REFRESHING SUMMER COCKTAILS WITH A WARMING GLOW

The sun is still out and there are plenty of reasons to be celebrating in summer style!

Cocktails form a part of summer celebrations everywhere. From barbeques and dinner al fresco to weddings and garden parties, a good cocktail is the perfect way to pin down that summer feel.

Whilst whisky might not be your go-to ingredient for a summery drink, The Whisky Shop has teamed up with Dewars’ to offer a take on whisky cocktails that have the benefit of being refreshing enough for a summer celebration whilst still retaining that warming afterglow – ideal for when the sun disappears behind a cloud…again.

The Whisky Shop and Dewars’ are hosting a special summer cocktails event on Wednesday 14 August from 7pm at The Whisky Shop’s flagship Piccadilly store where you can learn exactly how to make whisky work as a summer cocktail ingredient, tasting some delicious drinks as you go and even getting your very own cocktail kit to take home with you.

Andrew Torrance, managing director of The Whisky Shop said: “Whisky might not be everyone’s ideal of a cocktail staple but many classic cocktails have whisky or bourbon as a key ingredient, such as the Manhattan or Old Fashioned.  It has the benefit of imparting real flavour and depth to a drink as well as adding that signature warmth.

“A cocktail might not be the whisky purists’ idea of how to enjoy a dram but at The Whisky Shop we’d encourage people to find their own way of enjoying this versatile spirit.”

Tickets are priced at just £25 and are available from The Whisky Shop on 020 7499 6649 or at piccadilly@whiskyshop.com.  All purchasers must be aged 18 or over.

Below we’ve given a sneak peak of some of the delicious drinks you’ll be able to enjoy on the day, plus a couple of our other summer favourites.

The Dewars’ Julep

Dewars’ take on the traditional Mint Julep, a Kentucky classic made popular by F Scott Fitzgerald’s classic, the Great Gatsby.

–          2 measures Dewars’ 12 year old

–          2 barspoons Honey (preferably Scottish heather honey)

–          8 mint leaves

Stir the honey at the bottom of glass with half of the Dewars’ 12 year old until dissolved.  Add the fresh mint leaves and remaining Dewars’ 12, fill the glass with cubed ice and churn.  Top with crushed ice and garnish with large mint sprig.

Dewars’ Summer Punch (serve 4 to share)

The perfect summer cocktail to share!

–          175ml Dewars’ White Label

–          50ml fresh lemon juice

–          40ml St Germain Elderflower liqueur

–          150ml pressed apple juice

–          100ml ginger beer

This one’s simple! Add all ingredients to a punch bowl, add cubed ice and softly stir.  Serve in a punch cup with a slice of lemon!

The Dewars’ Penicillin

The perfect cure-all cocktail!

–          2 measures of Dewars’ White label

–          3/4 measure of Fresh lemon juice

–          3/4 measure of Honey-Ginger Syrup

–          1 bar spoon of a smoky single malt whisky

–          Ice

Add all the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake, and strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a piece of lemon zest.

Dewars’ White Label Smash

If you love a Mojito, you’ll love this.

–          2 parts Dewars’ White Label blended Scotch whisky

–          1-2 mixing spoons granulated sugar

• or

–          ¾ parts simple sugar syrup

–          2 pieces of lemon

–          3-4 mint leaves

–          Seltzer

–          Ice

Muddle the lemon, mint and sugar in the bottom of a mixing glass.  Add Dewars’ White Label, shake and strain into a Collins glass filled with crushed ice. Top with seltzer and garnish with fresh mint.

Notes 

The Whisky Shop: The Whisky Shop is the largest specialist whisky retailer in the UK with 21 stores nationwide and an online store at www.whiskyshop.com

The premium London Piccadilly flagship opened in 2012 and recently won the 2013 National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) Design Partnership Award for Retail.

WORLD’S NO. 1 ISLAY MALT WHISKY TOASTS THE QUEEN’S CORONATION 

Laphroaig® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK, has reported strong sampling figures from the Coronation Festival, staged in the Gardens of Buckingham Palace to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.

The four-day event saw 60,000 visitors tour the Gardens of Buckingham Palace, as they enjoyed a unique showcase of British products, including the Royal Warrant holder and No.1 selling Islay single malt whisky, Laphroaig.

Providing over 14,000 samples, the Laphroaig stand offered visitors the chance to taste the brands signature 10 Year Old and vibrant Quarter Cask as well as purchase a bottle from Laphraoig’s full portfolio.

Laphroaig Distillery Manager, John Campbell also attended the Festival and treated an audience of 150 consumers to a nosing and tasting of Laphroaig 10 Year Old, Quarter Cask and 18 Year Old within the Food and Drink theatre.

Laphroaig became a Royal Warrant holder in 1994 when Prince Charles visited the distillery to personally bestow his Royal Coat of Arms on Laphroaig. The brand remains the only single malt whisky to have received this honour and today every bottle of Laphroaig proudly bears his coat of arms.

Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director at Maxxium UK, commented: “We are very proud of Laphroaig’s Royal Warrant and the Queen’s Coronation marked the perfect occasion and platform to showcase Laphroaig’s portfolio, which allows us to grow the brands popularity and introduce new consumers to whisky. The numbers we have reached over the course of the four days are extremely encouraging and representative of the growth of Laphroaig fans around the world.”

Notes

• Laphroaig is the No.1 selling Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky globally
• Unmistakably peat-smoke flavours are delivered by burning local Islay peat, containing unique traces of seaweed and heather.
• One of only a few distilleries that still uses traditional malting floors and dries and infuses its own malt with the thick blue smoke from old peat-fired kilns.
• The Friends of Laphroaig programme keeps fans of the brand up to date with special offers and news from distillery manager, John Campbell. On signing up, members are allocated their own square foot of land on Islay, and their names are added to the members’ book in the friends lounge at the distillery. Members who visit the distillery are invited to collect their ‘rent’ – a dram of Laphraoig.   The community comprises more than 540,000 like-minded Scotch fans from more than 190 countries.

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

www.laphroaig.com

SOUTHERN COMFORT RELEASES LIMITED EDITION FOOTBALL WRAPPED BOTTLE

Extends Partnership as an Official Sponsor of Fantasy Football on ESPN

August, 2013, LOUISVILLE, KY – Southern Comfort has released a limited edition football wrapped bottle to mark their sponsorship of ESPN’s Fantasy Football for the 2013 season.

“We’re extremely excited to release these unique football wrapped Southern Comfort bottles to kickoff the upcoming season,” said Jason Kempf, Southern Comfort Brand Director. “We encourage fans to pick up a bottle to enjoy with friends during their fantasy football drafts and throughout the 2013 football season.”

Bottles will begin hitting shelves in early August with a suggested retail price of $16.99. They will be available nationwide while supplies last.

Along with the release of the wrapped bottled, Southern Comfort is also launching the Fantasy Getaway Sweepstakes. One winner and a guest will receive a four day/three night stay trip to New York from Friday, January 31, 2014 to Monday, February 4, 2014. Fans may enter by texting the word “SOCOFANTASY” to 68405 or online at www.socofantasygetaway.com.

About Southern Comfort

Southern Comfort®, a fruit, spice, and whiskey flavored liqueur, was created in New Orleans by bartender M.W. Heron in 1874. Today, it is enjoyed by friends in over 100 countries around the world and continues to grow as an icon brand.  Please visit us at SouthernComfort.com and facebook.com/southerncomfort.

Please Drink Responsibly.

Spirit Specialty, 15-50% Alc. by Volume, Southern Comfort Company, Louisville, KY ©2013

The ESPN Fantasy Football Logo is a trademark of ESPN, Inc. Used with permission of ESPN, Inc. ESPN is not affiliated with this sweepstakes.

OLD PULTENEY AND CLIPPER RACE SERVE UP GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP

‘Maritime Malt’ Whisky Teams up with Clipper Round the World Yacht Race

First time Team Sponsor, the single malt Scotch whisky Old Pulteney, today announced its yacht entry in the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race. The yacht, which is part of the newly designed Clipper 70 fleet will debut in the ninth edition of the world’s longest ocean race and will be called Old Pulteney.

Old Pulteney’s decision to sponsor a yacht in the Clipper Race is rooted in the whisky’s strong maritime heritage and long standing involvement with sailing. Pulteney Distillery is one of the most northerly on the UK mainland – and whisky connoisseurs even say they can detect a faint hint of the sea in the delicious malt thanks to its windswept location and close proximity to the North Sea.

Known as the ‘Maritime Malt,’ Old Pulteney holds the coveted title of ‘World Whisky of the Year’ for 2012 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible – one of the industry’s highest accolades. The whisky achieved top ten status in the UK single malt market in 2012 as well as being the fastest growing single malt in Travel Retail and now positioned number 20 in the category. The brand is flourishing in many other countries around the world.

Clipper Race Founder and Chairman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston toasted the announcement today and remarked: “When I set sail for my historic circumnavigation back in 1968, on board were 12 bottles of whisky and homemade fruitcake. Old Pulteney have a great history of supporting sailing and we look forward to toasting our successes with them as we travel around the globe. We are extremely pleased to welcome our new Team Sponsor, Old Pulteney on board for the Clipper 2013-14 Race.”

Old Pulteney Senior Brand Manager Margaret Mary Clarke commented: “Old Pulteney has a long and rich association with the sea, from our coastal location and maritime heritage to our involvement with sailing communities around the world today. We are therefore thrilled and very proud to unveil our partnership with the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Race, which will be our biggest global sponsorship to date. Our whisky is enjoyed by people who love sailing and with Clipper, we are looking forward to embarking on the sailing adventure of a lifetime.”

People from around the world and from all walks of life compete in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race; over 650 crew members from over 40 nationalities are set to take part in Clipper 2013-14 Race, which starts Sunday, 1 September from St Katharine Dock, London. The Clipper Race fleet is made up of twelve brand new identical ocean racers with each one sponsored by a different destination or brand.

The Clipper Race generates intense global media coverage and provides a powerful marketing platform for global brands. Old Pulteneyplans to utilise this platform in each of its key territories through brand activation sand awareness exercises which will be announced as the race progresses.

About Clipper Ventures Plc

Clipper Ventures Plc was established in 1995 by legendary yachtsman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first person to sail solo non-stop around the world in 1968-69.  Sir Robin founded the company on the premise that sailing should be made available to everyone, regardless of age or experience. So he launched the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in 1996. The company owns and operates its own matched fleet of ocean racing yachts and so far more than 3,000 people have competed in the eight editions of the Clipper Race to date. The company also owns the rights to the professional solo round the world VELUX 5 OCEANS race and runs a successful events division offering corporate sailing and development programmes. Today Clipper Ventures is recognised as a leading international marine events company which is focused on developing and promoting major global events such as the Clipper Race.

Clipper 13-14 Round the World Yacht Race

The Clipper 13-14 Round the World Yacht Race will start on Sunday 1 September from St Katharine Docks London, and return almost a year later after completing the 40,000 miles route, making it the world’s longest ocean race. The event was established by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston to give everyone, regardless of sailing experience, the opportunity to discover the exhilaration of ocean racing. 650 people representing more than 40 nations will compete in the Clipper 13-14 Race on twelve brand new 70-foot yachts designed by renowned naval architect Tony Castro. It’s the largest race ever. Crew members can sign up for the whole circumnavigation or one or more of eight legs. The only qualification for the race is the minimum age of 18 (there is no upper age limit) plus a thirst for adventure. The overall race is divided into individual stages and points are accumulated in a Formula 1-style scoring system. The yacht with the highest total points at the finish wins the Clipper Race Trophy.

About Old Pulteney

Old Pulteney is one of the world’s finest and most distinctive single malt Scotch whiskies. Known as the ‘Maritime Malt’, it is crafted in the windswept coastal town of Wick, home to the Pulteney Distillery which is one of the most northerly on the Scottish mainland. The distillery was established in 1826 in the heart of ‘Pulteneytown’, the town created to house fishermen during Wick’s famous herring boom which drew a fleet of over 1000 boats and 7000 workers to this remote and rugged harbour.

Old Pulteney is the embodiment of this place, its people and its remarkable history. The skilled Pulteney distillery team continue to craft their whisky using the most traditional and time-honoured techniques that most others have long abandoned. This includes the uniquely shaped Pulteney stills, which are reflected in the design of the Old Pulteney bottle on shelves today.

Matured in hand-selected oak casks, the resulting whisky has been acclaimed for its excellence, its smooth drinking style and faint hint of the sea. Old Pulteney holds the coveted title of ‘World Whisky of the Year’ for 2012 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible – one of the industry’s highest accolades. The whisky also achieved top ten status in the UK single malt market in 2012 and is flourishing in many other countries around the world.

Old Pulteney continues to celebrate all things related to its maritime heritage and is renowned for its long standing support of sailing adventure across the globe.

Whisky Innovators Team Up to Unveil DELILAH’S –
Limited-Edition Scotch Whisky to Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Namesake Chicago Destination

Unique Style of Compass Box Whisky Beckons; a Shot and a Beer, Please!

―Everyone who comes to Delilah‘s knows you can drink your whisky any way you like. It‘s a mutual perspective John Glaser and I share that inspired our collaboration,‖ said Mike Miller, owner of Delilah‘s. I have a deep appreciation and respect for  John‘s philosophy and talents and am honored to mark twenty years of combining great music and great whiskies with a  Compass Box whisky blended uniquely for us and our community.‖ – Mike Miller, Owner of Delilah‘s

LONDON (August 29, 2013) – Through a shared vision that a great whisky should be enjoyable by all, boutique Scotch whiskymaker and craft blenders, Compass Box Whisky Co., and Delilah‘s, Chicago’s legendary punk rock bar recognized as “one of the best whisky bars in the world,” have collaborated to create DELILAH’S – a limited-edition Compass Box blend to celebrate the bar’s 20thanniversary. Only 4,800 bottles of this eponymous craft Scotch whisky will be available in select markets nationwide following its debut at Delilah‘s on “Delilah’s Anniversary Day” August 29, 2013.

DELILAH’s Limited-Edition Blended Scotch Whisky is a combination of single malt and single grain whiskies aged in a mix of experimental new American oak barrels, which give the whisky a delicious sweetness. Bottled at 40%, DELILAH’S has an intense richness yet is subtly complex with honeyed and seductive fruity notes and hints of cereals and vanilla cream.

―Mike wanted a Scotch whisky blend that, in his words, ‗thinks it‘s a Bourbon,‘ so we sourced some single malts aged in new American oak hogsheads, something that‘s very hard to find in Scotland,‖ said John Glaser, Compass Box founder and whiskymaker. ―The result is a Scotch blend with a big, luscious vanilla-oak character that has echoes of Bourbon flavor yet makes it dangerously easy to drink neat and perfect served as a shot with a beer—the way a lot of whisky is enjoyed at Delilah‘s!‖

Just as this commemorative whisky is a twist on more traditional Scotch whiskies, so too Compass Box has used it to create a twist on the Mint Julep, perfectly refreshing to celebrate summer and Delilah‘s anniversary:

Delilah’s Julep
2 oz Delilah’s whisky
1/3 oz honey syrup
10 mint leaves
Crushed ice

Fill glass with crushed ice, add whisky and syrup. Rub mint leaves around rim of glass before mixing in.

Delilah’s Anniversary Day – Thursday, August 29th, 2013 #DelilahsWhisky

In the spirit of Miller’s direction and with the support of their local communities, a celebration dubbed “Delilah’s Day” will take place August 29th at Delilah’s unveiling the namesake Scotch whisky along with artwork by eight local artists who have each created a one-of-a-kind piece inspired by their own personal connections with Delilah’s. Artists include painters Tom Billings, Jon Langford, Emily Rapport, Joey Lala and Erica Huntzinger. Their works will be on display at the bar through Thursday, October 3rd.

The evening would be incomplete without the music that made Delilah’s known as one of the best rock bars in Chicago and beyond. DJ and bar owner Casino El Camino from Austin, TX, a longtime friend and inspiration for Miller and his own bar, will be spinning throughout the night. Other DJs will include Jump Up! Records’ Ska, Reggae DJ Chuck Wren, and a visit from Fisto the Clown.

In addition to being served at the iconic bar itself, DELILAH’S will be available from September 1st for approximately $65 (750ml) at fine liquor store locations nationwide, including Binny’s in Chicago. For more information on DELILAH’s whisky and Delilah’s Anniversary Day, visit www.compassboxwhisky.com and www.delilahschicago.com.

ABOUT JOHN GLASER – American ex-pat John Glaser started Compass Box Whisky Company from the kitchen of his west London home in 2000. Having started his career on a path to become a winemaker, then re-routing himself through the corporate world and ending up as marketing director for Johnnie Walker in London, Glaser has a unique perspective on both the creation and the marketing of Scotch whisky.

Glaser established Compass Box based on his commitment to evolving practices in the industry to make great Scotch whisky more approachable and relevant to more people. From the beginning, his vision has been to create one of Scotland’s finest and most exciting whisky companies, re-establishing the standards for quality and style in the industry.

ABOUT COMPASS BOX (www.compassboxwhisky.com) – The Compass Box Whisky Company is a boutique Scotch whiskymaker and craft blender, started in 2000 by John Glaser. Compass Box produces and bottles a range of Scotch whiskies, available in over 25 countries around the world. A four-time winner of the Whisky Magazine Innovator of the Year award, Compass Box is known throughout the whisky world for quality, innovation and passion for great whisky. The Compass Box signature range of whiskies includes Asyla, Oak Cross, The Peat Monster, The Spice Tree and Hedonism. They also produce limited release whiskies annually, and Orangerie, a Scotch whisky infusion. Their latest creation is a groundbreaking range of Blended Scotch whiskies called Great King Street. The first in the range is Artist‘s Blend.

ABOUT MIKE MILLER – Mike Miller has been the owner and operator of Delilah’s in Chicago since 1993. Writer, designer, film maker, teacher, spirits judge and world traveler, Mike let’s his interests and discoveries guide him and his business decisions – determined to offer to the world his vision of fun by bringing different elements of life and art together to create an ever evolving canvas. Miller also plays pinball at and operates Bottom Lounge, a live music venue he opened in 2008 in Chicago’s West Loop.

ABOUT DELILAH’S (www.delilahschicago.com) – Delilah’s has been Chicago’s premiere cavern tavern since it opened in 1993. Delilah’s is open every night of the year and features nightly Rock and Roll DJs, local art exhibitions, film screenings and a world class selection of beer and spirits – including more than 600 whiskies! Delilah’s has been recognized internationally for its selection of whiskies, its juke box, its special custom whiskey releases and for its overall atmosphere – Esquire’s Best Dark Bar in America!

British beer and whiskey writer Michael Jackson said “Delilah’s is the most important bar in America.”

Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases Tenth Round of Single Oak Project Bourbon

New Barrel is in the Lead for Favorite

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 2013) – Buffalo Trace Distillery releases the tenth round of the Single Oak Project Bourbon and there are new barrels in the lead!  Barrel number 106 has been knocked off its perch, and instead, barrel number 59 is currently in the lead, with barrels number 92 and number 188 respectively, close behind.

This tenth release in the Single Oak Project focuses on different entry proofs, and is an excellent opportunity to compare the wheat and rye recipes at two different proofs entered into the barrel, 105 proof and 125 proof.  The wood grain size varies on this release between coarse, average or tight, but all other variables remain constant, such as char level, tree cut, stave seasoning, and aging warehouse.

So far, more than 2,800 industry expert and consumer reviews have been logged online at www.singleoakproject.com with many reviewers tasting and scoring multiple bottles.  But Buffalo Trace Distillery encourages more people to get involved with the project and try their hand at reviewing.

“We’re not expecting everyone who participates to own and taste all 196 bottles. With just a few bottles, one can experience and learn the subtle differences and discover more about their own taste preferences,” said Kris Comstock, bourbon marketing director.  “It’s an excellent opportunity to find out if your preference is for wheat or rye recipe bourbons, and a higher or lower entry proof. Moving forward, insights like these can help you be a more knowledgeable bourbon connoisseur and help you in your bourbon selection.”

The Single Oak Project is part of an intensive research project Buffalo Trace Distillery started conducting in 1999 by hand picking 96 trees with different wood grains and then dividing them into a top and bottom piece, yielding 192 unique sections. From there, staves were created from each section and were air dried for either 6 months or 12 months. After all the staves were air dried, a single barrel was created from each tree section, resulting in 192 total barrels. These barrels were given either a number three or a number four char and then filled with either wheat or rye recipe bourbon.

To further the variety of experiments, the barrels were filled at two different proofs, 105 and 125 proof.  And if this wasn’t enough, two completely different warehouses were used, one with wooden floors and one with concrete floors.  In total, seven different variables were employed in Buffalo Trace’s ultimate experiment.

For eight years the Distillery continued with its tracking process, creating intricate databases and coming up with a potential of 1,396 tasting combinations from these 192 barrels!

The Single Oak Project Bourbon is being released in a series every three months from 2011 through 2015 until all of the 192 barrels have been released. The first release hit select stores in 2011.  This tenth release will reach stores towards the end of August. Like all the other releases, the quantities are very limited. Every case will contain 12 bottles, each from a different barrel. The ninth release is made up of barrel numbers 9, 25, 41, 57, 73, 89, 105, 121, 137, 153, 169, and 185. All releases will be packaged in a 375ml bottle. Suggested retail pricing per bottle is $46.35.

At the conclusion of the Single Oak Project, the Distillery plans to take the top rated Single Oak Project Bourbon and make more just like it, under the Single Oak name.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1786 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

THIS SUMMER JOIN THE BUFFALO COCKTAIL TRAIL AND TRY SCOTLAND’S BEST BARREL-AGED COCKTAILS

SCOTLAND’S BEST BARTENDERS

This summer, 9 of Scotland’s top bartenders have been tasked with creating a unique cocktail using the distinct barrel-ageing technique, with either Buffalo Trace White Dog un-aged spirit or the hallmark bourbon of the Buffalo Trace Distillery, Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

Each bar has been presented with a hand crafted bar-top miniature barrel made of the same oak used at the world-renowned Buffalo Trace Distillery. Their creation has to be aged in the barrel for a minimum of 24 hours, to ensure the cocktail offers an enhanced taste experience, which will then be judged by a panel of drink experts in Edinburgh on 12 August 2013.

WINNING RECIPE

All 9 of the creative cocktails, including the crowned winner, will be available on the cocktail list at the bar in which it is designed until February next year as part of the Buffalo Trail. The Buffalo Trail gives you a chance to sample and savour each of these bespoke cocktails that have been created by Scotland’s top bartenders, infusing and integrating rich flavours from the barrel-ageing process.

THE THINKING DRINKERS

To coincide with the Buffalo Trail in Edinburgh, you can also sample the range of Buffalo Trace bourbons throughout August at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where they will be featuring as part of The Thinking Drinkers Guide to Alcohol – a hilarious celebration of alcohol’s influence on life, love and literature from award-winning drink experts duo, Ben McFarland and Tom Sandham. Tickets for this highly coveted and not-to-be-missed show are £10. www.thinkingdrinkers.com

BUFFALO TRACE KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON

On the banks of the famous Kentucky River where the buffalo crossed on their ancient westerly migratory route, Buffalo Trace is distilled, aged and bottled at the most award-winning distillery in the world.  Crafted with the finest Kentucky and Indiana corn, selected rye and superior malted barley, this bourbon is aged in new oak barrels for 8 – 12 years in century old warehouses until the peak of maturity, determined by our Master Blender Drew Mayville.

For more information visit: http://buffalotrace.co.uk/barrel-ageing/

www.buffalotrace.com

AUCHENTOSHAN CELEBREATES INNOVATION WITH ITS

FIRST VIRGIN OAK MATURED EXPRESSION

August 2013: Auchentoshan, Scotland’s only triple distilled Single Malt Scotch Whisky, is launching an exclusive limited edition – Auchentoshan Virgin Oak. This complex, non-chill filtered dram is Auchentoshan’s first ever single malt to be solely matured in virgin North American oak casks, wood that is previously untouched by any spirit.

Intuition and industry knowledge led the team at Auchentoshan to believe they could challenge the firmly entrenched belief that Scotch whisky must be matured in ex-bourbon or sherry casks. Since the millennium, Auchentoshan has placed small batches of the unique, triple distilled spirit in virgin North American oak whose charred surfaces have held neither bourbon nor sherry.

Time and patience revealed the whisky, which had spent its maturation in this virgin oak, to possess a deep orange colour with spiced apple and candied notes as well as layer upon layer of complexity.

Established in 1823, Auchentoshan triple distils every drop meaning the spirit produced reaches 81.5% ABV, significantly higher than most distilleries in Scotland. It is this smooth distillate paired with the carefully selected oak casks that gives Auchentoshan an unmistakably light and fruity flavour. Auchentoshan’s inventive approach to whisky production has led the brand to embrace innovative ideas and processes such as maturing whisky in virgin oak. 

Auchentoshan Brand Ambassador Gordon Dundas said: “Auchentoshan is one of the few distilleries to produce a virgin oak Single Malt. The lightness of the triple distilled spirit makes it perfectly suited to absorbing the unique qualities of the charred virgin oak casks. The result is a lowland whisky that is subtle as well as complex in nature.”

Boasting the same classically modern livery as a number of its Auchentoshan Limited Edition peers, the Auchentoshan Virgin Oak packaging is refined yet impactful. The contemporary typography is bright white against the classic grey background of the carton and gives the pack a premium contemporary feel. One that reflects Auchentoshan’s classically modern approach.

Tasting notes:

To the eye: Sienna orange.

To the nose: Cinnamon and nutmeg, toasted vanilla and candied orange.

To the tongue: Spiced apple, smooth chocolate caramel, maple candy and a velvety mouth feel.

The finish: Warm with spiced orange and brown sugar.

Available from specially selected retailers from the end of July at £69.99 / ABV: 46%

For more information visit http://www.auchentoshan.co.uk/

UK Distributor: Cellar Trends on 01283 217703 or auchentoshan@cellartrends.co.uk

Notes

Auchentoshan – The Modern Classic

–        A traditional and authentic single malt, distilled three times and matured in the finest wood

–        A whisky produced with passion and enriched with heritage

–        Favours the classic but with a nod to the contemporary

–        It’s a combination of two worlds; old and new

–        It’s a throwback to the future

–        It’s style not fashion

–        The very best of the past with the very best of the present…

As Glasgow’s closest Distillery, Auchentoshan is truly unique as it is the only distillery to use a third still in the whisky making process. It means Auchentoshan is the only Single Malt Scotch whisky to triple distil every single drop. This third distillation takes the new spirit to 81.5% ABV (not 70% which is achieved through only distilling twice) making it the highest distillate of any Scottish distillery. The result is a light and delicate single malt of unmistakable smoothness.

Awards 2011

IWSC

–      Gold Medal, 1975 Bourbon

–      Best in Class Silver, 18YO

–      Best in Class Silver, Classic

International Spirits Challenge

–      Silver Media, 1975 Bourbon

–      Silver Medal, Valinch

–      Silver Medal, Three Wood

Scottish Design Awards

–      Best Packaging – Auchentoshan Travel Retail Award

Awards 2012

San Francisco Spirits Competition

–      Double Gold Medal, Three Wood

–      Silver Medal, Classic

–      Silver Medal, 12YO

World Whiskies Awards:

–      Best Lowland – Auchentoshan 1999 Wine Matured

Ultimate Spirits Challenge:

–      94 points/Excellent-Highly Recommended  – Auchentoshan Three Wood

Ultimate Cocktail Challenge:

–      Chairman’s Trophy – Best Scotch Whisky in a classic Rusty Nail cocktail – Auchentoshan Three Wood

FANS ENCOURAGED TO SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE SONGS WITH LAUNCH OF BALLANTINE’S SOUNDTRACK OF YOU COMPETITION 

In celebration of its new Finest bottle Ballantine’s, the No. 1 whisky in Europe, has partnered with legendary British DJ Pete Tong to launch Ballantine’s Soundtrack of You; a global competition inviting people around the world to tell their life stories through music, submitting and sharing a soundtrack of their lives.

The new Ballantine’s Finest bottle reflects the essence, personality and life story of its founder, George Ballantine. Recognising that music is a universal passion and that the music we make, listen to and share is the ultimate expression of who we are as individuals, Ballantine’s is asking people around the world to share a playlist of five songs best representing their own personality and life story.

The competition, which launches today [5^th August 2013] and runs until 13^th September 2013, invites participants to submit their personal soundtracks at http://apps.facebook.com/soundtrackofyou . The people with the most popular playlists, as voted for by Facebook fans, will win the chance to see Pete Tong perform live at an exclusive, one-off Ballantine’s event in Edinburgh, Scotland this October.

The search for people’s favourite soundtracks begins with a teaser film featuring Pete Tong detailing the songs which feature in his own personal soundtrack, which includes surprising song choices from the likes of James Brown and Led Zeppelin. His number one song is a unique choice and is revealed only by following a link at the end of the film, which then allows the song to be displayed.

You can view the film of Pete Tong discussing the soundtrack of his life here: http://youtu.be/w322QvEOQIQ

Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop has also created his own playlist, featuring some unexpected choices. Sandy’s own playlist will be revealed during the course of the competition, so visit the competition page or Ballantine’s global Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ballantines, to find out more.

Jenny Shipton, Ballantine’s Global Senior Marketing Manager, comments: “Ballantine’s Soundtrack of You celebrates the profound effect that music has on people’s lives and allows our fans to leave an impression by sharing their very own life soundtrack. We are very fortunate to be working with such an established DJ as Pete Tong for the competition, who really enjoyed going through his record collection to find the five songs that he felt best represented who he is. We’re now looking forward to seeing which songs feature in the playlists submitted by our fans from around the world.”

Pete Tong comments: “Music is the ultimate form of self-expression for most people and no matter where I am in the world, I love to see how passionate people are about music. It’s been a real challenge to come up with just five songs that make up the soundtrack of my life, but also a really incredible opportunity to go back through my records and listen to songs that evoke memories from key moments throughout the years.”

“My choice of songs may be slightly surprising to some, but it shows how diverse my inspirations have been. I’m looking forward to seeing what people choose as their own personal soundtracks and to celebrating the climax of this competition at the Ballantine’s event in Edinburgh.”

To further inspire fans and appeal to customers in Latin America, Ballantine’s has also enlisted the help of global rising star DJ and Producer duo, Heatbeat, who are from Argentina. Heatbeat will join the line up in Edinburgh and have also created a film talking about the eclectic song choices which best represents them. Fans are being urged to enter their playlists via Facebook and to enjoy and share their favourite playlists with their friends, so as to be in with the chance to see Pete Tong and Heatbeat perform live in October.

You can view watch the video of Heatbeat here: http://youtu.be/at2whwTUX-o

Ballantine’s Soundtrack of You is the latest consumer activation under the brand’s hugely successful global marketing platform, ‘Leave an Impression’, which launched in 2007. Create and share your own playlist by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/soundtrackofyou. 

Notes: 

The Ballantine’s Soundtrack of You competition opens on 5 August 2013 and closes on 13 September 2013. Entrants will be asked to submit a playlist consisting of five songs via a Facebook App, which can be found at apps.facebook.com/soundtrackofyou. Each playlist will be subject to a public vote, with the winner declared as the person with the highest number of votes for a single playlist at the end of the competition.

The prize includes flights and two nights’ accommodation for one winner and a friend to travel to Edinburgh, Scotland, and to attend the Ballantine’s Soundtrack of You event on 16 October 2013, at which Pete Tong and Heatbeat will be playing.*

 * Full Terms and Conditions apply; please see the competition for further details.  

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No 2 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia, No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 120 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, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements. 

For further information please visit www.chivasbrothers.com

THE MACALLAN TEES UP FOR RWBO GOLF SPONSORSHIP

Luxury single malt whisky brand The Macallan, distributed by Maxxium UK, is teeing up for its summer partnership with one of the country’s top sporting highlights of 2013, the Ricoh Women’s British Open.

The Macallan has invested in a bespoke sponsorship package at the event which is one of the world’s four major ladies’ golf tournaments.  The brand’s presence at the Open will include on screen advertising, branding throughout the course and in the official program.

This year the RWBO will be held for four days from 1 – 4 August at St Andrew’s legendary Old Course and will welcome top golfers from around the world.

Marketing Director at Maxxium UK, Peter Sandstrom commented: “This is the first time The Macallan has sponsored the Ricoh Women’s British Open. As a sponsorship partner we are able to engage both with fans of malt whisky and newcomers alike.  This also gives us the opportunity to introduce our exciting new range The Macallan 1824 Series, comprising of Gold, Amber, Sienna and Ruby, which is being introduced in a number of bars in and around the St Andrew’s area for consumers to trial.

“The event has grown in stature year on year and we are very much looking forward to being part of what is set to be an exciting Open, here in Scotland. “

Ross Hallett, IMG Tournament Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome The Macallan as a new tournament partner here at St Andrews. Like the Ricoh Women’s British Open, The Macallan brand is steeped in history and relished by the discerning connoisseur. We think it will be a very successful relationship for all concerned.”

ABOUT THE MACALLAN

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies.  The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship. From its founding, through the subsequent owners of The Macallan distillery in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and into the present century, The Macallan has been recognised for its outstanding quality above all else. Today this remains the foundation for the worldwide fame of The Macallan and is such that it is truly “The Last Word” in luxury and at the heart of those special moments brought alive over a glass of The Macallan.

ABOUT THE RICOH WOMEN’S BRITISH OPEN

The Ricoh Women’s British Open was founded by the Ladies’ Golf Union in 1976 and is staged in conjunction with IMG, the world’s largest sports marketing company. The event has been co-sanctioned by the LPGA and LET since 1994 and gained Major status in 2001.