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

A barrel at sea !

French whisky Black Mountain to partner with sail transport company TOWT for a one-of-a-kind sea maturation experience.

Departing from the banks of Bordeaux right a month ago (May 2) on board of an old tuna seiner called « La Nébuleuse » and sailing from Northern Brittany to Bordeaux, the Black Mountain N°2 cask will then be transshipped in Dourdenez on the magnificient « Grayhound », an English vessel engaging in « cabotage » between France, southern England and Scilly islands. All in all, the cask is meant to spend at least 6 months out at sea, navigating through winds and tides : an exceptional adventure which should come to an end this fall.

The main goal of this whole operation is obviously to experiment sea maturation : the slow moves of the boat making the whisky gently swirling in the cask while temperature variations allow the wood to expand and contract… Not to mention the sea spray which should also have an important impact on the whisky. 280 litres of spirit are then currently travelling at sea – that’s about as much whisky that should be bottled for a future VERY limited release !

If Cédric Leprette, co-founder of Black Mountain, chose to engage in this adventure, that’s also a matter of personal belief : « I am extremely concerned about the environment, and so are my associates, I also like this conqueror, adventurous, almost chevalric spirit ! I find all of these aspects with TOWT : reviving sailing merchant navy in 2015 and introducing the initiative as a pioneering concept, this is simply awesome and jubilant ».

Cédric also talks about a « kind of return to the roots of whisky : it was actually following transportation of the spirit in barrels within sailing boats towards the colonies that British have discovered the positive impact of prolonged wood maturation on whisky. »

Probably the first of a series of future partnerships with the young TOWT, whose mission is to revive the sailing merchant navy, the whole team at Black Mountain is very much looking forward to assessing the results of this uncommon experience.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Black Mountain Compagnie

The story of Black Mountain begins in 2011, when 4 passionate friends came up with the idea to use the exceptional waters of a high altitude spring (1000m) located within a natural wonder, the national park of Haut Languedoc, which will be the location of the future distillery, meant to be built by 2018.

Before the distillery starts operating, and with the aim to demonstrate its know-how, the founding team at Black Mountain Compagnie has launched two blended whiskies, finished in the best French spirits casks and named “Black Mountain Selection”.

BM N°1 was named Best European Blended Whisky at the 2015 edition of The World Whiskies Awards.

To find out more, please visit www.blackmountain.fr

TOWT – TransOceanic Wind Transport

TransOceanic Wind Transport is a sailing freight transport company that offers a concrete and alternative solution both to climate warming and to the energy challenge.

Guillaume Le Grand, founder of TOWT, is an energy specialist and has a significant experience on sailing boats. He holds a degree in Sustainable Development, Energy and Environment. After having lived in Berlin and in London, he founded TransOceanic Wind Transport in 2009, so as to prove the viability of cargo sail-shipping

To find out more, please visit www.twot.eu

JAMESON RESTRUCTURES ITS PORTFOLIO WITH NEW FAMILY OF IRISH WHISKEYS

 – Wider offering showcases four ranges that explore Jameson’s people and craft, heritage, taste and fearlessness with the original Jameson Irish Whiskey at the core –
– New range The Whiskey Makers Series celebrates the people behind Jameson and their craft –

Jameson has unveiled a new structure to its family of Irish Whiskeys, representing a unique re-interpretation of the super-premium whiskey category. The new portfolio is made up of The Whiskey Makers Series, the range of Heritage whiskeys and The Deconstructed Series with the original Jameson Irish Whiskey at the core. Together, the new portfolio showcases the brand’s rich heritage, celebrates its remarkable present and shares an insight into its innovative future, underpinned by our communications platform of Sine Metu.

The restructure manifests Jameson’s ambition to drive interest globally in Irish Whiskey, a trend that has been led by the brand in recent years. The new family of whiskeys is set to further impact this movement, highlighting Jameson’s wider offering and giving drinkers a meaningful exploration path into super premium whiskey. With a strength of storytelling throughout the range, the new portfolio is rooted in the interests of Jameson’s fans who are seeking to learn more about the people and craft, heritage, taste and ethos of fearlessness behind the brand.

Daniel Lundberg, Global Brand Director for Jameson, comments: “The restructure of the Jameson family is the most significant move in our brand’s recent history. This is an exceptionally exciting development that positions Jameson at the forefront of innovation and advance within the Irish Whiskey category. The family, comprised of The Whiskey Makers Series, the range of Heritage whiskeys and The Deconstructed Series is underpinned by the brand’s people and craft, heritage, taste and fearlessness; in short, the qualities for which Jameson is celebrated throughout the world. Today we finally get to unveil our new family globally and witness Irish Whiskey fans discovering new stories, flavours and experiences from Jameson.”

THE WHISKEY MAKER SERIES

A brand new range of super-premium Jameson whiskeys – The Whiskey Makers Series – sits within the refreshed family and is comprised of three whiskies that celebrate the people behind Jameson and their craft. Created collaboratively by Jameson Head Distiller, Brian Nation; Head Cooper, Ger Buckley; and Head Blender, Billy Leighton, the range gives Midleton’s craftspeople a unique opportunity to shine a light on their individual areas of expertise. The Whiskey Makers Series is set to deepen consumers’ understanding of Irish Whiskey production through the exploration of three key tools, after which the products are named: The Distiller’s Safe, The Cooper’s Croze and The Blender’s Dog.

The Distiller’s Safe celebrates the role of Jameson’s Head Distiller, Brian Nation, and is a true showcase of the original copper pot still distillate. A purist of whiskey making, Brian explores the influence of the copper on the new-make spirit, using a maturation process that skilfully preserves the qualities of the original distillate, allowing the flavours developed in the pot still to take centre stage. Brian’s tool of choice – the spirit safe – allows him to fine tune the whiskey’s style at any point during the distillation process and the resulting blended whiskey carries distinct sweetness from barley sugar and gentle notes of apricot, cinnamon and melon. A smooth, light whiskey with a luminous, zesty finish.

The Cooper’s Croze showcases the role of Jameson’s Head Cooper, Ger Buckley, and explores the influence that maturation in casks has on whiskey. A fifth generation cooper, Ger has a deep relationship with wood and is tasked with selecting, repairing and maintaining Midleton’s diverse and treasured barrels. Ger’s prized possession – a croze – passed down through his family, is used to make the groove where the head of the cask is positioned. The resulting blended whiskey is matured in virgin American oak barrels, seasoned bourbon barrels and Iberian sherry casks, a combination that delivers vanilla sweetness, rich fruit flavours and a balance of floral and spice notes.

The Blender’s Dog celebrates the role of Jameson Head Blender, Billy Leighton; a tribute to the fine art of blending. A master at matching whiskeys across ages and characters, Billy is tasked with uniting the crafts supplied by distiller and cooper to create harmonious, perfectly balanced whiskeys. Billy’s go-to instrument – a ‘dog’ – is used to collect whiskey samples from the casks, allowing Billy to bring together complementary spirits from Midleton’s extensive range of maturing stock. The Blender’s Dog is a perfect balance of spirit, wood and time; a rich, rounded whiskey with butterscotch sweetness, spices, tannins and an exceptionally long finish.

The Distiller’s Safe is available globally with an RRP of €70 or local equivalent (70cl bottle, 40% ABV)
The Cooper’s Croze is available globally with anRRP of €70 or local equivalent (70cl bottle, 40% ABV)
The Blender’s Dog is available globally with an RRP of €70 or local equivalent (70cl, 40% ABV)

THE RANGE OF HERITAGE WHISKIES

The range of Heritage whiskeys is a new collection of super-premium Irish Whiskeys that bring to the fore over 200 years of remarkable stories and milestones from the brand’s rich history. Created to better highlight three world-renowned Irish Whiskeys – Jameson Black Barrel, Jameson Crested and Jameson Signature – each expression in the range tells a different story from Jameson’s past.

Jameson Black Barrel is a triple-distilled Irish whiskey that pays tribute to the cooper’s method of charring barrels for a second time. Charring is a traditional method for invigorating barrels, although today at Midleton double-charred barrels are used by choice rather than through necessity. The expression uses a blend of ‘small batch’ grain and traditional pot still Irish Whiskey, which is distilled just once a year at Midleton, and is matured in a combination of American oak, sherry casks and double-charred bourbon barrels. Time spent maturing in these barrels imparts the whiskey with intensified notes of vanilla sweetness and caramel, alongside toasted wood, fruit, and warm spice.

Jameson Crested, launched globally in March 2016, is a triple-distilled Irish Whiskey that celebrates the first drops of whiskey to be bottled, sealed and labelled at the Bow Street Distillery in Dublin, marking the moment in time (1963) when Jameson took full control of the whiskey making process, from grain to glass. Up until then, distillers – including the Jameson Distillery – sold barrels of whiskey to bonders to bottle themselves, however, reports of whiskey bonders watering down their whiskey in the 1960s led Jameson to complete the process inside the distillery walls to protect the quality of the whiskey. Jameson Crested brings together rich pot still Irish Whiskey and grain whiskey, matured in a high proportion of sherry casks, as well as bourbon barrels. The result is a nose of vivid sherry and pot still aromas, a palate of toasted wood, spice and chocolate, and a warm, lingering sherry finish.

Jameson Signature is a triple-distilled Irish Whiskey that bears the signature of John Jameson, a mark of quality that has appeared since the early days of the Bow Street Distillery, when all casks were signed off by John Jameson. The expression celebrates this tradition and the generations of meticulously transcribed distillers’ notebooks, a sign that attention to detail remains at the heart of Jameson. Jameson Signature is a commitment from the brand to uphold the founder’s core values of craftsmanship and quality, with a robust and complex whiskey that boasts deep flavours of cedar, vanilla, citrus and dried fruits and a smooth balance of honey.

Jameson Black Barrel is available globally with an RRP of €47 or local equivalent (70cl bottle, 40% ABV)
Jameson Crested is available globally with an RRP of €36 or local equivalent (70cl bottle, 40% ABV)
Jameson Signature is available in Global Travel Retail with an RRP of €40 or local equivalent (70cl, 40% ABV)

THE DECONSTRUCTED SERIES

The Deconstructed Series is a range of super-premium Irish Whiskeys that explores the key flavour notes of the original Jameson Irish Whiskey. Launched in Cannes in October 2015, the expressions – Jameson Bold, Jameson Lively and Jameson Round – are named after three key taste characteristics found within the family’s core expression, amplifying each flavour trait to offer three new drinking experiences.

Jameson Bold, influenced by pot still whiskey, is an intense and robust whiskey, with a strong influence of spices. Initially sweet and creamy, with an abundance of soft fruits, the pot still spices develop to bring a perfect balance of rich barley notes and mellow baked apple.

Jameson Lively, influenced by grain whiskey, offers an elegant and floral taste combined with a citrus lightness. Its soft and sweet taste, provided by the perfume bon bons alongside turkish delight, combines with drying hints of citrus to balance the sweetness. A little chilli oil brings a prickle of spices to the mouth.

Jameson Round, influenced by the wood contribution, is a balance of rich and plump charred wood tones. A perfect harmony of diverse flavours, sweet vanilla fuses with soft ripe fruit and, together, combines with the rich Pot Still Spices on a firm foundation of toasted oak.

Jameson Bold is available in Global Travel Retail with an RRP of €36 or local equivalent (70cl bottle, 40% ABV)
Jameson Lively is available in Global Travel Retail with an RRP of €36 or local equivalent (70cl bottle, 40% ABV)
Jameson Round is available in Global Travel Retail with an RRP of €36 or local equivalent (70cl bottle, 40% ABV)

NOTES

About Irish Distillers
Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers, John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the company decided to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork. Irish Distillers was bought by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 and today, Jameson is the No.1 Irish whiskey in the world, selling over 4 million 9L cases worldwide and contributing more than any other Irish whiskey brand to the phenomenal global growth of the category. Irish Distillers is committed to driving continued, sustainable growth of the Irish whiskey category.

Irish Distillers’ portfolio of whiskeys is comprised of Jameson, the world’s no.1 Irish whiskey; Irish favourite Paddy; Powers, the robust premium whiskey for discerning drinkers; and the much-acclaimed brands that comprise the Irish Distillers’ Prestige Collection – the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton which includes the Spot range (Green Spot, Yellow Spot) and Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey brand – and the pinnacle of the Prestige Collection, Midleton Very Rare.

www.irishdistillers.ie

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
Follow us on Twitter: @PernodRicardUK

Booker Noe’s Legacy Honored With Two Unprecedented Limited Edition Releases

Clermont, KY (May 18, 2016) – Booker’s® Bourbon and Knob Creek® Bourbon are proud to introduce two ultra-premium, limited edition releases to whiskey fans this month – Booker’s® Rye Whiskey and Knob Creek® 2001 Limited Edition Bourbon – each paying tribute to Booker Noe, the Beam Family’s 6th Generation Master Distiller and founder of The Small Batch Bourbon Collection®.

These special releases are each made from some of the last barrels laid down by the late Booker Noe in the final years of his life and will each be available as limited, one-time offerings. As the first rye whiskey ever offered from Booker’s Bourbon, Booker’s® Rye Whiskey was made from a very limited number of barrels of a previously unreleased rye mash bill in Booker’s signature uncut and unfiltered style. Knob Creek® 2001 Limited Edition Bourbon debuts as the longest-aged expression ever released from Knob Creek, the ultimate expression of the bourbon’s big, full flavor.

“When Dad helped pioneer the small batch movement nearly 30 years ago, he introduced a whole new way of thinking about how whiskey could be made – introducing small batch, high quality whiskies like Booker’s Bourbon and Knob Creek Bourbon with flavor like nobody had tasted before,” said Fred Noe, Beam Family’s 7th Generation Master Distiller. “Now, all of these years later, we’re excited to keep this tradition alive by giving our fans something really special with these two limited releases made from some of the last barrels Dad laid down. Dad knew exactly what he wanted when it came to making whiskey, and I know these releases would make him proud.”

The hallmark of Booker Noe’s innovative spirit, Booker’s Rye Whiskey is made from a never before released rye mash bill, bottled uncut and unfiltered1 at its natural proof and full of robust flavor, just the way Booker preferred his whiskey. The supply of Booker’s Rye is about half that of Booker’s® 25th Anniversary Bourbon from 2014. Aged for 13 years, about twice as long as a standard batch of Booker’s Bourbon, Booker’s Rye is now available nationwide with an SRP of $299.99 for a 750ml bottle.

Like all batches of Booker’s Bourbon, Fred Noe watched over these barrels to ensure that the liquid was released the way Booker intended so many years ago. It was selected with the following characteristics:

• Age: 13 years, 1 months, 12 days
• Proof: 136.2
• Color: Deep amber
• Taste: An intense flavor profile with pronounced, well-balanced notes of wood and oak from the longer aging process. The liquid offers a complex aroma with spicy notes from the rye in the mash bill. This uncut rye has a spicy, robust flavor, but it is not overpowering.
• Sipping Suggestions: Booker’s Rye is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Knob Creek 2001 Limited Edition Bourbon commemorates a significant year for Knob Creek, as late in 2001, the tradition and responsibility of stewarding Knob Creek Bourbon was passed from Booker to Fred – from father to son. This release, made from barrels that Booker laid down in 2001, was finished by Fred Noe in honor of all he learned from his father and stays true to the pre-prohibition standards that Booker sought to restore when he introduced Knob Creek Bourbon. Bottled at 100 proof and aged for 14 years, longer than any other Knob Creek release to date, this bourbon has an even bigger, fuller flavor than what Knob Creek fans have come to love. It will be released in three limited batches, each accentuating distinct notes of the 14-year-old liquid, for a suggested price of $129.99 for a 750ml bottle.

Packaged in a commemorative wooden case, Knob Creek 2001 Limited Edition Bourbon was selected with the following characteristics:

• Age: More than 14 years
• Proof: 100
• Color: Deep golden amber
• Aroma: Robust oak and char notes balanced by sweet vanillas and caramels with a hint of warm brown spice
• Taste: Complex oak and char notes with subtle vanilla and warm spice
  • Batch One: Higher in sweet notes, vanilla and caramel; very smooth
  • Batch Two: Higher in wood and oak notes; more tannic in nature
  • Batch Three: Mid-way between Batch 1 and Batch 2, slightly favoring notes of wood
• Finish: Smooth and warm sweetness

For more information on Booker’s Rye, visit: www.BookersBourbon.com and for more information on Knob Creek, visit: www.KnobCreek.com.

About Booker’s® Bourbon

Booker’s® Bourbon was inspired by a 200-year-old family tradition and came to life when Booker Noe selected the first bottles of Booker’s as holiday gifts for his friends and family. With its instant popularity within Noe’s close circle, Booker’s Bourbon was soon after bottled and made available on shelves for everyone to enjoy. Booker’s Bourbon is one of the only bourbons bottled straight-from-the-barrel at its natural proof, which varies from batch to batch. It is crafted in small batches and aged for six to eight years in charred oak barrels, which are stored in the center of the rack house. Today, Fred Noe personally selects every batch of Booker’s Bourbon to ensure every bottle contains a robust, full-bodied whiskey that has a taste, aroma and proof that matches Booker’s whiskey preference.

About Knob Creek® Bourbon

Knob Creek® Bourbon has been making extraordinary full flavored bourbon with intriguing taste and bottled in unique flask shaped packaging for over 20 years. Aged for a full 9 years in new, charred American Oak barrels and bottled at an honest 100 proof, Knob Creek® Bourbon upholds the standard for what great bourbon ought to be with its big, full signature flavor. Launched in early 1992, at a time when the term “super-premium” bourbon didn’t exist, Knob Creek® Bourbon is named after the small town in Kentucky where President Abraham Lincoln was born.  In recent years, Knob Creek has expanded its portfolio releasing Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve (120 proof / 60% alcohol by volume) in 2011 and Knob Creek Rye (100 proof / 50% alcohol by volume) in 2012 and Knob Creek Smoked Maple (90 proof / 45% alcohol by volume) in 2013.

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.

MICHEL ROUX JR AND THE BALVENIE JOIN FORCES IN THE ULTIMATE EXPLORATION OF CRAFTSMANSHIP

‘The Craftsmen’s Dinner’: a new film series featuring leading experts in various fields ranging from pottery to salmon smoking unearths the true meaning of craftsmanship.  

The Balvenie has a rich history of celebrating excellent craftsmanship; however the launch of ‘The Craftsmen’s Dinner’ – a six part short film series in which exceptionally skilled individuals in various fields are met and profiled by multi award winning chef Michel Roux Jr – will mark the brand’s foremost exploration of outstanding artistry to date.

The YouTube film series sees the two Michelin starred chef – naturally a master of his own trade – set out to unveil the true meaning of craftsmanship by meeting and discussing the talents and secret skills of six equally gifted people; including one of the only knife makers left in Britain, a music-loving salmon smoker, an organic farmer, a potter and a sparkling wine producer.

The series culminates with Michel creating the mouthwatering ‘Craftsmen’s Dinner’ for each of the individuals, using contributions from each artist; including salmon for the guests to enjoy, and beautiful hand crafted plates to serve it on. The first instalment of the series will launch at https://www.youtube.com/TheCraftsmensDinner on the 15^th March 2016, and will be released on a fortnightly basis thereafter.

Michel Roux Jr commented: “I have tremendous respect for people who dedicate the years required to mastering and perfecting their trade, so it was a fantastic experience to work with The Balvenie on this project, and to meet such talented individuals.”

Scores of captivating stories emerge from the films; including Ole Hansen: a salmon smoker who lovingly plays piano music to his produce every day in the belief that it adds a certain dimension to the taste. And Will Ferraby: a Sheffield-based knife maker whose chef’s knives are famously so precise that they perfectly slice a tomato in two, even when dropped from a height.

Jonny Cornthwaite, Senior Brand Manager, The Balvenie commented: “Celebrating exceptional craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do for The Balvenie; so it is a privilege to work with Michel Roux Jr and these six individuals who really capture the heart of our brand ethos. ‘The Craftsmen’s Dinner’ is our largest and most ambitious project to date; and we’re very excited to introduce the series to the public.”

The films will be released at www.youtube.com/TheCraftsmensDinner on the following dates:

• 15^th March 2016 (Ferraby Knives)
• 29^th March (Grierson Organic)
• 12^th April (North Street Potters)
• 26^th April (Ridgeview Wines)
• 10^th May (Hansen & Lyderson)
• 24^th May (Craftsman’s Dinner) 

About The Balvenie: 

• The Balvenie is a unique range of single malts created by David Stewart, The Balvenie Malt Master, who celebrates his 54th year at the distillery in 2016. Each has a very individual taste, but each is rich, luxuriously smooth and underpinned by the distinctively honeyed character of The Balvenie.
• The Balvenie is dedicated to the five rare crafts that are used to create The Balvenie’s distinctive taste. It is the only distillery that still grows its own barley, uses traditional floor maltings and keeps both coppersmiths and coopers on site – making The Balvenie the most handcrafted of malts.
• The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced by William Grant & Sons Ltd, an award-winning independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today run by his direct descendants.