Our first entry into the San Francisco Spirit Wards was with 2 whiskies, both of which performed exceptionally well.

English Whisky, Classic Single Malt Whisky, 46% (US version) won Silver

English Whisky, Peated Single Malt Whisky, 46% (US version) won Gold and Best in Class

This is amazing and a real tribute to our distillers – Well done David & Steve

Contact our importer: Purple Valley Imports USA, 2013 Whisky Importer of The Year, 1 704 497 2493

TAMDHU RE-LAUNCH CAPTURES THE SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE  

One of Speyside’s founding distilleries, Tamdhu has re-launched (Friday 3 May 2013) with a stunning new 10 year old Speyside Single Malt.

Acquired in June 2011 by Ian Macleod Distillers, leading Scottish independent family owned distiller and bottler, Tamdhu Distillery was established in 1897 by a consortium of pioneering businessmen who embodied the ‘can-dhu’ spirit of their generation.

Inspired by an age of industry and endeavour, the Tamdhu story is one of enlightenment that began, and continues to this day, on the banks of the River Spey.  Now, just as then, Tamdhu is matured in only the finest oak sherry casks with natural Speyside water from the Tamdhu spring.

The new Tamdhu 10 yo has a softness of vanilla and sugared almonds on the nose balanced by fresh oak and cinnamon. Bursting with fruit and spice, which gently yields to toffee, there is a richness of sherry oak on the palate with a gentle hint of peat smoke wisp.

Designed to maximise on-shelf presence, the packaging communicates the brand’s values and provenance with a stylish, textured black, white and gold tube, illustrated monograms and an elegant glass bottle, inspired by the Victorian era.

Commenting on the launch, Leonard Russell, managing director and third generation of the family-owned Ian Macleod Distillers, said:

“Tamdhu has a reputation for producing exceptional quality single malt and we are excited to re-launch Tamdhu today. We are committed to revitalising and growing Tamdhu not only as a brand but from an economic and investment perspective with new jobs created and significant investment in the infrastructure and fabric of the Distillery.

“The re-launch has been in the planning for nearly two years to ensure that our best casks had hit their peak before bottling. With a focus on quality, we have honoured the careful distillation process to create a premium malt Scotch whisky we believe Tamdhu’s founders would be proud of.”

Iain Weir, Ian Macleod Distillers’ Marketing Director, added:

“Tamdhu is a perfect complement to our existing portfolio of brands, delivering a premium Speyside malt and real point of difference for the category.  There has been significant interest from consumers and trade to see what we would do with Tamdhu and the Speyside Whisky Festival is the perfect platform to reintroduce the brand on its home soil.

“We are committed to growing the brand within the UK and internationally, and are confident it will prove popular with whisky enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.”

Tamdhu 10 yo Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky is available from Waitrose, specialists and independents across the UK from 6 May 2013 with an RRP of £34.99.  It will be distributed globally over the coming months.

In addition, a special commemorative 10 yo bottling, which is matured in 100% first fill sherry casks, has been released by Ian Macleod Distillers. Only 1000 limited edition bottles are available to buy online priced at £100.

The Tamdhu re-launch is being supported by a new dedicated website, social media, advertising and promotional campaign. For more information, please visit www.TAMDHU.com or call Ian Macleod Distillers on 01506 852205.

Devilish Spirit Wins Prestigious Design Award

The Devil’s Punch Bowl whisky has won a top award at the recent World Whiskies Design Awards for its innovative packaging and demonic design.

The whisky from Isle of Arran Distillers, released last year as the first in a trilogy of wicked spirits, came top in the ‘Best Single Malt under £99’ category where it was described by judges as “brooding, dark and conceptualised”.

The story behind the design helped The Devil’s Punch Bowl clinch the top spot as the whisky is named after the glacial hollow Coire na Ciche on Arran, which evokes a very sinister atmosphere and is only accessible by boggy footpaths.

When it was released last year just 6,660 bottles were made, which sold out in record time.

Commenting on the design the judges said: “Excellent piece [of design work] with a great story that has been well executed in the design. Fantastic use of typography too.”

Revealing a demonic obsession, Arran Distillers is set to unveil the Devils Punch Bowl part 2 in June this year.

Euan Mitchell, managing director of the distillery, said: “A lot of hard work goes into producing an exceptional spirit. That same care and attention goes into the design and all other elements of every product.

“So it is satisfying when our products are recognised by the industry and our peers.

“With our next release we’re continuing to push boundaries and challenge the notion of what quality malt whiskies should look like. I believe our distillery is based in the most beautiful part of Scotland, but we don’t rest on our laurels by using images of rolling mountains and bubbling springs – there’s a much more devilish side to Arran than that.”

The second whisky in the Devil’s Punch Bowl trilogy will be released in June 2013 and available in specialist whisky shops and at www.arranwhisky.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).

THE MACALLAN UNVEILS INNOVATIVE 1824 SERIES

Range inspired by the colourful world of The Macallan

The Macallan, distributed by Maxxium UK, has today unveiled The 1824 Series, a range showcasing two of its greatest strengths; oak sherry casks and natural colour.

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 four expressions by identifying the natural colour formed during maturation in different casks types to create the character informed by these colours. The expressions are Gold, 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 a 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.”

Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director, Maxxium UK said: “The Macallan 1824 Series is the perfect combination of two of the most influential factors which make this single malt whisky amongst the most distinctive and desirable, namely oak sherry casks and natural colour. It is testament to our great relationship with Edrington that Maxxium UK is the first market to debut this exciting new range.”

The Macallan Gold (RRP £36), The Macallan Amber (RRP £45), The Macallan Sienna (RRP £66) and The Macallan Ruby (RRP £120) will be available at selected whisky retailers.

Notes: The 1824 Series

The Macallan has unveiled The 1824 Series, a range showcasing two of its greatest strengths; oak sherry casks and natural colour.

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

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 a 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.

Tasting notes

Gold – a burnished gold spirit offering a lemon citrus nose, then orange peel and sweetness that softens but doesn’t eliminate the zest. A note of vanilla followed more assertive by dark chocolate – with lingering floral and light oak notes. Citrus and boiled sweets dance on the palate, along with hints of ginger and cinnamon, while soft oak tones reveal toasted apples. The finish is medium sweet, malty and slightly dry.  

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.

Values for Rare Whisky Continue to Climb

In spite of a significant increase in the volume of rare whisky traded during 2012, values are still rising according to figures published today by whisky investment experts Whisky Highland.

Last year saw a record number of full sealed bottles of single malt Scotch whisky sold in the UK on the open market. In 2011 there were 8,696 bottles sold, this increased by 62.7% in 2012 to 14,150. Early 2013 figures suggest this rapid growth in the market is continuing. Quarter one 2013 saw 3,789 bottles sold which represents a 34.5% increase on quarter one 2012’s 2,818.

Whisky Highland’s founder Andy Simpson commented “With this rapid increase in supply we would have expected to see a stabilisation or even a slight decline in overall values. Quite the opposite has happened, with rare and old bottles of whisky continuing to outperform many other alternative asset classes”.

The top 1,000 performing bottles of Investment Grade Scotch (the Whisky Highland IGS1000 Index) increased by 23.27% over the course of 2012, yielding an overall increase of 123.01% between 2008 and the 31^st of December 2012.

Quarter one 2013 saw a continuation of this bullish market in what is typically the quietest quarter of the year. In quarter one 2012, the IGS1000 increased by 2.68% compared to a 6.05% increase in quarter one 2013.

At the top end of the market, the IGS10 (the top ten performing bottles of Single Malt Scotch) saw a second quarter of declines to the end of 2012, when overall 2008 – 2012 yields moved from 557% to 508%. To a large extent, this decline was reversed in quarter one 2013 when the index increased to 542%. This positive momentum is being led by rare bottles from iconic distilleries. The Whisky Highland Index top 10 brands are:

No. 1 – The Macallan

No. 2 – Port Ellen

No. 3 – The Dalmore

No. 4 – Balvenie

No. 5 – Ardbeg

No. 6 – Brora

No. 7 – Bowmore

No. 8 – Glenury Royal

No. 9 – Highland Park

No. 10 – Glenlivet

Simpson commented “We are still witnessing continued increases in value for the right bottles from the right distilleries. The story is not quite so attractive at the other end of the scale with the worst performing bottles of single malt Scotch continuing to tumble further into red territory.”

The negative index, the IGS(neg)1000, saw a further decrease in value through 2012. The worst performing 1,000 bottles would have yielded an overall loss of 28.65% between 2008 and the 31^st of December 2012 (2008 – 2011 loss was 22.75%). The continuing decline in values for the worst performing bottles seems to have stabilised into early 2013 with quarter 1 figures showing an overall loss (2008 – 2012) of 28.12%.

From an investment perspective the most sought after brand remained The Macallan. Continued increasing demand is pushing prices to new record highs. The 2011 Macallan ‘Royal Marriage’ bottle originally retailed at £150. This bottle now sells for around £900.

Many silent (closed) distilleries are now suffering from exceptionally short supply as existing maturing stock continues to deplete rapidly. The likes of Port Ellen, Brora, Rosebank and Glenury Royal are experiencing unprecedented demand for an ever decreasing pool of both bottles and whisky still in the cask.

The current dynamics of increasing global demand and decreasing stock of suitable investment grade bottles has maintained a very bullish market in the face of an ever more challenging economic climate.

Simpson concluded “These results are very impressive and further cement rare Scotch’s credentials as a viable alternative investment. While it must be borne in mind that whisky values can fall, as has been seen in some areas of the market previously, the current situation remains exceptionally buoyant. I still maintain whisky should be viewed as a long term investment of 10 to 20 years although clearly short/medium term increases are being experienced at the moment.”

Notes:

For more information, visit www.whiskyhighland.co.uk

About Whisky Highland
Andy Simpson launched Whisky Highland in 2010 with the aim of offering a whisky valuation service for whisky collectors and investors. Having tracked every bottle sold at auction over the past eight years, the business now offers the world’s first and only online single malt Scotch whisky ‘Valuation Library‘.

OLD PULTENEY PRESENTS THE ‘LIGHTHOUSE’ SERIES

Old Pulteney is proud to present three new additions to its single malt family, the ‘Lighthouse’ Series. The new whiskies have been developed for the Travel Retail and will be available exclusively from airport duty free stores and other travel retail outlets from August 2013. The three new expressions of the famous Maritime Malt showcase the iconic Old Pulteney coastal style from three different maturation angles. The whiskies are presented in striking packaging and highlight Pulteney Distillery’s maritime heritage by celebrating prominent local lighthouses – Noss Head, Duncansby Head and Pentland Skerries.

Old Pulteney Noss Head

The whisky featuring the distinctive Noss Head lighthouse, located just four miles north of the distillery, was matured wholly in ex-bourbon American oak casks. It’s bottled at 46% ABV, non chillfiltered and presented at its natural light golden colour. The spirit is full-bodied with pronounced notes of lemons, oranges, creamy vanilla, coconut and spices. RRP is £39.99 for 1 litre bottle.

Noss Head

Lattitude 58° 28.788’N

Longitude 003° 03.088’W

4 miles north of Pulteney Distillery

Built in 1849 by Robert Arnot. The name comes the Old Norse word ‘Snos’, a nose, relating to the nose-shaped headland where it is situated.

Old Pulteney Duncansby Head

The Duncansby Head lighthouse located slightly further north graces the packaging holding a classic Old Pulteney matured in a combination of ex-bourbon casks and Spanish ex-sherry casks of the highest quality. The style of the whisky is sweet and full bodied with notes of chocolate, honey and oranges. The whisky is bottled at 46% ABV, non chill-filtered and at its natural colour. RRP is £44.99 for 1 litre bottle.

Duncansby Head

Lattitude 58° 38,641’N

Longitude 003° 01.521’W

18 miles north of Pulteney Distillery

Situated near John O’Groats at the very northern tip of Scotland, the lighthouse protects a dangerous part of the Pentland Firth where the Atlantic waters meet the North Sea. Built just after WW1 it is now equipped with a low-power self operating racon. Fully automated since 1997.

Old Pulteney Pentland Skerries

The most premium of the three new releases, Old Pulteney Pentland Skerries celebrates two lighthouse towers of the same name located at the eastern entrance to the Pentland Firth. The whisky was matured wholly in Spanish ex-sherry butts and has a robust, full-bodied style with top notes of raisins, dark chocolate and spices. Similarly to the other two, it’s bottled at 46% ABV, non chill-filtered, and not coloured. The RRP is £54.99 for 1 litre.

Pentland Skerries

Lattitude 58° 41,408’N

Longitude 002° 55,484’W

18.5 miles from Pulteney Distillery (as crow flies)

Developed with input from renowned Scottish engineer Robert Stevenson, the Pentland Skerries lighthouses were built in 1794 on the uninhabited Muckle Skerry island off the far north eastern coast, en route to Orkney. Two towers, 80ft and 60ft high, standing 60ft apart, guard the eastern entrance to the Pentland Firth.

Maritime Malt for the Traveller

Margaret Mary Clarke, Senior Brand Manager for Old Pulteney commented:

‘Old Pulteney’s Lighthouse Series represents a further investment in bringing distinctive, high quality products to the travel retail trade for the enjoyment of travelling consumers. The association with the great lighthouses of Scotland’s north easterly coast brings to life another aspect of Old Pulteney’s maritime heritage.’

The ‘Lighthouse’ Series follows the hugely successful ‘Boat’ Series for Travel Retail, which related to exceptional vessels associated with Wick Harbour. The new ‘Lighthouse’ Series will be showcased for the first time at the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition in Singapore this May.

Notes·

• Old Pulteney’s core range includes Old Pulteney 12 Year Old, Old Pulteney 17 Year Old and Old Pulteney 21 Year Old. Old Pulteney 30 Year Old and a super premium 40 Year Old are also available.·
• Old Pulteney 21 Year Old was named by Jim Murray as the World Whisky of the Year in the 2012 edition of his popular Whisky Bible
• Pulteney Distillery was established by James Henderson in 1826, at the peak of the local herring fishing boom
• The distillery uses one pair of stills, the wash still featuring a very large boil bulb, and condenses spirit with the use of traditional worm tubs

ImpEx Beverages, Inc. is excited to relay the news that Kilchoman distillery has announced their latest release – Machir Bay 2013.

The MachirBayrange is Kilchoman’s core expression, first launched in 2012 when it won the prestigious International Wines and Spirits Competition 2012 Gold Medal Best in Class.

Kilchoman has quickly established itself in the whisky industry winning various awards including two IWSC Golds and a Silver in 2012, Malt Advocates Artisan Whisky of the Year 2011, GQ’s best 100 things of 2012.

Bottled once a year, each release contains more mature casks, allowing Kilchoman fans to follow the development of the unique Kilchoman malt as it matures.

Machir Bay 2013 is a vatting of 4 and 5 year old ex-Bourbon casks, with the 4 year casks being finished in Oloroso Sherry butts for 4 weeks prior to bottling.  

John MacLellan, Kilchoman Distillery Manager: “The 2013MachirBaydisplays further evolution of the 2012 release, showing more maturation flavours from the excellent cask regime and is softer and more rounded with lovely creamy mouth- filling flavours.”

Anthony Wills, Kilchoman Managing Director: “Sales of Machir Bay 2012 far exceeded our expectations so we hope people will be equally impressed with this year’s more mature offering”

Machir  Bayis bottled at 46% ABV and is available through ImpEx Beverages, Inc. with RRP $60.00.

The product will be available in May 2013.

Tasting Notes

Colour:  light beech, Nose:  soft cooked fruits with strong peaty aromas, Palate: mixed fruits and vanilla with an intense sweetness, Finish:  a long lingering finish – A classicIslay malt now showing the benefit of additional aging.

Rumford Rides Out ‘Rollercoaster’ To Win 2013 Ballantine’s Championship

Inspired by Adam Scott’s Masters victory, Australian Brett Rumford sank an incredible four-foot eagle putt on the first playoff hole at 18 to win the Ballantine’s Championship at Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, Korea; his fourth European Tour win and first since the 2007 Omega European Masters.

In addition to taking home the Ballantine’s Championship Trophy, Rumford also took away a prize money cheque for €367,500 (about US$487,000) and a rare bottle of Ballantine’s 2013 Championship Blend (pictured), co-created by 2012 champion Bernd Wiesberger and Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop. Rumford received the first of only 10 bottles produced, none of which will be sold.

Earlier, Scotland’s Peter Whiteford faced a similar-length birdie putt on the last hole to win in regulation play, but missed it to card a 69, joining the first Ballantine’s Championship playoff at Blackstone with Rumford and fellow Australian Marcus Fraser.

While Whiteford was signing his card, Rumford made a phone call to swing coach Pete Cowen in England to help him regroup following tee-shots into the trees on holes 17 and 18. After practising on the first tee, Rumford’s fresh ‘swing thought’ helped him drive long and straight on the 543-yard, par-five 18th in the playoff. He then struck a tournament-winning five-iron to four feet for an eagle putt he needed to sink, with Whiteford holing his seven-foot birdie putt and Fraser, the 2010 winner, only left with a short birdie putt.

“It’s an honour to win the Ballantine’s Championship, but it was an absolute rollercoaster ride of emotions out there this afternoon,” said Rumford, the father of two young twins. “The last five holes from the third round and the first nine holes today put me into position, but one shot can really turn events, and obviously 17 proved that. Peter [Whiteford] had the opportunity to close out the tournament, so obviously hard luck for him, but that opened up the door once again.

“I battled with my driver constantly, so I had a quick word with Pete, hit five or six balls off the first tee and it obviously did the trick.”

The 35-year-old admitted that Scott’s win at Augusta two weeks earlier had inspired many Australians, and said it added a sub-plot to his battle with Fraser throughout the final day.

“Adam Scotty has been a huge inspiration, and obviously Greg Norman before that. ‘Scotty’ is such a fantastic role model for all Australians. He really is a down to earth, typical Australian, represents everything that we are as a country, so he certainly inspired me, for sure,” Rumford said.

“‘Frase’ kept the pressure there all day, so full credit to him. He’s been playing great golf for such a long while and has always played well around here. But we’re all fiercely competitive, us Australians, so although there was a bit of banter, it was business for most of the day.”

Fraser was unable to capitalise on the opportunities while Rumford was in trouble, but the Melbourne-based 34-year-old was full of praise for his friend’s decisive five-iron in the playoff, even congratulating his compatriot after the shot.

“I got beaten by some pretty good golf today. That was pretty impressive, that shot into the playoff hole. He’d easily agree it’s one of the best shots he’s ever hit. To eagle to win a tournament is pretty impressive, so full credit to him,” said the soft-spoken Fraser, who carded a bogey-free final round.

Playing in the final flight, Whiteford had watched all the drama unfold on 17 and 18. After setting himself up with a delightful chip to four feet at the last, the 32-year-old Scot was unable to convert and will continue to bid for a first European Tour victory to add to his three Challenge Tour wins.

“Guys like me don’t get many chances to win tournaments, and whatever it was, four or five feet, I hit a decent putt and didn’t go in,” Whiteford said. “But to be fair, at least we got beat by a three on the last and didn’t throw it away. Brett deserves it in the playoff there.”

Oosthuizen birdied his last two holes for a closing 69 to match his opening-round score on his Ballantine’s Championship debut. Although disappointed with his form on the undulating greens, the South African’s performance will be remembered for a stunning six-under front nine on Thursday, featuring birdies in his first four holes.

“I’m going to take a lot of positives out of it. I probably haven’t hit the ball this good in a while. After my first nine, my first round, I struggled on the greens and couldn’t really make anything,” said the 2010 Open Champion.

Thai star Thongchai Jaidee, a five-time European Tour winner, equalled the course record of 65 to share sixth on seven-under with Korean Kim Hyung-sung (67), Scot Stephen Gallacher (68), Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal (73) and Sweden’s Alex Noren (74), the third-round leader.

The 2013 Ballantine’s Championship took place from 25th – 28th April 2013 at the Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, Korea.

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 2 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia, No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 129 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008
• Ballantine’s is an official sponsor of the BMW Masters, The Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open & The Mission Hills Golf World Cup
• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

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 Scotch.

NEW CHIVAS DOUBLETAKE: THE APP THAT HONOURS THE MAN BEHIND THE CAMERA – MAKING YOU PART OF THE PHOTOS YOU TAKE

For moments that are better together

Chivas, the Scotch whisky for modern gentlemen, has today announced the launch of Chivas DoubleTake – a photo app that honours the man behind the camera, as well as the subject in front.

Using the iPhone’s camera technology to show both the subject and the photographer in the same photo, Chivas DoubleTake creates memories that really give the full picture. Simultaneously activating the iPhone’s self-facing camera and the one shooting the subject, the app instantly creates a unique side-by-side image that’s ready to share via email, Facebook and Twitter.

Whether capturing a moment with friends – on holiday, on a night out or at a live show – Chivas DoubleTake shows that life is better together – making photographers part of the photos they take. The app also shows an evolution from the recent phenomenon of the self-portrait allowing photographers to add context to their ‘selfy’ by showing their point of view.

Speaking of the launch, Global Brand Director for Chivas, James Slack said: “Chivas DoubleTake is a fun way to capture the situation from another perspective, ensuring the photographer is a part of the shot as well. The app uses clever iPhone camera technology in a way that also helps you remember the person who took the photo and gives you a fun and easy way to share everyday moments with friends via social media.”

Chivas DoubleTake is great for group situations, adding something special to each photo: the person who took it. To find out more about the app and download for free, visit www.ChivasDoubleTake.com.

Notes:

• The free download is available now from iTunes
• Chivas DoubleTake is compatible with all  Apple devices with a front-facing camera, including the iPhone 4, 4S, 5 and iPad 2, and is also optimized for iOS6

About Chivas

Chivas 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 range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas 12, Chivas 18 and Chivas Regal 25 Year Old.

Local Contractors Awarded Glen Keith Distillery Work

A number of Speyside firms have been awarded contracts to work on Chivas Brothers’ Glen Keith distillery – set to reopen later this year after a 14-year closure.

The producer of Scotch whiskies including The Glenlivet, Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s and Royal Salute announced in late 2011 that the Keith distillery would reopen to help the company meet increasing worldwide demand for its luxury brands.

Work began in February 2012, and the investment is already bringing economic benefits to the Speyside business community with a number of local contractors involved in the project.

Building work has been awarded to A.D. Walker of Banff, structural steel work to W.R. Simmers of Keith, and the distillery’s new wooden washbacks will be built and installed by Joseph Brown Vats of Dufftown. Stills are being constructed by Forsyth Group of Rothes, while malt and milling equipment will be supplied by Clark & Sutherland in Keith.

Stainless steel piping and tanks are being installed by L.H. Stainless of just outside Keith, while their neighbours Advanced Electrics are looking after electrical works, and C&A Innes of Keith are upgrading the distillery’s water supply. Other local contractors at Glen Keith include G&A Construction of Dufftown, McKerron & Milne roofwork and McCormack’s scaffolding of Rothes, D Paterson steelwork of Elgin, and I Fraser & Sons electrical of Rothes.

Chivas Brothers also awarded contracts to A.D.Walker and L.H. Stainless for upgrade work at its Tormore and Longmorn distilleries, while Advanced Electrics and Forsyth Group were contracted at Longmorn, Glenallachie and Tormore distilleries between 2011 and 2012.

Additional contracts at Longmorn were also given to W.R. Simmers, G&A Construction, C&A Innes, D Paterson and I Fraser & Sons, while McCormack’s worked at both Longmorn and Tormore, and Joseph Brown Vats worked at Tormore.

Douglas Cruickshank, Production Director for Chivas Brothers, said: “We understand the importance of the whisky industry to communities in Speyside, and are therefore delighted to be working with these local businesses on the Glen Keith project, as well as some of our other distillery upgrades. Chivas Brothers has already committed to investing £40 million a year in our Scottish operations, and with a new distillery also due to be built at Carron by 2015, we look forward to developing further relationships with local contractors in future.”

Notes:

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.