NH Liquor Commission to Host One of the Largest Spirits Tasting Events on the East Coast

Distiller’s Showcase draws 1,000 people to sample 400 premium and ultra-premium spirits; three bottles of rare, Pappy Van Winkle 23yr bourbon to be auctioned

Concord, NH – With an expected capacity crowd of more than 1,000 guests and featuring more than 400 premium and ultra-premium spirits for sampling, the fourth annual Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits will take place on Thursday, November 10, in Manchester, NH. Hosted by the New Hampshire Liquor Commission (NHLC), the world-class event is one of the largest spirits tasting events on the East Coast, featuring more than 140 tables of spirits, food from New Hampshire’s top restaurants, and the chance to meet brand ambassadors and distillers from around the globe, including Tito Beveridge, founder of Tito’s Handmade Vodka. In addition, guests this year will be able to bid on three bottles of the extremely rare Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23yr Kentucky straight bourbon.

Tickets cost $60 at http://distillersshowcase.com. The event will take place from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester with proceeds benefiting the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire.

“Whether you are an aficionado or just beginning to explore the world of premium spirits, the Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits is the perfect opportunity to sample and purchase more than 400 of the world’s finest whiskies, tequilas, vodkas, rum and much, much more,” said NHLC Chairman Joseph Mollica. “Our commitment to offering our 11 million annual consumers access to unique and exclusive products has played a major role in burnishing the NH Liquor & Wine Outlet Brand and driving our sales to record-breaking heights. Last year, our total sales increased by $36.3 million to a record $678 million, which includes a 7.6-percent increase in spirits sales to $384.3 million.”

NHLC, which was named the third best state to buy bourbon by BreakingBourbon.com, developed the Distiller’s Showcase to give both spirit novices and aficionados the opportunity to explore their palettes through sampling hundreds of diverse spirits, including various styles of whiskey, Scotch, tequila, vodka, rum, gin, cordials and liqueurs. Many of the spirits available for sampling and purchase during the Distiller’s Showcase are only available at NHLC’s 79 NH Liquor & Wine Outlets. In addition to some of the world’s premium brands, several New Hampshire distillers, including Sea Hagg Distillery of North Hampton, Djinn Spirits of Nashua, Flag Hill Distillery of Lee, Tall Ship Distillery of Dover, New England Sweetwater Farm and Distillery of Winchester, Stark

Brewing Company of Manchester, Tamworth Distilling of Tamworth, and Smoky Quartz Distillery of Seabrook, will take part in the Distiller’s Showcase as well.

Distiller’s Showcase guests will be able to purchase spirits at a 10% savings through NHLC’s award-winning, state-of-the-art mobile ordering app and pick up their purchases at any one of the state’s 79 NH Liquor & Wine Outlets.

Coupled with the Distiller’s Showcase, NHLC teamed up with the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association (NHLRA) for a Pappy Van Winkle Raffle & Exclusive Tasting Experience, which featured the chance to win a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23yr bourbon and a one-of-a-kind trip to New Hampshire for an exclusive Pappy Van Winkle tasting and fine dining experience. The prize package also included VIP access to the Distiller’s Showcase. Raffle proceeds will support NHLRA.

During the Distiller’s Showcase, guests will have the chance to bid on three bottles of Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23yr bourbon. In the last three years, NHLC has auctioned seven bottles of the extremely rare Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23yr bourbon, raising more than $10,000 to support the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire. Guests this year will also have the chance to bid on an all-inclusive, trip-for-two to Scotland to experience the world’s most historic Scotch distilleries.

“The New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s tremendous buying power enables us to deliver exclusive opportunities to consumers,” Chairman Mollica continued. “In addition to events like the Distiller’s Showcase, we have hand-selected and purchased a record 16 barrels of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel for our customers, walked through the rack houses of Jim Beam’s distillery in Clermont, KY to secure eight barrels of Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve, and acquired the only existing barrel in the world of a rare 16 year Aberfeldy Single Cask Scotch Whisky named the 7th best whisky of 2014 by Whisky Advocate.”

Previously, the Distiller’s Showcase has provided the opportunity to sample limited release BenRiach, Glendronach and Aberfeldy single cask single malt scotch whiskies, and interact with the likes of Chris Fletcher, Assistant Master Distiller at Jack Daniel Distillery, Alasdair Day, owner of Tweeddale Blend, and Elayne Duff, Diageo USA’s luxury brand mixologist. A list of 2016 participants is available at www.distillersshowcase.com.

The Distiller’s Showcase features silent auctions, raffles, and delicious food from top New Hampshire restaurants, including Amphora Fine Greek Dining, Bedford Village Inn, Campo Enoteca, Faro Italian Grille, Giorgio’s Ristorante, Ignite Bar & Grille and Hooked Seafood Restaurant, JD’s Tavern, O Steaks & Seafood, Canoe Restaurant & Tavern, Republic Cafe, Stark Brewing Company, Stella Blu, The Common Man, the New Hampshire Food Bank’s RFS, Culinary Job Training Program, The Fresh Market, The Quill Restaurant at Southern New Hampshire University, Tuscan Kitchen, Veranda Martini Bar and Grille, the Wild Rover Pub, and XO on Elm.

In addition, this past summer Tito’s Handmade Vodka, which has demonstrated a profound commitment to animals and animal rescue through its “Vodka for Dog People” effort, and Martignetti Companies of New Hampshire made a commitment to donate $1 for every Tito’s Handmade Vodka & Lemonade drink sold this summer at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion in Gilford. Tito Beveridge will present a significant donation to the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire to kick-off the Distiller’s Showcase.

The Distiller’s Showcase has raised more than $152,000 to support the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire over the past three years. The Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, which helps more than 2,200 animals each year, will use this funding to support general operating expenses, as 73-percent of the League’s operating budget goes to general animal care and medical expenses.

“We are extremely grateful for the support we receive through the Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits,” said Monica Zulauf, president & CEO of the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire. “The Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire does not receive any state or federal funding, and we are dependent upon community support from businesses and community members alike. This critical support will have a major impact on our ability to help pets and the people who care for them.”

NHLC has worked with suppliers and brokers to raise $720,000 for nonprofit organizations making an impact in New Hampshire during the past three years. In addition to the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, Homes for Our Troops, Operation Care for Troops, Easter Seals New Hampshire, Toys for Tots, New Hampshire Food Bank, Granite United Way, Concord Hospital and the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire have all benefitted from NHLC’s support.

NHLC is encouraging guests to imbibe responsibly and will feature a Brown-Forman social responsibility area. The Radisson Hotel Manchester is offering a special “sip and stay” package and a safe ride home program from Grace Limousine. Visit www.distillersshowcase.com for more information.

DistillersShowcase2: Along with sampling from more than 400 premium and ultra-premium spirits, the New Hampshire Liquor Commission’s Distiller’s Showcase of Premium Spirits also offers the capacity crowd of more than 1,000 guests the chance to meet brand ambassadors and distillers from around the globe, including Tito Beveridge, founder of Tito’s Handmade Vodka. The event, which is one of the largest spirit tasting events on the East Coast, will take place on Thursday, November 10, at the Radisson Hotel in Manchester, NH. Photo by Susan Laughlin.

THE MACALLAN DOUBLE CASK 12 YEARS OLD

Two worlds unite to create distinctive new Macallan 

The Macallan’s unwavering commitment to exceptional wood management defines every aspect of its whisky creation and the launch of the new Double Cask 12 Years Old is further testament to this.

Created from the perfect balance of sherry seasoned European and American oak casks, Double Cask 12 Years Old brings a distinctive character to the fore, whilst presenting flavours familiar to both the Sherry Oak and Fine Oak ranges. The result is a new interpretation of the signature 12 Years Old Macallan; sweet, yet balanced and honeyed in character.

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.

Commenting on Double Cask, Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan Master Whisky Maker, said: “This is a single malt which showcases a true balance of character which results in a fully rounded and distinctive flavour profile. By combining wood influences, we have been able to produce a new Macallan which sits perfectly between our existing Sherry Oak and Fine Oak ranges.”

The Macallan brings new oak from America across thousands of miles to Spain, where casks are crafted and sherry seasoned before traveling to our distillery on Speyside to mature for twelve years. These whiskies are then harmoniously united with those aged in exceptional sherry seasoned European oak casks.  This union reveals an unmatched investment in time and extraordinary commitment to mastery for which The Macallan has been known since 1824.

Chris Anderson, Luxury Marketing Controller for Maxxium UK, said: “The Macallan Double Cask provides us with the opportunity to offer the trade an additional variant and importantly, a new style of The Macallan at the 12 years old position and price. In turn this means we can offer the consumer a wider choice of products at this level, and encourage trial and exploration within The Macallan portfolio.”

The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old is available from October 2016 in specialist whisky retailers for an RRP £55 and select on trade accounts across London. 

Notes  

The Macallan Double Cask 12 Years Old (ABV 40%) tasting notes

Nose – Creamy butterscotch, toffee, candied orange and newly felled oak

Palate – Balanced, honey sweetness, citrus & caramel

Finish – Oak lingers, warm, sweet & drying 

About The Macallan: 

Founded in 1824, The Macallan is one of the worlds 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, a Highland manor built in 1700, at its heart.

Traditionally known for maturation in Spanish oak, sherry seasoned casks, The Macallan’s range of outstanding single malts includes: Sherry Oak, matured in Spanish oak casks seasoned with sherry; Fine Oak, matured both in sherry casks of Spanish and American oak and in American oak casks seasoned with bourbon; the 1824 range, exclusive to Global Travel Retail. In addition, The Macallan is well known for its great range of vintage whiskies, dating back to 1926, and is considered the most sought after of all single malts among collectors and connoisseurs at auction.

http://www.themacallan.com/

5,000 Bottles Over 5 Years. The Birmingham Whisky Club Celebrates Its 5^th Birthday.

Since 2011 the club has built up a loyal following of 1000’s of whisky lovers, drank through 5,000 bottles of whisky over 200 different events, worked with over 70 different brands and tried products from 10+ different counties. As well as introducing consumers to the wonders of whisky, the club has worked tirelessly to introduce brands to bars and get a larger variety of whisky stocked in local venues to push the category to prominence in the city. Now, The Birmingham Whisky Club celebrates 5 years of bringing whisky to Birmingham in the best way it can… With 5 new unique events.

On November 3rd, the club will be hosting a very special tasting to start the festivities. They will be working with The Electric Cinema (the UK’s oldest working cinema) and independent bottlers Douglas Laing for a ‘drink-along’ screening of Ken Loach’s ‘The Angel’s Share’.

Throughout the celebrations, events will be held with Chivas (a collaboration tasting themed on the history of whisky blending and bespoke tailoring at Clements & Church), whisky legends such as Highland Park and Glenfiddich and finishing with their 5th annual ‘Peat Freaks’ tasting at The Wellington.

Amy Seton (owner of The Birmingham Whisky Club) had this to say, “I started the club 5 years ago to share my love of the ‘Water Of Life’ with the people of Birmingham. Since our very first tasting in December 2011, we have seen over 4,500 people at our events, tasted whisk(e)y from over 10 different countries and drank our way through around 5,000 bottles. We have worked with dozens of fantastic brands and great independent venues and shared some knowledge on the way.”

October has also seen the release of tickets for the club’s much-loved flagship event… Whisky Birmingham. The festival (now in it’s fourth year) will be held on Saturday March 4th 2017 at the beautiful canal-side location of The Bond in Digbeth. As well as a chance to try hundreds of different kinds of whisk(e)y, guests can enjoy delicious local streetfood, live entertainment and innovative masterclasses throughout the day.

For more information on The Birmingham Whisky Club’s upcoming events, head to their Facebook page. 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 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.

London based IWSC Group becomes the leading organiser of Whisky Festivals in the US

London based IWSC Group, the leading organiser of whisky events in the UK through its partnership with The Whisky Lounge, has today announced its acquisition of the US based Whisky Extravaganza. The addition of this business takes the total number of whisky events in IWSC Group’s US portfolio to 15, and secures its position as the leading organiser of whisky festivals on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Whisky Extravaganza was established in 1993 by Madeleine and Alan Shayne and hosts events in 10 cities across the US. Attendees to the events range from newcomers seeking their induction into the ancient craft of distilling to those who already have an appreciation of the art of whisky making.

Group CEO of the IWSC Group, Allen Gibbons, comments: “We’re pleased to welcome the Whisky Extravaganza into our portfolio; it’s a step that demonstrates our ongoing commitment to helping build closer ties between the whisky industry and those who enjoy its products.”

Madeleine Shayne, President of the Whisky Extravaganza adds: “For the past 23 years, Alan and I have had the opportunity of bringing the world of whiskies to the palettes of enthusiasts throughout North America and we are honoured to have the prestigious IWSC Group take our dream to the next level. We feel The Whisky Extravaganza fits perfectly into IWSC Group’s ever-growing portfolio of food and beverage events in the USA.”

The Whisky Extravaganza currently holds events in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, and Washington DC. Each event achieves a balance of top quality whisky with a complementing food menu, and provides guests with the opportunity to discuss and debate whisky in all its complexity.

Allen Gibbons concludes: “The US is the world’s second largest whisky market by volume so the opportunity is considerable. We are keen to continue to tell the story of whisky to enthusiasts and newcomers alike, helping whisky companies to engage with more people on a deeper level; The Whisky Extravaganza takes us further on this journey.”

For more information and images, please contact Jana Pavelkova, jana@thinktank.org.uk and Umika Verma, umikav@thinktank.org.uk at The Think Tank – +44 (0) 207 831 2225.

About IWSC Group

IWSC Group is a world leading events company with a simple and compelling vision “to delight, inspire, and connect people through great experiences”, a vision they are realizing through building an enviable network of entrepreneurs and partners.

Headquartered in the UK and with its North American office in the U.S. City of Atlanta, the business was founded as the International Wine and Spirit Competition in 1969 and now extends to alcoholic beverage competitions, tastings and events in culinary and the arts across North America, Europe and Asia.

The business has been built on creating and developing partnerships with entrepreneurs and not for profit organisations to further develop their businesses, for example Cochon 555 US Tour, Sugar Land Wine and Food Affair, The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival and Moniker Art Fair as well as collaborating with some of the world’s biggest brands including Amazon, Coca Cola, Stella Artois and Lexus. 

About The Whisky Extravaganza

The Whisky Extravaganza is hosted in 10 cities across the United States and sponsored by The Robb Report and Evian Water. The gala event is open to anyone who loves or is interested in learning about whisky.

New Limited Edition High Rye Bourbon

Released by 1792 Distillery   

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (Oct. 6, 2016) – Barton 1792 Distillery releases another expression in its line-up of 1792 whiskeys, 1792 High Rye Bourbon. The flagship product of the collection, 1792 Small Batch, is well known for using a higher percentage of rye than most bourbons, but this special edition High Rye Bourbon brings an even more intense amount of rye to the mash bill. Although very limited, expect to see annual releases of this robust bourbon after its initial release this fall.

1792 High Rye Bourbon was distilled in May of 2008, and aged for a little more than eight years on the second floor of Warehouse K at the historic Barton 1792 Distillery before it was bottled at 94.3 proof.

Tasting notes for this bourbon describe it as “starting off with a lightly noticeable but balanced indication of smooth butterscotch, light vanilla, and orange peel.  The pallet introduces hints of anise and black pepper but centers around the explosive spiciness of rye that increases, yet balances out on the surprisingly smooth finish.”

This is the fifth limited edition release of 1792 Bourbon expressions, the High Rye joins previous releases of Sweet Wheat, Port Finish, Single Barrel and Full Proof Bourbons. The 1792 High Rye Bourbon will be available at retail starting in late October. Suggested retail pricing is $35.99 for a 750 mL.

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/

Wyoming Whiskey Releases a Straight American Whiskey

Kirby, WY (Oct. 4, 2016) – Wyoming Whiskey has created Outryder, a Straight American Whiskey, for this fall. Outryder, represents their 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 are non-GMO and grown in the Big Horn Basin of Wyoming. 

Wyoming Whiskey Distiller, Sam Mead, with the tasting input of industry specialist and connoisseur, Nancy Fraley, fine-tuned the new creation. 

Fraley gave Outryder excellent marks, “I’m absolutely loving this ‘rye!’ I have to say that it is my favorite Wyoming Whiskey product.” According to Fraley, Outryder has an initial nose of creamy browned butter with cinnamon, clove and allspice, along with freshly baked, dark-rye bread. Hints of orange blossom honey are on the palate. A long, spicy rye finish is coupled with hints of buttery toffee.

“While bourbon continues to be our focus, it is important to show that a variety of great whiskies can be made in Wyoming,” commented Co-Founder, David DeFazio. “Outryder is the spicier brother of our Small Batch Bourbon and has quickly become a favorite among our distilling team.”

Outryder will join the award-winning Small Batch Bourbon, Single Barrel Bourbon, and Barrel Strength Bourbon Whiskey offerings in the Wyoming Whiskey portfolio. A total of 2,640 cases of Outryder will be available for purchase throughout the U.S. at the suggested price of $54.99 beginning in mid-October.

Wyoming Whiskey is holding fast to their western heritage, producing whiskey the right way, not the easy way: from the ground up. Using water sourced from a mile-deep limestone aquifer and all regionally sourced, non-GMO ingredients, Wyoming Whiskey respects the maxims of great bourbon, yet also reflects the feel and taste of the place it was made.

Keep up with Wyoming Whiskey on Facebook, Twitter (@wyowhiskey) and Instagram.

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

A ‘Dram Fine Wedding’ for Pulteney Pair

Old Pulteney has added the perfect ‘blend’ to its award-winning range of single malts – after a love match between two Pulteney staff led to a very special wedding at the Distillery in Wick.

Pulteney Distillery Visitor Centre Manager Tanya Fraser and Assistant Distillery Manager Russell Angus first locked eyes over a barrel of single malt back in 2003, so when the couple tied the knot in late summer this year, there was only one place they wanted to be.

Since Old Pulteney is such a big part of their lives, and to reflect their love of the ‘Maritime Malt’, Tanya and Russell chose to hold their big day at the Distillery in Wick amongst their closest colleagues and friends.

In keeping with their positions at the Distillery, which is one of the most northerly on the Scottish mainland, the full day had a distinctively ‘Old Pulteney’ flavour. Their romantic wedding ceremony took place in the Distillery courtyard, with photographs taken against a backdrop of casks in the warehouse.

At the reception, guests were treated to a delicious wedding cake in the shape of Pulteney’s distinctive ‘smuggler’s kettle’ stills – complete with a miniature model of the bride and groom on top. There were even table decorations held in empty Old Pulteney bottles….with the whisky inside served up as drams a plenty for guests at the end of the meal.

Bride Tanya, who has worked at the Distillery for 16 years years commented: ‘We wanted our wedding day to truly reflect us as a couple, and to represent our lives together. It’s working at Pulteney Distillery that brought Russell and I together, so it seemed very natural to us that we should make it such a big part of our wedding day.’

Old Pulteney Senior Brand Manager Margaret Mary Clarke said that she and the Old Pulteney team were honoured to have hosted such a special day for the couple. She added: ‘What a wonderful and memorable occasion for everyone at Pulteney Distillery. Tanya and Russell now have their place in Pulteney history after staging such a unique wedding and a day that we’re sure guests will be talking about for a long time to come. Cheers to them and our very best wishes for the future.’ 

www.oldpulteney.com / @OldPulteneyMalt  

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Old Pulteney is one of the world’s finest and most distinctive single malt Scotch whiskies. Known as the ‘Maritime Malt’, it is crafted in the windswept coastal town of Wick, home to the Pulteney Distillery which is one of the most northerly on the Scottish mainland. The distillery was established in 1826 in the heart of ‘Pulteneytown’, the town created to house fishermen during Wick’s famous herring boom which drew a fleet of over 1000 boats and 7000 workers to this remote and rugged harbour.

Old Pulteney is the embodiment of this place, its people and its remarkable history. The skilled Pulteney Distillery team continues to craft whisky using the most traditional and time-honoured techniques that most others have long abandoned. This includes the uniquely shaped Pulteney stills, which are reflected in the design of the Old Pulteney bottle on shelves today.

Matured in hand-selected oak casks, the resulting whisky has been acclaimed for its excellence, its smooth drinking style and faint hint of the sea. Old Pulteney’s 21 Year Old Single Malt holds the coveted title of ‘World Whisky of the Year’ for 2012 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible – one of the industry’s highest accolades. Earlier this year Old Pulteney 1989 Vintage was crowned the ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ at Whisky Magazine’s prestigious World Whiskies Awards. The whisky also achieved top ten status in the UK single malt market in 2012 and is flourishing in many other countries around the world.

Lagavulin™ marks 200th anniversary with Limited Edition Eight-Year-Old Bottling 

Celebrated Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery releases an Eight Year Old bottling in honour of original whisky scribe Alfred Barnard

TORONTO, Ontario, October 4, 2016 – 2016 is a year of celebration for Lagavulin, treasured around the world as one of the most special of all Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. Famous for its majestic nose of Hebridean peat smoke, richly textured and complex flavours and its long, sweet and power-driven finish, it encapsulates the passion, heritage and skills that lie behind its crafting. The bi-centennial features the launch of a special limited edition bottling of Lagavulin 8 Year Old in honour of Britain’s most famous Victorian whisky writer, Alfred Barnard.

In the late 1880s, Alfred Barnard, the first ever whisky journalist and traveller, sampled an 8 Year Old Lagavulin during a visit to Islay, describing it as “exceptionally fine” and “held in high repute.” He went on to declare Lagavulin to be “one of the most prominent” of the few Scotch distillers that can turn our spirit for use as Single [Malt] Whiskies.

“This is a special year for a much loved Single Malt Scotch Whisky revered around the world as the definitive Islay whisky,” said Alistair Kidd, Marketing Director for Whisky, Diageo Canada. “We are thrilled to celebrate such a historic occasion here in Canada with the launch of a limited edition Eight Year Old bottling.”

Lagavulin has delighted generations of whisky drinkers and this limited edition 8 Year Old bottling acknowledges the 200-year legacy of the distillery. Cramped and chaotic by nature, the sea front distillery cannot expand, and as a result, demand often exceeds supply. In the words of Alfred Barnard, “no prettier or more romantic spot could have been chosen for a distillery.”

Available in 750 mL bottles (48% ABV); this bicentenary limited edition whisky is a one-time only bottling that is magnificently full on in flavour and calls for special attention. Make time to enjoy it neat in a whisky nosing glass, or with just a drop of water.

For more information on Lagavulin, please visit www.malts.com/.

As consumers across the country join Lagavulin in celebrating 200 years of crafting extraordinary whisky, the brand reminds them to please drink responsibly.

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across the spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource,www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

The LAGAVULIN word and associated logos are trademarks. © 2016

FACT SHEET: 

Lagavulin Eight Year Old (Limited Edition) Product Description: To celebrate an incredible 200 years of making Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky, its timeless quality and the wonderful whiskies still being made today, we have gone back to our roots: finding inspiration from the distillery’s rich history.

In the late 1880s, Alfred Barnard, the first ever whisky journalist and traveller, sampled an Eight Year Old Lagavulin: describing it as “exceptionally fine.” He went on to declare Lagavulin as “one of the rare distilleries that could produce a single malt of quality” at that time. In honour of this, and to mark the 200th year since the formation of Lagavulin, we have decided to release an equally exceptional Eight Year Old bottling. It will provide a special experience as this is a one-time only bottling to celebrate the occasion.

Tasting Notes 

Nose: Immediately quite soft with clean, fresh notes, faint hints of milk chocolate, lemon and then developing fragrant tea-scented smoke alongside nose-drying, maritime aromas, with subtle cereal. A prickliness seen earlier now develops, while the trademark Lagavulin dryness emerges as fresh newsprint. Softly sooty. Softer, fuller and more rounded with water: it is not hugely fruity but there is just a trace of red berry preserve, perhaps, beneath the smokiness, which comes sharply into focus.

Body: Light, growing pleasantly oily.

Palate: A soothing light texture, with a magnificently full on Lagavulin taste that’s somehow even bigger than you expect; sweet, smoky and warming, with a growing, smoky pungency, then dry, with more smoke. Charred, with minty, dark chocolate. Beautifully balanced midpalate then salty, oven-charred baked potato skins and smoke. Water rounds things, the taste still mighty yet more succulent, sweeter, spicier and now tongue tingling, mint-fresh and warming.

Finish: Lovely, clean, very long and smoky. Smoothly, subtle minted smoke surrounds chocolate tannins, leaving a late drying note to emerge in time. It is warming, soft and still smoky with water, not as long or intense now, yet still leaving the palate dry as sweet smoke lingers on the breath.

Size:                                                   750 mL

Alcohol by Volume:                       48% Alcohol by Volume (ABV)

For more information on Lagavulin, please visit www.malts.com.

CHIVAS REGAL ULTIS: THE ESSENCE OF CHIVAS REGAL

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, has launched Chivas Regal Ultis; the first blended malt Scotch whisky from the House of Chivas.

Capturing the true essence of Chivas Regal, Chivas Regal Ultis uses only five of Chivas Regal’s most precious, signature single malts from Speyside, Scotland, and represents the style and diversity of this prestigious, world-renowned whisky region.
The latest release has been crafted with hand-selected malts from Tormore, Longmorn, Strathisla, Allt A’Bhainne and Braeval, presenting complex flavours, a golden hue and a commanding rich aroma. Out of millions of casks in inventory at Chivas Brothers, less than 1% are used to create Chivas Regal Ultis, with the expert blending team individually nosing and selecting those of the highest quality to craft the blend; a traditional method of hand-selection that is no longer standard in the Scotch whisky industry today.
Since 1909, only five men have ever mastered the iconic Chivas Regal house style, and Chivas Regal Ultis pays tribute to the strength of vision, commitment and mastery of Master Blenders; Charles Howard, Charles Julian, Allan Baillie, Jimmy Lang and of Custodian Master Blender, Colin Scott.

The luxurious Chivas Regal Ultis bottle mirrors the precious whisky within and is designed to provide impactful on-shelf stand-out with a slender shape and contemporary crest in gold champagne. In honour of the Chivas Regal Master Blenders and representing the five signature malts within, the bottle features a unique pen-clip closure which is etched with five rings, and a striking placement of the Roman numeral figure for five on the highly crafted base and within the textured crest label.

Colin Scott, Chivas Regal Custodian Master Blender, comments: “I am honoured to have been one of only five Master Blenders for Chivas Regal, and I believe that Chivas Regal Ultis represents the true essence of this iconic Scotch whisky. With the release of Chivas Regal Ultis, only the most precious single malts from five signature Speyside distilleries have been selected to craft this luxury blended malt whisky from the House of Chivas.”

“The crystalline freshness of Tormore shines through along with the contrasting, hint of spicy warmth present in Allt A’Bhainne, while the Longmorn single malt adds balance to the blend. The floral style of Braeval complements the fruity sweetness of Strathisla to create a complex and rich blended malt Scotch whisky. Chivas Regal Ultis is a blend that draws on expertise that has been handed down throughout the centuries and it will delight whisky connoisseurs around the world.”

Richard Black, Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, adds: “To launch the first blended malt Scotch whisky from the House of Chivas is truly a momentous occasion. Chivas Regal Ultis represents the essence of Chivas Regal and is a fitting tribute to our legendary craftsmen of the past, with recognition of the luxury quality of our Scotch whisky portfolio. Chivas Regal Ultis is set to appeal to discerning drinkers looking to impress at special occasions as well as Scotch whisky aficionados searching for their next luxury whisky experience.”

Chivas Regal Ultis will be launching globally in all major retailers and travel retail from October 2016 at a RRP of USD$200.

About Chivas Regal
Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, which aims to inspire a new generation whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. The Chivas Regal range includes Chivas 12, Chivas 18, Chivas 25 and the Global Travel Retail exclusive, Chivas Brothers Blend. In October 2014, Chivas Regal announced the addition of a fifth permanent expression in the Chivas Regal family, Chivas Regal Extra, a new blend with a unique richness derived from selective maturation in rare ex-sherry casks. In 2015, the iconic brand welcomed the pinnacle of the range with the introduction of the new ultra-prestige blend, Chivas Regal The Icon.
www.chivas.com

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s n°2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; 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.chivasbrothers.com
@ChivasNewsRoom

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

TWO BOURBONS FROM BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY AWARDED DOUBLE GOLD AT 2016 NEW YORK WORLD WINE AND SPIRITS COMPEITION 

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (Oct. 4, 2016) –The results from the 2016 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition are in, and Barton 1792 Distillery received two double gold medals for its 1792 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel and Zackariah Harris Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. In total 1792 received four medals from the competition.

This year, the number of brand entries increased by 50 percent and NYWWSC reported that the quality of the brands ranked superior.

1792 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Single Barrel and Zackariah Harris Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey each received the highest honor, the double gold medal. The double gold medal is given only if every judge awards a gold medal to the product.

Other Barton 1792 Distillery products recognized by the NYWWSC included 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Kentucky Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. 1792 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey received a gold medal and Kentucky Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey received a silver medal.

This competition is associated with the Triple Crown of Competitions (The San Francisco International Wine Competition and The San Francisco World Spirits Competition), and is in its sixth year.  The NYWWSC aims to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs.

The NYWWSC is judged by a panel of the spirit industry’s most renowned judges including award-winning authors, buyers, journalists, educators and bar owners, who rate each spirit on a 100-point scale

Results from the 2016 New York World Wine and Spirits Competition can be found at www.nyworldwineandspiritscompetition.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/.