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

REDBREAST IRISH WHISKEY UNVEILS FIRST EVER SINGLE CASK RELEASE 

Redbreast, the most decorated Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey in the world, has unveiled its first ever single barrel offering, Redbreast Single Cask. Available globally from this month, the expression reinforces Irish Distillers’ commitment to rejuvenating the quintessential Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey style.

Redbreast Single Cask offers a unique take on Redbreast’s full bodied flavour profile, renowned for its signature Christmas cake character – the result of a strong contribution from Oloroso sherry casks. With just 576 bottles available exclusively through The Whisky Exchange at the recommend selling price of £180, the rare expression is expected to become highly sought after by Irish Whiskey connoisseurs and collectors.

Barrel #30087, the butt that matured Redbreast Single Cask, was crafted in late 1996 at the Antonio Paez Lobato Cooperage in Southern Spain near Jerez, the world’s sherry capital. The cask was then toasted and seasoned with Oloroso sherry for two years at the Páez Morilla Bodega until early 1999, when the cask was shipped to the Midleton Distillery in County Cork, filled with Single Pot Still Irish distillate and laid in warehouse M15A until August 2015 – 16 years and 147 days later.

Only a handful of single casks are selected and bottled at Midleton each year, a process that is overseen by Head Blender Billy Leighton who takes pride in individually nosing each cask to make sure it is at the peak of maturation. Each single cask possesses its own unique flavour character that is inimitable; Redbreast Single Cask #30087 is bottled without chill filtration at 59.9% ABV and offers classic pot still spices with fruit and almond notes, a hint of vanilla and a balanced finish. Cask #30087 was selected by Leighton and The Whisky Exchange team from a choice of two Redbreast single barrel samples in March 2015.

The latest Midleton Single Pot Still single cask release, Cask #48735, is available alongside Redbreast Single Cask exclusively through The Whisky Exchange at the RRP of £245. Crafted in the true Midleton style of ex-Bourbon cask maturation, the individual American oak barrel was laid down in early 1991 and has yielded just 186 bottles at 55.2% ABV. This highly collectable bottling offers typical aromatic notes of oil and spices, a palate of ripe fruits and a rich succulent finish.

Billy Leighton, Head Blender at the Midleton Distillery, comments: “Redbreast Irish Whiskey holds a special place in the hearts of Irish Whiskey fans, due to its full-flavoured taste profile and its iconic history as the definitive Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. Being able to introduce the world to Redbreast Single Cask is very exciting, as it celebrates the heart of what connoisseurs love about the brand; its exceptional ex-Sherry cask contribution, our relationship with the Spanish bodegas and respect for the craftsmanship throughout the production process. Cask #30087 offers a unique tasting experience, with rich notes of dried fruit, a velvety smooth coffee and vanilla taste with a balanced finish that can never be reproduced, so I hope Irish Whiskey fans will enjoy savouring each sip of this newest addition to the Redbreast family.”

Brendan Buckley, Global Innovation & Whiskey Portfolio Director at Irish Distillers, adds: “The premiumisation and diversification of Irish Whiskey is one of the category’s most exciting trends as it shows great potential for continued growth, particularly in the super-premium and above sector. We are proud to have led the revival of Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and will continue to raise awareness of this quintessential style, and Irish Whiskey in general, to educate whiskey fans about the breadth and quality that the category has to offer.

“Following the great success last year for Redbreast Mano a Lámh, which is now sold out, we are confident that Redbreast Single Cask offers a new and interesting interpretation and experience that will quench the thirst for innovation and choice in whiskey among Redbreast fans, Irish Whiskey drinkers and spirits aficionados alike. We are committed to whiskey innovation and look forward to more new releases for whiskey fans to enjoy over the coming year.”

Regarded as the definitive expression of traditional Single  Pot Still Irish Whiskey, Redbreast dates back to 1903 when Jameson entered into an agreement with the Gilbeys Wines & Spirits Import Company to supply them with new make spirit from their Bow St. Distillery for maturation under bond. 

#RedbreastSingleCask  

Tasting notes:

Nose: Classic Single Pot Still spices in harmony with Oloroso seasoned Spanish oak. Deep dried fruit richness with a little mandarin orange zest blends with bitter almond, leather and toasted oak. Some nutmeg and sweet vanilla bring some balance to the exceptional complexity.

Taste: Full, round and velvety smooth. The rich Single Pot Still spices mingle effortlessly with the abundance of succulent fruit. Soft vanilla complements the robust note of ground coffee on a firm background of Spanish oak.

Finish: Complex and sophisticated, remaining in balance as it fades. 

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 5 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 super 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.

http://www.irishdistillers.ie/

About Pernod Ricard

Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 7,945 million in 2013/14. 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.

http://www.pernodricard.com/

Unveiling ‘blas’ 

We’ve taken yet another unconventional turn by partnering with award-winning fashion designer Patrick Grant to create a new and exceptionally Limited Edition single malt Scotch whisky.

Blas, translated as ‘taste’ in Gaelic, is presented in a specially designed bottle by Edinburgh-born Patrick Grant. Patrick spent over a year designing the bespoke print, which is inspired by the brand, flavour notes of the limited edition liquid, and the time-honoured production methods used at the Knockdhu distillery.

Patrick is the creative director of Savile Row tailors Norton & Sons and luxury menswear label E.Tautz, and a judge on hit BBC2 show The Great British Sewing Bee. The Blas design includes inspiration from members of the public who contributed to Patrick’s work by submitting ideas via social media last year.

Patrick Grant commented: “I spent a lot of time at Knockdhu not only taking in the landscape and surrounding areas, but getting to know the people that work there and the methods that they use. Everything in the print is from the hill, the village of Knock or within the distillery itself and tells the story of the making of Blas. I’ve tried to interpret anCnoc’s history and tradition in a modern way, and hope this is translated through the aesthetic of the bottle.”

Tasting notes

In appearance, Blas is golden and honeyed. On the nose it is densely sweet and fruity with notes of lemon and candied orange peel. Tones of bitter chocolate and vanilla add complexity and weight. To taste, Blas is full bodied and oily, leaving a lasting impression. This limited edition has been matured in American oak barrels and Spanish oak butts. Chosen at its optimum level of maturation by our Blender, Mark Williamson, it has been bottled at 54% and in its most natural state, neither chill filtered nor coloured.

BUSHMILLS® IRISH WHISKEY LAUNCHES ITS FIRST EVER TRAVEL RETAIL EXCLUSIVE

THE STEAMSHIP COLLECTION™ is new innovation range, inspired by travel, from Ireland’s oldest working distillery

15 February 2016: BUSHMILLS® Irish Whiskey today announced its first new range of limited edition Irish whiskeys available exclusively to shoppers in select travel retail outlets – THE STEAMSHIP COLLECTION™. The first release in the collection, SHERRY CASK RESERVE, combines the centuries-old fine Irish whiskey making craft with intercontinental flavours, to mark the 125^th anniversary of the maiden voyage of SS Bushmills.

The limited edition collection is inspired by the extraordinary voyages of the SS Bushmills steamship to new corners of the world and introduces a range of special cask matured Bushmills Irish Whiskeys. In 1890 the ship, commissioned by then owners The Boyd Brothers, set course for America, travelling as far as Philadelphia and Yokohama, before eventually returning refilled with casks of rum, fortified wine and bourbon – the gateway to new flavour possibilities.

David Phelan, Director of Jose Cuervo® Global Travel Retail, said: “The launch marks an exciting phase for Bushmills and demonstrates Jose Cuervo’s commitment to unlocking the potential of this legendary whiskey in the high profile travel retail channel. The Steamship Collection is available now in Belfast, Dublin and London Heathrow, and while it can’t be purchased elsewhere, we hope distribution will extend across the world, just like the voyages of SS Bushmills to the USA, Asia and beyond.”

SHERRY CASK RESERVE is exclusively matured in first-fill Oloroso sherry butts to deliver additional spiced honey, dark chocolate and rich dried fruit flavours. The bottle is presented in a distinctive maritime-designed packaging featuring a replica illustration of the famous Bushmills steamship.

Speaking about Bushmills’ tradition for innovation Colum Egan, Master Distiller at The Old Bushmills Distillery, said, “For centuries distillers have experimented with different barrels so naturally I was inspired by the adventures of the ship and the opportunities it opened to experiment with various casks from around the world. So, together with Master Blender Helen Mulholland, we created a whiskey with a rich, complex flavour and a smooth finish – a characteristic synonymous with our range of triple distilled whiskeys.”

A limited number of bottles of SHERRY CASK RESERVE are available now exclusively to travellers in Belfast City, Dublin and Heathrow T5 priced at €80, £65, $89 for 1Litre. It is the first release in the collection, which will soon comprise three permanent expressions plus regular special releases.

Notes

• SHERRY CASK RESERVE is available in 1L
• SHERRY CASK RESERVE has an RRP of €80, £65, $89
• SHERRY CASK RESERVE has an ABV of 40%

TASTING NOTES

Oloroso (‘scented’ in Spanish) is a darker sherry, with a rich and nutty flavour profile. This adds to sherry’s intense raisin characteristics and provides a new layer of complexity within the whiskey.

Colour: Medium rich gold

Nose: A full bodied intriguing aroma with dried fruit, spices and burnt sugar sweetness

Taste: Bushmills’ distinctive honeyed maltiness is intensified in this robust, darker liquid. Dark chocolate, nuttiness and spice with sweet oils mingle with vanilla and honey.

Finish: A long, sweet and smooth finish with subtle liquorice notes.

Amber Glen 3 year old Blended Scotch Whisky

Awarded a Gold medal at CWSA the most influential wines & spirits competition in the world

We are proud to announce that Amber Glen 3 year old Blended Scotch Whisky has won a Gold medal at CWSA Best Value 2016 wines & spirits competition held in Hong Kong on the 31 st January.

CWSA Judges are drawn from the most renowned and influential Importers, Distributors, Sommeliers, and Hoteliers from throughout China, that together sell 75 million bottles of wine and spirits per year, making CWSA the most influential wine and spirits awards in the world. It is no secret that China has experienced a massive exponential growth in sales of wine & spirits in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue with wine & spirits imports predicted to more than double by 2018.

Recognition with a Gold medal at the largest and most prestigious wine and spirits competition in China is a true honor as we have been singled out by some of the most important buyers in the Chinese wine and spirit market. The results of their blind taste tests will guide consumers buying decisions in 2016 in China and Hong Kong and we hope that Amber Glen 3 year old Blended Scotch Whisky will soon be enjoyed by many more.

We entered the competition knowing that the blind tasting would stand us in good stead on a level playing field, but when competing alongside some of the largest companies in the industry and with so many long established world renowned names on the table, this award is simply phenomenal and reaffirms the excellence of our provenance product and our teams commitment in upholding great value for our customers when selecting Amber Glen 3 year old Blended Scotch Whisky.

“Amber Glen embodies the flavours and aromas of a time gone by, in a celebration of perfection for you to enjoy”. Sláinte

www.amberglen.co.uk

Victoria Caledonian Distillery Announce a Home and a Larger Family

Macaloney Brewers & Distillers Ltd. is proud to announce it has leased a facility for its Victoria Caledonian Distillery and Brewery, a multi‐faceted establishment that will produce beer and whisky onsite as well as offer tutored single malt whisky and craft beer tastings, hands‐on brewery and distillery tours, a brewing and distilling school, and custom whisky casks. Located at 761 Enterprise Crescent in Saanich, Greater Victoria, BC, the 17,320 sq ft facility is presently being fitted out for opening in Spring of 2016.

Macaloney Brewers & Distillers Ltd. also announced the recruitment of Production Manager‐Brewmaster, Mr. Dean McLeod BSc., and whisky Brand Ambassador‐Sales Manager, Mr. Andrew Campbell Walls WSET. McLeod, an ex‐pat Aussie was Production Manager at Lighthouse Brewery, one of 10 breweries he has worked in. He has a degree in brewing science and is an international beer judge.

Walls, an expat Scot hails most recently from Edmonton where he was Bar Manager with TheBothy whisky bar and before that a whisky specialty liquor store Manager with Liquor Depot. He is co‐founder and life‐time Brand Ambassador for the Alberta Scotch Society.

McLeod and Walls join Master Distiller Mike Nicolson (previously with 18 Diageo Scotch distilleries) and Scottish whisky maturation guru, Dr. Jim Swan (behind the 2015 World Whisky Awards ‘Best Single Malt’, Kavalan, Glenmorangie’s finishing program, and Amrut).

More than a simple brewery and distillery, the Victoria Caledonian Distillery & Brewery will offer enthusiasts the opportunity to design their own 30L casks of whisky from a variety of 5 new make spirits and 10 oak‐wood choices. Multi‐cask purchasers will be able to attend ‘The Caley Academy’, a 5‐day, hands‐on brewing and distilling school.

In response to popular demand, Macaloney Brewers & Distillers has reopened the opportunity to join the Founder‐Owner group and be part of the Distillery Owner Program. Founder‐Owners will be part of the distillery’s evolution at every stage. Special privileges include private guided tours for you and your family and friends; special events for Founder‐Owners including annual maturation parties, annual celebrity tastings and a space at the 5 day brewing and distilling Caley Academy.

Macaloney Brewers & Distillers Ltd, is a destination boutique distillery & craft brewery owned by Canadians for Canadians. The Founder‐Owner group includes 200+ passionate craft beer and whisky enthusiasts. When open in Spring 2016, it will offer professionally guided tours, tutored tastings, a gift store for whisky, beer and related gifts, and a capability to host corporate, family or community events.

Custom Designed 30L Cask Offer:  The Victoria Caledonian Distillery is offering a unique 30L cask whereby you can custom design your own whisky from a range of 5 new-make spirits distilled by our ex-Diageo Master Distiller Mike Nicolson and 10 oak-wood maturation options carefully selected from Spain, Portugal and Kentucky by our Scottish whisky maturation expert, Dr. Jim Swan. Please see ‘Custom Designed Casks and Ownership’ appended or e-mail Andrew Campbell Walls if you wish to order some casks or find out more, please visit: www.VictoriaCaledonian.com/casks.html  and  www.Macaloneydistillers.com/become-a-founder-owner/

For more details on investor opportunities or other information:

Sales: Andrew Campbell Walls, Ph: 780 245 6930, Email: Andrew@MacaloneyDistillers.com

Corporate: Graeme Macaloney, Ph: 250 634 2276, Email: Graeme@MacaloneyDistillers.com

PROMETHEUS 27 YEAR OLD SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT WHISKY GLOBAL LAUNCH

Across 3 Continents in 3 weeks  – Europe  Asia  America

Launching in Munich, Hong Kong & Las Vegas The Glasgow Distillery Company have today announced the second release of it’s award winning Prometheus Series with an ambitious launch across 3 Continents in 3 weeks during February and March 2016.

Prometheus 27 Year Old will make its debut with distribution partner ‘A Wee Taste of Scotland’ at the Munich Whisky Festival on the 19th of February then move to Hong Kong for the Malt Masters Festival on the 27th & 28th February debuting with Platinum Wines in a VIP tasting before travelling to Las Vegas to attend Mahesh Patel’s Universal Whisky Experience one of the world’s premier whisky events.

Glasgow Distillery Company’s Commercial Director David Brown said “Following on from the success of Prometheus 26 Year Old we have had strong demand to release the 27 Year Old. With it’s bold new packaging this wonderfully aged Speyside single malt whisky is something we are very proud of. To launch on 3 continents in 3 weeks is ambitious for a relatively small distillery, but we felt it was the perfect way to reflect the confidence we have in our brands”.

Prometheus 27 Year Old is a very rare single malt from Speyside, although the exact distillery of origin remains a secret.

This 27 Year Old whisky shares similar roots to it’s younger sibling, but has it’s own distinct character. Rich, round, soft and fruity with a hint of lightly charred oak on the nose, delivering a powerful, savoury, spicy taste with a long, slightly smoky finish.

Industry experts who have been amongst the few to have tasted the spirit commented on the wonderful aromas and especially the warm smokiness, which is often more subdued in aged whiskies.

The bottle is beautifully packaged in a bespoke presentation box, reflecting the precious whisky inside.

“At The Glasgow Distillery Company, we pride ourselves on bringing to our consumers only the finest quality spirits and in our opinion, Prometheus 27YO delivers this in full”, concluded Mr Hughes, Glasgow Distillery Co-Founder.

Prometheus 27YO Single Malt Scotch Whisky will be available from specialist retailers and online from mid 2016, retailing at approximately £549 for a 70cl bottle at 47% ABV.

NOTES:

-The Glasgow Distillery Company

Launched in 2014 with the creation of Glasgow’s first gin – the premium award winning Makar Glasgow Gin.

Glasgow Distillery is the first single malt distillery in Glasgow since 1902 and laid down it’s first cask in early 2015.

The distillery takes its name from the original distillery, founded at Dundashill in 1770, which became known as The Glasgow Distillery Company and remained active until the beginning of the 20th Century.

The original distillery was, at one point, one of the largest licensed operations in Scotland, with 12 stills producing both peated and unpeated single malts.

Now re-born and located in the heart of the city, The Glasgow Distillery Company is bringing back to life the tradition of metropolitan small-batch craft distillation.

The company uses state-of-the-art equipment to distil craft products using traditional artisanal methods.

-Prometheus

In Greek mythology, Prometheus (meaning “forethought”) was a Titan who sided with Zeus and the ascending Olympian gods in the vast cosmological struggle against Cronus and the other Titans. Prometheus was therefore on the conquering side of the cataclysmic war of the Greek gods, the Titanomachy, where Zeus and the Olympian gods ultimately defeated Cronus and the other Titans.

Prometheus is undoubtedly best remembered today for his great gift to man: fire. When an angered Zeus took fire away from man, Prometheus rebelled against the ruler of the gods. He captured a flame from the hearth of Mount Olympus and carried it back to man, hidden in a giant fennel stalk.

Today, the spirit of Prometheus lives on as champion of man and bringer of fire. In 1988 one of the Olympians of Speyside created a new form of malt: a whisky that combined the peaty fire of the Islands with the rich, bright, complexity of the Highlands.

Like all great malts, time was needed for this new Titan to build character and maturity. But as the young whisky lay sleeping, hidden from expectant eyes, the heavens shifted. The whisky’s creator departed and a malt that was both sophisticated and powerful was seen by some to be a threat.

Protectors of the orphan Titan kept him solitary and hidden until, in the summer of 2014, they met in secret to arrange his release. Prometheus could walk free on two conditions: he could never reveal from whence he came and he would be mortal, destined to live a short, but glorious life.

So we give you Prometheus. A legendary Speyside with the Titanic strength of barley malted by burning peat. A whisky of sublime sophistication and balance, bottled at the peak of its powers. A Single Malt Scotch Whisky of secret origins, available in the most limited quantity for just one moment in time.