After two years of intensive research, the German publisher Alba-Collection is pleased to present the new and detailed “Bourbon – Rye – Whiskey Distilleries in USA“ whiskey map. The map contains 805 distilleries and shows the great variety of the American whiskey landscape. It is probably the most detailed special subject map of its kind.

The map is accompanied by a 24-page booklet, which gives the details of all 805 distilleries. Apart from a few dozens of large distilleries, we also found many hundreds of small craft and micro distilleries, which fall into 10 distinct whiskey categories. This also shows the enormous upswing whiskey has taken in the USA during the past years.

The map is supplemented by a set of 12 regional whiskey maps due to the high density of distilleries in some areas. Also new in our publishing portfolio the maps · „Canadian Whisky Distilleries“ and · „Whisky Distilleries in Japan“ .

You can take a look at our map collection at www.alba-collection.com/ or facebook: Alba-collection. All maps come in several sizes. We also offer attractive bundles for resellers. For further information, please contact hirst@alba-collection.com.

Excerpt of the Alba-Collection Publisher Portfolio: 

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA  Large Map (40 × 28 inch)    ISBN: 978-3-944148-31-1

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA  Medium Map (24 × 17 inch) ISBN: 978-3-944148-32-8

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (complete)      Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-33-5

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 1) ME – VT – NH – MA – RI – CT          Tasting Map (10 × 14 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-36-6

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 2) NY – PA – NJ – DE – MD – DC          Tasting Map (10 × 14 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-37-3

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 3) Virginia – West Virginia       Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)            ISBN: 978-3-944148-38-0

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 4) North Carolina – South Carolina     Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-39-7

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 5) Kentucky – Tennessee         Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)            ISBN: 978-3-944148-40-3

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 6) Ohio – Indiana – Illinois       Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)            ISBN: 978-3-944148-41-0

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 7) Michigan – Wisconsin          Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)            ISBN: 978-3-944148-42-7

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 8) Texas – Oklahoma – Kansas            Tasting Map (10 × 14 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-43-4

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 9) Colorado       Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-44-1

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 10) California – Nevada            Tasting Map (10 × 14 inch)            ISBN: 978-3-944148-45-8

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 11) Oregon         Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-46-5

Bourbon-Rye-Whiskey Distilleries in USA (Part 12) Washington Tasting Map (14 × 10 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-47-2

Canadian Whisky Distilleries           Medium Map (24 × 17 inch) ISBN: 978-3-944148-34-2

Canadian Whisky Distilleries           Tasting Map (10 × 14 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-35-9

Whisky-Distilleries in Japan Medium Map (24 × 17 inch) ISBN: 978-3-944148-25-0

Whisky-Distilleries in Japan Tasting Map (10 × 14 inch)   ISBN: 978-3-944148-30-4

Contact:

Alba-Collection Verlag GbR

Owner Ruediger Joerg Hirst & Frank Rittel Meldorfer Straße 11b

D-20251 Hamburg

Germany

hirst@alba-collection.com

http://www.alba-collection.com/

facebook: Alba-collection

Alba-Collection was founded in 2011. Since then, we have sold our high-quality whisk(e)y maps into over 100 countries of the world.

FOUR LOCAL CHARITIES CHOSEN BY CHIVAS BROTHERS EMPLOYEES

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, is today awarding a combined £20,000 to four charities across the UK as part of its ongoing commitment to build strong relations with the local communities where it operates.

Each year, Chivas Brothers’ 1,600 employees across four regions collectively select their favourite causes to support, with each charity receiving a £5,000 donation. The chosen charities for 2016 are:

• Macmillan Cancer Support in the West of Scotland (Paisley, Glasgow and Ayrshire)

o   A £5,000 donation ensures that a Macmillan nurse is able to give in-home support for people living with cancer for a whole month

• Beatson Cancer Charity (Dunbartonshire)

o   A £5,000 donation will support the charity’s pioneering work, which supports the 8,000 new patients and their families who attend the cancer centre every year.

• Alzheimer Scotland (Northern Scotland region)

o   A £5,000 donation will support the charity’s work across Aberdeenshire and Moray through initiatives such as dementia cafes, carer groups and the Aberdeen Dementia Resource Centre

• Jake McCarthy Foundation (London and Plymouth region)

o   Last year’s £5,000 contributed to The Wall of Hope, a symbol of the ongoing aim to eradicate brain cancer, with each brick representing one day of research for glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive type of malignant brain tumour

Jennie Norrish, Head of Communications at Chivas Brothers, said: “It is a great pleasure to announce the four charities that our employees have chosen to support this year. We are dedicated to being a part of the communities where our employees live and work, and therefore to support this incredibly worthy cause that is so close to the hearts of our workforce across the country. The Charity of the Year initiative is a great opportunity for Chivas Brothers to give back to our local communities.”

For the second consecutive year, Hammersmith, Kennington and Plymouth sites voted for The Jake McCarthy Foundation, which was set up in memory of the brother of an employee and aims to raise awareness of the symptoms of brain tumours to help ensure early diagnosis.

Josh McCarthy (pictured), Senior Brand Manager for Chivas Brothers, is Jake’s brother. He said: “I’m thrilled that the Jake McCarthy Foundation has been chosen as 2016 Charity of the Year. Chivas Brothers has such a warm, welcoming community of people and their compassion and support for our cause just showcases the kind-hearted nature of the people I’m lucky enough to work with each day.

“It is obviously a cause extremely close to my heart and with brain tumours still responsible for more cancer deaths in under 40s than any other illness, the support amongst such a big business like this helps our cause enormously. This partnership helps us to fund further research into the disease as well as get support from a wide community of people.”

The annual charity vote is just one of a number of initiatives that Chivas Brothers’ employees can take part in throughout the year, including a ‘doubling-up scheme’ where the company matches funds raised for good causes by workers in their spare time.

Notes:

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s No.2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.2 single malt 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 € 8,558 million in 2014/15. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40index.
www.pernod-ricard.com

CHIVAS BROTHERS’ NORTHERN SCOTLAND EMPLOYEES DONATE TO ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, is today awarding £5,000 to Alzheimer Scotland after employees across its Northern Scotland operations voted in their droves to support the charity.

Each year, Chivas Brothers’ staff select their favourite causes to support as part of the company’s commitment to build strong relations with the local communities where it operates. As the leading dementia organisation in the region, Alzheimer Scotland provides a wide range of specialist services for people with dementia and their carers. A £5,000 donation will support the charity’s work across Aberdeenshire and Moray through initiatives such as dementia cafes, carer groups and the Aberdeen Dementia Resource Centre.

“On behalf of Alzheimer Scotland, I would like to thank everyone at Chivas Brothers for supporting our charity”, said Andrea Watt, Aberdeen-based Community Fundraiser for Alzheimer Scotland. “Funds raised will help us to continue to run our new Dementia Resource Centre here on King Street, Aberdeen, plus our various groups and activities across Aberdeenshire and Moray. In addition these vital funds will help ensure we continue to provide dementia advisors and dementia nurse consultants to help people live well with dementia and to make sure that no one faces dementia alone.”

Elma Mackay (pictured), Alzheimer Scotland Community Fundraiser in Inverness, added: “Alzheimer Scotland is Scotland’s leading dementia charity, offering specialist support services, community activities, information and advice at every stage of the dementia journey, from over 60 locations across Scotland. We depend on generous donations and fundraised income to maintain and develop our work to improve quality of life for the 90,000 people in Scotland with dementia and their carers”.

Jennie Norrish, Head of Communications at Chivas Brothers, said: “It is a great pleasure to announce that our employees have chosen to support Alzheimer Scotland this year. We are dedicated to being a part of the communities where our employees live and work, and therefore to support this incredibly worthy cause that is so close to the hearts of our Northern Scotland workforce. The Charity of the Year initiative is a great opportunity for Chivas Brothers to give back to our local communities.”

Karen McGillivray works for Chivas Brothers at Strathisla Distillery. She said: “My uncle has been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and it’s not until you are faced with conditions like these that you can fully understand and appreciate the work that these charities do, not only for the patient but also for their partners and families. I have read up on all the benefits and effects the work the charity does and appreciate this.”

The donation to Alzheimer Scotland forms part of a £20,000 contribution to four charities across the UK, each representing a region in which Chivas Brothers operates and includes; Alzheimer Scotland, Northern Scotland region; Macmillan Cancer Support West of Scotland, Paisley, Glasgow and Ayrshire; Beatson Cancer Charity, Dunbartonshire; and the Jake McCarthy Foundation, London and Plymouth region.

The annual charity vote is just one of a number of initiatives that Chivas Brothers’ employees can take part in throughout the year, including a ‘doubling-up scheme’ where the company matches funds raised for good causes by workers in their spare time.

Notes:

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s No.2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.2 single malt 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 € 8,558 million in 2014/15. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40index.
www.pernod-ricard.com

21 Years in the Making

Isle of Arran Distillers Release Anniversary Book  

The award-winning Isle of Arran Distillers, who began whisky production in 1995 for the first time on Arran in almost 160 years, has now reached 21 years of age. As part of the on-going anniversary celebrations, a new book ‘The Arran Malt – An island whisky renaissance’ will be officially released during the popular Malt and Music Festival in Lochranza on the 2^nd July.

A complete account of the history of the distillery, from before it was even an idea in the mind of its creators to the present day, the book is illustrated with archive and contemporary illustrations as well as stunning photography of the distillery’s island home.

Researched by Neil Wilson, the respected whisky writer and one of those who originally purchased a bond in Isle of Arran Distillers, it follows the growth of this much-loved island distillery from its founding directors, Hal Currie and David Hutchison to its current status as one of Scotland’s finest malt whisky producers.

Along the way, Neil has interviewed many of the people who were involved in the company’s development as well as current employees and enthusiasts of the brand to create a true celebration of a the Arran Malt.

As the Isle of Arran Distillery looks forward to the next 21 years, and expansion with a second distillery site on the south of the island at Lagg, ‘The Arran Malt – An island whisky renaissance’ is an essential edition to the whisky lover’s bookshelf.

Soft cover book – £19.99

Hard case book – £29.99

Availble from http://www.arranwhisky.com/, the Lochranza Visitor Centre, Neil Wilson Publishing and Amazon

Notes:

NEIL WILSON is a whisky historian, writer and publisher specialising in the Hebridean distilleries. His other works

include Scotch and Water, The Island Whisky Trail, Ardbeg – Jewel of Islay, The Whisky Map of Scotland and Whisky In Your Pocket. He has also written for Whisky Magazine and is a contributor to www.scotchwhisky.com/

www.nwp.co.uk/

For more information visit http://www.arranwhisky.com/

* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007), Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (20070

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2012). Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards (2012). Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year-old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards 2014.

NEIL WILSON (neil@nwp.co.uk)

Neil Wilson is one of Scotland’s most respected publishers and whisky writers. His food and drink imprint, The Angels’ Share, regularly releases new material on the subject, the latest of which is The Arran Malt: An Island Whisky Renaissance. As one of the original investors in Isle of Arran Distillers, having purchased Bond number 0479 in 1994, he jumped at the opportunity to research and write a book on the company’s history when he was asked to do so by MD Euan Mitchell in March 2015. After a year of painstaking research involving interviews with current and past employees, visits to archives and numerous visits to Arran and further afield, he completed the book in May and it will be launched at the annual Arran Music & Malt Festival on 2 July 2106 at Lochranza Distillery, marking its 21^st anniversary.

MORE INFO:

Neil Wilson Publishing Ltd was formed in 1992 and now has over 200 titles in print and Ebook formats, many of them written by award-winning authors such as Jim Perrin, Roger Protz, Trevor Braham (Boardman-Tasker award winner 2004) Catherine Brown, Jim Murray and Wallace Milroy.

Originally a drilling fluids engineer working in the oil business, in the mid-1980s he wrote Scotch and Water (Lochar Publishing, 1985) after a sailing trip around the Hebridean malt whisky distilleries (later revised and reissued as The Island Whisky Trail in 2002) and it was out of this project that his publishing and writing interests grew. Wallace Milroy’s Malt Whisky Almanac, which he co-authored, followed and achieved worldwide sales of 300,000 in seven editions and many languages. Most recently this title was reprised as Whisky In Your Pocket, published by Waverley Books.

He has fostered close relationships with the whisky industry and this has allowed him to work on many projects for a wide spectrum of distillers. He has written and published a five-language book on Ardbeg Distillery for Glenmorangie plc, a cellar book for Glengoyne Distillery, Loch Fyne Whiskies and the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and published numerous corporate publications. Included in these are:

The Enduring Legacy of Dewars by Ian Buxton

Glenglassaugh: A Distillery Reborn by Ian Buxton.

Goodness Nose by Richard Paterson and Gavin D. Smith

Glenfarclas 175 by Ian Buxton.

But The Distilleries Went On: The Morrison Bowmore Story by Ian Buxton 

He formed Classic Expressions with Ian Buxton in 2007 to republish rare whisky editions and the result of this was the reissue of books such as Nettleton’s Manufacture of Plain Spirit and Truths About Whiskey amongst others.

He has attended the Diageo Malt Advocates course and is a regular invitee to trade events and new release launches. He has contributed to Whisky Magazine, Wine, Decanter and the national press. He currently writes for www.scotchwhisky.com

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY DISTILLS FIRST CORN CROP FOR FARM TO TABLE BOURBON  

Second Year of Corn – A New Variety – Planted 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (June 23, 2016) A little over a year ago, Buffalo Trace Distillery quietly purchased an additional 293 acres of farm land adjacent to the Distillery, with the intention of building more barrel warehouses to meet the growing demands of bourbon. In the meantime while permits were being secured for the new construction, Buffalo Trace decided it would be “fun” to plant its own corn, with an idea of creating its own farm to table “single estate” bourbon experience.

But it couldn’t be just any corn that was planted, the Distillery wanted to plant something that had historical meaning to this 243-year-old National Historic Landmark. Research began, and soon a strain was identified that dated back to 1876, around the same time E. H. Taylor, Jr. was making his mark on Buffalo Trace. The strain originated from a White Mastodon variety and through selection techniques in isolation it became “Boone County White,” after a farmer named James Riley coined the name. Coincidentally, Harlen Wheatley, Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace, was born in Boone County, Ky., making that strain even more fitting.

After planting 18 acres of the non-GMO white corn in the summer of 2015, Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley and his team eagerly watched the corn sprout up and begin to grow, and grow, and grow!  And harvest time, the stalks were well over 12 feet tall! The corn was harvested in August of last year and the grain was processed to be dried. After drying all winter, the corn was fermented and distilled at Buffalo Trace on May 31, 2016. All told, 117 barrels of the Boone County White Corn variety were distilled and are now aging in Buffalo Trace’s warehouses, to be taste tested periodically over the next few years to check on progress, and then eventually released, provided the taste profile is up to Buffalo Trace’s rigorous standards.

Now, in 2016, the cycle is beginning again, with Buffalo Trace planting its second year of non-GMO corn, this time Japonica Striped Corn, a strain originally from Japan and dating back to the 1890s. This variety will have variegated leaves of green, white, yellow and pink stripes with dark purple tassels and burgundy kernels. Typically used as an ornamental corn, this variety will be a true experiment to see how it tastes once fermented and distilled next year!  In addition to both the Boone County and Japonica Striped corn being from E. H. Taylor, Jr.’s era, both are dent corn varieties, which have a high starch content and are ideal for distilling, unlike traditional sweet corn one might see in the grocery store.  Buffalo Trace uses a different variety of dent corn in the distillation of the rest of the bourbons in its portfolio.

Buffalo Trace Distillery intends to plant a different variety of corn each year at its farm so each year in the future there will be a unique release.  Name, age or price of this future bourbon has not yet been determined.

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 1786 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 seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.

MEXICO BARTENDER CLAIMS THE CHIVAS MASTERS TITLE IN SHANGHAI

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, has crowned Alejandro Millan Ponce de Leon from Instituto Culinario de Mexico and Bootlegger in Puebla, Mexico as the 2016 Chivas Master. The first major bartending competition to be held in Shanghai saw Alejandro overcome fierce competition from 14 of the world’s most innovative bartenders over a five-day final.

Alejandro also led a group of fellow finalists to victory who, as a team, were awarded the title of ‘Chivas Masters Collective’ for their pop-up bar, The Beach Brothers @ Logan’s Punch. The team, comprising of Santiago Ortiz Jacome from Spain, Ben Rojo from the United States, Stanisław Domin from Poland, and Tomáš Melzer from Czech Republic will all embark on a once in a lifetime trip to the Tales of the Cocktail 2016 festival in New Orleans to learn from some of the industry’s most renowned bartenders.

Due to his team spirit, hospitality and outstanding drink creations Alejandro was awarded the overall Chivas Masters title. The expert panel of judges were impressed by Alejandro’s winning local cocktail, ‘El Jornalero’, which displayed a culinary connection with his region’s indigenous ingredients and showed a great authenticity tying it to the roots of his Mexican culture.

The accolade of Chivas Master will take Alejandro on a bespoke trip to one of the world’s most iconic bars in a city of his choice to create a signature Chivas cocktail as a lasting contribution to the global competition.

The 2016 Chivas Masters judging panel boasted some of the world’s top industry leaders: Chris Lowder, head bartender at the Four Seasons in Seoul; Naren Young, head bartender at Dante in New York City; industry legend Dre Masso; and Leo Robitschek, bar director of New York’s Eleven Madison Park, who each coached the finalists in a series of workshops and judged competitors on their bartending talent and ability to lead, mentor and inspire a team.

Alejandro commented: “The global Chivas Masters final in Shanghai has opened my eyes and I hope that I have shown just what Mexico can do. It is a huge honour to hold the title of Chivas Master. The support of my team in Mexico and the amazing bartenders around me here at the global final has showed me that true brotherhood exists, and being able to work with these people is a great privilege.”

Max Warner, Global Brand Ambassador for Chivas Regal, commented: “The third year of the Chivas Masters global bartending competition has shown the world that a great cocktail is more than just an exceptional spirit base, which is of course essential: teamwork and collaboration are also key components in delivering a memorable drinking experience. Our winner Alejandro epitomised these values, underpinned by truly outstanding bartending skills – a worthy winner, supported by his team.”

The 15 competing bartenders earned their place at the global final by impressing at national heats, where they were challenged to recreate Chivas Regal’s journey across the globe. Creating serves that were inspired by the classic cocktails of New York to the booming bars of Shanghai via their home country, all cocktails were designed to enhance Chivas Regal’s smooth and generous house style – a feat that the bartenders were asked to replicate in the Chivas Masters global final this week.

Dre Masso remarked on the outstanding quality of entrants in the Chivas Masters 2016 global final: “On behalf of the wider judging panel it was fantastic to see such a resourceful, innovative and skilful group of bartenders competing – all of the finalists in Shanghai proved themselves to be at the top of their game. However, Alejandro is a fantastic winner, both due to his exceptional talent behind the bar and his camaraderie throughout the finals. I can’t wait to see how his career progresses – I expect great things.”

NOTES

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 No. 2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the single malt whisky that set the standard; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch. www.chivasbrothers.com @ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard Pernod Ricard is the world’s No. 2 in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 80 “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

Wemyss Malts Midsummer Single Cask Release of 2016

As  we  gather  to  celebrate  the  longest  day  –  midsummer,  Independent  bottler  Wemyss  Malts releases a  gathering  of nine  new single cask whiskies ranging from 18 to 27  years  old.  As always the descriptive names of these whiskies are based on the flavours and aromas discovered by the Wemyss tasting panel.

The full single cask list of this release comprises of:

“Arbor in Bloom” 1995 (20yo) single cask from Glen Grant Distillery, Speyside
“Summer Breeze” 1995 (20yo) single cask from Linkwood Distillery, Speyside
“Spiced Rum Baba” 1988 (27yo) single cask from Glenrothes Distillery, Speyside
“Fields of Barley” 1990 (24yo) single cask from Bunnahabhain Distillery, Islay
“Lemon Buttered Kippers” (18yo) single cask from Bunnahabhain Distillery, Islay
“Briny Tangle” (25yo) single cask from Bowmore Distillery, Islay
“Banquet of Fruits” (21yo) single cask from Aberfeldy Distillery, Highlands
“Nuts about Pears” (24yo) single cask from Blair Athol Distillery, Highlands
“Mocha Moment” (27yo) single cask single grain from Invergordon Distillery

William Wemyss, Founder and Managing Director at Wemyss Malts, commented: “As there are more hours of daylight today, we’ve released  a larger batch of  nine single casks to provide an opulent  choice  of  drams  to  enjoy  through  the  long  evening  light.  From  the  topical  “Summer  Breeze” and “Fields of Barley” to  “Arbor in Bloom”  and “Banquet of Fruits”,  all are ideal for joining in with the midsummer revelries.”

Selected by the ever diligent Charlie Maclean each cask is limited to only a few hundred bottles with suggested retail prices ranging from £80 to £150. These bottlings will be available in selected retailers in the UK, EU and key Asian markets.

Notes :

 Edinburgh  based  Wemyss  Malts  is  owned  by  the  Wemyss  family  and  their  family  seat  is
Wemyss Castle in Fife where they’ve lived since the 1300s.

Wemyss Malts has an ongoing blended malt whisky range comprising: The Spice King, The Peat Chimney and The Hive;  single malt single cask bottlings and blended Scotch range, Lord Elcho.

Kiln Embers, 2015’s heavily peated, non  chill-filtered  release from Wemyss Malts has been awarded  gold  medal  by  the  World  Whisky  Awards  in  the  category  of  best  Scotch Blended Malt – No Age Statement.

The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include boutique gin Darnley’s View,  together  with  the  premium  wine  estate  of  Rimauresq  Cru  Classé  in  Cotes  de Provence.

The  family  has  opened  a  single  malt  distillery  at  Kingsbarns,  near  St.  Andrews  in  Fife www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com

THE FAMOUS GROUSE HOUSE RETURNS WITH THE LAUNCH OF ‘FAMOUS FRIDAYS’ HEADLINER COMPETITION  

Back by popular demand, The Famous Grouse House is returning to Scotland’s Capital for Edinburgh’s International Festival Fringe this August (Wednesday 3^rd August – Saturday 27^th August 2016) for its second consecutive year. To celebrate, Scotland’s favourite whisky will be launching ‘Famous Fridays’ headliner competition giving 4 lucky artists or bands the chance to win a headline slot like no other and earn the right to say they have played at the Edinburgh Festival at the famous venue!

The destination pop up bar which is set to return to George Street in the centre of the capital’s festival entertainment, will invite artists and bands over the age of 25 to submit their video entries to The Famous Grouse from 20 June 2016 for an opportunity to win a prime time Friday slot and perform live on stage! Artists and bands are invited to enter via email to: competitions@thefamousgrouse.com with a video link to one of their songs, alongside details of the band. Full terms and conditions are available on The Famous Grouse UK website www.thefamousgrouse.com/gb.

The winners will be joined by some of Scotland’s best up and coming music acts and musical fringe performances from all over the globe, as part of the eclectic festival programme at Venue 7, 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 popular festival band 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: “Last year we created the perfect place to enjoy Scotland’s No.1 selling Blended Scotch Whisky, The Famous Grouse, debuting The Famous Grouse House at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe. With live music every day and a variety of refreshing summer serves, we joined in the world’s largest arts festival for three exhilarating weeks and attracted the most talented performers to our stage for everyone to enjoy.  We are returning even bigger and better for a second year, this time with the exciting launch of ‘The Famous Friday’ Headliner competition, which will give the public the chance to vote for who they want to see on stage. We can’t wait to welcome visitors to our famous venue – there’s no better place to be this August!”

The Famous Grouse House is open daily from the 3rd to the 27th August, from 11am until midnight, with live music every day, situated outside New Town Theatre, Venue 7, 96 George Street.

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

For more information visit http://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 can enter by sending their YouTube video entry to: competitions@thefamousgrouse.com

The competition will open on Monday 20^th June and close Friday 8^th July at 12pm. A shortlist of acts will be selected by the panel of x4 judges on Friday 8^th July and this shortlist will then be put to a public vote on The Famous Grouse UK Facebook page fans to decide who wins the headliner slot. (Public vote closes 14^th July) Winners will be notified on Friday 15^th July. 

Full terms and conditions are available on The Famous Grouse website and below:

The Famous Headliner Competition 2016

Terms and Conditions 

Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions, and agreed to be bound by them when entering this Promotion. 

• Promoter: The promoter is Maxxium UK Limited (the “Promoter”) whose registered office is Maxxium House, Castle Business Park, Stirling, Stirlingshire, FK9 4RT

1. Entrants: This Promotion (“Promotion”) is open to residents of the United Kingdom aged 25 or over.
2. Purchase: No purchase necessary. No purchase of The Famous Grouse product(s) necessary to enter the competition.

• Promotion period: Start date: 09.00 GMT on Monday 20^th June 2016. Closing time and date: 18.00 GMT on Thursday 14^th July 2016.

• How to enter: To take part in this Promotion entrants may enter via sending an email to competitions@thefamousgrouse.com with a video/audio link to one of the artist’s/band’s songs, details of each of the members of the band including their age and country of residence and a description of the artist or band (50 words max.) Entrants must be aged 25 and over (this applies to all members of the band detailed within the entry.) Photographic ID must be supplied by the artist and all band members with entry. This is to comply with the Portman Code of Practice for Marketing Alcohol.

1. Entries: All entries must include name, telephone number, email address of entrant, date of birth, please take care when entering the competition and make sure that your entry is complete. Entries that are incomplete or that cannot be clearly viewed or read will not be entered into the competition. Maximum of one entry per artist/band.
2. Draw: The winner will be selected by a panel of judges comprising of two guest judges and the Maxxium The Famous Grouse brand team. The competition will open at 09.00 Monday 20^th June and close Thursday 14th July at 12pm. A shortlist of acts will be selected by the panel of x4 judges on Friday 8^th July and the shortlist will then be put to a public vote from the 11^th – 14^th July on The Famous Grouse UK Facebook page for fans to decide who wins the headliner slot .Winners will be notified on Friday 15^th July.
3. Winner: Winners will be notified by email or phone within 2 working days of draw but in no event later that 18.00 GMT on Friday 15^th July 2016. Winner must confirm their acceptance of the Prize (as defined below) by or before 18.00 GMT on Monday 18^th July 2016.
4. Prize: The prize is a an opportunity for the winning artist or band to perform on stage at the at The Famous Grouse House on George Street, Edinburgh, during the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival on a Friday throughout August at 8.30-9.30pm (prime slot.) Winning artist or band must be available to play on a date selected by The Famous Grouse from the following dates: 5, 12, 19, 26 August 2016 at the time 8.30pm-9.30pm; or prize will be revoked. The artist or band must arrive no later than 8pm to set up for 8.30pm slot.
5. Winners: Winners must be aged 25 or over and will each need a photographic ID and will be required to complete and sign a Winner information form in order to take up the Prize. The Prize does not include travel expenses or accommodation. The prize includes a headliner slot on one Friday during the festival from the following date: 5, 12, 19, 26 August 2016 at 8.30pm-9.30pm. The prize does not include any other costs or expenses not specifically listed in the above paragraph
6. Applicable law: This Promotion, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it (including the prize), shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Scottish law and you irrevocably agree that the courts of Scotland shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any such dispute or claim.

Competition is not open to employees of this outlet or of The Edrington Group or Maxxium UK Ltd their families, agents and agencies and anyone else professionally connected with this promotion.

1. Reserved Rights: The Promoter reserves the right to share artist or band’s video content and video entry as part of pre and post promotion of show on social media channels including YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
2. The prize for the winner is non-exchangeable, non-transferable and no cash alternative is offered.

Liability etc

1. There are certain things for which the Promoter does not accept any liability to you, and these are explained in the next two paragraphs. The law does not allow the Promoter to exclude or limit its liability for some things, such as death or personal injury caused by its negligence, or loss caused by a false statement where the statement is made fraudulently.  The Promoter accepts full liability for these matters.  Otherwise, the exclusions of liability described below will apply. References to the Promoter include all of the Promoter’s associated companies, agents or any other third party involved in the Promotion.
2. The Promoter will not be responsible for (and will have no liability in connection with) the following occurrences, to the extent that they occur for reasons beyond the Promoter’s reasonable control:

1. any postponement or cancellation of the Promotion; and
2. any act or default of any third party supplier.

1. The Promoter does not accept responsibility for network, computer, hardware or software failure of any kind, which may affect the sending, receipt or processing of your entry.
2. Entries must not be made through agents or third parties.  Incomplete entries will be disqualified and will not be counted.
3. The Promoter’s decisions are final and binding in all respects on all entrants. No correspondence will be entered into. Entries that do not comply in full with these terms and conditions will be disqualified.
4. Please note that this Promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram.  By entering, you acknowledge that Facebook, Twitter and Instagram bear no responsibility for this Promotion and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, you release Facebook, Twitter and Instagram from any liability whatsoever in connection with this Promotion.  You understand that the information you provide is provided to the Promoter (and its affiliates, associates and agents where applicable) and not to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
5. If the Promoter has grounds to suspect any entrant or third party of cheating, deception or fraudulent or unsportsmanlike conduct of any kind (including, without limitation, manipulating the Promotion, choice of winners or any entry) the Promoter reserves the right (in its sole discretion) to disqualify any entrant, entry or person it reasonably believes to be responsible for, or associated with, such activity.
6. The Promoter reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time. 

Personal Details and Submission of Photographs

1. For the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998, the entrant acknowledges that in the course of entering via email to competitions@thefamousgrouse.com where the entrant has given consent by submitting video content of band, certain personal information or data about the entrant will be captured electronically or otherwise and transmitted to the Promoter. By entering into any promotion, the entrant expressly agrees to transfer such personal information or data to Maxxium UK Ltd to use, store and process the personal information for this competition and for future promotional actions and advertising related with the product The Famous Grouse. The entrant has the right to access, modify and cancel the personal information or data by contacting us at The Famous Grouse, Maxxium UK Ltd, Maxxium House, Castle Business Park, Stirling, FK9 4RT or via Karen.dobie-lawson@maxxium.com.
2. Any personal information, including without limitation, the entrant’s name, age, address (including postcode), telephone number and/or email address will be used solely in connection with this competition and for any purpose for which the entrant specifically opts in and will not be disclosed to any third party except for (a) the purpose of fulfilling the Prize(s) where applicable and (b) for any purpose for which the entrant specifically opts in. Any personal information held by the Promoter in respect of any competition will be held on record for a reasonable period to fulfil the purpose for which such personal information was collected. If an entrant gives the Promoter permission to pass on their personal information to a third party then this shall no longer be the responsibility of the Promoter and shall be subject to the privacy policy of that third party.

Publicity

1. The Winner agrees to allow the Promoter to use their name, competition entry and performance on stage for advertising and publicity purposes without additional remuneration. This authorization is not limited in time or geographically.
2. The Winner hereby agrees to be photographed and  filmed during the Prize, and the Winner agrees to sign a release form (to be provided by the Promoter or its agent) which will entitle the Promoter, and third parties to use and exploit the photographs and footage of the Winner for various purposes including promotional and advertising purposes without further remuneration.  The Winner shall procure that their chosen companions shall do the same if required by the Promoter. This authorization is not limited in time or geographically.
3. The Winners will take part in other related reasonable publicity and PR activity at the Promoter’s request.
4. Reserved Rights: Maxxium reserve the right to share artist or band’s video content and video entry as part of pre and post promotion of show on social media channels including YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.

Scottish Law applies

1. This Promotion, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it (including the prize), shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Scottish law and you irrevocably agree that the courts of Scotland shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any such dispute or claim.
2. The winner may be required to provide a written acknowledgement of acceptance of all Terms and Conditions of the competition prior to receiving their prize. 

The Famous Grouse (http://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 and Famous Ginger 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)

Lagavulin™ Releases 25 Year Old Limited Edition Bottling to Honour

200 Years of Distillery Managers

2016 continues to be a year of celebration for Lagavulin as the Iconic Islay distillery marks its 200^th anniversary with a limited edition release. This Lagavulin 25 Year Old release is a recognition of the contribution the Lagavulin distillery managers have made in crafting Lagavulin across the years. Lagavulin is treasured around the world as one of the most special Single Malt Scotch Whiskies and this is the first 25 Year Old release to be matured exclusively in sherry casks.

200 years ago, John Johnston & Archibald Campbell oversaw the first new make spirit distilled. Since that day the distillery managers have carried on the Lagavulin legacy, creating an acclaimed spirit on the shores of the Isle.

Georgie Crawford, distillery manager at the Lagavulin distillery said: “For two centuries, Lagavulin has been crafted through the hands of hard working Islay residents; from peat cutters to warehousemen; the characters that make Lagavulin what it is today share a passion for producing an award winning Islay dram, and I am proud to say that I am part of this passionate group of people.”

This 25 Year Old is an ode to the many craftsmen and immense skill behind making Lagavulin whisky. With the typical peaty, rich and iconic flavours of Lagavulin, this special bottling follows the earlier release of Lagavulin 8 Year Old this year, which marked the start of the #Lagavulin200 anniversary celebrations.

Dr Nick Morgan, Diageo’s Head of Whisky Outreach adds: “To continue this special birthday we wanted to release a brand new bottling to Lagavulin enthusiasts worldwide. The 25 Year Old is a sublime expression of Lagavulin, I couldn’t think of a better way to pay homage to the distillery managers. This year our aim is to bring as many people to Islay and Islay to as many people from around the globe as possible to celebrate years of craft and passion.”

Cramped and chaotic by nature, this sea front distillery can never be expanded and therefore demand often exceeds supply. Bottled at natural cask strength and with only 8,000 individually numbered bottles worldwide, this extremely limited edition will become a beautiful collectors item that will rest comfortably on any whisky connoisseur or collectors’ cabinet around the world.

Instagram: @lagavulinwhisky

Twitter: @lagavulinwhisky

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lagavulin

For more Malts news please visit: http://www.malts.com/ 

NOTES

Tasting notes:

Appearance: Deep, red-hued chestnut. Slow, lingering 

Nose: Profound, complex and dry overall. Rich yet elusive, it really takes time to open up, first offering liquid dried fruits; figs, dates or prunes, a trace of treacle toffee with almost no sweetness and a distant faintly medicinal note of wood polish, which takes on char and smoke, as with a fine old oak chest left too close to a roaring fire. Gradually you discover jammy notes with roasted meats and honey; even, a raspberry coulis. Finally, there are clean ripe red apples, mint and, in time, a whiff of sealing wax. Water brings up soft toffee and milk chocolate, sweet marzipan over sour cherries, cold smoke, burnt timbers and pine resin. 

Body: Medium-rich, coating

Palate: A voluptuous, oily texture, with a bitter-sweet and gingery, slightly drying start. Intense, with masses of charred wood, oak-smoked meats, honey, burnt treacle tart and ash. Then, refreshing spearmint. Salty, then sweet, with water; gentle peat and spearmint. Now it’s soft, comforting and relaxed.

Finish: Long, smooth, sweetly honeyed and elegant, with slowly rising fragrant wood smoke, ash, salt and a subtle, chilli like heat; followed by cooling eucalyptus. Finally, oily and bittersweet, with burnt orange peel, all of it lingering deliciously. Softer with water, which brings a late, quiet pungency.

The origins of Lagavulin

Local records suggest that Lagavulin was already a centre of whisky production in the early 18th century. There had almost certainly been many other illicit stills before John Johnston founded the first legal distillery at Lagavulin Bay in 1816. As with all Scottish distilleries, it passed through the hands of different owners, including the celebrated Sir Peter Mackie, whose company became White Horse Distillers, forever associated with Lagavulin. White Horse joined The Distillers Company Ltd. (eventually Diageo) in 1927. In 1989, Lagavulin, now normally bottled at 16 years rather than the original 12, became one of the six Classic Malts of Scotland™

About Diageo:

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

The LAGAVULIN word and associated logos are trade marks. © 2016

Visit malts.com for further information.

CHIVAS BROTHERS’ PAISLEY, GLASGOW AND AYRSHIRE EMPLOYEES DONATE TO MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT WEST OF SCOTLAND

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, is today awarding £5,000 to Macmillan Cancer Support in the West of Scotland, after employees from its Willowyard, Strathclyde and Paisley sites voted in their droves to support the charity.

Each year, Chivas Brothers’ staff select their favourite causes to support as part of the company’s commitment to build strong relations with the local communities where it operates.  Macmillan Cancer Support in the West of Scotland is dedicated to working closely with local people and raising money to provide services for those living with cancer and to support their families. A £5,000 donation ensures that a Macmillan nurse is able to give in-home support for people living with cancer for a whole month.

Lisa McGrogan, of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We are extremely grateful to the staff at Chivas Brothers for choosing us as their charity of the year partner for 2016-2017.  Sadly the number of people being diagnosed with cancer is increasing every year and that means Macmillan’s support for people living with cancer is in more demand than ever.

“Without companies like Chivas Brothers fundraising for us we would not be able to be there to support people with cancer and their families when they need us most.”

Jim Beck (pictured), who works within IT at Chivas Brothers, said: “I think if you took a survey on the street and asked them what the Macmillan charity meant to them, the majority would reply that they have a friend or relative who has benefited from the work and care they provide, and I am included in this. This is why it is a special charity to me.”

Jennie Norrish, Head of Communications at Chivas Brothers, said: “It is a great pleasure to announce that our employees have chosen to support Macmillan Cancer Support in the West of Scotland this year. We are dedicated to being a part of the communities where our employees live and work, and therefore support this incredibly worthy cause that is so close to the hearts of our Willowyard, Strathclyde and Paisley workforce. The Charity of the Year initiative is a great opportunity for Chivas Brothers to give back to our local communities.”

The donation to Macmillan Cancer Support forms part of a £20,000 contribution to four charities across the UK, each representing a region in which Chivas Brothers operates and includes; Macmillan Cancer Support in the West of Scotland, Paisley, Glasgow and Ayrshire; The Jake McCarthy Foundation, London and Plymouth region; Alzheimer Scotland, Northern Scotland region; and the Beatson Cancer Charity, Dunbartonshire.

The annual charity vote is just one of a number of initiatives that Chivas Brothers’ employees can take part in throughout the year, including a ‘doubling-up scheme’ where the company matches funds raised for good causes by workers in their spare time.

Notes:

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s No.2 in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.2 single malt 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 € 8,558 million in 2014/15. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier- Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with 6 “Brand Companies” and 85 “Market Companies” established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on 3 key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics.

Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40index.
www.pernod-ricard.com