THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY WHISKY PROUDLY INTRODUCES

SUNTORY WHISKY YAMAZAKI^® SHERRY CASK 2016 EDITION^™ 

Deerfield, IL (January 12, 2016) – It may have come as a surprise that Suntory Whisky Yamazaki^® Sherry Cask 2013 was named “World Whisky of the Year” in Jim Murray’s 2015 Whisky Bible. However, sherry cask whisky has been a constant staple of the Suntory Whisky portfolio since 1924, a year after the distillery began construction. Shinjiro Torii, the founding father of Japanese whisky first started making his whiskies by leveraging sherry casks imported from the wine of southern Spain needed to blend his famous Akadama Sweet Wine. Hence the sherry cask was the first cask used by Suntory Whisky and plays an important role in the origin of Japanese whisky. 

The House of Suntory Whisky is proud to introduce Yamazaki^® Sherry Cask 2016 (48% ABV), available as of February 1, 2016. 

The Sherry Cask – A Meticulous Selection

Over its 92-year history, Suntory Whisky has managed numerous sherry casks and sherry malts. Suntory’s Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo makes a point of visiting the Northern region of Spain himself. He does this to ensure that his selection of Spanish oak be sent to the “bodegas” (sherry wineries) to be made into the sherry casks used to store their Oloroso Sherry. Fukuyo carefully oversees this entire process, from the selection of the casks, to the charring and the aging of the sherry. After three years of aging, the sherry casks are sent back to Suntory’s Yamazaki distillery, ready to receive what becomes the distinguished Yamazaki Sherry Cask Whisky.

The Sherry Cask – The Challenge

Sherry casks are both revered and feared for their strong character, as they can easily overpower a whisky’s flavor. The Yamazaki malts can also be affected by this sherry/Spanish oak cask flavor. However, in the case of the Yamazaki Sherry Cask, Suntory’s Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo selects only those casks in which the delicate balance of chemistry between the Yamazaki malt and sherry cask can be achieved, thereby enhancing Yamazaki’s characteristically rich and multifaceted flavor. The meticulous selection process of the Spanish oak, the management of the sherry casks, and the overall aging process ensure the final award winning quality of this liquid. 

The Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016:

A Fine Blend of Maturity and Delicateness

Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo is often compared to an artist. His blends are deliberate designs meticulously chosen from more than 100 malt whiskies. Each taste is a color and aroma, specifically curated for the occasion. Fukuyo is clear that he did not blend the Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 for the novice. The Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 is created for the “Suntory Whisky Lover”—a lover of complex, refined and subtle tastes. Like the rest of the Yamazaki Cask Collection (Mizunara, Bourbon Barrel, and Puncheon), the sherry cask is a critical component that differentiates and characterizes the award winning Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky.

The Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 – The Journey

Fukuyo has designed a journey in this whisky. The Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 is undeniably where Spain meets Japan in the form of a whisky. To fully enjoy this journey, Fukuyo recommends the whisky first be served neat to showcase its nose. On its own, there is a clear and fresh top note. A raisin-like, deep sweetness that is both elegant and rich. You immediately taste the complexity of this liquid and the fine balance of maturity and delicateness. Served on the rocks, the flavor opens as you begin to taste the Delaware grape-like sweetness and its slightly bitter acidity. When cut with water, there is a soft sweetness that blossoms like the first apples of the harvest.

Tasting Notes

The Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 leverages the same lot of whiskies as was used for the Yamazaki Sherry cask 2013 for its base. These whiskies have matured for two more years. To this blend, Fukuoy adds various rare sherry cask single malt whiskies, some of which are more than 25 years old, creating a whisky that has a deep richness, mellowness and complexity of flavors.

Color:   Dark brown, a rich and decadent natural “Sherry” color

Nose:    Raisin, sun-dried tomato, clove, cocoa

Taste:    Deep, rich, sweet and sour, chocolate with hazelnuts

Finish:  Long, bittersweet, sour

Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016, a single malt whisky, is presented at 48% alcohol by volume (96 proof) and will be available in market as of February 1, 2016. The suggested retail price is $300.00. Five thousand bottles of Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 have been produced globally.

ABOUT THE HOUSE OF SUNTORY

Suntory was established in 1899 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Since 1923, as the pioneer of Japanese whisky, Suntory Whisky has been renowned for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. 

The Founding Father of Japanese whisky, Shinjiro Torii, built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, near Kyoto—a region known for the purity of its water, where the traditional Japanese tea ceremony was born. Torii dreamt of creating an authentically Japanese whisky by chosing a terrain and climate completely different to that of Scotland, thereby cultivating unique conditions for maturation.

In 1972, Torii’s son Keizo Saji, Suntory’s second master blender, built the Chita grain distillery near Nagoya to produce more of their own high quality grain whiskies. In 1973, Saji founded the Hakushu distillery amidst the deep forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps. Its high altitude and lush environment is what differentiates Hakushu from other distilleries.

With three distilleries and a great diversity in whisky making (different still shapes, five types of cask, and three varieties of wood), Suntory produces more than 100 malt and grain whiskies which amounts to the whole of Scotland’s production.

With respect to heritage and a commitment to innovation, third generation master blender Shingo Torii, and grandson of Shinjiro, now leads this most highly awarded House of Japanese Whisky. Today the House of Suntory Whisky has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014).

Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes two single malt whiskies and one blend: Yamazaki—Japan’s #1 Single Malt, multi-layered and profound, Hakushu—verdant, fresh, and delicately smoky, and the noble blend, Hibiki—Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky.

www.whisky.suntory.com             #SuntoryWhisky                   @SuntoryWhisky 

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit http://www.beamsuntory.com/ and www.drinksmart.com.

A BITTER SWEET VALENTINE’S WITH BLACK BOTTLE

It is said that opposites attract, and Black Bottle Scotch whisky couldn’t agree more. This unique whisky’s delicate smoky and peaty flavours, balanced by notes of sweet oak and honey, show the seamless synergy that flows from expertly combining different but complementary tastes.

Try Black Bottle this Valentine’s Day (February 14) – neat, on ice, or as part of a refreshing cocktail.

Here are two cocktail recipes, conceived by internationally recognised Scottish mixologist, Mal Spence, the global ambassador for the brand.  One of these includes a dash or so of bitters, the other some heavenly sweet sugar syrup. Be daring and enjoy this bitter sweet combo of cocktails with your loved one, and make magic happen!

Black Bottle was created in 1879 in Aberdeen by tea blender Gordon Graham, an inspiration in Scotch whisky history for his uncompromising, daring spirit.

The whisky was globally relaunched in 2014, back in a black bottle as its name suggests. It now also features a blend far closer to the Aberdeen original. It retails for between R240 and R260 per 750ml bottle, from selected liquor outlets countrywide, as well as http://www.vinoteque.co.za/.

Black Bottle Bitters & Cola

Glass

Rocks

Ingredients

1 part Black Bottle whisky

2 to 3 dashes Angostura Bitters

2 parts cola

Orange wedge

Ice

Method

Fill the glass to the rim with ice cubes. Add the bitters, Black Bottle whisky and cola. Stir and add orange wedge.

Black Bottle Ti-Punch Twist

Glass

Rocks

Ingredients

1 part Black Bottle whisky

½ part sugar syrup

½ a lime

Ice

Method

Pour the Black Bottle whisky into the glass. Squeeze and drop the lime into the glass. Add the sugar syrup, some ice and stir.

Go to http://www.theblackbar.co.za/ and enter your details in order to be invited to exclusive Black Bottle events.

Follow Black Bottle on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BlackBottleSA) and/or

Twitter (https://twitter.com/BlackBottleSA).

Join the conversation using: #BlackBar

 This article in a Tweet:

Be daring with @BlackBottleSA blended #Scotch this #Valentines and dish up some tasty cocktails for you and your loved one! #BlackBar

 Buffalo Trace Distillery Has Another Record Year for Visitors

Visitation has increased 190% since 2009

            Franklin Co, Frankfort, Ky. (Jan. 12, 2016) – Buffalo Trace Distillery ended 2015 on a high note, with a record number of visitors coming to see the 243-year-old National Historic Distillery. For the year ending Dec. 31, 2015, Buffalo Trace entertained 145,849 guests, an increase of 18% over the previous year.  Since the end of 2009, Buffalo Trace has seen an astonishing 190% growth in visitation.

            “Our Visitor Center expansion was completed last spring, just in time for a very busy summer and fall,” said Meredith Moody, marketing services director.  “Between the expansion, the opening of our Old Taylor House, the completion of our new technologically advanced 83,000 square foot distribution center, and the additional 282 acres of land we purchased to start our own farm-to-table bourbon, we’ve had very eventful year at Buffalo Trace Distillery.”

            And that’s not all – last year the Distillery was also awarded two very prestigious awards, the 2015 American and Caribbean Spirits Producer of the Year by the International Wine and Spirits Competition, and the 2015 Icons of Whisky World Whisky Brand Innovator of the Year.  A host of other awards and gold medals were awarded to the various brands produced by Buffalo Trace in 2015, all of which can be seen here.

            For 2016, Buffalo Trace Distillery has no plans to slow down its tourism efforts.  It will continue to offer its five complimentary tours, each followed by a complimentary tasting.  The consumer events such as the January “Legends” dinner series, Valentine’s dinner, Oaks Day festival, and more will continue to be offered.  The Distillery is also open now year round for tours, except major holidays.

“We’re excited about the future plans we have for the Distillery, most notably that we expect to reach our one millionth (cumulative) tour visitor sometime in 2016!,” added Moody.  “Our plans for celebrating that milestone are under wrap for now, but you can be sure to see something exciting from us later this year, probably in the fall.”

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

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

Photo Credit Jen Steele

VICTORIA, Jan. 15, 2016 The jury has decided. A whisky distilled in Windsor, Ontario, is the best Canadian whisky of 2015.  A panel of ten independent whisky experts named Lot No. 40 the Canadian Whisky of the Year at the sixth annual Canadian Whisky Awards. They announced the results of this annual blind tasting competition Thursday evening, January 14, at the Victoria Whisky Festival in Victoria, B.C.

Chairman of the judges, Davin de Kergommeaux, described Lot No. 40 as: “A rye whisky sensation. Interest in rye is surging globally and here is proof that Canada makes the best all-rye whiskies in the world.”

Other top winners include Canadian Club 100% Rye, Gooderham & Worts, Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye, Crown Royal Hand Selected Barrel, and Masterson’s 10-Year-Old Rye.

“Canada’s whisky makers have responded to skyrocketing interest in Canadian whisky with a wealth of new high-end releases,” said de Kergommeaux as he revealed the winners. “For example, for the first time ever, a major legacy brand, Crown Royal, has bottled single barrel Canadian whisky at high proof.”

Canadian distillers released more small-batch and luxury whiskies in 2015, than ever before. Corby Distillers, for instance introduced four new whiskies including the highly innovative Wiser’s Hopped Whisky.

Forty Creek, Centennial, and Sortilège continued to maintain a strong presence for flavoured whiskies as well.

The list of all the winners is now available at http://www.canadianwhisky.org

Notes:

About the Canadian Whisky Awards

The Canadian Whisky Awards recognize the very best Canadian whiskies and encourage distillers to maintain the highest standards for making whisky. To qualify, the whisky must be distilled and matured in Canada. An independent panel of whisky writers, bloggers, and journalists selects the winners after tasting each whisky blind. Operated on a not-for-profit basis, the Canadian Whisky Awards are fully independent of the Canadian whisky industry.

SOURCE Canadian Whisky Awards

For further information: Davin de Kergommeaux (613) 563-0254

A contemporary Burns Night: Hosting a modern take on the traditional celebration

www.arranwhisky.com

With Christmas a distant memory and spring a long way away, the end of January isn’t a traditionally cheerful time unless you follow Scottish tradition and throw a party to rival Hogmanay on the 25^th. Burns Night is a celebration of the great Robert Burns, national hero and Scotland’s most beloved poet, and a great excuse to shake off the winter blues.

James McTaggart, Master Distiller at Isle of Arran Distillers who produce the world’s only official Robert Burns Malt, is well versed in how to throw a brilliant Burns Night celebration. Here he shares his top tips on how to welcome newcomers and make the evening an inclusive and modern affair:

• Set the tone  

1. “While there are many who believe there’s only one proper way to celebrate Burns Night, the most important thing is to have a good time. If a playlist of contemporary Scottish music is more appropriate to the atmosphere there’s certainly plenty to choose from!
2. “Are you going to strictly adhere to traditions? Will your guests appreciate traditional pipe music? Do you want a dress code? Before deciding on anything, work out what sort of evening you want.
3. Pick your traditions: The Selkirk Grace
4. “Instead, select activities that will suit your party and the preferences of your guests. Poetry is naturally considered very important though, so if there are any brave guests, encourage them to get up and recite some of Burns’ work. ‘My Love is a Red, Red Rose’ and ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ are firm favourites. Or, as host, take command of the Selkirk Grace as you serve dinner in a nod to the man who has inspired hundreds of years’ worth of parties.
5. “Contrary to what many people may believe, Burns Night is traditionally a very structured affair. There are set times for welcome addresses, toasts, food and entertainment. If you’re not Scottish, or familiar with these traditions, it can be an intimidating itinerary.

Some Folk hae meat that canna eat,

And some can eat that want it;

But we hae meat, and we can eat,

So let the Lord be Thanket!

“Of course, no Burns Night is complete without a rousing rendition of Auld Lang’s Syne, helped by an evening of whisky, which everyone should be familiar with.”

• Lay the table:    

1. “Or, make the meal a simple celebration of Scottish produce with a sit down meal of salmon fishcakes, venison and local cheeses served with oat cakes followed by shortbread and coffee.”
2. “For a more modern take on proceedings, create a Scottish tapas menu. Serve a guests a trio of small servings that include all the Burns night favourites such as neeps and tatties (swede and potato), haggis with a drizzle of whisky sauce and cock-a-leekie soup.
3. “Food should be absolutely central to the party. The star of the show is normally a haggis which, in a traditional sit-down dinner, is piped in by bagpipes, toasted with a dram of whisky and pierced with a dagger before being eaten.”
4. Know your whisky
5. “Whisky cocktails are increasingly popular and offer an alternative to a neat serving for those less familiar with a dram. Pick a softer whisky for mixing to give you the option of a varied menu. We developed a number of recipes with Robert Burns Single Malt, the only whisky endorsed by the Robert Burns World Federation, for this very reason.”
6. “Add a modern twist by serving a flute of different varieties ranging from strong, peaty Scotch to those with lighter palates. Or, pick a distillery and present a variety of ages. Our core range, for example, offers slightly different taste profiles from the lighter, more citrus 10yo to the richer, fruity 14yo with a touch of spice.
7. “Burns Night wouldn’t be complete without whisky and no table is set without a good selection of drams. Whisky has become very fashionable once again so you may find many of your guests will be more than happy to try something new.

• Make Merry  

1. “Introduce a modern version of this to your night with men vs women games and competitions. The whole point of Burns Night to have an amazing time so fun should be at the heart of all your preparations.”
2. “At the core of any Burns Night is the entertainment. The most popular is probably the famous Toast to the Lassies and Reply to the Toast to the Lassies. Usually incorporating quotes from Burns, these are comical monologues, light hearted and positive (with the odd sharp observation).

Isle of Arran Distillers produce the world’s only official Robert Burns Malt, it is available from specialist whisky retailers and online at www.arranwhisky.com for £29.99 RRP. The distillery is a Patron of the Robert Burns World Foundation.

Burn Night Whisky Cocktail Recipes: A Red, Red Rose

You will need:

37.5ml Burns Malt Whisky

12.5ml Chambord

125ml Cranberry Juice

20ml Lime Juice

5 Fresh Raspberries

Method:

Shake all ingredients over ice and strain into an ice filled highball glass.

Garnish with a raspberry.

Luxco Introduces New Handcrafted Irish Whiskey

The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey Launching in U.S. in January 2016

(St. Louis) January 5, 2016 — Luxco is proud to introduce its first-ever Irish whiskey, The Quiet Man, set to launch two varieties in the U.S. this month. The handcrafted Quiet Man is produced through Luxco’s partnership with Niche Drinks in Derry, Ireland, and is the first Irish whiskey bottled in Derry in more than 100 years.

The Quiet Man brand was born when Ciaran Mulgrew, managing director and co-owner of Niche Drinks, and founder of The Quiet Man, decided to create a whiskey to honor his father, John Mulgrew.

“The Quiet Man is a completely unique combination of hand selected whiskies, finished in first-fill bourbon barrels, creating sweet and spicy notes,” Ciaran Mulgrew said. “In more than 50 years behind the bar, my father saw and heard it all, but like all good bartenders, John Mulgrew was true to the code and told no tales. He was ‘The Quiet Man,’ or as they say in the pubs of Ireland, ‘An Fear Ciuin.’”

Distilled in traditional Irish whiskey pot stills matured in oak barrels and recasked in first-fill bourbon casks, The Quiet Man will be available in two varieties: The Quiet Man Traditional Blended Irish Whiskey and The Quiet Man 8-Year Single Malt Irish Whiskey, both bottled at 80 proof and sold in 750ML bottles. The Traditional Blended Irish Whiskey is aged four years and has a high malt percentage, compared to most blends, offering a mellow and ultra-smooth finish. The Single Malt offers a smooth taste and floral notes for a premium experience.

“The difference between a good whiskey and a great whiskey lies not just in picking the best ingredients and having the most skilled distiller,” Mulgrew added. “It lies in selecting the finest barrels to let the whiskey mature in. Our unique process of finishing the aging in barrels that previously held bourbon but never whiskey allows The Quiet Man to soak up those wonderfully sweet yet spicy oak flavors, and the result is two great Irish whiskies.”

The Quiet Man is currently available in Germany, South Africa, Canada and Ireland, and was first bottled in June 2015. It will be available in the U.S. in January, through a joint venture between Luxco and Niche Drinks, whose partnership dates back to 1986.

Suggested retail price is $39.99 for the blended variety and $49.99 for the single malt variety.

For more information on The Quiet Man, please visit http://www.thequietmanirishwhiskey.com/, or www.facebook.com/the-quiet-man-irish-whiskey.

About Luxco

Luxco, Inc. is a leading producer, importer and marketer of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our consumers, associates and business partners. Founded in St. Louis in 1958, where it is headquartered, it is owned and operated by the Lux family. Its portfolio of brands include: Juarez Tequila & Triple Sec, Pearl Vodka, Everclear Grain Alcohol, Arrow Cordials, El Mayor Tequila, Ezra Brooks & Rebel Yell Bourbons, Lord Calvert Canadian Whisky, St. Brendan’s Irish Cream, Salvador’s Cocktails, Yago Sant’ gria and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company, visit http://www.luxco.com/.

About Niche Drinks

Since 1983, Niche Drinks has been producing Cream Liqueurs, Irish Coffee and Ready To Drink Cocktails of the highest quality for its retail partners in Ireland, the UK, the USA and Europe. Additionally, Niche, located in Derry, Ireland, provides its expertise to multinational drinks companies, creating brands for them to market and sell from Boston to Bangkok.

Toast Scotland’s Favourite Son with the only official Robert Burns whisky this Burns Night

Celebrate one of the biggest parties in the Scottish calendar a dram of Robert Burns Single Malt from the award-winning Scotch whisky producer, Isle of Arran Distillers this January 25^th. The only whisky endorsed by the World Robert Burns Federation, it’s the perfect choice for raising a birthday toast to Scotland’s most beloved poet.

Born just across the water from Arran in Ayrshire, The Bard is commemorated by the Isle of Arran Distillery with this sweet and creamy malt with flavours of honey and toffee-glazed pecans. Smooth and mellow, it’s ideal for cocktails or enjoyed by itself over ice or with a drop of water.

James McTaggart, Arran’s master distiller, said: “As patrons of the Robert Burns World Federation, we wanted to invoke the inclusive spirit of Burns Night with the Robert Burns Single Malt, it’s a dram that welcomes newcomers to whisky without sacrificing depth of flavour.

 “This makes the Burns Malt perfect for those throwing more contemporary Burns Night celebrations in addition to the beloved neeps and tatties, piping in the haggis and Selkirk Grace model.”

Retailing at £29.99, the Robert Burns Single Malt is available to buy online at http://www.arranwhisky.com/ and in specialist whisky stores.

Notes to editors:

For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com

* Current 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 World Spirits Competition 2012. Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards 2012.

Rare bottling celebrates Glenmorangie’s friendship with Prince Albert II of Monaco

Glenmorangie is honoured to announce an exclusive collaboration with His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. This is the first time that the Prince has worked with a distillery to select a single malt that will bear his name. The rare, single-cask whisky, bottled in his honour, will support environmental conservation, a cause dear to the Prince and echoed by Glenmorangie and La Maison D’Ecosse.

In June, His Serene Highness Prince Albert visited Glenmorangie’s Highland home, to explore the unseen lengths to which Glenmorangie goes in the creation of its unnecessarily well-made whisky. There, on the shores of the Dornoch Firth, the Prince – a renowned connoisseur of single malts – selected a single cask, with the guidance of Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation.

Dr Bill said: “The beautiful, pale gold whisky we chose was matured in an ex-bourbon cask for 12 years. Reflecting nature’s gifts in its notes of heather, honey, bananas, peaches and lime, the bottling epitomises the Prince and Glenmorangie’s combined passion for single malt and the natural world.”

Adorned with the coat of arms of the Prince’s House of Grimaldi, just 180 bottles will be created. The first two will be auctioned at the Monte Carlo Whisky Society’s annual festival in December, to raise money for the Prince’s environmental charity, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and for Glenmorangie’s partner, the Marine Conservation Society (MCS). The remaining bottles will be used to support the ongoing work of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco said: “I have a deep-rooted connection to Scotland through my Scottish great-great grandmother and during a recent visit to the Glemorangie Distillery, was delighted to select a rare single cask to be bottled in aid of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which promotes sustainable development and protection of the environment. I am delighted that Glenmorangie also shares a similar commitment.”

A match made in heaven for the nation’s favourite tipple

Whisky and water, scotch on the rocks – now there is a new perfect match for the nation’s favourite tipple as Scotland gears up to celebrate its Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design in 2016.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which takes place in Scotland’s most prolific whisky producing region, will show how the multi-million pound global industry has been built on the exact principles which will be nationally recognised over the next 12 months.

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is a Scottish Government initiative – led by national tourism agency VisitScotland and a number of partners – which aims to celebrate Scotland’s outstanding contribution to everything from technology to textiles and architecture to craft.

Festival chairman James Campbell says that the union of innovative design and traditional whisky production was a fitting achievement to be celebrated during the themed year.

He adds, “From the bold, innovative moves of illicit distillers who pioneered production to the world famous architectural design of the pagoda which has become a hallmark of Speyside’s distilleries, whisky would not be the multi-billion pound industry it is today without these innovators.

“This amalgamation of heritage and innovation is what makes Speyside whisky so unique and we look forward to sharing our traditions and passion for Scotch malt whisky with visitors to the Festival.

“The five day event offers a rare opportunity for whisky aficionados, and beginners alike to learn more about the malts that have made our region world famous.”

The result of a successful marriage between traditional heritage and cutting edge production, Scotland’s national tipple is the reason why thousands of visitors will flock to the region for the 17^th year of whisky festivities.

Thousands of visitors will flock to the 17^th annual festival, which runs from April 28 – May 2. The five day celebration raises a toast to Speyside’s internationally acclaimed malt whisky through exclusive tastings, tours and appreciations.

The programme is made up of over 400 unique events, including a selection of new attractions, ensuring there’s something for everyone.  For those who appreciate the region in equal measure to the whisky, the Festival has organised a range of entertainment from comedy and crafting to cookery and indulgent dinners, as well as heritage walks and scenic excursions.

Scotland’s first themed year ran in 2009 as the year of Homecoming. The success of the project brought about a range of benefits to the country and boosted tourism overall. Following on from this, the Scottish Government announced a series of themed years to showcase the country as a dynamic and creative nation through a yearlong plethora of programmed events.

“The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is a terrific success story and has attracted many thousands of overseas visitors to Scotland,” explains Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events.

“Although an industry that has a long-established heritage, whisky production in Scotland embraces creativity and innovation to supply global demand.

“This fits perfectly with the theme of Innovation Architecture and Design and visitors can look forward to finding out about this interesting side of our national drink during the festival in 2016.”

Speyside contains more than half of all Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries – over 50 in total – and the vast majority of them will be staging events during the Festival, including many that are not usually open to the public.

Contrasting heritage with contemporary, the programme will, for the first time, feature the oldest operating distillery in the Highlands of Scotland – Strathisla, established in 1789 – and the newest – Dalmunach which was officially opened in June 2015 by Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon.

Information about the 2016 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival can be found on the website http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/ where tickets will be on sale from early February. The Festival is also active on facebook.com/WhiskyFestival, Twitter and Instagram @spirit_speyside.

Picture caption: There’s whisky galore at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival which takes place in Scotland’s most prolific whisky producing region from April 28 until May 2.

Captions:

1. Dalmunach – one of Scotland’s newest distilleries opened in June 2015 by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
2. Strathisla – the oldest operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands, est. 1789
3. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival – Whisky Galore

Notes to editors

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Visitors travelling to and from festival events can take advantage of a range of transport options. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund Programme 2014 to 2020. The Scottish Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme.

Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design

2016 will shine a spotlight on Scotland’s achievements in innovation, architecture and design through a wide-ranging, variety of new and existing activity.

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design will run from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2016 and will build on the momentum generated by the 2015 Year of Food and Drink as well as previous years including Homecoming Scotland 2014, the Year of Creative and the Year of Natural.

Through a series of exciting events and activity, the year will showcase Scotland’s position as an “innovation nation”, its outstanding built heritage, and its thriving, internationally acclaimed fashion, textiles and design sector.

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design is a Scottish Government initiative being led by VisitScotland, supported by partners including Scottish Government, Creative Scotland, Architecture + Design Scotland, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Enterprise, The National Trust for Scotland, Historic Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS).

The Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design events fund is managed by EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate

About EventScotland:

EventScotland is working to make Scotland the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit http://www.eventscotland.org/. Follow EventScotland on Twitter @EventScotNews.

EventScotland is a team within the VisitScotland Events Directorate, the national tourism organisation which markets Scotland as a tourism destination across the world, gives support to the tourism industry and brings sustainable tourism growth to Scotland. For more information about VisitScotland see http://www.visitscotland.org/ or for consumer information on Scotland as a visitor destination see http://www.visitscotland.com/.

JIM BEAM SUPPORTS MILITARY FAMILIES WITH $100,000 DONATION TO FUND HOLIDAY MEALS PROGRAM

Fort Knox, Ky. – (Whisky Intelligence is playing catch up!) December 14, 2015 – Jim Beam® Bourbon, the world’s No. 1 bourbon, proudly salutes military men and women with a $100,000 donation to Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit that provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of service members and wounded warriors. The donation, which was presented last weekend by seventh generation Jim Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe in support of Operation Homefront’s Holiday Meals for Military program, underscores Jim Beam’s ongoing commitment to America’s service men and women.

“At Jim Beam, we’re honored to support our military heroes and call them part of our family,” said Noe. “As America’s native spirit, Bourbon is engrained in the history of our great country. We proudly salute those who defend our freedom each and every day.”

The Holiday Meals for Military program began at Thanksgiving in 2009 following a chance encounter in a supermarket in Utica, N.Y., near Fort Drum. A soldier, his wife and infant had a handful of grocery items they could not afford, so a Jim Beam employee picked up the $12 cost. The first Holiday Meals for Military Families event was held weeks later, providing 500 meal kits to military families, and the program has since expanded to 8,500 meals kits on 25 bases this holiday season and will include items such as pumpkin pie mix, stuffing and cut green beans. In addition to Ft. Knox, participating bases include Fort Campbell, Fort Bragg, Fort Hood and Illinois’ Scott Air Force Base among others.

“Our military members work tirelessly to protect the freedoms we enjoy daily in an increasingly complex world,” said Brig Gen (ret) John I. Pray, Jr., president & CEO of Operation Homefront. “Thanks to the active support of Jim Beam and other incredibly supportive sponsors, we have been able to greatly extend the reach of our holiday meal program and make the holiday season brighter for our military families.”

Jim Beam has donated more than $2.5 million to Operation Homefront through a variety of charitable programming efforts since 2008, including partnership on this year’s Holiday Meals program and hosting a local fundraising dinner at the company’s flagship distillery in Clermont, Ky., this fall. The company is also proud to employ numerous veterans and active military personnel.