Heaven Hill Brands Elevates Lynn House to National Brand Educator

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands has promoted Lynn House to the role of National Brand Educator. In her new role, Ms. House will be responsible for on-premise support, training and mentoring with a primary emphasis on Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur and PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur. For two years, Lynn has served as the PAMA Liqueur Brand Ambassador for Heaven Hill Brands. In that role, she worked nationally to support the on-premise brand objectives through marketing and sales support.

Prior to joining Heaven Hill, Lynn served as Chief Mixologist and Beverage Director at Blackbird Restaurant in Chicago. At Blackbird, she organically developed the first mixology program for the James Beard Award culinary nominee. Previous experience in her 25 years in hospitality includes Chief Mixologist/Beverage Director at Michelin two star restaurant Graham Elliot. She is, also, the original Master Bartender at The Drawing Room and was named one of the 2011’s Top 20 Most Fabulous Bartenders in the World by Gary Regan.

“Lynn is a talented bartender whose experience and credibility have benefited PAMA Liqueur and Heaven Hill Brands tremendously,” said Kate S. Latts, Vice President of Marketing. “Based on her success with PAMA, she was a natural fit to support the newly-acquired Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur. We are excited to have her passion and creativity guiding these important on-premise efforts.”

The National Brand Educator is a newly established position for Heaven Hill supporting all forms of on-premise efforts including National Accounts, distributor efforts and national events.

About Heaven Hill Brands: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons, Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

THE BENRIACH DISTILLERY COMPANY WINS AWARD AND 11 MEDALS AT 2014 “MALT MANIACS” COMPETITION

A 29 year-old BenRiach single malt has been voted “Best Peated Whisky” in the Ultra Premium category of the 2014 Malt Maniacs Awards. 

In addition, the BenRiach Distillery Company won a further two silver and eight bronze medals at the annual awards which over the years have evolved into one of the most influential and independent whisky competitions in the annual whisky calendar.

Distilled in Elgin in 1984 and bottled in July 2014 at 50.3% vol, the 29 years old BenRiach Peated Tawny Port Finish from cask no. 4051 was released in August as part of the award-winning distillery’s eleventh batch of single cask bottlings, with just 269 bottles produced.

And the effects of the second period of maturation in a Tawny Port Hogshead are sensational, as Master Distiller Billy Walker’s tasting notes show.

COLOUR: Deep crimson velvet.

NOSE: Sweet wild strawberries and dark blackcurrants infused with gentle charcoal smoke, delicate garden herbs and distant hints of mint.

PALATE: A mouth-watering explosion of burning hillside heather smoke merges with sharp cranberry and wild meadow honey. Earthy and grassy peat lingers satisfyingly on the long palate.

The annual Malt Maniacs competition has three categories – Daily Drams, Premium Whiskies and Ultra Premium Whiskies – and within each category it offers five awards, including Best Peated Whisky. The judges also acknowledge quality whiskies by awarding gold, silver and bronze medals.

The silver medals are:

BenRiach 1984, cask # 4051, 29 Years Old, Peated, Tawny Port Finish, Batch 11

GlenDronach 1993, cask # 475, 21 Years Old, Customer Exclusive

GlenDronach 1995, cask # 1563, 19 Years Old, Customer Exclusive

It also scooped eight bronze medals for all three of its brands – BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh:

GlenDronach 18 Years Old Allardice

GlenDronach 1991, cask # 1346, 22 Years Old, Batch 10

BenRiach 15 Years Old Pedro Ximenez Finish

Glenglassaugh Torfa

BenRiach Solstice, 17 Years Old, Peated, Tawny Port Finish

GlenDronach 18 Years Old Tawny Port Finish

Glenglassaugh 1968, cask # 1601, 45 Years Old, Batch 1

Glenglassaugh Evolution

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We are delighted to win these terrific awards because they are given by true whisky lovers who are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about whisky. They devote a massive amount of time and effort to nosing, tasting, sampling and re-sampling all the entries, so to win one of their awards and a total of eleven medals is a huge compliment.“

The Malt Maniacs Awards cap a very successful year for the company. Earlier this month Whisky Magazine voted the BenRiach Distillery Company “Whisky Distiller of the Year” and it celebrated its tenth anniversary as an independent company.

Heaven Hill Unveils New Corporate Name, Logo Ahead of Company’s 80^th Anniversary

BARDSTOWN, KY. – On the eve of its 80^th year, the country’s largest family owned and operated distilled spirits company unveils a new corporate name, Heaven Hill Brands, and a new logo that capture the company’s evolution from a leader in American Whiskey production – a position it continues to hold today – to the nation’s sixth-largest distilled spirits supplier.

“Although some people may still think of us primarily as a Bourbon distiller, in reality, we are tremendously diverse, with brands in virtually every distilled spirits category,” said Heaven Hill Brands President Max L. Shapira. “Our new name and logo illustrate that broader identity and will properly position us for the next 80 years.”

Over the last three decades through internal product development and strategic brand acquisitions Heaven Hill has built on its foundation of American Whiskeys to become a broadly diversified supplier of whiskeys, liqueurs, vodkas, rums and other spirits. Heaven Hill’s portfolio includes the world’s second-largest selling Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, and category leaders Christian Brothers Brandy, Burnett’s Vodka and Admiral Nelson’s Rum. The portfolio also includes a growing line of leading imported brands from around the world, such as Hpnotiq and Domaine de Canton liqueurs.  Likewise, the company has a stable of innovative brands including PAMA Liqueur, Blackheart Spiced Rum and Evan Williams Flavors.

Brands are identified and developed to take advantage of the many, varied consumer tastes and are sold domestically and worldwide in more than 40 countries through innovative and aggressive marketing and sales initiatives.

While the new name reflects the company’s more diversified direction, it retains ‘Heaven Hill’ at its core, in reference to the company’s original American Whiskey distillery and longstanding history. The company is headquartered in Bardstown, Ky., on land once owned by William Heavenhill in the 18^th century. The new logo features an elegant, timeless silhouette of a bottle and rocks glass rendered in the company’s signature blue palette.

The new name and logo announcement kick off what will be a year-long celebration of the company’s 80^th anniversary. Founded in 1935 by the five Shapira brothers to produce and market Bourbon and premium American Whiskeys, the company expects to soon fill its seven millionth whiskey barrel and is run today by the second and third generations of the Shapira family. Together, they’re proudly leading the country’s largest family owned and operated distilled spirits company into a new era.

About Heaven Hill Brands: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons, Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

THE LAKES DISTILLERY THROWS OPEN ITS DESIGNER GATES 

The highly anticipated Lakes Distillery will open on its idyllic rural site near Bassenthwaite Lake in Cumbria, with the unveiling of a pair of bespoke entrance gates designed by internationally renowned Workington-based metal work artist Alan Dawson.

The spectacular gates were thrown open on Monday the 15^th of December to reveal the fruits of the distillery’s £6m investment – a world class Visitor Centre, artisan bar and bistro – The Bistro at the Distillery, and a shop selling distillery products as well as locally produced fare.

The state of the art Visitor Centre will take guests on an atmospheric tour of how the Lakes Malt, Lakes Gin and Lakes Vodka are made as well as including a visit to the distillery’s warehouse where the whisky matures. Visitors will be taken on a high definition cinematic journey following the water used within the spirits from the River Derwent as it flows down from Sprinkling Tarn through Keswick into Bassenthwaite Lake and on to the Irish Sea.  It will also tell the story of Cumbria’s most notorious distiller and smuggler Lanty Sleek, who plays a key role in the unique tour. Tours conclude in the Tasting Room where guests can raise a glass and be taken on a concluding journey of the palate.

The Bistro at the Distillery will offer delicious honest food served in relaxed but chic surroundings. Overseen by nationally renowned chef and restaurateur Terry Laybourne, the casual bar and bistro will be a vibrant eatery seating a total of 130 guests both inside and out. The bistro will also house the distillery’s Board Room, a stylish private dining area for 30 people where the casks of maturing whisky can be viewed.

The Lakes Distillery has evolved throughout an amazing three year journey and Managing Director Paul Currie can’t wait to unveil what’s behind its designer gates. Paul said:

“The Lakes Distillery is set to be a key attraction for the Lake District and we estimate that we will accommodate approximately 55,000 visitors each year.  It is wonderful to see everything come together, from the sympathetic renovation of our stunning Victorian farm and the formation of our highly skilled team, to the start of production of our spirits and the development of the menu and style of our bistro. We are so excited to open and can’t wait to see the response of our visitors.”

The Lakes Distillery will be England’s largest and is set to produce up to one million bottles of The Lakes Single Malt each year making it a veritable challenger on Scotland’s doorstep and the closest English whisky distillery to the border.

Perfectly dressed for the festive season with a 20ft Christmas tree, the Lakes Distillery will be open every day except Christmas Day. Standard tours will be priced at £12.50 for adults and £5 for 13-17 year olds accompanied by an adult.  Bespoke tours hosted by the management team are available on request.

To find out more about the Visitor Centre, The Bistro at the Distillery and all the Lakes Distillery’s products, please visit www.lakesdistillery.com. 

Notes:

The ONE, the Lakes Gin, The Lakes Vodka and both the Connoisseurs’ Club and Founders’ Club are available to buy online at www.lakesdistillery.com/shop 

The Lakes Distillery

Close to Bassenthwaite Lake, in an area of unimaginable beauty encircled by Cumbrian fells, is the perfect home for the first-ever Lakes Distillery.

The experienced team behind the Lakes Distillery, which includes managing director Paul Currie who co founded the Arran Distillery, Master Distiller Chris Anderson with over 30 years’ experience and Alan Rutherford a former Production Director of Diageo, are renovating the historic buildings of an old Victorian Model Farm next to the famous river Derwent and close to Bassenthwaite Lake, with the aim to produce a new world-class single malt whisky.

The water from the famous River Derwent, with its source high up in the fells, a team steeped in whisky experience, and perfect conditions for distilling are set to create a very special malt.

The Lakes Distillery opened to the public in December 2014. The Lakes Single Malt began production November 2014 and will be available late 2017, and its blended whisky from the British Isles, called The ONE, the Lakes Gin and the Lakes Vodka are available to buy now.

Beam Suntory To Bring Unique New Visitors Experience To 4th Street In Downtown Louisville

Louisville, KY, December 10, 2014 – Beam Suntory, the world’s leading Bourbon maker, today announced plans to open a unique new visitors experience in the heart of Louisville’s 4th Street entertainment district in 2015.

The Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse will establish a highly visible presence for the world leader in bourbon in the most vibrant tourist destination in Louisville.  The Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse will include a small working distillery, a bottling line, a tasting experience and a variety of branded merchandise available for sale.

“The Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse will be a must-stop destination in the heart of Louisville that will complement the experience offered at our Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Clermont,” said Kevin Smith, Vice President, Kentucky Beam Bourbon Affairs.  “In Louisville’s most exciting downtown area, the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse will provide a unique hands-on opportunity to experience the heritage and craftsmanship of bourbon on weekdays, weekends and evenings, and we believe it will serve as a trailhead for the increasing number of visitors to Kentucky’s bourbon distilleries.”

“This project is another example of the growth of bourbonism in Louisville,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer.  “Our city’s bourbon experiences are attracting a new type of tourist and that leads directly to economic growth and job creation. The Urban Stillhouse also expands the bourbon experience down Fourth Street, creating a density of spirits tourism locations downtown.”

The Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse represents a multi-million dollar investment and will be located in 4,300 square feet of space on the street level beneath Beam Suntory’s Louisville office.

HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES NAMES DENNY POTTER CO-MASTER DISTILLER

Industry veteran to work alongside Master Distiller Craig Beam

LOUISVILLE, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the largest family owned and operated distilled spirits company in the country, has announced the appointment of 17-year industry veteran Denny Potter as co-Master Distiller.  Potter currently serves as Distillery Plant Manager at Heaven Hill’s historic Bernheim facility, overseeing production of the world’s second largest inventory of aging Bourbon.  He will continue to work with Master Distiller Craig Beam overseeing Heaven Hill’s world-renowned portfolio of American Whiskeys, which includes Evan Williams, the second largest selling Bourbon in the United States and the world.

Potter has spent 13 years in distillery operations, having served both as Plant Manager of Heaven Hill’s historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, and, previously, as Operations Manager at Beam Global’s Frankfort, KY facility. Prior to that, Potter served as General Manager of Cruzan Rum’s distillery in St. Croix, USVI, and as Director of Distillery and Environmental Operations at Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, KY.

“We are very pleased to have Denny continue his growth with the company and within the industry,” Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira said.  “His knowledge of Bourbon production and aging—and his ability to teach and relate these subjects to the trade and consumers—make him an ideal person to help carry forth Heaven Hill’s leadership position and reputation into the future. Denny is grounded in the traditions of our company and industry yet has a keen eye for innovation and emerging trends.”

A native of Louisville, Potter holds an undergraduate degree from Indiana University in Bloomington and an MBA from Indiana University-Southeast.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny , Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons, Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

Jim Beam Donates $100,000 To Fund Holiday Meals For Military Families

Fort Campbell, Ky. – December 9, 2014 – Jim Beam® Bourbon, the world’s No. 1 bourbon, is adding more happy to the holidays this year with a $100,000 donation to Operation Homefront, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting United States military families. Presented today by Frederick “Fred” Booker Noe III, seventh generation Jim Beam master distiller, along with his son, Freddie Noe IV, in a ceremony at Fort Campbell, Ky., the funds will help provide holiday meals for military families.

“Bourbon is just about as American as you can get,” said Noe. “So at Jim Beam we’re honored to support our military heroes who defend our great country every day. They are part of our family, and we salute them.”

The donation marks the latest demonstration of Jim Beam’s long history of support for the military and Operation Homefront. Since 2008, Jim Beam has donated more than $2.5 million to the organization through a variety of charitable programming efforts.  The Holiday Meals for Military program began Thanksgiving 2009 as the result of a chance encounter in a supermarket in Utica, N.Y., near Fort Drum.  A soldier, his wife and infant had a handful of grocery items they could not afford, so a Jim Beam employee picked up the $12 cost for the groceries.  Since that time, the program has grown from initially providing 500 meal kits to military families in 2009 to providing 8,000 this holiday season, and Jim Beam continues to be a major supporter of the program.

“Thanks to continued support from Jim Beam and other sponsors, this season we’re providing 8,000 military families at 21 different active duty bases with a Holiday Meal kit, which includes everything they need for a holiday dinner,” said Stacey Crooks, Senior Director of Corporate Relations for Operation Homefront. “We’re incredibly grateful for the generous donations Jim Beam has provided over the years and for its commitment to honoring and assisting our country’s military families. Having Fred Noe and his son volunteer their time today is the icing on the cake and means so much to our military families.”

Jim Beam has a long history of support for the military that can be traced all the way back to the 1700s. If not for the land grant given to the Beam family for all their service during the revolutionary war, the brand’s Kentucky distillery may not have existed. Today, the company is proud to employ numerous veterans and active military personnel, and has promised to hold the jobs of those called to active duty.

The 21st Annual Awards have all been posted on the Whisky Advocate blog! There are thirteen awards: eleven categories for the whisky/whiskey of the year, the distiller of the year, and our Lifetime Achievement awards. Except for the Lifetime Achievement category, there is only one winner in each category.

The Whisky Advocate Awards exist to recognize excellence in the world of whisky. Now in its 21st year, the program is simply about the world’s greatest whiskies and distilleries, and the individuals who make and promote them. As always, these awards are not simply assigned to the whiskies that get the highest ratings in our reviews. The winners might be the highest-rated, or they might instead be the most significant, or the most important, or represent a new direction for a category or niche.

These awards are the oldest and longest-running annual whisky awards program. There is no fee, there are no entry requirements. We taste and sample over the course of the year, at year’s end we consider and confer, and then we make our decisions based solely on the merits of the whiskies…as we have done for over twenty years. We give you our word: that’s how it will continue to be.

The winners are listed below, with a link to the formal write-up on the Whisky Advocate blog. We hope you enjoy the selections, and wish you the best in the coming year!

Craft Whiskey of the Year: St. George Single Malt Lot 14

American Whiskey of the Year: Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old

Canadian Whisky of the Year: Canadian Club Chairman’s Select 100% Rye

Irish Whiskey of the Year: Midleton Very Rare 2014

Japanese Whisky of the Year: Ichiro’s Malt The Joker

World Whisky of the Year: Broger Burn Out

Blended/Blended Malt Whisky of the Year: The Last Drop 50 year old

Speyside Single Malt of the Year: Craigellachie 17 year old

Islay Single Malt of the Year: Signatory (distilled at Laphroaig) 1998, 60.8%

Highland/Islands Single Malt of the Year: Arran Devil’s Punchbowl III The Fiendish Finale

Lowlands/Campbeltown Single Malt of the Year: Rosebank 1992 21 year old (Diageo Special Releases 2014)

Lifetime Achievement Awards:
Colin Scott, Chivas Bros.;
Duncan McGillivray, Bruichladdich
Distiller of the Year: Beam Suntory

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES LAST EXPERIMENTAL COLLECTION BOURBONS OF 2014 

An Expansion of the Aging Experiment on Three Different Warehouse Floors

Using 12-Year-Old Wheated Bourbon 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Dec. 9, 2014) Earlier this year, Buffalo Trace Distillery released an experiment consisting of barrels aged for the same length of time on different floors in the same warehouse.  The experiment was met with great interest, as many bourbon connoisseurs are thirsty for knowledge about how atmosphere affects the taste of their favorite spirit.

Buffalo Trace continues that experiment, this time using wheated bourbon instead of the rye bourbon mash bill used in the previous experiment.

The Warehouse Floors Experiment was started in 2001, when Buffalo Trace filled 15 barrels with their Wheat Bourbon Mash Bill and placed five barrels on floors one, five, and nine of Warehouse K. This brick warehouse has nine wooden floors in total and was chosen for this experiment due to the variety of tastes it provides during the aging process. Here’s how the experiment panned out:

The barrels aged on the first floor of Warehouse K resulted in a bourbon with a mild nose and hints of vanilla. The flavor is described as sweet with slight caramel and butterscotch notes. The body is said to be mild with an easy and approachable palate.

Barrels aged on the fifth floor of Warehouse K yielded a bourbon with an aroma full of herbal notes and a mouth full of savory flavors and cooked cinnamon and clove balanced with caramel and butterscotch. The finish is smooth and balanced.

The ninth floor of Warehouse K resulted in a bourbon with a rich and delightful aroma of charred oak.  The initial flavor fills the mouth with toasted almonds and walnuts. The mouth feel is medium bodied with a dry finish.

“This experiment was an interesting comparison to our rye bourbon warehouse floors experiment, especially since both were aged in the same warehouse and on the same floors, said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller. “As with the rye bourbon experiment, the higher floors yielded a different taste profile than the lower floors, giving us a richer and full bodied taste. Also, we noticed a higher evaporation rate on the wheat recipe experiment vs the rye bourbon recipe experiment.  The wheat evaporated between 42-51% over the twelve years, depending on what floor the barrel was aged.  The rye experiment evaporated between 25-49% over the twelve years, with significantly less on the lower floors.  This higher evaporation rate is expected in wheated recipes, but it’s interesting to see it up close with the rye experiment.”

These barrels are part of the more than 2,000 experimental barrels of whiskey aging in the warehouses of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Each of them has unique characteristics that differentiate them from all others. Some examples of experiments include unique mash bills, type of wood, and barrel toasts. In order to further increase the scope, flexibility and range of the experimental program, an entire micro distillery, named The Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. “OFC” Micro Distillery, complete with cookers, fermenting tanks, and a state-of-the-art micro still has been constructed within Buffalo Trace Distillery. Buffalo Trace has increased its commitment to experimentation with the recent addition of its Warehouse X. Although small in size, Warehouse X is designed to explore the limits of environmental influences on the quality of whiskey.

The Experimental Collection is packaged in 375ml bottles and packed 12 to a case, with three bottles from each warehouse floor in a case. Each label includes all the pertinent information unique to that barrel of whiskey. These whiskeys retail for approximately $46.35 each. These particular rare experimental bottles will be available in December.  For more information on the Experimental Collection or the other products of Buffalo Trace Distillery, please contact Elizabeth Hurst at ehurst@buffalotrace.com.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

THE GLENLIVET 12 YEAR OLD LAUNCHES NEW LIMITED EDITION GIFT PACKS FOR CHRISTMAS 10 DECEMBER 2014

The single malt that started it all partners with Master Typographer Alan Kitching to create bold and original design

The Glenlivet has today unveiled a new limited edition gift pack series, aimed to increase on-shelf appeal for its 12 Year Old expression during the pre-Christmas gifting season. Created in partnership with Master Typographer Alan Kitching, the bold new packaging highlights The Glenlivet’s dedication to crafted quality and brings to life the heritage of the definitive Speyside malt.

The gifting series, which features specially-commissioned letter press artwork by Kitching, an appointed royal designer, includes The Glenlivet 12 Year Old (70cl), as well as two value added packs: one with two branded glasses and a second with 5cl miniature bottles of the 15 Year Old French Oak Reserve and 18 Year Old expressions.

Each of the value added packs contains a booklet detailing The Glenlivet’s brand story and the partnership with Kitching, which was inspired by the shared tradition, craftsmanship and skill found in both the art of letter press printing and the creation of quality, single malt whisky.

The story of The Glenlivet, which started in 1824 when George Smith founded the first licensed distillery in the parish of Glenlivet, is explored on the packaging alongside references to its rich heritage. These include King George IV’s request for “Glenlivet” by name in 1822, together with other examples of how this renowned single malt set the standard of quality and craftsmanship that went on to define the Speyside style of whisky.

Nikki Burgess, Global Brand Director of The Glenlivet, comments: “The Glenlivet has worked with Alan Kitching to create a design for our flagship expression that is both bold and eye-catching; something that will stand out this Christmas while also highlighting some of the key moments in the brand’s inspiring history.

“Letterpress printing is a traditional technique which mirrors the time-honoured craftsmanship of The Glenlivet. We have then presented the prints in an eye-catching way on pack, resulting in a contemporary gift that we anticipate will appeal to whisky fans.”

The Glenlivet limited edition gift packs will be available from December 2014 in a number of markets including US, Canada, South Africa, Portugal and Belgium, priced as per The Glenlivet 12 Year Old.

NOTES 

About Alan Kitching
Alan Kitching is renowned for his creative approach to traditional printmaking techniques. Alan has shows in London and Barcelona, and has contributed to various exhibitions in Europe. He has conducted his workshops and given talks to industry, art schools and design conventions in the UK, Europe, Australia and South Africa.

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.2 single malt Scotch whisky in the world and the No.1 single malt Scotch whisky 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 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