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

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.