TWO MORE GOLD AWARDS FOR BUNNAHABHAIN’S SINGLE MALTS 

Bunnahabhain’s range of single malts, produced on the world-famous Isle of Islay, is reeling in the awards. The  18- and 25-year-old single malts both took gold at the 2013 International Spirits Challenge in London shortly after taking double gold and gold respectively at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, proving that the distillery’s move to un-chillfiltering its whiskies  has certainly raised the taste profile of these exceptional drams.

Pronounced Bū-na-ha-venn, the entire range of single malt whiskies is un-chillfiltered and this traditional whisky-making process enhances its depth of flavour, aroma, colour and character. As whisky expert Dominic Roskrow recently commented about the un-chillfiltered range “the extra strength is to the whisky like what High Definition is to television, bringing the oral sensation into sharp focus”.

The Bunnahabhain distillery was established in 1881 and the close proximity to the ocean of its maturation warehouse, quite uniquely marks a noticeable sea influence in their aroma, palate and finish. They are also the only whiskies on Islay to be crafted from unpeated malted barley and to use a natural spring water source, the Margadale spring, situated about a mile north-west of the distillery.

The Bunnahabhain 18-year old, matured in 40% ex-sherry casks and 60% ex-bourbon casks, is rich with honeyed nuts, toffee and a slight salty tang on the nose. Beautifully balanced, the palate is influenced by mellow sherried nuts and wood shavings. The 25-year-old holds sweet caramel dessert aromas with subtle oak and polished leather on the nose leading to sweet berries, cream, salt and spiced-oak on the palate. The whisky has been matured in predominantly ex-bourbon casks with a small percentage of ex-sherry casks used.

The whiskies are available at most fine liquor outlets and retails for about R900 for the 18- year-old and R2 390 for the 25-year-old.

THREE SHIPS WHISKY TAKES GOLD IN LONDON

Proving that South Africa makes some of the best whiskies in the world, Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old has just been awarded gold and best in class at the 2013 International Spirits Challenge held in London. This follows merely a year after taking the coveted title of World’s Best Blended Whisky at the 2012 World Whisky Awards.

The Three Ships Premium Select 5 Year Old is an artful blend of selected South African and Scotch whiskies that have all been aged for a minimum of five years in oak casks. Robust, aromatic and unpretentious, the whisky exhibits a full peaty character, ending in a lingering, warm finish.

Created at The James Sedgwick Distillery in Wellington, the Three Ships range of whiskies has earned many firsts for the South African whisky industry. These distinctions include the first blend of South African and Scotch whiskies, the first 100% South African locally matured and blended whisky as well as the first 100% South African single malt.

The Three Ships range consisting of Select, Premium Select 5 year, Bourbon Cask Finish and the limited-edition 10 year old single malt, are all crafted by Master Distiller Andy Watts, who has been the distillery manager for the past 22 years.

The Three Ships Premium Select 5 year old is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for about R135 per bottle.

BAIN’S CAPE MOUNTAIN WHISKY GLOWS IN GOLD

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, South Africa’s first 100% single grain whisky, has fast become a talking point locally and internationally, receiving praise and admiration from whisky experts across the globe. And here is more to talk about: The whisky has just taken gold and best in class in front of an international panel of judges at the recent 2013 International Spirits Challenge in London, competing against whiskies from around the world.

Since its launch in 2009, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky has added a host of awards to its name including the World’s Best Grain Whisky at the 2013 World Whisky Awards and inclusion in Ian Buxton’s 101 World Whiskies To Try Before You Die.

Distilled in Wellington in the Boland, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is inspired by the natural beauty of the Bain’s Kloof Pass just outside the town and is crafted from the finest South African grain. Made in a style that allows the maximum interaction between the wood and the whisky, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is double-matured for a minimum of five years in specially selected oak casks.  The first three years are in casks that have been used previously for bourbon, and then re-vatted for a further two years in ex-bourbon casks.

The result is a whisky that shows exceptional interaction between spirit and wood. Toffee, floral and vanilla aromas softened by sweet, spicy undertones, produce a warm mouth-feel and a long, smooth finish.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is distilled and matured at The James Sedgwick Distillery which dates back to 1886 and is situated near the foothills of Bain’s Kloof Pass.  The whisky pays tribute to Andrew Geddes Bain, the pioneering pass builder who planned and built Bain’s Kloof Pass in 1853 to connect Wellington to the interior.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for about R220, with or without a gift tin.

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.