Chivas 18 Showcases its Spirit of Generosity with New Print Campaign

Chivas 18, one of the world’s leading ultra-premium Scotch whiskies, has unveiled a new global and visually impactful print advertising campaign, “generosity in every drop”, to drive awareness of the expression among modern gentlemen and support its position in the increasingly competitive luxury category.

The striking campaign features Chivas 18 elevated amongst a scene of falling crystal droplets that encapsulate a selection of the blend’s 85 tasting notes and represents an evolution from the brand’s former successful advertising platform, “every taste a new experience”.

The campaign takes inspiration from the brand’s recent collaborations with Pininfarina, the prestigious Italian design company, who created a patented ‘droplet’ shape for the whisky blend that led to the successful launch of three limited editions in 2013 and more recently the delivery of luxury experiences in the on and off trade through ice making tools, which recently launched in November 2014.

To create the adverts, Chivas 18 has worked with a selection of leading craftsmen who embody the brand’s spirit of generosity, brotherhood and luxury. Peter Layton, designer of the crystal droplets depicted, is one of the world’s most widely respected glass artists. He has influenced and nurtured international leading glassmakers and continues to support his professional community by running his studio as a collective at which his peers are free to use the kilns to develop their skills. Popular food stylist Peter Smith and Dan Tobin Smith, a globally acclaimed and contemporary photographer who has shot for Dior and Alexander McQueen, have also collaborated closely to produce this modern campaign.

Richard Black, Global Brand Director for Chivas Regal, comments: “We are thrilled to be launching this campaign, which is not only visually beautiful and contemporary, but will also further support our position in the ultra-premium category by conveying our values of generosity and luxury. Chivas 18 is an award-winning whisky created by Chivas Regal Master Blender Colin Scott, who has crafted our exceptional Scotch blends for over 24 years, and we are certain that the new creative will raise awareness of the expression’s complex and sophisticated flavour profile among whisky enthusiasts and modern gentlemen.”

In support of the campaign, Chivas Regal has created a series of photographs and videos showcasing the creation process of the advert that can be downloaded/watched at http://youtu.be/mPhCupRzgr8 and http://youtu.be/5x4VWJktfEs

The advertising campaign comes in a dynamic year for Chivas Regal, which has seen the brand launch ‘The Venture’, a global competition to win up to $1m funds for promising social entrepreneurs that use enterprise and innovation as a force for good, and the Chivas Masters, a successful global cocktail competition that celebrates the skill of the master bartender.

Booker’s® Bourbon Roundtable Selects Their Final Batch Of 2014

Whiskey Experts Take Part in Beam Family Tradition with Master Distiller Fred Noe

Clermont, KY (November 25, 2014) – Booker’s® Bourbon announces the release of Batch No. 2014-6, hand-selected by Fred Noe, Beam’s 7th Generation Master Distiller, and the “Booker’s Bourbon Roundtable” of whiskey writers and experts. Batch No. 2014-6 was selected by secret ballot vote at the Noe family home in Bardstown, Kentucky where the brand’s namesake, Booker Noe, tasted each new batch of Booker’s Bourbon with friends and family.

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the uncut, unfiltered bourbon, the Booker’s Bourbon Roundtable paid homage to Booker’s tasting tradition of gathering personal friends around his kitchen table to choose the next batch. This selection marked the first time the Roundtable came together for a live, in-person tasting; they had previously selected all batches through virtual tastings.

“We brought the group to Kentucky to select their last batch of the year in the best way we knew how – by getting together at my dad’s house to taste his favorite bourbon,” said Fred Noe. “Booker’s was founded on my dad’s love for great bourbon, so by bringing the Roundtable together at his house, we were able to keep his tasting traditions alive.”

The Roundtable panelists – an exclusive group consisting of top whiskey experts, enthusiasts and writers – who hand-selected Batch No. 2014-6 with Fred Noe and Booker’s grandson, Freddie Noe, included the following members:

• Chuck Cowdery, Blogger and Author of “Bourbon, Strange: Surprising Stories of American Whiskey”
• John McCarthy, Spirits Writer and Senior Managing Editor of Men’s Health Magazine
• Jack Robertiello, Spirits Writer and Judge
• Tony Sachs, Spirits Writer and Huffington Post Blogger
• Fred Minnick, Spirits Writer, Judge, and Author of “Whiskey Women: The Untold Story of How Women Saved Bourbon, Scotch, and Irish Whiskey”

Currently available nationwide, Booker’s® Bourbon Batch No. 2014-6, the second to last batch of 2014 and the Roundtable’s last selection this year, was chosen based on the following characteristics:

• Proof: 127.7
• Age: 7 years, 2 months and 2 weeks
• Nose: Vanilla with some toasted nuts
• Finish: Long, smooth finish

About Booker’s® Bourbon

Booker’s® Bourbon was inspired by a 200-year-old family tradition and came to life when Booker Noe selected the first bottles of Booker’s as holiday gifts for his friends and family. With its instant popularity within Noe’s close circle, Booker’s Bourbon was soon after bottled and made available on shelves for everyone to enjoy. Booker’s Bourbon is one of the only bourbons bottled straight-from-the-barrel, uncut and unfiltered, and bottled at its natural proof, which varies from batch to batch. Crafted in small batches and aged for six to eight years in charred oak barrels, which are stored in the center of the rack house, Booker’s Bourbon is hand-selected barrel-by-barrel by Fred Noe to ensure every bottle contains a robust, full-bodied whiskey that has a taste, aroma and proof that matches Booker’s whiskey preference.

For more information on Booker’s Bourbon, visit: http://smallbatch.com/bookers.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the flagship Jim Beam bourbon and Yamazaki Japanese whisky, as well as world renowned premium brands including Maker’s Mark and Knob Creek bourbons, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.  The company generates annual worldwide sales exceeding $4 billion excluding excise taxes.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and entrepreneurial culture.  Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Sipping Suggestions: With ice or cut with water

WhiskyBrother brings in 400 bottles of rare premium selected whisky from a single cask 

WhiskyBrother, an iconic speciality whisky store in Hyde Park (Johannesburg, South Africa) is delighted to announce the arrival of a new whisky bottled from a single cask.  The cask in question was personally selected by well-known whisky enthusiast and founder of the store, Marc Pendlebury, chosen on behalf of the store, and was bottled exclusively for WhiskyBrother.

Earlier this year Pendlebury travelled to Scotland to fulfil his dream of selecting a whisky directly for the cask to be bottled for WhiskyBrother, a dream that far preceded his plan to open a whisky shop.  On a cold Monday in February just outside the quaint town of Pitlochry, an afternoon was spent tasting various single malts from across Scotland in the maturation warehouse of the independent bottler, Signatory.

The benefit of an independent bottler is the huge selection and variety of whisky that they can offer.  It is often a misconception that independent bottlers produce whisky.  Independent bottlers buy casks from distilleries across Scotland and in some cases around the world, and bottle it under their own label.  They are also not restricted to a core range, style or age.  Pendlebury explains that, “every release is different, and the whisky selected solely on its merits and interest factor.  The practise dates back centuries and independent bottlers are an integral part of the whisky world, although not widely known by South African whisky drinkers”

Out of the several whiskies that were tasted at the independent bottler, three samples were brought back to South Africa for final selection.  “The winning cask was chosen solely on the whisky we thought was best, we didn’t concern ourselves with which distillery it came from or how old it was,” explains Pendlebury.

The selected cask which was distilled on the 28^th of August 1998 and bottled on the 24^th of March 2014, has finally arrived.  “It is interesting, is a cask strength, limited, individually numbered, presented in a beautiful bottle, very well priced for what it is, tastes brilliant (in our humble yet experienced opinion) and best of all, we get to share it with our fellow South African whisky enthusiasts,” says Pendlebury.

“It is a rare experience to try a single cask 15 year old Glenlivet whisky, particularly one that was matured in a 500 litre butt, which previously contained Oloroso sherry.  The unique aspect is that the wood absorbs the flavours from the sherry, which are then subsequently imparted into the whisky contributing to its full-bodied profile,” explains Pendlebury.  The 500 litre cask yielded exactly 419 bottles, evidence of the angel’s share and leakage over the casks lifetime.

The bottle which has a cask strength of 54.8%, is particularly special because the vast majority of whisky in South Africa is bottled at an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 43%. It is felt that a cask strength whisky is in a more natural state and has a richer flavour, making this a preferred option amongst serious whisky enthusiasts. “Most whisky drinkers do not want such a high alcohol content as it can be challenging to drink.  The term ‘cask strength’ on the bottle means that the whisky has not been diluted, and has been bottled at the same strength it was when lying in the cask just before being bottled,” advises Pendlebury.

This 15 year old independent Glenlevit, Speyside single malt whisky is unchill-filtered and naturally coloured; it meets all the right criteria for a full-bodied, memorable experience.  “One can expect juicy plums and apricots, with chocolate and pipe tobacco.  Plenty of rich spice, sherry-soaked fruits, vanilla and coco, with a hint of oak, Pendlebury concludes.  The limited supply is now exclusively available at WhiskyBrother and retails at special launch price of R1,300 incl. VAT. 

About the WhiskyBrother store:

For years WhiskyBrother was just a blog started by Marc, until 2 years ago when he decide to take the plunge and extended his passion for all things whisky to open a boutique whisky store, WhiskyBrother. Situated in Hyde Park Corner shopping centre in Johannesburg, the store stocks whiskies from around the world, as well as related paraphernalia such as whisky glassware, books and magazines. Holding more than 300 different whiskies, with new stock coming and going on a monthly basis. Its aim is to be a focal point in the South African whisky community: a place to taste and explore all things whisky, no matter the knowledge or experience of the drinker.

WhiskyBrother, Hyde Park Corner, Shop number 16 D

Website:     www.whiskybrother.com

Blog:            www.blog.whiskybrother.com

Twitter:      @WhiskyBroShop

JOHNNIE WALKER® SCOTCH WHISKY TO GIVE 250,000 KILOMETRES OF SAFE RIDES HOME ACROSS THE WORLD AS PART OF FESTIVE RESPONSIBLE DRINKING INITIATIVE

Edinburgh, Scotland, 4th December 2014: As part of the JOHNNIE WALKER global responsible drinking programme, Join the Pact, the world’s leading Scotch Whisky1, today said it was giving away 250,000 kilometres of safe rides around the world during the festive season to encourage people not to drink and drive.

In Edinburgh Mika Häkkinen, former Formula 1 driver and JOHNNIE WALKER Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador came together with Formula 1 drivers Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen to help launch the campaign which will run in Edinburgh and in over 60 other cities across the globe.

Join the Pact has already gathered commitments from more than 1.4 million people to never drink and drive and in September, JOHNNIE WALKER announced a goal of securing an additional five million personal pledges over the next four years.

During the festive season JOHNNIE WALKER will help people get home safely through a variety of initiatives with local transport providers. In Edinburgh, JOHNNIE WALKER is partnering with Lothian Buses to provide free bus services for revellers returning home from the city’s Hogmanay event on New Year’s Eve.

Speaking at the launch David Gates, Diageo Global Head of Premium Core Brands, said: “The involvement of JOHNNIE WALKER in Formula 1 through our partnership with McLaren Mercedes has given the brand a credible platform to run a powerful responsible drinking programme that has made real impact on a global scale. This has been ongoing for almost a decade and our recent arrangement with Formula One group to become the Official Whisky of Formula 1 will allow us to expand the programme into new territories.

“Our appeal to Join the Pact to never drink and drive is never more relevant than when millions of people around the world are planning to relax and enjoy the holiday festivities. Through activations of the programme in over 60 cities over the next few weeks, we hope to provide in the region of 250,000 kilometres of safe rides home.

“At Diageo, we take our commitment to the promotion of responsible drinking very seriously.  We really hope that everyone joins the Pact and makes that public commitment this festive season.”

In a joint message issued from today’s event, JOHNNIE WALKER Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador Mika Häkkinen along with Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen said: “We each know that driving a Formula 1 car is about staying in control, all of the time. Join the Pact is a commitment to staying in control and putting the safety of yourself, your passengers and other people ahead of everything else. It’s a choice that guarantees that everyone can enjoy their festivities and get home safely – we appeal to you to make that choice and Join the Pact to never drink and drive.”

During the launch event the three drivers demonstrated their control skills and provided rides in Edinburgh city centre to competition winners, media and special guests in a JOHNNIE WALKER branded Caparo T1 supercar and two McLaren MP4-650S sports cars.

Over the festive season consumers can make their pledge to never drink and drive by visiting http://www.jointhepact.com/ or by tweeting #GetHomeSafely to @JohnnieWalker_.

1 IWSR (2013)

B-Roll footage of the JOHNNIE WALKER Join the Pact announcement and driving spectacular can be downloaded at https://vimeo.com/album/3159579 from 5pm (GMT). 

IMAGE CAPTIONS:

Johnnie Walker Join the Pact Edinburgh 001 – Former Formula 1 driver and JOHNNIE WALKER Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador, Mika Häkkinen, came together with Formula 1 drivers Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen to help launch a JOHNNIE WALKER responsible drinking initiative for the festive season, to give 250,000 kilometres of safe rides home as part of Join the Pact

Johnnie Walker Join the Pact Edinburgh 002 – Former Formula 1 driver and JOHNNIE WALKER Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador, Mika Häkkinen, Formula 1 drivers Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen are pictured at the launch of the JOHNNIE WALKER responsible drinking campaign which will run in Edinburgh and in over 60 other cities across the globe

Johnnie Walker Join The Pact 003 – Kevin Magnussen pictured driving a McLaren MP4-650S at a JOHNNIE WALKER driving spectacular in Edinburgh as part of the JOHNNIE WALKER responsible drinking campaign to give away 250,000 kilometres of safe rides home around the world during the festive season

Johnnie Walker Join the Pact Edinburgh 004 – Jenson Button pictured driving a McLaren MP4-650S at a JOHNNIE WALKER driving spectacular in Edinburgh as part of the JOHNNIE WALKER responsible drinking campaign to give away 250,000 kilometres of safe rides home around the world during the festive season

Johnnie Walker Join the Pact Edinburgh 005 – Former Formula 1 driver and JOHNNIE WALKER Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador, Mika Häkkinen, came together with Formula 1 drivers Jenson Button and Kevin Magnussen to help launch a JOHNNIE WALKER responsible drinking initiative for the festive season, to give 250,000 kilometres of safe rides home as part of Join the Pact

Notes 

JOHNNIE WALKER Join the Pact will deliver 250,000 kilometres of safe rides home in more than 60 cities to include:

• USA – 50+ cities
• Sao Paulo
• Recife
• Santos
• Brasilia
• London
• Manchester
• Leeds
• Edinburgh
• Manila

About Join the Pact

JOHNNIE WALKER places great importance on responsible drinking and tackles this issue through the Join the Pact campaign, with Mika Häkkinen as the Global Responsible Drinking Ambassador. Join the Pact asks consumers everywhere to make a commitment to never drink and drive through signing a pact. Since 2006 Mika has led this call-to-action initiative, which have been activated worldwide, collecting over a million signatures.

Mika has visited over 40 countries on five continents, spoken to countless media, government officials, stakeholders and consumers delivering important messages through unique JOHNNIE WALKER experiences.

About JOHNNIE WALKER

JOHNNIE WALKER is the world¹s leading Blended Scotch Whisky¹. Established in Scotland in 1820, JOHNNIE WALKER became one of the first truly global brands, reaching 120 countries within 100 years of its founding. Today the brand is available in over 180 countries, a tribute to the pioneering vision and ambition of the Walker family which have inspired progress and great achievements for almost two centuries.

Big, bold flavour is at the heart of JOHNNIE WALKER. The range comprises unique blends, each with their own distinct character and history, which are the result of almost 200 years of blending heritage: JOHNNIE WALKER RED LABEL, JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK LABEL, JOHNNIE WALKER DOUBLE BLACK, JOHNNIE WALKER GOLD LABEL RESERVE, JOHNNIE WALKER PLATINUM LABEL AND JOHNNIE WALKER BLUE LABEL. In addition, THE JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION, a range of blends created for global travellers, is available exclusively in travel retail outlets globally.

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, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor and Bushmills 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, http://www.drinkiq.com/, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

THE ONE WHISKY JOINS ASIAN SPIRIT ELITE 

The ONE whisky, from The Lakes Distillery has been recognised as amongst the best in the world by the prestigious Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition (HKIWSC) which revealed its 2014 winners in November, awarding The ONE a Silver Legend in the Worldwide Whiskey category.

The ONE, the first ever blend of whiskies from around the British Isles, achieved its second silver award within six months after its official launch in September 2013, making 2014 a very exciting year for The Lakes Distillery.

The annual HKIWSC awards are an industry-noted mark of quality and excellence, and provide the Asian market with the ultimate guide to purchasing wine and spirits which are sensitive to the Asian palate and cultural consumption patterns.

Products from nearly 40 countries are entered into the competition with only those of the highest quality receiving recognition. Entries are scored out of 100 and undergo a detailed level of scrutiny including double-blind tastings and technical analysis, which ensures all products are technically sound and will be of the same high quality when they reach the consumer.

Paul Currie, founder and managing director of The Lakes Distillery, said on the win: “These awards set the benchmark for quality and the vast population of consumers in Asia eagerly anticipate the results each year. Consumers view it as the guide to Asian palates and it’s a testament to the exceptional quality of our products that The ONE has been included.

“Our lovingly crafted spirit is now listed alongside the Asian wine and spirit world’s top brands, which is where we feel it deserves to be.”

Production of The Lakes Single Malt, The Lakes Gin and The Lakes Vodka are underway and the distillery is gearing up to open Bistro at The Lakes, distillery tours and the shop to the public in mid-December.

More information about the Lakes Distillery is available at http://www.lakesdistillery.com/e-brochure/

More information abbot The Bistro at The Lakes is available at: www.lakesdistillery.com/en/bistro-and-bar  

Notes: 

The ONE and The Lakes Gin are available to buy online at http://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 will open to the public mid-December. The Lakes single malt will begin production this summer, and its blended whisky from the British Isles, called The ONE, is available to buy now.

The ONE Whisky

The ONE is the first British blended whisky ever to be produced.  As opposed to blends made only of scotch whiskies, The ONE has been carefully created from whiskies from around the British Isles, leading to a very unique whisky. This is very much an artisan blend – the team in Cumbria has enormous experience in making the very finest whiskies, and their expertise has put together this outstanding blend, which has a lightly peated character.

Blended whiskies are made up of grain and malt whiskies, and it is the quantity of malt whisky in the blend that dictates the quality – so the more malt whisky in the blend, the better the quality. The ONE has a very high malt content and its quality is very much in line with single malt whiskies.

The Connoisseurs’ Club 

The company has launched a  Connoisseurs’ Club, offering the opportunity for just 60 members to own their own very rare cask of The Lakes Malt.

Each cask is estimated to contain more than 100 bottles and members can be there on that historic first day to make the whisky themselves, fill their own Connoisseur’s Cask and see it stored in the distillery warehouse. The Connoisseurs’ Club limited membership costs £12,000, which includes the unique signature cask, exclusive annual events, accommodation at the nearby 4-star Trout Hotel, delivery, all duty and VAT. It’s estimated if kept, the cask will be worth over £20,000 in years to come. 

The Founders’ Club

The first ever distillery in the beautiful Lake District, opening later this year, is setting aside the first ever 100 casks of malt whisky produced for members of its Founders’ Club.

Each year for ten years, members will receive one 70cl bottle plus two tasting miniatures of the maturing malt, making up a collectible set of the distillery’s first ever production, all with unique, limited edition labels. These casks will not be available for the general public and are uniquely reserved for members.

Founders’ Club membership costs just £595, with an expected value of over £1,400 over the ten years period. Delivery of the first bottle will be in 2015.

Tamdhu Distillery Welcomes New Manager 

It’s the end of an era at Tamdhu Distillery as one of the whisky industry’s longest serving managers retires and makes way for his replacement.

Tamdhu Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky has appointed Sandy McIntyre as the new Distillery Manager, replacing Sandy Coutts who steps down after over 40 years service.

Sandy McIntyre joins Tamdhu Distillery from Diageo where he spent eight and a half years working across Burghead & Roseisle Maltings, Glenlossie and Mannochmore Distilleries and Glen Spey Distillery in Rothes in various positions including Malt Operations and Site Operations, overseeing production, quality, process and energy efficiency.

Sandy will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Tamdhu Distillery including all aspects of production, warehousing, HR, health and safety, maintenance, spirit and cask quality as well as compliance for the site, and supporting brand development and promotion.

Robbie Hughes, Group Distillation Manager for Ian Macleod Distillers who own the Tamdhu brand, said: “We’re really pleased to have Sandy McIntyre on board with us. His previous experience will contribute greatly to the distillery. Having been re-launched less than two years ago, it’s a very exciting time at Tamdhu and Sandy will play a key role in its future.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to send our best wishes to Sandy Coutts who will now retire from Tamdhu after more than 40 successful years. We hope he enjoys a very well deserved rest!”

Sandy McIntyre said: “I am really excited to be joining Tamdhu Distillery and I’m looking forward to the challenges the role will bring. The dedicated team at Tamdhu is committed and passionate about our brand and despite only being on site for less than a month that can-dhu-spirit is already felt by myself too.

“Taking over the reins from Sandy Coutts has been a delight and pleasure as he has historical and detailed knowledge of the site and the process, and being able to draw upon that knowledge as part of my hand over has been invaluable. Tamdhu is a quality spirit from a site that prides itself on tradition and nothing is more pleasurable than showing off our people, our process and our product.”

Tamdhu is owned by one of Scotland’s leading, independent family-owned distillers, Ian Macleod Distillers. Tamdhu was born on the banks of the River Spey in 1897 – an era when anything seemed possible. When obstacles were there to be overcome, an age of the CAN-DHU ATTITUDE. Its quality is defined by the hint of peat in its malted barley, the natural Speyside water which is drawn directly from the Tamdhu spring and the 100% exclusive use of only the finest oak sherry casks.

For more information, please visit www.tamdhu.com.

Sazerac Introduces Whiskey Barrel-Aged Peychaud’s Bitters

NEW ORLEANS, lA.  (Dec., 2014) – The Sazerac Company, makers of Peychaud’s Bitters for over 100 years, is adding a new twist to its bitters line, Peychaud’s Whiskey Barrel-Aged Cocktail Bitters. Aged in Sazerac Rye Whiskey barrels for 140 days, the bitters are a flavorful marriage of the classic Peychaud’s bitters which so many cocktail fans know and love, with the spicy undertones of the award-winning Sazerac Rye Whiskey.

The roots of Peychaud’s Bitters has a long history, starting in the early 1800s, when Antoine Amedie Peychaud, an apothecary, gained fame in New Orleans for the compounding of a liquid tonic called bitters. These bitters gave an added zest to the potions of cognac brandy he served to his friends and acquaintances in his pharmacy.

By the 1870s, as American Rye Whiskey became more popular and more readily available in New Orleans, Peychaud added his bitters to Rye cocktails while working at the world famous Sazerac Coffeehouse in the French Quarter.

“We thought it would be an interesting experiment to age our Peychaud’s Bitters in our Sazerac Rye barrels. We weren’t quite sure what to expect, but after a few months, we were surprised by how well the experiment was turning out,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller, Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Wheatley closely watched the bitters as they aged in the barrels. Upon tasting the bitters at the 140 day mark, he decided the flavors were a perfect marriage of the barrel char, the rye spice, and the unique herbs and spices that make up Peychaud’s Bitters.

Each drop of Peychaud’s Whiskey Barrel-Aged Bitters adds a flavorful, spicy twist to any cocktail and is ideal in an Old Fashioned.  The Sazerac Company will begin selling limited quantities of these bitters in select markets and via the online gift shop at www.thesazeracgiftshop.com, starting in November. The suggested retail pricing for a five ounce bottle is $16.99. 

About The Sazerac Company

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

BOWMORE ANNOUNCE LONG-AWAITED SECOND RELEASE OF 50 YEAR OLD EXPRESSION 

Bowmore, Islay’s first Single Malt Scotch Whisky, announce the highly-anticipated second release of Bowmore 50 Year Old, launching on 1^st December 2014. 50 bottles of the 1961 expression will be released this year, with 200 bottles of this extremely rare range being made available globally over a four year period.

Distilled one very cold day in December 1961, the new-make spirit was then carefully filled into two ex-bourbon hogshead casks by the expert Bowmore Distillery team. Half a century later, just 200 bottles were filled with this truly exceptional single malt in which hints of black truffles and tropical fruits reveal the full maturity of Bowmore’s warm, smoky spirit. With a warm, honey gold texture, the bursts of ripe fruit intermingled with black truffles and gentle smoke manifest themselves from the first sip, with an evolving finish of almond cake and caramelised pears interwoven with subtle peat oils.

The Bowmore 50 year old (1961) is a work of true craftsmanship utilising the finest Scottish materials. The collector, for the sum of £16,000, will acquire a bottle which has been hand-blown by renowned glass sculpting studio Glasstorm, while the neck collars and cork tops of the bottles have been beautifully made by Fattorini Silversmiths. To complete the piece, the bottle will be housed within handmade cabinets which have been crafted in Scottish Elmwood by master carpenter Peter Toaig.

Rachel Barrie, Bowmore’s Master Blender, added: “It has been a joy to work with a whisky with such amazing alchemy and complexity of flavour as the Bowmore 50 year old – witnessing the release of these 200 bottles over the next few years is a personal career highlight of mine. Selecting whisky from the 1960s combines the joy of being like a child in a sweetie shop with the taste of being an adult in paradise!”

Eddie MacAffer, Bowmore’s Master Distiller, said: “The second release of this 50 year old Bowmore is reminds us of yet another wonderful example of the older whiskies that the Distillery has matured in our No. 1 Vaults warehouse, right on the shores of Loch Indaal. This rare whisky was slowly and expertly distilled using the old coal-fired stills used in Bowmore at that time and was then filled into ex-bourbon hogshead casks and carefully stored away in the No 1 Vaults. Those that get to taste the results of all that dedication and care, applied since 1961, should feel extremely privileged.”

NOTES: 

Bowmore

The best-balanced Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is the perfect reward after your outdoor experience. Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest Distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles, which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the lexicon of Whisky. The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception; we carefully smoke our malt and use skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt.

Bowmore’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of our Single Malts. We’re one of only a few distilleries anywhere which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery. For our whiskies we draw water from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones, and it’s the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln.

Bowmore Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of our spirit. The legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of our whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the Vault’s sea-facing wall.

They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours.

It’s this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.

The Bowmore domestic product range:

• Bowmore Small Batch
• Bowmore 12 Years Old
• Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’
• Bowmore 18 Years Old
• Bowmore 25 Years Old

Islay

Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, and is also known as “The Queen of the Hebrides.” Its mild climate and rich peaty soil make it ideal for creating whisky, and despite having a population of not much more than 3,000, it is home to no fewer than eight working distilleries.

GLENGLASSAUGH RELEASES RARE 51 YEARS OLD SINGLE MALT

Glenglassaugh Distillery is extremely proud to launch a sumptuous 51 Years Old single malt. 

This complex and sophisticated dram is an extremely rare, one-off whisky. Bottled at cask strength on May 14 this year, non-chill filtered and with no colour added, this is truly an exceptional dram.

Specially selected by Master Distiller Billy Walker, the rich and flavoursome whisky is from 1963 cask 3301 and has been maturing in our coastal warehouses at Portsoy for over 51 years. Distilled and filled to cask on February 15 1963, it is one of the oldest casks in our inventory and brilliantly captures Glenglassaugh’s unique Highland coastal character.

Founded in 1875 by local entrepreneur James Moir, Glenglassaugh was mothballed for over twenty years, lying silent and forgotten until production was re-started in 2008. It was taken over by BenRiach last year and the distinctive fruity character of its whisky is loved by all who discover it.

Master Distiller Billy Walker said: “We’ve inherited some extraordinarily fine whisky at Glenglassaugh. It’s a real treasure trove and the 51 years old is the oldest bottling ever released from Glenglassaugh…and it is of unbelievable quality.

“It’s a gorgeous Glenglassaugh – a silky, sublime balance of fruits and herbs mingling seductively with astonishingly refined oaken notes. Put simply, it is elegance personified.”

Colour: Rich mahogany holds a deep crimson edge.

Nose: Fascinating depths and layers develop from figs and prune syrup to delicate apricot and hints of blackberry. All carry invitingly subtle soft Belgian chocolate and intriguing hints of roast coffee.

Palate: The exclusive mellow yet full-bodied character gives a rich, complex symphony of red fruit preserve, touches of treacle and the slightest mountain herb influence. Gentle clove oil, distant sour cherries and the softest peppery oak add a memorable sophistication to this rare vintage.

Finish: The rarity of the vintage mirrors the rarity of the unique characteristics of the whisky. Combining many facets of its ever-changing nature as it opens on the palate, the style and elegance of this rare whisky are to be savoured.

The Glenglassaugh 51 Years Old comes in a beautiful wooden box, hand-crafted in Scotland. Each bottle is hand-numbered and comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Billy Walker.

On our website (www.glenglassaugh.com) you’ll find more information on this new release.

WORK OFFICIALLY STARTS AT THE MACALLAN ON NEW DISTILLERY

Edrington has marked the official start of works on its iconic new distillery and visitor centre for The Macallan.

The Macallan is one of the core brands of Edrington, Scotland’s premier producer and distributor of global spirits brands.

Edrington Chief Executive, Ian Curle was joined on site at The Macallan estate in Speyside by Bill Robertson, Executive Chairman of Robertson and Graham Stirk, Partner of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, to mark the occasion.

Ian Curle said: “Today represents an exciting new chapter for Edrington and a major step in The Macallan’s long term commitment to be the leading premium spirit in the world. The collaboration between Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP), Robertson, and Forsyths brings together one of the world’s leading architects and the elite of Scottish craftsmen. Over the next three years we will bring The Macallan brand experience to life in a truly unique style.”

Bill Robertson said: “We are delighted to officially commence works today.  The site will be dramatically transformed over the coming months as the iconic distillery and visitor centre starts to take shape.  By understanding the vision of The Macallan and working in partnership with them, RSHP and Forsyths, we will deliver a truly beautiful and inspirational building.”

The new facility received planning permission in August this year and the project will deliver significant benefits to the national and local economy.

Designed by RSHP to complement the natural beauty of the area and The Macallan Estate, which overlooks the River Spey, the new home of The Macallan is scheduled to open to the public in spring 2017.

Graham Stirk, lead architect and Partner, RSHP, said: “Our design for the distillery and visitor centre celebrates the whisky-making process as well as the environment that has inspired it. The design is essentially a series of a grass-covered undulating roof forms that are sympathetic to this Area of Great Landscape Value. Together we are creating a bespoke building for The Macallan that will further enhance the visitor experience whilst ensuring the on-going quality of this unique Single Malt.”

Ian Curle concluded: “Respected local crafts and skills are at the heart of The Macallan’s uncompromising approach to quality, and we are very pleased to be working with both Robertson and Forsyths to write the next chapter in the history of The Macallan.”

Edrington Edrington owns some of the leading Scotch whisky and rum brands in the world, including The Macallan, Brugal, The Famous Grouse, Cutty Sark and Highland Park. In addition to its core brands, Edrington acquired Snow Leopard vodka in 2013.

Edrington owns its route to market in eleven countries, and operates the remainder through joint venture and third party agreements. Over the past six years the company has increased the international nature of its business through the acquisition of the Brugal and Cutty Sark brands and sales and distribution companies in key markets.

Edrington is headquartered in Scotland and employs more than 2,200 people worldwide, with over 60% employed overseas.

Edrington is owned by a charitable trust, The Robertson Trust, which donated £16.6 million to a variety of charitable causes last year.

The Macallan

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies.  The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship. From its founding, through the subsequent owners of The Macallan distillery in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and into the present century, The Macallan has been recognised for its outstanding quality above all else. Today this remains the foundation for the worldwide fame of The Macallan and is such that it is truly “The Last Word” in luxury and at the heart of those special moments brought alive over a glass of The Macallan.

Robertson Robertson is an integrated infrastructure, support services and construction group that INVESTS in, BUILDS & MAINTAINS the social infrastructure that makes people’s lives better.  Robertson directly employs over 1300 people throughout the UK. The Robertson businesses are experts in working in partnership and delivering: capital projects, facilities management, timber engineering, regionally-based construction (covering Scotland and England), property development, regeneration, house building, affordable homes, civil engineering, building services and major projects. Robertson was established in Elgin, Moray in 1966 by Executive Chairman Bill Robertson.

RSHP Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (RSHP) is an award-winning, international architectural practice based in London. Over the past three decades, RSHP has attracted critical acclaim with innovative projects across Europe, Asia, Australasia and North America. The practice is experienced in designing a wide range of building types including office, residential, transport, education, culture, leisure, retail, civic and healthcare. The quality of its designs has been recognised with some of architecture’s highest awards, including two RIBA Stirling Prizes for Terminal 4 at Madrid Barajas Airport in 2006 and Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre, London in 2009.

Set up as The Richard Rogers Partnership in 1977, the practice became Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners in 2007 to reflect the growing importance of two of the younger Partners, Graham Stirk and Ivan Harbour, and their role alongside Richard Rogers in the practice’s future. RSHP now employs over 200 people, including 9 Partners, 10 Associate Partners and 57 Associates, in offices in London, Sydney and Shanghai.

http://www.rsh-p.com/

For Further Information: Adele Joyce, Brand Team Project Manager – Macallan Expansion, The Macallan 07584 217 162 ajoyce@edrington.co.uk