SULLIVANS COVE American Oak named Liquid Gold 

Sullivans Cove, Tasmania’s world leading luxury single malt whisky, has been awarded a coveted Liquid Gold award in Jim Murray’s 2015 Whisky Bible.

Sullivans Cove American Oak Cask HH0047 scored 95.5/100, the highest score ever achieved by an Australian whisky in this year’s bible. This is an exceptional achievement for the distillery’s American Oak variety after the French Oak was named the world’s best single malt in the 2014 World Whisky Awards in London and further cements Sullivans Cove place as one of the world’s leading distilleries.

Now in its 12^th year, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible aims to annually score every whisky available on the market. The book currently list 4,700 whiskies, each individually tasted, evaluated and rated by Murray, with the 2015 edition adding over 1,000 new whiskies to the list.

Chief distiller Patrick Maguire was delighted with the results: “This award is a fantastic recognition of the superior quality of our range and it is great to have the American Oak in the limelight after all the attention that the French Oak has been getting of late. This award is made so much more special by the fact that barrel HH0047 was the 47th cask that we ever made and it’s great to know that we got it right so early.”

Speaking on Sullivans Cove American Oak Cask HH0047, Murray noted: “…hard to imagine a malt whisky being more malt whiskier…few distilleries do weight on delivery better than this one…exemplary malt whisky: absolutely beautiful.”

This adds to Tasmanian whisky’s growing reputation for excellent whisky. In addition to Sullivans Cove, which was named the world’s best single malt whisky and has now won its fourth “Liquid Gold” award, Lark Distillery, Heartwood Distillers, Old Hobart Distillery and Nant Distillery have all achieve “Liquid Gold” status and  Jim Murray awards Liquid Gold status to whiskies that score 94/100 or higher in his Whisky Bible and these whiskies are considered to be the very finest currently available in the world.

About Sullivans Cove

Sullivans Cove is the leading Tasmanian whisky and was recently named the world’s best single malt whisky at the World Whiskies Awards in London. Our whisky is the quintessential small batch luxury whisky. Made by traditional methods using only Tasmanian ingredients, it is not chill filtered nor are any flavours or colours added. Each barrel is bottled individually to capture subtle variances that occur from barrel to barrel and the result is one of the best new whiskies on the market – inspired by nature and distilled with conviction.

Whisky Quarterly Magazine Launches

London, Thursday 15th January 2015 saw the launch of new luxury whisky publication, Whisky quarterly. The venue for the launch was the Church House, Westminster, a venue that played host to both houses of Parliament during World War II.

Whisky Quarterly is a new luxury quarterly whisky magazine for enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Whisky quarterly will concentrate on stories of the people who run distilleries and who work within the field, covering the rich heritage of the wonderful spirit and the luxury lifestyle that surrounds it. There will be a round-up of the best whiskies tasted by the editor and editorial team and a selection of best examples of current releases nominated by a guest commentator chosen from the world of whisky.

The magazine has a wealth of award winning and established spirits writers lined up to regularly contribute and will pride itself on sharing the opinions of leading whisky experts such as Charles MacLean, Dave Broom, Ian Buxton and Annabel Meikle but will also draw on new talent such as Alwynne Gwilt (Miss Whisky) who features in the first issue.

A lavish event for the launch party saw over 400 of great and the good of the drinks industry enjoying cocktails from expert mixologists Soulshakers and musical entertainment from Barley, Stills,  Mash and Tun – an industry super band formed of leaders in the spirits world, including Deputy Editor Neil Ridley, Sam Simmons, Global Brand Ambassador for The Balvenie, Dr. Nick Morgan from Diageo, Simon Roser, Simply Whisky and Rob Allanson, Grant Global Brand Ambassador and Cat Spencer from William Grant & Sons.

Edited by award-winning photographer and whisky writer, Colin Hampden-White, Whisky quarterly is owned by Polish businessman Krzysztof Maruszewski, CEO and owner of Stilnovisti, a publishing and investment company. Whisky quarterly is a subscription-only publication and cannot be found in any retail outlets. Whisky quarterly is a super-premium magazine with an elite circulation. Any enquiries should be made to: subscriptions@whiskyquarterly.com

For any further enquiries, high resolution images and interviews with Colin Hampden-White or Krzysztof Maruszewski, please contact Helen Chesshire helen@thechesshireset.com / 07794 279 293

www.whiskyquarterly.com

BALLANTINE’S AND GLOBALLY-RENOWNED  ‘GIF-ITI’ ARTIST INSA CREATE WORLD’S LARGEST ANIMATED GIF

One satellite in space, 57,515m2 to paint on the earth in Rio de Janeiro, and just four days…

View ‘Ballantine’s Presents INSA’s Space GIF-ITI’ by clicking here

A ‘making of’ detailing the behind the scenes story of the project can be viewed here

In late 2014, after nearly a year of planning, Ballantine’s – the world’s No.2 Scotch whisky – and globally-renowned ‘GIF-ITI’ artist INSA arrived in central Rio De Janeiro with a team of 20, to undertake a uniquely ambitious art project; to create the world’s largest animated GIF.

The results of this inimitable challenge feature in ‘Ballantine’s Presents INSA’s Space GIF-ITI’: a stunning three minute film which launches globally today.

The giant animated artwork – the most ambitious of its kind ever attempted – was painted on the ground in four stages over four days and measured a total of 57,515m2 (made up of four images measuring 14,379m2 each). Inspired by INSA’s iconic ‘Looking For Love…’ heart design, the huge paintings were each captured via a satellite orbiting 431 miles above the earth, and ultimately transformed by INSA into a moving piece of animated ‘GIF-ITI’.

‘INSA’s Space GIF-ITI’ is the third in a series of collaborations between Ballantine’s and unique talent from around the world who define Ballantine’s mantra of ‘Stay True’ and whose stories are showcased in unique films featuring projects inspired by their personal styles, talents and beliefs. Previous collaborators include leading African DJ and producer, Black Coffee (‘Human Orchestra’) and world champion freestyle skateboarder, Kilian Martin (‘Carmen’).

About INSA
INSA began his career as a graffiti writer and went on to become known for his unique patterns and motifs, which have since been displayed around the world, both at street level and in high profile exhibitions and media, including within London’s Victoria & Albert Museum and Tate Britain.

Staying True to his genesis as an artist but with a passion for experimentation and innovation, INSA is best known for creating ground-breaking ‘GIF-ITI’: amazing animations of his graffiti designs which culminate in looped GIFs – an innovative and labour-intensive process which requires him to repaint a design by hand many times, with each image changing slightly each time, before combining them to create a final GIF. His unique art has captivated audiences by creating something physical which paradoxically only exists online as a 600 pixel wide image.

How was it done?

The biggest technical challenge of the project was finding a satellite solution to capture a high altitude image, at a super high resolution. The answer came in the form of a collaboration with the commercial satellite division of Airbus, which gave Ballantine’s and INSA access to a pair of ‘Pleiades’ satellites which could be tasked with shooting a 100km square image, anywhere in the world, at a resolution of one pixel per 50cm2.

Location requirements were very specific; the team needed a vacant space of over 14,000m2, located somewhere with minimal risk of cloud cover. After months of searching, INSA finally settled upon Brazil, a country he’d drawn inspiration from for many of his designs, but had never previously worked in. A vacant parking lot in Rio de Janeiro’s “Marina Da Gloria” provided the perfect canvas for the project, with Rio’s climate offering the best chance of success.
On the conception of the project INSA says “The scale of this project is like no other; it’s been a dream of mine for years to create a piece of graffiti that can be seen from space, but working in synchronicity with the earth’s cycle to also create an animation is next level.”

Once the location had been identified, Airbus assisted with technical calculations to determine orbit and suitable dates for the project, establishing when the work needed to be undertaken in a single continuous period. The GIF was created by marking out the design using hundreds of metres of measured rope, a simple trundle wheel with spray cans attached, and a plethora of maths and geometry. The final work was made up of 20 hearts, each measuring 22m high by 24m wide.

INSA was then assisted by a crew of 15 local painters, who used household paint and rollers to lay down the design and template for the first layer. This stage alone took two days under the unrelenting Brazilian sun. With the satellites tasked to capture an image once a day for four days – without the option of rescheduling – the team had just 24 hours, or one revolution of the earth, until the satellite and painting were realigned for the next capture.

From there, INSA worked with the ultra-high definition satellite imagery in his London studio to build the film’s final animated GIF, which features at the end of the film.

INSA comments: “To me the GIF was made by the satellite, all I had to do was receive the images and overlay them, then set them to loop. What I love about producing my GIFs is the amount of effort – the scale and man power that has gone into this is huge – but ultimately it’s still just a 600 pixel wide GIF to be shared online. In terms of scale and for the way this project attempts to illustrate time, it’s everything I’ve ever wanted my art to be.”

Peter Moore, Ballantine’s Global Brand Director, says of the project: “INSA’s Space GIF-ITI’ is one of the most ambitious projects that Ballantine’s has ever undertaken, and is an inspiring showcase of what it means to ‘Stay True’ to yourself and to your passions. Working in a truly collaborative way with such an inspirational character and artist as INSA has allowed us to create a meaningful moment that we hope will excite and delight viewers around the world.”

The finished results can be seen in the film and a ‘making of’ detailing the behind the scenes story of the project at YouTube.com/Ballantines.

About Stay True Stories and StayTrueStories.com
Ballantine’s is engaged in a global journey to produce a series of films which feature personalities who serve as an embodiment of ‘Stay True, Leave an Impression’. ‘INSA’s Space GIF-ITI’ follows on from films including ‘Black Coffee’s Human Orchestra’, ‘Kilian Martin’s Carmen’, ‘Ben Mead’s Art of Drumming’ and ‘The Whale Song’. Further films are currently in production and will be released throughout 2015, with all content living online at www.staytruestories.com.

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No.1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the No.2 Scotch whisky in the world with the range selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for its outstanding quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, continuing the brand’s tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. In 2013, Ballantine’s continued its innovative approach by launching Ballantine’s Brasil, a spirit drink made from selectively cask steeping Scotch whisky with Brazilian lime peel.
www.ballantines.com

@Ballantines

Ballantine’s And Globally-Renowned ‘Gif-iti’ Artist INSA Create World’s Largest Animated Gif

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.2 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch. www.chivasbrothers.com

@ChivasNewsRoom

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

JAMESON KICK-STARTS 2015 ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS

WITH NEW LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE RELEASE 

Jameson, the world’s favourite Irish whiskey, has unveiled its fifth annual limited edition bottle as it gears up for St. Patrick’s Day 2015. Designed by award-winning, Dublin-based illustrator, Steve Simpson, the bottle forms the flagship of Jameson’s much-anticipated ‘Hello Dublin’ celebrations in Dublin and around the world this March.

Simpson’s innovative design captures the soul, warmth and wit of the city where Jameson was first crafted back in 1780, with captivating imagery of landmarks such as Trinity College and Clery’s clock. The artwork also features real Dubliner phrases on a map of roads to represent the lifeblood of the city: the people and their passion for Dublin. The designer’s story – ‘Wherever I roam, it’s Dublin my heart calls home’ – is a prominent personal touch, reinforcing the high regard in which the city is held.

The result is an iconic limited edition bottle with stand-out appeal that balances the confident, inclusive and contemporary personality of Jameson with its rich, Dublin heritage. The bottle will be sold in more than 30 markets, demonstrating the global popularity of Jameson with its St. Patrick’s Day campaign and its success in raising the momentum of Irish whiskey around the world.

Daniel Lundberg, Global Brand Director for Jameson, says: “Jameson is synonymous with its hometown of Dublin – both are steeped in heritage, have infectious, welcoming personalities and are leaders in contemporary craft, so this limited edition bottle is our way of paying homage to this great city.

“This year’s design successfully captures the synergy between Jameson and Dublin, giving consumers around the world the opportunity to enjoy an authentic St. Patrick’s Day experience wherever they are.”

The new limited edition bottle will be available from March 2015 in 33 markets around the world, including Russia, Australia and Brazil at the recommended selling price of €24 in travel retail (or market equivalent).

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers, John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the company decided to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork. Irish Distillers was bought by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 and today, Jameson is the No.1 Irish whiskey in the world, selling over 4 million 9L cases worldwide and contributing more than any other Irish whiskey brand to the phenomenal global growth of the category. Irish Distillers is committed to driving continued, sustainable growth of the Irish whiskey category.

Irish Distillers’ portfolio of whiskeys is comprised of Jameson, the world’s no.1 Irish whiskey; Paddy, which celebrated its centenary in 2013; Powers, the robust super premium whiskey for discerning drinkers; and the much-acclaimed brands that comprise the Irish Distillers’ Prestige Collection – the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton which includes the Spot range (Green Spot, Yellow Spot) and Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey brand – and the pinnacle of the Prestige Collection, Midleton Very Rare.

http://www.irishdistillers.ie/ 

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.

http://www.pernod-ricard.com/

The Whisky Shop Dufftown’s Great Speyside Bake Off

2015 is The Year of Food and Drink in Scotland and to celebrate pairing whisky and food The Whisky Shop Dufftown is running a competition to find the best Speyside whisky inspired Muffin or Cupcake. The final judging will take place during Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2015 at a tasting open to the public.

The many different Speyside whiskies have a tremendous range of flavours and pairing them with food is a true delight. It can emphasise flavours in the food or in the whisky. It can even bring out entirely new flavours as well. Home baking is again a focus for people so what better way to celebrate Scotland’s finest whiskies by letting them inspire you? The Muffin or Cupcake can either be created to pair with a specific Speyside dram, contain the whisky in the recipe or be inspired by Speyside’s finest in some other way. The whisky chosen should be readily available in the UK.

The best recipes selected by local whisky and food experts will be featured at a whisky tasting during Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2015 hosted by The Whisky Shop Dufftown where visitors to the festival will be able to choose the best combination. The creator of that combination will win 2 nights accommodation at the fabulous Dowans hotel in Aberlour, a special distillery tour and a voucher for The Oakwood Cookery School in Elgin.

Can you rise to the challenge? We don’t want any half-baked ideas. Be inspired!

To enter please supply a detailed recipe, a picture of your finished baking and a short piece on how you have been inspired (no more than 300 words). We would also love to see a video of you making your Muffin or Cupcake that we can use on Social Media. You do not have to be coming to Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2015 to enter

Entries to be received by no later than 31st March 2015 and should be sent by email to enquiries@whiskyshopdufftown.com.

Further information can be obtained by contacting The Whisky Shop Dufftown (enquiries@whiskyshopdufftown.com, 01340 821 097). Tickets for the tasting will go on sale on www.spiritofspeyside.com at 12 noon on 3 February 2015.

2015 is The Year of Food and Drink in Scotland and to celebrate pairing whisky and food The Whisky Shop Dufftown is running a competition to find the best Speyside whisky inspired Muffin or Cupcake. The final judging will take place during Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2015 at a tasting open to the public.

The many different Speyside whiskies have a tremendous range of flavours and pairing them with food is a true delight. It can emphasise flavours in the food or in the whisky. It can even bring out entirely new flavours as well. Home baking is again a focus for people so what better way to celebrate Scotland’s finest whiskies by letting them inspire you? The Muffin or Cupcake can either be created to pair with a specific Speyside dram, contain the whisky in the recipe or be inspired by Speyside’s finest in some other way. The whisky chosen should be readily available in the UK.

The best recipes selected by local whisky and food experts will be featured at a whisky tasting during Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2015 hosted by The Whisky Shop Dufftown where visitors to the festival will be able to choose the best combination. The creator of that combination will win 2 nights accommodation at the fabulous Dowans hotel in Aberlour, a special distillery tour and a voucher for The Oakwood Cookery School in Elgin.

Can you rise to the challenge? We don’t want any half-baked ideas. Be inspired!

To enter please supply a detailed recipe, a picture of your finished baking and a short piece on how you have been inspired (no more than 300 words). We would also love to see a video of you making your Muffin or Cupcake that we can use on Social Media. You do not have to be coming to Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2015 to enter

Entries to be received by no later than 31^st March 2015 and should be sent by email to enquiries@whiskyshopdufftown.com.

Further information can be obtained by contacting The Whisky Shop Dufftown (enquiries@whiskyshopdufftown.com, 01340 821 097). Tickets for the tasting will go on sale on www.spiritofspeyside.com at 12 noon on 3 February 2015.

A. SMITH BOWMAN DISTILLERY WELCOMES HOME

A NEW 500 Gallon STILL NAMED GEORGE

Two Minute Video Captures the Build from Start to Finish 

Fredericksburg, VIRGINIA (January 20, 2015) – A. Smith Bowman Distillery just welcomed home a brand new still, naming it George, after the father of the pioneering Bowman brothers. George, also known as still number 1965, found his place next to Mary, the existing whiskey still, on Thursday as the installation process began. Mary is named after Mary Hite Bowman, George’s wife, and the mother of the Bowman brothers.

Designed to create more than just whiskey, the new still was custom made, with unique features chosen by Master Distiller Brian Prewitt that allow him the freedom to explore his passion for creating new and exciting expressions. George also enables A. Smith Bowman to craft spirits from start to finish.

“We want to have the capability to try anything and everything, and with George, we should be able to do just that,” Prewitt said. “We’re excited to do some experimenting, try new things and continue to make great spirits here at A. Smith Bowman Distillery.”

George is a 500 gallon hybrid pot still with a reflux onion, optional gin basket, and attached columns with bubble cap trays. These features allow Prewitt to create many different flavor profiles and a variety of spirits including vodka, gin, and whiskey. Standing at 24 feet tall with a pot that is approximately 1,700 pounds, George will weigh nearly four tons when full.

While George allows the Distillery to pursue their passion for new expressions, current A. Smith Bowman spirits will continue to be crafted in their consistent method.

George arrived at the Distillery after making his journey from Vendome Copper and Brass Works in Louisville, Kentucky, where he was built. Though George is now fully assembled, final connections are still in process before his inaugural distillation run.  George is expected to be in full operation starting in March.

To see a 2 minute time lapse video of George being assembled click here.

About A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  In response to the rapid rise of taxes in Northern Virginia, the Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit http://www.asmithbowman.com/.

The Best Canadian Whisky of 2014

VICTORIA, Jan. 16, 2015 – The verdict is in. A whisky distilled more than two decades ago, then tucked away and forgotten, is the best Canadian whisky of 2014.  A jury of nine independent whisky experts named Collingwood 21 Year Old Rye the Canadian Whisky of the Year at the fifth annual Canadian Whisky Awards. They announced the results of this annual blind tasting competition Thursday evening, January 15, at the Victoria Whisky Festival in Victoria, B.C.

 Chairman of the judges, Davin de Kergommeaux, described Collingwood Rye as: “A Canadian whisky connoisseur’s dream come true.” Only fifty barrels of Collingwood 21 Year Old Rye were distilled at the Canadian Mist Distillery in Collingwood, Ontario. Canadian stocks are almost gone, though limited quantities are still available from select U.S. liquor stores.

Other top winners include Lot No. 40, Canadian Club Chairman’s Select 100% Rye, Forty Creek Double Barrel Reserve, Masterson’s 10-Year-Old Rye, and Crown Royal Monarch. Forty Creek distillery’s John Hall received a lifetime achievement award.

“Interest in Canadian whisky continues to grow and Canada’s whisky makers have responded with a wealth of new high-end whiskies,” said de Kergommeaux as he revealed the winners. “For the first time a major legacy brand, Canadian Club, has released 100% rye grain whisky as a core offering. Canada’s best-selling whisky, Crown Royal, became the first major brand to release high-proof single barrel whisky, and Collingwood bottled long-aged rye whisky. Overall, distillers have released more small batch and top-end deluxe whiskies than ever before.”

Sales of flavored whisky also remain strong with Forty Creek, Centennial, and Sortilège making strong gains.

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

Notes:

About the Canadian Whisky Awards

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

JAMESON UNVEILS NEW ANNUAL PACKAGING RELEASE

Jameson, the world’s favourite Irish whiskey, has unveiled the Good Workers, Great Whiskey limited edition carton; a new, annual series of packaging innovations celebrating the rich heritage of Jameson to help ensure maximum stand-out shelf appeal for the brand.

The Good Workers, Great Whiskey carton celebrates the craftspeople at the Midleton Distillery and the key elements of the Jameson production process through an eye-catching, illustrated style with the use of textured paper. The depiction of the Jameson Barrel Man, which appears on every bottle of Jameson and portrays the distillery’s workers, sits alongside iconography representing Jameson’s use of locally sourced barley, triple distillation method and maturation processes, which have come together to craft Jameson’s world-renowned, smooth taste profile since 1780.

Each addition to the collection will tell a different story inspired by Jameson’s centuries old whiskey making process and the people that make it possible, “the Barrelmen”, offering a unique in-hand, storytelling experience for consumers. The series is the latest piece of innovative marketing from Jameson as it aims to appeal to adventurous spirits drinkers, who are increasingly thirsty for knowledge about the craftsmanship, heritage and provenance of premium spirits.

POS collateral has also been developed to create theatre in store, including decoration for gondola ends and pallet displays, depicting graphic barrels and a distillery worker carrying a barrel inscribed with the slogan ‘Not a drop is sold until its liquid gold’.

Daniel Lundberg, Global Brand Director for Jameson Irish Whiskey, comments: “Jameson represents the benchmark for quality and consistency in the Irish Whiskey category; a vision that was laid down by John Jameson and realised to this day by the hard work, dedication and passion of the generations of workers at Jameson’s Bow St and Midleton Distilleries.

“Innovation remains at the core of all Jameson’s award-winning marketing activity and the Good Workers, Great Whiskey limited edition carton follows suit by marrying together the stories of our distillery workers and  production techniques through a modern, contemporary design.

The Good Workers, Great Whiskey limited edition bottle is available now in a number of markets worldwide. 

Notes

About Irish Distillers

Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers, John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the company decided to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork. Irish Distillers was bought by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 and today, Jameson is the No.1 Irish whiskey in the world, selling over 4 million 9L cases worldwide and contributing more than any other Irish whiskey brand to the phenomenal global growth of the category. Irish Distillers is committed to driving continued, sustainable growth of the Irish whiskey category.

Irish Distillers’ portfolio of whiskeys is comprised of Jameson, the world’s no.1 Irish whiskey; Irish favourite Paddy; Powers, the robust super premium whiskey for discerning drinkers; and the much-acclaimed brands that comprise the Irish Distillers’ Prestige Collection – the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton which includes the Spot range (Green Spot, Yellow Spot) and Redbreast, Ireland’s most awarded single pot still whiskey brand – and the pinnacle of the Prestige Collection, Midleton Very Rare.

http://www.irishdistillers.ie/

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.

http://www.pernod-ricard.com/

Beside the popular whisky sailing journeys along the Westcoast of Scotland the Thalassa will sail a most unique whisky expedition in 2015, starting from the rugged Westcoast, passing by the Northern treasures of Scotland and ending at the more quiet Eastcoast.

Decide to join our newest whisky expedition and visit within one week not only the West of Scotland (Islay), but also the beautiful North(Skye and Orkney) to end this spectacular holiday at the Eastcoast, Buckie. A journey that cannot be made with regular means of transportation is within reach by ship for you.

A rather unique combination of pure sailing pleasure with the most famous whisky distilleries of Scotland, this can only happen on board of tall ship Thalassa!

Would you like to experience such a special adventure in 2015? Take your chances and make your reservation inmediately!

Read more…

Program and prices whisky expedition

Start: Saturday 6th of June 2015 in TROON

End: Saturday 13th of June 2015 in BUCKIE

Price: € 995,- per person

The whisky expedition includes:

– 7 overnight stays on board in a double cabin, each with its own shower;

– all meals during the journey (breakfast, lunch and dinner);

– drinks during the meals (coffee. tea, milk and water) and

– 2 whiskytastings on board, presented by whisky experts.

Not included are alcoholic beverages (whisky, wine and beer), soft drinks, the entrance tickets to the whisky distilleries or attractions ashore. Also you are responsible for arranging your means of transportation to and back from Scotland, these costs are not included in the price for this whisky expedition.

Sailing schedule whisky expedition

The journey starts in Troon, on the Westcoast of Scotland and ends in Buckie, at the Eastern coast of Scotland.

Day 1: Embarkation in Troon, leave for Islay

Day 2: Port Ellen, visit numerous distilleries, at evening head towards Bunnahabhain

Day 3: Visit distillery of Bunnahabhain, leave North to Skye

Day 4: Visit Tallisker distillery, sail towards Orkney

Day 5: Prolong journey to Okrney, sleep over in Stromness

Day 6: Orkney, visit distilleries of Highland Park and Scapa

Day 7: Sail to Buckie

Day 8: Disembarkation in Buckie

NB: The definite sailing route depends on wind and weather conditions. Because of thisthe ship’s captain has the right to change this schedule if necessary. 

The ship

During the trip the guests are facilitated on board of tall ship Thalassa in one of the 15 high quality double cabins, each with a private shower.

With her 14 sails , altogether 800 square metres, tall ship Thalassa makes an ipressive appearance. Rigges according to century-old traditions and equipped according to the latest security regulations , tall ship Thalassa is extremely safe and seaworthy.

Information and online booking

More information about this whisky expedition can be found on our special website http://www.whiskyzeilreizen.nl/index_uk.php. For further questions  please contact us by email or phone: +31 – (0)10 – 4156600. Click here to book this journey online.

Welcome on board!

HOLLANDS GLORIE

Liesbeth Wammes – de Graaf

Brigitte Beckers

Scotland’s Favourite Son

Affectionately known as ‘Scotland’s favourite son’ or ‘the Bard of Ayrshire’, the romantic poet and lyricist Robert Burns is responsible for some of Scotland’s most enduring verse and ballads. Although he died in 1796, Burns’ work with its messages of love, freedom and humanity remains as relevant now as during his lifetime. Uncover the origins of Burns Night, and how this humble famer’s son rose to such prominence in our article.

Since they began in the eighteenth century, Burns Nights have featured the Bard’s stirring prose, fine haggis and an exceptional single malt. While these remain vital elements to any evening, we’ve refined what makes Burns Night unmissible here at The Glenlivet and we’ll share the elements with you. If you want to enjoy an unforgettable Burns Night The Glenlivet way, simply follow our guide.

It doesn’t matter whether you celebrate Burns Night with friends or alone, during bleak Scottish winter or in Taiwanese sun so long as you celebrate it. Simply recite the Bard’s inspiring verse and raise a glass of your favourite single malt on 25th January. We can’t think of a better toast for The Glenlivet.

Discover Burns Night, The Glenlivet way