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

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