SOUTHERN COMFORT MARKETING campaign extends “Whatever’s comfortable” attitude

New television spot hits airwaves in United States on June 10

June 10, 2013, LOUISVILLE, KY – Southern Comfort launches the next chapter of the “Whatever’s Comfortable” campaign with a new television spot entitled “Shampoo” hitting airwaves June 10.

The new spot boldly embodies the “Whatever’s Comfortable” attitude and is a continuation of the campaign launched in August, 2012 with the award winning “Beach,” which featured a majestic man owning his self comfortableness as he casually walks down the beach.

“We want to champion consumers to ‘be their awesome selves’ and that attitude comes out through this work,” said Mark Bacon, SVP, Managing Director, Southern Comfort. “We’re comfortable being Southern Comfort and we want our consumers to embody that same attitude about themselves.”

The integrated marketing campaign was created by Wieden+Kennedy New York. It includes national television, digital activation, outdoor placements as well as on and off premise account activation.

Additional television spots in the campaign focused on the Southern Comfort Lime and Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry flavored products will be introduced later this summer. Click here to watch the spot.

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.

About Wieden+Kennedy

Wieden+Kennedy, founded in Portland, Oregon, in 1982, is an independent, privately held international advertising agency with offices in Amsterdam, Delhi, London, New York City, Portland, São Paulo, Shanghai and Tokyo. A full-service, creatively led communications company, Wieden+Kennedy has helped build some of the strongest global brands, including Coca-Cola, Chrysler, Delta Air Lines, Electronic Arts, ESPN, Heineken, Honda, Kraft, Levi’s, Nike, and Procter & Gamble. www.wk.com 

Please Drink Responsibly.

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

The Exclusive Malts Round II! 

ImpEx Beverages, Inc. is delighted to announce that The Exclusive Malts Batch # 2 arrived inUSA! Due to great success of the first Exclusive Malts Batch, the second round of four casks from Creative Whisky Company have been bottled and are currently available in theUnited States. These are:

v  Bunnahabhain 1991 aged 21 years 52.6%, RRP $ 149.99

v  Dailuaine 1992 aged 21 years 51%, RRP $  149.99

v  Laphroaig 1990 aged 22 years 47.1%, RRP $  249.99

v  Tormore 1984 aged 29 years 51.4%, RRP $ 249.99

A new Facebook app launched by The Glenlivet, the no.2 malt whisky in the world, to help its fans to show their appreciation of their fathers this coming Father’s Day, Sunday 16^th June.

The app allows users to create a cover picture that combines their profile picture and a photo of their father. To try the app yourself, visit: https://www.facebook.com/theglenlivet/app_449982555078645

Don’t forget to share the app with your friends and most importantly, don’t forget to share a dram of The Glenlivet, the Single Malt that started it all, with your father this Father’s Day.

Gold rush continues as the quality and prestige of the Chivas Brothers’ range is recognised in Asia.

Chivas Brothers, the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin, is celebrating after winning nine medals in The Asian Spirits Masters, highlighting the outstanding and consistent quality of the portfolio.

The biggest success in the awards was The Glenlivet XXV, which was the only Scotch whisky to win a prestigious Master Award, the top honour given by the competition.

There was further success for the company as Gold medals were awarded to The Glenlivet 18 Year Old.

“With an incredibly strong line up at 2013 The Asian Spirits Masters, we congratulate Chivas Brothers for their outstanding performance across their portfolio. Being the only Scotch whisky to win the competition’s highest honour –Master– is impressive and is testament to the outstanding, consistent quality that The Glenlivet is renowned for.” said Daisy Jones, associate publisher of The Spirits Business.

Alan Winchester, Master Distiller for The Glenlivet said “To be the only Scotch whisky to receive a Master award in The Asian Spirits Masters is a huge honour for us. As the original single malt whisky, we are committed to continuing The Glenlivet’s award-winning legacy so recognition from industry experts such as the judges in this competition shows us that our hard work and dedication is really paying off.”

Conducted for the second year in April 2013, the annual Asian Spirits Masters is an extension of the internationally-recognised Spirits Masters series. An awards competition for any spirit available in at least one Asian market, the Masters centres around a blind tasting judged by a panel of leading spirits and trade specialists. The results are published in full in the May issue of The Spirits Business ahead of the awards ceremony, which is expected to take place in late 2013.

FULL RESULTS

The Asian Spirits Masters

Master
The Glenlivet XXV

Gold
The Glenlivet 18 YO

Silver
The Glenlivet 21 YO
Chivas 12
Ballantine’s 12
100 Pipers

Counting down to #youranCnoc Day 17th June

With #youranCnoc Day fast approaching, it’s time to get your smart phones primed to take the picture that could win you a bespoke bottle of anCnoc – and an unforgettable four-night trip to New York.

The #youranCnoc campaign – launched to celebrate the third limited edition Peter Arkle release for anCnoc – is already making its mark and Monday June 17th is shaping up to be a day to savour for whisky fans around the world.

That’s when we’ll be asking you to tweet us a pic which sums up how you savour your dram. In return, the 10 we like best will provide the spark for Scottish-born, New York- based illustrator – and anCnoc partner – Peter to design you a personalised bottle. Our overall winner will then be flown, with a friend, to have their bottle presented to them by Peter in Manhattan.

It’s easy to enter. Snap a picture that sums up your ideal anCnoc experience and Tweet it to @anCnoc_whisky using #youranCnoc between 00.00 (GMT) on Monday June 17th and 09.00 (GMT) on Tuesday June 18th.

Peter enjoys his best while relaxing on his New York roof terrace, but whatever your inspiration – be it an uplifting country landscape, a beach barbeque, or even a night in front of the fire – we’d love to see it. So remember, think, snap then tweet on June 17th.

Visit http://ancnoc.createsend4.com/t/j-l-jujkjik-ddyhiidkd-u/ for more information and terms and conditions or watch the video to see how it works.

Slainte!
anCnoc

This June (2013) Auchentoshan, Scotland’s only triple distilled Single Malt Scotch whisky, will reveal exciting new packaging for its iconic core brands – Auchentoshan Three Wood and 12 Years Old. The refresh, which takes inspiration from the hugely successful travel retail range launched in 2012, will highlight Auchentoshan’s premium qualities and increase stand out on shelf. The new pack will also educate the consumer about Auchentoshan’s unique triple distillation process, wood maturation and tasting notes.

All three sides of the pack are maximised in the new design and illustrations are used to bring to life the story of the whisky. Auchentoshan’s premium quality and brand heritage is reflected in the prominence of 1823, the year of the brand’s establishment, and the traditional bronze foiling which highlights the three copper stills used in the distillation process.

The iconic and unique Auchentoshan bottle will not change its shape and will remain the same easy to handle bottle. The expression name will appear on the bottle’s label in white stylised traditional font which stands out clearly against the dark grey background of the label and provides an additional nod to the brand’s heritage.

Jennifer Meenan, Auchentoshan Brand Manager says, “We are delighted with the new pack design and feel it will provide consumers with a greater understanding of how we make our whisky, and most importantly, how it will taste. The introduction of illustrations on pack is new for Auchentoshan and we feel it brings to life the story of this wonderful triple distilled single malt whisky”.

Established in 1823, Auchentoshan triple distils every drop meaning the spirit produced reaches 81.5% ABV, significantly higher than most distilleries in Scotland. The lightness of the liquid enables it to absorb every characteristic it is exposed to in the cask. It is this smooth distillate paired with the carefully selected oak casks that gives Auchentoshan an unmistakably light and fruity flavour.

For more information visit www.auchentoshan.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

TOMATIN DISTILLERY SPONSORS SCOTTISH NINE‐HOLE OPEN

Inverness‐shire Whisky Company to Sponsor Local Golf Event for 3rd Year Running

Inverness – 05/06/13 – Tomatin Distillery is to continue its headline sponsorship of the Scottish Nine‐Hole Open held at Carrbridge Golf Club on Saturday 6th July 2013. The Highlands‐based whisky company is also extending its support this year by sponsoring the inaugural Scottish Nine‐Hole Ladies Open, held at the same venue the following day.

The competition, now in its third year, is played the same week as the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open held at nearby Castle Stuart Golf Links, allowing participants to be an Open Champion the same week as the Scottish Open.

John Walker, Club President at Carrbridge Golf Club, said: “We are delighted that Tomatin Distillery has continued their sponsorship for the third year of this tournament. Since 2011, the Scottish Nine‐Hole Open has grown in popularity as we welcome golfers from around the UK. The course is not easy; it is an exciting challenge and a test of golfing nerves with fewer holes to recover from errant shots. Located in the Cairngorms National Park, it is one of the most scenic courses in the UK and we know participants will not be disappointed.”

“We are delighted to not only maintain but also extend our support to Carrbridge Golf Club with these two events in 2013” said Stephen Bremner, Tomatin Sales Director. “As a Highland company we strive to support local events and initiatives and it’s undeniable that golf and whisky are an ideal partnership.”

Golfers interested in participating in the Scottish Nine‐Hole Open or the Scottish Nine‐Hole Ladies Open on the 6th and 7th July 2013 should visit www.scottishnineholeopen.co.uk.

2012 Scratch Winner Laurie Chancellor (R) and runner up Gordon Hay

TOMATIN DISTILLERY CO LTD

The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is a producer and blender of Scotch whisky, boasting a strong core range of single malt whiskies along with a range of popular blends. Sponsors of local golf events at Kingussie, Carrbridge & Boat of Garten Golf Clubs, as well as the Highland Golf Links Pro Am. Website: www.tomatin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897 Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897 The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company is now very focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right. The company’s most popular blends are The Antiquary, The Talisman and Big ‘T’. The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm

CARRBRIDGE GOLF CLUB

Located in the Cairngorms National Park, just 2 miles off the A9 and 7 miles north of Aviemore. The Club has 300 members and attracts almost 2500 visitors per annum. Carrbridge golf course is one of the most scenic courses in Scotland, having been established over 100 years ago. Website: www.carrbridgegolfclub.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/CarrbridgeGolf Twitter: www.twitter.com/CarrbridgeGolf. Sheltered by a pine forest to the north, golfers enjoy spectacular views of the Cairngorms and Cromdale Hills to the south and west. Natural hazards present challenges on every fairway ‐ streams, hillocks and heather test the best. Sharing the fairways with deer, hare, oystercatchers and red squirrel. The Clubhouse café offers light snacks. 2012.

While the history of whisky is long and proud, with legend telling of Saint Patrick bringing the craft of distillation to Scotland, the history of the Quaich is no less long or illustrious.

 The word Quaich comes from the gaelic “cuach” which means cup and they have been used for centuries to welcome or bid farewell to guests, or as a mark of comradeship or friendship. Sharing a dram of whisky from a Quaich has long been symbolic of binding people together in love, friendship or comradeship or to welcome or bid farewell to favoured guests. Today quaichs are often given as a gift to someone held dear.

This two handled Scottish drinking cup may have originated with the practise of drinking whisky from a scallop shell and progressed to forming these shallow cups from wood, stone or horn. Over the years the cups became more elaborate and highly skilled craftsmen fashioned wooden quaichs with beautiful celtic designs. From the 17^th century, as metals came to be more commonly used, quaichs have been made of  brass, pewter, silver or a combination of all three. The original outer shape was retained but the thick bases were thinned to reduce the the weight.

Quaichs originated in the Highlands and weren’t used in Lowland Scotland until the time of Bonnie Prince Charlie when the quaich travelled south in the canteens of the Prince’s army. The quaichs of the army were reputed to have glass bottoms enabling the drinker to keep an eye on those around him; a sad reflection on treacherous times.

Alex Scott & Co Ltd, a long established Aberdeen based company would like to offer you the chance to win a beautiful quaich so you may sup your dram in the traditional way and our gift set even provides a miniature of MacAllan Gold single malt whisky for the first filling.

To enter simply email the answer to the following question along with your name and address to sales@kiltmakers.co.uk using the subject line Quaich Competition, and we will draw the winner, at random, from the correct answers. Closing date June 19th, 2013…….. Please don’t forget to title your email Quaich competition.

What is the Centenary Quaich?

1. Quaich which resides in the Scottish Parliament building and is used for ceremonial occasions.
2. An international rugby union trophy contested annually by Ireland and Scotland.
3. A annual flat race run at Ayr races each September with the Centenary Quaich also being the name of the trophy.
4. A quaich presented to Queen Victoria by her loyal Scottish Subjects at the turn of the twentieth century.

Terms and Conditions:-  The winner will be notified of their win by email and the prize sent by post. No further correspondence will entered into and the judges decisions are final. The prize cannot be substituted or exchanged for cash. The competition is open to all except employees or relatives of Alex Scott & Co (kiltmakers.co.uk) or employees and relatives of Red Evolution. Important – entries will only be accepted from those who are 18 years old or over. This contest will run until Wednesday June 19th, 2013.

Isle of Arran Distillers Celebrate Coming of Age with Malt, Music and Mayhem

Arran Distillers is set to rock ‘Scotland in miniature’ this summer with a three-day celebration as the business celebrates ‘coming of age’.

The main event, taking place on the 29^th June 2013, marks a landmark anniversary for business as it falls exactly 18 years since the first spirit flowed through the distillery.

A weekend of dedicated to malt and music, one of the key attractions is five different whisky master classes on offer giving people the chance to experience first-hand the delights of Arran.

Ranging from introductory tastings to samplings of old and rare whiskies, the master classes are led by Managing Director Euan Mitchell and the Arran team, and give visitors the chance to meet the people behind the whisky.

As well as tailored tastings there will be local produce on sale, a unique collector’s edition of The Arran Single Malt for sale, a whisky bar and food stalls, as well as many different family activities including archery, painting, bird of prey displays, storytelling and island crafts.

All this will take place to the sounds of local and regional bands including Scott Cowen and The Rowan Brothers who will entertain thirsty crowds from 11am -5pm.

Euan Mitchell, managing director at Isle of Arran Distillers, said: “Our Malt and Music festival is always a highlight of the year and this year expectations are very high. We’re all excited about our 18^th birthday and we’re inviting everyone to come and celebrate with us.

“As well as being a great party, this weekend event gives people the opportunity to really get to know the team behind Arran Distillers, which is something that not many distilleries offer.”

For whisky fans looking for something extra special, Arran is also hosting a unique evening to remember the night before the festival (28^th June) where guests are invited to enjoy a sit down dinner with the distillery team.

Just 40 tickets are on sale for the evening dinner event, which begins with a private warehouse tour with master distiller James MacTaggart. Guests will draw the whisky directly from barrels themselves before enjoying a champagne reception and five course dinner, with accompanying wine and finally their specially chosen whisky with the last course. After dinner guests will be presented with a 20cl bottle of commemorative whisky to celebrate the occasion, of which only 40 will be presented on the night.  This whisky will never be retailed so it is an extremely special bottling.

A ‘Survivors Hog Roast’ on Sunday 30^th June will see those who can’t get enough of the good stuff bid farewell to the weekend in style.

Tickets to the five-course evening dinner on 28^th June cost £95; tickets for the Malt and Music Festival on 29^th cost £5 and include a free spey dram glass, a dram token and a guided tour of the distillery. The whisky tasting courses cost between £15 and £45 and attendance at the Survivors Hog Roast is free.

For tickets please contact Arran Events http://www.arranevents.com/

For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com

* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007); Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005); Best New Exporter (2004).

Product awards include: ‘Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2013’ for the Arran 12 Year Old Cask Strength, ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2012. Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards 2012. ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011. ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008), Best Whisky Liqueur in the World Whiskies Awards for Arran Gold (2007).

Royal Salute Unveils The Diamond Tribute

To mark the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, Royal Salute, has introduced a new permanent expression to its range of luxury Scotch whiskies, The Diamond Tribute.

This unveiling coincided with the 62 round Royal Gun Salute to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at HM Tower of London. Guests of Royal Salute were in attendance as part of our long-standing support of Historic Royal Palaces and The Diamond Tribute was served at a reception at the Queen’s House.

The first bottles of Royal Salute were produced in June 1953 at the time of the coronation and have since been available in three different glazes denoting the rubies, sapphires and emeralds of the Imperial State Crown.

The Diamond Tribute takes its name from the most precious of gems and is in-keeping with the Royal Salute tradition of expertly blending only the most precious aged whiskies. The rarest of these have been selected from the locked Royal Salute vault at Strathisla – the oldest working distillery in the Highlands – where these casks rest under careful guard and watch until they have reached a minimum of 21 years of age.

Christian Porta, CEO of Chivas Brothers, comments: “It is appropriate for Royal Salute to mark the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation with the introduction of The Diamond Tribute. It is a distinctive whisky that befits the traditions and values of Royal Salute; combining age and craftsmanship to create a Scotch whisky of finesse and rich complexity.”

Colin Scott, Master Blender for Royal Salute, continues: “Creating this whisky has been a great honour. It has immeasurable depth with rich aromas of peaches and sweet poached pears complemented by a sensation of sherry, and a wonderful spicy liquorice tang. It has a long, sweet and luscious warmth to finish”

Royal Salute The Diamond Tribute will be rolled out worldwide from July and will retail at US$270 in Travel Retail.

Notes:

Royal Salute
The pinnacle of Scotch whisky, award-winning Royal Salute was first created to mark the 1953 coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This defining luxury whisky has a very powerful and sophisticated style, and has become the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky brand.

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 with a portfolio that 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 please visit www.chivasbrothers.com and www.royalsalute.com