Press Releases

Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary – American Whiskey News

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary

BARDSTOWN, KY. – The Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center is celebrating its 10th anniversary Oct. 15 with the release of a commerative Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon and a number of special events.

The center, at Heaven Hill headquarters in Bardstown, Ky., opened ten years ago to critical acclaim and fanfare for its captivating telling of the bourbon story through educational and historical displays, one-of-a-kind tastings and distinctive architecture. More than 60,000 people visit the center a year, enjoying daily tours that give behind-the-scenes access and insight to the bourbon making process.

To mark this historic anniversary, a special 2004 Vintage Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon may be purchased exclusively at the center. There are only 215 bottles available selling for $100 each. The bourbon was barreled on Oct. 15, 2004 — the first day the center opened. It is 110 proof, as opposed to the standard 86.6 proof in other Evan Williams Single Barrel bottles. The bottles are dipped in silver wax and feature an attractive “Bourbon Heritage Center 10th Anniversary” label.

Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira will sign bottles at the center 10:15 a.m.-noon, Sat., Oct. 18. Refreshments that incorporate Evan Williams and Elijah Craig sauces and spices will be served at the center throughout the day from Oct. 15-18. Visitors will enjoy 10 percent off all products in the Retail Shop, except bourbon, on those days as well.

The center is one of nine stops along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, which drew a record 571,701 visitors last year.

“We’re extremely proud of the experiences we’ve created for visitors throughout the years at the Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown and now at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville,” said Max L. Shapira, Heaven Hill President. “Through these facilities, people from all over the world have come to know and love the tradition of bourbon. That’s a benefit for the state of Kentucky and the whole bourbon industry.”

The Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center is at 1311 Gilkey Run Road in Bardstown. Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call 502-337-1000 or visit www.bourbonheritagecenter.com.

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

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Honored with 2014 Environmental Pacesetter Award – American Whiskey News

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Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Honored with 2014 Environmental Pacesetter Award

BARDSTOWN, KY. – The Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection awarded Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. today with the 2014 Environmental Pacesetter Award, a top honor in the department’s annual Environmental Excellence Awards.

The award is meant to recognize individuals, organizations and businesses for their exemplary efforts to protect the environment, conserve resources and set an example of environmental stewardship for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Heaven Hill, America’s largest independent, family-owned and operated producer of distilled spirits, was nominated for strides the company has made in recycling and conservation of water and electricity since becoming a member of the DEP’s KY Excel program in 2011.

“I’m proud to accept this award on behalf of our employees who have worked diligently to adopt sustainable practices and help Heaven Hill become an environmental leader in the state and the spirits industry,” said Allan Latts, Heaven Hill Chief Operating Officer.

More than 600 employees work at Heaven Hill and the company has six different facilities in Louisville and Bardstown, including corporate offices, a distillery and the largest distilled spirits warehouse in the U.S.

Since introducing an innovative recycling program at all its locations, Heaven Hill has recycled more than 1,859 tons of materials that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. The program began with a careful assessment of materials that could be recycled at the Bardstown plant, which bottles more than 12 million cases of spirits a year. Employees were educated about the importance of recycling and offered inducements to participate. The program was so enthusiastically received, employees began bringing items from home to recycle, as many live in communities where residential pickup isn’t available. Heaven Hill built a facility for employees to store and sort those items.

In 2010, Heaven Hill cut its electricity usage for lighting in half at its warehouse by installing energy efficient light fixtures. This year, the company recouped an additional 12 percent savings in electricity usage by installing LED lights in offices and occupancy sensors around Bardstown facilities. The company also built a retention basin to store and recycle water at its Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, cutting water usage for the cooling tower there by 60 percent.

“The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the Commonwealth’s environment. Through this awards program, we have an opportunity to recognize some of the environmental leaders in Kentucky and use their achievements as examples to others,” said R. Bruce Scott, DEP commissioner. “These awards highlight and honor the strong commitment to environmental stewardship.”

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

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

BOWMORE® SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY INTRODUCES BOWMORE® SMALL BATCH – Scotch Whisky News

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BOWMORE® SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY INTRODUCES

BOWMORE® SMALL BATCH 

The Taste of Islay encapsulated in Bowmore® Scotch Whisky’s latest addition to its core range 

Islay, Scotland  (October 9, 2014) – Bowmore, the first distillery on Islay established in 1779, is proud to introduce its latest expression – Bowmore® Small Batch Single Malt Scotch Whisky – a perfect and accessible embodiment of the Taste of Islay. The distillery has used its centuries-long experience to create a perfect combination of flavors that encapsulate Scotch from Islay, known as the Queen of the Hebrides.

Exclusively matured in first and second-fill ex-bourbon casks, Small Batch evokes the Islay house character of gentle peat smoke, salt, citrus and vanilla. Considered by many to be among the most well-balanced whiskies, Bowmore Small Batch makes for a wonderful dram for those wanting to experience an Islay single malt.

Rachel Barrie, Morrison Bowmore Distillers Master Blender, says, “If I could select only one dram to transport an enthusiast to Islay, it would be Small Batch. No one liquid better showcases the tranquility and elegance of the Island.”

Crafted from two different types of bourbon cask which are married together, Small Batch exhibits the best qualities of both: First-fill ex-bourbon casks imparts a delicious vanilla sweetness, subtle spices and a bourbon-style oak smoke, created by charring of the barrel in the bourbon production process. The second-fill ex-bourbon casks impart fruit and salty flavors which enhance Bowmore Scotch Whisky’s fresh fruity complexity and its trademark honey and creamy malt character. The result is a single malt that is exceptionally balanced between salt and sweetness. Visit here to watch a short animation about the making of Bowmore Small Batch.

Bowmore Small Batch is available nationwide in the US now and will be released globally as well. It will be a permanent addition to the Bowmore core range of Scotch whiskies and will retail for a suggested $39.99/750ml.

Tasting Notes – Bowmore Small Batch Scotch Whisky, 40% ABV

On the eye: warm gold

Breathe in: vanilla fudge, sea air and peat smoke, balanced beautifully by honeycomb and cinnamon spice

Sip: mouth-watering citrus, gentle saltiness and vanilla with flakes of coconut

Savor: the wispy smoke, bourbon vanilla and lime finish

AA Bowmore Small Batch

THE BOWMORE DISTILLERY

Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest Distillery on Islay. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception. Bowmore carefully smokes its malt and uses 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 its single malts – they are one of only a few distilleries anywhere which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by traditional wooden malt shovels. It draws 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 the spirit. The famous Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their time 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 flavors. 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 whiskies.

ABOUT BOWMORE

The award-winning Bowmore portfolio includes Bowmore Small Batch, 12 Years Old, 15 Years Old Darkest, 18 Years Old and 25 Years Old in addition to special limited-edition bottlings such as Bowmore Black, White, Gold, Bowmore 40 Year Old and more. Bowmore is available nationwide in the U.S. and in more than 45 countries worldwide. The Bowmore portfolio is imported to the U.S. by Beam Suntory Inc. For more information about Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky, please visit: www.bowmore.com, www.facebook.com/bowmore, @Bowmore1779 on Twitter.

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 of approximately $4.6 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.

Introducing The Glenlivet Nàdurra Dram Chair – Scotch Whisky News

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Introducing The Glenlivet Nàdurra Dram Chair

The Glenlivet has collaborated with designer Gareth Neal to create The Glenlivet Nàdurra Dram Chair, an outstanding piece of contemporary craft. Gareth Neal is an award-winning designer and furniture maker who creates remarkable pieces using natural materials. His style is rooted in exploring and redefining traditions which makes him our perfect choice to craft The Glenlivet Nàdurra Dram Chair.

The Dram Chair is designed to highlight the artisanal methods used to produce Nàdurra. Taking his influences from the 19th century processes, Gareth has crafted the chair entirely by hand using premium oak, copper and leather which echo the natural materials found in our distillery and Nàdurra casks.

The much anticipated full reveal of The Dram Chair takes place on 22nd October. In the meantime, enjoy our introductory film for a privileged peek at this exceptional collaboration inspired by the most natural expression.

Watch Gareth introduce The Glenlivet Nàdurra Dram Chair

Discover more about Gareth Neal

BEAM SUNTORY NAMES DAVID WILSON MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL TRAVEL RETAIL – All Kinds of Whisky News

BEAM SUNTORY NAMES DAVID WILSON MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL TRAVEL RETAIL

Madrid, Spain, October 9, 2014 – Beam Suntory Inc., one of the world’s leading spirits companies, has appointed David Wilson as Managing Director of Global Travel Retail. Wilson took up his new position Oct. 1, reporting to Albert Baladi, president of Beam Suntory’s Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) region.

The announcement follows a strategic review of the global travel retail market segment by Beam Suntory leadership, which has resulted in a sharpened focus on developing and growing this dynamic and strategically important channel.

“Beam Suntory is now the No. 3 spirits company in the world, with an advantaged portfolio in key categories and an unmatched global premium whiskeys portfolio,” Baladi said. “We are committed to investing and growing our brands in the strategic travel retail channel. David brings proven leadership skills and expertise in premium brand building on a global stage, which will add real value to developing our vision.”

Wilson has held a number of senior marketing and commercial roles within the spirits industry during his career, most recently as Sales and Marketing Director of Morrison Bowmore Distillers (MBD), now part of the Beam Suntory family. David served in that position for the last five years, leading the strategic repositioning and strong growth of MBD’s single malt portfolio.

“I am delighted to be joining the Beam Suntory team at this time, to lead the next chapter for our GTR business,” Wilson added. “I have spent a significant part of my career building and growing premium brands and I very much look forward to working with our retail partners to develop our mutual businesses.”

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.

BEAM SUNTORY PRESENTS PEATED MALTS OF DISTINCTION THE FULL SCALE OF PEAT – Scotch Whisky News

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BEAM SUNTORY PRESENTS PEATED MALTS OF DISTINCTION THE FULL SCALE OF PEAT

Beam Suntory is pleased to announce a newly named collection of high-quality whiskies from its award-winning distilleries across Scotland and Ireland. Peated Malts of Distinction features four peated malts including new expression The Ardmore Legacy as the entry point to the range, accompanied by Ireland’s Connemara Original, Islay’s Laphroaig Select and Bowmore Small Batch. 

The new portfolio capitalises on the company’s leading position in the category and will allow both the trade and consumers to explore an extensive variety of peat flavours and taste profiles. The portfolio launches at a buoyant time for the peated malts category which is experiencing 8%* growth rate in the EMEA region (CAGR 2011-2013).

Peated malts currently represent 17%* of total malt volume sales in EMEA, with Sweden (29%), Germany (25%) and The Netherlands (21%) accounting for over three quarters of peated malt sales in the region. 

The Ardmore Legacy is a new expression, aimed at challenging mainstream single malt brands, offering a lightly peated liquid that is sweet and uplifting. The launch coincides with a new identity and positioning for the brand. Appealing to whisky drinkers’ experimental nature, this malt offers an enticing new flavour made from unreleased unpeated Ardmore balanced with the traditional peated malt, which is markedly different from gentle Highland peat whiskies. The bottle boasts a new label and pack design that reflects the spirit of The Ardmore with a symbolic eagle and contour map of Kennethmont, the whisky’s home. The creative design was inspired by the instinctively fearless native golden eagle, soaring the highest heights and protecting the land. 

Lee Walker, EMEA Regional Brand Manager for Premium Malts, Beam Suntory, comments: “The peated malt category is a dynamic segment demonstrating strong growth. Beam Suntory has ambitious plans to utilise its expertise and product range to further innovate and expand the category. We’re in a unique position where we can offer drinkers a variety of taste experiences from gentle to rich peat, and we hope that this unique story will appeal to both novice and whisky enthusiasts the world over.”

Peated Malts of Distinction are available across the on and off-trade in global markets and will be supported by global marketing communication activities from October and continue for the run up to Christmas 2014. 

The Ardmore Legacy is available in the UK at RRP £29.99.

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GIFT THE PERFECT DRAM THIS FESTIVE SEASON – Scotch Whisky News

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GIFT THE PERFECT DRAM THIS FESTIVE SEASON 

Looking for the perfect gift this Christmas? Whether your loved one is a whisky connoisseur or a newcomer, we have a portfolio of single malts to suit every taste.

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Highland Park Dark Origins

Highland Park’s new core expression, Dark Origins, is the ideal gift for those long winter nights. Dark Origins offers a naturally dark, rich flavour with sherried spice, a chocolate twist and the signature sweet smoke that fans of the Orcadian elixir have come to know and love. Highland Park Dark Origins is available in select whisky retailers including Harrods (RRP £65). www.highlandpark.co.uk 

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Laphroaig Select

Fans of Laphroaig’s trademark ‘peat reek’ will love the latest addition to the portfolio, Laphroaig Select. The new expression offers a deep, smoky taste yet surprises the palate with a gentle sweetness. Laphroaig Select is available in retailers including Morrisons, www.thewhiskyexchange.com and www.masterofmalt.com (RRP £34.99). www.laphroaig.com

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The Macallan Gold

The first expression in The 1824 Series, The Macallan Gold, is the perfect gift for your loved one this Christmas. Showcasing the single malt’s natural colour, The Macallan Gold has notes of vanilla followed by dark chocolate, with lingering floral and light oak notes. The Macallan Gold is available in multiple retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Morrisons (RRP £37.63). www.themacallan.com

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 Highland Park 12 Year Old

Highland Park 12 Year Old is the ideal dram for fans of flavour and the perfect accompaniment for your Christmas pudding this festive season. This single malt boasts a honey sweetness, followed by fruity notes with a hint of gentle smoke. Highland Park 12 Year Old is available at multiple retailers including Tesco, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Co-op (RRP £34.04). www.highlandpark.co.uk 

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The Ardmore Legacy

The latest release from The Ardmore distillery, The Ardmore Legacy is the perfect introduction to peated single malt whisky. With notes of creamy vanilla, followed by smoky charcoal and savoury spices, it is the perfect winter warming dram. The Ardmore Legacy is available in retailers including Tesco and Morrisons (RRP £29.99). www.ardmorewhisky.com

Feisty Spirits Releases American Roots Whiskey – American Whiskey News

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Feisty Spirits Releases American Roots Whiskey

Millet whiskey is the newest addition to the Feisty Nectars series

FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Oct. 7, 2014 – Feisty Spirits, Fort Collins first distillery, today released American Roots, the newest addition to their Feisty Nectars series. This whiskey gets its name and flavor from a root tea that is infused into a whiskey made from millet.

“All of our flavored whiskeys in the Feisty Nectars series start with a smooth, mellow whiskey and are than infused with delicious flavors from natural ingredients,” said Jamison Gulden, co-founder of Feisty Spirits. “American Roots is flavored with root tea and has essences of root beer and chai with a hint of anise.”

American Roots is made from locally sourced millet grown at Golden Prairie in Nunn, Colo. Millet whiskeys have a strong nutmeg and allspice aroma, with wild flower notes. At first sip, this whiskey will be smooth and transition into a more saffront-like at the end. The hint of anise at the end of American Roots is a result of the millet. It is then aged for a short period of time in oak barrels.

American Roots is available today in the Feisty Spirits tasting room at 1708 E. Lincoln Ave Unit 1 Fort Collins, CO 80524. It is available in 750ml bottles for $43.

“The hint of anise, similar to that of liquorice and fennel combined with the chai make American Roots the ideal fall whiskey. Pour yourself a neat glass and curl up next to the fire,” said Gulden.

About Feisty Spirits
Feisty Spirits is Fort Collins’ first craft distillery and the original Still Rebels™. Their whiskey is created by artisans with a passion for hand-crafted small-batch distilling. They use natural and organic ingredients, and source locally whenever possible, to create inspired spirits worth drinking. At Feisty Spirits they enjoy showcasing the complexities of alternative grains and different flavor profiles, going outside the boundaries of tradition to create fresh, unique tasting whiskeys. For more information visit http://www.feistyspirits.com/.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY WINS FIVE TOP AWARDS AT 2014 NEW YORK WORLD WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION – American Whiskey News

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BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY WINS FIVE TOP AWARDS

AT 2014 NEW YORK WORLD WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION

Eagle Rare Single Barrel Received Double Gold and Named Best in Show 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Oct. 7, 2014) – Buffalo Trace Distillery received top marks at the 2014 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition, coming away with three double gold designations, a gold medal, and a best in show.

Eagle Rare Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey received double gold and was named Best in Show Spirit Sweepstakes Winner for “Best Bourbon. Best Whiskey & Best Brown Goods.”

Also receiving double gold awards were Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Blanton’s Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

Sazerac Straight Kentucky Rye Whiskey received Gold.

“These results are fantastic,” Harlen Wheatley, master distiller, said. “We are very pleased to have fared so well among so many other excellent spirits.”

The New York World Wine & Spirits Competition is one of the largest competitions for the retail beverage industry and has attracted top professional judges from broad spectrum of expertise. The competition is judged each year in New York City.

Complete results of the 2014 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition are available at www.nyworldwineandspiritscompetition.com.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 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.

LEADING AFRICAN DJ BLACK COFFEE INSPIRES WITH A UNIQUE MUSICAL EXPERIMENT FOR BALLANTINE’S – Scotch Whisky News

AA Ballantine's Presents Black Coffee's Human Orchestra

LEADING AFRICAN DJ BLACK COFFEE INSPIRES WITH A UNIQUE MUSICAL EXPERIMENT FOR BALLANTINE’S 

Electronic music and vocal techniques collide in ‘Black Coffee’s Human Orchestra’, which sees inspiring DJ and Producer Black Coffee lead a 40-strong group of African vocalists to create a stunning voice-only recreation of his most famous electronic track, ‘Rock My World’

OCTOBER 2014: Ballantine’s, the world’s No 2 Scotch whisky, has launched an inspiring short film, ‘Black Coffee’s Human Orchestra’, created in collaboration with world-renowned African DJ and Producer, Black Coffee. The film is the latest in a series presented by Ballantine’s,  each of which has been shot around the world and features unique individuals who represent Ballantine’s global mantra, ‘Stay True, Leave an Impression’. Each film in the series, which can be seen at www.StayTrueStories.com, captures these individuals as they bring their own story to life, performing innovative, creative and artistic experiments centred around their passions, philosophies and talent.

The latest film, shot in and around Johannesburg (Soweto and Maboneng), illustrates Back Coffee’s passion, creativity and ‘Stay True’ spirit of continuous experimentation with music. The film opens with Black Coffee’s own back-story and beliefs around life, music and creation, before we see him assemble a group of vocalists from across Africa. The climax of the film is an experiment which defines Black Coffee’s ambition as an artist; an impressive feat to deconstruct one of his most famous electronic music productions, ‘Rock My World’, recreating it using only the vocal abilities of his 40 strong choir. 

About Black Coffee 

Hailing from Durban but now based in the creatively buzzing metropolis of Johannesburg, Black Coffee has been creatively involved in music since the age of two. From then, he has followed a path of musical experimentation via bands, jazz, music school (where a passion for production led him to copy his teacher’s studio key so he could experiment after hours) and latterly, as a club-filling DJ known for his modern and international take on the booming ‘Afropolitan’ house movement.

He is known for his passion in bringing people together and uniting them through music, participating in numerous projects and launching his own Foundation in support of social cohesion, raising funds through challenging himself with initiatives that include a marathon 60-hour DJ set. This philosophical belief developed during South Africa’s transition from the Apartheid regime; a period during which music had a united thread that helped to, and continues to, bring people together.

It is this sense of conviction to music and desire to innovate that truly define Black Coffee as the perfect representation of Ballantine’s mantra of ‘Stay True’. 

About Stay True Stories and StayTrueStories.com

Ballantine’s is engaged in a global journey to produce a series of films which feature personalities who serve as an embodiment of ‘Stay True, Leave an Impression’. ‘Black Coffee’s Human Orchestra’ follows on from films including ‘Kilian Martin’s Carmen’, featuring world leading freestyle skateboarder Kilian Martin and his unique take on Bizet’s Spanish set opera Carmen, ‘Ben Mead’s Art of Drumming’, which shows the London-based star of Ballantine’s global ‘Stay True’ TV campaign performing an exceptional experiment to visualise sound, and ‘The Whale Song’, featuring Chilean bassist, Juan Manuel Aguirre, as he takes to the sea in a rare experiment to capture the union of music and nature. Further films are currently in production across four continents and will be released throughout 2014 and 15.

These films can be found at www.StayTrueStories.com, an online hub which also launches today, collating the richest and most captivating stories from across the web, chosen as a result of their ability to inspire us to Stay True to our own courage and conviction. 

Black Coffee commented: “Musical experimentation and its power to bring people together is why I do what I do. When Ballantine’s asked me what my dream experiment would be, I wanted to set us the challenge to do something unique. To see the group of vocalists we put together from throughout Africa with each playing their own part, producing the final recreation of ‘Rock My World’ was an amazingly satisfying moment.” 

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, commented: “Black Coffee is a true representation of what we mean by Stay True; someone who does what they do because they have to, because it’s inside them. We hope that both this film and others online at StayTrueStories.com, will inspire those watching to drive themselves forward in their own way, just as Black Coffee does himself.”

Notes

About Ballantine’s:

Ballantine’s is the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the world’s No 2 Scotch whisky by volume, and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 130 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

www.ballantines.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


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