DIAGEO OPENS £1.5MILLION STATE-OF-THE-ART NEW HOME FOR THE WORLD’S LARGEST ALCOHOL BRAND ARCHIVE 

Stunning new facility in Scotland features the finest liquid library in the world 

MENSTRIE, SCOTLAND, 11 June 2014.  Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks company, opened the doors to a stunning new £1.5million home for the largest alcohol brand archive in the world. 

The Diageo Archive’s fitting location, in Scotland, has been expanded with striking new facilities to store over half a million items of drinks heritage from world famous brands such as JOHNNIE WALKER®, TANQUERAY™, BAILEYS® and SMIRNOFF®. The collection is curated by a team of professional archivists dedicated to discovering and leveraging the stories behind these iconic brands. 

Christine McCafferty, Archive Manager, said, “The Diageo Archive is the largest source of drinks brand information in the world. From vintage advertisements, to film and industry accolades, we have items dating back over four centuries, from 150 countries supporting 1,500 brands and nearly 200 production sites. 

“It’s a living resource, changing daily as our teams create new advertising, new bottle designs and new innovation.” 

The Diageo Archive, located in the village of Menstrie, near Alloa in Scotland, is widely regarded as instrumental in developing the stories behind Diageo’s leading brands, as David Gates, Diageo’s global head of premium core spirits, explains: 

“In a world where people are making purchase decisions based on brand authenticity we have access to an unparalleled wealth of heritage that underpins our brands as category leaders.” 

“We feel we are literally standing on the shoulders of giants – safeguarding the legacy left by the great individuals who forged new paths for our brands. The Diageo Archive is a significant resource in ensuring we continue to build upon their pioneering journeys.” 

“It is as fundamental to the business today, as it was when first built and continues to establish credentials, support global initiatives and set cornerstones for iconic brands such as JOHN WALKER & SONS ODYSSEY™ and JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™.” 

Andrew Torrance, John Beard and Ian Bankier

WHISKY INDUSTRY HEAVYWEIGHT

 JOINS THE WHISKY SHOP BOARD

Arrival Of Former Whyte & Mackay CEO Will Assist Expansion Drive

The Whisky Shop, the UK’s largest specialist whisky retailer, has announced the appointment of former Whyte & Mackay CEO John Beard as non-executive director.

The business, which now has 23 shops in the UK, including a new flagship store in London’s Piccadilly, is gearing up for a period of further expansion in its home market as well as overseas.

The Whisky Shop is the first retailer in the UK to provide a dedicated platform for some of the world’s most exclusive and high value whiskies and is widely regarded by the industry as the leading specialist whisky retailer in the world. 

Ian Bankier, founder and chairman of The Whisky Shop, said: “Having established a sizeable footprint in the UK, we now have aspirations to expand into Europe. John brings us a wealth of experience of overseas markets and brand development and will play an important role in helping us achieve our international growth ambitions.” 

Mr Beard was until recently CEO of Whyte & Mackay Limited.  He left at the end of 2013 and recently worked with Lion Capital Private Equity in a £430m bid for Whyte & Mackay, which ultimately went to a higher bidder.

A highly experienced global drinks executive, Mr Beard spent his formative career with the Bacardi Group rising to become UK CEO of £300m turnover Bacardi Brown Forman Brands, from where he moved on to become Global Chief Executive of Whyte & Mackay Limited.

John Beard said: “I’ve known Ian and his managing director Andrew Torrance for several years and watched in admiration as they have grown the business with an unwavering focus on quality.

“The Whisky Shop’s reputation amongst the industry’s key brand owners and the discerning public is an enviable one and I’m greatly looking forward to be joining the team in a non-Executive part-time capacity, supporting Ian Bankier’s leadership and Andrew Torrance’s dynamic management.”

Ian Bankier added: “The international appetite for premium whisky is growing strongly, giving us the confidence to examine a number of exciting opportunities to replicate our UK growth in overseas markets. We are looking at Europe first.”

The Whisky Shop is the UK’s largest whisky only specialist retailer with a full range available online at http://www.whiskyshop.com/ and at 23 stores nationwide, including premium flagships in London’s Piccadilly and on Manchester’s Exchange Street.

Laphroaig® Single Malt Scotch Whisky Welcomes All Opinions

Deerfield, IL (June, 2014) –Laphroaig®, the world’s #1 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, is unveiling its new global advertising and digital campaign featuring candid, real-life opinions of Laphroaig® from some of the brands biggest fans. The idea behind “#Opinions Welcome” is to inspire whisky drinkers to share their own personal Laphroaig® “tasting notes” by showcasing the often offbeat and unique descriptions that members of Friends of Laphroaig®, the brand’s distinguished loyalty group, have provided over the years, as well as first-time Laphroaig drinkers. By commemorating the passion of an enlightened few, Laphroaig® hopes to intrigue those who are unfamiliar with, but interested in trying it for the first time.

With authentic descriptions like, “Smells like medicine. Tastes like soil. My whisky of choice,” and “Salt, peat, smoke, iodine and seaweed. My friend the oceanographer said it tasted ‘like dead fish’ I was hooked,” the campaign will be brought to life through print and digital ads, as well as video content.

“Laphroaig® has long been a brand that elicited diverse and strong opinions from those who taste it, and the quotes we’ve selected to showcase at the launch of the campaign honor our long time friends and represent their affinity for Laphroaig®,” said John Campbell, Laphroaig® Master Distiller. “These authentic reactions will entice those unfamiliar with the whisky and inspire them to share their own opinions of Laphroaig®.”

At the heart of the campaign is a microsite www.Laphroaig.com/Opinionswhich will act as the central hub for the public to submit their own opinions of Laphroaig®. In addition to showcasing the content online, some of the newly generated opinions will be selected and used within future advertisements and as brand content in the Laphroaig® social media channels. To further inspire intrigue, a series of viral videos titled, #OpinionsWelcome, will feature various people tasting Laphroaig® and openly sharing their tasting experience with the liquid – whether positive or negative. The videos will premiere throughout 2014 and can be viewed at http://www.laphroaig.com//Opinions and at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_ivP4xqeZo.

Fans are encouraged to join the discussion and share their opinions by using the hashtag #OpinionsWelcome on Facebook and Twitter. 

To learn more about Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, #OpinionsWelcome, or how to become a Friend of Laphroaig®, visit www.Laphroaig.com, LIKE us on Facebook www.Facebook.com/Laphroaig, or follow us on Twitter @Laphroaig.

Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Centre’s New Restaurant Launched  

– ‘Irish True’ Menu with a Whiskey Infused Twist 

Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Centre has announced the official opening of its new restaurant ‘The Bond’. The new restaurant, inspired by Tullamore D.E.W.’s distinct ‘Irish True’ personality and locally sourced Irish produce, combines high end gastro-pub style food with a whiskey infused twist.  

The restaurant is headed up by talented French Chef Alex Avel, formerly of the Hilton in Lyon.  Diners can expect dishes of imagination and flair combining the finest local ingredients with a warm and atmospheric eating experience.  Signature dishes include Lamb Shank Redemption, a slowly braised lamb shank resting in onion and rosemary jus with seasonal farm vegetables and potatoes.  Whiskey inspired dishes include the ‘D.E.W. York D.E.W. York house burger’ and the ‘Irish Drunken Mushrooms’ flambéed in Tullamore D.E.W. Old Bonded Warehouse release. 

Speaking at the opening of ‘The Bond’, Cathy Sullivan, Marketing Manager Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Centre, said “We are delighted to officially open ‘The Bond’.  A lot of care and attention to detail has gone into designing a restaurant worthy of its beautiful setting in the Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Centre along the banks of the Grand Canal.  We have designed a menu that reflects the unique spirit and heritage of Tullamore D.E.W. and the rich palette of world class Irish ingredients available on our doorstep. I have no doubt our unique dishes, excellent service and rustic charm will put ‘The Bond’ firmly on the culinary map for both local foodies and the thousands of visitors to the Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Centre each year.” 

The 70 seater restaurant is open daily from 11am – 4pm with late opening on Fridays and Sundays from June 6th. ‘The Bond’ is part of the Tullamore D.E.W. Visitor Centre which was extensively redesigned and re-launched as an interactive experience in September 2012.     

Over 100 years since the last Scottish miners abandoned Joadja Creek shale mines in New South Wales, Joadja Whisky brings back the spirit of these brave men and women who helped forge a nation through their bravery, hard work and enterprise. The drama of this Australian Ghost Town is brought back to life by the crystal clear water of the natural spring, the local produce and the very best Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso casks imported from Spain by the founders, Valero and Elisa Jimenez. http://www.joadjawhisky.com.au/

Celebrate Father’s Day with Glen Grant the Major’s Reserve 

Show the man in your life how much you appreciate him this Father’s Day, with a Glen Grant gift pack featuring a bottle of Glen Grant the Major’s Reserve and two whisky tumblers, presented in a beautifully designed box. 

Inspired by James ‘The Major’ Grant, this easy drinking single malt is the freshest and lightest of the Glen Grant range.  Creamy and fruity on the palate, it has a slightly dry, nutty finish and is the perfect introduction to single malts for those who are moving across from blended whiskies. 

James ‘The Major’ Grant, was just 25 when he took over the distillery and was renowned for being a legendary innovator, socialiser and traveller. In 1931, Major Grant – the last of the Grants- died, leaving behind his three daughters and one of the most famous distilleries in the world. Douglas MacKessack, his grandson, was his successor. 

Served neat, on the rocks or in your cocktail of choice, celebrate Father’s Day with a whisky that was inspired by a truly great man and father. 

Recommended retail selling price: R219.99 

For more information on Glen Grant, please visit http://www.glengrant.com/

THE FAMOUS GROUSE LEADS INNOVATION AND INVITES CONSUMERS TO ‘BE PART OF SOMETHING FAMOUS’ 

The Famous Grouse Blended Scotch whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK, has demonstrated its continued commitment to innovation as the brand invites consumers to personalise a bottle of their famous whisky with their own treasured photograph. 

The UK’s number one selling whisky recently adopted a new brand ethos – Be Part of Something Famous – borne out of the human truth that people ultimately desire to belong to something bigger. 

Inspiring consumers that Famous Moments Are Worth Sharing, the leading whisky brand has created a microsite (www.makesomeonefamous.com) where purchasers of any 70cl or 1L bottle can go and add a prized moment or favourite photo, absolutely free of charge. This is a significant move for the brand who, for the first time, will allow their beloved Grouse to be removed from personalised bottles and replaced by moments that are special to their consumer. 

Committed to ensuring widespread pick up of the new mechanic, this latest innovation from The Famous Grouse will be supported by a fully integrated campaign. The brand has invested in national press and digital advertising, as well as large scale activation in multiple retailers. 

On top of the brand’s new personalisation mechanic they have also unveiled a new 70cl limited edition gift pack for Father’s Day. The design of the gift carton celebrates the characteristics consumers think fathers are famous for, including The Famous Cyclist, The Famous Moustache and The Famous Bowler. The limited edition gift packs are now available in all major supermarkets with bottles that can also be personalised free of charge by visiting www.makesomeonefamous.com . 

Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director Maxxium UK, commented:

“As the UK’s leading whisky it’s important to us that we lead the category in innovation. 

“Everything we do and produce is through an effort of collaboration, with everyone playing an important role in creating something famous, however small. Be Part of Something Famous is all about extending this spirit of collaboration to consumers and offering them ways to get involved. Personalisation does this job for us. 

The new personalisation offering is available on all 1L and 70cl bottles of The Famous Grouse (RRP £17.10 and £23.10). The move follows the brand’s pre-Christmas personalisation campaign, allowing consumers to change the text only, which saw Maxxium UK working around the clock to fulfil high demand. 

The Famous Grouse is a blend of the finest malts and grains, married and matured in sherry casks.

NOTES

About Maxxium UK

• Maxxium UK Ltd is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Inc and Edrington.
• Its UK portfolio of premium brands includes: blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s and Cutty Sark), malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, The Macallan, The Glenrothes and Ardmore), imported whiskey (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, Canadian Club, Red Stag), cognac and brandy (Courvoisier and Fundador), sherry (Harveys), vodka (Stolichnaya), tequila (Sauza), rum (Brugal and Cruzan), liqueurs and specialities (Sourz, Bols liqueurs, Galliano, Vaccari, After Shock)

About The Famous Grouse

• The Famous Grouse is the no. 1 whisky in Scotland and no. 4 standard blended whisky worldwide (IWSR data 2012)
• The Famous Grouse is exported to over 100 countries

Sullivans Cove 2014 World’s Best Single Malt under the hammer – http://r.ebay.com/rmd0wV 

With a $1 starting bid price, this is your opportunity to own one of the last remaining and extremely rare bottles of the 2014 World Whiskes Awards – World’s Best Single Malt Whisky. Up against over 300 different whiskies from across the world, this bottle of whisky (Bottle 462 of 516 from barrel # HH252) is from the same Sullivans Cove French Oak Cask took out the the prestigious 2014 award. This year it was up against the likes of Scotland’s Bunnahabain, Aberfeldy, Glenkinchie and Glenlivet distilleries, as well as Japanese powerhouse Yamazaki. 

Previous winners of the award include: 

            • 2013: Ardbeg Galileo (Scotch)

            • 2012: Yamazaki 25 year old (Japanese)

            • 2011: Yamazaki 1984 (Japanese)

            • 2010: Ardbeg Corryvreckan

            • 2009: Highland Pak 21 year old (Scotch)

            • 2008: Yoichi 20 year old (Japanese)

            • 2007: Talisker 18 year old (Scotch) 

The World Whiskies Award is considered the most prestigious in the world for whisky producers and the manager and part-owner of Sullivan’s Cove, Patrick Maguire, said it will put Australia and Tasmania firmly on the world whisky map. “It’s the big one, there are a few big ones in the world such as the Jim Murray Whisky Bible and Liquid Gold awards, but the World Whiskies Award is it, that’s the one everybody wants,”. 

Hand-crafted to perfection in a copper pot still, Sullivans Cove Single Cask French Oak Whisky is double distilled using Tasmanian barley and only the purest wilderness water from Tasmania’s mountains and forests. Matured in hand selected French Oak Port casks and allowed to settle and clear naturally, this single malt retains full, creamy lingering flavours and is considered to be one of the best whiskies in the world according to experts such as Jim Murray. 

We have been lucky enough to secure one of the last remaining bottles of barrel # HH525. All bottles of Sullivans Cove French Oak Cask are now sold out from stores, even the bottles from other barrels that were not submitted to the coveted award. This is a unique opportunity to own and be able to enjoy the best whisky in the world! 

At the completion of the auction, we will be donating 10% of the final purchase price to a local Tasmanian charity – Speak Up StaychatTY. Speak Up StaychatTY do a fantastic job in raising awareness for those suffering anxiety and depression and promoting youth suicide prevention. http://www.staychatty.com.au/ 

Whisky Details: 

Distillery – Sullivans Cove

Location – Tasmania, Australia

Cask – French Oak

Barrel Number – HH0525

Bottle Number – 462 or 516

Barrel Date – 24/10/2000

Bottled Date – 19/03/2013

Alc / Vol % – 47.5

Standard Drinks – 26.2

Size – 700ml 

World Whisky Awards judges tasting notes and comments – “Tunnock’s Caramel wafers. With a touch of smoke. Excellent balance.” Ed Bates “Toasted almonds, grated nutmeg and some fruit toast on the nose. Burnt almonds, autumn fruits stewed with golden raisins. Light, peppery and intriguing.” Seáneen Sullivan “Keeping it simple in a very good way. Honey, vanilla and haystacks. All combine with apples and caramel.” Jason Thomson “Campfire smoke that enriches the malt and wood. A match made in heaven with a smooth buttery feel.” Joseph Cassidy “Great balance, lovely spices come through with time.” Jamie Milne

All members of Taster’s Club will get a free bottle of Johnny Walker from Ray Donovan this June 

Taster’s Club, a premium whiskey of the month club, has linked up with the SHOWTIME original series Ray Donovan, to offer their membership base a free bottle of Johnny Walker this month – free of charge. 

Taster’s Club sends a top-shelf whiskey (bourbon or scotch) to its members each month along with information to learn all about whiskey culture and production. Johnny Walker happens to be the favorite drink of Ray Donovan, the main character in the series. In addition, members will be sent a free DVD of the first season of the show. 

Mack McConnell, founder of Taster’s Club: “We were really happy to link up with Ray Donovan and the folks at SHOWTIME on this project. Taster’s Club members are huge whiskey fans and are going to be super happy to get their hands on an extra freebie this month. A lot of our new members in June will be gift recipients from Father’s Day – so this will be a great way to welcome them into the club.” 

Ray Donovan season two premieres on July 13 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME. 

Synopsis of Ray Donovan:

Set in the sprawling mecca of the rich and famous, RAY DONOVAN stars Emmy® and Golden Globe®  Award nominee Liev Schreiber as LA’s best professional fixer, the man called in to make the city’s celebrities, superstar athletes, and business moguls’ most complicated and combustible situations go away.  This powerful one-hour drama unfolds when his father, played by Oscar® winner Jon Voight, in his Golden Globe-winning role, is unexpectedly released from prison, setting off a chain of events that shakes the Donovan family to its core.

GIVE THREE SHIPS PREMIUM SELECT 5 YEAR OLD FOR FATHER’S DAY 

To thank dad for being the great man that he is, choose the proudly South African, Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old, gold medal winner at the 2014 International Spirits Challenge (ISC) held annually in London and announced on 5 June.  

The whisky, an artful blend of grain and malt whiskies, is crafted by master distiller Andy Watts, who for the past 23 years has firmly placed the South African whisky industry on the global map. The whisky is produced at The James Sedgwick’s Distillery in the Boland town of Wellington, along with the Three Ships Select, Three Ships Bourbon Cask and the limited-edition Three Ships 10 Year Old Single Malt. 

The Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old is a tribute to the time Andy spent on the Isle of Islay where many years ago, he fell in love with the island and its iconic peaty whiskies. Andy uses peated barley, distilled in copper stills along with grain spirit, distilled in column stills, to create a beautifully balanced and well-integrated blended whisky. The whisky spends five years in oak developing its aromatic, full peaty and fruity character. Andy recommends enjoying this full bodied whisky neat with a dash of water and pairing it with blue cheese, chicken liver pâté, smoked chicken or Pancetta. 

The Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for about R125.