DIAGEO ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO SENIOR LEADERSHIP IN EUROPE AND AFRICA

Appointment of Charles Ireland as General Manager GB, Ireland and France

Diageo has announced changes to its senior leadership in Europe and Africa.

Charles Ireland, Managing Director, East Africa Breweries Ltd (EABL) is appointed to the new role of General Manager GB, Ireland and France, based in London and reporting to John Kennedy, President, Diageo Europe, Russia and Turkey. Andrew Cowan, currently Country Director GB, is appointed to the role of Managing Director, EABL, reporting to John O’Keeffe, President, Diageo Africa, based in Nairobi, Kenya.  Both Charles and Andrew will begin a month of transition to their new roles from 1 July 2016.

Charles Ireland has spent the last 13 years leading some of Diageo’s biggest businesses in both Asia Pacific and Africa.  Most recently in leading EABL, Charles has experienced a richly diverse business with teams across several East African countries and with a vital local importance economically and socially in the region.  Charles returns to Europe to lead the Diageo GB business in addition to leading Ireland and Diageo’s interests in France, together with Oliver Loomes, Country Director, Ireland and Frank Floc’hlay, CEO, MHD France.

Andrew Cowan has been Country Director for Diageo Great Britain since 2011. Andrew joined Diageo in 2008 as Commercial Director for Northern Ireland and was appointed to the role of Commercial Director in the Republic of Ireland in 2009 before taking over the Diageo GB business five years ago. Prior to joining Diageo, Andrew held a number of senior roles in the FMCG industry, including positions at GSK and Boots.

John Kennedy, President, Diageo Europe, Russia and Turkey, said:

“I would like to thank Charles and Andrew for the significant impact they have made on EABL and GB respectively. Charles has transformed EABL to be one of the best performing markets in Diageo and the fastest growing market for Guinness. Over the last few years, under Andrew’s leadership, Diageo GB has seen consistent top line growth, profit growth and sprits market share growth, and Guinness is also growing again with increased value share. Both are tremendous achievements and I congratulate them both on their new appointments.”    

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

CHIVAS MASTERS’ GLOBAL FINALISTS PREPARE FOR SHANGHAI

Chivas Masters 2016 – Shanghai skyline

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, has announced the 15 international bartenders that will compete in the Chivas Masters Global Final in Shanghai on 19th-22nd June – the first time a major bartending competition has held its finals in the city. The Asian cocktail capital will play host to this year’s finalists who each impressed in regional heats with their bartending skills and demonstration of their knowledge of Chivas.

The national heats of the Chivas Masters – now in its third year – challenged bartenders to recreate Chivas Regal’s journey across the globe. The 15 global finalists created serves inspired by the classic cocktails of New York to the booming bars of Shanghai, via their local cocktail scene, all designed to enhance Chivas Regal’s smooth and generous house style – a feat they will have to replicate in the Chivas Masters Global Final.

Finalists are preparing to jet off to Shanghai for a four-day experience that will incorporate key challenges and workshops with the industry’s best, including Naren Young, Head Bartender at Dante in New York City and Chris Lowder, Head Bartender at the Four Seasons in Seoul. Naren and Chris will be joined on the judging panel by industry legend Dre Masso, Founder of Akademi in Bali, and Leo Robitschek, Bar Director of New York’s Eleven Madison Park and the NoMad Hotel Bar, where they will judge competitors on their bartending talent and ability to lead, mentor and inspire a team.

Max Warner, Global Brand Ambassador for Chivas Regal comments: “The announcement of the global finalists always marks a build of anticipation for the Chivas Masters Global Final – a time at which excitement for the competition hits fever pitch. Our national champions have impressed us so far but now have the opportunity to represent their countries alongside one of the world’s most prestigious Scotch brands and, by doing so, ensure their future as a top-class bartender. We can’t wait to witness the start of this incredible journey in Shanghai.”

Collaboration at the Global Final will be rewarded this year by granting a winning team, formed at the competition – the Chivas Masters Collective – a once in a lifetime trip to the Tales of the Cocktail 2016 in New Orleans. A further prize will be awarded to the 2016 Global Chivas Master, who will earn a bespoke trip to one of the world’s most iconic bars in a city of their choice to create a signature Chivas cocktail as their lasting contribution to the global competition.

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

SMALL CASK, BIG WHISKY: AN INNOVATIVE NEW RELEASE FROM THE BENRIACH

MULTI award-winning BenRiach Distillery in Speyside has today (7th June 2016) launched a peated expression of its Single Malt Scotch Whisky matured in quarter casks. Its makers hail it as “a peaty fruit bomb”. 

The BenRiach Peated Quarter Cask single malt is the first product to be launched after the parent company was taken over by Brown Forman at the end of April. 

This innovative release revives the once-obsolete tradition of using smaller “Quarter” casks to give greater intensity of maturation.

Unusually for a Speyside distillery, this BenRiach expression is distilled from peated malted barley. The spirit is then matured fully in superlative quarter casks before being bottled at 46% abv.

A smaller cask, such as the quarter cask, allows for more interaction between the wood and the spirit, giving the whisky a great depth of flavour and aroma in a shorter period of time.

Colour – Bright summer gold.

Nose – Elegant waves of wood smoke intensify to burning heather with a delicious contribution of ripe orchard fruits. Subtle hints of peaches, cinnamon sugar and a slight herbal note of fresh barley give an added contrast to the unique, rich peat character.

Taste – Intense peat smoke mellows to smouldering peat embers infused with green pear and nectarine notes. Nutty oak and vanilla pods combine with a touch of white pepper and a twist of lime to give a crisp, smoky finish.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “Smaller casks mean bigger whisky. Using quarter casks allows the intensity of the spirit to shine through by speeding up the maturation process. In this fantastic new expression, the peat combines with the hints of pear and peach to produce an extraordinary fully-flavoured dram.”

Keep an eye on our website (www.benriachdistillery.co.uk/) and Facebook pages over the coming weeks for more information on new releases, tasting notes and exclusive product photography.

CELEBRATE SOLSTICE AT HIGHLAND PARK’S MIDSUMMER SOCIAL

DALSTON ROOF PARK | 21 – 22 June 2016 

Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the ‘Orkney Single Malt with Viking Soul’ is taking over London’s Dalston Roof Park for two evenings to celebrate Midsummer Solstice.

A hugely significant time of year at the whisky’s home on Orkney and an important celebration in Nordic history and culture, Midsummer Solstice is traditionally celebrated with good friends, bonfires, music and dance.

The narrative of Highland Park is deeply rooted in Nordic traditions and the people on Orkney (1 in 3 have Viking ancestry) take huge pride in honouring the spirit of their Viking ancestors by hosting a week’s worth of events dedicated to the official start of summer, when the evenings are at their longest.

The Highland Park Midsummer Social at Dalston Roof Park will bring to life this wonderful heritage through the following:

• Torchlight whisky tastings with Highland Park’s global brand ambassador Martin Markvardsen
• Highland Park infused cocktails
• Nordic inspired food curated by Root + Bone
• Highland Park Boilermaker pairings with 40ft Brewery
• DJ Eelke Kleijn will play a set on Tuesday 21 June
• Acoustic band Slow Club will provide live music on Wednesday 22 June

Mike Mackenzie, Highland Park Brand Manager said: “Highland Park’s Midsummer Social is a unique and exciting event to celebrate the brand’s Viking heritage. The fantastic rooftop setting at Dalston provides an opportunity for guests to fully immerse themselves in Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky, enjoy great cocktails, food and music whilst celebrating the official start of summer.”

A limited number of tickets are available for Tuesday 21 June and Wednesday 22 June at 7.30pm priced at £15. To reserve your place please click here or visit www.skiddle.com and search ‘Highland Park’. 

Notes

Please enjoy Highland Park responsibly, visit www.drinkaware.co.uk for the facts.

Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook with #HPSolstice

Like Highland Park on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HighlandParkWhisky

Follow Highland Park on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@HighlandPark

Follow Highland Park on Instagram: www.instagram.com/@highlandparkofficial   

About Highland Park

Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Its range of 12, Dark Origins, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts. Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently Highland Park ICE Edition was awarded 99 points and the Chairman’s Trophy at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge. While Highland Park 12, 15 and 18 Year Old were all awarded 96 points or above and the Tried and True Award at the Ultimate Beverage Challenge.

www.highlandpark.co.uk   

Eelke Kleijn

Eelke Kleijn is a Dutch producer and DJ hailing from Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He is known mostly for his electronic dance music, but nowadays also produces music for other media, such as television series, commercials, movie trailers and animations. 

Slow Club

Slow Club are an English duo formed in Sheffield in 2006. The band consists of multi-instrumentalists Charles Watson and Rebecca Taylor, with Watson contributing piano, Taylor contributing drums, and both performing guitar and vocals.

Young entrepreneur brings bespoke whisky experiences to the world’s whisky lovers 

Whisky tourism in Scotland is big business, with around 120 active whisky distilleries, 40 more in the pipeline and distillery visitor numbers reaching upwards of 1.5 million per year.

However, there’s a lack of services providing a personal connection between whisky tourists and the distilleries. With the industry looking to find innovative new ways to encourage whisky tourism in Scotland, whisky PR manager, Kirsty MacGeoch, has created the missing link between the distilleries and the visitors, with the launch of luxury whisky experience service, Whisky Co.

Based in Edinburgh and supported by RBS’ Entrepreneurial Spark start-up business accelerator, Whisky Co. connects people to Scotland’s distilleries through tailored whisky experiences.

Whisky Co. creates bespoke itineraries, individually suited to guests’ requirements and books all aspects of their trip, from transfers to tastings, with a focus on luxury. Whisky Co. has all whisky lovers covered, from the novice to the connoisseur.

Hailing from Scotland’s whisky capital, Speyside, Kirsty has created and hosted many VIP distillery trips for iconic whisky brands over the past 5 years. This experience, alongside booking spontaneous tours and transport for guests staying at her parent’s former guesthouse in Cardhu, gave Kirsty the idea to establish a tailored whisky experience service available to all;

“Whisky is a huge Scottish success story, but there’s a missing link between the distilleries and the whisky lovers coming to visit.  

“Everyone has a different taste when it comes to whisky and it’s the same when it comes to holidays. Whisky Co. stands for Whisky Connections, as that’s exactly what we do, provide that connection between the distilleries and the tourists. 

“I’ve always felt that there wasn’t a luxury, personalised service available to the public that offered something special to visitors. Whisky Co. is here to do that, by providing extra-special whisky experiences based on exactly what the customer wants, rather than providing just another pre-packaged whisky holiday. 

“I wanted to share my knowledge of Scotch and Scotland with the world to ensure visitors get the best out of what our country and its wonderful whisky have to offer.” 

Due to the bespoke nature of the trips, all prices are available on request.

Whisky Co. also make trip recommendations and can provide an itinerary only service.

Begin your whisky journey with Whisky Co here: http://www.thewhiskyco.co.uk/

Delve into our Father’s Day drinks cabinet and pick out the perfect gift for your Dad. From an Orkney classic malt to a luxury Islay whisky, there’s a dram for the whisky connoisseur or the newcomer to the water of life.

The perfect introduction… 

Highland Park 12 Year Old

Highland Park 12 Year Old is the ideal malt for Dads who are fans of flavour with a honey sweetness, followed by fruity notes with a hint of gentle smoke. Highland Park 12 Year Old (ABV 40%) is available at multiple retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Co-op (RRP £35). www.highlandpark.co.uk/

The Macallan Gold

With vanilla and dark chocolate on the nose and citrus, ginger and cinnamon on the palate, the first expression in the 1824 Series is truly a special way to treat your Dad this Father’s Day. The Macallan Gold (ABV 40%) is available in multiple retailers including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose (RRP £35). www.themacallan.co.uk/ 

The Ardmore Legacy

The Ardmore Legacy is a full-bodied and smooth dram with a dry, spicy and long-lasting finish. With notes of creamy vanilla, followed by smoky charcoal and savoury spices with a pleasant smoky taste, The Ardmore Legacy is the perfect introduction for Dads to peated single malt whisky. Legacy (ABV 40%) is available in multiple retailers including Tesco and Morrisons (RRP £29.99). www.ardmorewhisky.com/

Laphroaig Select

Laphroaig Select is the ideal gift for Dads who are fans of the unique peaty character offered in any of Laphroaig’s signature expressions. Laphroaig Select offers a deep, smoky taste yet surprises the palate with a gentle sweetness. Laphroaig Select (ABV 40%) is available in multiple retailers including Morrisons, www.thewhiskyexchange.com/ and www.masterofmalt.com/ (RRP £34.99). www.laphroaig.com/

Bowmore Small Batch

Bowmore Small Batch is exclusively matured in first and second fill ex-bourbon casks, then blissfully married together, exhibiting the best qualities of both. This combination of sweetness, subtle spices and peaty smokiness leads to a more intense peated experience.  Bowmore Small Batch (ABV 40%) is available in multiple retailers including Sainsbury’s and Tesco (RRP £33). www.bowmore.com/

Something special…

Highland Park Dark Origins

The latest edition to Highland Park’s core range, Dark Origins offers a naturally dark, rich flavour with sherried spice, a chocolate twist and the signature sweet smoke that fans of the Orcadian elixir have come to know and love. Highland Park Dark Origins (ABV 46.8%) is available in multiple retailers including Waitrose and www.thewhiskyexchange.com/ (RRP £65). www.highlandpark.co.uk/

Laphroaig Lore

Launched in March 2016, Laphroaig Lore promises to be the full-bodied, full-flavoured whisky that has come to be expected of Laphroaig. Known as the richest of the rich this new expression is wonderfully peaty with a chilli bite, and is ideal for Dads who are fans of Laphroaig’s peaty characteristics. Laphroaig Lore (ABV 48%) is available from specialist whisky retailers including Hedonism and www.thewhiskyexchange.com/ (RRP £85). www.laphroaig.com/

Bowmore 15 Years Old Darkest

Matured in an inspired combination of both bourbon and sherry casks, it’s the final three years spent in Oloroso sherry casks that makes Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’, one of the most beautifully balanced Bowmores. The rich, deep colour and warming finish are reflected in its name. Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’ (ABV 43%) is available in multiple retailers including Fortnum & Mason and www.thewhiskyexchange.com/ (RRP £54).   www.bowmore.com/ 

A piece of luxury…

      The Macallan Rare Cask

With a rich mahogany red hue, The Macallan Rare Cask showcases two of The Macallan’s greatest strengths, exceptional oak casks and natural colour. Soft notes of opulent vanilla and raisin pique the nose. On the palate, a spicy quartet of root ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove before vanilla and chocolate lead the finale. The Macallan Rare Cask (ABV 43%) is available from specialist whisky retailers including The Whisky Shop (RRP £200). www.themacallan.co.uk/

Notes 

Maxxium UK Limited is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Inc and The Edrington Group. Its portfolio of premium spirits includes: The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s and Cutty Sark blended Scotch; Highland Park, Laphroaig, Bowmore, The Ardmore and The Macallan single malts; Courvoisier cognac; Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon. In addition Maxxium has premium brands across a number of other drinks categories including Sourz, Brugal, After Shock, Sauza and Harveys. Maxxium UK also represents third-party drinks brands including Stolichnaya vodka, Bols liqueurs, Galliano and The Glenrothes.

For further information on our brands and how to enjoy them log on to www.mixxit.co.uk Please enjoy our brands responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk 

Kilchoman Loch Gorm 46% ABV SHERRY CASK MATURED

This year’s Kilchoman’s Loch Gorm Single Malt Whisky is finally available in the US. Only a limited quantity of the exclusive bottling will be available and if past releases are any indication, it will sell quick.

Loch Gorm, located to the north of the distillery is very peaty in colour, similar to the dark rich colour of our sherry cask matured single malts.  This is the 5th installment of the Loch Gorm range and it’s been matured for over six years in Oloroso sherry butts.

Named after a famously peaty loch, from which Kilchoman draws water for the production of this and other releases, Loch Gorm is bottled at 46% ABV and is available in the US exclusively through ImpEx Beverages Inc, with a recommended retail price of $99.99.

“Loch Gorm’s rich, spicy character sets it apart in the Kilchoman range”  Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Founder & MD

Worthy of note, the Robb Report magazine just included Loch Gorm in a list with the most heavily peated Scotches in the world. See post here.

Tasting Notes

Nose:  Spicy and sweet with peat smoke and dark chocolate well integrated.

Palate:  Soft fruits, well rounded and full of character.

Finish:  Lingering, sweet and well balanced.

Notes: Kilchoman Distillery is a small family run farm distillery based on the rugged west coast of Islay. The distillery was established by Anthony Wills in 2005, the idea was to build a new distillery which took whisky production back to its roots. Anthony and wife Kathy have now been joined by their three sons: George, James and Peter.   Kilchoman produces its 100% Islay single malt from barley which is grown in fields surrounding the distillery and completes every stage of the whisky-making process at the distillery, including traditional floor malting. Kilchoman is the only distillery in Scotland to do this. Kilchoman is now very much a family affair:   Since the first bottling was released in 2008, Kilchoman has quickly established itself as a high quality Islay Single Malt Whisky with these notable awards:

• Kilchoman’s exceptional quality was recognised at the prestigious International Whisky Competition (IWC) when Anthony Wills was named Master Distiller of the Year 2013.
• Machir Bay was named Whisky of the Year at IWC 2013. Loch Gorm was also awarded Gold, Machir Bay received Silver and 100% Islay 2nd Ed was given bronze.
• Kilchoman 2007 Vintage received Whisky Advocate’s Award for Islay Single Malt of the Year 2013.
• In 2012 Machir Bay was awarded two prestigious IWSC Gold medals and a Silver medal, and was named in GQ’s Best 100 Things of 2012.

Kilchoman won Malt Advocates Artisan Whisky of the Year 2011, only three years after the first bottling was released.

As a friend of High West Distillery, we thought you’d like to join the

This is an exclusive group for whiskey enthusiasts who want to stay in the know about all things High West. As a member you’ll keep up with our distillery and saloon, receive the inside scoop on new releases as well as invitations to members-only High West events.

New members will receive an exclusive High West Whiskey Club welcome kit

SCAPA JUTLAND INTRODUCED ALONGSIDE CENTENARY COMMEMORATION OF ICONIC BATTLE

RNLI Lifeboat crew member Graham Campbell and Nicola Stevenson, Scapa Distillery Visitor Manager, present Scapa Jutland, a new single cask single malt Scotch whisky crafted to mark the centenary of the Battle of Jutland on 31^st May 2016. Scapa was used as a base by the British naval fleet during the First World War and the artisanal island single malt distillery has released 249 bottles of Scapa Jutland (RRP £200) with all profits from their sale, estimated at over £45,000, to be donated by Chivas Brothers to the RNLI.

A LIMITED EDITION OFFERING FIT FOR THE QUEEN

Of the 249 bottles released, 11 have been named in memory of ships from the British and German Navies that fought during the conflict, including HMS Invincible, HMS Queen Mary and HMS Indefatigable. HMS Indefatigable will be placed up for auction through Master of Malt in June 2016 in order to raise further funds for the RNLI.

Produced in association with the family of Admiral John Rushworth Jellicoe – Commander of the British Grand Fleet that fought at Jutland from 30th May to 1st June 1916 – Scapa Jutland is exclusively available from the Scapa Visitor Centre alongside the centenary commemoration of the Battle of Jutland on Orkney, 31st May 2016, at the RRP of £200.

Scapa and the British Royal Navy share over 100 years of cooperative history dating back to when Admiral Jellicoe used the distillery, situated overlooking the Scapa Flow on the remote Orkney Isles, as his base during the First World War. Admiral Jellicoe saved the distillery from a fire during his tenure and thanked Scapa for services rendered during the war, by building a wooden staircase in the mill room as a memorial to the British Royal Navy.

Brian MacAulay, Scapa Master Distiller, says, “We are thrilled to present Scapa Jutland, a true Orcadian Single malt that has been crafted using traditional methods and thoughtfully matured for 16 years in a single first-fill American oak cask. Bursting with sweet, tropical fruit flavours and notes of vanilla, toffee and butter scotch, this single cask expression is harmoniously balanced with a long, sweet and spicy finish and is a fitting tribute to the commemorations here on Orkney.”

Ross Martin, RNLI Corporate Partnerships Manager, says, “The RNLI are very grateful to Chivas Brothers and the Scapa Whisky Distillery for their generous offer of donating all profits from the sale of Scapa Jutland to help fund the crew training requirements at our three Orkney Islands Lifeboat Stations. Crew training is a substantial investment but a vital one. RNLI volunteer crew really are ordinary people doing extraordinary things and we owe it to them to provide the best training possible. The funds raised from the sale of this limited edition malt will be used to support our lifesavers and help us continue to save lives at sea.”

*The net sales proceeds from the sale of this product will be paid in support of the RNLI. Payments are made to RNLI (Sales) Ltd (which pays all its taxable profits to the RNLI, charity registered in England, number 209603). The RNLI has agreed to use the funds raised by the sale of this product for the benefit of lifeboat operations and lifeboat stations in the Orkney Islands. 

Scapa Jutland (40% ABV) tasting notes

Nose: Bursting with sweet tropical fruit notes of pineapple and mango intermingled with wonderful notes of vanilla toffee fudge

Taste: Delicate and sweet with flavours of sweet ripe pear, vanilla, honeycomb candy and butter scotch sweets

Finish: Long and sweet with a spicy finish

About Chivas Brothers

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

www.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 40 index.

TOAST TIM PEAKE’S RETURN TO EARTH WITH OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD WHISKY

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society celebrates British astronaut’s homecoming with special bottling 

To celebrate the return to Earth of British astronaut Tim Peake, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is launching a special bottling, ‘A toast to Tim Peake’s return’.

The 29-year-old single cask single malt whisky is described as “the most alluring thing this side of the stratosphere” by the Society’s Tasting Panel, who select all the international whisky club’s bottlings, making it the perfect ‘Welcome Home’ dram.

Like all Society bottlings, the distillery name is kept secret to focus attention on its flavour and it is a limited edition – with only 96 bottles available.

The whisky, which is from the Society’s Old & Dignified’ flavour profile, is also described by the Panel as “elegant and sophisticated” on the nose, with a “silky mango mouth-feel” on the palate.

It will be available to purchase via the Society’s website from the 18^th June to both members and non-members.

Helen Stewart, Senior Brand Manager for the Society, said: “As the first British European Space Agency astronaut, we wanted to commemorate the return of Tim Peake by bottling a very special whisky. This is the whisky that we think would make the perfect ‘Welcome Home’ dram.”

SMWS members £176.70 / Non members £353.40

www.smws.com/

@smwsuk

‘A toast to Tim Peake’

Cask No:                               39.124

Age:                                       29 years

Cask:                                      Second fill Sauternes hogshead

Colour:                                  Vibrant shiny gold

Alc.                                         42.9%

Date distilled:                       18 Dec 1986

Outturn:                                96 bottles

Flavour category:             ‘Old & Dignified’

Tasting Notes:

Finishing in a second-fill Sauternes hogshead has created a dram that’s out of this world. The nose – elegant and sophisticated – hints at things you would miss while in space – flower markets, old-fashioned ice-cream parlours and perfumed ladies in vintage cars. The palate’s silky mango mouth-feel, with mandarin, raspberry tart and lemon cream is pure nectar – perfumed honey sweetness laced with angels’ tears – enough to inspire romantic, other-worldly thoughts. With water, the nose defies description the way some people defy gravity – as tempting as a perfumed apple in the Garden of Eden. The palate’s exquisite balance might be the most alluring thing this side of the stratosphere.

Notes:  

About The Scotch Malt Whisky Society  

• The Scotch Malt Whisky Society releases new whiskies each month
• The Society bottles the finest single malt whisky from around 350 single casks every year from a range of more than 132 distilleries. The very nature of the single cask means that each bottling offered by the Society is limited.
• The Society was established in Edinburgh in 1983 and now has more than 26,000 members around the world with branches in 19 countries.
• Members can choose from the world’s widest selection of single cask, single malt whiskies with only the very best selected and approved by the Society’s respected Tasting Panel.
• Exclusive Members’ Rooms are located in Edinburgh and London for tastings, dinners, meeting and presentations.
• Annual renewal after the first year is £61.50
• For more information, visit www.smws.com