Beam Suntory Opens First New Barrel Warehouse in Frankfort Since 1968

Frankfort, KY, November 4 – Beam Suntory will open a new barrel warehouse in Frankfort, KY today. The seven-story building is a testament not only to surging demand for bourbon globally, but Beam Suntory’s commitment to and investment in Kentucky, the heartland of its business.

“The need for this incredible new Rackhouse really underscores the global thirst for bourbon,” said David Hunter, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Beam Suntory. “I’m so proud of the team here in Frankfort, and all of our operations in Kentucky, who have been working so hard to keep up with the pace of demand for bourbon around the world.”

This new structure spans more than 275,000 square feet, and is the largest of Beam Suntory’s 112 Rackhouses in Kentucky, with room for more than 59,000 barrels, 17% more than its next-largest warehouse. It is the largest Rackhouse that can currently be built under current Kentucky state law and is Beam Suntory’s first new Rackhouse in Frankfort since 1968.

“The opening of this new barrelhouse reflects the importance of the bourbon industry and the commitment of Beam Suntory to central Kentucky,” said U.S. Rep. Andy Barr,  R-Lexington. “Each of those barrels represents good paying jobs made possible by global demand for Kentucky’s native spirit.”

Beam Suntory plans to invest more than $1 billion to make bourbon in Kentucky over the next five years, including grains, barrels, payroll and capital expenditures.

“This is a big moment for our entire campus here at Frankfort,” said Alan Mitchell, General Manager, Frankfort. “Not only will this new facility give us ample space for aging our incredible products, but its close proximity to the bottling lines will make transfer efficient.”

“The Big Man of Jim Beam” Recounts Life and Legacy of Bourbon Legend, Booker Noe

Deerfield, Illinois – September 27, 2016 – Booker Noe, sixth generation Beam Master Distiller and Jim Beam’s grandson, has been described in many ways: Legendary bourbon distiller. Larger-than-life innovator. Raconteur. American Original.

In the newly released and eagerly awaited biography “The Big Man of Jim Beam” (Wiley, September 2016), Noe comes to life as all of these characters – and more. The book provides bourbon enthusiasts a clear-eyed look at one of the industry’s most influential figures as the celebration of National Bourbon Heritage Month draws to a close.

“This book captures the spirt and essence of my dad in every sense,” says Fred Noe, Seventh Generation Beam Master Distiller. “It’s honest and forthright, just like his whiskey. If you’re a bourbon fan, or just a fan of bold characters and trailblazers, then this is the book for you.”

Written by award-winning author Jim Kokoris, a close friend of Booker Noe and the Beam family, the book chronicles Booker’s life from his boyhood in small town Kentucky through to his rise to bourbon prominence. An illustrative account of his 40-year reign as master distiller of the world’s number one bourbon Jim Beam® Bourbon, “The Big Man of Jim Beam” carefully reconstructs Booker’s groundbreaking creation of The Small Batch Bourbon Collection®, including Booker’s® Bourbon, Knob Creek® Bourbon, Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon and Baker’s® Bourbon, which changed the bourbon industry. In addition, the history of his family’s seven generations of distilling is also recounted.

Offering never-before told stories, historical footnotes, and cocktail and cooking recipes, this book is an entertaining – yet accurate – account of Noe’s colorful life.

“Noe’s uninhibited character is revealed with poise, honesty and precision throughout the book. Noe would expect his biography to be as uncut and unfiltered as his favorite whiskey, Booker’s Bourbon. Kokoris delivers,” said F. Paul Pacult, author of American Still Life: The Jim Beam Story and the Making of the World’s #1 Bourbon and editor of F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal.

To purchase a copy of “The Big Man of Jim Beam,” visit the Jim Beam online store at store.jimbeam.com.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

CHIVAS BROTHERS ANNOUNCES PLANS TO INVEST £40M IN WORLD CLASS FACILITY IN SCOTLAND

– Plans for a new plant, equipment and facilities in Dumbarton –

– Proposal to move Paisley-based operations to Kilmalid site by end of 2019 – 

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, has announced its intention to invest in a new state-of-the-art facility over the next three years at its Kilmalid site in Dumbarton.

Testament to the company’s firm commitment to Scotland, the £40 million investment will deliver a world-class operation with outstanding performance.

Plans include a bottling hall and office set for completion by the end of 2019, which will be newly designed and purpose built, providing a more integrated and engaging environment for all Chivas Brothers employees.

The proposal is a response to an extensive review of the company’s current operations and would see the closure of the Paisley site in three years’ time.

The transfer of activities from Paisley to Kilmalid is scheduled to start in 2018 and by the end of 2019 all Chivas Brothers employees based in Paisley would move over to work at the company’s Kilmalid site.

The new integrated operation will build on Chivas Brothers’ rich 80-year history in Dumbarton.

Laurent Lacassagne, Chairman & CEO at Chivas Brothers, said:

“Our proposal is the next step towards achieving our leadership ambition and is a clear signal that we see a strong future ahead for both the industry and our business. This £40 million investment will enhance and improve our operations and support the development of our global and iconic brands.

“This is a project of significant size and scale for Chivas Brothers which is why which we are announcing our proposal three years in advance. We want to provide ample opportunity to manage the transition of our business effectively and for our employees to adjust and adapt to working from a new site.”

The company is at the beginning of a three year process and aims to start the transfer of operations and activities from Paisley to Kilmalid from 2018, creating an integrated operation by the end of 2019. 

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.

Please click here for a photo of Chivas Brothers’ ‘Kilmalid site’

Wyoming Whiskey Barrel Strength Wins Liquid Gold Award in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2017

“Take a bow: absolutely superb bourbon! A micro distillery bourbon worth making a macro search for.”

KIRBY, WY (Nov. 2, 2016)— Wyoming Whiskey’s first-ever Barrel Strength Bourbon scored a “Superstar” rating of 95 out of 100 and received a Liquid Gold Award in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2017. Murray describes whiskies of this caliber as one of the “Superstar whiskies that give us all a reason to live.”

According to Murray, Wyoming Whiskey Barrel Strength “ticks plenty of boxes here for even the most hard line bourbon lover.” He described the tasting experience as “a stunning volley of molasses and, presumably, rye as there is a real crisp, juicy quality to this delivery. Sets all your taste buds on edge and they are not given a chance to stand down, as the liquorice mounts up in extraordinary degrees.”

The Barrel Strength Bourbon label was created when two special barrels were discovered by Distiller Sam Mead and industry consultant and master blender Nancy Fraley in the fall of 2015. Barrels #442 and #443 had been subjected to extreme heat in their infancy and, as a result, leaked significantly over the years. A total of 22 gallons remained in these two barrels, collectively, and only 96 bottles were made available in select markets. These bottles sold out before they could even hit the shelves and Jim Murray received a fleeting sample of what he would ultimately characterize as “Liquid Gold”.

“Two of our barrels leaked significantly during their time in the warehouse. We believe this accelerated the oxidation process and turned them into excellent barrels of bourbon,” said Wyoming Whiskey Distiller, Sam Mead. “We are honored that Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, one of the most trusted sources in the industry, identified how special this bourbon is.”

Wyoming Whiskey Small Batch Bourbon received a score of 87, which places it in the category Murray describes as “very good to excellent whiskies definitely worth buying.” Wyoming Whiskey Single Barrel was awarded an 87.5 and falls in the same category.

Jim Murray’s Liquid Gold award is the third major accolade for Barrel Strength since its release. WhiskyCast’s Mark Gillespie gave it a 97 out of 100 in Episode 533 last fall. Lew Bryson also listed it among “Whisky Advocate’s Top 10 Whiskies for Spring 2016”. Wyoming Whiskey fans can look forward to another Barrel Strength release in late winter 2017 as long as Distiller Sam Mead approves of it.

Wyoming Whiskey continues to evolve its well-rounded whiskey offerings. This fall, they released Outryder Straight American Whiskey. Outryder 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. All grains used in Wyoming Whiskey products are non-GMO and grown in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming.

Sign up to become a Whiskey Baron to receive the latest news and special offers from Wyoming Whiskey. For daily updates, follow Wyoming Whiskey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Wyoming Whiskey

Based in Kirby, Wyoming, Wyoming Whiskey has a simple goal: to create America’s next great bourbon. 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, visithttp://www.wyomingwhiskey.com.

1792 SINGLE BARREL NAMED BEST SINGLE BARREL BOURBON

WITHOUT AN AGE STATEMENT 

            BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (Nov. 3, 2016) – World renowned whiskey writer Jim Murray has honored 1792 Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey with a top award in his 2017 “Whisky Bible.” 1792 Single Barrel was named No Age Statement, Single Barrel Bourbon of the Year.

            “Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible” contains tasting notes from more than 5,000 whiskies, and this year’s Bible marks 25 years since Murray became the world’s first full-time whisky writer.

            These honors will be published in the 2017 Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible which can be purchased at the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop, select bookstores, or online at www.whiskybible.com.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent gold medal winner at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. To learn more visit www.1792bourbon.com/.

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS SPIRIT – A GIFT OF SINGLE MALT WHISKY 

Why not treat your loved one to the ultimate Christmas spirit with a premium single malt whisky? We have a selection of award-winning single malts to suit every budget and palate that are guaranteed to impress this festive season…

The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old

New to The Macallan portfolio, The Macallan Double Cask will be available to purchase as a Christmas gift for the first time this year. Exclusively sherry seasoned, The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old delivers a distinct American oak style, reflecting a perfect harmony of flavours and natural colour. The delicate flavour of American oak – vanilla, citrus and light oak – rises in prominence as the traditional Macallan character of rich fruit, sherry and wood spice affords a familiar back drop. This is a flavour combination which is guaranteed until the very last drop. The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old is available in specialist whisky retailers including The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt (RRP £53). 

The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Gift Tin

The Macallan brings together stunning photography with exceptional single malt whisky to create a truly extraordinary gift. Inspired by The Macallan’s commitment to exceptional oak casks, this new limited edition tin features The Macallan Gold and brings to life the natural beauty and quality of the oak used to make The Macallan’s exceptional casks through the medium of beautiful photography. This limited edition gift tin is a decorative and eye-catching keepsake for whisky enthusiasts and collectors. The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Gift Tin is available in Tesco and Waitrose (RRP £38). www.themacallan.com/

Highland Park 12 Year Old

Highland Park 12 Year Old is the ideal gift for fans of flavour and the perfect accompaniment for your Christmas pudding. This single malt is at the heart of Highland Park’s core range and is a rich and well-balanced whisky boasting a honey sweetness, followed by fruity notes with a hint of gentle smoke. Highland Park 12 Year Old is available at multiple retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Co-op (RRP £35). www.highlandpark.co.uk/

Highland Park 18 Year Old

For the whisky aficionado, Highland Park 18 Year Old is an ideal gift this Christmas. Named “Best Spirit in the World” by US spirits writer F. Paul Pacult, this single malt is a masterclass of balance, complexity and refinement. Displaying characteristic toffee sweetness with a full smoky finish it is a whisky that reveals more layers with every glass you enjoy. Highland Park 18 Year Old is available in all good whisky specialists including www.masterofmalt.com and www.thewhiskyexhange.com/ (RRP £99). www.highlandpark.co.uk/

The Macallan Rare Cask

Aged exclusively in sherry oak casks, The Macallan Rare Cask sees soft notes of opulent vanilla and raisin pique the nose, giving way to a sweet ensemble of apple, lemon, and orange. A single malt produced through meticulous dedication to wood – with some of the casks used to age the whisky from sherry bodegas no longer in existence – it is the perfect gift for those who are fans of craftsmanship and quality.

The Macallan Rare Cask is available in select whisky retailers including The Whisky Shop and Harrods (RRP £200). www.themacallan.com/

Notes 

Please enjoy our brands responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk

About Maxxium UK Limited

Maxxium UK Limited is part of the sales and distribution alliance between Beam Suntory and Edrington and we are proud to represent third-party drinks brands.

For further information on our award-winning range of premium brands and how to enjoy them, please log on to www.maxxium.com/ or www.mixxit.co.uk/

TIME TO GET BIDDING

The bitter truth is that the Bitter Truth 24 Year Old Rye Whiskey is extremely elusive. We were determined to find a bottle before it is lost to the pages of adoring blog posts and this month, we’ve struck gold – this exceptional single-barrel rye whisky from Willett distillery was distilled in 1984 before being bottled at barrel-proof in 2008 by drink maestros Bitter Truth. If this is a tad young for your tastes, take a look at Harry E Wilken 1917 Special Reserve which was distilled during WWI and bottled during the Prohibition era as a, um, medicine.

The Hanyu Card Series? We’ve got it in Spades, as well as a few aces up our sleeve. From the blockbuster 1985 Ace of Spades to the mischievous Joker, shuffle through and take your pick from the Eight of Hearts, Five of Diamonds and more from this closed Japanese distillery – we hope you get a good deal.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY INSTALLS NEW GRAIN DRYER, REPLACING EXISTING 1950s DRYER

Distillery recycles roughly 750,000 lbs of distilled dried grains each week 

            FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Nov. 1, 2016) This summer Buffalo Trace Distillery replaced one of its grain dryers that dated back to the 1950s. However, removing the dryer and inserting the new one was no small feat. In order to install the new, 63,853 pound dryer, the Louisville Dryer Company had to hoist the massive dryer over the Kentucky River and into the Distillery’s Dryhouse, using a large crane.

            Now in place among four other dryers in use at Buffalo Trace Distillery, the new dryer, though the same size as the one it replaced, is capable of handling 30 percent more work. The Distillery uses these grain dryers to dry the spent grains that were used in the whiskey-making process, then sees that all of its distilled dried grains are recycled and put to use in other ways, specifically by shipping them off to local farmers for feeding livestock and making a variety of food products, like biscuit and pancake mix.

            The Distillery keeps its dryers busy six days a week to keep up with its bourbon production, and sends off roughly 750,000 pounds of distilled dried grains each week to farmers who then reuse that dried grain. Buffalo Trace even sells some of the products made with its recycled grain in its Gift Shop.

            “Everything has a purpose around here,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “Nothing goes to waste. Once our grains serve our intents in our whiskey making process we’re happy to be able to support our local farmers and give that spent grain another purpose.”

            The new dryer installation took place during Buffalo Trace’s annual summer shut down, which typically lasts from about mid-June through the beginning of August. The Distillery uses that time to deep clean all facets of the distilling process and make necessary repairs in order to keep things running efficiently and to get the most use out of its equipment. It’s safe to say that each dryer at Buffalo Trace sees its fair use, as it still has two dryers in place that date back to the 1940s. These old faithful machines will likely be replaced in the coming years as well.

            A time lapse video of the dryer removal and installation, produced by the Louisville Dryer Company can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/BM-86nMnAho

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/.

IRISH DISTILLERS LEADS THE WAY IN IRISH WHISKEY FOR JIM MURRAY

– 2017 instalment of the coveted Whisky Bible awards Irish Distillers with the Best Irish Whiskey, Best Single Pot Still and Best Blended Irish Whiskey for fifth year in a row –

Irish Distillers is celebrating after Jim Murray recognised Redbreast 21 Year Old and Jameson Irish Whiskey as Best Irish Whiskey and Best Blended Irish Whiskey respectively in his 2017 Whisky Bible – the fifth year in a row the company has scooped the top awards.

Redbreast 21 Year Old, praised by Murray as “amongst the world’s truly great whiskies and near blue print for the perfect pot still Irish Whiskey”, scored 96/100 points to top the Best Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey category. The expression went on to become Best Irish Whiskey – the fourth time in five years that Redbreast has won both gongs. The accolade rounds off a stellar year for award wins for Redbreast 21 Year Old, including; Chairman’s Trophy at Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Best in Show at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and Gold medals at the Beverage Tasting Institute and The Irish Whiskey Masters.

With a score of 95/100 points, Jameson Irish Whiskey cemented its status as a legendary Irish Whiskey with its fourth win in the last five years in the Irish Blended Whiskey category. Well known around the world for its smooth taste and Irish character, the original Jameson was hailed by Murray as a ‘classic’ that remains in ‘stunning, truly wondrous form’.

[Jean-Christophe Coutures, Chairman and CEO at Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard], commented: “We are thrilled with the ongoing recognition of Jameson Irish Whiskey and Redbreast 21 Year Old from Jim Murray – the accolades punctuate another fantastic year of success for the brands as the Irish Whiskey renaissance continues around the world. I would like to extend a special thank-you to our team of Irish Whiskey experts at the Midleton Distillery, in County Cork, who craft whiskeys of the finest quality that continue to be deemed the best in their class. It’s an honour to be recognised in the 2017 edition Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible – and we look forward to continuing our legacy of excellence in the future”

Now in its 14^th year, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible contains tasting notes for around 5,000 whiskies from all over the world. The most complete and up-to-date whisky anthology also includes some of the most authoritative and well respected whisky awards in the industry.  

Notes to Editors 

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 26 years of consecutive growth and hitting sales of 5m cases in 2015. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets, with over 50 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.

More information at www.irishdistillers.ie/.   

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/

WILD TURKEY RELEASES AMERICA’S FAVOURITE BARREL PROOF BOURBON IN THE UK

‘Bourbon Buddha’ hit arrives in time for Fall and Thanksgiving celebrations  

Drinkers who like their spirits with big bold flavours have a new way to wet their whistle with Wild Turkey® Rare Breed® landing in the UK for the first time. Bottling at barrel proof (uncut with water) gives an extra edge to the rich and silky bourbon whiskies that have aged for six, eight and 12 years in oak barrels at the distillery’s home in Lawrenceberg, Kentucky.

Already the number one barrel proof bourbon in the USA, Rare Breed has been carefully crafted, without compromise, by Jimmy Russell, the legendary 82 year old Master Distiller of Wild Turkey (in his home town, Jimmy is known as the ‘Bourbon Buddha’). The result is an exceptionally rich full-bodied bourbon with sweet notes, spicy characteristics and a long, dried fruit finish. Attaining an easy-drinking bourbon at such a high alcohol strength (56.4% ABV) is no easy feat.

Commenting on the product, Jimmy’s son, and fellow Master Distiller, Eddie Russell said: “We’ve always liked to age our bourbons for longer than many other distillers and when it’s tried like this without water, you can really see why this makes sense. The Wild Turkey peppery, spicy characteristics burst out, but they’re sweetly rounded from the years of maturation in brand new oak barrels. Hell, it’s so smooth Jimmy keeps his in the freezer so he can serve it chilled without ice diluting it.”

To make a batch of Rare Breed, only the finest bourbons are selected from the warehouses. The six year old whiskies gives the drink a lively kick, the eight year olds offers a smooth heart and the 12 year olds deliver a rich depth.

The release of Rare Breed in the UK comes at a time when bartenders and consumers are tuning into the qualities of bourbon, both in cocktails like the old fashioned and neat, often as a boilermaker partner. Judges at the world’s top competitions also recognise Rare Breed’s excellence – it collected a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco Spirits Competition earlier this year.

Available from Amazon, The Whisky Exchange and specialist retailers with a RRP of £47.95 for a 700ml bottle, Wild Turkey Rare Breed is on shelf from now. The stocky glass bottle comes with a cork stopper and both the bottle and outer pack carry awesomely detailed turkey illustrations.

Tasting notes:

Colour: Bright amber

Nose:                 Dense aromas of roasted whole nots, peppercorns, banana custard pie and burnt sugar with a round silky medium-full body

Taste:                 Tongue-warming polished wood, lemongrass, slate and white pepper finish (with water added, rounds out to a long, lingering finish with dried fruits)

Wild Turkey on Facebook: /wildturkey Wild Turkey on Twitter: @WildTurkeyUK 

ABOUT WILD TURKEY

The Distillery for Wild Turkey Bourbon is located in Kentucky, situated on a deep limestone shelf on the Kentucky River. The shelf acts as a natural filter and provides the distillery with crystal clear water, vital to making such a high quality product. The whiskey is fermented for 72 hours. Wild Turkey features the legendary father and son Master Distilling team of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, who have 90 years of combined experience making bourbon.

The famous Wild Turkey brand name first came about back in 1940 when distillery executive Thomas McCarthey took a few warehouse samples on a Wild Turkey hunting trip with a group of friends. The following year, his friends asked him for “some of that Wild Turkey whiskey” and the brand was born.

Wild Turkey is distilled and put into new oak barrels at a much lower ABV than most bourbon. This results in a much richer flavor, as less is cooked out during the production process. Ageing in the highest quality new American oak barrels with the heaviest char available (the Number 4 “alligator” char), imparts a smooth flavor and deep amber color to the whiskey. Wild Turkey is one of only a few bourbons to use this expensive, deep char.

The barrels are filled at the distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. www.wildturkey.com 

ABOUT Campari UK:

Gruppo Campari’s UK subsidiary, headquartered in London. A multicultural and dynamic team composed of 40 Camparistas from 10 different nationalities. Established on March 1st 2015, it took over from J. Wray & Nephew UK, a well-established brand builder and distributor of premium Jamaican rums. At the heart of Campari UK there are two main portfolio offerings: the Italian portfolio with heritage brands such as Campari and Aperol and the white & dark spirits portfolio, led by the Jamaican rum brands Appleton Estate Rum and Wray & Nephew Overproof, as well as Wild Turkey Kentucky Bourbon. The company spans an unrivalled premium spirits and specialty offer in its quality, innovation and style and is also the exclusive UK distributor for Bulldog Gin. www.campariuk.com 

ABOUT GRUPPO CAMPARI:

Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A., together with its affiliates (‘Gruppo Campari’), is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with leading positions in Europe and the Americas. The Group was founded in 1860 and today is the sixth-largest player worldwide in the premium spirits industry. The Group’s portfolio, with over 50 brands, spans spirits, the core business, wines and soft drinks. Internationally-renowned brands include Aperol, Appleton Estate, Campari, Cinzano, SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey. Headquartered in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy, Campari owns 16 plants and 2 wineries worldwide and has its own distribution network in 19 countries. The Group employs around 4,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. For more information: www.camparigroup.com . Please enjoy our brands responsibly.