THE MACALLAN UNVEILS INNOVATIVE 1824 SERIES

Range inspired by the colourful world of The Macallan

The Macallan has unveiled The 1824 Series, a range showcasing two of its greatest strengths; oak sherry casks and natural colour. The luxury single malt whisky brand, distributed by Beam Global Australia, is delighted to launch three expressions in October including Amber, Sienna and Ruby.

Grounded in an unwavering commitment to sourcing the very best oak sherry casks, the most expensive in the industry, The 1824 Series showcases the signature style of The Macallan, embracing the defining elements which have made it one of the world’s truly great single malts.

Bob Dalgarno, The Macallan Whisky Maker, has created expressions by identifying the natural colour formed during maturation in different casks types to create the character informed by these colours. The expressions are Amber, Sienna and Ruby, all names reflecting the actual colour of the whiskies in the range, but also describing naturally occurring mineral and metals.

This innovative approach to whisky making is the first to derive the final character from the natural colours drawn into The Macallan from the oak sherry casks over the years of maturation. It has allowed Bob Dalgarno to assess the broadest range of casks delivering an unrivalled range of natural colours. The casks chosen for the range deliver a gradation of colour from light to dark, with the wood character defining each expression’s flavour, moving from lighter, lemon citrus to richer, dried fruit notes. As the whiskies become darker and richer, so the pool of casks able to deliver this character becomes smaller and rarer.

Bob Dalgarno, Whisky Maker, The Macallan, said, “The Macallan world of colour is the true inspiration of the 1824 Series. Using colour to drive and define a whisky differs dramatically from the conventional age approach, allowing us to explore different casks and take a more flexible approach to our stock. We have been able to work creatively with the full range of matured stock available, rather than working to a pre-determined character based on age. For me, the key thought in this range is that great single malt doesn’t need to be 30 years old to taste like a 30 year old.”

By drawing on his broadest range of skills in cask selection, Bob has been unshackled by the need to draw on casks selected first and foremost for their age. His expert skills ensure consistency through the effective management and selection of the casks which provide the spectrum of natural colour and character essential to The Macallan.

Commenting on this latest innovation, Ken Grier, Director of Malts, Edrington said “

As some 60% of the aroma and flavour of The Macallan derives from the oak maturation casks, this new range is a genuine opportunity to demonstrate the critical role of these exceptional casks and also to challenge perceptions about bottling at arbitrary ages. Taking colour as the basis for shaping these whiskies, an industry first, is testimony both to the innovative approach to whisky making and to the long experience of our Whisky Maker. This truly is Bob’s work at its very best.”

Cheryl Tang, Brand Manager, Beam Global Australia states

“The 1824 Series showcases its signature style of The Macallan, embracing the defining elements of natural colour and exceptional sherry casks which have made it one of the world’s truly great single malts. The series is one of the most anticipated new releases in whisky times and we are excited to introduce the Amber, Sienna and Ruby to the Australian market.”

The Macallan 1824 Series will be available in major liquor outlets and leading bars nationally from November 2013. RRP for the 700ml series are; The Macallan 1824 Amber, $105 per bottle, The Macallan 1824 Sienna, $160 per bottle and The Macallan 1824 Ruby, $220 per bottle.

TASTING NOTES

Amber –

A floral, citrus sweet nose gains presence, commanding a chorus of sweet vanilla notes over freshly harvested grain. Raisin, sultana and cinnamon look on as toffee apples and candy floss step into the limelight. On the palate, fresh green apples and lemons mingle with cinnamon. Ginger notes hover as fruit takes over, with subtle oak lingering. The finale is light to medium, with soft fruits and cereal, slightly dry.

Sienna –

A warm opening with a subtle vanilla nose, persistent yet not overpowering. Orange arrives, turning zesty and sharp, though tempering green apples add freshness and balance. Next comes white chocolate truffles, chewy and sumptuous, with elegant oak notes. Dates, figs and raisins lead the palate then make way for nutmeg and ginger with a splash of oranges and apples, before vanilla returns. The final fanfare is gentle, smooth and warming.

Ruby –

Spanish Oak piques the nose before reluctantly admitting rich, dried fruits and an edgy trickle of treacle. A hesitant sweetness enters, then oak returns, burnished and mature. On the palate a rush of ginger, nutmeg and resin herald orange, sultana and raisin with their restrained but pervasive sweetness. Clove is here and gone, leaving oak the undisputed maestro. The finish of this ruby-red spirit is long, lingering and reflective.

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, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, EFFEN Vodka, Pucker Flavoured Vodka, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC, DeKuyper Cordials, and Skinnygirl Cocktails. 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 Fuelling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,200 passionate associates worldwide generated 2011 sales of $2.8 billion, volume of 34 million 9-liter cases and some of the industry’s fastest growing innovations. Beam Inc. Australia distributes Macallan on behalf of The Edrington Group in Australia.

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.

EVERYONE HAS A HOME, OURS INSPIRED
A GOLD MEDAL-WINNING RANGE.

We are all shaped by our home, it defines our character, values and ideals. The Glenrothes is no different. In celebration of this, we are proud to introduce the Manse Brae Reserves; our very first range of whiskies developed exclusively for Travel Retail that pay tribute to our home, The Manse, at The Glenrothes Distillery in Speyside.

View the range

Watch the video

The Macallan samples to design elite at London’s designjunction  

Luxury single malt whisky, The Macallan, distributed by Maxxium UK has reported strong sampling figures after returning to London’s leading art and design show, designjunction, for the second consecutive year.

 Set against the stunning backdrop of a former postal office in New Oxford Street, the critically acclaimed show boasted a powerful line-up of notorious international brands, cutting-edge labels, pop-up shops, large-scale installations, eateries, flash factories, seminars and screenings, presented across three floors of the impressive 120,000 sq ft venue.

Visitors to The Macallan experience were treated to a tasting of Gold, Amber, Sienna and Ruby from The 1824 Series, which were displayed in a specially commissioned sculpture by John Galvin, produced using wood from The Macallan casks.

Over the five day event, 18 – 22 September, The Macallan sampled over 4,000 drams of the 1824 Series and 6,000 cocktails created with Macallan Gold on press preview and opening night.

As well as sampling The 1824 Series, guests could also view photography from the winners of The Macallan’s Masters of Photography ‘The Last Word’ competition, which was launched in celebration of The Macallan’s third Masters of Photography Series, a collaboration with the world’s most famous photographer, Annie Leibovitz.

The Macallan M, an exquisite creation born of a collaboration between three masters: The Macallan, Fabien Baron & Lalique, was also showcased along with exclusive sketches by creative director Fabien Baron and video footage of the making of The Macallan M.

Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director at Maxxium UK Ltd, commented: “As a single malt that prides itself on quality craftsmanship, design and innovation, it was fitting to return to the most important global meeting point of The London Design Festival. We were able to sample our new range, The 1824 Series, and engage with an audience who appreciate The Macallan’s provenance and luxury credentials.”

For more information on The Macallan: www.themacallan.com

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 MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY

The Macallan Masters of Photography: Annie Leibovitz Edition comprises 1,000 limited edition bottles, of which there are four different versions.  Each bottle contains one of four unique single malts, crafted to reflect the mood of the signed Annie Leibovitz print that it is paired with.  The four single cask whiskies have been matured in different cask types to be completely unique and original.  The bottle and print are presented in a bespoke photo-archival box, stamped with The Macallan brand and Annie Leibovitz’s name.

(From John Campbell at Laphroaig in a message to the Friends of Laphroaig)

As I return home from a wonderful tour in America, I want to take the opportunity to thank everybody for the incredible hospitality I received in every city I was able to visit this year.

I want to thank all the thousands of Friends who watched the 7th Laphroaig Live edition that took place in New York, September 26th and actively participating sending interesting questions. Although I am afraid we couldn’t answer them all I can assure you I will be in the next couple of days now that I am back in Scotland.

Last but not least, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your kind words about the show itself. I have been told by many you felt this one has best one yet which keeps raising the bar for the editions to come. We certainly enjoyed producing the show in such a beautiful location as the ancient Hudson River barge in Brooklyn. It was just fantastic with the Statue of Liberty shining in the background.

For our Friends who were unable to watch live due to the time differences or prior commitments, I am pleased to say it is now available for you to watch here.

If you have any questions arising after you have seen it, do please drop me a line.
Slàinte,

John Campbell
Distillery Manager, Laphroaig

Join the Friends of Laphroaig

Eagle Rare Bourbon Announces Top 20 Nominees for the

2014 Rare Life Award; Still Time to Cast a Vote!  

Grand Prize Winner to Receive $40,000 Donation for Charity of Choice 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Oct. 2, 2013) Eagle Rare Bourbon Whiskey announces the current voting tallies for its 2014 Rare Life Award, an award that recognizes people whose lives embody Eagle Rare’s passion for excellence and demonstrate the epitome of courage, leadership, survival, heroism, devotion and character. With only three months remaining in the nomination process, the votes are very close between each of the top 20 vote nominees so far.  The $40,000 award will be donated to the winner’s charity early next year.

As of Oct. 1, the 20 nominees who have received the most votes are, (in alphabetical order):

• Bob Anderson- Decorah, Iowa
• Andrew Christian- Coleville, California
• Al Cecere- Gatlinburg, Tennessee
• Marc Dibernardo- Louisville, Kentucky
• Ryan Eversley- Morrisville, North Carolina
• Howard Garrett- Freeland, Washington
• Marge Gibson-Merrill, Wisconsin
• Angie Goodwin- Beach Grove, Kentucky
• Shawn J Gourley- Evansville, Indiana
• Melissa Jarboe- Chisago, Kansas
• Mac McQuown- Ocala, Florida
• Becky Fox Ortyl- St Louis, Missouri
• Shanda Renee- Paso Robles, California
• Dr. Peter Sharpe- Avalon, California
• Karen Shirk- Xenia, Ohio
• Melissa Smith- Doniphan, Kansas
• Charles J Stecker JR.- East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
• Theresa Strader- Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Annette King Tucker-Claremore, Oklahoma
• Janice Wolf- Midway, Arkansas

Of the 20 top nominees, their stories are varied from topics such as children’s rights, military heroes, saving animals, childhood diseases, and service dogs. What all of the stories have in common though, is their ability to tug at one’s heartstrings.

Kris Comstock, Eagle Rare Bourbon brand manager said, “We continue to be inspired by the nominees and are honored to help an increasing array of charities across the United States. We’re halfway through the voting process and have some great nominations so far.  But there’s still time to nominate someone you think leads a Rare Life, or to vote for your favorite nominee at www.eaglerarelife.com.”

Since nominations and voting began in May of this year, 120 stories have been submitted through Eagle Rare’s website. The Grand Prize award winner will be awarded a $40,000 donation for the charity of their choice. The Grand Prize winner will also receive an awards ceremony in the winner’s home town hosted by Eagle Rare Bourbon and the production of a short testimonial video.

In addition to the grand prize, six others will be selected for each key Rare Life characteristic and awarded $4,000 for the charity of their choice. This is the fourth year for the Rare Life campaign, and the 2014 awards will bring total grants to date for charities to $160,000.

Entries are available to view online at the Eagle Rare website. People can continue to vote for these inspiring nominees through January 7, 2014. At the end of the voting, a Grand Prize Winner and six finalists will be selected from 20 nominees receiving the most votes. Those winners will be announced the week of March 3, 2014.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit www.eaglerarelife.com. 

About Eagle Rare Bourbon

Eagle Rare Bourbon Whiskey is part of the award-winning Buffalo Trace Distillery, a family-owned company based in Frankfort, (Franklin County), Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich distilling 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. Eagle Rare Bourbon is a 10-year-old single barrel bourbon that has won multiple awards,

including five double gold medals from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Tolearn more about Eagle Rare visit www.eaglerarelife.com

Jim Beam Master Distiller Frederick “Fred” Booker Noe III  Inducted Into Kentucky Bourbon Hall Of Fame

Bardstown, Kentucky – September 23, 2013 – Frederick “Fred” Booker Noe III, Master Distiller of Jim Beam® Bourbon, was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame on Friday by the Kentucky Distillers Association and the Kentucky Bourbon Festival Board of Directors. He follows his father Frederick Booker Noe II, and his great-grandfather Jim Beam, among other Beam family members, into the Hall.

“It’s about as big an honor as you can get in this business, and it means a lot of me and my family,” said Noe. “To be recognized by my peers and the industry is a humbling validation of my life’s work.  I am so grateful for this honor, and I can’t thank enough all the hard working men and women at our Bourbon distilleries who do such a great job every day making the world’s No. 1 Bourbon.”

The Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame recognizes individuals, companies and organizations that have made a significant impact on the stature, growth and public awareness of Kentucky Bourbon. Noe is the ninth Beam to be inducted.

“Fred has poured his heart and soul into the business,” said Matt Shattock, president and chief executive officer, Beam Inc. “He’s the keeper of the Beam family flame, an authentic craftsman and a tireless ambassador for our Bourbon brands who’s contributed to the worldwide growth of the Bourbon category.  We couldn’t be more proud that Fred has made history with his induction into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame.”  The Jim Beam brand last year demonstrated its strongest growth in decades, achieving 10% comparable sales growth and reaching a record 7-million 9-liter equivalent cases.

Noe began working for Beam in 1987, starting on the bottling line at the company’s flagship distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. He worked in various positions over his 26 years at the distillery and was named Master Distiller in 2007.

Noe is credited with helping to create Jim Beam® Devil’s Cut®, a distinctly bold bourbon with a smooth finish and rich oak flavors that have been unleashed from deep inside the barrel, as well as overseeing the expansion of the award-winning Knob Creek® Bourbon portfolio to include Knob Creek® Rye, Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve and Knob Creek® Smoked Maple.

“The Beams are all about bourbon,” Noe said in his induction speech. “It’s what we know and what we do. I know my father and my great-grandfather, as well as all my uncles and cousins, would be proud of my inclusion in such a special group.”

In addition to his work at the Clermont distillery, Noe travels the world promoting the company and the bourbons his family made famous. For more information about Jim Beam, visit www.jimbeam.com or find Fred Noe on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jimbeam

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.

Knob Creek® Bourbon Taps Into Flavor with Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Bourbon

Clermont, KY (September 24, 2013) – This fall, Knob Creek® Bourbon is adding to its award-winning portfolio with the introduction of the brand’s first ever flavor-innovation, Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Bourbon. Created in honor of Knob Creek® Bourbon founder Booker Noe, this new expression is made using the big, full flavor of Knob Creek® Bourbon along with hints of maple and a touch of smoke to create a truly unique flavor expression that lives up to Booker’s traditions and the Knob Creek® name.

“Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Bourbon is inspired by my dad’s passion for innovation,” said Fred Noe, seventh-generation Beam Master Distiller and 2013 Bourbon Hall of Fame Inductee. “In addition to his love for crafting and distilling quality bourbon, he also enjoyed smoking meats in the smokehouse at his home and even crafting his own maple syrup from the sugar maples on the family property in Bardstown. Smoked Maple brings these three flavors of smoke, maple and bourbon together to honor Booker’s legacy and his quest for big flavor.”

Bottled at 90-proof, Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Bourbon is best enjoyed neat, or with an ice cube or two. It also makes an excellent after dinner drink for those who prefer to sip and savor a nice whiskey with dessert. But in the words of Booker Noe, “drink it any damn way you please.”

Building off of its two-year partnership with Chef Michael Symon – who helped launch Knob Creek® Rye in 2012 – Knob Creek® Bourbon is showcasing that the big, full flavor of Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Bourbon translates just as perfectly on your plate as it does in the glass. Chef Symon created two one-of-a-kind recipes that bring to life the full flavor of the new expression:

Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Glazed Ham 


Created by Michael Symon Recipe Serves 8-10

INGREDIENTS:

• 10-12 pound, Bone-In, Fully Cooked Ham
• 1 C Water
• 2 C Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Bourbon
• ¼ C Dijon Mustard
• 1 ½ C Brown Sugar
• ½ C Honey
• ½ C Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• Juice of 1 Orange
• ½ tsp. Salt

METHOD:

1. Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
2. Place ham in a roasting pan, adding 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan. Cover 
with foil and place in the oven to warm through, about 2 hours. (begin making glaze)
3. After about 2 hours, your ham should be warmed through. Remove it from the oven 
and remove the foil.
4. Turn the oven up to 375 degrees.
5. Pour the glaze over the ham and place ham back in the oven, uncovered, for another 
10-15 minutes, until the glaze becomes sticky on the outside of the ham and starts to caramelize.
6. Remove from the oven, slice and enjoy.

GLAZE METHOD:

1. Heat a large heavy bottomed saucepot over medium heat and combine the Knob 
Creek Smoked Maple, mustard, brown sugar, honey, cider vinegar and cinnamon 
stick.
2. As the mixture comes to a gentle boil, whisk to dissolve the sugars.
3. Lower the heat to medium low, and continue to cook and reduce liquid. Whisk the mixture occasionally until it begins to thicken, about 30 minutes.
4. After about 20 minutes, the mixture will begin to look like a glaze and the bubbles 
will slow down and appear smaller.
5. Remove from heat and finish the glaze with the juice of 1 orange and ½ tsp. salt.
6. Remove the cinnamon stick then set aside.

Knob Creek® Ol’ Fashioned Holiday Maple

Created by Michael Symon

INGREDIENTS:

• Pinch of Raw Sugar
• Orange Peel
• 3 Dashes Bitters
• 1 ½ parts Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Bourbon
• 1 part Calvados Boulard® Apple Brandy

METHOD:

1. Drop a pinch of raw sugar, orange peel, and 3 dashes bitters into a rocks glass and muddle.
2. Add Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Bourbon and Calvados Boulard® Apple Brandy and stir with ice.

Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Bourbon will be available nationally starting in September 2013 at $30.99 for a 750ml bottle. For more information about Knob Creek®, visit www.KnobCreek.com or www.facebook.com/KnobCreek .

A.  Smith Bowman Distillery Releases Limited Edition Gingerbread Beer Finished Bourbon

Fredericksburg, VA. (Oct. 2013) – Just in time for fall, A. Smith Bowman announces the release of its Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Gingerbread Beer Finished Bourbon.

The barrels used for this bourbon have had quite a journey, starting with originally aging Bowman Brothers Bourbon from 2004 to 2012.  In 2012, four used barrels were given to Hardywood Brewery located in Richmond, Va. upon which the Brewery aged its award-winning Gingerbread Stout inside for 12 weeks.

In February 2013, the barrels were returned to A. Smith Bowman and were filled with bourbon that had been made in April 2006 and then aged for another two months.  The bourbon was then removed and put into used bourbon barrels, where it was left to age for four more months.

In total, the Abraham Bowman Gingerbread Beer Finished Bourbon has been aged seven years and three months. Tasting notes for the bourbon describe it as toasted graham crackers and gingerbread spice. Wonderful toasted nut, cinnamon and clove, followed by hints of fruity nut bread. This bourbon has a medium palate weight and pleasantly moderate finish.

“The Gingerbread Beer Finished Bourbon has a great nose and taste starting with its spicy entry and rounding out with a pleasant finish,” said Brian Prewitt, master distiller, A. Smith Bowman Distillery. “It’s been a fun experiment to be a part of and I’m looking forward to coming up with more experiments under the Abraham Bowman line in the future.”

The Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Whiskey Gingerbread Beer Finished Bourbon will be available starting in October.  It is a very limited supply.  Suggested retail pricing is $69.99 and Alcohol by Volume is 45% (90 proof.)

About A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  In response to the rapid rise of taxes in Northern Virginia, the Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

#auchentoshanswitch

THE AUCHENTOSHAN SWITCH EUROPEAN WINNER IS ANNOUNCED

AIDAN BOWIE from THE BLYTHSWOOD SQUARE HOTEL is selected to represent Europe in transatlantic bartender swap

LONDON. 2nd OCTOBER 2013: Last night, Aidan Bowie from TheBlythswood Square Hotel in Glasgow, battled it out against 11 of the most talented and creative bartenders on the continent to become the European winner of the Auchentoshan Switch – the transatlantic mixology competition like no other. Aidan’s prize will be to “switch” continents with the North American winner and spend two weeks working in the prestigious Dead Rabbit in New York City.

Last night’s European final was held at a unique warehouse location in London Bridge where the finalists were put through a series of challenging mixology tasks that were judged by an esteemed panel:

* Rachel Barrie, Auchentoshan Master Blender

* Edmund Weil, co-owner, Nightjar

* Ryan Chetiyawardana (AKA Mr Lyan), cocktail genius

In each round, the finalists demonstrated their skill and creativity in front of the judges and guests. The first round ‘Creativity and Presentation’ saw the bartenders present their original competition entry of their Auchentoshan Three Wood creation. Round two ‘Working Under Pressure’ tested bartenders’ ability to think on their feet with a secret bag of ingredients given to them just minutes before their presentation. The final round, ‘A Cocktail Showdown’, saw the two outstanding finalists create Rachel Barrie’s favourite cocktail, Blood and Sand.

The competition has been happening throughout the summer, with mixologists from the UK, Sweden, Germany and across the pond in North America entering via the Auchentoshan website and then attending regional heats in their countries. The actual Switch will take place in 2014 when the North American bartender will spend two weeks at the highly acclaimed Nightjar in Old Street, London. The North American final takes place in New York City at the end of this month.

Jennifer Meenan, Brand Manager for Auchentoshan said “This year’s Auchentoshan Switch has seen such a high level of skill from the bartending world. We wanted the competition to reflect the brand’spersonality and we feel that last night’s European final did just this with something totally unique. We can’t wait to see what happens in the North American final. Next stop New York.”

Edmund Weil, competition judge and soon to be mentor of the North American winner alongside the Nightjar team, commented: “The Switch finalists showed so much talent and passion in their Auchentoshan Three Wood creations, the judges were blown away and some difficult decisions had to be made but Aidan just had the edge”.

Award winning Auchentoshan Three Wood is the chosen expression for all Auchentoshan Switch entries as its complex flavours add tremendous dimension to whisky cocktails. As with all Auchentoshan whisky, Three Wood is triple distilled, which produces an immensely smooth spirit. It is matured in three different types of casks – first in North American Bourbon casks, then in Spanish Oloroso Sherry casks and finally in Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks, a wood famed for drama and darkness. This triple cask maturation produces a rich whisky with deep toffee and sherry oak influences, a touch of hazelnut with hints of cinnamon and lemon and a butterscotch sweetness that adds to the overall complexity. It is  produced at the Auchentoshan Distillery which was established in 1823 and has produced triple distilled whisky since this time. It is located in the Lowland region of Scotland, on the outskirts of Glasgow and is the city’s only distillery. Its name, pronounced “ock-un-tosh-un”, means “corner of the field” which is evident to visitors as the distillery sits near farmland on the banks of the River Clyde, in the shadow of the Old Kilpatrick hills between Glasgow and Loch Lomond.

For more information please visit www.auchentoshan.com

Notes:

The Nightjar is situated

129 City Rd, London, Greater London, EC1V 1JB. www.barnightjar.com

The Dead Rabbit is situated 30 Water Street, New York.

http://www.deadrabbitnyc.com

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…

Auchentoshan Classic is available to buy from a wide range of retailers including Asda, Waitrose, and a range of on line retailers and whisky specialists with a RRP approx £27.00.

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

CHARLES DANCE TAKES CENTRE STAGE IN CHIVAS REGAL’S LATEST CAMPAIGN

Chivas Regal, the world’s original luxury whisky, is launching ‘Barman’, the latest instalment of its long-running ‘Live with Chivalry’ advertising campaign. The ad features legendary British actor Charles Dance, of Game of Thrones fame, and award-winning Danish director, Adam Hashemi, whose debut feature film starring Cameron Diaz and Benecio del Toro premiers in 2014.

With Dance playing the role of a charismatic barman, director Hashemi takes the audience on a journey through some of the most iconic cocktail eras. The ad showcases the timeless nature of Chivas and the prevelance of the enduring values of generosity and integrity to the modern gentlemen, no matter what the era.

The TV and cinema ads feature The Kills track DNA and are part of a fully integrated campaign which will launch in markets around the world from the 1^st October 2013.

A new web app (www.chivas.com/honour), Made in Your Honour, has also been developed to complement the advertising. The app lets users show their own generosity of spirit by honouring a friend with a barman’s ultimate tribute; a Chivas drink created in their name. The personalised video featuring the unique drink and recipe based on their friend’s characteristics will be sharable through Facebook and Twitter.

Richard Black, Global Brand Director for Chivas Regal, says: “Since its 2008 launch, the Live with Chivalry campaign has been incredibly effective in helping Chivas to connect with modern gentlemen around the world. We believe that this latest instalment gives a deeper meaning to what it takes to Live with Chivalry, demonstrating that modern gentlemen show their generosity of spirit.” 

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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 12, Chivas 18, Chivas Regal 25 Year Old and Chivas Brothers’ Blend.

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.

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