Green Award for Dalmunach

Chivas Brothers is delighted to have won The Sustainability Award at The Drinks Business Green Awards last week.

The awards are the world’s largest programme to raise awareness of green issues in the drinks trade.

The Sustainability Award recognises the efforts made by one company to employ the most efficient and effective sustainable practices in their business, whether in the production facilities or in their agricultural practices.

The Judges took into account all aspects of production where waste management, recycling and sustainable practices have been improved in the last three years and more particularly in the last 12 months.

Chivas Brothers impressed the judging panel with its comprehensive analysis of its own sustainable practices, which the judges were able to see have been gaining momentum in recent years and in the last 12 months in particular.

The company was commended for increasing its material recovery levels at the organisation’s two bottling locations, rising from 86% in 2011-12 to 97% in 2013-14, and for achieving a 90% business recycling level.

The judges further commended Chivas Brothers for commissioning the replacement of heating, vacuum and air-conditioning controls in the drain and fill area to improve operational efficiency at their Kilmalid facility, and for replacing their fleet of Toyota hybrid vehicles with 10 Vauxhall Ampera electric cars in 2013.

The new Dalmunach Distillery also particularly impressed the judges for its design efficiency of 19MJ per litre, compared with the industry benchmark (Scotch Whisky Association) of 28MJ per litre for a distillery with a similar number of stills!

Huge congratulations to Ronald Daalmans, Environmental & Sustainability Manager and his team at Chivas Brothers for all their expertise and hard work!

Whisky L! Taiwan kicks off Asia’s Whisky Festival season!

On the 15 & 16 August, Taipei will be kicking off what has now become Asia’s whisky festival season with Whisky L! Shanghai & Beijing following in quick pursuit. Hosted at Taipei’s Grand Hyatt, the inaugural Whisky L! Taiwan promises to be in line with sister shows Shanghai & Beijing set to attract leading whisky celebrities with a clear objective to deliver a fun, festive and educational experience.

With over five years of executing whisky festivals in Taiwan, show director Stephen Notman acknowledges the changes in market dynamics and the important action that needs to be taken by the industry to sustain continued growth for a further 3 – 5 years. “Taiwan is a remarkable market. Her growth and influence throughout Asia drinking trends is phenomenal. We are however entering an era where we as an industry requires to focus second phase whisky drinker recruitment into the category.” Notman continues “The Taiwan whisky market looks completely different to that of five years ago. New whisky drinkers entering into the category are now greeted with a greater variety but also a lot more releases that opt not to share an age indicator on the label. As an industry, we should be focusing on what is the distillers, blenders or independent bottlers philosophy towards each and every release.”

To assist the direction, positioning and evolution of the whisky conversations in Taiwan, The Whisky L! Committee consisting of Taiwan’s leading whisky authorities have been instrumental in the development of the show. To celebrate the inaugural show, the committee have selected the 2015 Limited Edition.

Fresh innovation to the whisky festival scene will see the establishment of the distillation zone headed up by leading international experts Neil Ridley and Joel Harrison. Such area will be focused on distillers new make spirit. With guided tours, master classes and live entertainment, Whisky L! promises to be an exciting experience for new to establish drinkers alike.

ROAD SHOW DATES:

WHISKY L! TAIWAN  – 15 & 16 August

Whisky L! BEIJING     – 21 & 22 August

WHISKY L! SHANGHAI – 28 & 29 August

Gemini Brands Win Top Awards in Two Tasting Competitions

Spirits Bring Home Chairman’s Trophies and Double Gold Medals 

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (May 20, 2015) – Several Gemini Spirits brands received top marks in two recent tasting competitions, including  two Chairman’s Trophies at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and four Double Gold medals in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

“We are honored by these exciting results,” Gemini Spirits & Wine General Manager Ken Kwarta said. “We have a strong portfolio and these awards are another testament to that.”

2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge

Judges awarded Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky each the highest honor of “Chairman’s Trophy” at the 2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge. Selected as Chairman’s Trophy finalists in their respective categories were Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength Single Malt, Glenfarclas 25 Year Old Single Malt,”

Those awarded as “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation” include:

• Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whisky
• Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky
•  Glenfarclas 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Glenfarclas 17 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Those awarded the distinction of “Excellent, Highly Recommended” were:

• Glenfarclas 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

• Glenfarclas 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

• Glenfarclas 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

 This competition, in its sixth year, is judged by a panel of the spirit industry’s most renowned judges including award-winning authors, buyers, journalists, educators and bar owners, who rate each spirit on a 100-point scale.

Complete results for the 2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge can be found at www.ultimate-beverage.com/usc2015results.

San Francisco World Spirits Competition

More than 1,580 entries were submitted for a blind tasting at the 15^th annual San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where 41 of the industry’s finest spirits experts reviewed each entry, ultimately awarding four Double Gold medals and one Gold medal to Gemini brands.

Double Gold

• Glenfarclas 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Glenfarclas 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
• Glenfarclas 105 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Gold

• Glenfarclas 17 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Complete results for the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition can be found at http://sfspiritscomp.com/results/browse.

About Gemini Spirits & Wine

Gemini Spirits & Wine is the fastest growing spirits and specialty brand development company in the United States. Gemini is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sazerac Company and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Gemini operates as an autonomous company, and is focused on building its portfolio of spirits and specialty brands concentrated in targeted categories. For more information, visit http://www.geminispiritswine.com/.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES

FRENCH OAK BOURBONS 

Two French Oak Barrel Aged Bourbons are the

First Experimental Collection release of 2015  

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (May 19, 2015) When Buffalo Trace Distillery started its whiskey experiments more than three decades ago, one of the first releases was bourbon aged in French oak barrels.  That bourbon was aged ten years and released in 2006, quickly becoming a favorite of both the master distiller and bourbon connoisseurs.

Ten years ago, Buffalo Trace embarked on another French oak experiment, but this time endeavoring one step further – creating two different barrel types, one made entirely of French oak, and another using French oak heads, but American white oak staves.

The barrels were both constructed with Buffalo Trace’s exact specifications as far as size, stave drying, and charring.  The barrel staves were air-dried for six months and the barrels were charred for 55 seconds. Both of these experimental barrels were filled with the same bourbon recipe, known as Buffalo Trace Rye Bourbon Mash #1.

After 10 years of aging, these two bourbons have been bottled as part of Buffalo Trace Distillery’s Experimental Collection, and referred to as 100% French Oak Barrel Aged Bourbon and French Oak Barrel Head Aged Bourbon.

“These bourbons, when tasted side by side, are complementary but yet have subtle differences,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley.  “Both are nice, well-rounded bourbons, but the 100% French oak bourbon has more soft, fruity notes to it, while the bourbon made with the French oak heads and American oak staves offers more of a smoky oak and tannin flavor profile.

It’s interesting to compare these two bourbons to each other and also to our standard bourbon offerings,” continued Wheatley. “These French oak experiments offer a unique flavor profile from our standard bourbon barrels.  That’s one of the things that make our experiments so fun; we never stop learning how subtle changes can alter the taste profile.”

These barrels are part of more than 3,000 experimental barrels of whiskey aging in the warehouses of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Each of them has unique characteristics that differentiate them in distinct ways. Some examples of experiments include unique mash bills, types of wood, and different barrel toasts. In order to further increase the scope, flexibility and range of the experimental program, an entire micro distillery, named The Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. “OFC” Micro Distillery, complete with cookers, fermenting tanks, and a state-of-the-art micro still has been constructed within Buffalo Trace Distillery. Buffalo Trace has increased its commitment to experimentation with the recent addition of its Warehouse X. Although small in size, Warehouse X is designed to explore the extent of environmental influences on the flavor profiles of whiskey.

The Experimental Collection is packaged in 375ml bottles and 12 bottles to a case, with six bottles from each barrel in a case. Each label includes all the pertinent information unique to that barrel of whiskey. These whiskeys retail for approximately $46.35 each and will be available in May, 2015. They are both 45% alcohol by volume (90 proof). Experimental Collection releases are generally quite small and have limited availability. For more information on the Experimental Collection or the other products of Buffalo Trace Distillery, please contact Elizabeth Hurst at ehurst@buffalotrace.com.

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 being 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/.

THE SCOTCH WHISKY EXPERIENCE COMPLETES MULTI-MILLION POUND REFURBISHMENT WITH HIGH END NEW EVENTS SUITES 

The Scotch Whisky Experience, Edinburgh’s five-star whisky venue, has unveiled a major renovation of its top floor events suite.

The newly refurbished Castlehill and Blender’s rooms have been completely transformed, each with their own whisky inspired identity, alongside top of the range audio visual equipment.

The renovation is the culmination of a six year, £7 million programme which has seen the attraction position itself as the flag bearer for whisky tourism in Scotland.

Carried out in conjunction with Edinburgh design agency Bright 3D, the renovation has given each room in the suite a distinct identity, whilst preserving the best of the building’s Victorian heritage and introducing dramatic new features.

The larger Castlehill Room – which can cater for events of up to 80, including gala dinners or conferences – now plays host to new whisky focused artworks, with artist blacksmith Elspeth Bennie creating a series of copper and brass installations which illustrate the whisky production process.

The room’s vaulted ceiling now features two bespoke light installations, comprised of over  100 whisky barrel staves and hand blown glass ‘droplets’, which create an impressive ambient light show.  A new multimedia screen hung over the room’s fireplace – which can masquerade as a mirror – also enhances the space’s branding potential.

The Blender’s Room, which hosts the popular Scotch Whisky Training School and is ideal for smaller events such as corporate dinners or private tastings, has been inspired by a whisky blender’s sample room.  Stripped back Victorian stonework uncovered during the renovation adds traditional character to the exterior wall.  The room also features up-lit whisky samples and hand crafted oak cabinets, displaying blended whiskies, to inspire participants in the venue’s ‘Blend Your Own Whisky’ sessions.

The four spaces can be utilised in any combination, with catering provided by the in-house team behind the award-winning Amber Restaurant.

Susan Morrison, director and general manager of The Scotch Whisky Experience, said: “Over the past few years, our events and hospitality business has shown excellent growth and is gaining an enviable reputation. As the culmination of our refurbishment programme, we have now brought the same high quality craftsmanship and uniqueness to our private events spaces.   The finished product brings together some of the best of Scotland’s artists and designers, with experts in field of event multimedia, creating the perfect ‘blend’.”

Alongside the two renovated rooms, The Scotch Whisky Experience also offers corporate and group experiences in the World’s Largest Collection of Scotch Whisky and in the less formal Amber Restaurant.

For more details, log-on to http://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk/ or call 0131 220 0441.

CULT MALT PREPARES TO TOAST 200 YEARS OF ISLAY WHISKY ON ARDBEG DAY WITH NEW LIMITED EDITION PERPETUUM 

– LOYAL ARDBEG FANS PREPARE TO TAKE OVER THE VINYL FACTORY, SOHO FOR ARDBEG DAY 2015 

It has been 200 years since Ardbeg single malt whisky was first distilled on the Scottish island of Islay and 15 years since the legacy of this cult whisky was safeguarded by the foundation of the Ardbeg Committee.

The future of the distillery was guaranteed in 2000 when it formed one of the most passionate and devoted whisky fan clubs in the world with the creation of the Ardbeg Committee – to ensure “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”. Today the Committee has 100,000 members in over 130 countries and Ardbeg Day has become a global annual event.

To mark these memorable events, at this year’s Ardbeg Day on 30th May 2015 with a ‘Past, Present and Future’ theme, committee members will have the opportunity to buy tickets (£199 per person)  to attend the celebratory London event held at The Vinyl Factory, commemorating the distillery’s bicentenary and be amongst the first to taste Perpetuum, the new limited edition.

Ardbeg Perpetuum is inspired by the many styles, ideas and quirks of fate which have influenced Ardbeg over time; it combines different styles, flavours, dreams and trials. Connoisseurs will taste a never-ending, rich and enticing combination of classic Ardbeggian notes and incredibly creamy flavours.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation, said: “Ardbeg’s character has endured for 200 years and we hope it will continue for centuries to come. The 2015 Ardbeg Day anniversary bottling, Ardbeg Perpetuum, celebrates this milestone year with a recipe that includes some very old and young Ardbeg, silky Ardbeg from bourbon barrels and some spicy Ardbeg from sherry casks.  The resulting expression combines classic notes of dark chocolate and treacle with sea-spray, peat smoke, vanilla and a hint of sherry casks, to create an unforgettable single malt with an aftertaste that is never-ending.”

Ardbeg Perpetuum, launched for this bicentenary, will be available to purchase from 30th May 2015 at Ardbeg Embassies* for a two week exclusive period. From June 13^th, Perpetuum will be available at Ardbeg Embassies, Whisky specialists and department stores with a RSP of £84.99.

Ardbeg Perpetuum is non-chill filtered and is bottled at 47.4% ABV.

More details about Ardbeg Day and to purchase tickets to the event, please visit http://www.ardbeg.com/, where fans can also sign up to join the Ardbeg Committee. 

Notes to Editors: 

Tasting Notes:

Ardbeg Perpetuum is a deep amber-coloured single malt, containing the unmistakable Ardbeggian aroma of tar, soot and pine resin, with dark chocolate, treacle and sea-spray.  Its intense taste juxtaposes peat smoke and spice with creamy vanilla and milk chocolate notes, followed by a never-ending aftertaste of linseed oil, a hint of sherry cask, creosote and tar.

Ardbeg Day:

Every year, the Islay Festival of Malt and Music takes place in May or June on Ardbeg’s island home.  On the festival’s final Saturday, Ardbeg Day, the Distillery traditionally throws open its doors to welcome fans from all over the world.  In 2012 Ardbeg Day became a global event, enabling the whisky’s passionate international following to take part in a worldwide celebration of all things Ardbeg.  This year, Ardbeg Day celebrates the single malt’s 200th anniversary by looking forward to the next 200 years.  Fans of the whisky will be invited into a retro-futuristic version of Islay in 2215, where hover boards and robotic dogs are the norm at the Ardbeg Distillery.

Ardbeg:

Ardbeg prides itself on being The Ultimate Islay Malt Whisky.  Established in 1815, Ardbeg is revered by connoisseurs around the world as the peatiest, smokiest and most complex of all the Islay malts.  Despite its smokiness, Ardbeg is renowned for its delicious sweetness, a phenomenon that has affectionately become known as ‘the peaty paradox’.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Ardbeg suffered from an uncertain future and it was not until the brand was purchased by The Glenmorangie Company in 1997 that the Distillery was saved from extinction.  Since then, the Distillery has risen like a phoenix and today Ardbeg is well established as a niche, cult malt, with a passionate following.

Ardbeg Committee:

The legacy of the whisky was safeguarded in 2000 by the formation of the Ardbeg Committee.  The Committee is made up of thousands of Ardbeg followers worldwide who are keen to ensure that “the doors of Ardbeg never close again”.  Today there are over 100,000 members of the Ardbeg Committee in more than 130 countries.  Committee members are regularly consulted on new bottling’s and expressions, and are offered exclusive Committee bottling’s.  Members also receive invitations to special gatherings, tastings and events.  The Committee is free to join at www.ardbeg.com

Ardbeg Embassies*

You’re never far from an Ardbeg Embassy – the distillery’s homes from home. With the warmest of welcomes and the widest selection of Ardbeg, you can experience a little piece of Islay closer to home.

     The Vintage House, 42 Old Compton Street, London W1D4LR                       http://www.sohowhisky.com/

     Royal Mile Whiskies, 379 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1PW                           http://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/

     Cambridge Wine Merchants, 32 Bridge Street, Cambridge CB2 1UJ                http://www.cambridgewine.com/

     The Wee Dram, 5 Portland Square, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1HA http://www.weedram.co.uk/

     Luvians Bottle Shop, 93 Bonnygate, Cupar, Fife KY15 4LG                http://www.luvians.com/

     The Whisky Exchange, Vinopolis, 1 Bank End, London SE1 9BU                    http://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/

     Gordon & MacPhail, 58-60 South Street, Elgin, Moray, IV30 1JY                    http://www.gordonandmacphail.com/

     Whiski Rooms Bistro, 4,6 & 7 North Bank Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LP             http://www.whiskirooms.co.uk/ 

Awards:

Ardbeg was voted ‘Scotch Whisky of the Year’ three years in a row by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible and was awarded ‘World’s Best Single Malt’, ‘Best Islay Single Malt’ and the ‘Global Icon Visitor Centre Manager of the Year’ at the World Whiskies Awards 2013.  At the 2014 awards, Michael Heads of Ardbeg was voted ‘Distillery Manager of the Year’.

The Glenmorangie Company:

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.  Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt.

Responsible Drinking:

Ardbeg and The Glenmorangie Company advocate responsible drinking and suggest that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

News release from Benromach Distillery Company Ltd 

Benromach 15 Years Old launched by leading Speyside distillery 

A notable new addition to the Benromach stable of classic Speyside single malt whiskies has gone on sale.

Benromach 15 Years Old has a distinctive golden amber colour thanks to long maturation in sherry and bourbon casks and a soft smokiness.

It tastes of luscious sherry and rich fruitcake with stewed plums and a hint of cocoa.

Launched by the Benromach Distillery Company Ltd, the 15 Years Old is available now with an RSP of £48.99 (prices may vary in export markets because of duty and import taxes).

As with all Benromach whiskies, the 15 Years Old is hand-crafted by just three distillers using the finest natural ingredients at the Forres distillery.

Benromach, in Forres, was bought over by Gordon & MacPhail in 1993 and carefully restored.

It was opened once again in 1998 by HRH Prince Charles and has since gained a reputation for producing an innovative range of distinctive Speyside whiskies with pre-1960s character.

Ewen Mackintosh, Chief Operating Officer of Gordon & MacPhail which owns the Benromach Distillery Company Ltd, said: “The Benromach story is a remarkable one, and the launch of the 15 Years Old marks a significant milestone in the distillery’s history.

“The whisky has a great deal of character and we hope it will appeal to whisky lovers who have tried other Benromach single malts and to those who would like to see what a classic pre-1960s Speyside malt is like.”

The packaging for Benromach 15 Years Old adopts the same design principles as the 10 Years Old, with the addition of gold effect detailing to highlight the premium nature of the product.

The bottle style and packaging reflects the hand-crafted character of the Benromach whiskies.

The elegant bottle’s neck and shoulder resembles the shape of the Benromach stills while the box, complete with embossed hand-drawn lettering, replicates their colour.  

Notes to Editors 

Leading malt whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail is the owner of the Benromach Distillery Company Ltd. Established in 1898, the distillery was virtually derelict when the family-owned company bought it in 1993.

Following careful restoration and re-equipment, it was re-opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to create a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from pre-1960s Speyside whiskies.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world famous Malt Whisky Trail.

3^RD ANNUAL BOURBON SUPPLY

UPDATE FROM BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (May 13, 2015) There’s good news and there’s bad news coming from Buffalo Trace Distillery in its third annual bourbon inventory update.  The good news is that supplies of fully-aged whiskey at the 225-plus-year-old Distillery continue to increase and Buffalo Trace is making more whiskey than ever. The bad news is that demand continues to outstrip its available supply, which means all of the Distillery’s whiskey brands remain on allocation.

“This annual update relates to Buffalo Trace Distillery specifically, and is not intended to speak for the bourbon industry as a whole, or other distillers,” said Kris Comstock, bourbon marketing director.  “Not a day goes by that we don’t hear from fans asking why they can’t find their favorite whiskey at the local liquor store, so we are offering an annual update to inform people where we stand, and ensure fans we are distilling more whiskey and planning for the future.”

Since demand continues to outstrip supply, brands such as Elmer T. Lee, Rock Hill Farms, Van Winkle, and the Antique Collection (George T. Stagg, William Larue Weller, Sazerac 18, Thomas H. Handy, and Eagle Rare 17) will continue to be on strict allocation and hard to find for the foreseeable future. 

Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Blanton’s, Weller, Sazerac Rye, Stagg Jr., and E. H. Taylor, Jr. will continue to be in short supply, but will benefit slightly from increased production more than a decade ago. “Although we can’t guarantee that every fan will find Buffalo Trace or Blanton’s every time they visit the liquor store, things are starting to look up, and overall our inventory is in a better place than it was a year ago. We are very appreciative that fans like our whiskey and thankful for all of their continued patience,” added Comstock.

A few things that Buffalo Trace Distillery will NOT do:

• Buffalo Trace Distillery won’t lower their quality standards or alcohol by volume (ABV) just to sell more whiskey.
• The suggested retail pricing will not be raised, just to take advantage of the high demand. (Note, although some stores may charge a premium for Buffalo Trace’s limited brands, the Distillery is not asking them to do so.)
• Brands won’t be discontinued. All bourbon brands will continue to be produced and allocated each year, with a focus on quality and making more.

 In addition to the previous improvements announced in 2014 such as distilling more whiskey, adding more bottling lines, and hiring more people, Buffalo Trace is taking additional steps to prepare for a growing future.  The Distillery recently purchased an additional 300 acres of farmland adjacent to its current land where it intends to grow its own grains for a farm-to-table bourbon, plus potentially build more barrel warehouses. Additionally, former barrel warehouse buildings repurchased a few years ago on the main campus of Buffalo Trace are being re-ricked and used again as barrel storage warehouses, and plans are in the works to re-rick additional buildings on site in the next few years.

The innovation Buffalo Trace is so well known for is being enhanced as the Distillery expands – its experimental warehouse, Warehouse X, has had nearly one year of barrels aging in it, yielding data with very interesting results; more than 3,000 barrels of experimental whiskies are currently aging on the Distillery’s grounds; and research on DNA fingerprinting is taking place as well.

 The whiskies from Buffalo Trace are benefiting from resurgence in the category as a whole.  According to Nielsen, bourbon and whiskey grew at 6% for the 52 weeks ending 3/28/15, with premium volumes up 6.2% and ultra volumes up 19%.  

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 1786 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 seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.

Beam Suntory Simplifies Regional Structure

Deerfield, Illinois, April 27, 2015 – Beam Suntory Inc. today announced that it will simplify its regional structure by merging its four operating regions into three.  The company will combine management of its Europe/Middle East/Africa and Asia Pacific businesses to create a larger International Region.  Furthermore, the company’s South America business will become part of an expanded Americas region.  This organizational simplification will result in three regions – Americas, Japan and International – with more comparable scale and sales in the range of $1 billion or more each.

The new International Region will be led by Albert Baladi, president of Beam Suntory’s current EMEA region.  Baladi will be supported by managing directors of five geographic clusters: Oceania, Emerging Asia, Developed Europe, Emerging Europe & Middle East/Africa, and Global Travel Retail.  Tim Hassett, president of Beam Suntory’s current North America region, will lead the expanded Americas region.

“With the Beam Suntory integration largely behind us, we can now benefit from simplifying our regional structure,” said Matt Shattock, chairman and CEO of Beam Suntory.  “Merging our EMEA and Asia Pacific businesses helps ensure our business is set up to win by being close to our customers and consumers, aligning with our long-term growth strategy, and creating opportunities for some of our best and brightest talent.  We also see benefits from uniting all of our Latin America markets in the same region.  We look forward to driving continued momentum in the marketplace with our three strong regions.”

Separately, Nick Fink, president of the current Asia Pacific/South America (APSA) region, has accepted a US-based senior executive position at a public company outside of the spirits industry.  As a result, Fink will depart Beam Suntory effective May 8th. “We are happy for Nick and grateful for his numerous contributions to our success,” said Shattock. “He leaves a business in Asia Pacific/South America that is gaining momentum, and he has built an outstanding leadership team that will play an invaluable role in the new International region.”

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 www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Strathisla and Aberlour Distilleries Whisky Award Wins

Strathisla and Aberlour distilleries won two out of three categories in this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Whisky Awards.

The picture above shows Rikki Scott, Supervisor at Aberlour Visitor Centre, with the award for Aberlour 18 Years.

The event claims it is the only awards in which the winners are determined by members of the whisky-loving public.

Strathisla 12 Years beat finalist Cardhu Gold Reserve to take first place in the 12 Years & Under/Non-Age Statement section.

Aberlour 18 Years took the top award in the 13-20 Years section, beating Glenfiddich 18 years for the title.

Six finalists were voted on at a series of judging sessions across Speyside in the run up to and during the Festival, which ran from 30 April to 3 May, 2015.

The malts had previously been shortlisted by a panel of industry leaders, acclaimed writers and specialist retailers.

The 37 distillery entries in the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Whisky Awards had been shortlisted by a panel of industry leaders, writers and specialist retailers in a blind tasting event.

It was then down to festival visitors to taste the shortlisted malts in each category.

The winners were announced at the closing ceilidh held on Sunday, 3 May, at the Laichmoray Hotel in Elgin.

James Campbell, festival chairman, said, “Well done to our 2015 winners. It is a huge honour to receive one of these awards because they are voted for by the public, as opposed to a panel of experts, and are not influenced by any kind of consumer loyalty or external influences.

“Festival visitors have used their noses, knowledge and taste buds to vote on these drams at judging sessions that were held across Speyside and the  judging sessions are equally loved by people who are just starting to learn about whisky as well as those with expert knowledge.”