Beam Suntory Announces Management Changes and Evolution of Regional Structure

Deerfield, Illinois, May 24 – Beam Suntory today announced several management changes as well as an evolution of its regional structure that will take effect on July 1.

John Owen, who most recently served as Beam Suntory’s SVP, Chief Supply Chain Officer, has been named SVP, Chief Financial Officer.  Owen joined Beam Suntory in 2013 and enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the company’s global supply chain and helped manage the operations integration following the acquisition of Beam by Suntory.  Prior to joining Beam Suntory, Owen spent 30 years at Avon Products, during which he built an impressive track record of commercial, finance and supply chain leadership, including serving as CFO of North America and President of EMEA.

“John is a uniquely talented enterprise-wide leader who elevated our global supply chain function, and I’m delighted that we will continue to benefit from his strong leadership, gravitas, people development skill and business expertise,” said Matt Shattock, chairman & CEO of Beam Suntory.

Expansion of International Region & Management Changes in Asia

The company also announced that it will move from a three-region operating structure to a two-region model.  As a result, the company will combine its Asia and Japan markets and integrate them into its International Region. The result will be a simpler structure with two balanced regions of similar size and scale – Americas and International.

“This new alignment means we’ll have two dynamic, powerhouse regions with similar economic scale,” Shattock said. “Americas is anchored in the U.S., the world’s most profitable market, where we hold the number two market position, and also includes exciting emerging market opportunities throughout Latin America.  International will drive growth in mature markets like Japan and developed Europe, while seizing emerging market opportunities across Asia and Eastern Europe.”  The regions are led by Americas president Tim Hassett and International president Albert Baladi.

Concurrent with this move, Windy Koizumi, currently president of Beam Suntory Japan, will be promoted to the newly created position of President, Asia.  In this role, to be based in Singapore, Koizumi will have responsibility for Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea and Southeast Asia. He will report to Albert Baladi and remain a member of the Beam Suntory executive leadership team.

“Emerging markets in Asia are one of our most promising long-term growth opportunities, and this alignment will enable greater sharing of best practices from Japan across Asian markets,” Shattock said.  “Given the magnitude of the future opportunity in Asia, we are determined to act now to seize the opportunity.”

Succeeding Koizumi as SVP Managing Director of Beam Suntory Japan will be Sho Senba.  Senba is a 31-year veteran of Suntory who has held several key leadership roles in the spirits, beer and wine businesses.  He currently serves as COO, Group Strategy Planning of Suntory Holdings and Chairman of Suntory China Holdings.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com andwww.drinksmart

INTRODUCING THE GLENLIVET CIPHER

The Glenlivet challenges whisky connoisseurs to decode its latest limited edition expression unveiled by new Global Brand Director, Miriam Eceolaza Zabalza 

The Glenlivet has unveiled The Glenlivet Cipher, a mysterious single malt Scotch whisky released without any cask information or tasting notes, testing whisky fans’ noses and palates against The Glenlivet Master Distiller, Alan Winchester. An innovative interactive digital experience will build consumer engagement by providing support to decode the flavour profile.

Presented in an opaque black bottle, The Glenlivet Cipher is designed to be the ultimate challenge for single malt Scotch whisky drinkers. Crafted from a unique cask combination that has never before been used by The Glenlivet, Cipher offers a new flavour experience to explore while maintaining the flawlessly smooth and fruity flavour profile that the distillery is famous for.

The journey to decode the tasting notes of The Glenlivet Cipher begins on the label of the bottle, where the first clue appears with a prompt to visit the official The Glenlivet microsite at cipher.theglenlivet.com. Once online, Alan Winchester lays down the challenge to decipher the tasting notes through a video. Visitors to the site are encouraged to create a flavour wheel by selecting six aromas for the nose and six flavours for the palate, indicating the strength of each, resulting in more than 10,000 possible flavour combinations.

Additional support – including tasting tips from Alan Winchester plus further clues – helps whisky fans to decode the taste and allows those without a bottle of The Glenlivet Cipher to learn more about the whisky tasting experience. Once the flavour wheel has been created, users will receive a cipher of their tasting notes and a percentage score that can be shared on social media, to generate conversation between fellow whisky enthusiasts. At a future date, Master Distiller for The Glenlivet, Alan Winchester, will reveal the official tasting notes of the expression to The Glenlivet Guardians, the online community of brand advocates.

Alan Winchester comments: “The rise in the popularity of single malt Scotch whisky over the past 10 years means that more people than ever are actively nosing, tasting and discussing single malt Scotch whisky, which is fantastic. It is therefore a great pleasure to introduce The Glenlivet Cipher to the world as it presents a challenge for Scotch whisky fans at all levels. For the true whisky connoisseurs out there, we have combined a unique and original selection of casks to craft The Glenlivet Cipher as part of our commitment to building upon the flawlessly smooth and fruity house style of The Glenlivet.”

“I very much look forward to seeing which whisky fans manage to decipher the expression’s exact flavour profile and cask make-up over the coming months. So log onto cipher.theglenlivet.com to test your senses, increase your knowledge of whisky flavours and share your thoughts on social media using #TheGlenlivetCipher.”

Newly appointed Miriam Eceolaza Zabalza, added: “It is a great honour to mark my arrival as   Global Brand Director for the Malts Portfolio at Chivas Brothers with such an exciting and innovative campaign in The Glenlivet Cipher. I bring with me a deep respect for the value of heritage, provenance and craftsmanship to discerning drinkers around the world from my time at Pernod Ricard Winemakers, and I very much look forward to helping The Glenlivet continue to push the boundaries of flavour exploration and set the standard for the quality and style of Scotch whiskies from the iconic Speyside region.”

Available from June 2016, The Glenlivet Cipher is available in limited quantities in 25 markets worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Taiwan and Canada, at the recommended selling price of $120.

Notes

About The Glenlivet

Created by George Smith in 1824, The Glenlivet is the original single malt Scotch whisky, renowned for its smooth and fruity flavour profile. The Glenlivet is also the biggest contributor to the volume growth of the single malt category worldwide, adding more than any other single malt whisky brand over the last five years. As the single malt that started it all, The Glenlivet is committed to continuing its legacy for crafting single malt whiskies of outstanding quality and has led innovation within single malt in recent years. Standout initiatives include the release of The Glenlivet Alpha, a mystery single malt, and the creation of The Guardians of The Glenlivet, an online hub for fans to engage with the brand and each other.

www.theglenlivet.com/

@TheGlenlivet

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 original Single Malt 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.

TEST YOUR NOSE AND PALATE AGAINST THE ENIGMATIC THE GLENLIVET CIPHER

– Shrouded in mystery, the launch of The Glenlivet Cipher Single Malt Scotch Whisky
is set to pique curiosity, tantalise taste buds and spark competitive fervour –

Food and drink connoisseurs around the world are being challenged by The Glenlivet to embark on a flavour journey to decode the secret tasting notes of The Glenlivet Cipher.

Presented in an opaque, black bottle without any cask information, The Glenlivet Cipher is a Scotch whisky shrouded in mystery that helps whisky lovers to push the boundaries of flavour exploration. Crafted from a unique cask combination that has never before been used by The Glenlivet, Cipher will offer a new flavour experience to explore whilst staying true to the flawlessly smooth and fruity flavour that has made the distillery famous.

Those that accept the challenge will begin their journey on the label by searching for one of the official flavours hidden within a cryptic code, before being directed to cipher.theglenlivet.com to face the ultimate flavour test.

On cipher.theglenlivet.com, The Glenlivet Master Distiller, Alan Winchester, unveils The Glenlivet Cipher flavour experience where hopefuls will challenge their distinguished nose and palate to decode the hidden flavours in this unique whisky.

Visitors who complete the exploration receive a cipher of their personal flavour notes, and a score that reveals how close they came to unlocking the official tasting notes of The Glenlivet Cipher, which can be shared on social media using #TheGlenlivetCipher and @TheGlenlivet. Do you have the makings of a master distiller? Can you decode its secrets? These are all the questions that can only be answered by The Glenlivet Cipher.

Alan Winchester comments: “Through the launch of The Glenlivet Cipher, I am laying down the ultimate test for discerning foodies and drinkers around the world looking to prove their tasting credentials. I am pleased to invite people to join us on a journey of flavour discovery and I will be checking social media and the hashtag #TheGlenlivetCipher throughout the campaign to see who manages to crack the code and unlock the tasting notes of this new enigmatic single malt.

“The Glenlivet Cipher is unique in that it is crafted from a combination of casks never used before at the distillery, so we are excited to explore new flavour territories that build upon the flawlessly smooth and fruity style of The Glenlivet. The official tasting notes will be revealed in the coming months, so get tasting, share your comments online and stayed tuned to The Glenlivet.”

The Glenlivet Cipher is available from June 2016 in 25 countries, including the United Kingdom, Taiwan and Canada, at the recommended selling price of $120. Members of The Glenlivet Guardians will be first to discover the official secret tasting notes of The Glenlivet Cipher when they are unveiled by The Glenlivet Master Distiller, Alan Winchester, later in the year.

NOTES

About The Glenlivet
Created by George Smith in 1824, The Glenlivet is the original single malt Scotch whisky, renowned for its smooth and fruity flavour profile. The Glenlivet is also the biggest contributor to the volume growth of the single malt category worldwide, adding more than any other single malt whisky brand over the last five years. As the single malt that started it all, The Glenlivet is committed to continuing its legacy for crafting single malt whiskies of outstanding quality and has led innovation within single malt in recent years. Standout initiatives include the release of The Glenlivet Alpha, a mystery single malt, and the creation of The Guardians of The Glenlivet, an online hub for fans to engage with the brand and each other.

@TheGlenlivet

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 original Single Malt 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.

Glenmorangie LAUNCHES old fashioned WEEK 

Glenmorangie – the Spirit of the British Open Golf Championship – is launching its very first ‘Old Fashioned Week’ on 13th June, in celebration of its world-renowned Extra Matured Range ahead of this year’s Open at Royal Troon.

Glenmorangie is now in its fifth year of sponsoring the British Open. In previous years, The Original has been the focus, however, this year the spotlight will be on Glenmorangie’s Extra Matured Range to celebrate the ‘Greatest Finishes’ campaign – inviting consumers to vote for their favourite Greatest Finish in the history of the Open and, of course, some of the world’s greatest finishes in whisky.

In the pursuit of the perfect whisky cocktail, Glenmorangie has partnered with drinks expert and writer Laura Foster, to travel up and down the UK filming renowned bartenders creating their perfect ‘Greatest Finishes’ serve. Each bar will then list their chosen cocktail for the inaugural Old Fashioned Week from 13^th – 19^th June*.

Laura’s cocktail video diary will feature some of the UK’s most acclaimed bartenders exhibiting their Old Fashioned inspired serves, made from Glenmorangie’s Quinta Ruban, La Santa or Nectar D’Or.

Laura comments “It was so inspiring to see the numerous different ways that the bartenders had approached creating their whisky cocktails. From the gorgeous simplicity displayed at Happiness Forgets, through to the complexity demonstrated at Boisdale Canary Wharf, there was real creativity and variation across the board. It just goes to show the diversity of whisky, and in this case the Glenmorangie Extra Matured Range, and the way it can be enjoyed.”

Dr Bill Lumsden, Head of Whisky Creation at Glenmorangie, is responsible for countless great finishes. To ‘finish’ a whisky is to extra-mature it, adding new flavours and layers of complexity. This technique was pioneered by Glenmorangie in the early 1990s. After 10 years in oak Glenmorangie Original is ready to be bottled. Alternatively, it is ready to become Lasanta (finished in very specific sherry butts), Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban (finished in Port pipes), or Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or (finished in sweet wine barriques from Sauternes).

“It’s an art,” says Dr Bill Lumsden, “which takes skill and know-how. Our work with extra-maturation began long before we first released any such bottlings. Glenmorangie is an acknowledged first-mover in this area and we’ve learned that not all wood finishes are equal, that wood does magic things to whisky but that practice and precision are required.”

“Through skillful wood finishing a good whisky can be made even better and a very good whisky can be made great. But a great finish can only be achieved when first principles have been attended to, when everything that has gone before is perfect.”

Old Fashioned Week launches on Monday 13^th June at www.Glenmorangie.com  and will take place over seven days. Each day will see short films from Laura’s video diary of Glenmorangie’s partner bars creating their own special serve using the Extra Matured Range, some of which have been inspired from the bartenders’ experience on the golf course themselves.

Visit www.Glenmorangie.com for more details and to see a full list of participating bars across the UK.

NOTES : 

*The following bars are participating in Old Fashioned Week from 13^th – 19^th June:

Ace Hotels, London

Happiness Forgets, London

Cartizze, London

Porterhouse, London

Boisdale Canary Wharf, London

Quaglinos, London

Vinothec Compass, London

Mr Coopers, Manchester

Angelica, Leeds

My Hotel, Brighton

The Balmoral Bar, Edinburgh

Ubiquitous Chip, Glasgow

Scotts, Troon (near Glasgow)

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland, expertly matured in the finest oak casks, and perfected by the Men of Tain. The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field uniting tradition with innovation to create ‘unnecessarily well-made whiskies’.

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

CHIVAS BROTHERS LAUNCHES NEW BURSARY TO MAXIMISE EMPLOYEES’ POTENTIAL

A new bursary scheme has been launched by Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, which gives its employees the opportunity to take their talents to the next level via further education or vocational training

The company has joined forces with the Scottish International Education Trust (SIET) – which aims to provide talented men and women with grants to complete further study and help them be the best they can be – to create the Chivas Brothers Bursary.

The dedicated Chivas Brothers Bursary will make it easier for employees and their families to apply for support from the SIET, with up to £5,000 a year on offer over three years.

Chivas Brothers previously donated £100,000 to SIET – set up in 1971 by Sir Sean Connery and Sir Jackie Stewart, who both remain Trustees.

The bursary is open to the 1,600 employees of Chivas Brothers spread throughout the country at 32 sites in Orkney, Speyside, Central Scotland, Ayrshire, London and Plymouth, as well as direct family members.

Anthony Schofield, Public Affairs Director at Chivas Brothers said: “The Chivas Brothers Bursary is an exciting initiative which we hope will help employees, or a member of their family pursue education and open up future opportunities.

“We’re part of so many communities through our employees and this is just one way we can show how dedicated we are to helping them and the communities in which they live.”

Michael Ewart, Director of SIET, said: “Chivas Brothers’ gift to SIET enables us to make many more awards to talented young Scots over the three years of our relationship. I am pleased that Chivas Brothers employees and their families also have an opportunity to benefit from the bursary scheme.”

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.1 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.chivasspirit.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.

About the Scottish International Education Trust
The Scottish International Education Trust (SIET) was set up by Sir Sean Connery and Sir Jackie Stewart in 1971. Sir Sean donated his $1m fee for the film “Diamonds are Forever” – at the time the largest fee ever commanded by an actor for a single film. Both Sir Sean and Sir Jackie remain Trustees and take an active interest in the Trust’s work. SIET’s principal aim is to give awards to mainly young Scots who have shown particular promise and who need help to take their education or professional training further – usually at post-graduate of equivalent level. www.scotinted.org.uk

RICH & RARE RESERVE NAMED TROPHY FINALIST AT ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE

Three other Sazerac Canadian whiskies honored 

NEW ORLEANS, lA.  (May 31, 2016) – Judges awarded four Canadian whiskies from the Sazerac Company with high honors at the 2016 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and selected Rich & Rare Reserve as a Chairman’s Trophy Finalist.

Rich & Rare Reserve was distinguished as “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation,”

Caribou Crossing Single Barrel and Legacy Canadian Whisky were each honored as “Excellent, Highly Recommended,” and Royal Canadian Small Batch was awarded the distinction of “Very Good, Strong Recommendation.”

Rich & Rare Reserve and Legacy Canadian were deemed to be “Great Values.” Caribou Crossing was designated as “Tried & True.”

This competition, in its seventh year, is judged by a panel of the spirit industry’s most renowned judges including award-winning authors, buyers, journalists, educators and bar owners, who rate each spirit on a 100-point scale.

Complete results for the 2016 Ultimate Spirits Challenge can be found at www.ultimate-beverage.com/usc2016results.

About the Sazerac Company

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

Beam Suntory Pushes The Boundaries Of Japanese Whisky With The Chita Exclusive To Travel Retail

PIONEERING INNOVATION IN GRAIN WHISKY

Set for release in July 2016, Beam Suntory Global Travel Retail (GTR) will launch its new Japanese Single Grain Whisky, The Chita, exclusively in Asia Pacific and European Travel Retail and in limited quantities in Americas Travel Retail. The Chita demonstrates Beam Suntory GTR’s continued dedication to innovation in the Japanese whisky category and respect for the traditional values of The House of Suntory Whisky, offering Japanese whisky fans a distinctly versatile spirit with a smooth and floral taste profile. The Chita will be available in a 70cl format presented in an elegant indigo blue gift box.

EXPLORING DIVERSE TECHNIQUES

Renowned for their superior Japanese whiskies, The House of  Suntory Whisky has expertly crafted The Chita to achieve an unrivalled balance of complexity, subtlety and refinement in grain whisky.

Grain whisky has always been more than just a component for The House of Suntory Whisky’s Master Blenders, who have created a different and distinctive, light-­‐bodied spirit with The Chita using diverse unblended whisky distilling techniques at the distillery in Aichi Prefecture on the Pacific coast of Japan.

The Chita is made as ‘Dashi’, a special Japanese broth used across The House of Suntory Whisky’s award-­‐winning range to enhance the balance and  harmony of the blend, resulting in a gentle and sophisticated finish. Previously only available in Japan, due to increased demand Japanese whisky fans around the world will now be able to purchase this unique expression in Asia Pacific, European and Americas Travel Retail.

Michael Cockram, Global Marketing Director, Travel Retail at Beam Suntory, comments: “The Chita is a perfectly balanced Japanese whisky that reflects the artistry and diversity of The House of Suntory Whisky. With our rich history of innovation and award-­‐winning Japanese releases, Global Travel Retail will continue to be a priority platform to showcase innovative new products from the Beam Suntory portfolio to the rest of the world.”

TASTE PROFILE

A bright gold whisky with notes of cardamom, acacia honey and blossoming rose, The Chita is mild and smooth on the palate with a clean finish offering subtle bittersweet hints of spiced oak. Best enjoyed in a traditional Japanese highball with soda, The Chita will add a deep honeyed flavour to the signature serve.

The Chita, RRP US$55 (70cl) will be available from July 2016 in Asia Pacific Travel Retail and European Travel Retail, as well as in limited quantities in Americas Travel Retail.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

NUMBER ONE DRINKS TO REPRESENT “THE EXCEPTIONAL”

US based spirits specialist, Sutcliffe & Son has teamed up with Number One Drinks to supply specialist whisky retailers across UK and Europe.

Don Sutcliffe, managing director of Craft Distillers, and Willie Phillips, former managing director of The Macallan have joined forces to create a series of exemplary small batch Scotch whiskies, THE EXCEPTIONAL by Sutcliffe & Son.

THE EXCEPTIONAL small batch bottlings are expertly created from a selection of aged whiskies, carefully chosen from several different Scotch distilleries, including rare casks from closed distilleries. Once crafted the whisky is gently married over time, finished in the finest first-fill Oloroso sherry casks.

The first consignment of whiskies will be available in three expressions, The Exceptional Grain (3^rd Edition), The Exceptional Malt (2^nd Edition) and the Exceptional Blend (1^st Edition). Due to the individual nature of the cask make-up, each edition of THE EXCEPTIONAL has distinctive characteristics. The Scotch grain and malt whiskies are all bottled at 43% ABV.

Don Sutcliffe comments; “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the Number One Drinks team to introduce The Exceptional in the UK!  Everyone to whom I spoke recommended we reach out to Marcin Miller for sound advice regarding the UK (in fact the world) whisky market.”

Willie Phillips believes “the timing is perfect to be introducing THE EXCEPTIONAL in Europe.” Adding; “European consumers are knowledgeable in the progression of Scotch whisky. Our whiskies are blended to be distinctive expressions, using exceptional casks of mature Grain and Malt whiskies, each bottling to express nuanced elegance and complexity.”

Don and Willie formed a lasting friendship when they met over 25 years ago. Sutcliffe, who was instrumental in the development of The Macallan in the US, being largely responsible for the success on the west coast and Phillips, the former managing director of the iconic Macallan Distillery for 23 years had always envisioned a future project together. With unparalleled access to some of the finest casks of whisky in Scotland and enlisting the help of master blender, Bill Arthur, their early ambition has come to fruition with the development of THE EXCEPTIONAL.

Marcin Miller, managing director of Number One Drinks said of the new partnership “Sutcliffe & Son are the perfect fit for our portfolio and we look forward to introducing these outstanding whiskies to enthusiasts across the UK and Europe.”

The first two batches were very well received in the US, meeting with critical acclaim and selling out swiftly.  All expressions will retail at £86 per bottle.

www.one-drinks.com

Notes:

Tasting notes:

Spanning four decades, the component whiskies for each edition of THE EXCEPTIONAL bottlings are selected for their individual (yet complementary) attributes, to create a harmonious whisky of layered complexity and great depth.

THE EXCEPTIONAL GRAIN 3^rd Edition 43%

A selection of remarkable casks from North British, Loch Lomond, Strathclyde, Cameronbridge and Carsebridge distilleries, blended and married in first-fill Oloroso Sherry butts.

First nosing suggests lemon meringue and toffee apple, followed by apple, cinnamon, cranberry and tablet on the palate.  The finish is long and lingering with notes of apple pie, cream and butterscotch.  

THE EXCEPTIONAL MALT 2^nd Edition 43%

An extraordinary range of mature casks, including Glenfarclas, Ben Nevis, Balvenie, Kininvie, Glenfiddich, Alt-a’Bhainne, Auchroisk, Glenallachie, Westport, Speyside and (of course) Macallan distilleries, blended and married in first-fill Oloroso sherry butts.

Opening nose and palate are effusive with honeyed Christmas cake, tangerine, dark cherry and aniseed. The mid palate evolves into raspberry crumble with intriguing notes of tarragon and spice. The finish lingers with notes of sherry, toffee cream and a returning hint of anise.

THE EXCEPTIONAL BLEND 1^st Edition 43%

An exemplary  selection of mature grain and malt casks from North British, Strathclyde, Cameronbridge, Glenfarclas, Ben Nevis, Balvenie, Kininvie, Glenfiddich, Alt-a’Bhainne, Auchroisk, Glenallachie, Westport, Speyside and (of course) Macallan distilleries, blended and married in first-fill Oloroso sherry butts.

Initial nose is all crème caramel and orange marmalade, evolving on the palate to include wild strawberry and vanilla cream.  The finish is long and lingering with notes of shortbread, orange peel and a whisper of herbal mint.

BENRIACH’S BILLY WALKER IS 2016 ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

BenRiach’s Managing Director Billy Walker has been named Entrepreneur of the Year in the Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards 2016.

He received his accolade last night in front of an 800-strong audience at Edinburgh’s EICC.

The award comes after BenRiach was acquired in April by Brown-Forman, producers of Jack Daniels, for £285m.

The Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards recognise those businesses and individuals in Scotland who are leading the way with innovation, enterprise and quality.

Mr Walker and his two South African partners Geoff Bell and Wayne Kieswetter built up the company over the last twelve years after acquiring the mothballed BenRiach Distillery on the outskirts of Elgin from Chivas Brothers.

Convinced that developing high-end specialist whisky was the way forward in a competitive market, they went on to add the Huntly-based GlenDronach Distillery and the Glenglassaugh Distillery in Portsoy to their portfolio.

The Edinburgh-headquartered company now exports 95% of its products and employs 165 people across its four sites.

Last year BenRiach announced plans to invest more than £25m in the business on the back of record results; pre-tax profits rose by 24% to £11.1m and turnover increased 17.6% to £41.5m.

The company was named Global Whisky Distiller of the Year at the 2015 Icons of Whisky Awards and was also highlighted as one of the country’s most influential companies.

Billy Walker said: “It’s an enormous compliment and a very pleasant surprise to receive this prestigious award. I’m delighted to accept it on behalf of the extraordinary people across our four sites who have helped me build BenRiach with their hard work, passion and commitment.”

CANADIAN CLUB® HONORS 150 YEARS OF TRADITION WITH U.S. LAUNCH OF 100% RYE WHISKY

With a Heritage Like No Other Whisky, Canadian Club 100% Rye Whisky Offers Fans a Taste of Something Different

Deerfield, Ill. (May 24, 2016) – Today, Canadian Club®, the iconic brand that has produced high quality whisky since 1858, launches the award-winning Canadian Club® 100% Rye Whisky in the United States. Due to the exceptional skill and care required to distill a pure rye whisky, Canadian Club 100% Rye is one of the few premium 100% rye whiskies on the market today. Boasting intricate flavors of caramel, vanilla and oak, Canadian Club 100% Rye offers a spicy, yet balanced finish.

Produced by Beam Suntory Inc. partnersa Alberta Distillers Ltd., who have been perfecting the art of rye whiskies for 70 years, this new whisky combines the smoothness of Canadian Club with the distinct taste of rye, resulting in more complexity and character than standard rye whiskies. Bottled at 80 proof, it can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a classic whisky cocktail.

“The rye whisky category has seen significant growth over the past five years, specifically with bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts, so we made it our mission to create the right product that would satisfy their discerning palates,” said Dan Tullio, Canadian Whisky Master Ambassador at Beam Suntory. “From the expert manufacturing process to the quality ingredients, this liquid stands above other rye whiskies on the market today. Canadian Club 100% Rye is what the label says it is. No corn. No barley. Nothing but rye.”

To achieve the best balance of flavor, aged liquid for Canadian Club 100% Rye is selected from three different types of barrels – brand new, white American oak barrels; once-used bourbon barrels; and Canadian whisky barrels – and blended to taste. The final product is a rye whisky that truly stands out in the category.

“Canadian Club 100% Rye is a glorious all-rye whisky and more than just another line extension,” said Davin de Kergommeaux, Contributing Editor at Whisky Advocate and author of Canadian Whisky: The Portable Expert. “This whisky arrived with a rye-filled bang, loud enough to shake up the industry. For the first time in over a century, a mainstream brand has bottled an all rye-grain Canadian whisky. Finally, whisky lovers have been heard.”

After debuting in Canada in 2014, Canadian Club 100% Rye quickly became an award-winning whisky, receiving accolades from top spirit competitions and outlets such as 2014 Canadian Whisky of the Year from Whisky Advocate magazine, Sippin’ Whisky of the Year at the 2015 Canadian Whisky Awards and Gold at the 2016 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Canadian Club 100% Rye joins the Canadian Club portfolio of whiskies, including Canadian Club® 1858, Canadian Club® Reserve and Canadian Club® Classic 12 Year Old and is available in the U.S. at a suggested retail price of $19.99 for a 750ml bottle.

For more information and cocktail recipes please visit www.CanadianClub.com, follow us on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook.

About Canadian Club

Launched in 1858, Canadian Club^® has been producing high quality whisky for over 150 years. Throughout history, Canadian Club^® has been the whisky of choice for those searching for an exceptionally smooth and rich libation. Today, Canadian Club^® continues to be the choice of savvy drinkers who are looking for a great tasting whisky for cocktails or simply served neat.

The Canadian Club^® portfolio of whiskies is comprised of Canadian Club^® 1858, Canadian Club^® 100% Rye, Canadian Club^® Reserve and Canadian Club^® Classic 12 Year Old. For more information and cocktail recipes please visit www.CanadianClub.com.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com