THE GLENLIVET UNVEILS PEAT-INFLUENCED EXPRESSION FOR THE INNOVATIVE NÀDURRA RANGE

The Glenlivet has launched a third expression for its celebrated Nàdurra range, as it continues to honour the historic traditions of making single malt whisky through new and innovative cask finishes. The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish is the first release to have a subtle, smoky taste profile, having been finished in American oak casks that have previously held heavily-peated Scotch whisky.

Bottled at 61.5% ABV cask strength, The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish is inspired by the authentic production processes used at The Glenlivet Distillery by its founder, George Smith, who originally used peat smoke to dry the malted barley. Finished in peated casks, the classic, smooth and fruity house style that has made the range so famous has been enriched with gentle, aromatic smoky notes, to offer a brand new The Glenlivet experience to whisky enthusiasts. The expression will also be available in Global Travel Retail at 48% ABV.

Available in nine domestic markets, including USA and France, and Global Travel Retail from October 2015 at US$89 (or local equivalent), the release follows the launch of The Glenlivet Nàdurra Oloroso and The Glenlivet Nàdurra First Fill Selection in 2014. The Glenlivet craftsmen individually nosed each cask to ensure the perfect balance between fruit and smoke in the whisky, which has been bottled in small batches with no chill-filtration to offer the complexity, full body and distinctively creamy texture of a whisky that has just been drawn from the cask.

Alan Winchester, Master Distiller at The Glenlivet, comments: “I’m delighted to present the purest expression of The Glenlivet, which pays homage to the distillery’s legendary past. Nàdurra captures the original passion behind George Smith’s distillery, which inspires us to create new flavour journeys for consumers so his spirit remains alive today. The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish demonstrates this beautifully, with its warming mouthfeel, swirls of vanilla cream and subtle traces of tangy smoke, and I hope that whisky enthusiasts now and in the future enjoy this rare taste that echoes of the past.”

Nikki Burgess, Global Brand Director for The Glenlivet, added: “Interest among whisky fans for new, original and well-made single malt Scotch has continued to grow in recent years, and we at The Glenlivet are proud to have set the benchmark for quality and innovation. The Glenlivet Nàdurra range has enjoyed a cult following due to its rich craftsmanship story and commitment to traditional 19th Century production methods, and with releases such as The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish we hope to inspire more and more increasingly discerning drinkers to learn about the craftsmanship, provenance and heritage of ‘the single malt that’s started it all’.”

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish is presented in refreshed packaging, first introduced in April 2014, which emphasises the artisanal nature of the range. The design includes a prominent batch number, cask-like stamps and a more visible translation of the Gaelic word, Nàdurra – meaning natural – to illustrate the essence of the brand.

NOTES

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish Cask Strength (61.5% ABV) tasting notes:
Colour: Amber gold
Nose: A burst of soft red apples, citrus zest and aromatic smoke
Palate: Rich tangy marmalade, creamy vanilla toffee and a distinct toasted smokiness
Finish: Complex, lengthy and spicy, with layers of subtle smoke

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Peated Whisky Cask Finish (48% ABV) tasting notes:
Colour: Amber gold
Nose: A perfect balance of fresh, ripe orchard fruit, sweet vanilla cream and delicate wood smoke
Palate: Notes of rich honey and subtle vanilla, with a sweet, tangy smokiness
Finish: Long and developed, with vibrant notes of fresh fruit and spicy smoke

About The Glenlivet
Created by George Smith in 1824, The Glenlivet is the original single malt Scotch whisky, renowned for its smooth and fruity flavour profile. Today, The Glenlivet is the No.1 single malt Scotch whisky in the world including in the USA, the world’s largest malt whisky market. The Glenlivet is also the biggest contributor to the volume growth of the single malt category worldwide, adding more than any other single malt whisky brand over the last five years. As the single malt that started it all, The Glenlivet is committed to continuing its legacy for crafting single malt whiskies of outstanding quality and has led innovation within single malt in recent years. Standout initiatives include the release of The Glenlivet Alpha, a mystery single malt, and the creation of The Guardians of The Glenlivet, an online hub for fans to engage with the brand and each other.  www.theglenlivet.com

@TheGlenlivet

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

@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

New York City, October 1^st, 2015; Dr. Jim Beveridge, an analytical chemist and world-famous Scotch whisky blender, has today been announced as a new member of The Explorers Club.

Dr. Beveridge has been recognised for his unique accomplishments in the field of scientific research in analytical chemistry on a worldwide scale. His contributions have led to the advancement of our understanding of the impact of nano-quantities of organics upon taste.

He joins with other members of the renowned club who have conducted groundbreaking research in a wide variety of disciplines, leaders who have travelled far afield, returning to bring new knowledge of many unique interests to the world.

Membership of The Explorers Club places Dr. Beveridge among the most famous and recognised explorers and research scientists of our time. The Club’s members include those who were first to the Moon, first to the North Pole, first to the South Pole, first to the summit of Mt. Everest and first to the deepest points of the Ocean.

His membership was announced as Johnnie Walker^®, the number one Scotch whisky in the world^[1], launched a new campaign entitled Joy Will Take You Further, celebrating the fact that happiness actually helps people achieve success.

Dr. Beveridge the Master Blender for Johnnie Walker, said, while visiting The Explorers Club: “It’s a privilege to be accepted as a member of this amazing club. For almost two centuries the blenders of Johnnie Walker have been restless people who have never liked to stand still. They have always been on the move – taking their whiskies to every corner of the world and learning lessons from every country they visited.

“Importantly, I know that each and every one of us who has been fortunate enough to work on this great whisky has truly loved the steps we’ve taken. I’m following in some big footsteps and I’m privileged to genuinely be standing on the shoulders of giants as a blender and, now, with fellow explorers.”

During his trip to New York, Dr. Beveridge hosted tours of a spectacular pop-up immersive ‘Blenders’ Rooms’ experience in the historic The Explorers Club headquarters for guests.

The ‘Blenders’ Rooms’ pop-up captured the spirit of Dr. Beveridge’s day-to-day working environment in Scotland and is the first of its kind to be presented outside of the United Kingdom. It featured installations that helped him bring to life and tell the story of the unrivalled 8 million casks of whisky that he works with; the science behind the distinctive flavour profiles of Johnnie Walker; and the innovation which continues to drive the brand forward.

Among the guests at the event were Will Roseman, Executive Director and Ted Janulis, President of The Explorers Club, and Brian Cox, Director, Scotch whisky North America at Diageo.

Mr Roseman said: “The Explorers Club is pleased to welcome Johnnie Walker to its worldwide headquarters and to have among its newest members, Dr. Jim Beveridge, recognised for his extraordinary accomplishments as a renowned analytical chemist.”

Cox said: “As we launch our new Joy Will Take You Further campaign, it is incredibly fitting that we are able to hold this event here in The Explorers Club. For over a century, members of The Explorers Club have lived out the conviction that lies at the very heart of our campaign, they have been people who have enjoyed the journey as much as the destination.”

#JoyWillTakeYouFurther

Notes

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

B-roll footage of Dr. Jim Beveridge at The Explorers Club in New York can be downloaded here

Photo captions: 

• Will Roseman, Executive Director of The Explorers Club welcomes new member Dr Jim Beveridge, Johnnie Walker Master Blender

• Dr Beveridge, Johnnie Walker Master Blender with The Explorers Club fellow, adventurer, photographer, author and television host, Josh Bernstein

• Dr Beveridge has been recognised for his unique accomplishments in scientific research in analytical chemistry and is pictured with Will Roseman, Executive Director of The Explorers Club

• Membership places Dr Beveridge among the most famous explorers and research scientists of our time 

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 http://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, BLENDERS’ ROOMS, JOYNOMICS and JOY WILL TAKE YOU FURTHER words, the Striding Figure device and associated logos are trademarks © John Walker & Sons 2015. 

About The Explorers Club

The Explorers Club was founded in New York City 1904 by a group of the world’s leading explorers of the time. It is a multidisciplinary, not for profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to scientific exploration of land, sea, air, and space by supporting research and education in the physical, natural and biological sciences. The Club’s members have been responsible for an illustrious series of famous firsts: First to the North Pole, first to the South Pole, first to the summit of Mount Everest, first to the deepest point in the ocean, and first to the surface of the moon. With 3,000 members worldwide, the organization is headquartered at 46 East 70th Street, New York, N.Y. 10021. For more information about The Explorers Club, its history, and its mission, find out more at: http://www.explorers.org/

Under a licensing agreement between Diageo and The Explorers Club, each purchase from the Johnnie Walker® Explorers’ Club Collection^TM – a series of blended whiskies sold exclusively in global duty free outlets – helps to support the work of The Explorers Club.

THE EXPLORERS CLUB, THE EXPLORERS CLUB FLAG and associated logos are trade marks of The Explorers Club, a global non-profit organisation headquartered in New York City.

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

CHIVAS REGAL LAUNCHES CHIVAS 18 ULTIMATE CASK COLLECTION EXCLUSIVE TO TRAVEL RETAIL

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury Scotch whisky, has launched the Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection, a limited edition series that reinterprets the brand’s celebrated Chivas 18 expression. The Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish will introduce the series, and is available exclusively in travel retail from this month.

Each limited edition ultra-premium whisky will be finished in varying types of casks to magnify a selection of the 85 flavour notes of the original Chivas 18. For the first limited edition release, Chivas 18 has been gently rested for a period of time in first fill American Oak casks, giving the expression more indulgent vanilla and caramel notes with a deep golden hue. Preserving all the essence of its rich taste, Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish has been non-chill filtered.

Matching the ultra-premium nature of the liquid, each whisky is presented in luxurious packaging, textured in deep, dark Chivas 18 blue and embossed with Chivas design motifs. In a design nod to the golden hue of the whisky, a golden ribbon adorns the front of the box, embossed with the respective name of each expression in the Ultimate Cask Collection series.

Colin Scott, Chivas Regal Master Blender, comments: “For the first edition of the Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection we wanted to create a unique blend that accentuates the most iconic notes of Chivas Regal 18 Year Old, through a special finish in hand-selected First Fill American Oak casks. Designed for the sophisticated palate, the whisky provides a truly balanced taste and a velvet smooth finish.”

Richard Black, Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, comments: “The Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection First Fill American Oak Finish presents an exciting opportunity for ultra-premium whisky drinkers to explore further tasting experiences from an iconic and well-loved brand. The collection taps into the increasing demand from travellers looking for unique products that can be offered as a luxury gift or shared back home during special moments and will be an exclusive addition to retail channels in airports around the world.”

The Chivas 18 Ultimate Cask Collection is bottled at 48% ABV and exclusively available in global travel retail at a RRP of $126 USD 1ltr. The first launch will be followed by two further expressions, to be released every 18 months.

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 its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.6 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With brotherhood, generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity are at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Live with Chivalry campaign in 2008, which aims to inspire 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, a new blend with a unique richness derived from selective maturation in rare ex-sherry casks. 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 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 @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

Brown-Forman Breaks Ground on New $50 Million Slane Distillery at Ireland’s Historic Slane Castle

New Irish whiskey venture marks company’s first Irish whiskey distillery

Louisville, KY – September 29, 2015 – Brown-Forman Corporation held its official ground breaking ceremony today for Slane Distillery, the company’s initial entry into distilling Irish whiskey. Slane Distillery is also the first distillery built by Brown-Forman outside of the United States. The U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Kevin O’Malley, joined representatives from Brown-Forman and Slane Castle for the distillery’s official construction kick-off.

Slane Distillery, which will also include a visitor experience, is planned to open in late 2016. The new distillery will create nearly 25 new full-time jobs while the construction process will support approximately 80 jobs. The distillery is being built in the grounds of Slane Castle which is located in the middle of a 1,500 acre estate in the heart of Ireland’s Boyne Valley, 30 miles north of Dublin. Slane Castle is the home of Henry Conyngham, the eighth Marquess Conyngham, and his son, Alex Conyngham, the Earl of Mount Charles, whose family has been part of the Slane community for generations.

“Brown-Forman brands are founded on heritage, quality and authenticity, and there is nowhere as real as this beautiful and historic part of Ireland,” said Lawson Whiting, Brown-Forman Brown-Forman executive vice president and chief brands & strategy officer. “We will leverage our wood and whiskey making prowess to create world class whiskey at Slane Distillery.”

Ambassador O’Malley signed the first cask that will be filled with whiskey from the distillery. He was joined by Whiting as well as Brooke Brown Barzun, fifth generation family shareholder of Brown-Forman, and Henry and Alex Conyngham of Slane.

The distillery and visitor center, which is in the historic stables complex adjacent to Slane Castle, will involve the 18^th century buildings being restored and converted to house both the production operations and the consumer experience. The first Slane Irish whiskeys will be launched to market in early 2017 – initially using high quality whiskey purchased from other Irish distilleries and finished to Slane’s exacting recipes and specifications while the first whiskey from the distillery is laid down to mature.  Upon completion it will have a potential output of more than 600,000 cases.

“Whiskey by its nature requires a long-term approach, and we look forward to bringing people on a journey of discovery with us,” said Alex Conyngham.  “We will offer a range of blended, pot still and single grain Irish whiskeys in the premium and super premium segments. Visitors will be able to come here and literally see where the grain is growing and how we are producing it with care.”

“This is a great coming together of two historic families – the Browns of Kentucky and the Conynghams of Slane.  We are very proud to join forces to bring exciting new Irish whiskeys to the world. The commencement of work on the distillery is just a first step in developing a new Irish whiskey brand and welcoming guests to the new distillery,” said Henry Conyngham. 

For more information about Slane Distillery and Slane Irish Whiskey, please visit http://www.slaneirishwhiskey.com/. Follow the progress of Slane Distillery at www.facebook.com/slanewhiskey, via Twitter @SlaneWhiskey and via Instagram @SlaneWhiskey.

For more than 140 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Jack Daniel’s & Cola, Canadian Mist, Korbel, Gentleman Jack, el Jimador, Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, New Mix, Tuaca, and Woodford Reserve. Brown-Forman’s brands are supported by nearly 4,200 employees and sold in approximately 160 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit http://www.brown-forman.com/.

FIRST EVER PORT FINISHED BOURBON FROM 1792 

Second in series of limited edition bourbons from Barton 1792 Distillery 

            BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (Sept. 29, 2015) – Barton 1792 Distillery has unveiled a second new expression in its collection of premium 1792 whiskeys, 1792 Port Finish Bourbon. Similar to the inaugural 1792 expression released earlier this year, 1792 Sweet Wheat Bourbon, availability of this special expression will be quite limited.

            Produced using a painstaking process, 1792 Port Finish Bourbon marries expertly crafted bourbon whiskey with the sweet flavor profile from port wine barrels. This bourbon was aged for six years in new American white oak barrels before spending another two years maturing inside  used port wine barrels, extracting the subtle yet sweet flavors distinct to port wine. The rich vanilla characters of American white oak mingle with the delicate fruit notes of port to create a magnificent whiskey with rich character and full flavor.

Ken Pierce, director of distillation and quality assurance, describes the new bourbon as having “A rich aroma of apple and fruit mingling with noticeable vanilla. The taste is soft, yet balanced. Filled with toasted caramel, jam-like fruit, and a touch of licorice. A clean, somewhat lingering finish completes the taste.”

1792 Port Finish Bourbon is bottled at 88.9 proof. Bottles are expected to hit stores sometime in October at the suggested retail price of $39.99.  1792 Port Finish Small Batch Bourbon was aged a total eight years. Although this is the first and only batch of 1792 Port Finish Bourbon, the distillery is considering making more. Furthermore, 1792 Distillery plans to release more new and different 1792 expressions over the next few years.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands.  Barton Brands has facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent gold medal winner at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. To learn more visit http://www.1792bourbon.com/.

NEW WHISKY WEBSITE IS DRAM GOOD! 

It has taken a while but at last http://www.whiskytours.scot/  has arrived in its new format. This eagerly awaited website is now live and ready to view.

It contains details of how you can tour Scotland’s whisky distilleries, another addition to the whisky industry.

Bespoke tours are the main priority, sample tours and an outstanding new Spirit of Speyside  tour for 2016 have just been announced.

It is thought this 2016 tour will be a quick sellout – just as their Viking Raid to Orkney was earlier this year (it sold out in 60 seconds).

With viewing available via all social media platforms, if you love Scotch whisky – this is the website for you.

It will be developed continuously over the coming months.

Should you wish to receive whisky emails from them from time to time, they ask you to email them with your acceptance info@whiskytours.scot

Whisky tours are arranged and run by http://www.mcleanscotland.com/  who also have http://www.angelswhiskyclub.com/  Both of these will also enjoy brand new websites soon.

With over 20 years in the travel industry you can be sure they will give you a Dram Good Tour, dramatic and dramtastic have both been used to compliment their tours!

Why .scot?  It gives Scots the opportunity to clearly identify themselves as Scottish.   .scot  domains are for people and groups who: Contribute to Scottish social, cultural, business or academic life. Explore Scottish heritage. Scotland is their home

There are between 40 and 50 million people with Scottish connections worldwide and .scot gives them a tool for identification.

For more detailed information requests use the website contact page, or direct via  info@whiskytours.scot   and http://www.whiskytours.scot/

SHOWING SCOTLAND TO THE WORLD

Yanks a million – Americans outnumber other international visitors for first time ever at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

A record number of American whisky lovers flocked to this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, with people from the United States outnumbering other international visitors for the first time in the event’s history.

An independent report also shows visitors to the popular annual festival – held in the spiritual home of Scotland’s malt whisky industry each May Bank Holiday weekend and recognised as being one of the leading events of its kind in the world – stayed for a longer period of time in the local area than in previous years.

The report highlights that the number of people staying for all five nights of the festival increased by 32% compared to 2014, while overnight visitors increased to 79% – a rise of 9% on last year’s figures.

And the Festival also produced a spin-off for other parts of Scotland. The economic impact assessment highlights that 40% of festival of all visitors stayed 6.2 nights on average, taking the opportunity to visit other parts of Scotland while travelling to and from the event.

Details of the report have been released as Festival organisers start to ramp up their plans for the 2016 edition, which takes place from April 28 to May 2. Tickets do not go on sale until early next year, but organisers say that many local accommodation providers expect to be very busy again.

James Campbell, chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, says, “While we are delighted to continue to attract visitors from all around the world to Speyside, we are particularly pleased to see the Festival becoming such a draw for the USA, highlighting the event’s growing appeal among a global audience.

“The USA has become a key market for us and the fact that so many people are willing to travel such great distances to experience our unique offering speaks volumes for the hard work put in by everyone involved with the Festival.  The region is already on the map because of its whisky; now we are spreading the word across the globe that Speyside offers visitors the warmest of welcomes and a first-class experience.

“The findings of the economic impact assessment make for positive reading and are a great credit to our partners, businesses and communities in Speyside. The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is increasingly being recognised as one of the best events of its kind anywhere in the world and the feedback we have received from so many visitors has been overwhelming, with a large percentage already planning their return trip for 2016.”

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has been running for almost two decades and has grown over the years to include a huge number of partners and event providers. Visitors can choose from a packed programme of events encompassing everything from whisky tasting and distillery tours, food events, music, comedy and cultural heritage.

The independent economic impact assessment, conducted by Bellerby Economics, also found that visitors’ overall experience of visiting the event was rated 89% for very good, and 11% for good. The positivity rating given to the area’s bars, other entertainment and shopping had risen to 97% this year from just over 80% in 2012, with accommodation and restaurants also scoring highly.

Over 400 events were held this year in venues across Speyside, attracting 26,389 people from a record 34 different countries. International visitors represented 49% of all festival attendees with people travelling from European countries including Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands and even from as far afield as Australia, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, Kazakhstan, and Qatar.

The overall amount spent locally on Speyside during the 2015 festival was calculated at £1.36m, and for Scotland as a whole the amount was £1.58m. The separate industry standard measurement of the Gross Value Added (GVA) – which calculates the knock-on impact of the visitor spend in the weeks and months following the Festival – amounted to £0.64 million for Speyside and £0.85 million Scotland wide.

The return on investment on public sector funding amounted to £45 for every pound invested for Speyside and £52 for every pound invested on a Scotland-wide basis. Ticket sales were up on previous years, with many events sold out within a matter of hours of going live on the Festival website.

Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland Chief Executive, says, “Whisky is one of Scotland’s most valuable commodities and The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is a must for anyone looking to experience an authentic Scottish dram. To hear that the Festival has widened its international appeal and visitors are staying for longer is fantastic news and testament to the hard work and dedication of organisers in creating an unmissable and entertaining event programme. A rise in visitors from Scotland’s most important overseas market, America, is hugely welcome and fits perfectly with tourism trends we are seeing across the entire country.

“Food and drink tourism contributes tens of millions of pounds to the local economy, creates jobs and sustains communities. The Year of Food and Drink has helped put Scotland’s famous culinary delights on the map and events, like the Spirit of Speyside, have been a key part of that. I’m sure that as we move towards next year and beyond, the legacy of 2015 and the success of this year’s Festival will inspire even more visitors to come and sample our national tipple.”

In August, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival was selected as one of the top 12 Best Drinking Festivals in the World by US-based entertainments website, The Richest (http://bit.ly/1VRhLxv)

The 2016 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival – and its traditional musical arm the Spirit of Speyside Sessions – takes place from April 28 to May 2. For further information about the event visit http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/ with tickets on sale from January 2015.  The Festival is also active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter.

Picture caption: There’s whisky galore at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which next takes place in Scotland’s most prolific whisky producing region from April 28 to May 2, 2016.

Notes

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival runs from Thursday, April 28 to Monday, May 2.

Check out http://www.spiritofspeyside.com/ for up-to-date news and follow the Festival at www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival  or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside

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

Year of Food and Drink 2015

The Year of Food and Drink Scotland will start on 1 January 2015 and end on 31 December 2015. 2015 will build on the momentum generated by Homecoming Scotland 2014 by celebrating the role that food and drink plays in shaping our economic success. Through a series of exciting events and activities, the year will showcase Scotland’s outstanding natural larder and our reputation as a Land of Food and Drink.

The Year of Food and Drink Scotland 2015 is a Scottish Government initiative being delivered by VisitScotland and EventScotland in partnership with Scotland Food & Drink, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Tourism Alliance, Scottish Agricultural College and Young Scot.

THREE SHIPS WHISKY LAUNCHES NEW LOOK 

The proudly South African and award-winning Three Ships whisky has introduced a new label design and bottle shape for its range, available country wide from mid-October.

Marketing manager, Liezl Dippenaar, said, “The new packaging enriches the iconic visual cues of the brand and gives a greater prominence on shelf due to its fresh and contemporary design. Our aim was to add a more modern and premium look to our brand without compromising on our proud heritage.”

It’s been almost four decades since the first Three Ships whisky was launched and the years since have been filled with many milestones and achievements for the brand, including World’s Best Blended Whisky award at the 2012 World Whisky Awards as well as gold and double gold at all the major international whisky competitions.

Dippenaar says extensive research went into the bottle design which now features more prominent and distinctive lines and curves. “Bold and dynamic elements such as the masculine shoulders, thicker glass base and new label shape all blend seamlessly with the iconic Three Ships illustration, the rope detail in the logo lock-up and embossing which allows for easier handling and a perfect pour.”

Distilling Sunshine 

Three mighty copper pot stills, Fionn, Oisin and Setanta, have started to distil on the Dundalk site.  These stills have a capacity to make 18 million bottles of whiskey a year.  They will make a full range of single malt, peated malt and pot still whiskeys.  This is the second distillery on the former Harp Brewery site.  The columns have been producing grain whiskey for the past month.  The total capacity of the two distilleries is 50 million bottles a year.

Both distilleries will supply “New Fill” to distillers in the rapidly growing Irish whiskey category as well as making whiskey for their own use.  Great Northern Distillery (GND) owns the famous “Burkes” and “Skylark” brands.

GND is owned by the Teeling family, Jim Finn and David Hynes.

www.gndireland.com

2016 WHISKYFEST TICKETS GO ON SALE OCTOBER 8TH

Dates for WhiskyFest 2016’s four cities:

Washington DC — Wednesday, March 2

Chicago — Friday, March 18

San Francisco — Friday, September 23

New York — Tuesday, November 1

Mark your calendars!

For more details about WhiskyFest, visit www.whiskyfest.com