Rademon Estate Distillery, makers of Shortcross Gin,

begin production of new Irish Malt Whiskey 

The makers of the award-winning Shortcross Gin have announced plans to develop a brand new premium Irish Whiskey.

Rademon Estate Distillery, based in County Down, Northern Ireland has revealed plans to develop a new Irish Malt Whiskey. This summer, the first casks of their new small batch Irish whiskey have been sealed and production is now getting under way, with 100 barrels expected to be casked within the first year.

This phase of the Distillery development completes a sizeable £1.5M investment to date, while the continued expansion of the Distillery over the next three years will represent a total investment of over £4M, creating up to six new jobs.

Northern Ireland’s first and only craft distillery and the producer of the multi award-winning Shortcross Gin, Rademon Estate Distillery has made a big impact in the burgeoning craft spirits market since its launch. Founded in 2012 by husband and wife team Fiona and David Boyd-Armstrong, Rademon Estate Distillery is located at the couple’s historic family estate just outside Downpatrick, Co. Down.

To develop the new product, the company has been supported with a £50,000 grant through Invest NI’s R&D Boosting Business scheme to develop the background technology, process and skills to enable the method of production to be developed. Invest NI’s research and development support is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland. 

Rademon Estate Distillery also plans a further investment in excess of £2.5M to put to work larger Pot Stills and associated equipment that will give the distillery a capacity of 35,000 litres of pure alcohol per annum. They hope to create a unique Visitor Experience Centre as part of this investment as the business expands over the next three years.

Fiona Boyd-Armstrong, Managing Director of Rademon Estate Distillery said: “The research and development behind the creation of our Irish Whiskey has been extensive and the valuable support from Invest NI has helped us reach this exciting stage. We are proud to announce this project and that this will be amongst the first Irish Whiskeys to be distilled in Northern Ireland.” 

All aspects of production for the new Irish malt whiskey, from grain to glass, will be performed on site with no third party spirit being used. The whiskey will be matured in a variety of casks, which the distillery hope will allow new and innovative flavours and aromas to be created and water from the estate’s own well will be used.

David Boyd-Armstrong, Head Distiller and Operations Director of Rademon Estate Distillery said: “I am thrilled we have developed what I know will be a fantastic Irish Malt Whiskey and I’m greatly looking forward to August 2018 when we will be able to sample our first three year old Irish Malt Whiskey. This style of whiskey is a personal favourite of mine due to the complex flavour profile and I feel it is under represented in the market.”

Parties interested in purchase or distribution of Rademon Estate Distillery’s first release of their Irish Malt Whiskey can register their interest by emailing sales@shortcrossgin.com. A number of casks have already been pre-ordered, with additional casks being sold over the coming months.

Over the coming months, Rademon Estate Distillery will expand their team, doubling their current workforce from four to eight employees, with at least a further two posts expected to be created in the future as the expansion of the distillery continues, bringing the total number of employees to 10.  

Caption:

Pictured: Fiona and David Boyd-Armstrong, the makers of the award-winning Shortcross Gin have announced plans to develop a brand new premium Irish Whiskey. Rademon Estate Distillery, based in County Down, Northern Ireland has revealed plans to develop a new Irish Malt Whiskey. This summer, the first casks of their new small batch Irish whiskey have been sealed and production is now getting under way, with 100 barrels expected to be casked within the first year. This phase of the Distillery development completes a sizeable £1.5M investment to date, while the continued expansion of the Distillery over the next three years will represent a total investment of over £4M, creating up to six new jobs. Picture by Elaine Hill. 

Notes: 

• Rademon Estate Distillery is Northern Ireland’s first and only craft distillery and the producer of the multi award-winning Shortcross Gin.
• Founded in 2012 by husband and wife team Fiona and David Boyd-Armstrong, Rademon Estate Distillery is located at the couple’s historic family estate just outside Downpatrick, Co. Down.
• The beginning of production of Rademon’s new Irish Whiskey completes an investment of £2M to date, with a further £2M investment planned in the next three years.
• The first 100 casks of Rademon Estate’s new Irish Malt Whiskey have been sealed, with the first batch of its three-year old whiskey expected to be ready by 2018.
• Rademon Estate Distillery’s multi award-winning Shortcross Gin has won several high profile awards since its launch in 2014 including a silver medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2015; a silver outstanding medal at the 2014 International Wine & Spirit Competition; a gold and silver medal at the Gin Masters 2014; and a silver award in the spirits category at Blas Na hÉireann [The Irish Food Awards] 2014.
• Following success across Ireland, Shortcross Gin launched into the UK market in summer 2014, as spirit of the month for luxury London retailer, Fortnum & Mason in August. It continues to be stocked at the famous Piccadilly department store and online at fortnumandmason.com  
• Shortcross is now exported to four countries, including France and Holland.
• Rademon Estate Distillery promotes responsible drinking. Enjoy Shortcross Gin responsibly. 

Q&A with David & Fiona Boyd-Armstrong, Rademon Estate Distillery

Questions and Responses 

• Have you created any jobs and do you expect to create more?
  • We are expanding our team from four to eight, with four new posts to be filled imminently and a further two in the pipeline, which will bring our team to 10.
• Have you seen sales increase month on month since you started?
  • Yes, sales have risen month on month, and we are seeing increased interest and demand for Shortcross Gin in all of our markets.
• Where is Shortcross Gin currently available?
  • Shortcross Gin is available in all good independent off licenses as well as high end hotels, bars and clubs across the province of Ireland. Having expanded our UK network to include Scotland and England, we have recently secured export orders to Holland, Spain and France. 
• And which new countries/markets do you plan to export to with this expansion?
  • We expect further expansion in European, North America, Asia, Australia – worldwide markets.
• Where are most of your sales coming from?
  • Ireland at present but we expect our sales into European markets to expand this year.
• There aren’t many Irish gins, but there are lots of Irish whiskeys. Why go into whiskey?
  • As the business develops we are seeking to develop our skills and create new products. Entering the Whiskey market allows us to become part of the fastest growing spirits category globally and provides an exciting opportunity for us to expand the sales of our products.
  • The current Irish Whiskey offering is dominated by Pot Still and Grain whiskies. To differentiate ourselves we are creating an Irish Malt Whiskey, a style of Irish Whiskey that is under represented in the market.
• Are there lots of Irish whiskeys?

• There are less than ten working distilleries in Ireland, many of which produce a brand for third parties who are a brand and not a distillery, this is in comparison to Scotland who have 120 whiskey distilleries. Irish whiskey as a sector grew exponentially last year; it was the fastest growing spirit in the world. Please find attached a further export report recently launched

• How long before you’re able to actually sell your whiskey?
  • A minimum of three years and a day. However, we will only release our Whiskey at a point where we feel it is ready to enter the market place. This means it could be 3, 5 of 7 years before our first release. This is an aspect that makes creating our own whiskey very exciting.

• Do you plan to raise money to invest in the distillery?
  • Private investment

• How are you planning to finance it?
  • Private investment, the creation of a new visitors’ experience centre and through the increasing sales of Shortcross Gin.

• What is going to make your whiskey different to the other Irish whiskey distilleries that have started up?
  • We will be the third distillery to be operational in Northern Ireland in over 125 years. Our distillery will produce small batch hand-crafted whiskey and will be estate; it is our intention to use grain from our own estate.

• We are creating an Irish Malt Whiskey, a style of Irish Whiskey that is under represented on the market.
• We are also exploring the possibilities of using cask varieties that will aid us in creating new flavour profiles.

• What expertise do you have in distilling?
  • We have been operating the distillery for last 16 months and have created our award winning Shortcross Gin. The diversification into Whiskey has allowed us to apply skills that we have learnt from the various courses over the past four years as we extensively researched the spirits industry.

• It’s a crowded category, do you think you’ll be able to compete with big brands?
  • We feel the market is not crowded, but is actually under supplied at the moment, thus creating an ideal scenario for new market entrants. We aim to build upon our reputation for creating the award-winning Shortcross Gin to develop a new and exciting Irish Malt Whiskey.

ImpEx brands win 6 top honors at WoW 2015

Whiskies of the World announced the winners of the 2015 Whiskies of the World Awards. The awards, which launched last fall, are part of the Whiskies of the World organization that includes tasting events in Atlanta, Austin, Houston, San Francisco and San Jose. Whiskies of the World is an event of The IWSC Group, a London-based company and owner of prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition.

Whiskies from around the globe were judged on a 100-point basis with a concentration on appearance, aromatics, flavor, mouthfeel and finish. Blind judging was performed by a panel of fourteen Texas tastemakers who are all influential figures in the state’s beverage industry.

“Being recognized as a Whiskies of the World Awards winner is an extremely prestigious accolade and one that many in the beverage and spirits industry strive to obtain each year,” explains Douglas Smith, Whiskies of the World Event Director. “We truly experience the best of the best in whisky production and are proud of the caliber of participants and judges.”

ImpEx Beverages scored an impressive 6 top honors at this year’s awards. We’re proud to announce our roster of winners:

The 2015 Best in Class:

Malt Heavy Smoke: Kilchoman Machir Bay – Kilchoman Distillery

Malt Cask Finished: Arran 12 years old – Isle of Arran Distillery

The 2015 Gold Medal Recipients:

Malt Heavy Smoke: Kilchoman Machir Bay – Kilchoman Distillery

Malt Cask Finished: Arran 12 Years Old – Isle Of Arran Distillery

Malt Sherry Cask: Tamdhu 10 Years Old – Ian Macleod Distillers

The 2015 Silver Medal and Silver Outstanding Recipients:

Malt Cask Finished: (Outstanding) Arran 14 Years Old – Isle Of Arran Distillery

www.impexbev.com

ImpEx Beverages Inc.

360 Swift Ave

Side B # 9

South San Francisco, CA 94080

CHIVAS 12 UNVEILS NEW ‘MADE FOR GENTLEMEN’ BY GLOBE-TROTTER LIMITED EDITIONS

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, is celebrating craftsmanship, generosity and a passion for travel with the launch of the latest instalment in the ‘Made for Gentlemen’ series. Chivas has partnered with renowned British brand Globe-Trotter in the fourth year of the series to design exclusive collectibles for connoisseurs of luxury whisky and adventure.

Containing the newly re-designed Chivas 12 bottle, the Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter limited edition gift tin is inspired by the long tradition of proud travellers applying decorative stickers onto their luggage. Featuring some of the most iconic cities around the world, the bespoke stickers adorning the tin have been hand-drawn by illustrator Andrew Davidson and represent the truly global footprint of Chivas.

To commemorate the partnership, Globe-Trotter has for the first time created a 20” trolley case for the modern gentleman. The Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter Carry-On Case features a colour matched burgundy vulcanised fireboard and customised lining detailing the Chivas signifier.

As the ultimate luggage piece, Chivas and Globe-Trotter have also created the Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter Steamer Trunk. The made-to-order creation is the ultimate luggage piece complete with a mini bar for the perfect service of the modern gentleman’s bottle of Chivas Regal. A bespoke backdrop expressing the modern heritage of both brands lines the trunk interior with additional compartments for suits, watches and other travel essentials. Underlining its authenticity, the design of the trunk nods to the art of whisky making with handles crafted from American white oak in honour of the casks that influence the complexities of Chivas 12 Year Old, and a hand engraved copper plaque made from a retired Scotch whisky still. All proceeds from the sale of the first Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter Steamer Trunk will be donated to The Prince’s Trust charity.

Celebrating iconic global cities and to honour this exclusive partnership, Chivas Regal Global Brand Ambassador, Max Warner, has created the ‘Chivas Maximilian’, a fresh and modern twist on a classic cocktail, the Whisky Mac, and takes inspiration from all four corners of the world.

Richard Black, Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, comments: “Chivas and Globe-Trotter form a natural partnership as two luxury British brands. We are very proud to introduce the fourth Made for Gentlemen partnership and we believe the synergies in our values and expert craftsmanship has resulted in this fine collection of limited editions that we hope will inspire adventurous travellers and spirits connoisseurs around the world.”

The Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter limited edition gift tin is available globally at RRP $40 USD in travel retail. The Chivas ‘Made for Gentlemen’ Carry-On Case is available through Globe-Trotter retail outlets with RRP £950. The Chivas 12 ‘Made for Gentlemen’ by Globe-Trotter Steamer Trunk will be for sale in the Globe-Trotter flagship store in London from October at RRP £12,000 (with all proceeds donated to The Prince’s Trust charity).

Chivas Maximilian
40ml Chivas Regal 12 Year Old
20ml Earl Grey tea (brewed, chilled)
20ml simple syrup
20ml dry red wine
1 small piece of ginger

Garnish:
Star anise + lemon twist, which should be discarded

Method:
Muddle a piece of ginger in a mixing glass.
Add whisky, earl grey tea, and simple syrup, then stir with ice.
Strain over fresh ice.
Gently pour dry red wine on top.
Garnish with star anise, and twist of lemon (discard the peel).

Serve: stirred over ice and strained into a chilled glass with fresh ice

About Chivas Regal
Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. Brotherhood, generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity are at the heart of Chivas Regal so in 2008, the brand launched its successful Live with Chivalry campaign, which has inspired Modern Gentlemen in more than 60 countries around the world to pursue success with integrity. The Chivas Regal range includes Chivas 12, Chivas 18, Chivas 25 and the Global Travel Retail exclusive, Chivas Brothers Blend. In October 2014, Chivas Regal announced the addition of a fifth permanent expression in the Chivas Regal family, Chivas Regal Extra, sitting within the super-premium range, positioned between Chivas 12 and Chivas 18.

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.chivasbrothers.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

Laphroaig Live 2015 returns home to the island of Islay to celebrate 200 years

On Thursday 24^th September at 8pm local time the ninth annual Laphroaig Live will broadcast live on the web from the island of Islay.

Laphroaig is this year celebrating 200 years and to mark this very special anniversary we are returning to the home of Laphroaig, the island of Islay to showcase four phenomenal whiskies as well as going behind the scenes at the distillery with Laphroaig’s very own distillery manager on this auspicious year John Campbell who will be joined by no less than five of the previous distillery managers! The first time they have all been together.

This year we will be tasting 4 very special expressions. The one off Laphroaig 15 YO – the official 200^th Expression; Laphroaig Cairdeas 2015 – distilled using only the original small stills; Laphroaig 21 YO – created for the Friends of Laphroaig 21^st Birthday; and a unique Laphroaig 32 YO – 100% sherry matured, a very rare, special expression.

Coming live from Laphroaig’s famous floor malting’s, one of only a handful left in the whisky industry, John Campbell and our five previous distillery managers will be joined by two experts Bernhard Schafer – whisky journalist and Master of the Quaich and Emma Andersson, Editor of Allt Om Whisky.

Also joining John will be Marcel van Gils, author of the official 200^th book about Laphroaig as well as many of our Friends of Laphroaig from many countries around the World.

But our main audience, who will as always be posting in their questions to the panel live on the night, is our worldwide audience of Laphroaig lovers, including a live link to Laphroaig US Whisky Ambassador Simon Brooking who will be joined by 75 Friends of Laphroaig via a live link to New York.

To celebrate this special occasion, Laphroaig will be attempting to set a world record by encouraging the whole global audience to raise a toast to Laphroaig on their 200^th anniversary!

You can watch the show live at http://www.laphroaig.com/live/ on Sept 24^th at 8pm local time and if you would like to submit a question for the panel you can send it in now at the above link. Note that John sends out Laphroaig nosing glasses for the best questions.

Join the conversation on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook with #LaphroaigLive

Some global times of Laphroaig Live on the 24th September;

UK 8pm

New York 4pm

Los Angeles 1pm

Sydney 6am (25^th September)

Stockholm 10pm

Berlin 10pm

NOTES

http://www.laphroaig.com/

Editors Notes:

• Laphroaig is the No.1 selling Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky globally
• Unmistakably peat-smoke flavours are delivered by burning local Islay peat, containing unique traces of seaweed and heather.
• One of only a few distilleries that still uses traditional malting floors and dries and infuses its own malt with the thick blue smoke from old peat-fired kilns.
• The Friends of Laphroaig programme keeps fans of the brand up to date with special offers and news from distillery manager, John Campbell. On signing up, members are allocated their own square foot of land on Islay, and their names are added to the members’ book in the friends lounge at the distillery. Members who visit the distillery are invited to collect their ‘rent’ – a dram of Laphroaig. The community comprises more than 669,000 like-minded Scotch fans from more than 190 countries.

About Beam Suntory Inc.:

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the flagship Jim Beam bourbon and Yamazaki Japanese whisky, as well as world renowned premium brands including Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek bourbons, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s,  Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.  The company generates annual worldwide sales exceeding $4 billion excluding excise taxes.

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 entrepreneurial culture.  Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Exclusive Amrut Indian Single Malt release of the

10 yo Greedy Angels in Canada.

Amrut Distilleries Ltd., Bangalore is a boutique distillery known for their award winning single malt whiskies. Amrut recently concluded 10 years of presence in the international markets and have launched the Amrut Greedy Angels Single Malt Whisky – 10 years old to commemorate this occasion.

This whisky is the first 10 YO single malts to be produced from India and had been launched in a limited quantity of 320 bottles and only 21 released to Canadian market. The specially designed package consists of a 750 ml crystal decanter bottled at 46% ABV and a 50 ml miniature decanter bottled at full cask strength of 71% ABV.

“The profile can be compared to some of the very old & rare Scottish single malts. You will spot a lot of tropical fruits, orange citrus & a lingering finish. Consumers will have to wait for quite some time before the next batch is released. We are not sure when the next release of this ten years old malt from the Amrut stable will emanate as keeping the balance profile of the whisky is questionable given the conditions under which it matures”. –Ashok Chokalingam, GM – International Markets, Amrut.

Very limited allocation to selected liquor stores in BC and AB.

For details see http://www.fountanabeverage.com/.

Full original text: http://www.prweb.com/releases/Amrut-greedy/Angels/prweb12624855.htm

Old Pulteney Unveils Second Peated Single Malt 

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky has added its second peated whisky to an already multi award-winning range, the exceptional Old Pulteney 1989. This outstanding single malt will be released to the UK in September with global markets to follow at a retail price of £135 per bottle.

To give the new vintage its peaty, smoky character, the whisky is matured in hand-selected American oak ex-bourbon barrels, which previously held heavily peated malt. Each distinctive bottle is natural in colour, non chill-filtered at 46% and is the embodiment of Pulteney Distillery’s exceptional craftsmanship. On the palate it is peaty to start with a heavy, spicy underpinning. With notes of vanilla, coconut and oranges this indulgent single malt has a long-lasting finish.

The eye-catching detail and design of Old Pulteney 1989 reflects the high quality of the whisky and the brand’s rich maritime heritage.

Founded in 1826 at the height of Wick’s herring boom, Pulteney Distillery is one of the most northerly distilleries on the Scottish mainland. It is this unique maritime heritage that gives the whisky its identity as the ‘Maritime Malt’. A long-held favourite for whisky enthusiasts, many say they can taste a faint hint of the sea in Old Pulteney thanks to the distillery’s windswept location and close proximity to the North Sea.

The launch of Old Pulteney 1989 marks a pivotal year for the brand, which has won a stream of prestigious international awards reflecting the quality of the whisky.

Old Pulteney Senior Brand Manager, Margaret Mary Clarke commented: 

“We are very proud to launch Old Pulteney 1989 in response to increased consumer demand for peated whiskies and are confident that it will be a real hit with whisky enthusiasts. 

The single malt’s unique, indulgent taste is a real testament to the dedicated team at Pulteney Distillery who are passionate about the latest addition to our much-loved single malt portfolio.”  

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.

Royal Salute is delighted to announce The Eternal Reserve, which uses an innovative blending technique to create an exceptional whisky that will literally live forever.

Royal Salute has selected rare and precious whiskies with an exceptionally long finish to blend and marry together in 88 casks to form the inaugural batch. Using a unique process called Circular Blending™, Royal Salute has committed to including this original blend in each subsequent The Eternal Reserve release for decades to come.

Each time a new batch is unveiled, half of the blend will be re-casked in the Royal Salute Vault to conserve the precious liquid created in 2015. Thus, the original blend is forever preserved by this perpetual re-circulation – creating a smooth, voluptuous whisky that justifies its original name: uisge beatha (the water of life).

From the carefully crafted whisky, to the new porcelain flagon design, Royal Salute The Eternal Reserve is a dedication to the art of true craftsmanship. With distinctive features, the porcelain flagons have all been created with meaning to combine age-old techniques with a contemporary signature icon, which reflects the Circular Blending™ process.

Royal Salute Global Brand Director, Vadim Grigorian comments: “Time is at the heart of Royal Salute – our youngest blend is 21 years old but the brand was born alongside a thoroughly modern monarch so we constantly blend tradition with the contemporary. The Eternal Reserve is inspired by artists, writers, and philosophers – all dedicated to understanding the possibility of continuity in the modern world. This superb whisky is our suggestion that eternity doesn’t mean living forever. It means timelessness – and it belongs to those who live in the present.”

The first batch of 88 casks will be released in 2015 and sold exclusively in Global Travel Retail, supported by a digital and experiential promotional and merchandising campaign bringing the Royal Salute The Eternal Reserve story to life.

Royal Salute The Eternal Reserve will be available from September, priced $180 per 70cl.

Circular Blending™ Process
The very first creation of Royal Salute The Eternal Reserve began with the preparation of 88 casks of incredibly rare and precious whiskies, all aged in their casks for over 21 years. These whiskies were carefully selected using two criteria: firstly, that each whisky possessed an exceptionally long finish that could be further extended through blending and marrying process and secondly, that the whiskies chosen could be beautifully harmonised in each new batch, while keeping the original signature style forever.

Once selected, the precious whiskies were blended together and then further married in 88 casks in the Royal Salute Vault for a period of six months. This original blend is then blended with other 88 casks worth of precious whisky of exceptionally aged whiskies to complete the first batch.

Before bottling this first batch, our expert blending team holds some of the blend back, returning it to the original 88 casks, so they can form the basis of the next batch. These 88 casks are always safeguarded in the Royal Salute Vault in Strathisla distillery. Each time a new batch is blended, the same process – circulation of 88 casks – is repeated; the whiskies of the 88 casks from the previous batch are added to the new blend of the next batch.

Tasting Notes
A dreamy sensation of ripeness is the first to arrive. Pears in syrup, honeycomb and creamy vanilla. An unmistakable promise of intense sweetness to come.
Like the changing of green to gold and the falling of the leaves, the burst of the rich sensuality of liquid honey, juice-laden oranges and tangy liquorice. Mellow, graceful and serene.
Time passes to reveal a beautiful and incredibly long lingering culmination.
Like the eternal cycle of nature. A finish that lasts and lasts; never-ending.

The Packaging Design
The creation of each porcelain flagon is handcrafted by Wade Ceramics using traditional, age-old techniques; each individual flagon takes up to 5-6 days to make before being checked to make sure it completely free from any imperfections. To ensure this, each flagon must produce a perfect F sharp note. The flagon is then glazed using traditional artisan techniques with Royal Salute The Eternal Reserve glaze taking a shiny lustrous aubergine hue.

The brand logo, name and unique Circular Blending™ symbol are then hand applied onto the flagon using water slide transfer and the bottle neck is wrapped in a cream parchment label with the signature of the Master Blender and the Eternal Reserve stamp as a seal of approval.

The precious flagon is housed within a rigid box that also features the unique Circular Blending™ symbol. The rigid box continues the aubergine colour of the flagon and combines it with gold accents for striking premium on-shelf impact.

About Royal Salute
Royal Salute is a careful blend of matured malt and grain whiskies – with its youngest blend matured for a minimum of 21 years. Created to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the 21 gun salute that honoured her, the brand is steeped in tradition, but is firmly engaged in the modern world by constantly pushing the art of blending into new, creative and ambitious forms. Royal Salute is deeply involved in polo – the world’s oldest surviving team sport and a game that’s expanding in the modern era. The brand sponsors more than 15 international tournaments from the UK and the USA through Argentina and China to Korea.
www.royalsalute.com Twitter @RoyalSalute

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.2 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.chivasbrothers.com

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

JOY TAKES JENSON FURTHER

London, September 18, 2015: It’s not just razor sharp reactions, engineering excellence and singular focus that are behind the achievements of 2009 F1^® World Champion and McLaren Honda driver Jenson Button. The sports star today revealed that joy is the driving force behind his career success.

Ahead of the 2015 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX this week, Button has been announced as one of a select group of inspirational ambassadors in a new global campaign from Scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker^® called ‘Joy Will Take You Further’. The campaign is informed by decades of scientific research into happiness which shows that when people are happier, progress is more likely.

Known as the fittest man in the pit lane, Button said he finds his joy in the pursuit of physical power – from intensive strength work in the gym to conquering gruelling triathlons. “There’s so much more than just being able to drive the car. Your mind and body have to be in perfect shape, requiring a dedication to training and fitness – and this is something which has always brought me great joy,” said Button.

“Within my life as an F1 driver, there are certain things that give me great happiness – and having the opportunity to have fun off-track through fitness whilst enhancing my performance on race days is definitely one of these.”

Image caption:

Ahead of the 2015 FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX this weekend, F1 World Champion and McLaren Honda driver Jenson Button revealed that joy is the driving force behind his career success. Button is one of a select group of inspirational ambassadors in a new global campaign from Scotch whisky brand Johnnie Walker^® called ‘Joy Will Take You Further’. 

Notes: 

About Diageo

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits, beer and wine categories.  These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan’s and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. 

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.  The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO).  For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com.  Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. 

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Enjoy Johnnie Walker responsibly.

CHIVAS REGAL 12 YEAR OLD HIGHLIGHTS ITS POSITION AS A CONTEMPORARY ICON WITH NEW PACKAGING

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, has unveiled a contemporary new design for its 12 Year Old expression that reinforces the craftsmanship, luxury and heritage of this iconic Scotch whisky.

The new Chivas Regal 12 Year Old bottle retains its round generous shape for which it is renowned, while its shoulders have been raised higher to reflect the brand’s pride as one of the world’s leading Scotch whiskies. The brand signifier, is now included as a more prominent, organic feature of the bottle, and the signatures of founders James and John Chivas have been added to the glass to display the value of brotherhood at the heart of the brand. The label has evolved to present a simplified and more vibrant look.
The outer carton has been re-designed retaining the icons that hold depth of meaning and provenance to Chivas’ rich heritage, and select areas have been embossed and debossed to add a texturalised element to the packaging.

International Brand Director for Chivas Regal, Richard Black says: “The new design successfully demonstrates Chivas Regal’s ability to carry forward years of brand heritage and craftsmanship in a way that is appealing to modern whisky drinkers. For many, Chivas Regal 12 Year Old acts as an entry point to the brand so it is a tremendous opportunity for us to grab their attention. We have conducted extensive consumer research and are excited to present a new modern look while maintaining our craftsmanship and timeless luxury values.”

The new bottle and outer pack will start appearing on shelves from September 2015.

About Chivas Regal
Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. Brotherhood, generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity are at the heart of Chivas Regal so in 2008, the brand launched its successful Live with Chivalry campaign, which has inspired Modern Gentlemen in more than 60 countries around the world to pursue success with integrity. The Chivas Regal range includes Chivas 12, Chivas 18, Chivas 25 and the Global Travel Retail exclusive, Chivas Brothers Blend. In October 2014, Chivas Regal announced the addition of a fifth permanent expression in the Chivas Regal family, Chivas Regal Extra, sitting within the super-premium range, positioned between Chivas 12 and Chivas 18. www.chivas.com

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport. www.chivasbrothers.com

Laphroaig Live 2015 is just around the corner and I am delighted to say that this year’s broadcast brings the show home to Islay www.laphroaig.com/live.

On Thursday 24th September 8:00pm (UK local time) our special ‘200th’ Laphroaig Live party will broadcast direct from the distillery – the upper malting floor to be precise! With over 80 guests joining us from far and wide plus a live link to Simon Brooking in New York, it’s going to be one big party. I really want everybody who possibly can, to share our celebrations with us so please make a note of the date in your diary.

On this Laphroaig Live you will not just be meeting one Laphroaig Distillery manager, you will be meeting 6! Yes – for the first time ever John MacDougall (1970-1974), Denis Nicol (1974-1980), Murdo Reed (1980-1987), Colin Ross (1987-1989), Iain Henderson (1989-2002) plus Robert Hicks (Master Blender 1972-2013) and myself will be gathered together under the roof we have all loved so much over so many years – and there’s more…

Our very special panel – including actor Sam Heughan! Whilst Laphroaig is enjoyed all round the World, Laphroaig embodies Scotland at its heart. Therefore I wanted a true Laphroaig loving Scotsman as my special guest for the evening. I am both proud and delighted that none other than Sam Heughan has agreed to join us on the 24th. Millions of you will already know Sam from his starring role in the wildly popular series Outlander, but he is also an avid fan of Laphroaig, with Quarter Cask as his favourite expression. Joining Sam on the panel from Germany shall be Bernard Schafer who knows more about Laphroaig than any other German I know and from Sweden, Emma Andersson, editor of Sweden’s leading whisky magazine Allt Om Whisky. We’ll also be joined by Simon Brooking with many special guests live from New York.

The special whiskies for the night The first one I laid down myself 12 years ago – it’s this year’s very special ‘small stills’ 200th Cairdeas 2015. The other whiskies tonight were distilled by my predecessors, including our famous 15 year old – brought back specially for this 200th year. We’ll also be tasting the 21 year old bottled to celebrate the 21 years of The Friends of Laphroaig. I am certain Iain Henderson will want to say a few words about The Friends of Laphroaig since he started it but he also made their birthday whisky! Then to round off, something amazingly rare and special we have a 32 year old that has been sleeping for all these years in the finest Olorosso Sherry hogsheads. To see the colour is extraordinary – to taste it, well I can’t wait!

Please join me in the World’s largest Laphroaig Toast. I wish to create the World’s largest Friends of Laphroaig toast – perhaps even the largest whisky toast ever (it does not matter which Laphroaig you are drinking on the night). I will be raising a glass to the Friends of Laphroaig and the next 200 years. On your screen will be a ‘cheers’ button you can click when I raise my glass. So please join me on 24th September to toast Laphroaig.

Send me your questions now. As always we will be answering your questions on the night – so please send them in now. I will send 200th anniversary nosing glasses to the best ones! Click here to send in your question now or live on the night. See you on the 24th!

If you want to know the correct time of the broadcast where you live please go to www.laphroaig.com/live where there is a special app that will do this for you.

Slàinte,

John Campbell Distillery Manager, Laphroaig