“A Dram Come True” Offers

Dozens of Whisky Tastings From Local and International Distilleries

Sophisticated surroundings, limited tickets and dozens of rare and unusual finds make for an exquisite evening.

Vancouver, BC – Tickets are now on sale for the Vancouver Writers Fest’s hotly anticipated annual whisky fundraiser, A Dram Come True. On Friday, May 13 at 7:30pm, ticket holders can sample more than 40 whiskies while strolling the exquisite grounds of Hycroft mansion in South Granville. With only 300 tickets for sale, this elegant event is an ideal evening for both the whisky aficionado and those who want to learn more. All proceeds go towards the Writers Fest’s programming – which reaches more than 25,000 people every year.

Now in its 14th year, A Dram Come True curates whisky from around the world, including rare and distinguished whiskies from countries such as Canada, Scotland, Taiwan, Ireland and India, alongside other unique spirits from local distilleries, such as oaked gin or cassis. Participating vendors this year include renowned names Glenfiddich, Kavalan, The Balvenie, Bunnahabhain, Duncan Taylor, Glenlivet, Aberlour, and – closer to home – Odd Society Spirits and Pemberton Distillery.

Tasting experts at each table will be on hand to share tasting tips and provide context for each whisky – from its style, age and finish to the distinct characteristics of each distillery.

For those who favour vineyards over malts, Tinhorn Creek will be pouring a selection of wines, while craft breweries including Parallel 49, will pour their latest creations.

“The event comes just days before World Whisky Day and embodies its sense of discovery and enthusiasm,” explained Dave Mason, President of the West Coast Whisky Club. “We’re thrilled to have the support of local agents who are sharing their knowledge, expertise and products with enthusiastic attendees. It makes for a very special evening.”

Hors d’oeuvres of luxury cheeses and charcuterie, plus a silent auction and games throughout the evening add additional flavour to the event.

Early bird tickets are now on sale until March 31 ($110, $125 reg. price)

Ticket Information

WHAT: A Dram Come True: A Whisky Fundraiser for The Vancouver Writers Fest

WHEN: Friday, May 13 at 7:30pm

WHERE: Hycroft, 1489 McRae Avenue, Vancouver

TICKETS: Tickets available at picatic.com/adramcometrue

$110 Early Bird ($125 Regular Price). “Early Access” can be purchased for $25, allowing for select whisky samples 45 minutes prior to doors opening. Group rates available.

About the Vancouver Writers Fest

The Vancouver Writers Fest is one of North America’s premier producers of literary events. The Society presents an annual six-day Festival in late October, the Incite reading series in the spring and a host of other literary and special events throughout the year. Vancouver Writers Fest activities attract 25,000+ readers of all ages annually.

For further information please visit writersfest.bc.ca.

THE RETURN OF BOURYE

High West Releases a Limited Run of the Original Bourbon and Rye Blend 

PARK CITY, Utah (February 12, 2016) — High West Distillery, Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870, is proud to announce the return of Bourye, the original super premium bourbon and rye blend. Much like the elusive jackalope that graces its label, the limited release Bourye may be hard to find, but a delight when discovered.

Bourye is a unique and very premium blend of rich 9-year-old bourbon and 13-and-17-year-old ryes, making for a premier sipping whiskey and one of High West’s own all-time favorites. “This iteration of Bourye is very similar to the original in age profile and component whiskeys,” said High West Founder David Perkins. “But I personally think this one is better.”

Bourye offers a taste of sweet honey nougat, rich caramel, mulling spices, and candied fruits with a long dry spice finish. “This release brings the flavor profile back to the level of richness that our original release had,” said High West Master Distiller Brendan Coyle. “I’m really excited to share it with whiskey lovers.” It’s available nationally this month at saloons and stores across the country, as well as at the High West Distillery in Park City, Utah, the world’s only ski-in gastro-distillery. It’s priced at $79.99.

About High West Distillery Utah’s first legal distillery since 1870, High West’s passion is crafting delicious whiskeys and marrying them with outstanding food. High West offers an outstanding collection of highly rated whiskeys, all available in the High West General Store seven days a week and holidays as well as at finer liquor stores, bars and restaurants in 42 states throughout the U.S. and internationally…and growing.

High West has three must visit locations. Our High West Saloon in historic Old Town Park City is the world’s only ski-in gastro distillery that was voted “Best Park City Restaurant” the last three years by readers of City Weekly. It has received multiple accolades including a nomination for Best Bar by James Beard, and a top 10 ranking on The Daily Meal’s list of 150 Best Bars in America. Our High West Saloon in Terminal E at Salt Lake International Airport offers the best food and drinks in any airport west of the Mississippi.

Finally, High West Distillery on Blue Sky Ranch in Wanship, Utah is our 30,000 square foot world-class western whiskey distillery. It has educational tours and a visitor center featuring High West’s unique country-western cuisine. Blue Sky is an historic working cattle ranch and soon to be luxury guest ranch with a wellness center and state of the art conference and event centers.  Both Blue Sky and High West aim to build a landmark Western destination and resort offering an authentic and premium western experience.  For more information and where to buy High West products near you, visit highwest.com.

Barton 1792 Distillery Releases Limited Edition Single Barrel Bourbon   

            BARDSTOWN, KENTUCKY (Feb. 24, 2016) – A new Single Barrel Bourbon is the latest limited edition expression in the premium 1792 whiskey collection from Barton 1792 Distillery. All of the bourbon used in this bottling was distilled and aged at the historic Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown before being selected and tasted for its exceptional quality. The bottling took place on a small hand bottling line that only allows one barrel to be processed at a time.

Bottled at 98.6 proof, this Single Barrel Bourbon is the third expression released from 1792 Distillery.  Previous special releases are now sold out, such as the Sweet Wheat and Port Finish Bourbons. Like those, this limited edition Single Barrel Bourbon will be available in most states.

            Master Distiller Ken Pierce describes this release as having, “the flavors of butterscotch and caramel notes, delicately balanced with hints of fruit and toffee.  The body is rich and lingers on the tongue for a delicate and pleasant finish.”

            The 1792 Single Barrel bourbon is expected to hit stores in late February at the suggested retail price of $39.99.  Barton 1792 Distillery plans to release even more new and different 1792 expressions throughout the year.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands of Kentucky, with facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent gold medal winner at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. To learn more visit http://www.1792bourbon.com/

Exceptionally fine’[1] Lagavulin™ marks 200^th anniversary 

Celebrated Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery releases an Eight Year Old bottling in honour of original whisky scribe Alfred Barnard

2016 is a year of celebration for Lagavulin, treasured around the world as one of the most special of all Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. Famous for its majestic nose of Hebridean peat smoke, richly textured and complex flavours and its long, sweet and power-driven finish , it encapsulates the passion, heritage and skills that lie behind its crafting . The bi-centennial activities start with the launch of a special limited edition bottling of Lagavulin 8 Year Old in honour of Britain’s most famous Victorian whisky writer, Alfred Barnard.

In the late 1880s, Alfred Barnard, the first ever whisky journalist and traveller, sampled an 8 Year Old Lagavulin during a visit to Islay, describing it as “exceptionally fine” and ‘held in high repute’. He went on the declare Lagavulin to be “one of the most prominent” of the few Scotch Distillers that can turn our spirit for use as single [Malt] Whiskies.

Dr Nick Morgan, Diageo’s Head of Whisky Outreach said: “This is a special year for a much loved Single Malt Scotch Whisky revered around the world as the definitive Islay whisky. There are a variety of plans across the year to bring people to Islay and bring Islay to as many people from around the globe as possible. We are thrilled to begin the celebrations for such an historic occasion with the launch of the first Lagavulin 8 Year Old for many years.”

Georgie Crawford, distillery manager at the Lagavulin distillery adds: “Although many things have stayed the same since Alfred Barnard first came to see us on Islay, visitors to the distillery will also notice some changes to mark this special year. We welcome you all to visit us and see for yourselves.”

Lagavulin has delighted generations of whisky drinkers and this Lagavulin 8 Year Old acknowledges the 200 year legacy of this distillery. Cramped and chaotic by nature, this sea front distillery can never be expanded and therefore demand often exceeds supply. In the words of Alfred Barnard, ’no prettier or more romantic spot could have been chosen for a distillery.’

The release of the limited edition Lagavulin 8 Year Old is the start of the Lagavulin 200 celebrations. This specially developed whisky will be released twice during the course of the year. 2016 will see more events throughout the year to observe this milestone birthday.

NOTES  

Tasting notes:

Nose: Immediately quite soft with clean, fresh notes, faint hints of milk chocolate and lemon and then developing fragrant tea-scented smoke alongside nose-drying, maritime aromas, with subtle cereal. A prickliness seen earlier now develops, while the trademark Lagavulin dryness emerges as fresh newsprint. Softly sooty. Softer, fuller and more rounded with water: it’s not hugely fruity but there’s just a trace of red berry preserve, perhaps, beneath the smokiness, which comes sharply into focus.

Body: Light, growing pleasantly oily.

Palate: A soothing light texture, with a magnificently full on Lagavulin taste that’s somehow even bigger than you expect; sweet, smoky and warming, with a growing, smoky pungency, then dry, with more smoke. Charred, with minty, dark chocolate. Beautifully balanced midpalate then salty, oven-charred baked potato skins and smoke. Water rounds things, the taste still mighty yet more succulent, sweeter, spicier and now tongue-tingling, mint-fresh and warming.

Finish: Lovely; clean, very long and smoky. Smoothly, subtle minted smoke surrounds chocolate tannins, leaving a late drying note to emerge in time. It’s warming, soft and still smoky with water, not as long or intense now, yet still leaving the palate dry as sweet smoke lingers on the breath.

The origins of Lagavulin

Local records suggest that Lagavulin was already a centre of whisky production in the early 18th century.

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

About Diageo:

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

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

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

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

Visit malts.com for further information.

[1] Alfred Barnard noted in his book, The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom (1887)

THE FAMOUS GROUSE APPOINTS NEW MASTER BLENDER

Kirsteen Campbell has been appointed to the role of Master Blender for The Famous Grouse, taking over from current Master Blender Gordon Motion this month.

Kirsteen has worked alongside Gordon for over 8 years and became Master Blender for Cutty Sark at the age of just 33.

Kirsteen will now become one of the few people allowed to share the secret of the unique blend of whiskies that combine to make The Famous Grouse. 43 million bottles of The Famous Grouse are produced each year, and it is exported to over 100 countries. It also holds the prestigious title of being the best-selling Blended Scotch in Scotland, and the UK.

The role involves managing the legendary ‘106 Sample Room’ at Edrington’s Blending Headquarters on Great Western Road.  Here, an estimated 11,000 samples of single malts, grains and blends are stored – a working library for Edrington’s team of nosers lead by Gordon and Kirsteen. The team can nose up to 600 samples a day, hunting down the right aromas, colour and character needed to create The Famous Grouse blend.

Gordon Motion will remain at Edrington in his new role as Edrington Master Whisky Maker, and will focus on the company’s single malt portfolio, concentrating on Highland Park and The Glenturret Single Malts and including The Macallan.

Kirsteen Campbell said: “I feel very privileged to be taking on the role of Master Blender for The Famous Grouse. It is an exceptional blend and I’m looking forward to working with the team here to ensure we that we continue to deliver the quality and character expected of the UK’s number one selling blend.”

Gordon Motion commented: “Kirsteen is a very talented Master Blender and I’ve no doubt she will rise to this new challenge. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the last six years as Master Blender for The Famous Grouse. My highlight would have to be when The Famous Grouse 40 Year Old was awarded the Trophy Award at the International Spirits Challenge in 2013, it was a very proud moment for me and the team.”

Kirsteen will continue in her role as Master Blender for Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky.

Notes

The Famous Grouse (www.thefamousgrouse.com)

• The Famous Grouse is the no. 1 whisky in UK and no. 4* standard blended whisky worldwide (*IWSR data 2014).
• The Famous Grouse has been the best-selling whisky in the home of Scotch whisky, Scotland since 1980.
• The Famous Grouse is exported to over 100 countries.
• The Famous Grouse Experience is located at Scotland’s oldest working distillery – Glenturret. Originally established as a single malt distillery in 1775, today The Famous Grouse Experience is the most visited distillery in Scotland.(www.thefamousgrouse.com/experience)

FEBRUARY AUCTION LIVE! 

Plenty of great bottles this month, exciting new releases, interesting older bottlings. There is a huge range of bottles available in our biggest auction ever, a great range of products that should please collectors, investors and especially drinkers.

SPRINGBANK 50 YEAR OLD 

One of the many auction highlights this month is the Springbank 50 Year Old. Distilled in 1919 and bottled in 1969, this 50 Year Old is a rare opportunity to own a rare expression from one of Scotland’s most iconic distilleries.

YAMAZAKI SHERRY CASK 2016

Best whisky in the world is a hard act to follow, this hasn’t stopped Suntory from trying.  The only problem is everyone wants one and there isn’t enough to go around.  So here’s your chance, get bidding!

BRORA 1976 SMWS 61.1

A legendary bottling of Brora! This is the first bottling of Brora released by the Scotch Malt Whisky society and also the first time the world saw Brora as a single malt. That’s right… The First Brora!

KARUIZAWA FIGHT CLUB COLLECTION 1986/1987/1988

We are about to break the first two rules! A presentation of three single sherry cask Karuizawa distilled in 1986, 1987 and 1988. As usual they come with fantastic labels, this impressive collection depicts an epic samurai battle!

OLD FORESTER BOURBON 1946

Old Forester is the longest running bourbon on the market, celebrating its 145th year. This was part of their personalized label range and was bottled in 1946.

DALMORE 1966 SINGLE CASK

There was a time with whisky when simple elegance reigned. This 30 Year Old Dalmore lacks the ostentation of today’s releases… But a 1966 single cask can’t be ignored!

There is no registration fee, our commission structure is very competitive and we offer worldwide shipping. For our terms and conditions please click here.

With close to 20 years of experience in the whisky industry, Whisky Auctioneer specialises in auctioning whisky whether it be fine, old, rare, collectable or affordable. Formed in 2013 and based in Perth, central Scotland, we aim to be the most comprehensive website for the buying and selling of whisky online.

http://www.whiskyauctioneer.com/

 Happy Bidding!

PASSPORT TAKES MILLENNIALS ‘TO A NEW WORLD’ WITH NEW ABOVE-THE-LINE CAMPAIGN

Passport, the No.1 Scotch whisky in Angola, and No.2 standard Scotch whisky in Mexico and Brazil¹has unveiled an innovative new above-the-line campaign designed to build on the brand’s recent success. Passport grew +20% in net sales to reach a record 1.7m cases last year²as it continues to consolidate its relevance among young adults in emerging markets.

Playing on the brand’s name, Your Passport to a new world, captures the free spirited, colourful and approachable personality of the blended Scotch in TV and out of home formats. The campaign was recently introduced in Angola and will be released in Mexico later this year. Passport is also being supported by advertising in Brazil, the world’s fifth market for Scotch whisky by volume³.

In the TV advertisement, a group of millennial friends are taken on a journey. Beginning in a home setting, the camera reveals the group in increasingly aspirational bars and ending in a nightclub. Use of social media among the target audience is brought to life in the creative, with the friends taking and sharing photos of themselves in the different locations.

Strong appeal for the brand among millennials in emerging markets has earned it the position as the fastest growing of all spirits brands that sell more than 200,000 cases per year⁴.

Mark Thorne, Passport Global Brand Director at Chivas Brothers, commented: “Passport is currently a fantastic success story for Scotch and is leading the way in introducing new consumers in emerging markets to the unique vibrancy, quality, craftsmanship and heritage that the category offers.

“The ‘Your Passport to a new world’ campaign is set to unlock the curiosity of young people in Angola, Brazil and Mexico; millennials in these regions have an increasingly global outlook on life and are using social media and drinking quality international spirits such as Passport to demonstrate their personalities and aspirations. We are extremely proud of the success that Passport has achieved to date and are excited to see how the campaign helps to further spread the word on Scotch whisky around the world.”

NOTES

1 IWSR 2014
2 Pernod Ricard figures
3 SWA figures (April 2015)
4 IWSR 2014

About Passport Scotch
Crafted for the first time in 1965, Passport is the unconventional blended Scotch whisky with an original taste profile and a fruity, creamy finish that is increasingly popular among millennial consumers in emerging Scotch markets around the world. The No.2 standard Scotch whisky in Brazil and performing strongly in Angola, Mexico, Spain, Portugal and Poland, Passport grew +20% in net sales to reach a record 1.7m cases in the year ending in June 2015 – helping to earn its position as the fastest growing blended Scotch that sells more than 200,000 cases per annum.

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader 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.chivaspirit.com

@ChivasNewsRoom

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader 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

Whisky Mash Goes Bigger and Better for 2016

Aberdeen’s Whisky Mash Festival is aiming big for this year’s event on Sunday 1^st May. After the success of last year’s inaugural Whisky Mash, the team behind the whisky tasting festival with a difference are looking to recreate the atmosphere that towed the line between informal and informative.

CASC – the event organisers – are already well-known in the city for providing the crowds with excellent drams from their impressive gantry at CASC Bar, a dedicated craft beer and whisky venue in the heart of Aberdeen’s Merchant Quarter. For Whisky Mash 2016, however, the team will be moving the event outside the confines of the bar itself and into a larger venue, the Carmelite Hotel.

“The move has allowed us a more spacious venue so we’ve invited even more exhibitors to the Mash this year,” said CASC’s Whisky Ambassador, Aly Mathers. “It’s all about the drams, and by using the Carmelite we can make sure to cram in as much excitement as possible.”

“The best thing about last year’s event was that we focussed primarily on independent bottlers and local producers of Scotch whisky. We always like to showcase everything that is available in the world of whisky and not just the major players, so you can expect a few surprises this year.”

Not only will attendees be able to sample some amazing drams from specially selected producers of Scotch whisky, rum and gin but there will be a series of exclusive masterclasses being held on the day too.

With tickets for this year’s event set to be released on Tuesday 1^st March the team are expecting the event to prove popular with locals. “We know there are a huge amount of whisky lovers in the North East of Scotland, just like ourselves. We can’t wait for them to come down and enjoy their day with us at Whisky Mash 2016,” said Mr. Mathers.

For more information on Whisky Mash 2016 (and tickets from 01/03/16) – http://www.whiskymash.co.uk/

For more information on CASC – http://www.cascbar.co.uk/ and http://www.cascshop.co.uk/

AMERICAN BOURBON ASSOCIATION WEBSITE LAUNCHED 

Comprehensive Website Aims to Help Bourbon Whiskey

Gain Respect Around the World 

LOUISVILLE, Ky (Feb. 16, 2016) Although bourbon has certainly been become more popular of late, Scotch whisky remains king of worldwide whiskey sales.  Granted, Scotch whisky has enjoyed a few hundred years head start on bourbon whiskey and ranges of fine Scotch are commonplace in bars around the world, while the selection and appreciation for bourbon whiskey is often limited.

As a result, the Sazerac Company founded the American Bourbon Association in 2012 to educate people around the globe about bourbon whiskey. The website, http://americanbourbonassociation.com/, was launched in 2015 with a mission to become the best source of bourbon news and information online. Curious consumers are invited to learn about distilleries and bourbon brands, not just made in Kentucky, but from all over the United States.

The website gives the history of bourbon, written by esteemed bourbon historian Mike Veach, and explains what it is, how bourbon is made, bourbon myths, daily news, and lists of great bourbon bars and retail stores. Links to bourbon-related blogs, bourbon societies, brand and distillery websites, publications, trade associations and much more are also included.

“We realized there was a gap in appreciation between bourbon and other types of whiskey,” said Mark Brown, president and chief executive officer, Sazerac Company. “Bourbon whiskey deserves every bit of respect as other whiskeys. Distilleries in Scotland have benefitted from the Scotch Whisky Association promoting, protecting and educating people about Scotch since the turn of the 20^th century, but no one has taken up the cause for bourbon. While the majority of bourbon is made in Kentucky, there are distilleries popping up all across America, and the bourbon industry has grown beyond just the state of Kentucky. Someone needs to be looking after bourbon’s best interest on a national and global scale, which is how the American Bourbon Association came about.”

  The website is being maintained and updated by the Sazerac Company. Any liquor stores, bars, brands or bourbon distilleries that would like to be added can apply on the website.

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 www.sazerac.com

NEWS RELEASE

24 February 2015

HONG KONG

PLATINUM WHISKY INVESTMENT FUND TARGETING GLOBAL MARKETS FOR PRIVATE SALES OF ITS OLD AND RARE WHISKY COLLECTION

 US$10 million collection of the rarest whiskies in the world

 Collection increased in value by approximately 26% in its first 18 months

Platinum Whisky Investment Fund – the first of its kind in the world – today released details of its growing, multi-million dollar collection of rare whisky. The collection exclusively focuses on single malt whisky and includes some of the oldest, rarest whiskies in the world.

“Production of aged single malt whisky takes time and demand is outstripping supply globally. We seek out the very rarest and best stocks from a range of private collectors in the UK and across Europe,” said Rickesh Kishnani, The Fund’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our strategy is to set up distribution partnerships in key markets globally, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, UK, and the UK, over the next five years,” he added.

Working alongside Mr. Kishnani is The Fund’s Chief Investment Officer, David Robertson, who has 20 years’ experience in the industry and is a former Master Distiller at The Macallan and former Rare Whisky Director at The Dalmore.

“Using our combined industry knowledge and genuine love for whisky, we have built what we believe is the world’s finest, privately held collection of hand-picked, rare, single malt whisky. I have personally inspected and authenticated every single bottle of our 7,500-strong collection, which is a carefully-designed mix of silent stills (closed distilleries), vintage bottles dating back to 1902; iconic whiskies aged up to 64 years and limited edition bottles from Japan. The collection has been created to ensure we have a diversified portfolio that will appreciate in value over time and appeal to connoisseurs, collectors and investors at the point of exit,” Mr. Robertson said.

The oldest vintage in The Fund’s collection is an early Berry Bros & Rudd bottling of Highland Park 1902. The highest age statement is the Glenfiddich 64 year old from 1937 (only 61 bottles were ever produced from a single cask) and the most expensive, single bottle is the Macallan 60 year old Valerio Adami Edition from 1926 (only 12 individually numbered bottles were ever produced and The Fund owns bottle number 8) valued at over US$200,000.

Oldest and Rarest Single Malt Whisky Collection (Left to right): Springbank 50, Laphroaig 1903, Balvenie 50YO 1937, Springbank 50 YO 1928, Dalmore 50YO 1926, Glenfiddich 64YO 1937, Mortlach 50YO 1936, Highland Park 1902, Macallan 50YO 1928

Over 30% of The Fund’s holdings are invested into silent stills, or bottles from distilleries that closed during the 1980s and 1990s, making them extremely rare and difficult to find in the open market. Some examples include the Karuizawa Founders’ Cask 30 YO 1981 (only 347 bottles produced), Rosebank 21 YO 1990 (only 5604 bottles produced), and Port Ellen 18 YO 1982 Old Malt Cask (only 777 bottles produced).

Other limited edition bottles owned by The Fund are from the closed distilleries of Brora, Glenesk, Convalmore, Littlemill, North Port, Glenury Royal, Ladyburn and Glen Flagler.

Platinum was recently named the sole Asia Pacific distributor of Prometheus 27 year old Speyside Single Malt Whisky by Glasgow Distillery Company. The second release of the award-winning Prometheus Series will debut exclusively at the Malt Masters Festival in Hong Kong next week.

NOTES

ABOUT PLATINUM WHISKY INVESTMENT FUND

The Platinum Whisky Investment Fund (“The Fund”) is a private investment vehicle focusing exclusively on rare whisky investments, primarily Scotch whiskies. It is a Cayman incorporated private investment company. The estimated value of The Fund’s holdings was independently confirmed by third party valuation agent, David Wainwright of Wainwright Advisors. The Fund is administered by Sinopac Solutions & Services.

For media enquiries please contact:

MHP Communications Hong Kong

Hilda Chan, hilda.chan@mhpc.com / +852 3114 6335

Fiona Parker, fiona.parker@mhpc.com / +852 3114 6337