Ballantine’s Launches New Online Film
‘Ben Mead’s Art of Drumming’

Ballantine’s unveils the latest in a series of global films, harnessing innovative new filming techniques to create stunning visualisations of the shapes and sight of sound

Ballantine’s, the world’s No 2 Scotch whisky, today launches a new online film featuring London based drummer and musician Ben Mead, as he embarks on an eye-catching and innovative experiment to capture the shapes, patterns and skills that define his art form. The unique film utilises innovative techniques to literally capture ‘The Art of Drumming’ through the use of LED ‘light trails’ on Ben’s drumsticks – capturing on film, live and without the use of after effects, the intensity, passion and artistry which drives the self-fulfilment of musicians and artists like him.

‘Ben Mead’s Art of Drumming’ is the latest instalment in what will become an extended series from around the world, featuring artists, creators and innovators from all walks of life who define Ballantines’ mantra of ‘Stay True’ – which applauds conviction, self-belief and authenticity. The films showcase these protagonists as they undertake a host of creative experiments that define their ‘Stay True’ stories, bringing them to life in a way that is both unique and engaging. These films will all be available to view through a dedicated platform, www.staytruestories.com.

This production follows Mead, the star of Ballantine’s recent TV commercial ‘The Drummer’, as he discusses his life story, philosophy and approach to creativity and music during a day in his life around his hometown of East London. The climatic finale of the film features the experiment itself, which was created by Mead, Ballantine’s and a host of technical experts and artists.

Taking its cue from ‘light painting’ in stills photography which has existed for many years, the experiment set out to create a new process as close to ‘in-camera’ as possible. This process could be previewed in real-time by Ben, allowing him to merge drum patterns with visually stunning shapes and outlines, seeing how different music styles look in space.

This unique piece follows on from ‘Kilian Martin’s Carmen’, a film collaboration between Ballantine’s and renowned freestyle skateboarder Kilian Martin, which fused his unique ‘Stay True’ story – steeped in the application of artistic movement and creativity to his boarding – with a reinterpretation of Bizet’s classic opera ‘Carmen’. Future films are also now in pre-production across three continents.

Ben Mead on the film: “Drumming, rhythm and creativity is something I’ve always been passionate about. I think creativity in music is not only something you hear or something you feel, but it’s also something you see. Taking part in this experiment and being able to physically see the way that I see drumming in my own head was so rewarding.”

The film is available to view on YouTube here http://youtu.be/JLSC5HUbvcQ and media can embed the video into news pieces using the following embed code;

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s commented: “We’re so pleased to be continuing our working relationship with Ben and to help realise this experiment to visualise the art of drumming. Ben is the perfect embodiment of ‘Stay True’ and being able to see rhythm as he sees it is a unique and innovative spectacle.”

“We’ve seen a huge appetite for these types of films from our fans around the world, featuring authentic creators such as Ben and Kilian. Through Staytruestories.com, we can deliver a wealth of global content that continues to bring Stay True to life for Ballantine’s on a long-term basis.”

The film is the next in a series from around the world, which can all be viewed at: www.staytruestories.com

Notes

About the production of ‘Ben Mead’s Art of Drumming’
In order to capture the stunning footage, a bespoke application was developed C++ using the Cinder creative coding framework, taking a HD video feed from the main shoot camera and pulls out the LED-tipped drumsticks. The trails are not computer generated, but come directly from the images from the camera, creating light trails of the desired length and intensity. In addition, a 360 degree ‘time slice rig’ was used by Ben and the team to capture the light trails in 3D.

About Stay True
The film is part of Ballantine’s recently launched ‘Stay True, Leave An Impression’ global marketing campaign, which features across the Ballantine’s brand and serves as an invitation to express ourselves in a genuine and authentic way, applauding self-belief and conviction. An accompanying advertising campaign is rolling out globally, with a TV commercial ‘The Drummer’ now showing in selected countries around the world.

About Ben Mead
Ben Mead is a real ‘stay true’ person, chosen to front Ballantine’s TVC because he serves as the embodiment of ‘Stay True’ and has passion and self-belief, is rooted in self-fulfilment rather than impressing the crowd. Ben has played in a variety of bands ranging from hard rock to indie to electronic, following his passion around the globe, touring across the Americas and Europe. However, he is also someone who rejected the traditional path of record contracts, with his current band preferring to play less well-known venues in East London.

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.

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.

For further information visit www.chivasbrothers.com

anCnoc sheds light on its Peaty side

At a launch event in Glasgow on Wednesday the 26th  of March anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky unveiled exciting and unexpected additions to its award winning range. Peated whiskies from Knockdhu Distillery, named Rutter, Flaughter and Tushkar; were presented to the media, whisky experts and members of the wider anCnoc community. The release of the Peaty Collection marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Distillery and is set to delight whisky enthusiasts around the world with a heavier, darker side of the iconic Highland spirit.

Project Manager Stephanie Bridge commented on the prospect of the anCnoc Peaty Collection being a window to the world of smoky whisky for drinkers who previously chose to drink unpeated malts:

“Rutter and our other new Limited Edition peated single malts will form an exciting collection to sit alongside our core anCnoc expressions, offering drinkers a new and perhaps a first experience of peated whisky. These malts have all the exceptional qualities of anCnoc but with a depth and smokiness that will be appealing both to peat aficionados and to drinkers of lighter malts with an interest in finding a peated malt whisky that they understand and enjoy. We’re on a mission to bring our very modern take on the world of peated whisky to our drinkers all over the world and to entice customers to experience this new side of anCnoc.”

The Whisky

While in the early days of Knockdhu’s operation peat was embraced as fuel used for firing stills and drying malted barley, technological advancements changed the way whisky was made in the village of Knock and allowed more gentle, unpeated character of the spirit to be developed over decades. But since early 21st  century peated malt has been used at Knockdhu once again, this time for a few months of the year only, to produce whisky which pays homage to anCnoc’s heritage and sheds light on the darker side of one of Scotland’s most flavoursome distillates. Excellent maturation performance, high flavour concentration and a rare propensity to retain a lot of the distillery style while delivering an uncompromising peaty dimension has led the company to the decision to release this unusual guise of anCnoc as the Peaty Collection.

The whisky is presented in green glass to emphasise its distinctly different character and the three expressions unveiled at the Glasgow launch are named after traditional peat-cutting tools. Uniquely, these three exciting releases, as well as any future additions to the Collection, carry a phenol content statement expressed in parts per million phenols (ppm) allowing the drinkers to make informed decisions and choose the level of smokiness most suited to their palate.

anCnoc Rutter, peated to 11 ppm phenol and matured in American oak hogsheads, is the lightest and freshest of the three releases with notes of delicate spices, juicy pineapples, pear drops and a gentle whiff of vanilla delivering anCnoc’s trademark character under a veil or warming smoke.

anCnoc Flaughter features 14.8 ppm phenol and matured in a selection of American oak casks. A richer, more dominant peat character leads the flavour profile with notes of creamy vanilla, sticky toffee and green apple freshness providing balance. 

anCnoc Tushkar is the most peaty of the three with a phenol content of 15 ppm. Matured in 1st refill American ex-bourbon barrels it offers a great balance between intense smokiness and the rich and rewarding influence of very active oak. Spicy vanilla heart is wrapped in overtones of orange peel, apples and cut flowers.  anCnoc Tushkar is available exclusively in Sweden.

Whisky expert and one of the most revered writers on the subject, Charles Maclean, commented:

“The difference between these three malts is subtle, but apparent. Their overall flavour – i.e. aroma and taste –is nicely balanced, fresh and breezy; their smokiness subtle and understated, while their cheerful simplicity makes them very ‘more-ish’ and easy to drink.”

All anCnoc Peaty Collection expressions are bottled at 46% ABV, non chill-filtered and presented at their natural colour. The RRP for Rutter and Flaughter is £52 in the UK and the Tushkar will retail for 449SEK in Sweden.

Suntory Whisky Production Equipment Expansion

— Hakushu Distillery Sees Expanding Whisky Market —

Let’s hear it for the girls – Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival declares International Women of Whisky Day 

Whisky lovers around the world are being asked to raise a dram to the women who are shaking up the industry and breaking into the boys’ club. 

The first ever International Women of Whisky Day has been declared on May 3 to recognise the growing number of women working in the industry and sipping Scotland’s national drink. 

The global day of celebration has been organised by the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which is doing its bit by hosting a number of events with some of the most influential women in the business. 

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival chairman James Campbell hopes that whisky drinkers will mark the day no matter where they are in the world. 

Mr Campbell adds, “The perception of whisky being a man’s drink has been completely altered over the past decade – it’s now estimated that nearly one-third of whisky drinkers in the UK alone are female. 

“We are also seeing a growing number of women taking on key roles in the industry, from production managers to brand ambassadors. Women are now hugely influential and we felt it was about time that we celebrated the contribution they are making. 

“It seems fitting that Speyside should be the focus for the very first International Women in Whisky Day, since it is home to Cardhu which was founded by Helen Cumming in 1824. To this day it is still the only malt whisky distillery pioneered by a woman.” 

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival takes place in Scotland’s most prolific whisky producing region from May 1 to 5, and will host a day-long programme led by women on May 3. It takes place at The Aberlour Hotel in Aberlour and will be complemented by other events led by women during the five day Festival. 

The day kicks off with Introduction to the Sensipedia of Whisky with Johanne McInnis, a Canadian whisky writer and judge known as Whisky Lassie. She will be teaching people how to use all five senses to appreciate and enjoy Scotch. 

Alwynne

Another Canadian – Alwynne Gwilt – will be leading a whisky and chocolate pairing session. Alwynne – also known as Miss Whisky and now based in London – is the current Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival International Ambassador of the Year in recognition of her efforts to educate people about Scotch whisky. 

Renowned whisky writer Annabel Meikle will be shedding light on tasting notes by exploring the language of whisky, explaining where the aromas come from. Participants will then be tasked with creating their own tasting note after a blind taste test. In addition to writing about whisky, Annabel has her own consultancy, The Whisky Belle. 

Master blender Angela D’Orazio from Mackmyra Distillery in Sweden will be introducing revellers to the unique whisky expression at her event. She will be sharing the story behind the distillery, and will be sharing some of the Mackmyra drams.

Anne

 Ann Miller is international brand ambassador for Chivas Brothers and is also one of the directors of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. She will contributing to the programme by running a guided walk – the James Fleming Trail – looking at the story of the man who founded Aberlour Distillery, and a tasting which deconstructs Aberlour’s double cask maturation. 

She says, “International Women of Whisky Day is a fantastic way to recognise the contribution made to the industry by women not just in Scotland but all over the world. 

“It will also help to underline the opportunities that exist to develop a career in the whisky industry, which is no longer the once male-dominated place that it used to be. It is essential that we encourage new blood – whether female or male – into the Scotch whisky industry to ensure it continues to go from strength to strength. 

“The programme taking place at Aberlour is one of the most anticipated events of the Festival – each of the women participating is an authority of whisky in her own right and although these events are hosted by women, they are not just for women, but for everyone.” 

“The inspiration for this day came in part from the enormous influence of whisky writer and expert Martine Nouet, who has been a regular participant of the Festival for over a decade. She has led a range of not to be missed events over many years and this year Martine will host a number of events at Glen Rothes Distillery.” 

A Twitter hashtag has been set up for International Women of Whisky Day – #IWOWD. There are events led by women taking place throughout the Festival, including distillery tours and whisky tutoring. 

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, which is now in its 15^th year, takes place at venues across the region and boasts a programme of over 30 events. A signature event for Homecoming 2014, it will start Whisky Month – a four week national celebration of Scotland’s world class food and drink. 

It will also launch a brand new event this year – The Spirit of Speyside Sessions – which aims to put to spotlight on the area’s traditional music heritage with concerts and ceilidhs being staged in venues closely linked to the whisky industry. 

Tickets for all events in the 2014 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival programme, including the roving judging sessions, can be bought via the website – www.spiritofspeyside.com The Festival is also active on social media – facebook.com/WhiskyFestival and @spirit_speyside on Twitter. 

Picture captions: 

Ann Miller: Chivas Brothers international brand ambassador for Chivas Brothers. 

Alwynne Gwilt: Miss Whisky – Canadian writer and whisky lover, Alwynne Gwilt.

Notes

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival runs from Thursday, 1 May – Monday, 5 May 2014.  Check out www.spiritofspeyside.com for up-to-date news and follow the Festival at www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival  or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Visitors travelling to and from festival events can take advantage of a range of transport options. Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from EventScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners 

EventScotland: EventScotland is the national events agency. EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, 

Year of Homecoming Scotland

Scotland will welcome the world in the Year of Homecoming 2014- providing a year-long programme of events alongside the Ryder Cup and Commonwealth Games . The Year of Homecoming Scotland will run from 31 December 2013 to 31 December 2014 throughout the length and breadth of the country.  Visitors from around the world are invited to join in a celebration of the nation’s food and drink, active pursuits, cultural heritage, nature and ancestral heritage. 

Homecoming Scotland 2014 is a Scottish Government initiative being led by EventScotland and VisitScotland, supported by numerous partners. To find out more visit www.homecomingscotland.com

BAIN’S CAPE MOUNTAIN WHISKY LAUNCHES TV COMMERCIAL 

The proudly South African and internationally awarded Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky has launched its first television commercial. The powerful and majestic advertisement is currently flighting on selected DSTV channels. It was shot in the Bainskloof Pass, one of South Africa’s most picturesque regions, and the inspiration behind Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky. 

The commercial creates a sense of mystique when it challenges viewers to ask the right questions to unlock the secret of the Cape Mountains. The natural beauty of the mountain peaks and the crystal clear purity of the water lead to the inspiration and essence of Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky.  

Produced by Egg Films and TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris, the commercial captures the area’s magnificent peaks, its cool, sparkling streams and the unmatched wealth of indigenous fynbos. The team shot the commercial during the winter of 2012; a time when the light and air were crisp and waterfalls were abundant, creating the perfect backdrop. 

Eliska Botha, global marketing manager for Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, says the commercial exudes the sense of purity associated with this whisky. 

“Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is naturally pure and is inspired by its place of origin – the awe-inspiring Cape Mountains – an area renowned for its majestic mountain peaks, indigenous fynbos and the purest of water. The commercial brings this to life in a visual form and allows the viewer to experience this purity.” 

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is crafted at the James Sedgwick’s Distillery in the Boland town of Wellington, at the foot of the Bainskloof Pass. This whisky pays tribute not only to one of the most picturesque and magnificent passes in South Africa but also honours Andrew Geddes Bain, the pioneering engineer who planned and built the Bainskloof Pass in 1853. 

Only the finest South African grain and the purest of water are used in the production of this whisky. Using a unique double maturation process, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is first matured for three years in casks previously used for Bourbon. After this it is revatted into a fresh set of ex-bourbon casks for a further maturation period. The result is the exceptionally smooth and unique taste. 

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky has received a number of awards from the most prestigious international whisky competitions and was named World’s Best Grain Whisky at the 2013 World Whisky Awards, competing against the best from Ireland, Scotland and the USA. 

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for around R220.

Glenglassaugh releases first batch of single cask bottlings

GLENGLASSAUGH has released its first batch of single cask bottlings. 

Revived from the dark and hand-selected by Managing Director and Master Distiller Billy Walker, there are eight phenomenal malts in Batch 1 which range from 45 to 28 years. 

All are crisp, fresh, sweet Highland malts that hit the palate with the power of complex fruit bombs – from apples, bananas, pineapples, grapefruit, prunes and plums to lime, cantaloupe melon and caramelised orange! 

The oldest, cask # 1601, 45 years old, was distilled in May 1968. Bottled at 44.3% vol, this autumn gold veteran is long and luxurious. On the nose, heady red candy apples balance with delicate spiced orange softening to distant pineapple juice. And on the palate, crisp oak spices soften to reveal elegant waves of fresh green apple and wisps of ripe banana. Delicate hints of passion fruit, cedar wood and lime zest bring a fantastic depth to the long finish. 

As a contrast, the youngest in the batch is a 28 year old distilled in February 1986.

This rich amber beauty, cask # 2101, was bottled at 43.7% vol. On the nose, gentle heather honey holds warm cigar box spices. Crisp, freshly-ground barley surrounds soaked raisins and sultanas. And on the palate, a toasted white oak spice runs through Demerara caramelised orchard fruits which mellow to dried apricot and hints of vanilla in the long subtle finish. 

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We took over Glenglassaugh last year and were thrilled to discover a treasure trove of old and rare spirits slumbering in the warehouses. Revived from the dark, selected by Billy Walker for their excellence and personality and bottled last month, this is an extraordinary collection of rare casks which will be warmly welcomed by connoisseurs worldwide. Taken together, they are stunning examples of Glenglassaugh at its finest.” 

All eight are presented in a beautiful golden box. 

The batch details are: 

1968 cask # 1601 / 45 years old / Finished in the finest Sherry Hogshead / 44.3% vol

1972 cask # 2114 / 41 years old / Matured in the finest Sherry Butt / 50.6% vol

1973 cask # 6801/ 40 years old/ Finished in the finest Manzanilla Sherry Puncheon/ 52.1% vol

1975 cask # 7301 / 38 years old / Finished in the finest Oloroso Sherry Hogshead / 40.7% vol

1975 cask # 7801 / 38 years old / Finished in the finest Moscatel Hogshead / 42.4% vol

1978 cask # 1803 / 35 years old / Finished in the finest Sherry Hogshead / 41.6% vol

1978 cask # 1810 / 35 years old / Finished in the finest Port Hogshead / 42.9% vol

1986 cask # 2101 / 28 years old / Finished in the finest Hogshead / 43.7% vol

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES ELMER T. LEE COMMEMORATIVE EDITION BOURBON 

Profits from Limited Edition Bourbon going to local VFW  

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (April. 3, 2014) – In 1949, a slight young man fresh out of college with an engineering degree came to work at Buffalo Trace Distillery (then known as the George T. Stagg Distillery). That man was Elmer T. Lee, and little did anyone know, he would become a legend in the bourbon industry – a Master Distiller, creating the world’s first single barrel bourbon in 1984 and revitalizing the bourbon industry.

After 36 years of service to Buffalo Trace Distillery, Elmer retired in 1985, but continued to travel the world as a bourbon ambassador for Buffalo Trace. He regaled bourbon fans with stories from his past, while educating them about the history and heritage of America’s native spirit. Shortly after his retirement Elmer was honored with his own namesake single barrel bourbon. Every week Elmer visited the Distillery in which he had spent so much of his life, went to the laboratory, and personally selected the barrels for his namesake brand.

Sadly, in 2013 Elmer died just a few weeks shy of what would have been his 94^th birthday. Now, Buffalo Trace honors Elmer again with the release of a commemorative edition Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon at 93 proof, his age when he passed.

Selected from the same warehouse floors which Elmer liked to find his “honey” barrels for his namesake bourbon, the commemorative edition is packaged in the same square bottle as the standard Elmer T. Lee, but with an upscale black label with gold embossed lettering bearing Elmer’s signature. His distinctive profile adorns the front of the label while the back label details of Elmer’s life and his legacy.

“We’re remarkably fortunate to have known Elmer. His contributions to the bourbon industry, Buffalo Trace Distillery and all our lives are countless. We want to honor our friend and give back to his family and his favorite cause, the Veterans of Foreign Wars,” said Kris Comstock, bourbon marketing director. “Profits from the sale of this commemorative edition Elmer T. Lee Bourbon will go to local VFW Post 4075, in which Elmer was active until the end.” Elmer served as a radar bombardier in the United States Army Air Corps (now known as the United States Air Force) in World War II.   

“The barrels selected for this bourbon taste much the same as the standard Elmer T. Lee bourbon in which he was so proud. Barrels were tasted and carefully evaluated by the team at Buffalo Trace to ensure each had the smooth and balanced sweetness that Elmer T. Lee Bourbon fans have come to love,” continued Comstock.

The commemorative bottling of Elmer T. Lee Bourbon will start arriving in stores this April.  Quantities of this one-time offering are very limited. Suggested retail pricing is $34.99. Production of the standard Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon will continue as barrels come of age and are deemed worthy of Elmer and his legacy. 

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 http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/. 

Wolfburn Distillery Thurso,Caithness, April 2014

Wolfburn Distillery Fills Its 1,000th Cask

Wolfburn Distillery today achieved the production milestone of filling its one thousandth cask. A total of 811 casks were filled in 2013; this week the 189th cask of 2014 was filled, making a grand total of 1,000.

“It’s a huge achievement,” comments Shane Fraser, production manager. “We reached the magic 1,000 number quicker than expected – and even better, we have done it without compromising on quality.”

The spirit laid down in 2014 will only be bottled as whisky in 2017 – and even then the vast majority of casks will be held back for longer maturation. “This year we have laid down more spirit in large ex-sherry casks,” explains Shane. “They will produce really lovely whisky but it will benefit from longer aging, so we’ll keep most of it to mature for many more years.”

Wolfburn’s inaugural whisky is expected in the first quarter of 2016. It will be made from spirit laid down during the early part of 2013. “There’s still a long way to go until we start bottling,” says Shane, “but we’re ahead of projections in almost every aspect of the business and very much looking forward to being able to share our whisky with the world.”

Photograph: Production manager Shane Fraser fills Wolfburn’s 1,000th cask (No.189 of 2014) – an ex-bourbon quarter cask, which holds approximately 130 litres of spirit.

ABOUT WOLFURN:

The original Wolfburn Distillery was founded just to the west of Thurso by William Smith in 1821. In its day it was one of the largest distilleries in Scotland, producing, according to HMRC records, 28,056 “gallons of proof spirit” in a single year. Taking its name from the stream that provided the water – the Wolf Burn – the distillery operated until the 1860s. The reasons for its closure are lost in time, but by the 1870s the newly produced Ordnance Survey maps showed it being in ruins.

In 2011, plans were laid to resurrect the old distillery. Construction began in mid-2012 and in January 2013 the new Wolfburn Distillery commenced production, thereby becoming the most northerly distillery on the Scottish mainland. Situated 350m from the site of the original distillery, the new Wolfburn operates in much the same way as the old: craftsmen use traditional methods to produce fine spirit, which is laid down in best quality oak casks to await the day when it is bottled as whisky.

Wolfburn Distillery, Henderson Park, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7XW

www.wolfburn.com

Diageo launches Haig Club – a new Scotch Whisky – in partnership with David Beckham and Simon Fuller 

LONDON, April 8, 2014.  Diageo, the world’s leading premium drinks company, announces today the global launch of Haig Club Single Grain Scotch Whisky, in partnership with global sporting icon David Beckham and British entrepreneur Simon Fuller. Working alongside Diageo, Beckham and Fuller will play a fundamental role in developing the brand, its strategy and positioning. David Beckham will also lead the promotion of a responsible drinking programme for Haig Club, which is at the heart of the brand. 

Haig Club is a new innovation from the House of Haig, Scotland’s oldest grain whisky dynasty and makers of Haig Blended Scotch Whisky and Dimple Scotch Whisky. Built on 400 years of distilling history, the House of Haig can trace its whisky producing roots back to the seventeenth century. In 1824 John Haig established the Cameronbridge Distillery and it was there that he pioneered the art of producing grain whisky in continuous Coffey and Stein stills – an invention which laid the foundations for the growth and success of the modern Scotch Whisky industry. Haig Club is born of that Haig family legacy of innovation and excellence in whisky creation.  

David Gates, Diageo’s Global Head of Premium Core Spirits, commented: “Whisky is experiencing a continued global renaissance and like many of the world’s most respected whisky experts, we believe this will be the year that grain whisky breaks into the mainstream and gains the recognition it deserves. Diageo has a proven track record in Scotch Whisky innovation and we have applied this expertise through the House of Haig in liquid development and craftsmanship, creating a sophisticated new whisky in Haig Club.  

“David Beckham and Simon Fuller are renowned for breaking boundaries and shaking up markets in every sector in which they work. We are immensely proud to partner with them on our first large scale grain whisky innovation.”  

Beckham commented: “The House of Haig has a rich history and I’m proud to be working at the heart of a home-grown brand which has built an incredible heritage over 400 years. Working closely with Diageo, we look forward to collaborating on Haig Club, valuing and treasuring the Haig traditions while reinventing this whisky for years to come.” 

Simon Fuller said: “This is a long term commitment. It is important to us that we create something unique and of great quality.  With Haig Club we have an opportunity to push boundaries and help shape how Scotch will be perceived in the future, it’s an exciting proposition.  We could not wish for a better partner than Diageo.” 

Haig Club has been crafted using a unique process that combines grain whisky from three cask types.  This creates a fresh, clean style that showcases butterscotch and toffee for an ultra-smooth taste that the company believes will be enjoyed not only by current whisky drinkers, but also by those who have always wanted to try whisky.   

Respected whisky authority Dave Broom is one of the few drinks experts to have tasted Haig Club. He described it as “a hugely versatile spirit, and I expect bartenders will love what they can do with it. Forget everything you thought you knew about Scotch…”   

Syl Saller, Diageo’s Chief Marketing Officer said: “We see this launch as a terrific accelerator for the whole sector, and one that really strengthens whisky’s position as the most vibrant spirits category. 

“Consumers are constantly searching for new and different tastes and experiences and they are especially excited by those that come from authentic, heritage brands. And Haig Club certainly ticks those boxes. Throughout his career, David Beckham has been at the forefront of emerging trends and rewritten the rules of what it means to be a modern sportsman and businessman, and we are pleased he has decided to turn his hand to Scotch.”  

Haig Club will be launched later in the year.  Details around pricing and availability will be announced nearer launch.   

NOTES 

About Diageo

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Windsor, Buchanan’s and Bushmills whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray and Guinness. 

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com. 

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere. 

About David Beckham

David Beckham is one of the world’s most iconic sportsmen. With a professional football career spanning over twenty years, he captained his country for six years, won the British Premier League six times, the UEFA Champions League (with Manchester United) in 1999, and was runner up in the FIFA ‘World Player of the Year’ Awards in 1999 and 2001. 

Having left Manchester United in 2003 for four successful seasons with Real Madrid, Beckham moved to LA Galaxy in 2007, taking the team to two MLS Cup Championships (2011, 2012) while participating in a unique time-share agreement with AC Milan, first in January 2009 and then again in January 2010. 

Now retired, Beckham has been appointed global ambassador for the Chinese Football Association and has announced that he will co-own a Major League Soccer expansion team in Miami. 

Married to Victoria and father to four children, Beckham’s fame extends far beyond the pitch. Noted as a keen advocate of charitable work, he has supported UNICEF since his days at Manchester United, becoming a Goodwill Ambassador in 2005 with a special focus on UNICEF’s Sports for Development program. David is also on the Leadership Council for charity Malaria No More. 

An astute businessman, David Beckham will play an integral role in developing the Haig Club brand, its strategy and positioning. In addition, he will lead the promotion of the responsible drinking programme for Haig Club, which is at the heart of the brand. 

About Simon Fuller

Simon Fuller is the founder of XIX Entertainment and the creator of the most popular entertainment show in America of the last ten years (American Idol: source AC Neilsen), Simon Fuller is known for his work in discovering and guiding an impressive list of music artists that include Annie Lennox, Kelly Clarkson, The Spice Girls, Amy Winehouse, Carrie Underwood, Will Young, Lisa Marie Presley, Cathy Denis and others. 

In 2011 iTunes named Simon Fuller ‘the most successful manager of the digital era’ and a year later he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contribution to the global entertainment industries.  

In addition to his TV and music work, Simon Fuller’s business oversees the careers of David Beckham, Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, Tour De France winner Sir Bradley Wiggins and Grand Slam winning tennis champion Andy Murray, as well as being the joint owner of two highly respected fashion businesses with the designers Roland Mouret and Victoria Beckham. 

Simon Fuller has long standing associations with several charitable initiatives, including Greenpeace, Amnesty International, Save The Children, The Prince’s Trust, Malaria No More, The United Nations Foundation and Comic Relief.

DOUBLE AWARD SUCCESS FOR BLACK BOTTLE

International recognition for Burn Stewart’s premium blended Scotch whisky

The distinctive new look of Black Bottle, Burn Stewart Distillers’ premium blended Scotch whisky, has won the ‘World’s Best Relaunch’ category at the World Whisky Design Awards. The award was announced at a ceremony in London on 20^th March – just a few days later, Black Bottle gained further recognition for its recently relaunched whisky with a Bronze Medal win at the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 

Recognising excellence in bottle, label and pack design, the World Whisky Design Awards are judged by an international panel of design experts who also consider factors such as breakthrough in category, inspiration, confidence, craft skills and insight. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is considered the most respected spirits competition in the world, with over 1,400 spirits blind-tasted by a selection of the industry’s leading spirits experts. 

Commenting on Black Bottle’s distinctive black glass bottle, which replaced the previous standard green bottle, the World Whisky Design Awards judges described it as: “A beautiful, superbly crafted bottle, that is a real move on from the existing design and which picks up on the brand’s heritage to present a compelling and authentic looking product.” 

Black Bottle, a premium blended Scotch Whisky acquired by Burn Stewart in 2003, was re-launched in October 2013 with a new look and new liquid, both of which were inspired by the original vision of Gordon Graham dating back to 1879 when he used his tea blending skills to create his first whisky, initially only for close friends and family. This new look is a modern interpretation of the iconic black glass bottle, which gave rise to the Black Bottle name over a century ago and of which only a few intact examples still exist today.   

The new liquid that earned Bronze at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition was created by Burn Stewart Master Distiller, Ian MacMillan, who took inspiration from the original recipe of Black Bottle and re-introduced a richness to balance the smokiness of the blend. The result is a curiously rich and slightly smoky whisky that maintains the distinctiveness of Black Bottle but adds another layer of depth to the liquid. 

Marco Di Ciacca, Global Marketing Manager for Black Bottle, said: “We are thrilled to win these awards for Black Bottle and are particularly proud of the new design as it has real stand-out when compared to other brands in what is a fairly traditional category. It is also a significant departure from the previous design and we believe this award is further evidence that we have taken the brand in the right direction.”   

Black Bottle

Black Bottle has an ABV of 40% and is available to buy in the UK in selected on and off trade outlets with an RRP from £18

Tasting Notes

–        Nose: Fresh and floral with freshly sawn oak aromas. Spicy with hints of smoke

–        Palate: Silky, mellow and fruity with balanced smoky / peaty flavours then sweet oak and heather honey

–        Finish: Soft, elegantly spicy, nutmeg, pepper and a gentle lingering smokiness

Notes

• Launched in 1879, Black Bottle is a premium blended Scotch whisky which was acquired by Burn Stewart in 2003, and is currently exported to over 30 countries. 
• Burn Stewart Distillers Limited is a Scotch whisky producer and brand owner with three single malt whisky distilleries and a portfolio of Scotch whisky brands 
• Burn Stewart’s head office and bottling hall is based in East Kilbride near Glasgow, and it has three distilleries; Deanston in Doune, Perthshire; Bunnahabhain on the Isle of Islay; and Tobermory based on the Isle of Mull.
• For more information about Black Bottle or Burn Stewart, visit www.blackbottle.com and www.burnstewartdistillers.com