New Look Benromach unveiled

Benromach Distillery Company Ltd has unveiled a new look for its flagship Benromach 10 Years Old Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky as the brand continues its strong growth in the domestic and overseas markets.

The new packaging reflects the handcrafted credentials of the single malt whisky which is made in the traditional, time honoured way by just three experienced distillers at the Benromach Distillery on Speyside.

Michael Urquhart Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, owners of Benromach Distillery Co. Ltd, explained the thinking behind the change: “We wanted our new packaging to reflect the way we make our whisky. Our 10yo has a classic pre-1960s character which arises from the sum of all its parts used to create it. Every cask is hand-filled, hand weighed and hand-stamped before maturing in our traditional dunnage warehouses.

“The new packaging reflects that approach with its hand-cut lettering and its classic heritage colours. Yet at the same time the packaging provides a contemporary, sophisticated, luxury feel that looks to the future of a malt whisky that is very much a growing brand.”

The Benromach stills provided the inspiration for much of the change. The elegant new bottle shape includes a neck and shoulder designed to resemble the shape of the Benromach stills. The foil packaging has been created using an image of the surface of the stills themselves.

The embossed lettering and cut foil on the label create a soft and tactile feel. An innovative lid which doubles as a bottle plinth and leaflet holder provide an unique option for display, and the embossed lettering and cut have enhanced its shelf presence.

The new packaging is launched to the trade at the start of April.

The launch will be supported by a full marketing campaign incorporating a new website featuring a series of beautifully crafted films outlining the Benromach story.

Benromach sales have grown dramatically since the reopening. Sales increased by 29% last year and there is ongoing growth this year of 27%. The company now exports Benromach to 42 countries across the world. In 2013 the company announced an expansion to meet growing demand, including the recruitment of a third distiller and the building of more warehouses.

Benromach 10 Years Old was recently named “Best Speyside Single Malt – 12 Years and Under” at the World Whisky Awards 2014.

Notes

Leading malt whisky specialists Gordon & MacPhail is the owner of Benromach Distillery. Established in 1898 it changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when the family-owned company bought it in 1993. Following a painstaking restoration and re-equipment, the distillery was re-opened by HRH Prince Charles in 1998.

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

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

Benromach 10 Years Old

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

The new look for Benromach has been created and designed by Edinburgh based branding agency, Stuff Creative.

Hibiki 12 Years Old Wins a Double Gold Medal
at “San Francisco World Spirits Competition”

Canadian Club Launches “A Refreshing Wake Up Call”

SYDNEY, April 2014: Canadian Club has announced the launch of their new campaign, continuing to position themselves as a refreshing alternative to beer, “like a snowball in the face from a sexy person”.

Featuring two TVC’s that take place in typical ‘beer’ drinking environments, the latest campaign celebrates Canadian Club as a refreshing alternative as well as the fact that Canadian Club Draught is available on tap, continuing its advance into traditional beer territory.

This campaign, “A Refreshing Wake Up Call” is the latest instalment in the highly successful “Over Beer?” strategy that has contributed to massive YoY +30% growth for the beverage. Canadian Club is the first brand in a decade to make the top 10 RTD brands, and is now ranked the fourth-­‐largest premix spirit brand in Australia after Jim Beam, Bundaberg Rum and Jack Daniels.1

The TVC’s will air in 30 second and 15 second versions from 1st May and will be supported by radio, out of home, digital and a limited edition themed 24 pack cube.

Trent Chapman, Marketing Director -­‐ Beam Global Australia says the snowball campaign was the logical next step for Canadian Club. “Canadian Club is continuing to grow at a phenomenal rate, achieving double digit growth for the 5th year running in 2013. It’s clear that Australians are looking for an alternative to beer and we want to continue to redefine the role of dark spirits and bring new consumers into the category.”

Damian Pincus, creative partner and founder, The Works Sydney says the new TVC’s represent a shift away from presenting the problem of being over beer to celebrating Canadian Club as the solution. “We know there’s plenty of people out there who are bored with beer, it’s time to put Canadian Club front and centre. Getting hit in the face by a snowball from a sexy person was one of the few feelings we felt was on the same level as having a Canadian Club after years of slavish beer drinking.”

Canadian Club continues to diversify its offering with Canadian Club Draught available on 500 taps nationally and the launch of Canadian Club in an aluminium bottle as a premium alternative to cans and that’s suitable for non-­‐glass venues.

CHIVAS CELEBRATES THE SKILL OF THE MASTER BARTENDER

WITH EXCLUSIVE NEW COCKTAIL COMPETITION 

Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury Scotch whisky, is celebrating the craftsmanship at the heart of bartending with the launch of its first-ever global cocktail competition, The Chivas Masters. 

The Chivas Masters sees the iconic brand highlight its rich heritage by challenging the world’s best bartenders to create classic cocktails from four of the great cocktail eras – the Classic Age (1880-1920) which saw the birth of Chivas Regal; the Post War Boom (1945-1965) during which time, Chivas 12 was introduced; the Disco Years (1975-1990) which saw the brand become a truly global icon, and the present modern Age of Revivalism, as Chivas continues to build its reputation as an icon of timeless luxury, renowned for its exceptional quality. 

The high level of expertise required from entrants into the Chivas Masters is highlighted by the involvement of world-renowned, award-winning* bartender, Agostino ‘Ago’ Perrone of London’s prestigious Connaught Bar. A previous winner of the World’s Best Bartender award at Tales of the Cocktail, Ago has created an exclusive cocktail in celebration of the Chivas Masters and will also use his unique expertise as a member of the panel of judges during the competition. 

The exclusive competition culminates in a two-day grand final, to be held in New York in July which will be judged by a distinguished panel of leading bartenders, past and present, from New York’s bar scene. They will be tasked with judging competitors on various criteria, including their knowledge of each era’s cocktail heritage, their creativity and ability to bring the story behind their serves to life for the judges, as well as the name, appearance and quality of their cocktail creations. The overall winner will be announced at an exclusive ceremony in New Orleans at the world’s premier cocktail festival, Tales of the Cocktail. 

Richard Black, Global Brand Director for Chivas Regal, comments: “As one of the only truly global brands that has been present in each of the great cocktail eras, Chivas has a long association with the global on trade. We respect the hard work required to become a highly skilled mixologist, just as bartenders around the world respect the quality of Chivas. 

“The Chivas Masters aims to harness this mutual admiration and demonstrate how relevant Chivas remains in today’s global bar scene, over 100 years since it first took the US by storm. We hope that the unique format of the Chivas Masters will inspire the world’s best bartenders to get involved and create a timeless classic cocktail – as timeless as our iconic brand.” 

The Chivas Masters UK national final will take place June 5th in London. Over the next few months, heats will be taking place in an additional ten markets, including China, Japan and Chile. Only one competitor from each market will be selected to travel to New York to take part in the grand final in July. 

NOTES 

About 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. 

www.chivas.com 

*About Agostino Perrone

A native of Italy, Ago has been bartending for 12 years. He moved to London in 2003 establishing himself in the bar scene and meeting some of biggest names in the cocktail industry. After a three year stint as Head Bartender at Dusk, Ago moved to Montgomery Place, serving guests and bartenders from all over the world and in spring 2008, he joined the team at the prestigious Connaught Bar as Head Barman to great acclaim. 

During his career, Ago has won numerous awards and his outstanding skill has contributed to the Connaught Bar’s success in many awards over the last six years. Having been shortlisted in 2008 and 2009, Ago finally won the award for Best International Bartender at the internationally renowned Tales of the Cocktail in 2010, the same year that the Connaught Bar was awarded the title of The World’s Best Bar by the same organisation. In 2012, The Connaught Bar was once again awarded, winning the Best Cocktail Bar prize, in small part thanks to Ago. 

Ago brings passion and excitement to the bartending community, showcasing new ways to present cocktails, paying attention to even the finest details. When not working in his role as Director of Mixology at the Connaught, Ago travels the world, training bartenders about bar management and cocktail-making. His reputation precedes him with The Daily Telegraph recently calling him ‘The Martini Magician’, in a double page spread about him and The Connaught Bar. Ago’s cocktail recipes have also been featured in respected publications such as The Times, The Financial Times, Vogue, GQ, The Rake, The London Evening Standard and Wallpaper*. 

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

GINGER GROUSE LEADS UK INTO A NEW AND EXCITING ADVENTURE AS

THE OFFICIAL PINT PARTNER OF TOUGH MUDDER 

Ginger Grouse has today announced its exciting new partnership with Tough Mudder as The Official Pint Partner of Tough Mudder UK. Ginger Grouse is excited to be part of all seven events across the UK, providing the ultimate reward to Mudders as they cross the finish line, as well as to be part of the journey with an obstacle of its own. 

With seven UK events stretching from April to October, involving over 130,000 participants, Ginger Grouse will be there to welcome ‘Mudders’ over the finish line and reward them with a refreshing Ginger Grouse. 

As the ultimate adventure with friends, challenging teams to conquer a gauntlet of exhilarating, yet testing obstacles through grit, determination and camaraderie, Ginger Grouse will also be at the heart of the Mudder season with a signature obstacle at each event – the ‘Arctic  Enema’ – arguably the most ‘refreshing’ of them all, yet very fitting as competitors are submerged in ice. 

In addition to playing host to supporters and rewarding competitors at the finishing line of each event, Ginger Grouse will take over the main bar providing a party like atmosphere for Mudders and spectators to enjoy following their endurance challenge. 

Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director, Ginger Grouse commented: “We are very excited to sign this new deal as The Official Pint Partner of Tough Mudder UK.  Tough Mudder is set around core values both on the course and in everyday life, inspiring competitors to push the boundaries as the ultimate adventure with friends and having fun along the way – Ginger Grouse shares the same spirit of adventure.” 

The announcement marks an inaugural year for Ginger Grouse, a premium alcoholic ginger beer (4% ABV), following its successful national debut in April 2013. Already well known for its support of rugby in Scotland, as the Official Spirit of Scottish Rugby, Ginger Grouse has become synonymous with adventure, forging a loyal fan-base all over the UK, with Tough Mudder offering a new type of  adventure with friends. 

Currently available in the UK in all major supermarkets including, Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores; as well as independent retailers across the UK.  RRP £2.25 Consumers will also find Ginger Grouse widely available in bars across the UK. 

Please enjoy our whisky responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk   

NOTES: 

Facebook.com/GingerGrouse 

Twitter.com/GingerGrouseUK 

About Ginger Grouse:

• A premium alcoholic ginger beer, featuring a splash of The Famous Grouse whisky, ABV 4.0%

• Distinct point of difference, with the alcohol content derived from spirit as opposed to made wine or fruit base.

• RRP £2.25 per 500ml bottle

• Available in 500ml bottles as well as on draught and PET in selected outlets

• Currently available in over 4000 on-trade outlets and 7,000 off-trade outlets across the UK including  Asda, Morrisons, Tesco and Sainsbury’s stores; and independent retailers and symbol group wholesalers across Scotland 

About The Famous Grouse (www.thefamousgrouse.com)

• The Famous Grouse is the no. 1 whisky in the UK for both the on and off trade.
• The Famous Grouse has been the best selling whisky in Scotland since 1980.
• The Famous Grouse is exported to over 100 countries.
• Created in 1896 by founder Matthew Gloag, it was originally called The Grouse Brand.
• The brand became so popular that on August 12^th 1905 it was renamed The Famous Grouse.
• The Famous Grouse Experience is located at Scotland’s oldest working distillery – Glenturret. Originally established as a single malt distillery in 1775, today The Famous Grouse Experience is the most visited distillery in Scotland.(www.thefamousgrouse.com/experience) 

About Maxxium UK

• Maxxium is the distributor of The Famous Grouse and the Ginger Grouse in the UK.

• The Famous Grouse portfolio includes: The Famous Grouse, The Black Grouse, The Naked Grouse and the Ginger Grouse.

• Maxxium UK Ltd is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Inc and The Edrington Group.

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

About Tough Mudder: 

Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile (18-20 km) obstacle course challenges designed to test your all-around strength, stamina, mental grit and camaraderie. With the most innovative obstacles and over one million participants globally to date, Tough Mudder is the premier obstacle course series in the world. 

Ginger Grouse will support the following UK events: 

London West 26/27.04.14 Culden Faw Estate, Henley

Scotland 14/15.06.14 Dalkeith Country Estate, Edinburgh

Midlands 12/13.07.14 Boughton Estate, Kettering

Yorkshire 02/03.08.14 Broughton Hall, Skipton

South West 16/17.08.14 Cirencester Park, Cirencester

North West 13/14.09.14 Cholmondeley Estate, Cheshire

London South 25/26.10.14 Matterley Bowl, Winchester 

To the Scotch Whisky Association: Stop fighting (UK) minimum pricing 

It is now one year to the day when minimum unit pricing should have been introduced in Scotland. Yet still we wait for this vital public health policy, supported by the Scottish Parliament, to come into force. It has been delayed because the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) is fighting its implementation every step of the way. Why? Because they know it will work. 

The SWA has mirrored the tactics of the tobacco industry in delaying life-saving legislation. They oppose any measure that might affect their sizeable profits, no matter the obvious benefits to people’s health. By taking this legal action, they are undermining the united view of the Scottish Parliament, ignoring the democratic process and costing taxpayers thousands of pounds in legal bills. 

Despite recent welcome improvements, alcohol is a huge health and social problem for Scotland. Getting rid of ultra-cheap alcohol through minimum pricing is a crucial first step in turning things round and one which will make a genuine, lasting difference to health, crime and society. Minimum pricing will cut alcohol-related hospital admissions and save lives. We cannot afford to delay any longer. 

This is an appeal to the Scotch Whisky Association to immediately drop their legal challenge and bow to the will of the Scottish Parliament. It’s the right thing to do. 

Dr Evelyn Gillan, Chief Executive, Alcohol Focus Scotland Dr Brian Keighley, Chair, BMA (Scotland) Dr Peter Rice, Chair, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, Chair, Alcohol Health Alliance Dr Mac Armstrong CB, Chair of Alcohol Focus Scotland and former Chief Medical Officer for Scotland Christine Duncan, Chief Executive, Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs Katherine Brown, Director, Institute of Alcohol Studies Professor Mark Bellis, UK Faculty of Public Health Dr Nick Sheron, University of Southampton Professor Nick Heather, Emeritus Professor of Alcohol and Other Drug Studies, Northumbria University Eric Appleby, Chief Executive, Alcohol Concern Dr Gary Tanner, Consultant Psychologist (Addictions), NHS Lanarkshire Colin Shevills, Director, Balance the North East Alcohol Office Dr Jim McCambridge, Senior Lecturer in Behaviour Change, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Professor Linda Bauld, Director of the Institute of Social Marketing, University of Stirling and Deputy Director, UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies Andrew Langford, Chief Executive, British Liver Trust Craig McNally, Senior Health Promotion Specialist (Alcohol & Drugs), NHS Highland Catherine Chiang, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Dr Margaret Somerville, Director of Public Health and Health Policy, NHS Highland Jackie Brock, Chief Executive, Children in Scotland Suzanne Costello, Chief Executive, Alcohol Action Ireland Baroness Hollins, Chair, BMA UK Board of Science

MINIMUM PRICING: GREEN MSP WELCOMES CHALLENGE TO SWA 

Tuesday, April 1st, 2014 Patrick Harvie, Green MSP for Glasgow and health spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, today welcomed an open letter from senior doctors and health charities challenging the Scotch Whisky Association’s delaying of minimum pricing for alcohol. 

Greens were the only opposition MSPs to support the measure in the 2007-11 parliament and again voted for it when it was passed two years ago but it has been delayed by a legal challenge from the SWA. A judge ruled against the SWA but the lobby group is appealing the decision. 

Doctors and charities accuse the SWA of mirroring the tactics of the tobacco industry in delaying life-saving legislation. 

Patrick Harvie MSP said: 

“Charities and doctors are right to challenge the Scotch Whisky Association, and we can only hope public pressure mounts. Many of these companies are vastly profitable multinationals, not traditional independent distillers, and they seem all too willing to risk public health for bigger profits. 

“The situation is another sad example of how corporate interests stifle democracy, from the historic tactics of big tobacco to the childish antics of Donald Trump. Two years on from minimum pricing being passed by parliament, it’s clearer than ever that we need to challenge the dominance of the drinks industry by big firms whose focus will always be profit. They overshadow the welcome growth of small, independent brewers and distillers who put quality ahead of volume sales, and genuinely benefit our local communities.” 

– See more at here  

Maker’s Mark® Unveils Art Installation By Renowned Artist Dale Chihuly In Honor Of The 60th Anniversary Of The Bourbon Revolution

(Loretto, KY) March 27, 2014 – Maker’s Mark®, the pioneer of handcrafted bourbon, is commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Bourbon Revolution by paying tribute to the vision of the founders of Maker’s Mark® bourbon, Bill Samuels, Sr., and his wife Margie Samuels, with the unveiling of an original artwork, The Spirit of the Maker.  Created especially for Maker’s Mark by renowned artist, Dale Chihuly, it is the first of Chihuly’s work to be on public display in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Spirit of the Maker will be on permanent view at the Maker’s Mark Distillery beginning March 27.

The Spirit of the Maker is not just an extraordinary work of art, but a symbol and an homage to the vision and spirit of Bill Samuels, Sr. Sixty years ago, Bill had a dream to create a bourbon that, for the first time, tasted good and was in good taste and would not “blow your ears off,” the measure by which bourbons were judged at the time.  What he wanted to do more than anything else was create a bourbon that would redefine and transcend the industry by appealing to bourbon and non-bourbon drinkers alike, so he burned the 170-year-old Samuels family recipe and introduced Maker’s Mark. Unknowingly and unintentionally, Bill Samuels, Sr.’s handcrafted creation served as the shot that started a Bourbon Revolution, transforming bourbon from a “commodity” to a premium handcrafted spirit, and giving rise to the modern era of bourbon.

Spectacular in appearance and scope, The Spirit of the Maker salutes those who have pioneered and redefined genres, refusing to be constrained by convention.  The installation, made entirely of hand-blown glass elements, is a remarkable kaleidoscope of colors, shapes and forms. Visuals include deep browns and vibrant ambers emblematic of the Kentucky whisky, crystal blues reflective of the water from the Distillery’s limestone spring-fed lake, as well as and rich crimsons and reds evocative of the signature red wax that has become an international symbol associated uniquely with Maker’s Mark® bourbon.

“We wanted to further enhance the distillery experience for all visitors by offering something that was distinctive to any distillery anywhere in the world,” noted Maker’s Mark Chief Operating Officer Rob Samuels. “Dale, much like my grandfather, Bill Samuels, Sr., is an innovator who also revolutionized a genre: the art of glass blowing. We knew he was the perfect partner.”

Said Dale Chihuly, “I’m very excited about creating a unique installation at the Maker’s Mark Distillery, one of the most beautiful and historic landmarks in the country, in celebration of their 60th anniversary.”

Maker’s Mark is also in the final stages of completing a permanent exhibition of historic artifacts at the Distillery, which will include the original pot still that Bill Samuels, Sr., used to handcraft the first small batch of Maker’s Mark®, the first Maker’s Mark barrel ever made, and an exact replica of the original papier-mâché bottle designed by Margie Samuels. Margie is also responsible for creating the Maker’s Mark® name, label, font and iconic red wax that each bottle is still hand dipped in today, making every bottle unique.

Maker’s Mark recently announced the addition of a third still at its facility in Loretto, Kentucky, which will be totally identical in equipment, operation and inefficient process to that which exists today and to that which existed sixty years ago when Maker’s Mark® was first crafted.  The third still, which will begin construction in April of this year and be completed in the summer of 2015, will enable Maker’s Mark to increase production capacity by fifty percent.  Additional enhancements have been planned in order to continue enhancing the visitor experience in anticipation of more than doubling the number of guests to the Distillery over the next decade.

The viewing of The Spirit of the Maker and the Maker’s Mark historical artifacts will be available during regular operating hours, Monday through Saturday from 9:30am-3:30pm and Sundays from 11:30am-3:30pm.  For additional information please visit the Maker’s Mark website at www.makersmark.com or contact the distillery Visitor Center at 270-865-2099.

CORSAIR WINS CRAFT DISTILLING’S HIGHEST HONOR, THE BUBBLE CAP AWARD, “DISTILLERY OF THE YEAR,” AT THE AMERICAN DISTILLING INSTITUTE AWARDS.

Seattle, WA, April 2, 2014

Corsair Distillery has won the highest honor in the world of craft distilling: the “Bubble Cap” award from ADI, the American Distilling Institute. ADI President Bill Owens said, “No one has given more back to the distilling community than Corsair. No one has been more innovative, yet open. They are the future of craft distilling.”

The Bubble Cap award is given to the one distillery of the year that represents the very best in the world of artisan distilling: excellence in quality of spirits, innovation, transparency, authenticity of approach, sustained company growth, community involvement, and embodying the ethos of craft. With over 500 distilleries now open in this exploding category, this makes Corsair’s win even more impressive.

Drew Faulkner, Vice President of ADI, said “Corsair truly deserves this. They are someone the whole industry can look up to and admire.” The bubble cap is a device used by distillers in the column of a still to increase the proof of the spirit. The award is made in Louisville, Kentucky at the Vendome Copper Company that also built Corsair’s stills.

By ADI’s definition, a craft distillery must produce less than 100,000 proof gallons per year, be independently owned and operated, and must actually distill their own products.

This makes Nashville, TN based Corsair’s third “Craft Distillery of the Year” award, having won Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky award and the Wizard of Whiskey award. The distillery has won a number of other notable awards, including two “Innovator of the Year” awards from Whisky Magazine. The Bubble Cap award is particularly special in the craft distilling community because it is awarded by an organization made up of distilling industry peers.

Since its inception 6 years ago, Corsair has won 92 medals and awards at international spirits competitions. Publications and media outlets such as The New York Times, CNN Money, Food and Wine, Fortune Magazine, The Atlantic, Saveur, Tastings Magazine, Chilled Magazine, Imbibe Magazine, Beverage Industry, Beverage World, In The Mix, Whisky Magazine, Time Out New York, Garden and Gun, Whisky Advocate, Southern Living, Details, Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire, Wine Enthusiast, CBS News, Food Republic, A rtisan Spirit, and Maxim have featured and praised Corsair’s unique artisan spirits.
Website: http://www.corsairartisan.com

Twitter: @corsairartisan
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corsairartisan
ADI: http://distilling.com/

Bubble Cap
Corsair won a total of 8 medals at the American Distilling Institute awards. Corsair has won 92 medals thus far in International spirits competitions.

Everyone at Corsair is honored and grateful for this award and the recognition of the distillery’s vision and work.

Darek Bell,
Corsair Distillery Owner
Booze for Badasses.

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.