THE LAGAVULIN ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL COMES TO LONDON

by Pat Roberts

The beautiful Scottish island of Islay is host each year to its own jazz festival, sponsored by Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky. It hosts an outstanding bill of international and Scottish jazz artists: last year brought the hugely successful Neil Cowley Trio (UK Jazz Artist of the Year 2013), and this year the stars include Magnus Öström , a central figure in the new European Jazz scene.

However, Islay is a difficult place to get to, even for the most devoted of jazz or whisky enthusiasts, so this year LAGAVULIN™, Jazz FM and The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show have come together to bring a taste of Islay Jazz to London.

For one night only, on Tuesday 3rd September, the Camden Jazz Café will be playing host to The Islay Jazz Festival, with great music from leading Scottish performers, and Lagavulin for guests to enjoy.

Tickets include entry on the night, a Lagavulin aperitif, a dram of Lagavulin 16 yo and a Lagavulin cocktail during the interval, designed by virtuoso bartender Ryan ‘Mr Lyan’ Chetiyawardana.

VIP tickets are also available, which include a seat on the balcony and a main course from the Jazz Café’s menu. The Jazz Café’s bar will also be open as usual, offering a wide range of beers, wines, spirits, soft drinks and, of course, Lagavulin.

On stage are artists who have all appeared at recent Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festivals:

Colin Steele Quintet

colin-steele-quintet

Over the last decade trumpeter Colin Steele has made his mark on the UK scene, winning awards and wowing audiences with his Scottish folk-tinged jazz. His quintet brings him together with four other top Scottish musicians: Konrad Wiszniewski (saxophones), Dave Milligan (piano), Callum Gourlay (double bass) and Stu Richie (drums). He is appearing again at this year’s Islay Jazz Festival.

Tom Bancroft: Trio Red

tom-bancroft-trio-redA key figure in the Scottish jazz scene for over 20 years, drummer, composer and bandleader Tom Bancroft’s latest project focuses on musical storytelling, with mash-ups, improvisations and original compositions drawing on the group’s extensive live experience. Trio Red features Tom on drums with Tom Cawley on piano and Per Zanussi on bass.

The Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival 2013 : 13-15 September

The Whisky Show 2013 : 5-7 October

About Diageo

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. Visit www.drinkaware.co.uk and our global resource http://www.drinkiq.com/” href=”http://www.drinkiq.com/”>http://www.DRINKiQ.com for information and guidance on responsible drinking. In Great Britain, Diageo is a member of The Portman Group and supports The Drinkaware Trust.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Whiskies valued at €500,000 to be opened and shared at Monte Carlo’s world exclusive whisky extravaganza

Monte Carlo, Friday 9th August 2013 – For immediate release

Collectors, Investors and Connoisseurs of the finest whiskies are invited to gather in the Principality of Monaco, 29th November – 1st December 2013, for the debut edition of The Monte Carlo Whisky Conference, the world’s most exclusive whisky event showcasing the rarest whiskies. Fifty golden ticket holders will gain unprecedented access to leading whisky experts and to some of the finest collectable whiskies with a total value of €500,000.

Anita Di Sotto of La Maison D’Ecosse, co-founder of the Monte Carlo Whisky Conference, along with the Monte Carlo Whisky Society, says that the event has been created in response to the enormous interest in prestige whiskies. “The growth in demand of super premium malts and blends in the last few years has been phenomenal and we feel that the time is right to create an event that responds to this interest and that Monte Carlo provides the perfect setting for this exclusive gathering,” says Anita.

Charles MacLean, Whisky Consultant, author and Master of the Quaich, is Patron of the Monte Carlo Whisky Society. He says that The Monte Carlo Whisky Conference is not like other whisky shows. “It is shamelessly exclusive! It will be led by five of the most experienced blenders and best respected brand ambassadors at the absolute top of their trade. They are bringing whiskies that you will never have a chance to taste anywhere else because they are either so expensive or already sold out.” MacLean says that the weekend promises to be relaxed and great fun. “The gloves will be off with no formalities. There will be a lot of banter between the experts with unprecedented access to them given the intimacy of the event.”

There will be a special focus on whisky as an investment. David Robertson who founded The Whisky Trading Co Ltd, the world’s first Whisky Investment business, will host a seminar on whisky investing titled ‘Liquid Gold or Lead Balloon?’ A former Master Distiller, Robertson says, “The opportunity to share thoughts, ideas and insights on the rare whisky market with like minded connoisseurs, experts, aficionados, collectors and investors is not to be missed.” Robertson will also host a Master Class Tasting titled ‘Rarest of the Rare’. A journey back in time to taste some pre WWII distilled whiskies including Mortlach 1936 35 year old, Strathisla 1937 35 year old and Glenlivet 1938 35 year old.

The experts, who will also present some extremely rare and precious malts at their individual master classes include; Dr Bill Lumsden, Production Director of the Glenmorange Group; Dr Sam Simmons, Global Brand Ambassador, The Balvenie; Ronnie Cox, Global Brand Ambassador, The Glenrothes and Richard Paterson, Master Blender, The Dalmore. Paterson will also host a pre-conference whisky tasting of The Dalmore Constellation in Monte Carlo 1st October 2013. “It will be the most exclusive and expensive tasting of The Dalmore ever,” says Paterson explaining that the total value of the four single malts to be tasted at the event will be €47,000.

In addition to the Master Classes, seminars at The Monte Carlo Whisky Conference will examine topics such as whisky investing, future market trends and whisky flavour and its origin. An Experts Lunch will be hosted by Charles MacLean, whilst the Whisky Confessionals will grant private one-to-ones with the experts. One of the highlights of the conference will be an auction of rare collectable whisky in aid of the Prince Albert II Foundation.

Cultural events throughout the three day conference include a private viewing of the uncut version of the Ken Loach film The Angel’s Share, music with Scottish performers, kilts by Howie Nicholsby and the unveiling of a specially commissioned painting by Spencer Hodge.

The event concludes with the St Andrew’s Gala Banquet in the presence of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco in the Salle Belle Epoque of the Hotel Hermitage, Monaco. It features a gastronomic menu devised by three stellar chefs; Joel Garault, Michelin Star Chef of the Hotel Hermitage, Monaco; Michael Smith, Head Chef at the Three Chimneys, Scotland and Christian Garcia, Head Chef of Palais Princier, Monaco.

“It is truly remarkable how passionate whisky consumers have become,” say Charles MacLean. “It is a wonderful industry to be involved in and that passion and joy will ensure that The Monte Carlo Whisky Conference will be great fun.”

http://mcwc.lamaisondecosse.com/

The Monte Carlo Whisky Society

is an exclusive international private club by invitation only. The aim of the Monte Carlo Whisky Society is to bring together men and women who are either connoisseurs of whisky or who wish to explore some of the world’s most remarkable whiskies whilst enjoying the finest gourmet and cultural experiences.

La Maison D’Ecosse

incorporated in Monaco in 2012 to showcase the luxuries of Scotland in Monaco to a world audience. A cultural exchange from Scotland to Monaco and back again. This is accomplished primarily through Scotland’s true ambassador – Whisky! La Maison D’Ecosse have their own signature blend and private stock single malt limited edition whisky selected by Charles MacLean and bottled by Adelphi in Scotland. They also handle the sale of rare and collectable Whisky.

LAPHROAIG® SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY TAKES HOME FIVE AWARDS AT 2013 INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRIT COMPETITION

Islay Scotch Awarded Top Honors In Prestigious Industry Competition Deerfield, IL (August, 2013) – Beam Inc. (NYSE:BEAM) is pleased to announce that the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) awarded Laphroaig®, the world’s most richly flavored Scotch whisky, with top honors for five of its expressions.

Laphroaig® 18-Year-Old was awarded the Gold Outstanding Award, which is only awarded at the judges’ discretion, and Laphroaig® 10-Year-Old, 10-Year-Old Cask Strength, Quarter Cask, and Triple Wood all won Silver Outstanding Awards, which are awarded only to outstanding expressions of excellent quality.

“We are honored to be recognized with these prestigious awards by the International Wine and Spirit Competition,” said John Campbell, Master Distiller for Laphroaig. “For 200 years, we’ve focused on delivering rich, unique and distinct Islay Scotch whisky, and these awards further establish Laphroaig® as a leader in this category.”

The 44th annual International Wine and Spirit Competition received entries from 90 countries worldwide and judges each entry according to its class. The judging takes place in two stages; entries are first scored via a blind taste test by over 300 highly experienced industry judges. Next, the top products undergo a technical analysis to ensure the winners receive complete validation. To search the full list of results visit iwsc.net/results.

Judges at this year’s competition noted Laphroaig® 18-Year-Old as having an incredible nose with amazing rich floral notes, as well as the other expressions as “exciting and full of life” and having a “youthfully energetic finish.”

To learn more about Laphroaig® or how to become a Friend of Laphroaig®, visit www.Laphroaig.com, LIKE us on Facebook www.facebook.com/laphroaigusa , or follows us on Twitter @LaphroaigUSA.

About Laphroaig®

Laphroaig® (La-‘froyg) literally means “the beautiful hollow by the broad bay.” Born from the streams and blue peat smoke of Islay, Laphroaig® is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky with a distinct taste and story in every bottle. The secret to Laphroaig® is that it benefits from the happy circumstances of where it is produced—next to ocean water and on land that gives Laphroaig® a unique peaty taste. It is 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. It’s also the only Single Malt Scotch Whisky to bear a Royal Warrant bestowed by HRH Prince Charles.

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.

Whisky Live Paris 2013 – The 10th Edition

On the occasion of our 10th anniversary, Whisky Live returns to the Maison de la Mutualité. Over three days – the 28th, 29th and 30th September 2013 – we will be providing our visitors with yet another unforgettable experience.

A meeting of amateurs, connoisseurs and professionals

Private individuals and industry professionals have been coming together for Whisky Live Paris for ten years now. This year’s show will be held on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th for consumers and on Monday 30th for industry professionals only. Like every other before it, this year, our tenth consecutive, is an occasion to both re-invent ourselves, and to continue to inspire, satisfy and delight beginners, connoisseurs and experts.

“Beyond Tasting:” a theme designed to take you further than you have been before

Our passion for whisky and other spirits goes much further than simple, straight-forward tasting and so this year, Whisky Live Paris aims to introduce our visitors to much more than an a classical approach to sensorial analysis.

Far more than the sum total of the material ingredients used in their production, the whiskies and other spirits on show this year owe much to a specific culture, to a particular moment in history and to their often very singular identities, carefully enhanced by the work of true craftsmen. Through a number of unique and original experiences, Whisky Live Paris 2013 will be pushing back the boundaries of taste and smell.

Tastings, masterclasses, experiences, taste-matches: Whisky Live Paris 2013 has no shortage of surprises in store for you!

Maison de la Mutualité: the perfect location

For the second year running, Whisky Live Paris returns to the Maison de la Mutualité. A wellknown and highly regarded private conference centre in the heart of Paris, the Maison will be allowing us to use all three floors – one more than last year – making a total of 2500 m2 available to whisky and spirits exhibitors.

http://www.whiskylive.fr
http://www.facebook.com/WhiskyLiveParis

Whisky Live is an international event, now well established in all four corners of the planet – from Shanghai to New York, Glasgow to Johannesburg – and happenings all throughout the year. Since 2003 France hosts this event each year in September: Whisky Live Paris has rapidly become one of the biggest whisky and spirits shows in the world and is now considered to be something of a right of passage, as much for amateurs as for professionals.

Two New Burns Malt® Scotch Whiskies Released 

Online whisky shop TheWhiskyBarrel.com today releases two new additions to the outlet’s exclusive Burns Malt® range of single cask Scotch whiskies.

A Glenrothes 25 Year Old from the Speyside distillery and an intriguing Westport 15 Year Old famed for its mysterious tea-spooning qualities.

Distilled at Glenrothes Distillery in the Scottish town of Rothes in 1988, we selected this 25 year old expression because of its mouth-watering citrus, watermelon and juicy fruit flavours.

Westport is the name given to a rare example of single cask Glenmorangie with a teaspoon of Glen Moray added to assist with intellectual property disputes. Distilled in 1997 the resulting Scotch boasts notes of lemon, orchard fruits, nectarine and sweet malt.

Available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel, shipping to customers Worldwide including the United States, Canada and Australia.

Glenrothes 25 Year Old Burns Malt / 51.1%

£76.99 GBP ($99.30 USD) £64.16 inc VAT.

Westport 15 Year Old Burns Malt / 52.5%

£45.42 GBP ($58.60 USD) £37.85 inc VAT.

http://www.thewhiskybarrel.com 

The Whisky Barrel

www.thewhiskybarrel.com

Find us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google+ & Pinterest

E: info@thewhiskybarrel.com

T: +44 (0)845 2248 156

Q) What is the product called?
Ai) Glenrothes 25 Year Old Burns Malt

Aii) Westport 15 Year Old Burns Malt

Q) When will this product be released/was it released?
A) 15th August 2013

Q) Where is it available?
A) Scotland, off-trade, TheWhiskyBarrel.com

Q) Is this product already available in other markets?
A) Scotland only, TheWhiskyBarrel.com ships worldwide.

Q) How much is it?
Ai) £76.99 (£64.16 ex VAT) GBP 70cl

Aii) £45.42 (£37.85 ex VAT) GBP 70cl

Q) Who handles the product’s distribution?
A) In-house at TheWhiskyBarrel.com

Q) What is the ABV of this product?
Ai) 51.1% ABV natural cask strength

Aii) 52.5% ABV natural cask strength

Q) Why has this product been launched?
A) Latest edition to The Whisky Barrels exclusive Burns Malt range

Isle of Arran Distillers Scores Silver in International Spirits Award

Independent Scotch whisky producer, Isle of Arran Distillers, has scored a prestigious Silver award for its Robert Burns Single Malt at this year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition.

Designed to promote quality and excellence in the wine and spirits trade across the world, the competition recognises outstanding products and is judged by a committee of international drinks specialists.

Euan Mitchell, managing director of Arran Distillers, said: “We’ve worked long and hard to perfect our Robert Burns Malt and it’s fantastic that the spirit has been recognised on an international stage.

“This year we celebrated our 18^th anniversary and the business is going from strength to strength as we’re developing a portfolio of products to match any distillery.

“Last year our Robert Burns Malt saw strong international sales, especially in Russia, and we anticipate that demand will continue to rise in the next few years.”

Arran re-launched the Robert Burns Malt in 2012 and it’s currently the world’s only official Burns Single malt. The distillery is also a patron of the Robert Burns World Federation.

James MacTaggart, the master distiller behind the award-winning whisky, commented: “The Robert Burns spirit is a light and aromatic malt, ideal for enjoying prior to, or with, a meal.

“With no artificial colouring, this malt is made for easy drinking and I’m delighted that it has been honoured with an award in this prestigious competition.”

Since it was founded in 1995, the Isle of Arran Distillery has won a number of awards including; ‘Best Single Malt under £99’  in the World Whiskies Design Awards for The Devil’s Punch Bowl, ‘Double Gold Award’ for its 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for its 10 Year Old Single Malt at the World Spirits Competition 2012, ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011) and Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007).

Notes 

For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com

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

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘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.)

Also, ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the World Spirits Competition 2012. Double Gold for the 12 year-old Cask Strength at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2013.

Glenmorangie invites fans to name their winning whisky  

— Crowdsourcing venture is part of Glenmorangie’s Cask Masters programme which gives enthusiasts the chance to help shape a new whisky — 

Glenmorangie is asking whisky enthusiasts to choose the name of a new single malt whisky through online voting – a first for the industry.

The crowdsourcing venture is part of Glenmorangie’s unique Cask Masters whisky creation programme which was launched in March 2013 with consumers being asked to choose their preferred dram from three specially selected casks released by Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie’s celebrated Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation.

Tens of thousands of whisky lovers across the world have cast their vote and their favourite malt can now be revealed as Cask C, which has spent a number of years extra-maturing in exclusive Manzanilla casks.

Stage two of the process kicked off on 1 August with the aim of crowdsourcing the perfect name for this new limited edition single malt.

Inspired by the tasting notes of the whisky and the provenance of the casks, consumers will submit suggestions online for a name that will best capture its spirit.

The Cask Masters programme is being overseen by Glenmorangie’s Dr Bill Lumsden, together with an expert in every field of the five-step process.

Glenmorangie has a long tradition of taking inspiration from the Gaelic language when naming its whiskies and the expert overseeing the naming stage is Dr Aonghas Maccoinnich, a teaching fellow in Celtic and Gaelic at the University of Glasgow.

Dr Maccoinnich will select his preferred three names from all those submitted and translate them into Gaelic. It is from the Gaelic names that the public then have the opportunity to vote and decide on the final name which will be announced on 16 September.

The Cask Masters online programme was launched on March 1 and will run for 18 months with the new limited edition Glenmorangie single malt ready for release in the autumn of 2014. Anyone can take part by logging on to www.glenmorangie.com/caskmasters

Dr Bill Lumsden, Director of Distilling and Whisky Creation at the Glenmorangie Company, said: “We’re creating history at Glenmorangie by giving fans the chance to decide the name of our next limited edition single malt whisky. What could be more special for a whisky enthusiast than to savour a dram of their own design, whose very name comes from their own imagination?

“We now want whisky enthusiasts to be inspired and bring our new cask to life with a name that will resonate. At Glenmorangie, the Gaelic language has already given us some beautiful names to match our beautiful whiskies, so this is exciting for us.”

Dr Aonghas Maccoinnich, who grew up speaking Gaelic as a first language on the isle of Lewis, said, “I’m very pleased to be part of this remarkably democratic whisky naming process. I’m sure that there will be some great names coming in from all over the world and it will be a tough job to pick out the best three.”

NOTES:

Glenmorangie has already taken inspiration from Gaelic with the name of some of its most famous creations. For example Glenmorangie itself means ‘Glen of Tranquillity,’ while within our exclusive Private Edition range of whiskies, we have selected names to reflect each expression, with Artein meaning ‘Stone,’ and Finealta meaning ‘Elegant.’

At the later stages of the Cask Masters programme experts will also offer their guidance on the photography, packaging and launch suggestions received from whisky fans.

At each stage participants will also be able to win prestigious prizes including a VIP visit to the Glenmorangie Distillery and a trip to the country of origin of the oak cask in which the winning whisky has been matured. 

About Glenmorangie:

Glenmorangie Single Malt Scotch Whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland, expertly matured in the finest oak casks, and perfected by the Men of Tain. The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field uniting tradition with innovation to create ‘unnecessarily well made whiskies.’

Responsible Drinking:

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

For more details: www.glenmorangie.com/caskmasters or Twitter: @theglenmorangie

About Dr Aonghas Maccoinnich:

Aonghas Maccoinnich is a native of the Isle of Lewis and grew up in a Gaelic-speaking community. Whilst taking a PhD at the University of Aberdeen he wrote a thesis on the Mackenzie clan in the Ross area, in the north of Scotland, (1466-1638) entirely in Gaelic – the first history thesis at Aberdeen written in that language. He worked as a Gaelic tutor and lecturer at the University of Glasgow (2005-2010) and a teacher in the history of the Scottish Highlands at the University of Strathclyde (2010-2012). He is currently a teaching fellow in the Celtic & Gaelic subject area in the school of Humanities at the University of Glasgow.

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.