New service launched

yourwhiskycask.co.uk is offering Scotch whisky – in casks

Telgte, Germany, 22nd September 2015. From now on aficionados and friends of Scotch Single Malt have the opportunity to receive offers for whisky casks by a new service named yourwhiskycask. The company is offering their casks worldwide to private persons, whisky clubs or businesses. Becoming the owner of a cask is simple: if someone is interested in receiving our offers, he/she can simply register free of charge on our website. From then on interested parties will receive our latest newsletter with all casks on offer via email.

The costs for a cask depend on its volume, cask type, alcohol content, age and exclusivity. Casks with New Make have also become a popular investment over the last few years. These casks are currently available from £1200 to £2000. The prices for old and rare casks have soared drastically and it looks as if there is no limit in sight. To ensure fresh supply of good quality casks, the team from yourwhiskycask.co.uk has a long established network of brokers and partners in Scotland. We are able offer casks through these channels or from our own stock.

When receiving an email with the casks on offer, for older whiskies peoplesometimes have the chance to order a sample at their expense. Especially with our offers for New Make or younger whisky we specifically focus on exceptional 1st-fill casks of good quality, like rum, wine, sherry, port or Madeira.

When buying a cask from yourwhiskycask.co.uk buyers will get all services from one supplier: storage, inspection, bottling and if desired a finish in an especially selected cask. It is imperative that an extraction of the cask from a bonded warehouse is only possible when bottling the Scotch whisky. It is illegal to export full casks.

Regardless of the country of residence, everybody can become the owner of a cask of whisky. The owners of a cask are of course entitled to receive samples of their Scotch whisky, so they can get their own impression of the maturation process.

The buyer of one of our casks will get access to our online administration database. They will find there all the necessary and current data of their cask. For further information, please visit http://www.yourwhiskycask.co.uk.

Provider of all services offered by yourwhiskycask.co.uk is Five Lions GmbH located in Telgte (Germany). All processes will be dealt with in our office in Scotland and contacts on site.

Contact

Alexander Springensguth

email // presse@five-lions.de

phone // 0049 2504 708967-7

fax // 0049 2504 708967-9

Publisher

Five Lions GmbH

Mersch 10

48291 Telgte

Germany

email // info@five-lions.de

phone // 0049 2504 708967-0

fax // 0049 2504 708967-9

www.five-lions.de

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES

13 YEAR-OLD SOUR MASH BOURBON EXPERIMENT 

Two Entry Proofs for this Experiment make up the last

Experimental Collection Release for 2015  

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Sept. 22, 2015) Buffalo Trace Distillery has returned to its roots with the latest release in their long-running experimental whiskey program, a bourbon made using an old-fashioned process of souring the mash.  Distilled in May of 2002, this Old Fashioned Sour Mash experiment used Buffalo Trace’s proprietary mash.  The bourbon was cooked and cooled to standard; however, the similarities stop there. The mash was allowed “to sour” before yeast was added to start the fermentation process, a method long abandoned due to its more laborious process.

This sour mash method differs from the more common process used today by nearly all bourbon manufacturers. The routine method calls for cooking and cooling the mash, and then immediately adding yeast and a small amount of previously distilled mash (or “setback”) as it cools to sour the mash.   The traditional old-fashioned sour mash process fell out of favor many years ago, and it was not until a gathering of distillery “old timers” that Buffalo Trace was inspired to revive it.

After the sour mash was distilled, it was entered into barrels at two different entry proofs, 105 and 125. Aged for 13 years on the seventh floor of Warehouse I, the two different entry proofs took on unique characteristics. The 105 entry proof delivers a light body, with notes of vanilla and fruit, and a dry, nice finish, while the 125 entry proof offers a medium flavored body, with spicy flavors mingled with caramel, and a balanced pleasing finish.

These barrels are part of more than 4,000 experimental barrels of whiskey aging in the warehouses of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Each of them has unique characteristics that differentiate them in distinct ways. Some examples of experiments include unique mash bills, types of wood, and different barrel toasts. In order to further increase the scope, flexibility, and range of the experimental program, an entire micro distillery, named The Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. “OFC” Micro Distillery, complete with cookers, fermenting tanks, and a state-of-the-art micro still has been constructed within Buffalo Trace Distillery. Buffalo Trace has increased its commitment to experimentation with the recent addition of its Warehouse X. Although small in size, Warehouse X is designed to explore the extent of environmental influences on the flavor profiles of whiskey.

The Experimental Collection is packaged in 375ml bottles, with two bottles from each entry proof in a case. Both entry proofs were bottled at 90 proof.  Each label includes all the pertinent information unique to that barrel of whiskey. These whiskeys retail for approximately $46.35 each and will be available in late September, 2015. Experimental Collection releases are generally quite small and have limited availability. For more information on the Experimental Collection or the other products of Buffalo Trace Distillery, please contact Elizabeth Hurst at ehurst@buffalotrace.com.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

Taking the Arran Waters

First Release in History-Inspired Smugglers’ Series from the Isle of Arran Distillery

As the award-winning Isle of Arran Distillery approaches its 21^st year, it is celebrating the renowned whisky-making heritage of its island home with the first release in its Smugglers’ Series.

The Smugglers Series honours the tradition of the illicit whisky trade that operated from Arran and up the Clyde to Glasgow. Each new release will be ‘smuggled’ in unique packaging reminiscent of the hiding places used in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Smugglers’ Series Vol. 1 ‘The Illicit Stills’ features hidden packaging that mimics a beautiful hardbound book, complete with a cut-out compartment that conceals the bottle.

The whisky itself pays homage to the distillery’s forebears with an Arran dram of a robust body and heavier peat influence, redolent of the whisky produced on the island in days gone by. Perfectly balanced by the sweetness of older Bourbon barrels and the rich and fruity influence of Port Pipes, the historic malt is a fresh, full bodied and complex dram evocative of this distillery’s independent character.

Euan Mitchell, managing direct of Isle of Arran Distillery said: “We’re justifiably proud of the whisky-making heritage of the island. Visitors have long been fascinated in the illicit industry that ran between Arran and Glasgow in centuries past.

“With the distillery turning 21, it felt like the perfect time to commemorate that exciting time in Scotch whisky’s heritage with a series that pays homage to its ancestors whilst looking forward to the distillery’s future.”

Non-chill filtered and with no artificial colouring, this special edition has a rusty colour of iron barrel chime rings. A subtle nose of peat hints at a robust character. A palate of juicy plums gives way to white grapes and a blast of spicy ginger.

Each dram finishes with a lasting flavour of dried apricots fading into salty, maritime notes – evoking the dying embers of smugglers’ signal fires on windswept beaches.

An Arran dram of true unbridled character, reminiscent of the trade which gave rise to the illustrious reputation of ‘the Arran water’. Bottled at 56.4.% ABV, ‘The Illicit Stills’ is a Limited Edition with only 8,700 bottles released worldwide.

UK RSP £84.99

Notes:

For more information visit http://www.arranwhisky.com/

* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.)

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2012). Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards (2012). Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year-old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards 2014.

BOWMORE MIZUNARA CASK FINISH BRINGS TOGETHER TWO OF THE WORLd’S MOST FAMOUS WHISKY ISLANDS 

CREATING AN INDUSTRY FIRST, BOWMORE launches a SINGLE MALT WHISKY

FINISHED IN THE HIGHLY REVERED JAPANESE MIZUNARA CASKS

Only 2,000 bottles of Bowmore Mizunara Cask Finish available globally from

Harrods, Selfridges, The Whisky Exchange, The Whisky Shop

ABV 53.9% | 700ml | RRP from £650 

THE WORLD’S TWO MOST FAMOUS WHISKY ISLANDS COLLABORATE

Islay Single Malt Whisky is proud to announce the launch of Bowmore Mizunara Cask Finish, the first-ever Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky to be finished in precious, hand-crafted Japanese Mizunara oak casks. Set for global release on 1 September 2015, the limited edition Bowmore Mizunara Cask Finish brings together two of the world’s most renowned whisky islands – Islay, Scotland and Japan – to create a refined, elegant and complex Single Malt unlike any other before it. 

With only 2,000 bottles produced, Bowmore Mizunara Cask Finish is a skilled marriage of Scottish strength and passion with Japanese elegance and refinement. Although cultures and languages differ, craftsmanship is revered and understood in both Islay and Japan. As the first Islay Single Malt distillery and a pioneer of innovation, Bowmore is proud to combine the best of the east and west as the first distillery to mature Scotch whisky in Japanese Mizunara oak casks.

EAST MEETS WEST

Bowmore’s renowned Malts have been distilled on the Scottish island of Islay since 1779, making it the first of Islay’s eight distilleries and one of Scotland’s oldest. Produced in exactly the same way for over 200 years and matured in Bowmore’s legendary No. 1 Vaults, Bowmore is widely acknowledged to be among the finest, most beautifully balanced Single Malts in the world.

On the other side of the globe, Japan has also become renowned for its superior quality of Single Malts and excellent craftsmanship. In the north of the country, Japan’s revered Mizunara oak is left to grow for up to 300 years before being handcrafted into casks using time-honoured techniques known only to a select few. Notoriously difficult to work with but prized for its flavours, casks made from Mizunara are among the rarest, treasured and most sought after in the world.

To create Bowmore Mizunara Cask Finish, a selection of the very finest Mizunara oak casks handcrafted in Japan embarked on the 6,000 mile journey across two oceans to Islay before being laid to rest in Bowmore’s No.1 vaults. This limited-edition release represents one of the first occassions in which Japanese distillers have spared their precious Mizunara casks for a whisky outside of Japan. Bowmore was chosen due to its long and proven history of innovation and craftsmanship reflecting the same skills and values that have been passed down from generation to generation to create the Mizunara oak casks. 

TASTING NOTES

The legendary Mizunara casks became home to Bowmore’s celebrated Single Malt, taming its tempestuous mix of peat smoke, spice, vanilla and citrus fruit. The enchanting result combines a spicy, mellow taste of sweet vanilla, cedar wood, exotic mango and honey rose blossom along with Bowmore’s signature peatiness to create a refined, elegant complexity of floral spice and fragrant smoke, carried on a fresh ocean breeze.

http://www.bowmore.com/

Notes:

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Twitter.com/BOWMORE

Instagram.com/BOWMORE

About Bowmore

Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the lexicon of Whisky.  The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands.  Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception; the malt is carefully smoked in a peat-fired kiln, using skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt.

Bowmore’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of its Single Malts. Today, it prides itself as one of the rare distilleries that still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by a traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery.  Water for the whiskies is specially drawn from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones – the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln.

Bowmore Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of its spirit. The legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault’s sea-facing wall.

They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours.  It is this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.

About Islay

Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, and is also known as “The Queen of the Hebrides”. Its mild climate and rich peaty soil make it ideal for creating whisky, and despite having a population of not much more than 3,500, it is home to no fewer than eight working distilleries.

Bowmore supports www.drinkaware.co.uk

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 http://www.beamsuntory.com/ and www.drinksmart.com.

BENROMACH DISTILLERY UNVEILS TWO NEW WOOD FINISHES

The Benromach Distillery Company Ltd announces today the release of two new limited edition Benromach Wood Finishes: Sassicaia and Hermitage.

These expressions offer a unique flavour profile as a result of a final finishing period in hand-selected wine casks from the distinguished wine regions of the northern Rhône, Haut-Médoc, near Bordeaux, and Bolgheri in Tuscany.

Finished for 18 months in former Sassicaia wine casks from Bolgheri, Tuscany, following maturation in First Fill bourbon barrels, Benromach Sassicaia (ABV 45%) is an exquisite dram which has a naturally deep, ruby red colour. Red berries lead on the nose followed by hints of ginger and cinnamon, complemented by a subtle smoky finish. This leads directly on to flavours of pepper on the palate which give way to ripe fruit flavours, with notes of chocolate, followed by a subtle smoky edge.

Benromach Hermitage (ABV 45%) draws its unique flavour from a final finishing period in oak casks that once nurtured wine from the Hermitage Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, in the northern Rhône region of France. Aromas of sweet summer fruits, zesty lemon and lime lead on the nose, followed by a touch of vanilla and cinnamon, underlined by peat smoke with a peppermint edge. A sweet, fruity dram, flavours of succulent dark cherry and orange combine with creamy milk chocolate with a gentle smoky edge and a long, fruity finish.

The new releases from Benromach follow limited edition Wood Finish expressions Château Cissac and Hermitage 2004, which were released in 2014.

Benromach Distillery Manager Keith Cruickshank said: “We are delighted to announce the release of Benromach Sassicaia and Benromach Hermitage, the latest whiskies in our exceptional range of classic Speyside single malts. Whisky lovers who enjoy our flagship 10 Years Old and our new 15 Years Old, both of which display the classic Benromach flavour profile, will enjoy the chance to experience Benromach in a different way. The maturation in wine casks from distinguished regions creates a distinct flavour in the whisky and allows a truly unique character to develop.

“With notes of succulent berries, vanilla and cinnamon, Sassicaia and Hermitage are the perfect winter warmers for whisky fans and beginners alike.”

Benromach Speyside Single Malt Scotch whisky is handcrafted using the finest natural ingredients at the Forres distillery.

These new expressions of Benromach are available to purchase at specialist whisky retailers with an RRP of £39.49. Prices may vary in export markets because of duty and import taxes.

For more information on Benromach please visit www.benromach.com.

Notes

Originally built in 1898, Benromach Distillery, was brought back to life when leading whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail purchased it in 1993. The distillery was extensively re-equipped over a five year period before it was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from Speyside whiskies pre-1960s.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world famous malt whisky trail.

JOHN DEWAR & SONS STATE-OF-THE-ART SITE BLENDS INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION WITH ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 

Eco-friendly, energy-efficient complex meets the global demand for Scotch whisky

Hamilton, Bermuda, September 15, 2015 – John Dewar & Sons Ltd., one of the most respected, global Scotch whisky producers, now turns out its top-end spirits in a state-of-the-art blending facility. As part of the Bacardi group, the Poniel Blend Centre & Maturation Warehouse facility in central Scotland combines industrial innovation with environmental sustainability.

The 100-acre site currently includes 18 warehouses. Each can hold up to 72,000 storage casks where award-winning DEWAR’S® WHITE LABEL®, WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch, and ABERFELDY® Single Malt Scotch whiskies mature for flavor and smoothness.

The project is part of a US$500-million investment in Scotch whisky production by Bacardi. The Scotch Whisky Association views long-term demand as positive – though overall, exports declined in the first part of 2015.

The blend center features new technology to enhance water addition, mixing, and control spirit strength, as well as energy-efficient conveyers that transport casks from station-to-station on pallets. The system – outfitted with controls to ensure the worker safety – also enables the movement of whisky between sites in tankers instead of traditional wooden casks. This reduces annual carbon dioxide emissions by 1,000 metric tons – equivalent to keeping more than 400 cars off roadways. The entire operation runs with just 24 employees, most hired from the local community.

“Cutting-edge accomplishments at Poniel reinforce the essence of our forward-thinking vision and organic growth,” says Iain Lochhead, Operations Director for John Dewar & Sons Ltd. “We recognize how important it is to preserve and protect the natural resources that exist in the places where we operate. Caring for the environment is at the heart of our corporate heritage.”

Prominently dotting the landscape are 130,000 newly planted trees and shrubs. These plantings, guided by the Scottish National Heritage, are part of a larger sustainability commitment made by John Dewar & Sons Ltd. and Bacardi to protect and sustain the Scottish environment.

“In our business, there’s real passion about sustainability. It’s something we think about from start to finish in our processes,” adds Lochhead. “We’re doing good work in Scotland that’s effecting real change. It’s important for our eco-savvy consumers to know that we take great care in selecting and preserving the natural ingredients we use in making our great tasting Scotch whiskies.” 

Another environmental focus on the site is water management. A sustainable urban drainage system – known by its acronym of SUDS – safely routes rainwater to a retention pond and provides onsite wetlands for wildlife. “This is a beautiful, natural locale and home to many different indigenous species of mammals and birds. We want to nurture and develop their habitats,” says Debbie Briody, Poniel Site Manager, for John Dewar & Sons.

The word whisky is derived from the Gaelic language meaning “water of life.” The blended whisky produced by John Dewar & Sons is made from natural ingredients that draw on Scotland’s clean water and fine grains. The maturation process takes a minimum of three years.

The public’s traditionally strong and now rapidly growing interest in Scotch whisky is evident in popular culture, with several top-rated primetime television series showcasing the spirit as the adult beverage of choice. “Whisky has been popular for hundreds of years – and will remain so for many hundreds more,” says Lochhead.

The blending facility is part of a broad scope of sustainability initiatives for the Company, producers of DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky and the single malt brands of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA®.

As part of the Bacardi group of companies, John Dewar & Sons honors the spirit of sustainability with these benchmarks at its five malt distilleries:

• 34 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2006
• 46 percent reduction in water use since 2009
• 30 percent reduction of waste to landfill since 2010

Since 2006, when Bacardi began tracking its global impact on the environment, it has reduced nonrenewable energy use by nearly 28 percent and decreased its greenhouse gas emissions from production by more than 28 percent. Building on current programs and efficiencies that reduce its environmental impacts, the Bacardi Limited “Good Spirited” sustainability program sets specific goals in three areas to help reach its vision of a net zero impact:

1. Responsible Sourcing: Bacardi strives to obtain all raw materials and packaging from sustainably sourced, renewable or recycled materials while maintaining or enhancing the economic status of growers and suppliers. By 2017, the goal is to obtain 40 percent of the sugarcane-derived products used to make its rum from certified, sustainable sources – and 100 percent by 2022. This pledge from Bacardi is an industry first.
2. Global Packaging: Bacardi commits to use eco-design to craft sustainability into its brand packaging and point-of-sale materials. By 2017, Bacardi plans to reduce the weight of its packaging by 10 percent and achieve 15 percent by 2022.
3. Operational Efficiencies: Bacardi continues to focus on reducing water use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with a 2017 goal to cut water use by 55 percent and GHG emissions by 50 percent. In addition, Bacardi aims to eliminate landfill waste at all of its production sites by 2022.

To learn more about Bacardi Limited and its “Good Spirited: Building a Sustainable Future” environmental initiative for sourcing, packaging and operational efficiencies across the entire Bacardi family of premium spirits and wine brands, visit http://www.bacardilimited.com/good-spirited.

About John Dewar & Sons Ltd.  John Dewar & Sons Ltd. employs 300 people at seven locations throughout Scotland. The Company currently operates whisky distilleries in Aberfeldy, Macduff, Aultmore, Craigellachie and Nairn with ageing, blending, bottling and packaging facilities in Glasgow and additional maturation facilities in Poniel in Central Scotland.

DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, the world’s most-awarded blended Scotch; WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky, the world’s second fastest growing Scotch; and the single malt brands of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA® are part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda.

About Bacardi Limited

Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi brand portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Blended Scotch whisky, ERISTOFF® vodka, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur.

Founded 153 years ago in Santiago de Cuba on February 4, 1862, family-owned Bacardi manufactures its brands at 29 facilities and sells in more than 160 countries. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. www.BacardiLimited.com

Bacardi Appoints Adam Zhu as Non-Executive Chairman of Greater China

Veteran Asia Pacific strategist holds top spot in China for family-owned Bacardi

Hamilton, Bermuda, September 18, 2015 — Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held spirits company, today announces the creation of a new dual role and immediate appointment of Mr. Adam Zhu, 50, as Non-Executive Chairman of Greater China for Bacardi and Special Advisor to Bacardi Limited Chief Executive Officer Michael Dolan.

In these roles, Mr. Zhu will utilize his considerable expertise to help guide and develop strategic growth plans for the region. He will report to Mr. Dolan as Special Advisor to the CEO, and will work with Bacardi Asia Pacific Regional President Jon Grey in his role as Non-Executive Chairman of Greater China. Mr. Zhu is based in Beijing.

Mr. Zhu most recently served as Chairman and CEO of IMG Greater China and Vice Chairman of IMG Asia Pacific (2011-2015). In this capacity, he led IMG joint venture activities with China Central Television, the national television network in China, as well as managed IMG’s businesses in the country. IMG signed a landmark 10-year strategic partnership deal with the Chinese Football Association Super League in 2012; and built some of the most prominent and valuable tournaments and events in China, including the BMW Masters, WTA Shenzhen Open, Shenzhen International, Reignwood LPGA Classic, China Touring Car Championship, and Shenzhen Fashion Week.

“Now more than ever, we have an opportunity to capture greater market share and drive our premium and super-premium brand growth in this emerging region,” said Mr. Dolan. “With his longstanding relationships with leading global and Chinese corporations, institutions and governments, Adam will provide greater focus on our biggest market of opportunity: China.”

“China is an amazing country to do business in. The spirits industry and specifically the growing cocktail culture provides an untapped opportunity for Bacardi and its iconic brand portfolio,” said Mr. Zhu, who has worked in China for more than 25 years.

Prior to IMG, Mr. Zhu served as Managing Director of China Investment Banking at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and as Chief Representative of Merrill Lynch’s Beijing Representative Office (2007-2011). His investment banking experience also includes leadership roles at Citigroup and The Geneva Companies, a mergers and acquisitions firm later acquired by Citigroup.

Mr. Zhu obtained a BA in English Literature from Xiangtan University; an MA in Applied Linguistics from Harbin Institute of Technology in China; and an MBA in Finance from Temple University in Philadelphia. He currently serves as Executive Board Member of China Football Association Professional League Council. He is also the Executive Producer of “Closer to China,” a prominent weekly primetime show on CCTV News.

About Bacardi Limited

Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. The Bacardi brand portfolio contains more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, the world’s best-selling and most-awarded rum; GREY GOOSE® vodka, the world’s leading super-premium vodka; DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, the world’s most-awarded blended Scotch; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, the top-valued and fastest-growing premium gin in the world; MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, the world’s leading vermouth and the world’s favorite Italian sparkling wines; CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, one of the most popular premium tequilas in Mexico and the U.S.; and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S®, the fastest-growing global Scotch whisky brand; ERISTOFF® vodka, one of the fastest-growing vodka brands in the world; and ST-GERMAIN®, a super-premium elderflower liqueur.

Founded 153 years ago in Santiago de Cuba on February 4, 1862, family-owned Bacardi manufactures its brands at 29 facilities and sells in more than 160 countries. Headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

http://www.bacardilimited.com/

Old Pulteney Unveils Third ‘Flotilla’ Vintage In Paris

The Entente Cordiale is once again being honoured by ‘Maritime Malt’ Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky with the launch of its third ‘Flotilla’ vintage, which will be initially made available in the French market.

Old Pulteney Flotilla 2005 will be unveiled at Whisky Live Paris on 26^th and 27^th September in collaboration with La Maison du Whisky, with a limited release of just 12,000 bottles destined for independent retailers in France.

Flotilla – a fleet of boats or small ships – is rooted in the old French word ‘flote’ meaning multitude, and the latest release follows the success of Old Pulteney’s award-winning Flotilla 2000 and 2004 vintages amongst the whisky’s French fans.

Crafted at the Pulteney Distillery in the rugged coastal town of Wick in the far north of Scotland, the new vintage is matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels to give a fine single malt with smooth, complex flavours and coastal characteristics. 

Appearance: Bright gold.

Aroma: Creamy vanilla and a touch of oak spice followed by bright notes of lemons and stewed apples and rounded off with a distinct maritime note.

Taste: Tropical fruits and freshly ground spices open up to even more citrus and a darkly sweet tone of salted caramel. The finish is velvety and lingering.

The whisky is complemented by Flotilla’s striking packaging, redesigned in soft blue and silver and featuring Old Pulteney’s trademark herring drifter – all inspired by the malt’s deep-rooted maritime heritage.

Old Pulteney Senior Brand Manager Margaret Mary Clarke commented: ‘French whisky drinkers are very important to Old Pulteney and we are thrilled to be launching another Flotilla vintage especially for the French market. The Pulteney distillery team in Wick have crafted a superb vintage expression that has all the distinctive qualities of our award winning malt with the special vintage notes and flavours which we know our drinkers in France will love. We look forward to offering a first look and taste of Flotilla 2005 at Whisky Live in Paris.’

Old Pulteney Flotilla 2005 (70cl) is bottled at 46%, natural colour, non chill-filtered. RRP €54.  

Notes  

Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky

 Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky, is diligently crafted at Pulteney Distillery in Wick. It was founded in 1826 by James Henderson at the height of Wick’s herring boom.  The distillery lies in the heart of ‘Pulteneytown’, which was created for all the fishermen at the time, and is embedded in the deep rooting history of this coastal town, which used to be one of the most important and biggest herring fishing ports in Europe.

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

International Beverage brands include:

➢  Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand

➢  Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn

➢  Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister

➢  Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941

➢  Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals

The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network.  Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of people of more than 12 nationalities, speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

Catto’s Celebrates Visionary Founder with New Look Bottle and Packaging

The remarkable heritage of International Beverage’s blended Scotch whisky Catto’s has been captured in a striking new bottle and packaging design, set for release next month. The award-winning whisky has delved deep into the history of its founder James Catto, an ambitious businessman and pioneer of blending who was one of the first to ship whisky around the world when Catto’s was established in Aberdeen in 1861.

James Catto’s entrepreneurial spirit is at the core of the new brand proposition, ‘To the glorious journey’, which pays tribute to the whisky’s early connections with the golden age of ocean travel on P&O and White Star shipping lines which also hail from Aberdeen, and whose founders were former school friends of James Catto.

The dynamic and elegant new bottle design has a contemporary aesthetic whilst retaining core whisky cues. The label shape takes inspiration from a boat’s bow and the bottle features a ‘ripple effect’, as though a boat is cutting a path through the waves on the ocean. The design reflects the story of the ocean liners that would have taken Catto’s Blended Scotch whisky to all the corners of the world.

Catto’s new look is being unveiled to the global industry next month and aims to give the brand a strong identity in the upper standard segment of the mainstream whisky category – launching first in Canada, Russia and Spain, then rolling out globally in 2016.

Catto’s Brand Manager Lynne Buckley commented: ‘The new Catto’s brand proposition epitomises the provenance and heritage at the heart of our blend. Today’s whisky drinkers can identify with James Catto’s pioneering spirit and his dedication to making an exceptional whisky, launched in Scotland with a drive and determination to ship it around the world for people to enjoy. The beautiful new bottles and cartons bring his story to life and give us a striking new look to support our own ambitious plans for Catto’s in global markets in the years ahead.’

Catto’s is a perfectly balanced whisky with a high proportion of malts from the Speyside and Highland regions described in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2015 as ‘an absolutely masterful whisky which both refreshes and relaxes.’

Catto’s new brand identity has been developed by JDO Brand Design and Innovation in London, with Ardagh Group and Royston Labels creating the new bottle and labels respectively from JDO’s initial concept designs.

Amrut’s release of the World’s first

Orange Single Malt Whisky comes to Canada. 

‘Naarangi’- is the latest offering from Amrut Distillery, located in Bangalore, India. The name “Naarangi” derived from Hindi- means “orange.” It is the only single malt whisky in the world to have orange expression. It is now available in Canada in limited quantity.

To make this whisky in adherence with EU guidelines, Amrut procured Olorosso Sherry from Spain and matured wine along with orange peel in it for three years. The oranges for this were sourced from the tourist haven, Madikeri located in the picturesque Western Ghats of India. The wine and orange peel concoction was let to mature for 3 years in Bangalore, lending the barrel a unique orange essence. The wine and peels were then spilled and the barrels were filled with 3 year old matured single malt whisky and allowed to mature for 3 more years. In this period the barrels have lent the orange characteristics to the whisky creating pioneering single malt.

“The whisky is not dominated by the Orange but remarkably balanced out. The finish is of subtle orange notes while in the middle ground you can find the traditional Amrut signature.” – Ashok Chokalingam, GM -­‐ International Markets, Amrut.

Available at selected liquor stores in BC and AB.

For full details visit: http://www.fountanabeverage.com/

Full original text: http://www.prweb.com/releases/narangi/amrut/prweb12630901.htm