JOHNNIE WALKER^® LAUNCHES BIGGEST GLOBAL CAMPAIGN IN

THE HISTORY OF THE BRAND  

Ambitious worldwide investment to drive next decade of growth for the Scotch whisky giant 

London, September 16: Today Johnnie Walker^®, the number one Scotch whisky in the world[1], launches its largest ever global marketing campaign. ‘Joy Will Take You Further’ will launch simultaneously in more than 50 countries and will reach nearly 270 million consumers around the world within the first weeks of launch.

‘Joy Will Take You Further’ is an evolution of the brand’s famous ‘Keep Walking’ campaign and represents a new perspective on personal progress, which has defined the brand’s philosophy for more than 15 years and helped Johnnie Walker become the most valuable spirits brand in the world[2]. Based on new insights into how success is viewed by consumers today, it brings to life the concept that joy can be a catalyst to the progress they seek, and aims to generate a positive culture shift by promoting and encouraging the idea that finding joy in the journey is part of the recipe for success.

Syl Saller, Chief Marketing Officer, Diageo, owners of Johnnie Walker, said: “The launch of ‘Keep Walking’ marked a fundamental shift in the way scotch was marketed and kick started a decade of transformational growth for both Johnnie Walker and the category as a whole. 

“I am hugely excited about the potential of this new campaign to drive Johnnie Walker forward to the next decade of growth. It is rooted in deep consumer insight and tells true stories of people who have truly walked with joy. At Diageo, we believe in building brands with purpose – meaning that goes beyond product benefits – and this is a great example of an incredibly strong idea that is brought to life with outstanding creative.”

The campaign features stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment such as Formula One World Champion and McLaren Honda driver Jenson Button, Oscar-nominated actor Jude Law, Chinese actor Zhao Wei, US rock band OK Go and Mexican supermodel Montserrat Oliver alongside a cast of extraordinary achievers who share the brand’s view of how happiness in life is a fuel for success.

Guy Escolme, Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director, added that the new campaign – drawing on decades of research – challenged the conventional wisdom that success guarantees you happiness and instead celebrates the fact that happiness actually helps people achieve success.

He said: “Johnnie Walker has always stood for progress – it’s been the story of our whisky since our founder John Walker started it all nearly 200 years ago. What two centuries of experience have taught us is that progress doesn’t have to be an endless uphill journey – we can enjoy the steps we take and the more happiness we find in them the more likely we are to achieve our goal. Evidence is confirming a conviction that sits at the heart of our brand: ‘Joy Will Take You Further’.”

Developed in partnership with the brand’s global creative agency, Anomaly, ‘Joy Will Take You Further’ brings to life the art of blending and the blenders who create the world’s most iconic Scotch whisky through a significant investment in mentoring and customer experiences, in addition to a new television commercial, print and digital advertising, point of sale materials and engaging digital content.

Amanda Feve, Chief Strategy Officer of Anomaly, said: “Our research unlocked a new insight into progress, which we believe will accelerate the Johnnie Walker brand’s momentum in culture the world over.”

The new ‘Joy Will Take You Further’ commercial from Johnnie Walker can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9R9YtaoYAE.

[1] International Wine and Spirit Record (IWSR) Value and volume data 2014

2 Impact Databank 2015 – World’s Top 100 Spirits Brands by Value  

IMAGE CAPTIONS: 

Jenson Button:

Formula One World Champion and McLaren Honda driver Jenson Button features in a new campaign by Johnnie Walker^® entitled ‘Joy Will Take You Further’.

The campaign includes stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment such as Oscar-nominated actor Jude Law, Chinese actor Zhao Wei, US rock band OK Go and Mexican supermodel Montserrat Oliver alongside a cast of extraordinary achievers who share the brand’s view of how happiness in life is a fuel for success.

Jude Law:

Oscar-nominated actor Jude Law features in a new campaign by Johnnie Walker^® entitled ‘Joy Will Take You Further’.

The campaign includes stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment such as Formula One World Champion and McLaren Honda driver Jenson Button, Chinese actor Zhao Wei, US rock band OK Go and Mexican supermodel Montserrat Oliver alongside a cast of extraordinary achievers who share the brand’s view of how happiness in life is a fuel for success.

Jim Beveridge:

Johnnie Walker^® Master Blender Jim Beveridge features in a new campaign by the Scotch whisky brand entitled ‘Joy Will Take You Further’.

The campaign includes stars from the worlds of sport and entertainment such as Formula One World Champion and McLaren Honda driver Jenson Button, Oscar-nominated actor Jude Law, Chinese actor Zhao Wei, US rock band OK Go and Mexican supermodel Montserrat Oliver alongside a cast of extraordinary achievers who share the brand’s view of how happiness in life is a fuel for success. 

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.

The JOHNNIE WALKER, KEEP WALKING and ‘JOY WILL TAKE YOU FURTHER’ words, the Striding Figure device and associated logos are trademarks © John Walker & Sons 2015. 

[1] International Wine and Spirit Record (IWSR) Value and volume data 2014

[2] Impact Databank 2015 – World’s Top 100 Spirits Brands by Value

BALLANTINE’S REVEALS AN ELEGANT  NEW LOOK FOR ITS 12 YEAR OLD EXPRESSION

New bottle reflects the quality and premiumness of the blend 10th Sept 2015

Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky and the world’s No.2 Scotch whisky, has today unveiled an elegant new bottle for its 12 Year Old expression. Rolling out globally from this month, the design evolution demonstrates the quality and super premium cues of Ballantine’s 12 Year Old to appeal to modern whisky enthusiasts.

Following the re-packaging of Ballantine’s Finest in 2013, the brand took inspiration from this to develop a confident new look for its 12 Year Old expression. The designs reinforce the close link between the two expressions while highlighting the natural step between them, as discerning drinkers seek to enter and explore the super premium whisky category with Ballantine’s 12 Year Old.

The new packaging adopts the chevron-shaped label of Ballantine’s Finest, creating a more refined, masculine and eye-catching look on-shelf. The navy colour scheme and the greater prominence of the numeral 12 both emphasize the super premium quality of the 12 Year Old, while the re-positioning of the brand’s crest – the Ballantine’s Grant of Arms – and the Ballantine’s ‘B’ help to create a more modern aesthetic.

Peter Moore, Ballantine’s Global Brand director, commented: “Thanks to its perfectly balanced taste profile, Ballantine’s 12 Year Old has become an award-winning blend with outstanding quality credentials. We are delighted to present a new elegant, super premium pack for the bottle that stays true to the pioneering values of our founder George Ballantine in his relentless pursuit of quality. We’re confident that the new design, which is now in line with Ballantine’s Finest, will encourage consumers to trade up to Ballantine’s 12 Year Old for special occasions as they start their journey through the super premium whisky category.”

The new Ballantine’s 12 Year Old bottle has been successfully received through consumer research* and will be available globally with the same RRP of of 38USD per 1L bottle in Travel Retail or local equivalent.

NOTES

Tested in consumer research in France and Brazil

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.  www.ballantines.com

Twitter @Ballantines

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

Twitter @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

MORE THAN 15,000 NEW TREES PLANTED AT WHISKY DISTILLERY

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, has planted more than 15,000 native pinewood trees on the site of its Tormore distillery in Speyside.

The planting project, in conjunction with the Woodland Trust, saw 11.38 hectares of new native woodland and habitat protection area established, with a mixture of Caledonian pines and native broadleaf trees such as aspen, birch, willow, alder and rowan. The planting and sourcing of trees, as well as specialist advice, was supplied by Sylvestrus Ltd.

Tormore distillery sits in the village of Advie on the banks of the River Spey. The site of the planting is adjacent to other native woodland, including some semi-ancient woodland. It sits within the boundaries of the Cairngorms National Park, and is close to the Speyside Way walking route.

The surrounding area is designated as being of Great Landscape Value, due to its status as a natural habitat for Black Grouse and Capercaillie – both endangered bird species which thrive only in native woodlands. The whole Spey Corridor is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation, while the Tormore woodland site is part of a larger area specially designated and protected as an Important Bird Area.

Ronald Daalmans, Environment Manager for Chivas Brothers, said: “When we initially began discussions with Woodland Trust we quickly realised the positive impact this planting project would have, both for the local community and the area’s wildlife. Over time, 700 – 1500 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide will be stored by the trees, growing and locking up the carbon in their trunks and avoiding its contribution to global warming. We have also supported the local economy by purchasing the seedlings from a local Fochabers tree nursery.”

Local Forestry Advisor Dietrich Pannwitz of Sylvestrus Ltd said: “It was great to work with Chivas Brothers on this planting project, creating an area of native woodland in such a picturesque setting. This area is of great significance in terms of bird species, and these new trees will help create a future habitat for some rare and beautiful species.”

Chivas Brothers is constantly innovating to improve its environmental performance. Other recent exapmles include the newly-opened Dalmunach distillery on the banks of the River Spey at Carron, which was built using the latest innovations and environmental expertise such as heat recovery technology. It is the most energy efficient distillery within Chivas Brothers’ portfolio, with a 20% improvement over traditional distilleries. Chivas Brothers recently won The Sustainability Award at The Drinks Business Green Awards with Dalmunach praised for its design efficiency.

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.

http://www.chivasbrothers.com/

RARE ANTIQUARY RELEASE

The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd has released a rare bottling of 35 year old blended Scotch Whisky under its premium brand The Antiquary.

The Antiquary is of one of the oldest Scotch whisky brands on the market. John & William Hardie began their quest to create the perfect Blended Scotch Whisky in 1880, using only the finest and rarest Scottish malts. In 1888 they succeeded in creating what was considered to be superior to all other blends – The Antiquary – available only to a small circle of friends and family. This rare and limited release of just 800 bottles pays homage to The Antiquary’s founders – it has been crafted from Scotland’s most outstanding malt and grain whiskies, all of which have been matured for over thirty five years.

Stephen Bremner, Sales Director, said: “Following a brand refresh earlier this year, we have seen growing interest in the Antiquary whiskies in both existing and new markets. Much like the original recipe created by the Hardie brothers back in

1888, this 35 Year old is a truly remarkable blended Scotch whisky of which the founders themselves would be immensely proud.”

The Antiquary 35 Year Old will be sold only in selected markets and will retail at £299.99 / EUR350.

Tasting Notes

AROMA          Honey and mixed berries up front. Stewed apples, creamy vanilla and some oaky spice with a waxy/wood polish quality. It’s clearly an old whisky with lots of depth but it still has a lot of vibrancy and fresh flavours. There is a very subtle heathery smoke which is balanced with an orange peel citrus note. In time a Parma Violet type softness emerges.

PALATE         A rich caramel feel with sweet pastry, mixed tropical fruits and berries. Hints of age are present throughout with flavours of polished leather and old wood balanced with fresh citrus notes and light spices. There is a rounded malty character with a soft peppery note.

FINISH            The rich caramel smoothness continues and eventually dries out leaving fruity flavours and hints of oak spice.

Notes:

• The Antiquary brand is owned by the Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd, which also owns the Tomatin and Cù Bòcan single malts, along with a portfolio of blended whisky brands.See http://www.theantiquary.com/ and http://www.tomatindistillery.com/ for more information
• The new core range packaging was launched in May 2015 and has been rolled out worldwide – the 12 and 21 year old expressions are only available in selected markets.
• John & William Hardie began their quest to create the perfect blended Scotch Whisky more than 150 years ago. In 1888, using only the finest and rarest malts, they succeeded in creating what was considered to be superior to all other blends; The Antiquary. The name is taken from the famous gothic novel written by Sir Walter Scott, redolent with family secrets, stories of hidden treasure and hopeless love.
• Designed by Pocket Rocket Creative Ltd, based in Stirling – Central Scotland – established in 2007 and operates with 5 staff, 3 of whom are Directors (Gary Dawson, Gary Doherty, Del Sneddon)

Notes:

• The Antiquary brand is owned by the Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd, which also owns the Tomatin and Cù Bòcan single malts, along with a portfolio of blended whisky brands.

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE…OF WHISKY 

Tomatin Distillery recognises UK businesses’ whisky achievements

The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd (TDCL) has appointed six UK retailers and six UK individuals as Brand Champions as part of its global Brand Champion scheme.

The six individuals have been nominated by TDCL’s UK Regional Sales Manager, Alistair Mutch, as shining individuals who have expressed an outstanding interest in the company’s Tomatin Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky brand, and who are committed to raising awareness about Tomatin in their local area. They join a small assembly of 10 other Brand Champions around the world.

The six retailers, also nominated by Mutch, have been selected as outstanding examples of stores who have placed the Tomatin brand to the forefront, committed to promoting it to their customers, and as such are now recognised as Tomatin Champion Stockists.

To mark the induction of these individuals and businesses into the scheme, TDCL’s Marketing Manager, Jennifer Masson, toured the UK between 3^rd and 7^th September 2015 presenting them with their awards.

The Tomatin Distillery is located just south of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, selling domestically in the UK and exporting to around 50 countries.

Jennifer Masson said: “We have achieved great growth in UK in recent years – last year for example, sales in the UK grew by 29%. This is testament to the abundant support we have received from UK retailers in raising awareness of a truly great product. We have selected these specific businesses and individuals as having been particularly supportive of the brand and, as such, I am delighted to welcome them in to our Brand Champion scheme.”

Champion Stockists:                                        Brand Champions:

Robertsons of Pitlochry – Pitlochry                    Ben Chambers – The Wine Chambers (Tynemouth)

Royal Mile Whiskies – Edinburgh/London           Mark Davidson – Royal Mile Whiskies

Robbies Whisky Merchants – Ayr                       Robin Russell – Robbies Whisky Merchants

T B Watson – Dumfries                                      Brian Gibson – T B Watson

Mitchells Wines – Sheffield                                David Keyworth – Mitchells Wines

Lincoln Whisky Shop – Lincoln                           Matthew McFadyen – Good Spirits Co (Glasgow)

Notes

1. The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends.
2. Visit: http://www.tomatin.com/brand-champions and http://www.tomatin.com/champion-stockists
3. Website: http://www.tomatin.com/   Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897     Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897
4. The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company has been focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right since 2000.
5. Tomatin Distillery also produces Cù Bòcan Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, a lightly peated single malt.
6. The company’s most popular blends are The Antiquary, The Talisman and Big ‘T’.
7. The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm

Wemyss Malts launches limited edition “Kiln Embers” whisky

Independent bottler Wemyss Malts is launching a new limited edition to complement its award-winning blended malts range. The new ‘Kiln Embers’ is a smoky addition to the Wemyss line up, blended with double the amount of smoky Islay malt whisky than its sister whisky, Peat Chimney.

Following its popular 2014 limited release, Velvet Fig, Wemyss Malts has created this no-age statement expression to offer an additional peaty dimension to its blended malt range. Kiln Embers is also non-chill-filtered and bottled at 46% abv. With a limited release of just 12,000 bottles globally, it is presented in a gift carton and will be available in specialist spirits stores at around £42.

Like the rest of the Wemyss Malts blended malts selection, Kiln Embers is named after the whisky’s natural flavours and aromas. The whisky’s name and gift carton are inspired by the barley malting process where peat is added to a kiln to develop the smoky flavours found in this whisky. On the nose, snuffed smoke mingles with salted lemons and sweet cure bacon; while oats and orange peel toast over embers and heathery peat on the palate; resulting in a sweet smoke finish.

William Wemyss, Managing Director of Wemyss Malts, commented: “When I started this business in 2005, I never envisaged the amazing breadth of flavours to be found in whiskies. Our new “Kiln Embers” is even smokier than our existing smoky favourite Peat Chimney and is a fitting celebration of our ten years in the industry. “

Notes:

• Established in 2005, Edinburgh based Wemyss Malts is owned by the Wemyss family and their family seat is Wemyss Castle in Fife where they’ve lived since the 1300s.
• Wemyss Malts has an ongoing blended malt whisky range comprising: The Spice King, The Peat Chimney and The Hive; single malt single cask bottlings and blended Scotch range, Lord Elcho.
• Wemyss Malts has collected the Whisky Magazine World Whisky Award for Blended Malt Scotch three times: 2012 The Hive 12yo, 2013 Spice King 12yo and 2015 Velvet Fig.
• The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include boutique gin Darnley’s View and the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cotes de Provence.
• The Wemyss family also own the single malt distillery at Kingsbarns, near St. Andrews in Fife.

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.

 t h e f a c t s , t h e p e o p l e , t h e n ews , t h e s t o r i e s

*The Distillery Section completely revised with all the latest news

* The chapter on Distilleries Around the Globe  now bigger than ever

* New exciting articles by distinguished writers  such as Charles MacLean, Ian Buxton, Gavin D Smith,  Martine Nouet, Neil Ridley and Jonny McCormick

*Completely new and expanded Japanese chapter by Nicholas Coldicott and Stefan Van Eycken

* More than 250 tasting notes, including Japanese  malts and independent bottlings

*New feature – Milestones in Scotch Whisky history

* New and contemporary layout

*A listing of more than 150 of the world´s greatest whisky shops

* The Whisky Year That Was – the most comprehensive summary you´ll find of the news and trends in the industry

*All the latest info on bottlings, web sites, books as well as the latest statistics and figures

 More than 500 colour photos. All in all – the most updated whisky book on the market!

Published by MagDig Media Ltd.
Publication date; 1 October 2015
Number of pages; 300
ISBN 978-0-9576553-2-4
Recommended retail price in UK; £13.95
Contact; ingvar.ronde@magdig.com
www.maltwhiskyyearbook.com

Glenfiddich The Original Limited Edition

This new limited expression from Glenfiddich has been inspired by the original 1963 straight malt recipe, invented by Sandy Grant Gordon, who shaped the single malt whisky world as we know it today. Taken from the original recipe book from Hamish Robertson, the 4th Malt Master of Glenfiddich, Brian Kinsman has skilfully recreated the Glenfiddich Straight Malt taste profile.

Very much embodying the Glenfiddich ‘Family Run Since 1887’ mantra. Available to purchase while stocks last!

£85.00  Pre-order Now    

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/

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