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.”

SINGLE POT STILL IRISH WHISKEYS OF MIDLETON PRESENT THEIR FIRST EVER GOOGLE HANGOUT ON AIR LIVE FROM THE GOOGLE FOUNDRY, DUBLIN  

On Monday, May 18th, in honour of World Whisky Day, the Masters of The Midleton Distillery will come together for their first ever live Google Hangout ON AIR. Broadcast live from the Foundry in Dublin’s Google HQ, the show will be streamed from 6pm GMT. The event aims to raise awareness and educate whisk(e)y lovers about Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey.

The event will be hosted by International Brand Ambassador, Dave McCabe, who will discuss all things Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey with Master Distiller Brian Nation, Master Blender Billy Leighton, Master of Maturation Kevin O’Gorman, Master of Whiskey Science David Quinn and Master Cooper Ger Buckley.

The seminar will cover everything from the history of Single Pot Still Irish whiskey, the Midleton Distillery’s unique maturation and wood programme as well as a tasting of some of the most revered Single Pot Still Irish whiskeys, Redbreast 12 Year Old, Green Spot, Powers John’s Lane and Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy.

The link to the live Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys of Midleton Google Hangout ON AIR will go live one hour prior to the event.

In the meantime, join us in spreading the word about the Google Hangout ON AIR and follow the Single Pot Still Irish Whiskeys of Midleton on Google+ https://plus.google.com/+SinglePotStillIrishWhiskey/posts

#SinglePotStill

#WorldWhiskyDay

A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE ANTIQUARY

The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd has given its premium blended Scotch Whisky brand, The Antiquary, a new look in a move to give it a new lease of life, while still retaining the history and provenance of one of the oldest Scotch Whisky brands in the market.

The iconic diamond cut bottle remains, however it is in a taller, sleeker, and more sophisticated form. Pocket Rocket Creative has designed new labels and secondary packaging to highlight the unique shape of the bottle which, aside from the high content of malt whiskies inside, is arguably one of the brand’s biggest selling points.

The Antiquary, along with its 12 year old and 21 year old expressions, is sold worldwide, with significant market success in France, Portugal, Russia, Angola, UK and the USA. The new label designs were trialled in Chile in 2014 and will now be rolled out worldwide.

“The Antiquary has been around since 1888 and, particularly in the UK, is known as the blend that ‘my Grandfather used to drink’”, explains Jennifer Masson, Marketing Manager. “We want to challenge that perception and give this deserving institution a new lease of life. The new packaging will attract a wider, and younger, demographic without distancing our existing customers. The Antiquary is a cut above other blends in the market; with 45% malt content all three expressions are smooth and easy drinking.”

Stephen Bremner, Sales Director, expects to see an upturn in sales as a result of the redesign: “Much like the Tomatin Distillery, the Antiquary brand has been a sleeping giant. With the new packaging I expect to attract new customers in new markets, particularly in South America. We’ve tweaked the recipe for our entry level expression too, to better reflect the original recipe used by the Hardie brothers in 1888, resulting in the smoothest blend in recent years.”

Del Sneddon, lead designer on the Antiquary Project said: “The distinctive bottle of The Antiquary with its unique facets has charmed many for decades. We decided to enhance its form further by creating a bespoke label that follows the geometric shape of the front face and also improves standout. More detailing and calligraphy within the label was also added to ‘premiumise’ the design and cleaner typography for the brand name was introduced to bring it up-to-date. The outer cartons proudly depict The Antiquary’s distinguishing contours for ultimate impact.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• 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 packaging is being rolled out worldwide gradually over the coming months – 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.
• Pocket Rocket Creative Ltd, based in Stirling – Central Scotland – was established in 2007 and operates with 5 staff, 3 of whom are Directors (Gary Dawson, Gary Doherty, Del Sneddon)
• Awarded World’s Best Design Agency at the World Whisky Awards, 2014

Brand Evolution

MAKER’S MARK PREVAILS IN CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT

Loretto, Kentucky, May 5, 2015 – The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida on Monday ruled in favor of Maker’s Mark and parent company Beam Suntory in a class action lawsuit alleging misleading marketing in the labeling of Maker’s Mark as “handmade.” The ruling by U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle dismissed the complaint of two Florida consumers “with prejudice,” ending the case. “In all events, the plaintiffs have not stated a claim on which relief can be granted,” the ruling concludes.

“We have asserted all along that the complaints in this case were frivolous and without merit, and we are very pleased the court agreed with our position so emphatically,” said Rob Samuels, chief operating officer of Maker’s Mark. “This ruling is very good news, and it should send a strong message to those who would seek to gain from similar baseless and irresponsible litigation,” added Kent Rose, senior vice president and general counsel of Beam Suntory.

The case dismissed by the court is Dimitric Salters and A.G. Waseem, etc. v. Beam Suntory Inc. and Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., etc.

About Maker’s Mark® Bourbon

In 1954, at a small Victorian distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, Bill Samuels, Sr., fulfilled his dream to create a pioneering handmade bourbon that, for the first time, would appeal both to bourbon and to non-bourbon drinkers alike, that tasted good and exemplified good taste, and wouldn’t “blow your ears off,” which was the measure by which bourbons were judged at the time. He decided to make his whisky in small-batches of 19 barrels, developed a proprietary barrel char to enhance the softness and sweetness of his whisky, and then rotated each barrel by hand to ensure exposure to consistent temperatures throughout the warehouse, and, ultimately, he aged each barrel to taste. Bill Samuels,

Sr., unknowingly and unintentionally, fired the shot that started the Bourbon Revolution, and transformed bourbon from a “commodity” into a premium handcrafted spirit, giving rise to the modern era of bourbon. Today, Maker’s Mark continues to make its bourbon the same way Bill Samuels, Sr., did 60 years ago, in small batches by craftsmen who hand-dip each bottle. In 2010, in tribute to his father’s spirit of innovation, Bill Samuels, Jr. unveiled Maker’s 46®, a totally new bourbon that reflects the distinct character of Maker’s Mark® but has a bigger, bolder and complex taste without any hint of bitterness. Maker’s Mark® Bourbon (45% alc./vol.) and Maker’s 46® (47% alc./vol.) are distilled, aged and bottled by the Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., in Loretto, Kentucky. In 1980, the distillery was designated a National Historic Landmark, becoming the first distillery in America to be so recognized, and has also been decreed as the “world’s oldest operating bourbon whisky distillery” by Guinness World Records®. The Maker’s Mark Distillery is one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. For more information, please visit the Maker’s Mark® website (www.makersmark.com)

Sazerac Canadian whiskies win 18 top awards in five different tasting competitions 

NEW ORLEANS, lA.  (May 6, 2015) – Four Canadian whiskies from the Sazerac Company rounded up 18 high awards in five recent tasting competitions. The Canadian whiskies brought home medals and distinctions from the Canadian Whisky Awards, Ultimate Spirits Challenge, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition and the Denver International Spirits Competition.

“It’s an honor to receive each of these awards,” Kevin Richards, marketing director of whiskeys and specialty brands, said. “We’re proud to see our Canadian whiskies ranked so well across these five competitions.”

2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge

The distinction of “Excellent, Highly Recommended” was awarded to Caribou Crossing. Royal Canadian Small Batch and Rich & Rare Reserve were each awarded the distinction of “Very Good, Strong Recommendation,” and Legacy Canadian was distinguished as “Good, Recommended.”

            Caribou Crossing, Royal Canadian Small Batch and Rich & Rare Reserve were each designated as “Tried & True.”

            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.

2014 Canadian Whisky Awards

An independent panel of whisky writers, bloggers and journalists selected the winners of the Canadian Whisky Awards through a blind taste test. The panel designated Royal Canadian Small Batch as “Sippin’ Whisky of the Year Multi-Markets.” Caribou Crossing and Royal Canadian Small Batch were each awarded silver medals. Legacy Small Batch received a bronze medal.

Complete results for the 2014 Canadian Whisky Awards can be found at http://www.canadianwhisky.org/news-views/canadian-whisky-awards-2014-canadas-top-whiskies.html.

            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 Caribou Crossing, Royal Canadian Small Batch, Rich & Rare Reserve and Legacy Canadian each bronze medals.

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

            North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition

            Caribou Crossing and Legacy Canadian were each awarded silver medals in the 2014 North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition. Royal Canadian Small Batch was awarded bronze.

            The results of North American Bourbon and Whiskey Competition are decided by a panel of spirits professionals using a 100-point scale. Complete results for the 2015 North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition can be found at http://www.whiskeycomp.com/results.html.

Denver International Spirits Competition

Caribou Crossing and Royal Canadian Small Batch were awarded silver medals in the 2015 Denver International Spirits Competition. Legacy Canadian was awarded bronze.

This competition, in its fourth year, is also based on a 100-point scale and is judged by a panel of 15 respected spirits authorities. Complete results for the 2015 Denver International Spirits Competition can be found at http://www.denverspiritscomp.com/results.html.

About The Sazerac Company

     Sazerac is one of New Orleans’ oldest family owned, privately held companies and has operations in New Orleans, Louisiana; Frankfort, Bardstown, Louisville and Owensboro, Kentucky; Fredericksburg, Virginia; Carson, California; Baltimore, Maryland; Lewiston, Maine; Londonderry, New Hampshire; and Montreal, Canada.  For more information, please visit http://www.sazerac.com/.

INTRODUCING CHIVAS REGAL THE ICON, A SYMBOL OF LUXURY FOR A NEW ERA

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury Scotch whisky, has unveiled the pinnacle of the Chivas Regal range – Chivas Regal The Icon, a new ultra prestige Scotch whisky. Created with a blend of some of the rarest and oldest whiskies available to Chivas Regal, a proportion from distilleries now lost forever, Chivas Regal The Icon will be available in Dubai Duty Free from May and globally from September at an RRP of $3,500 USD in Global Travel Retail.

Blending Chivas Regal’s heritage with the unparalleled expertise of Master Blender Colin Scott, Chivas Regal The Icon is a luxury Scotch with extraordinary depth and complexity. Crafted with over 20 of Scotland’s rarest whiskies, Chivas Regal The Icon includes single malts from Strathisla, the oldest continuously operating distillery in the Scottish Highlands, Longmorn and Glen Keith distilleries. Each year the Master Blender will produce a limited number of bottles of this luxurious Scotch whisky, making it a must have product for whisky adorers and collectors alike.

Presented in an elegant bottle, each decanter of Chivas Regal The Icon has been hand-blown by dedicated master craftsmen at Dartington Crystal before being hand-filled with the luxury liquid. The glass is etched with careful precision before being dressed with finely crafted metalwork, while the green colour pays tribute to the original Chivas Regal bottle from 1909.

Richard Black, Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, commented: “We are very proud to establish a new standard in precious Scotch whisky with Chivas Regal The Icon and we will continue to lead the way in crafting luxury Scotch that impresses Chivas fans and sophisticated whisky aficionados. Chivas Regal The Icon is Chivas Regal at its very best, the new pinnacle of the range.”

Master Blender for Chivas Regal, Colin Scott, added: “Chivas Regal The Icon is a truly exquisite blend. I feel very honoured to be the Master Blender to present this luxury Scotch which features rich notes of honey, vanilla and dark chocolate balanced by subtle hazelnut influences from the cask. Chivas Regal The Icon delivers a long and luxurious finish in the smooth Chivas signature style.”

Chivas Regal The Icon has a 40% ABV and is presented in 70cl bottles.

NOTES

About Chivas Regal
A truly global brand, Chivas Regal today sells 4.6 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

About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated sales of €7,945 million in 2013/14. 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 & Spirit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector and employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people, operating through a decentralized organization 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 the NYSE Euronext exchange (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is a member of the CAC 40 index. www.pernod-ricard.com