas Regal, The Glenlivet, Ballantine’s and Beefeater. These industry-leading brands sit at the heart of consumer moments and are enjoyed by millions around the world.

The International Graduate Programme has been designed to provide a solid foundation in the FMCG drinks industry, with the potential to develop into a lifelong career with Chivas Brothers, Pernod Ricard. All graduates start with a five week intensive training programme in the UK where they learn about Scotch whisky and English gins from the best in the business.

The graduates will then play a vital role in winning share of mind for the company’s brands by inspiring and engaging customers and trade contacts. They will deliver innovative education sessions, events and social media campaigns and work alongside sales teams, bar professionals and consumers to build strong relationships.

Alex Robertson, Graduate and Brand Development Manager at Chivas Brothers, said: “What really sets our International Graduate Programme apart is that we offer our graduates real responsibility from day one. They’ll learn a diverse range of skills, with the opportunity to work abroad and fully immerse themselves in a new business and culture. We encourage our graduates to be really creative by getting them to work on campaigns and events that bring our brands to life.

“We want our graduates to take charge of their careers and be proud of everything they achieve. This means it’s not just about sitting on the side lines – we encourage them to step out of their comfort zone, throw themselves into tasks and really challenge themselves. These ‘defining moments’ are created by the graduates themselves and could involve delivering a presentation in Spanish to local whisky experts or watching their product take pride of place in a top bar in New York.”

Harry Daffern is currently based in Shanghai, China and started his career in Bangkok, Thailand. He said: “The Chivas Brothers team was really supportive, so right from the word go I felt prepared to work in a new market. During the two years I was working in Bangkok, I helped to launch Chivas Regal Extra. Thailand was the second country in the world, and the first country in Asia, to introduce this new edition so I’m extremely proud to have been part of it.

“As a Brand Ambassador you need to be a enthusiastic, passionate, confident, and entrepreneurial. The programme provides a fantastic opportunity to really immerse yourself in the drinks industry and I’d definitely recommend applying.”

The Chivas Brothers’ International Graduate Programme currently has a total of 44 ambassadors in 24 countries around the world from Brazil across to Thailand.

Applications for Chivas Brothers’ International Graduate Programme close on Monday 16th January at 12.00pm. Graduates can apply online via the following link: www.chivasgraduates.com/apply

Wild Geese Irish Whiskey Defeats Wild Turkey Australian High Court rejects request by Wild Turkey to appeal the previous landmark victory of The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey Campari unable to use ‘Wild Geese’ trademark on any of its products in Australia

06 December 2016: The High Court of Australia has rejected the request of Campari America, owner of Wild Turkey, to appeal the recent unanimous decision of the court to find in favour of The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey concerning the non-use of trade marks by Wild Turkey.

The landmark decision means that The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey can now enter the Australian market and Campari cannot use the ‘Wild Geese’ trademark on its products in Australia.

The Wild Geese had sought to remove Campari’s trademarks to the brands ‘Wild Geese’ and ‘Wild Geese Wines’ for legal “non-use” of the marks in Australia in the relevant non-use period. Earlier this year, five presiding Federal Court judges found for The Wild Geese and awarded indemnity costs however a question remained as to whether Campari could appeal the decision.

Commenting on the decision; Ándre Levy Co-Founder and Chairman, The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey stated: “We are delighted that the High Court has effectively endorsed the original unanimous decision that grants us the basic right as a business to use our name. This is just one part of a larger battle that we have been engaged in for the past 14 years that has included over 50 actions across several geographies.”

“Originally initiated by Pernod Ricard, these actions have sought to limit the growth of an independent and competitive brand, thus stifling growth in the global Irish whiskey market. The consequences of these actions have been far reaching, to the extent that to ensure our continued growth and success, we have been forced to buy Irish whiskey at a premium from third parties who have been able to access whiskey that we are unable to purchase directly from large producers. “ “Despite the unanimous decision from the five Federal Court Judges, Campari continued their attack on The Wild Geese, raising fundamental questions about the motivation behind their actions. It is our belief that dominant players cannot simply be allowed to eliminate competition because of their position and that people will be shocked to discover the real story behind these actions.”

“Fundamentally we are committed to the Irish whiskey category and our right to offer whiskey drinkers the very best product, something we will continue to do in the spirit of The Wild Geese”

This action relates to the last attempt by Pernod Ricard, then owners of Wild Turkey, to prevent The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey from market entry into the Irish whiskey category. Overall this activity comprised several geographies and over 50 actions over 14 years, following the refusal by The Wild Geese to comply with Pernod Ricard’s demands that it be granted the right of veto where The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey could be sold in competition with Jameson. A condition Pernod Ricard sought to impose as part of a supply agreement for whiskey for The Wild Geese.

This particular action, initiated by Pernod Ricard in 2002 and then taken up by Campari when Wild Turkey was sold, sought to secure the ‘Wild Geese’ trademark in Australia and thus prevent The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey from trading in an important Irish whiskey market.

In an attempt to limit the reach of The Wild Geese Irish Whiskey, Wild Turkey took assignment of the ‘Wild Geese’ and ‘Wild Geese Wines’ trademark from Wild Geese Wines in Australia in 2007. This latest action has subsequently found that while the ‘Wild Geese’ trademark had been used by Wild Turkey between 2007 and 2010 it was done so incorrectly.

Such was the strength of the appeal that earlier this year, the five presiding judges unanimously found for The Wild Geese and awarded indemnity costs.

The Birmingham Whisky Club celebrates five years of dram fine drinking

• 5 sell out whisky festivals

• 265 whisky tasting events

• 5,247 bottles sampled

• 6,252 satisfied whisky fans 

Launched in 2011 by Amy Seton the Birmingham Whisky club celebrates five years of innovative events, festivals and tasting sessions.

Since launch the club has built a cult following of 1000s of whisky lovers from across the country.

Entrepreneur Amy started the club five years after noticing a gap in the market for whisky tastings in Birmingham. She also had a passion to make whisky more accessible to women.

Following the first successful event Amy has since gone on to build one of the country’s most successful whisky festivals outside of London attracting international brands and whisky fans from every corner of the UK.

The club launched with its first event in December 2011 – A beginners Guide to Whisky which was a total sell out.

Amy Seton said: “I started the club with one tasting event attended by 30 people. Much as I knew there was a huge opportunity to do something exciting in Birmingham I couldn’t have envisaged where we’ve got to today.

The last five years have been a huge roller coaster but it’s been worth every minute. What we’re doing here in Birmingham is pretty unique. I’ve travelled all over the country and met with countless whisky professionals who are inspired by the passion we have for whisky in this city.

The club has evolved from a handful of people to what it is today and there is still plenty more to come. You can expect some pretty big things to happen in the next 12 months.”

To celebrate this landmark, the club has hosted five fantastic events with iconic whisky brands over November and December.

The club kicked off with a ‘drink-along’ screening of Ken Loach’s award-winning ‘The Angel’s Share’ at the UK’s oldest working cinema; The Electric Cinema, with independent bottlers Douglas Laing.

Also as part of the celebrations Clements & Church tailors of Colmore Row held a tasting with Chivas Regal and The Wellington played host to Glenfiddich and Highland Park. The final tasting as a return of club favourite ‘Peat Freaks’ with co-founder and local whisky expert, Craig Mills.

Tickets for the club’s flagship festival, Whisky Birmingham 2017, held on Saturday March 4^th 2017 are now on sale.

For more information on The Birmingham Whisky Club’s upcoming events, head to their website. Further details about Whisky Birmingham 2017 can be found at www.birminghamwhiskyfestival.co.uk/.

Notes to editors

For information about The Birmingham Whisky Club please visit http://www.thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk/ or contact Amy Seton on 07966 266511 or email Vicky@birminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk.

About The Birmingham Whisky Club

The Birmingham Whisky Club is Birmingham’s only dedicated whisky tasting events company. We offer a diverse range of tutored tastings and whisky-themed events in and around Birmingham, including themed and rare whisky night’s, events with distilleries, whisky and food matching, and private and corporate events. We welcome everyone, from complete beginners to the more hardened whisky buff.

Visit our webpage www.thebirminghamwhiskyclub.co.uk/ or find us on Facebook.