BLANTON’S SINGLE BARREL NAMED BEST OF CLASS BOURBON,

RECEIVES DOUBLE GOLD

AT DENVER INTERNATIONAL SPIRITS COMPETITION

Buffalo Trace Distillery whiskies win eight top awards 

            FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (April 5, 2017) Buffalo Trace Distillery was awarded eight top awards at the sixth annual Denver International Spirits Competition, including a Double Gold, which was awarded to Blanton’s Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Blanton’s was also named Best of Class Bourbon.

            In addition to Blanton’s receiving Double Gold, whiskies from Buffalo Trace Distillery also received two Gold, three Silver and two Bronze.

            Those awarded Gold include:

• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Sazerac Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

            Those awarded Silver include:

• Eagle Rare 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Old No. 8 Brand Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Benchmark Brown Sugar Flavored Whiskey

            Those awarded Bronze include:

• Benchmark Apple Flavored Whiskey
• Benchmark Peach Flavored Whiskey

“We are very pleased and humbled by these results,” Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley said. “This is a great recognition for our whiskies, and we could not be more proud of the whole crew at the Distillery who work hard every day to produce our great whiskies.”

The Denver International Spirits Competition was held in Broomfield, Colorado, where a panel of 20 respected spirits authorities rated entries through a double-blind process, on a 100-point scale.

Complete results for the 2017 Denver International Spirits Competition can be found at www.denverspiritscomp.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

Stillhouse Whiskey Redefines “Travel Size” with Release of New 375 mL “Roadie” 

Award-winning 100% Clear Corn American Whiskey Made Even More Portable 

LOS ANGELES, CA (April 4, 2017) – Stillhouse Spirits Co. today introduced a new 375 mL version of the brand’s award-winning Stillhouse whiskey. Filled with America’s Finest clear corn whiskey, this flask-sized version of Stillhouse’s unbreakable, daring red, 100% stainless steel can is an industry first. Stillhouse is redefining “travel size” with a can that swiftly slides into your back pocket and enables its signature whiskey to more easily travel where glass can’t go.

“We’re extremely proud to launch Stillhouse’s 375 mL ‘Roadie’,” said Brad Beckerman, Founder & CEO of Stillhouse Spirits Co. “As a young brand, the launch of our 375 complements our consumers’ lifestyles. We can’t wait to see where Stillhouse fans take our whiskey while they’re on-the-go.”

Like Stillhouse’s 750 mL, the new pocket-size can extends celebrations beyond typical bar settings and goes where glass can’t to places like backyard barbecues, tailgates, beach bonfires and more. The even more portable and lightweight nature of Stillhouse’s 375 mL can is also perfect for festival season, adventure travels, concerts, and camping. Simply toss the shatterproof can in your bag, backpack or cooler without worry and enjoy once you arrive where you’re headed.

Every Stillhouse expression is all-natural, gluten-free and available in the new, portable 375 mL, including Stillhouse’s 80-proof (40% ABV) Original whiskey as well as 69-proof (34.5% ABV) Apple Crisp, Peach Tea, Coconut, Mint Chip and Red Hot whiskeys. Suggested retail price is $15.99.

Slide the #Stillhouse in your back pocket and let us know where you end up @StillhouseUSA.

About Stillhouse® whiskey

Revolutionary from the inside out, Stillhouse® is an unapologetic disruptor, breaking tradition at every turn. Made from estate-grown corn, Stillhouse is 100% clear corn American whiskey, distilled to perfection in authentic copper whiskey stills and charcoal-filtered for superior quality and taste. The Original 80-proof (40% ABV) has a remarkable mellow flavor and smooth finish. Stillhouse pays homage to the spirit of innovation and cutting against the grain. Defying convention from whiskey to package, Stillhouse is produced in Columbia, TN, and presented in a one-of-a-kind, patent pending, daring red, unbreakable 100% stainless steel can that goes where glass can’t go. Stillhouse uses a proprietary sour mash recipe to create its clean, crisp, gluten-free Original whiskey, with bold, all-natural flavors to make 69-proof (34.5% ABV) Apple Crisp, Peach Tea, Coconut, Mint Chip and Red Hot whiskeys. Stillhouse is best served as a chilled shot, on the rocks to create a distinct riff on your favorite cocktail, or in a handcrafted punch. An award-winning whiskey, Stillhouse Original – the backbone of every Stillhouse flavored-whiskey – took home the gold medal at the 2016 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition. Recognized for its excellence in Spirit Packaging Design, Stillhouse received a Double Gold Award in the 2016 San Francisco World Spirit Competition, a Rosey Award, and a Silver award from The One Show in 2016. Stillhouse is currently available for purchase at select retailers in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. Suggested retail price is $27.99 for Stillhouse’s 750 mL can. Find out more at http://www.stillhouse.com/. Please enjoy responsibly.

Manager of iconic retail shop joins exclusive Scotch whisky society 

A retail shop manager, who has been enthusing visitors for nine years in one of the world’s most renowned whisky shops, has become a Keeper of the Quaich at an exclusive ceremony at Blair Castle, Perthshire.

Mark Angus, retail manager at Gordon & MacPhail’s historic shop, was invited to join the international and select society which recognises those that have shown outstanding commitment to the Scotch whisky industry.

Mark Angus said: “I am honoured to become a Keeper of the Quaich. I wholeheartedly support the society’s mission to achieve a greater appreciation and awareness of our magnificent spirit and look forward to working alongside such distinguished individuals from across the industry to fulfil this common goal.

“I am privileged to spend my days sharing my passion for Scotch Whisky with visitors from across the globe. It is an industry of continuing discovery and I am constantly finding new and exciting whiskies to explore and share with our customers.

“I am fortunate to work with a hugely talented and experienced team at Gordon & MacPhail. Our retail premises opened in 1895 and we can draw upon 122 years of experience in delivering excellent customer service and whisky education.”

Mark offers regular tours and delivers tastings in Gordon & MacPhail’s iconic Whisky Room which stocks over 1000 different single malts, including many of the company’s own rare and aged expressions. He also sits on the company’s whisky quality panel and selects single casks bottlings for exclusive sale in the shop. The shop also offers a selection of groceries, a well-stocked delicatessen and a dedicated wine and spirits room.

As a board member of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, a judge for Scottish Field’s Whisky Challenge Events and a passionate advocate of exceptional customer service, Mark ensures his team receive regular training and retain excellent product and industry knowledge.

The shop and its staff have been recognised with a five-star retail experience from VisitScotland and three Whisky Magazine Icons of Scotland Awards for retail excellence, most recently this year.

Mark and his colleagues will be delivering several engaging masterclasses and whisky themed events for local and international visitors and whisky aficionados during this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival from 27^th April – 1^st May 2017.

Notes  

About Gordon & MacPhail

Gordon & MacPhail’s retail shop was established on 24 May 1895 and still trades today providing customers from around the world with a range of products and services including the world famous Whisky Room, a room dedicated to wines and spirits, and a selection of groceries and a well-stocked delicatessen.

Since these early days the business, owned for four generations by the Urquhart family, has grown and has a number of business interests.  The company is one of the United Kingdom’s top specialist wines and spirits wholesalers; a distiller, owning Benromach Distillery in Forres; and a bottler of Scotch whiskies from throughout Scotland.

Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with new-make spirit, and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 60 countries. It offers more than 300 presentations of own-bottled single malts. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade; an honour that was bestowed on the business again in 2013 with a visit from HRH The Princess Royal.

In 2015 Gordon & MacPhail made history by bottling the oldest cask ever released – a 75-Year-Old Mortlach, distilled in 1939.

THE MACALLAN IN LALIQUE LEGACY COLLECTION ACHIEVES EXCEPTIONAL AUCTION PRICE

OF US$993,000 AT SOTHEBY’S HONG KONG  

Sunday 2 April saw the sale of the extraordinary The Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection – a set of six stunning crystal decanters containing the rarest of The Macallan’s single malts aged from 50 to 65 years old – for US$993,000 at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong.

Following more than a decade of collaboration, the highly coveted collection marks the grand finale in the prestigious Six Pillars odyssey – an exclusive series of limited edition decanters by The Macallan and master French crystal maker, Lalique, inspired by the foundation stones upon which The Macallan creates its exceptional whiskies.

As the world’s only complete collection, official and direct from The Macallan, The Legacy Collection was listed in the Sotheby’s ‘Finest & Rarest Wines and The Macallan’ auction in Hong Kong on Sunday 2 April 2017, with all net proceeds to be donated to Hong Kong based and other Asian charities.

Housed in a one and only, bespoke natural ebony cabinet created by Lalique Maison, The Legacy Collection also holds six Macallan Fine and Rare miniatures; two from each of the 1937, 1938 and 1939 vintages (signifying the zenith of Lalique’s contribution in the French Art Deco period), and six pairs of Lalique Macallan glasses, each serial numbered to commemorate the unique partnership.  Autographs of the masters behind the collection are included inside the cabinet, which also allows space for the buyer to have their own name engraved within it as well.

Ken Grier, Creative Director for The Macallan, said: “This remarkable conclusion to The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars series is a symbol of the strength behind our long-standing partnership and our unwavering commitment to going beyond the ordinary. To achieve this outstanding price at auction is testament to the quality, detail and absolute skill and mastery of the Lalique craftsmen and our expert whisky makers, and we are proud that this work of art has secured a wonderful contribution to Asian charities.”

Silvio Denz, Chairman and CEO of Lalique, said: “The unprecedented price achieved for The Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection reflects the exceptional nature of the piece – a complete one off and highly collectable work of art which marries the two houses. Masters in their respective fields, Lalique and The Macallan are joined by mutual respect and an unwavering commitment to craft, artistry and beauty. Since our partnership first began in 2005, it has achieved a number of world record prices at auction and we are delighted to provide both The Macallan and Lalique connoisseurs the opportunity to own something truly remarkable whilst contributing to Asian charities.” 

Robert Sleigh, Senior Director at Sotheby’s Asia, said, “It has been an honour for Sotheby’s to work with The Macallan and Lalique once again in offering this unique Macallan Collection that combines the exemplary artisanal skills of both Macallan and Lalique, to produce this once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire such a rare collectable item. The enthusiasm of over ten bidders in the room, online and over the phone demonstrates the importance with which global collectors regard The Macallan in Lalique Legacy Collection and the significance of its direct from the distillery provenance. It is fitting that it achieved a new world record for any lot of whisky ever sold at auction.”

The six exceptional whiskies contained in the cabinet are:

The Macallan in Lalique – Exceptional Oak Cask, 50 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Natural Colour, 55 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Finest Cut, 57 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Curiously Small Stills, 60 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Spiritual Home, 62 Years Old

The Macallan in Lalique – Peerless Spirit, 65 Years Old

Since its inception in 2005, The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars series has captured the imagination of collectors around the world. In 2014, The Macallan accounted for the top ten priced bottles sold at auction; eight out of ten sales being decanters from The Macallan in Lalique series (Whisky Magazine). In 2015, The Macallan was the most valuable whisky brand at auction, accounting for over 25% of the total value traded at auction (Rare Whisky 101).

The Macallan has a strong relationship with Sotheby’s, having previously worked together on both its world record auctions including, The Macallan 64 Years old in Lalique Cire Perdue Decanter in November 2010, selling at auction in New York for US$460,000, and the Imperial M Decanter in January 2014, selling at auction in Hong Kong for US$628,000.

The charities set to receive funding from the proceeds of the auction include those which benefit disadvantaged people in Hong Kong and throughout Asia by supporting them with food needs, skills to help them back into employment, and medical requirements.

For further information about The Macallan visit www.themacallan.com

About The Macallan

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the world’s most admired and awarded single malt whiskies. The reputation of The Macallan is based on a product of outstanding quality and distinctive character, founded upon a set of guiding principles, the Six Pillars. An obsession with quality has been the hallmark of The Macallan since its’ founding by Alexander Reid on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland. The distillery is surrounded by a 150 hectare estate, with Easter Elchies House at its heart, a Highland Manor built in 1700. www.themacallan.com

About Lalique

Founded in 1888, Lalique is one of the crown jewels of France’s crystal glass industry. René Lalique, renowned as the inventor of modern jewellery, went on to become a master in the art of glassmaking. Over time, his name has become the powerful symbol of a unique expertise, a synonym for luxury, excellence, creativity and for a widely celebrated artistic style. Through its contemporary work in six areas, Lalique revives and pursues the creative, eclectic work of its founder: jewellery, decorative items, interior design, fragrances, art, as well as hospitality. All crystal items are handcrafted in the company’s sole manufacturing site, which has been located in the Alsace region in France since 1921. Lalique continues to thrive as a truly timeless lifestyle brand.  www.lalique.com

About Sotheby’s Wine

Sotheby’s Wine auctions in 2016 brought a worldwide total of HK$575 million / US$74 million.  Sotheby’s overall total of HK$689 million / US$88.27 million for global wine auctions in 2010 is the highest in the company’s forty-seven years of wine auctions.

The Lafite Ex Cellars sale held by Sotheby’s in Hong Kong in October 2010 set a new record for a single standard sized bottle at auction when a bottle of Château Lafite 1869 sold for US$232,692.  This means that Sotheby’s now holds the world records for a standard bottle, a bottle in any format – the Jeroboam of Château Mouton Rothschild 1945 which fetched US$310,700 in February 2007 in New York – and any wine lot at auction – the Romanée-Conti Superlot (114 bottles) which sold for HK$12,556,250 (US$1,609,776) at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in October 2014.

Sotheby’s holds the record for a wine collection sold at auction.  Wines from the Cellar of William I. Koch (New York, 19-21 May 2016) brought a total of US$21.9 million, with 100% lots sold.

Between 2009 and October 2011 Sotheby’s Hong Kong maintained 16 consecutive 100%-sold wine auctions in Asia – the only major auction house with this record.  www.sothebys.com/wine

Charitable Donation

All net proceeds of the auction will be donated to Hong Kong based and other Asian charities.  The full list of charities set to benefit includes:

Hong Kong charities

• Society for the Community Organization which supports disadvantaged people in Hong Kong.
• Food Link Foundation which specialises in coordinating food needs for disadvantaged families in Hong Kong.
• Crossroads Foundation which supports disadvantaged people in Hong Kong, specifically helping unemployed people who lack the correct skill sets between jobs. 

Regional charities

• Watsi which provides support to those in need of medical and surgical support and works globally and regionally including in Asia-Pacific.
• One Sky Foundation which supports orphans in Asia-Pacific.

Special Whiskey glasses which has travelled half the world!

Something new but no less exciting! Personalized present, which has travelled half the world. Today I will talk about you – whiskey or bourbon lovers. Have you ever felt the same feeling, when you wanted to please and surprise him or her, but could not find an appropriate gift?

Whiskey gourmets and lovers are special, you know. They are picky, solid. Every sip of whiskey are special for them. Full of different sensations and knowledge, enjoyment. And so the vessel from which they taste should be no less special. Special for special, you know.

Once my friend asked me if I could create something special for her partner. He loves nature, trees – she said. His job is closely related with carpentry. He also is very patriotic. Ok, I said – it will be very interesting challenge for me! And yes, after few days thinking, I combined symbols, which were the reflection of everything she told. So, here we go – please meet my engraved whiskey glasses with Baltic amber drops on special engraved oak tree’s branches!

After few years I reminded this adorable creation and repeated for very special client from Australia. Here what she said, after getting them: “I was looking for a unique and special 40th birthday present for my partner – who is a whiskey lover – and I stumbled upon these wonderfully crafted glasses. I ordered a set with his name engraved on one of the glasses. My order arrived within a week and I was most delighted with the finished product, not to mention the great care and attention paid to the packaging of the items so they wouldn’t be damaged during shipping.” Good examples commits. There is nothing impossible! Find yourself free to know more about the possibility to get such whiskey or bourbon glasses decor. Special for special. You know. Check here.

WHISKY MAGAZINE APPOINTS NEW EDITOR AND GLOBAL AMBASSADOR

Whisky Magazine, launched in 1998, has appointed Rob Allanson, formerly Global Ambassador at William Grant & Sons, as its Editor and Global Brand Ambassador.

Responsible for all editorial content in Whisky Magazine, its digital edition, supplements, WhiskyMag.com and social media, Rob will also represent Whisky Magazine at Whisky Live around the world as its Global Ambassador.

After a career in regional press, followed by editorial roles with Scotland Magazine and Whisky Magazine, Rob returns to Paragraph with enhanced industry knowledge and expertise in all aspects of the production and blending process. Putting this knowledge in to daily use, Rob will become one of the two tasters for the magazine, will chair the World Whiskies Awards and host Masterclasses around the world. As Chairman of the Whisky Magazine Awards, he will work with all parts of the industry, from distilleries to their visitor centres, retailers to bars.

Publisher Damian Riley-Smith said: “We are delighted to welcome Rob back to the publishing industry which has always been close to his heart. His writing and presentation skills, along with his depth of knowledge on all things whisky, make him the very best person to bring our whisky media, awards and events to their next level.”

Facts

•  Whisky Magazine: launched 1998
•  Published eight times a year in print and digital formats
•  Online since 1999 at www.whiskymag.com

Contact

Sam Coyne, Editorial Manager
Tel: +44 (0) 1603 633 808
Email: samuel@paragraph.co.uk

IRISH DISTILLERS’ PRESTIGE WHISKEY RANGE IMPRESSES JUDGES AT ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE 2017 

• Yellow Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey scored 99/100 – the joint highest score by any whisk(e)y in any category for 2017
• Highest score for an Irish whiskey since Redbreast 21 scored 100/100 in 2014
• Eight of Irish Distillers’ single pot still Irish whiskey entrants scored 95 or above
• Top six highest scoring Irish whiskeys are all crafted by Irish Distillers   

Yellow Spot Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey has been awarded an almost perfect 99/100 score at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2017 – one of the leading US based spirits awards. Yellow Spot was recognised by the judges for its quintessential single pot still character and is the highest scoring Irish whiskey in any category since Redbreast 21 was awarded 100 points in 2014.

Irish Distillers’ Prestige whiskey range was awarded eight scores of 95/100 or above, from nine entrants, demonstrating the unrivalled quality and craftsmanship of the whiskeys from the Midleton Distillery. For a full set of Ultimate Spirits Challenge results from the Redbreast, Spot and Powers ranges see below:

• Yellow Spot 12 Year Old (Chairman’s Trophy) – 99/100
• Redbreast 15 Year Old – 98/100
• Redbreast 12 Year Old Cask Strength 12 Years Old – 97/100
• Redbreast Lustau Edition – 97/100
• Redbreast 21 Year Old – 97/100
• Green Spot Chateau Leoville Barton – 96/100
• Powers John’s Lane Release 12 Year Old – 95/100
• Redbreast 12 Year Old – 95/100

• Green Spot – 89/10

Lorna Kavanagh, Senior Brand Manager for Redbreast & Spot Range at Irish Distillers, said: “The Irish Distillers Prestige range has once again demonstrated its enduring class at a global spirits tasting competition. In particular, we are delighted that Yellow Spot scored a fantastic 99 out of 100, but we would also like to recognise Redbreast, which has cemented its position as the most awarded Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey in the world. The Ultimate Spirits Challenge signals the start of the awards season and we look forward to supporting the range throughout 2017.”

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

Spring Rare & Collectable Whisky Sale

From Stewart;

“This sale we have a fine selection of Whisky from Laphroaig for all you smokeheads out there, including the fabulous 1976 and 1977 Vintages.  Other highlights are some fantastic Bowmore bottlings such as the 30 Year Old Sea Dragon, the 25 Year Old “The Gulls” and the 25 Year Old 1969 Vintage. We have some nice Rosebanks too and a good run of Macallan 18 Year Old from 1967 to 1979 plus a bottle of Macallan 1961 100 Proof.”

This auction will consist of approximately 300 lots of rare and collectable whisky. Viewing is by Appointment Contact 0141 225 8181 for bookings. Entries are continually accepted for future auctions. For more information please contact Stewart on either StewartS@mulberrybankauctions.com or call 0141 225 8181

The Spring Auction

ITS OFFICIAL THE WORLD’S BEST SINGLE MALT IS CRAIGELLACHIE  

Glasgow, Scotland, 3^rd April 2017 – John Dewar & Sons Ltd are delighted to announce CRAIGELLACHIE® 31 Years Old has been awarded the World’s Best Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2017 presented by Whisky Magazine, the leading authority on the subject.

Last night, the annual awards ceremony took place at the Waldorf Hotel in London, The WWA is one of leading award programmes in the whisky industry. An esteemed panel of internationally recognised whisky experts deemed Craigellachie 31 Years Old as THE best single malt whisky in the world, beating off competition from hundreds of entries from across the world.

Craigellachie Single Malt launched initially in September 2014 making this a highly notable accolade for a whisky which has only been available in market for less than three years.

Georgie Bell, Global Malts Ambassador comments “Since launching, Craigellachie has built up a huge reputation in the on-trade and with whisky connoisseurs – its sought out and admired – and the accolade is true testimony to this.”

Adding “It shows how far the Craigellachie brand has come in the last three years, and how from a production, maturation and blending perspective we really are second to none”

Stephanie MacLeod, Malts Master and Master Blender for John Dewars & Sons describes Craigellachie 31 Years Old as being “Beautifully balanced, smooth and rich, a swirl of smoke and sulphur accentuate the sumptuous fruits of kiwi and pineapple.  The tang of old, leather bound books and tobacco emerge, with a hint of meatiness of a beef consommé.”

This prestigious award follows on from the outstanding success of Craigellachie 23 Years Old being crowned as ‘Best in Show’ at the San Francisco World’s Spirits Competition in 2015, America’s most respected and influential international spirits event.

For more information about Craigellachie, visit www.craigellachie.com

About John Dewar & Sons Ltd.

John Dewar & Sons Ltd. employs 300 people at seven locations throughout Scotland. The Company currently operates whisky distilleries in Aberfeldy, Macduff, Aultmore, Craigellachie and Nairn with ageing, blending, bottling and packaging facilities in Glasgow and additional maturation facilities in Poniel in Central Scotland.

The single malt brand of Craigellachie is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.