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

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

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

With While We Wait, R&B Distillers have crafted a single malt whisky by bringing together two expressions from one distillery: one peated, one unpeated. This precise combination is a tantalising prediction of the flavours that will be produced at the new distillery on the Isle of Rasaay, off the remote west coast of Skye. The smoky peat aroma is softened in the finishing process which occurs in French oak Tuscan red wine casks and results in a unique, lightly fruity aroma and a heather hue. In May 2016, While We Wait was awarded its first international award, a bronze medal in the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), a tremendous accolade for such a young whisky.

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

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

While We Wait, priced at £56.85 and Borders priced at £49.98 will be available to buy directly from the R&B Distillers website

www.rbdistillers.com

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

NOTES

RETAILERS UK:

 Master of Malt (online)

 Whiski Rooms (Edinburgh shop)

 Oban Whisky & Fine Wines (Oban)

 Shop4Whisky (online)

 JL Gill (Crieff)

 Royal Mile Whiskies (Edinburgh & online)

 Raasay Community Store (Raasay)

 Jeffrey Street Whisky & Tobacco (Edinburgh)

 The Whisky Shop (Dufftown)

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

 Oblo Bar (Eyemouth, Scottish Borders)

BARS/RESTAURANTS

 Whiski Rooms (Edinburgh bar)

 Teuchters Landing (Edinburgh Leith)

 Teuchters West End (Edinburgh West End)

 Drysbrugh Abbey Hotel (Drysbrugh)

 Raasay House Hotel (Raasay)

 Sconser Lodge (Skye)

TASTING NOTES:

‘While We Wait’

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

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

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

Finish: A long lingering finish.

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

ABV: 46% Non-Chill Filtered

Year released: November 2015 – 1st Release Limited Edition

‘Borders’

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

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

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

Finish: Lingering, dry and complex.

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

ABV: 51.7% Non-Chill Filtered

Year released: November 2015 – 1st Release Limited Edition

GLEN GRANT ADDS THREE NEW PREMIUM SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKIES

AND UNVEILS NEW PACKAGING DESIGN

Award-winning Glen Grant launches new premium quality whiskies: 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered and 18 Year Old

LONDON, 14th June 2016 – Award-winning single malt Scotch whisky, Glen Grant, today announces the launch of new 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered and 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whiskies whilst unveiling a new contemporary brand identity with packaging and logo redesign. The introduction of three unique and unmatched expressions to Glen Grant’s existing portfolio aims to reaffirm Glen Grant’s position as a leading player in the luxury whisky market and answers the surge in global sales of premium single malt Scotch whisky.

Launching in June, the new 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered and 18 Year Old expressions will allow consumers to enjoy the unfolding layers of mature and beautifully intricate taste and aroma that is achieved only through Glen Grant’s unique distillation process.

Glen Grant 12 Year Old is a remarkable single malt Scotch whisky. With a bright, golden colour and pleasant aromas of orchard fruit, almond and citrus, this exceptional whisky delights the palate with exquisite and delicate notes of apple pie crust and caramel and finishes with lingering fruit and subtle hints of spice.

The 12 Year Old Non Chill-filtered, which will be exclusively available to travel retailers, delivers a full and creamy mouth-feel, with an aroma and flavour that, is unmistakably Glen Grant. With its signature bright, golden colour and a sweet, welcoming nose, this beautifully crafted whisky offers notes of toffee and rich fruit, and a pleasingly long, nutty finish with subtle bursts of spice.

The rarest in the new collection is the Glen Grant 18 Year Old. This unrivalled single malt Scotch whisky matures for at least 18 years in the highest quality, handpicked oak casts, which creates a radiant golden colour and seductive floral and oaky aroma. Deeply layered and complex, this rich and vibrant whisky delivers beautifully intricate flavours of malted caramel, vanilla, and raisins and lingers with a long, sweet and pleasantly spicy finish.

The latest packaging features a new colour palette, allowing the consumer to easily identify the different dram varieties. The 12 Year Old and 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered feature a striking bronze label and casing, while the 18 Year Old is enclosed within a superior frosted-blue gift box with luxurious silver hues, reiterating its premium status.

The new Glen Grant logo, the Grant family monogram, stands proudly on the front of each bottle – with the letters ‘J’ ‘R’ and ‘G’ delicately intertwined in a timeless design. ‘J’ for James ‘The Major’ Grant and ‘R’ for his first wife Rose, reminding consumers of the deeply rooted family heritage which helped to produce one of the world’s finest single malt Scotch whiskies.

Melanie Batchelor, Global Vice Press President of Spirits at Gruppo Campari, commented: “We are delighted to launch our new range of aged products and unveil our brand new, contemporary logo and packaging. Glen Grant has made a significant investment in its production within the worldwide luxury whisky market to meet the increased consumer appetite for premium whisky with a rich background. We are extremely proud of our new look which perfectly represents the passion, craftsmanship and family heritage of Glen Grant, while staying true to our Scottish heritage. We are confident that through our unique quality and history, our new aged range of products will prove extremely popular with our consumers.”

Glen Grant’s new packaging will be rolled out across all Glen Grant products from June. The new 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available to purchase from June at the Whisky Exchange, whilst the new 12 Year Old Non Chill Filtered will be available from June to purchase from duty free and travel retailers. The new 18 Year Old expression will be available from June to purchase from Tesco.

About Glen Grant:

Glen Grant’s story began in 1840, in Rothes, Speyside – Scotland’s premier region for whisky production; by brothers John and James Grant. Still produced in Rothes today, Glen Grant is currently the world’s number 5 selling single malt Scotch whisky and holds a range of prestigious industry awards, including being awarded Jim Murray’s Best Single Malt Scotch: 10 Years and Under for four years in a row and Single Malt of the Year (Multiple Casks) for 2016.

The elegant and seductively smooth taste for which Glen Grant is renowned, is the result of the innovative tall slender stills and revolutionary purifiers that James ‘The Major’ Grant, son of founder James Grant, was one of the first to introduce over a century ago. Still used to this day, this lasting legacy continues to distinguish the brand.

Today, Dennis Malcolm, the multi-award winning Glen Grant Master Distiller, directs and presides over the amber liquid. Born in the grounds of Glen Grant in 1946, he has worked for Glen Grant for over five decades, with an uncommon passion and unrivalled knowledge of the industry. Dennis’ unmatched Scotch whisky experience ensures that every expression in the Glen Grant range makes the absolute best of the complex alchemy of spirit, wood and time.

The complete Glen Grant range includes the refined Major’s Reserve, 5 Year Old, 10 Year Old, 12 Year Old, 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered, 18 Year Old and a selection of limited edition bottles; each with their own distinct flavour and aroma that perfectly captures the spirit of Glen Grant’s heartland.

Glen Grant became part of the Gruppo Campari portfolio in 2006. The ABV of each Glen Grant single malt Scotch whisky differs between each expression and consumers are encouraged to always drink responsibly.

ABV of Glen Grant single malt Scotch whiskies

 The Major’s Reserve – 40% ABV

 5 Year Old – 40% ABV

 10 Year Old – 40% ABV

 12 Year Old – 43% ABV

 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered – 48% ABV (Travel retail exclusively)

 18 Year Old – 43% ABV

About Glen Grant 12 and 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whiskies:

Glen Grant 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky

The new Glen Grant 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available in online at the Whisky Exchange at the recommended retail price of £37.40.

The 12 Year Old malt bears the same bright gold hue as is synonymous with the Glen Grant range. Orchard fruits combine with hints of almonds and citrus to create a lingering fruit finish which is enhanced by subtle hints of spice. The ABV is 43%.

Tasting notes:

 Colour – Bright gold

 Aroma – Honey, pear and apple with hints of almonds and citrus

 Taste – Apple pie crust, caramel and vanilla

 Finish – Lingering fruit with subtle hints of spice

Glen Grant 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered single malt Scotch whisky

The new Glen Grant 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered single malt Scotch whisky will launch only in duty free and travel retailers at the recommended retail price of £37.00. The ABV is 48%.

The 12 Year Old Non Chill-Filtered offers a unique aroma of butterscotch and vanilla, mixed with hints of almond and clove spice. This results in a long, fruity and nutty finish, leaving a taste of toffee apple combined with rich, complex fruit.

Tasting notes:

 Colour – Bright gold

 Aroma– Butterscotch with vanilla, almonds and clove spice

 Taste – Toffee apple with rich complex fruit

 Finish – Long, chewy with a fruity and nutty finish

Glen Grant 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky

A very limited number of bottles of the new Glen Grant 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available online at the Whisky Exchange at the recommended retail price of £110.

A very limited number of bottles of the new Glen Grant 18 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky will be available.

Glen Grant’s 18 Year Old expression is rich and floral on the palate; its oaky overtones combined with baking spices to deliver the delicate aroma of malted caramel, with a sweet nutty finish. The ABV is 43%.

Tasting notes:

 Colour – Bright gold

 Aroma – Rich and floral with oaky overtones and hints of baking spices

 Taste – Malty caramel, delicate, dried raisins and vanilla

UK’s Ultimate Bartender crowned at world’s biggest cocktail festival

Sussex barman Dave White beat over 120 contestants to take the title at the final of Monkey Shoulder’s Ultimate Bartender Championship in New Orleans 

Dave White has been awarded the coveted title of Monkey Shoulder’s Ultimate Bartender Champion, for the second year running. Defending last year’s title, Dave re-entered the competition designed for bartenders to showcase their talents and put their skills to the ultimate test in a series of trials. 

After beating stiff competition from over 120 bartenders across 15 regional heats, Dave and the other finalists were flown on all-expenses paid trip to New Orleans to battle it out in the final rounds at the iconic Tales of the Cocktail event.

Dave, 36, Manager of Dead Parrot bar in Horsham won the Brighton heat which took place at the city’s Merkaba Bar in May. After winning with his team last year, Dave returned to the competition as a solo bartender with his eyes set on the trip of a lifetime to New Orleans to win the final prize.

With the competition tougher than ever before, contestants were tasked with a series of new rounds designed to separate the wheat from the chaff, including gross profit testing contestant’s business acumen, rote challenges to test management and HR skills and a mega quiz to test general bartending knowledge. New for this year, and to take advantage of the competition’s first overseas final, Monkey Shoulder also set a series of daily ‘scavenger hunt’ challenges across New Orleans.

As part of the winner’s prize, Dave will run his own bar at London Cocktail Week from the 3^rd to 9^th October 2016, which will be promoted and stocked by Monkey Shoulder. He’ll also get to keep all the takings made during the week. Last year, Dave and his team mates from Dead Parrot took home over £13,000.

Dave White commented: “I’m thrilled to be crowned the UK’s Ultimate Bartender for the second year in a row. Monkey Shoulder really stepped up the competition this year but the scavenger hunt around New Orleans was the real icing on the cake. The trophy will take pride of place in the bar whilst planning for London Cocktail Week gets underway!” 

Dave beat Nick Gordon, Jonathon Arthur and Cameron Woodger, the trio of bartenders from Aberdeen and remaining finalist Adam Binnersley of Manchester who all did their upmost to smash the challenges. With only a small number of votes between first and final place, it was neck and neck right until the very end.

All finalists attended the annual William Grants & Son’s “Party on Your Palate” soiree at the Orpheum Theatre during their stay with drinks on offer from across the brands portfolio.

Grant Neave, Monkey Shoulder’s UK brand ambassador said “The Ultimate Bartender Championship is all about challenging the best bartenders on the UK bar scene. Dave did a great job across the new challenges and the scavenger hunt, proving he definitely has the skills to pay the bills. And what better place to celebrate his win at the home of cocktails; the Tales of the Cocktail event in New Orleans”.

To find out more about the Ultimate Bartender Champion visit: http://ultimatebartenderchampionship.com/

Notes to Editors 

About The Ultimate Bartender Championship

Back for a third year, the Ultimate Bartender Championship is designed to support and nurture the next generation of UK bartenders. This year saw the Monkey troupe travelling across the UK in an ultra-pimped-out tour bus, reaching more cities and more importantly more bartenders than ever before, culminating in the final challenges at Tales of The Cocktail in New Orleans. All applicants whatever their ability – from bar newbie to seasoned pro – had the chance to gain knowledge and improve their skills at each stage of the journey.

About Monkey Shoulder 

Monkey Shoulder is the world’s first 100% triple malt whisky made for mixing.

Using batches from just 27 casks, Monkey Shoulder is created by combining single malts from three of Speyside’s finest distilleries. Known for breaking conventional whisky drinking and traditions, Monkey Shoulder puts the fun back into whisky drinking. Famed for its versatility, the smooth and rich taste has hints of mellow vanilla – a flavour which works well with mixers and when included in cocktails.

The term ‘monkey shoulder’ harks back to whisky making heritage. It’s a reference to a condition that malt men sometimes picked up while working long shifts, turning the barley by hand. It had a tendency to cause their arm to hang down a bit like a monkey’s hence the nickname ‘Monkey Shoulder’. Thankfully practices have changed and the condition no longer exists!

Not that we like to brag, but Monkey Shoulder’s mantelpiece is resplendent with numerous awards – some will be impressed that Drinks International rated Monkey Shoulder as the world’s top trending Scotch in the World’s 50 Best Bars Annual Report 2015.

Monkey Shoulder retails for an RRP of £28 per 70cl bottle with 40% ABV. For further information about Monkey Shoulder, visit: http://www.monkeyshoulder.com/

THE FAMOUS GROUSE ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE ‘FAMOUS FRIDAYS’ HEADLINER COMPETITION 

The Famous Grouse has released the winners of its ‘Famous Fridays’ headliner competition. The competition which launched at the beginning of July by Scotland’s favourite whisky gave four talented artists or bands the chance to win a headline slot like no other and earn the right to say they have played on stage at The Famous Grouse House this Edinburgh Festival!

The winners; Edinburgh based electronic pop rock band DMS will be joined by psychedelic pop band The Mink Stoles, Livingston born Adriana Spina, who will perform her unique brand of alternative acoustic Americana – some of which has enjoyed immediate critical acclaim including being listed as “Single of the Week” on BBC Radio Scotland, as well as folky indie pop singer-songwriter Lou Mclean, who combines her exceptional voice with original acoustic guitar – providing an array of musical talent to the famous venue.

Scottish entertainer and Forth 1 radio presenter Grant Scott was joined by Edinburgh born musical director, writer and producer David Whitmey, who has worked with the likes of The Wanted, Mika and The Saturdays, to lend their ears and help The Famous Grouse team to help choose the lucky shortlist before the going through to the next stage – the public vote via The Famous Grouse Facebook page.

David Whitmey, who is currently working with Gary Barlow and Sony Records projects, said : “This was an amazing chance for unsigned bands and artists to win a prime slot to headline on one of the most coveted stages at the Edinburgh Festival this August. The quality of entries was exceptional and it was a tough call when it came to selecting the shortlist. The winners all have huge potential and we can’t wait to have them perform on the stage. They will be joined by some of Scotland’s best up and coming bands and breaking acts from all over the globe” 

The competition was launched to celebrate the return of The Famous Grouse House for its second consecutive year to Scotland’s Capital and Edinburgh’s International Festival Fringe this August (Wednesday 3^rd August – Saturday 27th August 2016)

The winners will be joined by some of Scotland’s best music acts and musical fringe performances from all over the globe, as part of the eclectic festival programme at The New Town Theatre. Located just outside this popular festival venue, on a pedestrian friendly section of George Street, The Famous Grouse House will be open daily from 11:00am to midnight and include performances from the hugely popular Posable Action Figures, Glasgow based indie rock band Kelvin and the hugely admired solo artist Luke Carey taking to the stage. With critically acclaimed new music, a festival vibe and a fresh sense of fun, The Famous Grouse House is going to be the perfect place to soak up the best of the festival.

Johna Penman, Marketing Controller, The Famous Grouse commented: “Congratulations to our four winners! The Famous Grouse House made its name at the festival last year with a combination of great live music every day and a variety of refreshing summer serves. We can’t wait to welcome DMS, The Mink Stoles, Lou McLean and Adriana Spina to our famous venue – there’s no better place to be this August.”

The Famous Grouse House will be open daily from the 3rd to the 27th August, from 11am until midnight, with live music every day, situated outside New Town Theatre, 96 George Street.

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

For more information visit www.famousgrouse.com. For the latest news follow on twitter @TheFamousGrouse or Facebook at: TheFamousGrouseUK #famousgrousehouse #famousfridays

NOTES 

The Famous Grouse House Headliner Competition

Bands entered the competition by sending their YouTube video to: competitions@thefamousgrouse.com

The competition opened on Monday 20^th June and closed Friday 8^th July at 12pm. A shortlist of acts was selected by the panel of x4 judges on Friday 8^th July and this shortlist was then put to a public vote on The Famous Grouse UK Facebook page for fans to decide who would win the headliner slot. Winners were notified on Monday 18^th July. 

Full terms and conditions are available on The Famous Grouse website. 

The Famous Grouse (www.thefamousgrouse.com)

• The Famous Grouse is the no. 1 whisky in UK and no. 4* standard blended whisky worldwide (*IWSR data 2014).
• The Famous Grouse has been the best-selling whisky in the home of Scotch whisky, Scotland since 1980.
• The Famous Grouse is exported to over 100 countries.
• Created in 1896 by founder Matthew Gloag, it was originally called The Grouse Brand.
• The brand became so popular that on August 12^th 1905 it was renamed The Famous Grouse.
• The Famous Grouse Experience is located at Scotland’s oldest working distillery – Glenturret. Originally established as a single malt distillery in 1775, today The Famous Grouse Experience is the most visited distillery in Scotland.(www.thefamousgrouse.com/experience)

About Maxxium UK

• Maxxium is the distributor of The Famous Grouse in the UK.
• The Famous Grouse portfolio includes: The Famous Grouse, The Famous Grouse Smoky Black, The Famous Grouse Mellow Gold, and The Naked Grouse.
• Maxxium UK Ltd is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Suntory and Edrington Group.
• Its UK portfolio of premium brands includes: Blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s and Cutty Sark), malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, Bowmore, Auchentoshan, The Macallan, and Ardmore), imported whiskey (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, Canadian Club, Red Stag) Japanese whiskey (Hibiki, Yamazaki, Hakashu), cognac (Courvoisier) vodka (Stolichnaya), rum (Brugal), liqueurs and specialities (Sourz, Midori, Bols liqueurs, Galliano, After Shock)

The Lost Distillery Company strengthens team with

new global ambassador

Boutique drinks business, Crucial Drinks, has enhanced its team with the addition of well-known whisky connoisseur, Ewan Henderson, in the newly created role of Global Brand Ambassador for its portfolio.

Ewan will focus initially on raising the profile of The Lost Distillery Company, as well as other luxury spirit brands included in Crucial’s award-winning portfolio, such as Six Saints Rum from Grenada and West Indies Rum & Cane Merchants single barrel and regional rums.

A whisky food pairing expert and ambassador of Scottish food and drink overseas, Ewan brings invaluable knowledge and experience to the Ayrshire-based company.

He has previously spent 15 years in the hospitality industry, with the last 10 years demonstrating his entrepreneurial flair setting up a restaurant, delicatessen & events company. Ewan has led multi-sensory taste experiences at Whisky Live South Africa, press events in Shanghai and Malt Masters Hong Kong, Nobu Doha & MIPIM Cannes. Closer to home, he is the man behind quirky whisky science events for both Edinburgh & Glasgow Science Festivals and most recently, he helped create a premium gin brand’s new cocktail range.

Ewan will represent the Crucial Drinks portfolio in over 40 markets worldwide to promote the company’s brands.

The Lost Distillery Company hand crafts whiskies styled on long closed distilleries. Half of Scotland’s distilleries have closed over the last century with renowned brands silenced through the impact of wars, prohibition, globalisation or plain bad luck.  The brands include modern day interpretations from legendary lost distilleries such as Auchnagie, Towiemore, Stratheden, Jericho, Gerston and Lossit, representing all of Scotland’s whisky producing regions.

Commenting on his new role, Ewan Henderson said: “It’s a great privilege to be rediscovering and sharing the long lost whiskies of Scotland around the globe.

“Whisky continues to grow in popularity, its rich heritage and provenance adds to its international appeal. The Lost Distillery Company offers a fascinating portal into Scotland’s pioneering whisky heritage with outstanding Whisky that’s gathering huge traction overseas. I’m very much looking forward to working alongside the archivists and tasting panel to bring the stories of famed distilleries and their people back to life, offering handcrafted Scotch whiskies from the past with a contemporary twist.”

Scott Watson, Co-Founder of Crucial Drinks and The Lost Distillery Company, said: “With his obvious passion for championing heritage and telling long forgotten stories, Ewan will be a real asset as we continue to grow our brand and launch in new international markets.

“Each resurrected brand is the subject of an in-depth research project to understand the original character of the long lost distillery and how that special whisky might taste today if still alive. As our brand custodian, Ewan will delve into the company archives and further bring to life the stories of Scotland’s lost Whisky legends.

The Lost Distillery Company is a key part of Crucial Drinks, a boutique drinks business based in Ayrshire, Scotland specialising in world class whisky and rum with unique brand stories.

Notes to Editors

You can find more information on TLDC at: http://www.lost-distillery.com/

For more information on Crucial Drinks, visit: http://www.crucial-drinks.com/

Brand Social Media Accounts:

The Lost Distillery Company –

Twitter https://twitter.com/lostdistillery

Facebook www.facebook.com/LostDistillery/

Instagram – www.instagram.com/thelostdistillerycompany

Six Saints –

Twitter https://twitter.com/SixSaintsRum

Facebook www.facebook.com/6SaintsRum

Instagram www.instagram.com/sixsaintsrum

West Indies Rum & Cane www.facebook.com/westindiesrumandcanemerchants

About Crucial Drinks:

Crucial Drinks is a boutique drinks business based in Ayrshire, Scotland that ‘reimagines spirits’ to create innovative, stand out brands across the malt whisky and rum categories.

With support from business accelerator Entrepreneurial Spark, founders Scott Watson and Brian Woods, set up Crucial Drinks in 2011 to offer world class whisky and rum portfolio that was differentiated through its heritage and unique brand stories.

Now five years old, the thriving company distributes to 40 markets worldwide delivering over £2 million revenue.

Its award-winning portfolio of luxury spirit brands includes The Lost Distillery Company, Six Saints Rum and West Indies Rum and Cane Merchants.

Ezra Brooks® Launches New Seasonal Variant and Updates Packaging

Brand Releases Ezra Brooks Bourbon Cream® 

(St. Louis) July 22, 2016 – Luxco announces a new look for iconic brand Ezra Brooks® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and the launch of Ezra Brooks Bourbon Cream®. The brand, which dates back to 1957 and has been a part of Luxco’s portfolio of whiskeys since 1993, will continue to provide four variants for consumers with a taste for adventure.

“The domestic whiskey category continues to grow rapidly – more than four percent in the past 12 months –  and the Ezra Brooks brand is keeping pace with this growth*,” says Fletcher Buchman, brand manager at Luxco. “This is the perfect brand family for anyone who enjoys bourbon, as the Ezra Brooks family of bourbon offers a few choices on proof and flavor profiles.”

The brand is also launching the new Ezra Brooks Bourbon Cream, available seasonally in the fall and winter. This creamy addition to the family of products offers a buttery, caramel and toffee flavor with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg. It will be available in 750ml bottles, at 25 proof with a suggested retail price of $12.99-$14.99.

Ezra Brooks’ new look includes a new corked bottle with a premium matte-finish closure capsule. In addition, a higher end label offers the bottle a craftier look and feel. The brand has recently earned top honors at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, taking Gold for Old Ezra Seven Year and Silver for Ezra Brooks Black Label and Ezra B 12 Year Single Barrel in 2015.

Ezra Brooks is aged the old-fashioned way and then charcoal filtered for an unmistakable flavor. The brand family – all offered in 750ml bottles and ranging in suggested retail prices of $11.99 to $26.99 – includes:

n  Ezra Brooks Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, bottled at 90 proof and offering a mellow flavor with hints of spice and chocolate and a smooth finish.

n  Ezra Brooks Blended Whiskey, bottled at 80 proof and offering a genuine Kentucky sour mash recipe with a light, warm finish.

n  Old Ezra Seven Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, bottled at 101 proof and aged a full seven years for a buttery long finish and deep, rich taste.

n  Ezra Brooks Bourbon Cream, bottled at 25 proof and offering a rich caramel and toffee flavor with a smooth, creamy finish.

For more information about Ezra Brooks, please visit http://www.ezrabrooks.com/

*Source: NABCA and DISCUS 9L R12 through December, 2015

About Luxco

Luxco, Inc. is a leading producer, importer and marketer of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our consumers, associates and business partners. Founded in St. Louis in 1958, where it is headquartered, it is owned and operated by the Lux family. Its portfolio of brands include: Juarez Tequila & Triple Sec, Pearl Vodka, Everclear Grain Alcohol, Arrow Cordials, El Mayor Tequila, Ezra Brooks & Rebel Yell Bourbons, Lord Calvert Canadian Whisky, St. Brendan’s Irish Cream, Salvador’s Cocktails, Yago Sant’ gria and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company, visit http://www.luxco.com/.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY’S FIFTEENTH ANNUAL

5K RACE TOOK PLACE THIS JULY 4TH

First Place Female Breaks Race Record; Nearly $14,000 Donated to local V.F.W for city fireworks show

FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (July 7, 2016) – There was more to celebrate at Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Great Buffalo Chase 5K than it being the 15th annual race, when the record for the best female time was broken by three seconds. Held the morning of July 4th, participants came from all over the nation to take part in the race, rain or shine.

Monicah Ngige was the top female runner with a finishing time of 15:49, breaking the top female record by three seconds, and earning her an additional $1,000 bonus in addition to her $3,000 first place purse. Following behind Ngige for second and third place were Nancy Nzisa with a time of 15:58 and Gladys Kipsoi with a time of 16:08.

John Wanjiku was the top male runner and finished with a time of 13:44:8. Very close behind him for second place was Silas Kipruto at 13:44:9. It was a nail bitter to say the least. In third place was Hillary Too with a time of 13:46.

To start off the festivities, a finalist from the television show “America’s Got Talent,” Benton Blount, sang the national as runners took their mark, and WKYT television news anchor Amber Philpott was onsite to emcee the event. The race started promptly at 8 a.m.

After the race, an award ceremony was held for the top runners for male and female as well as for each age group. Cash prizes as well as trophies were awarded to the top male and female runners to commemorate their win.

The top six overall male and female runners were awarded in the following amounts: $3,000 for first place, $2,500 for second place, $2,000 for third place, $1,000 for fourth place, $500 for fifth place, and $250 for sixth place. Special to this year’s race one-time only cash prizes were given to the fourth through sixth place male and female runners in addition to awarding the top three overall male and female runners as per tradition.

The certified race route started on Distillery grounds and wound through historic aging warehouses, production facilities and lots of beautiful scenery before finishing up at the Visitor’s Center. Runners were given commemorative 15th anniversary T-shirts showing how the Great Buffalo Chase has evolved over the past 15 years. Representatives from Buffalo Trace Distillery will present the check from the race proceeds to VFW Post 4075 later this month, which they will use to fund the annual Fourth of July fireworks show for the city of Frankfort.

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. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracemediakit.com.

EVA LONGORIA AND TREVOR NOAH ANNOUNCE WINNERS OF $1 MILLION FUND TO HELP CHANGE THE WORLD

Conceptos Plásticos (Colombia) and WeFarm (UK) announced as standout winners of Chivas’ The Venture 2016.

The Venture, luxury whisky Chivas Regal’s search to find and support the most innovative startups from across the world, rewarded five social enterprises the remaining share of their $1million annual fund at their Final Event in New York City.  The winners were announced after five grand finalists pitched in front of a live audience and judging panel that included actress and philanthropist Eva Longoria.

The event was the culmination of the second year of Chivas’ The Venture, which received over 2,500 applications from scalable and sustainable social entrepreneurs. The evening was hosted by The Daily Show presenter, Trevor Noah who applauded all five entrepreneurs that pitched on their commitment to using business as a force for good. The judging panel which included Eva Longoria, Sonal Shah, Joe Huff and Alexandre Ricard, assessed each business based on their ability to create sustainable change through a viable business model and potential to scale.

Social startup Conceptos Plásticos from Colombia was awarded the largest contribution from The Venture fund, receiving $300,000. Focusing on transforming plastic waste into construction material for permanent housing, Conceptos Plásticos creates much needed building materials for communities to establish a physical infrastructure. The additional finalists to receive funding and recognition were; WeFarm ($200k) – a pioneering knowledge-sharing platform for small scale farmers, EyeControl ($100k) – a mobile communication device for “locked-in” patients, Wakami ($100k) – producer of handmade fashion accessories that support community businesses across Guatemala, and Coolar ($50k) – an innovative healthcare cooling system enabling doctors to preserve lifesaving medicine in off-grid regions.

Eva Longoria congratulated each of the winners on the night:

“I was really inspired by the finalists tonight – I’m so grateful there are people in the world who can figure out solutions to complex global problems. We all live in a global community and I absolutely believe social entrepreneurship is the only way we can create positive change. The caliber of the 27 finalists, their business ideas and fresh thinking was amazing.”

The Final Event was attended by a range of high profile entrepreneurs, business leaders and influencers from New York City and beyond. Also in the audience was Golden Globe nominated actor Oscar Isaac who starred in Chivas Regal’s Win The Right Way film, which was aired to the 300-strong audience at the beginning of the night.

Pernod Ricard’s Chairman and CEO, and The Venture judge, Alexandre Ricard, said:

“It was truly a privilege to be part of the judging panel and watch the five finalists pitch for the remaining $750,000 of funding. Businesses like Conceptos Plásticos and WeFarm are great examples of how innovative, passionate and forward-thinking the social entrepreneurship movement is. Chivas is proud to support the global community of businesses that are on a mission to make a positive change in the world – I look forward to seeing the impact of these projects in the future.­­­”

Chivas’ The Venture launched in September 2014 and has already seen the 16 finalists from the first year of the competition thrive and have an increased impact on a range of social and environmental issues. The 16 Alumni social enterprises are now supporting more than 200,000 beneficiaries in over 50 countries around the world.

Continuing Chivas’ commitment to inspire and support future generations of entrepreneurs, social enterprises from across the world are invited to apply for $1 million in funding as The Venture Year 3 kicks off from 5^th September 2016, visit www.theventure.com for further details.

Notes:

The Venture

The Venture is Chivas’ global search to find and support the most promising aspiring social entrepreneurs who want to succeed whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. With over $1 million in funding and resources, The Venture will enable social entrepreneurs from around the world realise their potential and gain exposure for their business.

With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, inspiring modern gentlemen in more than 60 countries around the world to succeed in the right way.

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. 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.

Two Sazerac Canadian Whiskies awarded medals at 2016 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition

NEW ORLEANS, lA.  (July 19, 2016) – Two of Sazerac’s Canadian Whiskies were awarded medals at the 2016 Los Angeles International Spirits Competition. Caribou Crossing Single Barrel Canadian Whisky received a silver medal and Legacy Canadian Whisky received a bronze medal.

These spirits were ranked among 401 spirits that were submitted from a total of 29 countries.

The Los Angeles International Spirits Competition was formed in 2007, with an esteemed panel of judges using a blind-tasting method to award medals to the best distilled spirits from around the world.  The award-winning entries will be displayed during the Los Angeles County Fair, Sept. 2 – 25, in “The Wine, Beer & Spirits Marketplace.”

            Complete results of the 2016 LAISC are available at www.laspiritscomp.com/.

About the Sazerac Company

            Sazerac is one of New Orleans’ oldest American family owned, privately held companies and has operations in New Orleans, Louisiana; Frankfort, Bardstown, Louisville and Owensboro, Kentucky; Fredericksburg, Virginia; Carson, California; Baltimore, Maryland; Lewiston, Maine; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Montreal Canada. For more information on Sazerac, please visit www.sazerac.com/.

Glenfiddich prepares for Resident Artists First Exhibition 

Work by international artists participating in Glenfiddich’s annual artist in residence programme will go on show at the Distillery’s on-site Gallery from July 30^th.

This year marks Glenfiddich’s 15^th residency and eight artists are taking part in the programme. To date 120 artists from over twenty different countries have been through the experience, living and working at the Distillery over the summer months.

The first exhibition will feature a series of stunning abstract paintings by Norwich based artist, Lisa Almond and a sculptural work designed to provide a visual representation of whisky evaporating from a cask by Taiwanese artist Lin Kun Ying who has been working in collaboration with Glenfiddich’s head cooper, local craftsman Allan Morrison, and Glasstorm studios in Tain. Also on show will be striking photographic landscape images by the residency’s first ever Australian artist, Joan Ross.  The images have been augmented by the artist to incorporate her trademark use of fluro colours.

Andy Fairgrieve, curator of the Glenfiddich Artist in Residence programme said:

“This exhibition is a stimulating start to our 15^th residency. The three artists have embraced the local surroundings to create pieces that are highly engaging and impactful. We will be showcasing work by other artists involved in the programme over the coming months.”

The eight artists participating in the 2016 residency are Emily Binks (UK), Min Joon Park (Korea), Lisa Almond (UK), Lin Kun Ying (Taiwan), Joan Ross

(Australia), Subir Hati (India), Hu Weiyi (China) and Eleanor King (Canada).

The first 2016 Artists in Residence exhibition will run from July 30^th until Sunday 21^st August in the Glenfiddich Gallery situated near the Distillery car park. The Gallery is open daily Wednesday to Sunday from 12.30pm – 5.00pm (closed Monday/Tuesday) and admission is free.

Glenfiddich will also host a special preview of the exhibition on July 29^th from 6.30pm, to which all are welcome.