BOWMORE AND MACALLAN STAR IN BONHAMS EDINBURGH WHISKY SALE 

Three exceptional bottles of Bowmore, presented in one lot and estimated at £12,000-15,000, made £16,500 at Bonhams Whisky sale in Edinburgh yesterday, 26 February. 

The bottles were: Black Bowmore-42 year old-1964, number 557 out of an edition of 827 bottles; White Bowmore-43 year, number 183 of 732 and Gold Bowmore, number 83 from an edition of 701.

A bottle of The Macallan-55 year old in a Lalique Crystal Decanter sold for £12,500 against an estimate of £12,000-15,000.  The Macallan 55 year old is regularly included in the world’s top 10 most desirable whiskies and this bottle was numbered 220 out of 420.

A bottle of the Macallan Select Reserve-52 year old from 1946 estimated at £5,000-6,000 sold for £6,250 and two bottles of The Macallan 1938 estimated at £4,000-5,000 both made £5,625. 

Bonhams whisky specialist, Martin Green, said, “The Bowmores were a special and unusual combination of very desirable bottles so it is no surprise to see them doing well. The Macallan is highly sought after and seven of the top 10 bottles came from this famous Highland Distillery including, of course, the celebrated Macalllan-55 year old.” 

In total 87% of the lots were sold with the sale making 90% by value. 

NOTES  

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The

present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to www.bonhams.com

Speyburn Distillery Unveils £4 Million Expansion Programme as Global Demand Grows

One of Scotland’s most picturesque and time-honoured distilleries has announced a major expansion plan to double its production capacity, in a bid to satisfy demand for Scotch whisky which continues to grow around the world.

Speyburn Distillery, which is nestled in a beautiful glen near Rothes in Speyside – the heart of single malt whisky distilling in Scotland, will undergo the £4 million programme which is set to be completed by the end of 2014.

Speyburn is part of the Inver House Distillers portfolio, which is owned by International Beverage Holdings.  The distillery investment will increase Speyburn’s production capacity from 1.8 million litres to over 4 million litres each year, allowing the business to lay down stock for predicted future growth in both established and emerging markets – with the brand’s volume growth forecast at 15 per cent for the 2013 / 2014 period. 

The expansion design will significantly reduce the distillery’s energy consumption per litre of alcohol and improve its carbon footprint, with predicted energy savings of more than 20 percent once the extended distillery is up and running. This will be achieved by using the most up-to-date and energy efficient distillation equipment – whilst maintaining the distillery’s traditional methods of production. The expansion will also provide a boost for local businesses, with Rothes-based whisky specialists Forsyths contracted to manufacture all new production equipment and Elgin-based construction company Robertson also undertaking elements of the project. 

Often described as one of the nation’s most photographed distilleries, Speyburn Distillery was founded in 1897 and produces Speyburn Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, which is already a top 10 malt brand in the USA – the biggest Scotch single malt market in the world.

Nestled in a valley in the northern edge of Rothes, very little has changed at Speyburn Distillery in the last 100 years, including its time-honoured distillation methods and most of its original features – a pagoda roof, wooden wash backs, unique stills and traditional dunnage warehouses, helping maintain its unique character. 

The award-winning Speyburn 10 Year Old, 25 Year Old and ‘Bradan Orach’ expressions are distilled using water from the nearby Granty Burn, a tributary of the River Spey, which is famed for its purity and world-class salmon fishing. The result is a classic, perfectly-balanced single malt with a distinctive character and unique flavour. 

Inver House Distillers’ Managing Director Graham Stevenson commented: ‘As we continue to be very optimistic about the long term potential for Scotch whisky, particularly in the emerging BRIC, African and South East Asian economies, investment in our production capabilities is crucial. Having the infrastructure in place to produce our high quality whiskies in greater quantities will be key to the future success of our brands, so we are delighted to see the first phase of this major programme of work get underway at Speyburn Distillery.’ 

Bobby Anderson, Speyburn Distillery Manager added: ‘This is an exciting time for everyone here at the distillery and we are working with a great team of local companies to deliver the expansion programme, whilst retaining the great traditions and time-honoured techniques involved with crafting our whisky. It’s exciting for us to know that even more people around the world will be able to enjoy a taste of Speyburn as the project progresses this year.’ 

Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

 “This is excellent news not only for the whisky industry, but to the local economy in Speyside.  

“We know there is great demand for Scotland’s national drink with whisky exports from the UK increasing by 87 per cent over the last ten years from £2.3 billion in 2002 to £4.3 billion in 2012, and the expansion of this distillery will play an important role in meeting that global appetite for our premium product. I also welcome the fact the distillery is showing leadership by reducing its carbon footprint through the installation of energy efficient distillation equipment, and playing its part in the move towards making Scotland a low carbon economy.”  

Notes 

Speyburn Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky was first distilled on December 15, 1897, the diamond jubilee year of Queen Victoria. Today, Speyburn continues to use the time-honoured traditional distillation methods that created the single barrel of the 1897 vintage. Speyburn is matured in American and Spanish oak casks in traditional stone-built warehouses. The result is a classic Speyside single malt; golden amber in colour with a floral and citrus nose. It is medium-bodied and easy to drink, with a delicate, fruity character and a dry, complex finish. The portfolio includes Speyburn 10 year old, Speyburn 25 year old and Speyburn Bradan Orach expressions. 

International Beverage Holdings

International Beverage Holdings Limited is one of the industry’s most dynamic global drinks businesses. Established in 2006 as the international arm of ThaiBev, the company specialises in developing distinctive, premium local brands for global growth, with a portfolio that is led by a range of high quality Scotch whiskies and includes some of the fastest growing and most prestigious beers, spirits and whiskies on the market today. These high quality brands are enjoyed by consumers in over 85 global markets and include:

• Chang, Thailand’s iconic global beer brand
• Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
• Blended Scotch Whiskies: Hankey Bannister, Catto’s, MacArthur’s
• Caorunn, a super premium small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals
• Thai spirits: Phraya, Mekhong

International Beverage’s international operation is headquartered in Hong Kong, with two major bases in China and Scotland and a growing number of regional hubs around the world, such as the USA. The business is focused on the delivery of winning investment, sales and marketing strategies. International Beverage is committed to producing brands of character, representing the care and craftsmanship of the people that make them – from the brewers of Chang Beer in Thailand, to the distillers of the fine single malt Scotch whiskies Old Pulteney and Speyburn in Scotland. Crucially, the global development of every brand continues to be rooted in its home territory, supporting the company’s mission to build authentic brands of outstanding character. 

International Beverage is investing in ambitious growth across its global operation, employing over 850 highly skilled people across production, sales, marketing and finance, together forming an effective and expert international team. In 2011 the International Beverage portfolio outperformed the market with outstanding sales across all categories.

NEWSFLASH – THE CAMPBELTOWN MALTS FESTIVAL!

Good afternoon Society Members,

Just sending you all a quick newsflash with some exciting information about THE CAMPBELTOWN MALTS FESTIVAL!

For those of you who aren’t aware, we have been running the Springbank Open Day since 2009 and the event continues to attract more and more visitors to Campbeltown each year. On the day, activities usually include free distillery tours, masterclasses, local craft stalls, live music, special bottlings and much much more!

Inspired by the Explore Campbeltown initiative, this year we are extending the celebrations and from Wednesday 21st May to Friday 23rd May 2014, Campbeltown’s three distilleries will be working together to create The Campbeltown Malts Festival where the whiskies from Springbank, Glengyle and Glen Scotia are all celebrated.

During the day on Wednesday 21st of May we will be mainly focusing on Glen Scotia. There will be free tours of Glen Scotia Distillery running at 12 noon and 2.30pm. At 4pm, a representative from Glen Scotia will be holding a masterclass where you will get to taste some of the range. The masterclass will be held in the Tasting Room at Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop and will cost £25 per person which includes a branded Glen Scotia Glencairn glass.

On the Wednesday we will also be doing something extra special for you lovely Society Members. Some of you may already be aware but in April this year it will be the 10th birthday of the Springbank Society which is the perfect excuse to treat you to a tasting! We will hold this at 1.30pm in the Tasting Room at Cadenhead’s Whisky Shop. The focus of the tasting will be “The best of 10 years” where we will carefully select some of our favourite bottlings from over the years. This tasting will be exclusive to Society Members and numbers will be limited to 40. If you would like to come along then please let me know as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss out.

Details on the Wednesday evening events are still being finalised at the moment but I have a sneak preview of what we are planning: We will be holding a special dinner at Glengyle Distillery to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the re-opening. This will be a similar idea to the Kiln Dinner at Springbank last year but will take place in the Still House at Glengyle. After the dinner we will hold a ceilidh at Glengyle so remember to bring your dancing shoes with you! More information on both these events will be sent to you in the coming weeks. Customers who have pre-purchased the 10 year old Kilkerran sets and single bottles will be able to collect them from the Wednesday onwards.

On the Thursday it will be the Springbank Open Day – much the same idea as in previous years. The following masterclasses and tastings will be available:

11.30am / Cadenhead Masterclass with Mark Watt & Grant Macpherson

12 noon / The Distillery Manager’s Warehouse Tasting (3 drams)

1.30pm / Glengyle Masterclass with Jenny Karlsson

2pm / The Distillery Manager’s Warehouse Tasting (3 drams)

2.30pm / Springbank Masterclass with Ranald Watson

4pm / The Distillery Manager’s Warehouse Tasting (3 drams)

Masterclasses cost £25.00 each and include a ‘Springbank Open Day’ Glencairn Glass / Manager’s Warehouse Tastings cost £15.00 each.
If you would like to book onto any of the masterclasses/tastings on the Wednesday or Thursday then please email my personal email address mairi@springbankwhisky.com which will make it easier to keep all festival emails together!

On the Friday we will be holding our annual Golf Competition which this year will be re-named The Campbeltown Malts Open Golf Competition to be inclusive of all the distilleries in the Campbeltown region. We are still in the planning process for this but again, as soon as this is finalised I will let you know.

Our whisky celebrations will kick off a busy weekend of events within the town when it will play host to both the Kintyre Songwriters Festival and the Mull of Kintyre 10k and Half Marathon. Each of the different events will be a great opportunity to attract visitors to the town and there is sure to be a great buzz and excitement around the place that week – I can’t wait!

To finish, this is just a summary of the events announced so far….

Wednesday 21st May

12 noon / Free tour of Glen Scotia Distillery

1.30pm / ‘The best of 10 years’ Society Tasting – exclusive to Springbank Society Members

2.30pm / Free tour of Glen Scotia Distillery

4.00pm / Glen Scotia Masterclass – £25 per person & includes Glencairn glass

Thursday 22nd May

11.30am / Cadenhead Masterclass with Mark Watt & Grant Macpherson

12 noon / The Distillery Manager’s Warehouse Tasting (3 drams)

1.30pm / Glengyle Masterclass with Jenny Karlsson

2pm / The Distillery Manager’s Warehouse Tasting (3 drams)

2.30pm / Springbank Masterclass with Ranald Watson

4pm / The Distillery Manager’s Warehouse Tasting (3 drams)

Masterclasses cost £25.00 each and include a ‘Springbank Open Day’ Glencairn Glass / Manager’s Warehouse Tastings cost £15.00 each

Hopefully that is enough information to keep you going for the time being and as soon as I have more to share with you I will be in touch!

Have a great weekend when it comes!

Best regards,

Mairi

Mairi Paterson

For the Springbank Society

To join the Springbank Society please contact them at society@springbankwhisky.com

ANNOUNCING “MAKING THE CUT”:  THE SEARCH FOR THE NEW FACE OF HUDSON WHISKEY

NEW YORK, MARCH 3^RD, 2014 – Whiskey distillation is a science of circles. Circular barrels. Circular bottles. Circular stills. The circle of Gable Erenzo, co-master distiller and soon-to-be-former brand ambassador of Hudson Whiskey, is almost complete, as he will once again focus his efforts back at the distillery full-time. But as is the nature of circles, with the end of Gable’s journey begins a new one. Enter “Making the Cut”:  the search to replace the irreplaceable Gable with a new face for the Hudson Whiskey brand, and one qualified individual’s shot at a full-time job as Hudson Whiskey’s brand ambassador. 

“Making the Cut” is not a hunt for the world’s greatest mixologist, or the foremost scientific mind in distillation. It is to find the human embodiment of Hudson Whiskey’s ideals and identity. Ten years ago, the Hudson folks set out to open a climber’s ranch, but the neighbors balked. They had to either go home or try something new: whiskey. As New York’s first whiskey distillery since Prohibition grew, Gable rose to Everest-level heights as the brand’s global ambassador. However, he has now decided to forego his time on the road and return to his precious distillery, nurturing and improving upon our country’s craftiest of craft whiskies. 

With “Making the Cut”, the Hudson Whiskey team, brand founders Ralph Erenzo and Gable Erenzo, and the highly decorated distiller William Grant & Sons,  which acquired the brand in 2010, is looking for someone who gets that make-it-happen, can-do spirit, and who gets the importance of shaking hands, meeting face-to-face and telling great stories. They want someone who understands how experiences circle back into the product, and how the product is comprised not just of distilled grain and rich barrel-aged flavor, but engrained with the personalities of each and every member of the distillery staff (there are only a handful!). Ralph and Gable chose whiskey over defeat, and they want someone who will make that same choice. 

The newest member of the Hudson Whiskey family will circle the country, speaking with bartenders, restaurant owners, whiskey enthusiasts and press, hosting tastings, connecting with fans via social media and representing our brand in the national press. 

Think you’re the one for the job? Ralph and Gable think so too. But they need proof, so send them a short video or a collection of photos, proving your readiness to begin your own circle of whiskey. Make a cocktail. Get crafty with some bottles. Recite your declaration of whiskey dependence. Then log on to HudsonWhiskey.com/MakingTheCut to submit your application. The chosen contenders will join us at the distillery to drink some good whiskey, meet some friendly people, and engage in a month-long course in craft distillation by Ralph, Gable and the rest of the distillery team. All will learn the wonders of craft whiskey from the leaders of craft distilling, but only one will make the cut to become the new Hudson Whiskey Ambassador. 

Enter at HudsonWhiskey.com/MakingTheCut or find out more at Facebook.com/HudsonWhiskey

NOTES

About William Grant & Sons

William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distills some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s most awarded single malt Glenfiddich^®, The Balvenie^® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch Grant’s^® along with iconic premium spirits brands Hendrick’s^® Gin, Sailor Jerry^® Rum, Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey and Milagro^® Tequila. 

William Grant & Sons has been honored as “Distiller of the Year” by the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition and International Spirits Challenge ten times over the past 15 years. 

Founded in 1964, William Grant & Sons USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of William Grant & Sons, Ltd. and features one of the fastest growing spirits portfolios in the USA with brands including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Milagro Tequila, Grant’s, Hudson Whiskey, Gibson’s Finest, Monkey Shoulder, Clan MacGregor, Reyka Vodka, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Montelobos Mezcal, Ancho Reyes, Lillet, Art In The Age, The Knot and Raynal French Brandy. For more information on the company and its brands, please visit www.grantusa.com.

WHISKY AUCTIONEER’S LATEST AUCTION DRAWING TO A CLOSE

Whisky Auctioneer’s third auction will finish at 9:00pm on Monday 3rd March.

There are just over 250 lots in the current whisky auction with a variety of bottles to meet all budgets and tastes.

Some auction highlights are a pair of old 26 2/3 fluid ounce Macallans from 1959 and 1963; a 1973 Talisker 28 year old, one of only 100 bottles; and a Laphroaig 1960 Private Vintage 40 year old.

Some other notable bottles include the Bunnahabhain 1963 40 Year Old released for Feis Ile 2003; Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 1; Macallan Royal Wedding, Jubilee and Coronation bottlings; and several Silver Seal bottlings, including a 42 Year Old Bunnhabhain, 1971 30 Year old Glen Esk, 1980 Port Ellen 21 Year Old and a 40 Year Old Glen Keith.

Looking overseas, the auction features a bottle of the legendary Karuizawa 1971 from cask #6878 and the latest Whisky Exchange release from Karuizawa, distilled in 1984. Also in this auction is a 2003 bottling of Midleton Very Rare and a 30 Year Old from the Old Comber distillery, a true piece of Irish whiskey history.

If you are looking for more than one bottle there are a few complete collections in the auction, including the Icons of Arran series, the Highland Park Magnus collection and the Dalmore River Series.

The auction will end tonight, Monday 3rd March 2014!

This month, the auction will end after 21:00 on Monday the 3rd. From 21:00, activity on any item will prolong the entire auction by a further five minutes; the auction will end when there has been no activity on any item for five minutes.

International Shipping

Whisky Auctioneer has a successful record in shipping whiskies internationally, including to the USA. To find out more information on their very competitive shipping charges, take a look at the delivery page:

http://www.whiskyauctioneer.com/shipping

Whisky Auctioneer can also provide insurance if required; contact us for more information.

Future Auctions

Entries for future auctions are always invited. Whisky Auctioneer makes selling whisky online easy!

With a low sellers commission rate of 5% and competitive listing and reserve fees there is no better place to sell your bottle(s) or collections.

The deadline for the next auction will be March 19th; the auction will begin on March 28th.

CHIVAS CELEBRATES THE SKILL OF THE MASTER BARTENDER WITH EXCLUSIVE NEW COCKTAIL COMPETITION 

As the world’s first luxury Scotch whisky, recognised by modern gentlemen around the globe for its exceptional quality, timeless style and exclusivity, Chivas Regal deserves a place in all the world’s finest bars.

Chivas Regal is aiming to spread this message amongst the bartender community this year as it launches a bartender engagement programme, The Chivas Masters.  

Over the coming months, Chivas will roll out a global five year programme, The Chivas Masters which will challenge the world’s finest bartenders to ‘travel back through time’, re-discovering the classic cocktails of the past and giving them a modern interpretation with Chivas.

The Chivas Masters is a truly international competition that will have a presence in every major region globally.

Follow #Chivasmasters to be a part of the journey. 

NOTES 

Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, selling 4.9 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old. http://www.chivas.com/  

Join us on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/ChivasRegal

Subscribe to us on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/chivasregalglobal

Follow us on Instagram:
http://instagram.com/chivasregal

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 

CARDHU™SPEYSIDE SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY LAUNCHES NEW “AMBER ROCK” EXPRESSION

2 Gingers® Irish Whiskey and The Big Ginger® Go National

Deerfield, Ill (February 12, 2014) – 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey – the fastest growing Irish whiskey in the U.S.* from the award-winning Kilbeggan Distilling Co.™ – has grown beyond its Minnesota roots and is now officially available across the United States. The brand has experienced exponential growth, expanding from limited Midwest markets  one year ago to all 50 states this month. 

2 GINGERS® Founder and CEO Kieran Folliard, former owner of one of the country’s top-selling Irish whiskey pubs, originally created the whiskey and its signature cocktail, the BIG GINGER®, with inspiration from his mother and aunt – the two fiery gingers (red-heads) featured on the bottle. Backed by Folliard’s passion and category expertise, 2 GINGERS® has quickly become the fastest growing Irish whiskey in the U.S.* since its launch in 2011. After experiencing remarkable popularity and success among women and men within limited regional markets in 2013, the premium blended whiskey – aged 4 years and double-distilled – has increased distribution once more, this time expanding nationwide.

“At its heart, 2 GINGERS® is about following up on a hunch and pursuing your dreams,” said Folliard, who is soon hitting the road in a custom 2 GINGERS® trailer that, like any Irish pub, will ring with stories (most of them true) in cities across the country. “We hope to encourage others to pursue their dreams, to demonstrate what we stand for and to pose the question: ‘Why not try something big?’”

Beam Inc. (NYSE:BEAM) acquired 2 GINGERS® in December 2012, and since that time has rapidly expanded distribution. To support the national launch, Folliard will use the customized 2 GINGERS® trailer to meet with bartenders, distributors and consumers looking to discover the BIG GINGER® cocktail in stops from coast to coast, including: Milwaukee, WI, Chicago, IL,  Hoboken, NJ, New Orleans, LA, Dallas, TX, Austin, TX, San Diego, CA, Denver, CO, Minneapolis, MN, St. Louis, MO, Indianapolis, IN, and Columbus, OH.

2 GINGERS® is a smooth, malty and slightly sweet premium, blended Irish whiskey. Distilled with mixability in mind, the brand created and trademarked two balanced and simple cocktails, the BIG GINGER® and SKINNY GINGER®. Genderless and appropriate for all seasons, these cocktails combine the refreshing bite of ginger ale with the caramel, vanilla and citrus undertones of 2 GINGERS®, creating the perfect recipe for anyone who may not yet consider themselves whiskey drinkers.

BIG GINGER®

• 2 parts 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey
• Ginger Ale
• Lemon Wedge
• Lime Wedge

METHOD: Pour the 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey into a pint glass with ice. Top with ginger ale, followed by a wedge of a lemon and lime. 

SKINNY GINGER®

• 2 parts 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey
• Diet Ginger Ale
• Lemon Wedge
• Lime Wedge

METHOD: Pour the 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey into a pint glass with ice. Top with diet ginger ale, followed by a wedge of a lemon and lime. 

For more information on 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey, which sells at a suggested retail price of $19.99 for a 750ml bottle, please visit www.2GINGERSwhiskey.com, like us facebook.com/2GINGERS or follow @2GINGERSwhiskey

About Beam Inc.

As one of the world’s leading premium spirits companies, Beam is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher’s Scotch Whisky, Skinnygirl Cocktails, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC and DeKuyper Cordials.  Beam is focused on delivering superior performance with its unique combination of scale with agility and a strategy of Creating Famous Brands, Building Winning Markets and Fueling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,200 passionate associates worldwide generated 2013 sales of $2.55 billion (excluding excise taxes), volume of 37 million 9-liter equivalent cases and some of the industry’s fastest growing innovations. 

Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEAM and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index.  For more information on Beam, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

‘A rare survivor from a closed distillery’
DIAGEO GLOBAL TRAVEL RELEASES RARE SINGLE MALT WHISKY FROM THE NOW SILENT BRORA DISTILLERY
Only 160 bottles will be available exclusively through partnership with World Duty Free Group UK

Scotland, February 2014; Diageo Global Travel and Middle East (GTME) today announced the release of just 160 bottles of BroraTM 40 Year Old, the most expensive Single Malt whisky ever released by Diageo. Drawn from a single cask, the bottles are priced at GBP £6,995 and are available today as a worldwide exclusive for pre-order through World Duty Free Group’s online outlet www.worldofwhiskies.com.

The Brora distillery closed in 1983, yet some of the famous liquid has been slowly maturing to perfection in a Scottish warehouse. This fine, pale gold Single Malt, taken at the natural cask strength of 59.1% from a single cask distilled in 1972, is the first 40 year old Brora whisky ever to be bottled, and the oldest and rarest Brora expression ever released. It has been drawn from what is considered to be the most brilliant of its highly-peated bottlings – the famous 1972 reserve.

The exquisite packaging of Brora 40 Year Old reflects the true quality, craftsmanship and luxury credentials of the rare Brora liquid. The decanter is presented in a beautiful wooden case, an interpretation of the closed Brora distillery, skilfully handcrafted by the Queen’s cabinet makers at N.E.J Stevenson Ltd1. The bespoke designers were appointed to craft the case because of their expertise, which is evident in other highly respected creations, such as the unique chests that house the Diamond Jubilee by John Walker & Sons.

The whisky itself is housed in an exquisite crystal decanter that bears the golden emblem of the Scottish Wildcat2, the legendary guardian of the closed distillery and crest of the distiller’s founder, the Duke of Sutherland. The unique crystal stopper is etched with the number ‘40’ and the decanter has an engraved copper neck detailing the 1972 distillation year.

Steve White, Global Marketing Director of Diageo Global Travel and Middle East, said: “We have chosen to launch Diageo’s most expensive Single Malt whisky, Brora 40 Year Old, through our exclusive partnership with World Duty Free Group UK. We are confident that the supreme quality and rare nature of this whisky will delight and excite Single Malt collectors and aficionados who will want to add a bottle of this prestigious whisky to their prized collection.”

David de Miguel, Global Head of Liquor at World Duty Free Group comments, “It’s great to be partnering with Diageo on this worldwide exclusive malt whisky launch, which showcases our ability to consistently offer a range of unique whiskies across our stores. The exceptional quality of this rare whisky will attract and intrigue whisky connoisseurs, helping to highlight our reputation as whisky specialists with the finest expertise”.

Brora 40 Year Old is available for pre-order from today, exclusively at www.worldofwhiskies.com, at a recommended retail price of GBP £6,995 for 70cl, and will be available for collection from selected UK World of Whiskies and World Duty Free Group stores from 21st April 2014.

Notes

About N.E.J Stevenson Ltd 1

N.E.J. Stevenson Ltd is cabinetmaker to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Holder of a Royal Warrant. A Royal Warrant is personally granted by one of three ‘Grantors’: HRH Queen Elizabeth II, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Prince of Wales.

The Scottish Wildcat 2

A proud survivor, of which fewer than 400 remain in the wild today. Impressed by its ferocity, it is said, early settlers and Highland Clans made the wildcat their symbol, to proclaim a fierce independence of spirit, tenacity and resilience. The wildcat featured on the Duke of Sutherland’s family crest and in time became the distillery emblem.

History of the Brora Distillery

The distillery was first founded in 1819 as the Clynelish distillery in the town of Brora in Sutherland. A new Clynelish distillery was built on an adjacent site in 1967 and two years later the old one re-opened under the name Brora Distillery. During the 1980s the whisky industry suffered at the hands of a slowing global economy and, along with several other malt distilleries in Scotland, Brora closed down, shutting its doors for the final time in May 1983.

Brora 40 Year Old Tasting Notes

Appearance: Pale gold
Nose: Soft and smoky with notes of gently rising honey, fruit, musk and menthol. With water, the nose gives rise to a harmonious fusion of ground white pepper, toasted hazelnuts and toffee, followed by an appetising smoke.
Palate: Concentrated wood-smoke and ash closely followed by soothing honey and a hint of liquorice, giving way to toasted hazelnut notes. Cereals form an undercurrent of tangy clarity against smoke, salt and toffee flavour.
Finish: Hints of eucalyptus and spice, followed by a long, smooth and savoury smoke. With water, sweet wood smoke lingers with hints of dark chocolate.

About Diageo:
Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JεB, Buchanan’s, Windsor 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 and its brands, visit www.diageo.com. For Diageo’s global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit www.DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

ABOUT WORLD DUTY FREE GROUP

World Duty Free S.p.A., is the holding company of World Duty Free Group, one of the world’s leading travel retailers, operating mainly in airports and with a broad geographical reach. It has operations in 21 countries and more than 140 locations with over 500 stores, from its heartland in Western Europe, to the Americas, the Middle East and Asia. In 2012, the company posted a turnover of more than 2,002 million Euros.

World Duty Free Group’s core business is tax and duty free shopping and its proposition covers the complete spectrum of airport shopping including Beauty, Wines & Spirits, Food & Confectionery, Tobacco, Sunglasses, Watches & Jewellery and Souvenirs.

World Duty Free Group operates some of the most exciting and engaging airport shops in the world, with focus on the customer and innovative marketing programmes, including multi channel digital and live in-store interactive promotions.

World Duty Free S.p.A. is listed on the Italian FTSE MIB 40 since 1 October 2013 with the ticker symbol WDF:IM.

World Duty Free Group has been awarded as Airport Retailer of 2013 by Frontier Magazine. For more information, please visit www.worlddutyfreegroup.com

Beam Selects Franklin County to Build 600,000 Sq. Ft. Distribution Center to Support Continued Business Growth

Frankfort, Kentucky – January 30, 2014 – Beam Inc. (NYSE: BEAM), a leading global premium spirits company, today announced that its new state-of-the-art distribution center will be located on a 92-acre site in Franklin County at 1509 US Highway 421 (Leestown Road).  Spanning 600,000 square feet upon completion, equivalent to 13 football fields, this facility will be the largest of its kind in Franklin County.

“Beam is a company that’s on the move, continuously creating opportunities for the Commonwealth,” said Governor Steve Beshear. “As Beam continues to grow for the future, the people of Kentucky benefit by the creation of more jobs and opportunities for years to come.”

“With two-thirds of Beam’s total spirits case volume being produced in Kentucky, having our new Beam long-term distribution facility in close proximity to our production will help us gain increased efficiencies in our supply chain,” said David Hunter, vice president of global manufacturing for Beam. “We are excited to be the catalyst for more growth in Kentucky.”

Construction is expected to commence in late February and be completed by year-end. The new center, which will be operated by a third-party logistics provider to be named at a later date, is slated to open in the first quarter of 2015 and employ an estimated 60 individuals. It will exclusively serve Beam’s broad portfolio of distilled spirits brands and will warehouse Beam’s finished case goods bottled in Frankfort before they are shipped to distributor partners for sale in the U.S. and international markets.

“The Bourbon industry is a key driver of our economy in the Commonwealth, and Beam is certainly on the forefront of that growth,” said Congressman Andy Barr. “The construction of this new distribution facility means the creation of more jobs for central and eastern Kentuckians, and I thank Beam for their contribution to our signature Bourbon industry and the people of our Commonwealth.”

“Beam is such a strong business partner and contributor to our community, and we couldn’t be more pleased that they have chosen to further expand in Franklin County,” said County Judge Executive Ted Collins.

H&M Construction Co., Inc. has been hired as the contractor to design the building, develop the site and build the facility from the ground-up.

This announcement is the latest in Beam’s long history of business investments in the Commonwealth. Last year, Beam opened its new Global Business Services Center, reflecting a $2.7 million investment that has brought more than 30 professional jobs to Louisville. In late 2012, Beam opened the Jim Beam American Stillhouse visitors’ experience and Global Innovation Center, a combined multi-year investment of $30 million, in Clermont, Ky. Beam currently employs more than 900 people throughout the Commonwealth in Louisville, its Global Innovation Center in Clermont and at its manufacturing plants in Loretto, Frankfort, Clermont and Boston. 

About Beam Inc.

As one of the world’s leading premium spirits companies, Beam is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher’s Scotch Whisky, Skinnygirl Cocktails, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC and DeKuyper Cordials.  Beam is focused on delivering superior performance with its unique combination of scale with agility and a strategy of Creating Famous Brands, Building Winning Markets and Fueling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,400 passionate associates worldwide generated 2012 sales of $2.5 billion (excluding excise taxes), volume of 38 million 9-liter equivalent cases and some of the industry’s fastest growing innovations. 

Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEAM and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index.  For more information on Beam, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.