Sentebale Polo Cup Presented by Royal Salute World Polo Celebrated With Royal Flair in Abu Dhabi

HDH to Feature Whisk(e)y at End-of-Year Auction on December 12 & 13 at TRU Restaurant in Chicago
Final Sale of 2014 Will Feature Highly-Sought Scotch, Bourbon, and Rye

(November 25, 2014—Chicago, IL) – Hart Davis Hart, the largest wine and spirits auction house in the U.S., is thrilled to feature a spectacular selection of fine and rare whiskies in its December 12th and 13th auction in Chicago. The 120 lots of exceptional Scotch, Bourbon, and Rye have a total estimated value of $118,640-177,820.

Bidders interested in exceptional Scotch will delight in the abundance of collectible Whisky from some of Scotland’s finest distilleries. Particularly interesting lots include Laphroaig 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cask Strength (1 700ml b) (est. $2,800-4,200), 1966 Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Vintage Cask #1907 Distillery Bottled (1 b) (est. $1,600-2,400), and rare NV Springbank 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery Bottled (2 bs) (est. $1,000-1,500), in addition to an array of vintage offerings from Ardbeg. Hart Davis Hart is also excited to offer The Sir Peter Blake Macallan 8 Decades Set— one of only 250 produced (est. $8,000-12,000). The set was created to celebrate the 80th birthday of Sir Peter Blake, who is considered the “godfather” of British pop art. The oak presentation case is divided into eight sections (one per decade), each featuring a backdrop and artefact designed, inspired or selected by Sir Peter Blake and a 50ml bottle of The Macallan distilled in that decade (1930-2000). Each miniature bottle also features a special label designed by Blake. This beautiful set (pictured on the right) is an extreme rarity and would be a jewel in any Scotch lover’s collection.

In addition to its astounding range of Scotch, the auction will also include a variety of superb American Whiskies from icons like Pappy Van Winkle, A.H. Hirsch, Willett, George T. Stagg and more. Among these is a particularly rare full container of 12 bottles of 1974 A.H. Hirsch Reserve 16 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey (3rd bottling, Gold Foil) (12 bs) (est. $12,000-18,000). Other American rarities include a 3L bottle of I.W. Harper 12yr Bourbon Whiskey (est. $600-900) and two bottles of NV Rathskeller 23yr Straight Rye Whiskey (Seelbach Hotel Bottling, Kentucky Bourbon Distillers Ltd.) (est. $3,000-4,500).

We look forward to seeing you in Chicago for what promises to be an exciting auction. The auction will take place at Chicago’s award-winning restaurant, TRU, beginning promptly at 9:00 a.m. (CT) on Friday, December 12 & Saturday, December 13, 2014. TRU is located at 676 N. St. Clair Street in Chicago, just one block East of Michigan Avenue. Attendance at the sale is open to the public and free of charge. Reservations for lunch at TRU during the auction ($75) should be made by calling Hart Davis Hart at 312.854.0096 or emailing info@hdhwine.com.

Whisk(e)y Highlights of the December 12th & 13th Auction:

Lot 1886: The Macallan 8 Decades Set, Sir Peter Blake, Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery Bottled (8 50ml miniatures) (est. $8,000-12,000)
Lot 2187: 1968 Glendronach 25 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Sherry Cask Distillery Bottled (1 b) (est. $900-1,400)
Lot 2195: 1967 Highland Park 38 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Split Cask Distillery Bottled (1 b) (est. $1,000-1,500)
Lot 2201: Laphroaig 40 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cask Strength Distillery Bottled (1 700ml b) (est. $2,800-4,200)
Lot 2210: Lagavulin 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery Bottled (3 bs) (est. $2,600-3,800)
Lot 2214: 1982 Port Ellen 22 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Connoisseurs Choice Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail (3 bs) (est. $1,100-1,700)
Lot 2221: Rathskeller 23yr Rye Straight Rye Whiskey, Seelbach Hotel Bottling Kentucky Bourbon Distillers Ltd. (2 bs) (est. $3,000-4,500)
Lot 2231: 1974 A.H. Hirsch Reserve 16 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey (3rd bottling, Gold Foil) (12 bs) (est. $12,000-18,000)
Lot 2239: Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 23yr Straight Bourbon Whiskey (2008 Bottling) (3 bs) (est. $4,200-6,500)
Lot 2251: 1966 Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Vintage Cask #1907 Distillery Bottled (1 b) (est. $1,600-2,400)
Lot 2255: Springbank 21 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery Bottled (2 bs) (est. $1,000-1,500)
Lot 2262: I.W. Harper 12yr Bourbon Whiskey (3 liters) (est. $600-900)
Lots 2257-2258: 1974 Ardbeg Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Provenance, 2nd Release (1 b) (est. $2,000-3,000)

Auction Calendar

December 12 & 13, 2014
February 14, 2015
March 28, 2015

Bidding Information

Auction catalogs are available through the website or by calling Hart Davis Hart (hdhwine.com; 312.482.9996). The expanded website allows bidders to view and search the auction catalog and place absentee bids online. Hart Davis Hart’s state-of-the-art technology allows bidders worldwide to participate in the Chicago-based live auctions via the Internet. Bidders can follow the auction in the salesroom, hear the live auction, and bid against the room, all in real-time. More details about online bidding can be found at www.hdhwine.com.

Bidders are encouraged to attend the auction in person, but Hart Davis Hart welcomes bids by phone, fax, through the website, and via the live-bid technology. For more information, contact Hart Davis Hart at 312.482.9996 or go to hdhwine.com.

For more information on Hart Davis Hart, please contact Hart Davis Hart at 312.482.9996 or visit hdhwine.com.

‘IT ALL COMES BACK TO THE ORIGINAL’

The Glenlivet launches new global communications campaign

The Glenlivet, the single malt that started it all, has announced the launch of its new global communications campaign: ‘It All Comes Back To The Original’.

The campaign, which is rolling out around the world now, aims to capture and celebrate The Glenlivet’s spirit of originality, communicating its role as a single malt with a style to which others can only aspire and encouraging the same originality from its fans.

Developed to engage directly with discerning men in emerging, developing and mature malt markets, the campaign assets include a film for TV and online usage, print, out of home and digital banners. Following a successful launch in the US last month [October], spearheaded by the TV Commercial, the campaign is now rolling out globally.

The creative features inspiring words that relate to The Glenlivet’s reputation for setting the quality, craft and style benchmarks of the Speyside region. These words are presented in a bold, confident style and, in each creative, a word with the opposite meaning is then further shown as a shadowed reflection.

Furthermore, the look and feel of the headline words in the print, out of home and banner advertisements are inspired by authentic distillery materials such as copper, oak and steel.

The campaign film is shot with a balance of tradition and heritage with contemporary imagery, and depicts the comparative sets of words against the renowned Speyside landscape and the bustling distillery during the production process, reinforcing the premium and craft credentials of the range.

Nikki Burgess, Global Brand Director for The Glenlivet, commented: “2014 has been a landmark year for The Glenlivet – a result of consistent innovation, the buoyant global malt market and our on-going commitment to setting the quality benchmark for Speyside.

“We expect the market’s dynamism to remain and, with this new global advertising campaign, we are confident that we will engage and inspire consumers with the core values of The Glenlivet. In speaking directly to discerning men and conveying The Glenlivet’s crafted quality and originality, we hope to engage with them as they seek to be originals in their own lives too.”

NOTES

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

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

Buffalo Trace Distillery Receives Three Huge

International Awards for 2014

Named Distiller of the Year, and Holds Two of the Three Best Whiskeys in the World

Buffalo Trace Distillery Receives Three Huge

International Awards for 2014

Named Distiller of the Year, and Holds Two of the Three Best Whiskeys in the World

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Nov. 20, 2014) Buffalo Trace Distillery received an early holiday gift this year, receiving three of the spirits industry’s most coveted awards – “Distiller of the Year,” and Second and Third Finest Whiskies in the World for its William Larue Weller Bourbon and Sazerac 18 Year Old Rye Whiskey.

The International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) named Sazerac Company, Buffalo Trace’s parent company, “Distiller of the Year” in London last week at its annual awards. And earlier this month, Jim Murray named William Larue Weller Bourbon the “Second Finest Whisky in the World” and Sazerac Rye 18 Year Old the “Third Finest Whisky in the World” in his 2015 Whisky Bible. Both the William Larue Weller and the Sazerac Rye 18 year old are produced, aged, and bottled at Buffalo Trace Distillery.

The IWSC was established in 1969 and was the first competition of its kind to reward the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Entries are received from around 90 countries.

Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible awards are based on evaluation of more than 4,700 whiskies.  In describing the William Larue Weller, Mr. Murray notes, “almost too profound for words… I always save this as one of the last whiskeys I taste for each Bible. In life you always need something to look forward to.”

“We are very fortunate to have received such high honors on such a large stage,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller. “To be up against so many competitors and to do so well is something in which we can all be proud.”

For more information on the IWSC and to see the complete list of winners click here: http://www.iwsc.net/news1/1743.  To see more about the Whisky Bible click here: http://www.whiskybible.com/index.html. 

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 is 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 http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/.

New Benromach wood finish whiskies launched 

Two exciting new wood finish single malt whiskies have been launched by the Benromach Distillery Company Ltd.

The Hermitage Wood Finish was matured in first fill bourbon casks before being finished for 27 months in hand-selected Hermitage wine casks from the northern Rhône region of France.

The Château Cissac Wood Finish was also matured in first fill bourbon casks prior to being finished for 20 months, again in hand-selected wine casks, this time from the Haut-Médoc near Bordeaux in south-western France. 

The wood finishes join a stable of classic whiskies with a pre-1960s Speyside character, led by the flagship Benromach 10 Years Old.

Each is hand-crafted by just three distillers using the finest natural ingredients at the Forres distillery.

Ewen Mackintosh, Chief Operating Officer of Gordon & MacPhail which owns the Benromach Distllery Company Ltd, said: “We are proud of our role as custodians of the old crafts of distillation and maturation and as those who are familiar with Benromach know, we like to experiment a little.

“These two wood finishes – Hermitage and Château Cissac – have been finished in casks from two distinguished French wine regions and have a lot of character, which we expect will appeal to both existing and new customers.”

Benromach Hermitage Wood Finish and Benromach Château Cissac Wood Finish will adopt the same new look as that for the 10 Years Old, which was unveiled in April this year.

The new bottle style and packaging reflects the hand-crafted character of the Benromach whiskies.

The elegant bottle’s neck and shoulder resembles the shape of the Benromach stills while the box, complete with embossed hand-drawn lettering, replicates their colour.

A limited release of approximately 4,200 bottles of each product will be available.

The UK recommended retail price for the Benromach Wood Finishes is £39.75. Prices may vary in export markets because of duty and import taxes.  

Notes

Leading malt whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail is the owner of the Benromach Distillery Company Ltd. Established in 1898, the distillery was virtually derelict when the family-owned company bought it in 1993.

Following a painstaking restoration and re-equipment, it was re-opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

In reopening Benromach Distillery, Gordon & MacPhail decided to recreate a classic Speyside single malt – a style that draws its influence from pre-1960s Speyside whiskies.

Benromach Distillery is located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres. A four star visitor centre is open to the public throughout the year for tours and tastings. Benromach Distillery is a member of the world famous Malt Whisky Trail. 

Benromach 10 Years Old 

Benromach 10 Years Old is created from the finest Scottish barley and pure spring water from the nearby Romach hills. After being matured for at least 10 years, it emerges golden in colour and displays rich fruit, sweet chocolate and delicate spicy aromas. With a rich sherry influence, the mouth-watering palate coats the senses with exotic fruit flavours, toasted malt and a delicate hint of smoke.

GLENDRONACH LAUNCHES NEW 12 YEARS OLD SAUTERNES CASK FINISH

AWARD-WINNING GlenDronach has today (26 November) launched its new 12 years old Sauternes Cask Finish single malt Scotch whisky.

It replaces the acclaimed 14 year-old Sauternes wood finish expression, launched four years ago, which has now been discontinued.

Bottled at 46% vol, without colouring or chill filtering, the 12 year-old Highland malt was initially matured in European oak and then finished in a small batch of Sauternes wine casks.

Sauternes is a sweet dessert wine made in the French region of Bordeaux, an area famous for its wine-growing. The aim of finishing the GlenDronach single malt in the wine casks is to create an extraordinarily refreshing single malt – delicate and sweet with a balanced acidity and fruity complexity.

Master Distiller Billy Walker’s tasting notes:

Appearance: Crisp summer gold.

Nose: Torrents of fresh fruits, apricots and nectarine flow to honeydew melon and distant hints of overripe banana. A gentle aromatic floral note balances with creamy vanilla to give a sophisticated back note to the nose.

Palate: Wildflower honey floods over sweet sultanas and green apples. A dusting of ground almonds, vanilla and creamy toasted oak combines with a vibrant citrus twist, giving a rich, spicy depth and contrasting fresh balance.

Finish: Sweet, fresh and fragrant with balanced acidity. Lots of finesse and elegance, whilst still maintaining the lively youthful elements.

The GlenDronach 12 Years Old Sauternes Wood Finish is available from today.

Chivas 18 Celebrates Trophy Success at International Wine and Spirits Competition

Chivas Regal 18, one of the world’s leading ultra-premium Scotch whiskies, has celebrated its latest success at the prestigious International Wine and Spirits Competition awards ceremony in London, where it has been awarded the Blended Scotch Whisky Trophy.

The judges were unanimous in their praise for Chivas 18, with the panel commenting: “Stone fruits lead in a very attractive nose with peach being most dominant. Nutmeg, cinnamon and sherry follow. Wonderfully warming in the mouth. Rich in sherry characters with raisins and plum. Vanilla is prominent in long, well sustained finish. Delightful.”

The awards ceremony was attended by Chivas Regal Master Blender Colin Scott, who accepted the trophy on behalf of the brand and the team. Of the trophy win, Colin commented: “Seventeen years ago we launched Chivas 18 with the intention of offering discerning whisky drinkers a sophisticated, multi-layered luxury Scotch whisky. Winning the Blended Scotch trophy at the International Wine and Spirits Competition is a very humbling acknowledgement that we’ve stayed true to this vision. We hope our efforts to honour Chivas 18’s heritage and maintain its exciting taste profile will carry this vision forward in the years to come.”

Following its success at the IWSC, Chivas Regal will commence rolling out a global advertising campaign to celebrate the luxury flavours of this whisky for modern gentlemen. The campaign’s tagline, “Generosity in every drop”, pays tribute to the brand’s spirit of generosity as well as the 85 unique flavours of the Chivas Regal blend. The campaign will run until October 2015.

Notes

About the International Wine & Spirits Competition

Established in 1969, The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) was the first competition set up to seek out, reward and promote the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Now in its 45th year, the competition receives entries from around 90 countries which are judged by carefully selected industry experts.

About Chivas Regal

Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal today sells 4.6 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. Brotherhood, generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity are at the heart of Chivas Regal so in 2008, the brand launched its successful Live with Chivalry campaign, which has inspired Modern Gentlemen in more than 60 countries around the world to pursue success with integrity. The Chivas Regal range includes Chivas 12, Chivas 18, Chivas 25 and the Global Travel Retail exclusive, Chivas Brothers Blend. In October 2014, Chivas Regal announced the addition of a fifth permanent expression in the Chivas Regal family, Chivas Regal Extra, sitting within the super-premium range, positioned between Chivas 12 and Chivas 18. www.chivas.com

About Chivas Brothers Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport. www.chivasbrothers.com

Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases Fifteenth Round of

Single Oak Project Bourbon  

Second to last release in the series looks at the top and the bottom of the tree cut while Master Distiller explains differences   

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Nov. 18, 2014) – Buffalo Trace Distillery is nearing the end of its Single Oak Project, with just one more bourbon release to go after this, in what will be a four year study of seven different variables and how they affect taste.

This release features bourbons which were all aged in barrels with the same entry proof (105), same stave seasoning, aged in the same warehouse (concrete floor), and same char level (number three). All other variables, recipe (wheat or rye), grain size, and tree cut (top or bottom of the tree) vary.

“There are many variables to consider in this project but one of the most interesting to learn more about has been tree cut,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller. “There are four direct components that are related to wood that contribute to our bourbon flavor; hemicellulose, lignin, tannins, and the char layer. There are two major considerations when it comes to tree composition and location, and those are lignins and tannins. The top half of the tree tends to have more lignin, which contributes to the formulation of vanilla and vanilla flavor. The bottom half of the tree tends to have more tannins, which contributes to the formation of ellagic acids and tannic flavor. Tannic flavor leaves your mouth dry and delivers complexity or richness in texture.”

If past online votes are any indication, fans are all over the board when it comes to their favorite. Barrel # 82 retains its lead, but the other barrels in the top spots vary in char level, tree location, recipe and char level. The only thing it seems fans can agree upon at this time is the entry proof (105) and warehouse (rick warehouse.)

But it’s not too late to get in on the act and start reviewing, as there are no clear cut winners yet, and another release after this one to go before this project ends in the summer of 2015.  More than 4,300 reviews have been given so far on www.singleoakproject.com.

The Single Oak Project is part of an intensive research project Buffalo Trace Distillery started conducting in 1999 by hand picking 96 trees with different wood grains and then dividing them into a top and bottom piece, yielding 192 unique sections. From there, staves were created from each section and were air dried for either 6 months or 12 months. After all the staves were air dried, a single barrel was created from each tree section, resulting in 192 total barrels. These barrels were given either a number three or a number four char and then filled with either wheat or rye recipe bourbon.

 To further the variety of experiments, the barrels were filled at two different proofs, 105 and 125 proof.  And if this wasn’t enough, two completely different warehouses were used, one with wooden floors and one with concrete floors.  In total, seven different variables were employed in Buffalo Trace’s ultimate experiment.

For eight years the Distillery continued with its tracking process, creating intricate databases and coming up with a potential of 1,396 tasting combinations from these 192 barrels!

The Single Oak Project Bourbon is being released in a series every three months from 2011 through 2015 until all of the 192 barrels have been released. The first release hit select stores in 2011.  This fifteenth release will reach stores in December. Like all the other releases, the quantities are very limited. Every case will contain 12 bottles, each from a different barrel. The fifteenth release is made up of barrel numbers 21, 22, 53, 54, 85, 86, 117, 118, 149, 150, 181, and 182. All releases will be packaged in a 375ml bottle. Suggested retail pricing per bottle is $46.35.

At the conclusion of the Single Oak Project, the Distillery plans to take the top rated Single Oak Project Bourbon and make more just like it, under the Single Oak name.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1786 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com.

ROYAL SALUTE 21 YEAR OLD UNVEILS PRESTIGIOUS NEW PACKAGING

Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky has unveiled a contemporary new look for its 21 Year Old expression reinforcing its position as a modern, luxury product of hand crafted quality.

Royal Salute proudly seeks out the most precious materials to craft its blend – from perfectly matured single malt whiskies to the porcelain flagons in which it is presented. Robust, durable and strong, the opaque body of the flagon acts as a powerful guardian to the precious liquid. Crafted over five days from Cornish clay in Great Britain, Royal Salute’s high quality is further reinforced by the new artistic decoration on its cap that includes a guilloché pattern, while the label emphasises the brand’s legacy, which dates back to 1953 when Royal Salute was launched in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her coronation.

Elaborate engraving of a lion and cannon smoke on the bottle retain Royal Salute’s rich heritage as a powerful and sophisticated prestige Scotch whisky, with the expression being named after the traditional 21 Gun Salute. In 2012, the brand became the first ever to be officially associated with the Royal Gun Salutes at the Tower of London, further celebrating the brand’s celebration of royalty, a tradition that continues today.

Royal Salute 21 Year Old’s new bottle reflects the power and grace of Master Distiller Colin Scott’s craftsmanship. Colin Scott maintains consistent high quality throughout the production process, selecting rare and prized malt and grain whiskies laid down over 21 years ago for the final blend, which he describes as both subtle and strong, like “an iron fist in a velvet glove.”

Global Brand Director for Royal Salute, Neil Macdonald says: “There is a tremendous opportunity for Royal Salute to become a true and legitimate luxury brand. We have powerful credentials with our sumptuous whisky which has always used whiskies aged at least 21 years of age Now the new design complements with a modern look for our iconic 21 Year Old expression that alludes to the power and grace of our range. Royal Salute is steeped in royalty and history and this new contemporary packaging helps us bring the legacy of our crafted whisky to life. We are proud to present a bottle that today’s whisky connoisseurs, collectors and discerning drinkers alike will appreciate.”

Colin Scott, Master Blender for Royal Salute, continues: “21 years is an age necessary to capture the power and grace that defines this unique blend’s style. The new packaging enhances the exclusive Royal Salute experience.”

The new Royal Salute 21 Year Old flagon will remain available in three colours, including sapphire, ruby, and emerald complemented by a matching velvet pouch. Contact your local distributor for price and availability.

NOTES

About Royal Salute

Royal Salute is the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky brand, with a range of luxury blended whiskies matured for a minimum of 21 years. Created in 1953 to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, Royal Salute’s signature style is the combination of power and grace – a style developed and upheld by Colin Scott and legacy of the three Master Blenders who preceded him since 1953. Power and grace not only defines the elegance, richness and complexity of Royal Salute whiskies, but also the character of the brand demonstrated by its support of the honourable sport of polo. Today, Royal Salute is a leading international supporter of polo through its Royal Salute World Polo platform, hosting prestigious events across Asia, the Americas and Europe, featuring some of the world’s best polo players. www.royalsalute.com

@RoyalSalute

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

@ChivasNewsRoom

First Ever Whisky Tasting via Facebook Oversubscribed

Demand dramatically outstripped supply when Isle of Arran Distillery offered its global followers the chance a whisky tasting via facebook-believed to be the first time the social media channel has been used in this way.

On Wednesday 26th November, Isle of Arran Distillery enthusiasts from across the globe will gather online simultaneously to sample several expression of the Arran Malt.

Hundreds people applied for one of 24 tasting packs which include the popular 10 and 14 Year-old Single Malts plus two special drams selected by Master Distiller James MacTaggart. Both of these secret drams have yet to be released to the public and will be an exclusive to this event.

With applicants from as far afield as Canada, Australia and Japan, the popularity of the tasting demonstrates just how highly regarded Isle of Arran whiskies have become worldwide.

Managing director, Euan Mitchell said, “Over the past few years, we’ve seen a surge in interest in our whiskies. Our White Stag Club, which is a thriving online community of brand enthusiasts is always buzzing with discussion about our malts, so after a couple of animated and enjoyable twitter tastings, we wanted to try something new to further encourage our international ambassadors to engage with the distillery and share their love of our drams.”

On the 26^th all comments will be hosted on a single thread on the Arran Facebook page with each dram introduced individually through the evening. James MacTaggart will be hosting and helping to answer comments and add his own impressions.

The tasting will being at 7:30pm GMT and those who weren’t successful in the draw for tasting packs are encouraged to join in with their own bottles of 10 or 14 year-old Malts.

Notes:

For more information visit http://www.arranwhisky.com/

 Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.)

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2012). Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards (2012). Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year-old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards (2014).