It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Truman Cox, Master Distiller of our A. Smith Bowman Distillery.  Truman passed away on Saturday, February 9 after a short illness.  Truman joined the company in 2004 as Lead Chemist at Buffalo Trace Distillery and in 2011 realized his dream to become the Master Distiller at A. Smith Bowman Distillery in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  Truman’s passion for our industry was evident to everyone who knew him and he left a notable and positive mark on our company in the time he was with us.    

Truman will be sadly missed by his many friends at Sazerac and in the industry.  Please keep Truman, his wife Susan, and daughter Emmy in your thoughts and prayers. Funeral arrangements have yet to be determined.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases Eighth Round of

Single Oak Project Bourbon  

Halfway Through, Which Bourbon is in the Lead? 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Feb. 2013) – Buffalo Trace Distillery marks the halfway point in its quest for the perfect bourbon with the release of its eighth round of Single Oak Project Bourbon.    

All of the bourbons that comprise this release entered the barrel at 105 proof, aged within the wooden ricks of Warehouse K, with a number 4 barrel char after the staves were seasoned for 12 months.  This allows the release to focus on three other variables, the recipe, wood grain size, and tree cut.  All of the other variables such as aging warehouse, entry proof, char level, and stave seasoning remain constant.

“Many people will find this release interesting since the entry proof is 105 this round – which some fans contend is better.  Bourbon drinkers can taste and decide if they like wheated or rye recipe bourbon better at the 105 entry proof.” said Kris Comstock, bourbon marketing director.

So far,  more than 2,221 industry expert and consumer reviews have been logged online at http://www.singleoakproject.com/. These whiskey reviews will determine which Single Oak Project Bourbon is the favorite of fans worldwide. Buffalo Trace looks forward to more reviews, to hear what bourbon drinkers think, and will craft the perfect bourbon based on consumer feedback.

Now halfway through the project, barrel number 106 has fought its way back to the top, after being knocked off a few months ago by barrel number 97!  “Barrels number 97 and 106 have been vying for the number one spot for several months now,” continues Comstock.  “But with two more years to go, any of these bourbons still stand a chance to be declared the winner.  And it’s not too late to get involved even if you’re new to the project!”  

After a consumer reviews a bottle online, they will be availed of all the aging details and provenance of the barrel. They can interact with others who’ve also reviewed the barrel, compare their reviews, and even learn for themselves which characteristics they enjoy most, in order to help them select future favorites.  Participants online will earn points after each review and most importantly, actively participate in Buffalo Trace Distillery’s quest to create the perfect bourbon!

The Single Oak Project is part of an intensive research project Buffalo Trace Distillery started conducting in 1999 by hand picking 96 trees with different wood grains and then dividing them into a top and bottom piece, yielding 192 unique sections. From there, staves were created from each section and were air dried for either 6 months or 12 months. After all the staves were air dried, a single barrel was created from each tree section, resulting in 192 total barrels. These barrels were given either a number three or a number four char and then filled with either wheat or rye recipe bourbon.

To further the variety of experiments, the barrels were filled at two different proofs, 105 and 125 proof.  And if this wasn’t enough, two completely different warehouses were used, one with wooden floors and one with concrete floors.  In total, seven different variables were employed in Buffalo Trace’s ultimate experiment.

For eight years the Distillery continued with its tracking process, creating intricate databases and coming up with a potential of 1,396 tasting combinations from these 192 barrels!

The Single Oak Project Bourbon is being released in a series every three months from 2011 through 2015 until all of the 192 barrels have been released. The first release hit select stores in 2011.  This eighth release will reach stores towards the end of February. Like all the other releases, the quantities are very limited. Every case will contain 12 bottles, each from a different barrel. The eighth release is made up of barrel numbers 27, 28, 59, 60, 91, 92, 123, 124, 155, 156, 187, and 188.  All releases will be packaged in a 375ml bottle. Suggested retail pricing per bottle is $46.35.   

At the conclusion of the Single Oak Project, the Distillery plans to take the top rated Single Oak Project Bourbon and make more just like it, under the Single Oak name.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/

THE MACALLAN REACHES STRONG NUMBERS IN THE ART WORLD 

The Macallan single malt whisky, distributed by MaxxiumUK, has reported strong sampling figures after attending its third art show. Providing over 20,000 samples and cocktails, The Macallan introduced consumers to the newest edition of The Macallan’s portfolio, The Macallan Gold. 

Those attending designjunction*, The Liverpool Biennial** and most recently The London Art Fair*** visited The Macallan Masterclass lounge in large numbers. Not only did they sample the new luxury single malt whisky, The Macallan Gold but they also found out more about The Macallan’s third edition of the successful Masters of Photography Series, involving iconic photographer Annie Leibovitz. 

For this year The Macallan’s sampling programme focused on the contemporary art world. The Macallan engaged with over 5,550 people during designjunction (September 2012), which took place over five days in London’s Sorting Office, showcasing the finest selection of international design brands. The Macallan team also distributed over 4,800 Gold n’ Soda cocktails at the VIP and press launch and at the Pecha Kucha Friday evening event, ensuring The Macallan Gold was at the front of influencers’ minds. 

Building on the success of designjuction, The Macallan then headed north and attended The Liverpool Biennial (September – November 2012), sampling over 500 consumers in one weekend during the ten week event, which sees Liverpool come alive with a range of extraordinary art exhibitions and events. 

The Macallan continued its successful sampling programme at The London Art Fair (January 2013), which featured over 100 galleries and showcased the work of the greatest names of 20^th century British art and exceptional contemporary work. In addition to the sampling figures, 5,500 Macallan Gold cocktails were sampled over the two preview evenings, bringing the total sampling figure to 9,300 over 6 days. This was largely attributed to the draw of the Annie Leibovitz exclusive shots, which provided The Macallan with strong standout. 

Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director at Maxxium UK ltd, commented: “With a high trial to conversation rate it’s important we allow people to taste The Macallan for themselves. Sampling is therefore a key part of The Macallan’s investment plan, which will allow us to grow the brands popularity and introduce new consumers to whisky. Venturing into the world of art and engaging with those with a genuine interest in art and photography has provided us with an excellent platform to do just that.                                                                                                                                                    

“The numbers which we have reached over the course of the last five months are extremely encouraging.  Going forward we want to build on these figures giving consumers an insight into our Masters of Photography Series and help build momentum for The Macallan.” 

* designjunction: 19 – 23 September 2012

** TheLiverpoolBiennial: 15 September – 25 November 2012

*** TheLondonArt Fair:  15 – 20 January 2013

 http://www.themacallan.com/

www.drinkaware.co.uk

http://www.themastersofphotography.com/ 

Notes:

ABOUT THE MACALLAN 

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries inScotlandto be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies.  The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences ofSpain, North America andScotland, and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship. From its founding, through the subsequent owners of The Macallan distillery in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and into the present century, The Macallan has been recognised for its outstanding quality above all else. Today this remains the foundation for the worldwide fame of The Macallan and is such that it is truly “The Last Word” in luxury and at the heart of those special moments brought alive over a glass of The Macallan. 

The timeless reputation of The Macallan is founded upon Six Pillars:  

The Spiritual Home

Easter Elchies House proudly watches over The Macallan distillery inSpeyside,Scotland. Built in 1700, this Jacobean manor house is The Macallan’s spiritual home. 

Curiously Small Stills

The Macallan’s curiously small and uniquely shaped copper stills help to concentrate the flavour of the ‘new make’ spirit. 

The Finest Cut

The ‘cut’ is the amount of distilled spirit collected from the stills as ‘new make’ spirit. The Macallan takes one of the finest ‘cuts’ of any distillery inScotland; typically just 16% goes forward to fill or our casks.  

Exceptional Oak Casks

The Macallan’s unfaltering obsession with selecting exceptional oak casks brings an unsurpassed, timeless quality to The Macallan. 

Natural Colour

The Macallan insists upon Natural Colour. It is the interaction of spirit and wood alone which delivers the rich variety of colour, aroma and taste evident through out the range. 

Peerless Spirit

The Macallan remains the single malt against which all others must be judged. It is celebrated far and wide by experts and discerning drinkers as the world’s most precious whisky. 

The 1824 Series 

TheUKwill be the first market to take the new range with the launch of Gold in Autumn 2012, exclusively for 6 months.  The 1824 Series will then roll out in Europe andCanadaplus key emerging territories in Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America andAfricafrom Spring 2013. 

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. 

Maxxium UK:

Maxxium UK Limited is a company registered inScotlandunder the Companies Acts (Registered number SC203623) and has its registered office at Maxxium House,CastleBusinessPark,Stirling,FK9 4RT, to which address any notices should be sent.

Maxxium UK Limited is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Global Spirits and Wine Inc and The Edrington Group. Its portfolio of premium spirits includes: The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s and Cutty Sark blended Scotch;Highland Park, Laphroaig and The Macallan single malts; Courvoisier cognac; Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon. In addition Maxxium has premium brands across a number of other drinks categories including Sourz, Brugal, After Shock, Sauza and Harveys. MaxxiumUKalso represents third-party drinks brands including Stolichnaya vodka, Bols liqueurs, Galliano and The Glenrothes.

For further information on our brands and how to enjoy them log on to www.mixxit.co.uk  

#loveBowmore

Valentine’s Day is traditionally a time for flowers and chocolate. This year, however, we would like to change that. We would like to invite you to a very special pre-Valentine’s ‘whisky date’ with our own Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, and a selection of the great and the good from the world of whisky.

Our lucky winners will receive a very special Valentine’s whisky bouquet and an invite to a special Twitter tasting with Rachel. The bouquet will include four mystery Bowmore whiskies including a special work in progress Bowmore that has not been released.

On the night, Rachel will guide you through tasting each of these lovely drams as well as answer some of your questions.

For your chance to win one of two places up for grabs, simply enter your details on the Bowmore Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/bowmore.

We will notify winners by Monday 11th February.

For those who want to follow the tasting, it will take place on Thursday 13th February at 7pm. To join in, just use the hashtag #Bowmorelove. Hope to see lots of you there sharing the Bowmore love.

Diageo has announced plans to invest £1.5 million in expanding and enhancing the company’s global brand archive in Clackmannanshire.

The Diageo Archive at Menstrie is the largest collection of its kind in the world, consisting of more than half a million items. The collection includes documents, advertising material, bottles, books and memorabilia relating to global brands such as Johnnie Walker, Bell’s, Smirnoff, Gordon’s and Tanqueray.

The expansion project will include a new storage facility and a new reception and library area for hosting visitors to the archive. Each year hundreds of Diageo employees from around the world visit Menstrie to learn about the history and heritage of the brands for which they work. The archive is also a key source of inspiration for innovation and the development of new products and marketing campaigns.

Christine McCafferty, who has managed the Diageo Archive for the past 15 years – and who oversaw the relocation of the archive to Menstrie in 2001 – said the plans marked an exciting new phase for the flourishing facility.

She said: “The Diageo Archive is has been carefully and lovingly built over many years and is a living record of the tradition and heritage of brands which are famous around the globe.

“Diageo has the world’s leading collection of premium drinks brands and with new marketing campaigns, new bottles and new packaging being developed all the time our collection is continually expanding. I am absolutely delighted that the company is prepared to invest in developing and expanding our home here in Menstrie, securing the future of this global facility in central Scotland.”

Over 400 years of history

Although the Diageo Archive is 23 years old it holds more than 405 years of history and heritage on Diageo brands, companies, people and sites – including Diageo’s 28 malt distilleries in Scotland.

It contains material on more than 1500 brands, 200 Production Sites and 150 markets and includes more than 10,000 bottles and 12,000 adverts, all of which record the evolution of the brands.

The Archive is currently served by a team of five professional Archivists who are recognised experts not just in the care of materials, but the history and heritage of the company’s brands and they remain committed to expanding their collection of material from around d the world.

“Diageo’s ongoing commitment to the history and heritage of our brands is hugely encouraging and further demonstrates the integral role we have in terms of increasing brand knowledge and passion within the business, to inspiring innovation and design,” added Christine.

“As the demand for our brands grows worldwide and there is an increasing requirement to protect brand identities and trade-marks, the work we do here in Menstrie remains as relevant and essential as it did when we started in 1990.”

The Diageo Archive facility in Menstrie opened in June 2001 and although it is not open to the general public, a selection of the archive material is always on display at the company’s distillery visitor centres around Scotland. The archive also contributes regularly to public displays, including a recent exhibition at the Scottish Parliament to mark the centenary of the Scotch Whisky Association.

Diageo has submitted a planning application to Clackmannanshire Council for permission to extend and re-develop the archive, which is part of the company’s Technical Centre complex at Menstrie.

MASTER DISTILLER BARRY CROCKETT TO RETIRE AFTER 47 YEARS 

– Brian Nation to take over as Master Distiller – 

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard today announced that Barry Crockett, Master Distiller of Jameson Irish Whiskey, will retire this March, bidding a fond farewell to the Midleton Distillery in Cork after 47 years; 31 of which he spent as Master Distiller. The announcement comes, fittingly, in the week in which Crockett was honoured by Whisky Advocate with its Lifetime Achievement award*. Brian Nation, who has been mentored by Barry Crockett for the last ten years, will take over the role of Master Distiller. 

Born in the Distiller’s cottage that sits on the grounds of the Old Midleton Distillery, Barry Crockett has been immersed in the craft of whiskey distilling for almost 50 years.  At the age of seventeen, Barry began learning his craft as a young apprentice to his father and Midleton Master Distiller, Max Crockett, eventually succeeding him as Master Distiller in 1981. 

During his time as Master Distiller, Barry has seen the success of Irish whiskey, and in particular Jameson, grow on an unprecedented scale. In 1984, Barry developed the award-winning flagship blend from the Distillery, Midleton Very Rare, and in 2011 oversaw the launch of the Single Pot Still Whiskeys of Midleton.  Launched to rejuvenate the popular style of whiskey to its former glory, the pinnacle of the range, Midleton Barry Crockett Legacy, marks the first time since John Jameson that an Irish Distillers product has been named after a Master Distiller. 

Commenting on his retirement, Barry said: “Midleton Distillery may correctly be described as important in the industrial history ofIreland; it is unique in the context of Irish Distilling. Its success is a direct consequence of an ongoing openness to innovation and development. I am fortunate to have been part of the ongoing progress from an early age. The lessons learnt from so many committed people were vital in providing the foundation essential to an appreciation of the necessity to adopt ongoing technical advances. Advance also made by a thoroughly professional work team has seen Midleton Distillery distil the most remarkable whiskey distillates in the world. As I now step down from the position of Master Distiller I am struck by what an incredible honour it has been to oversee the wonder that is the Midleton Distillery. This is especially the case as the Distillery is currently undergoing even more investment. I am particularly happy to see my successor Brian Nation take on the role of Master Distiller. I know that with his guidance the future of the Distillery will see the balance between the heritage of the Distillery and the ongoing need to constantly evolve well secured.” 

Peter Morehead, Irish Distillers Production Director, commented: “The Crockett family has dominated Irish distilling for more than 70 years, so Barry’s retirement truly marks the end of an era. We are really going to miss Barry – his passion for quality and his kind, gracious nature set him apart from the rest, as do his outstanding achievements. The success of Jameson, Midleton and the great whiskey brands it produces has not been a surprise to the people who know Barry and his high standards of excellence, so we are immensely grateful for everything he has done for Irish Distillers and of course the Irish Whiskey category. We wish him all the very best in his retirement.”

Brian joined the Midleton Distillery,Corkin December 1997 and is currently a Distiller and global brand ambassador for Jameson. He received the Worshipful Company of Distillers Award for achieving the highest IBD distilling exam results in the world in 2006, whilst also becoming the first Irish Distiller to receive this award. 

Commenting on how it feels to be the new Master Distiller, Brian Nation, said: “It’s an incredible privilege to be Barry Crockett’s successor. Barry has dedicated his life to Midleton and is a well-known figure in the global whiskey industry, so it has been a great honour to be mentored by him over the last ten years. Barry has been an inspiration to me and I am looking forward to continuing the traditions that have gone before me and to ensuring the whiskeys of Midleton continue to be enjoyed and recognised as the best Irish Whiskeys in the world.” 

Peter Morehead added: “I am particularly pleased to introduce Brian as our new Master Distiller. He has learnt his craft from Barry and played a major part in the design of the Midleton expansion. He brings the perfect blend of traditional craft and modern technology. Our future is in safe hands.” 

To mark Barry’s retirement, he will be honoured with an intimate dinner party on 3^rd September 2013 at ‘The Housewarming’ – a special event that will be held in Midleton to officially launch the new expansion amongst other things.  Many of the close friends Barry has made during his time at Irish Distillers are expected to attend, where he will be presented with a special gift from his peers.   

Notes

*Now in its 19^th year, Whisky Advocate’s Annual Whisky Awards honour the whiskies, distilleries and people which have made significant contributions to the whisky industry. Whisky Advocate isAmerica’s leading whisky magazine and the premier source for whisky information, education and entertainment for whisky enthusiasts Since its debut, more than 20 years ago, Whisky Advocate’s influence reaches an ever-increasing audience of enthusiasts, press and trade around the world. 

Photo Captions:

1: Barry Crockett, Master Distiller at the Midleton Distillery with his successor Brian Nation. Barry, who has worked at the Distillery for forty-seven years will be retiring from the Distillery in March. 

2: Barry Crockett, Master Distiller with his successor Brian Nation, outside the Distillers Cottage at the Midleton Distillery,Cork. Barry, who was born in the cottage, has worked at the Distillery for forty-seven years will be retiring from the Distillery in March. 

3: Barry Crockett, Master Distiller with his successor Brian Nation, outside the Distillers Cottage at the Midleton Distillery,Cork. Barry, who was born in the cottage, has worked at the Distillery for forty-seven years will be retiring from the Distillery in March. 

About Barry Crockett

• Joined Cork Distilleries company in 1965 at age 17
• Worked in old Midleton Distillery and Power Distillery prior to their closure
• Appointed Master Distiller in 1981
• Developed Midleton Very Rare 1984 

About Irish Distillers – http://www.irishdistillers.ie/

Irish Distillers Group was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between Irish whiskey distillers John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son and the Cork Distillery Company. In an attempt to reverse the decline in Irish whiskey sales, the board of directors decided to close the existing distilleries in Corkand Dublin, and to consolidate production at a new purpose-built facility.
 
A site alongside the existing distillery in Midleton, Co. Cork was chosen as the location for the new distillery, as there was no room for expansion in Dublin. Both the Old Jameson Distillery and the Old Midelton Distillery currently operate as visitor centres attracting over 330,000 visitors annually. Following an early unsolicited takeover offer and one of the most protracted battles in Irish corporate history made by GrandMet, Allied-Lyons and Guinness, Irish Distillers was taken over by Pernod Ricard in June 1988 with the support of the management and employees. 

anCnoc 22 Year Old introduced to the range

On the 31st of January 2013 anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is releasing an addition to its core range, anCnoc 22 Year Old. The new member of the anCnoc family follows the launch of critically acclaimed anCnoc 35 Year Old in
2012 and coincides with the award-winning anCnoc 16 Year Old being made available again in various markets around the world. Arguably, there has never been a better time for an anCnoc lover.

The Whisky

All anCnoc Single Malt is distilled using traditional methods and aged on site at the Knockdhu Distillery in the village of Knock, Aberdeenshire. anCnoc 22 Year Old was matured predominantly in top quality American ex-bourbon casks but some Spanish casks seasoned for two years with Oloroso sherry were also used. It displays complexity and the wealth of character expected of all single malt whisky from Knockdhu, but the leathery, smokey and smoothly tannic manifestation of maturity makes anCnoc 22 Year Old different from the Distillery’s younger offerings. The whisky is bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and presented at its natural colour.

Initially 950 cases of anCnoc 22 Year Old will be available in the UK and across export markets, including USA, Japan, Taiwan, Sweden, Russia, Germany and Denmark. The recommended retail price in the UK is £85.

Tasting notes

Colour: Bright gold with a copper tint
Nose: Sweet and spicy with notes of set honey and toffee. The warmth of Christmas cake is accentuated by the freshness of lemons, green apples and cut flowers. All wrapped in a delicate whiff of wood smoke.
Taste: Full bodied and complex. Distinct crushed clove, raisin and blood orange flavours are at the front, closely followed by layers of fragrant vanilla and leather. Rich and long finish is smoky and spicy.

Notes 
• anCnoc [a-nock] Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced at Knockdhu Distillery in the village of Knock near Huntly
• The distillery was established in 1894 and is considered one of the most enchanting in Scotland
• The distillery uses traditional production techniques including a timehonoured method of condensing distillate in worm tubs
• Other core expressions of anCnoc include a 12 Year Old and a 16 Year Old, both are multi-award-winning and celebrated worldwide
• In 2012 super premium anCnoc 35 year old was launched across selected markets worldwide to much critical acclaim
• In 2012 anCnoc announced its collaboration with Peter Arkle – a Scottishborn illustrator based in New York City. Peter’s artwork inspired by his visit to Knockdhu now features on a series of limited expressions of anCnoc Single Malt

Wolfburn Distillery
Thurso, Caithness,

Re-­‐Awakened After 130+ Years: Wolfburn Distillery Starts Production

The new Wolfburn distillery, situated just 350m from the site of the original 19th Century Thurso site, has been successfully commissioned and production of fine single malt scotch whisky has today commenced.

Construction of the Wolfburn buildings was carried out by a group of local contractors, with the inner workings being crafted by Forsyths of Rothes, the world-­‐leading distillery fabricators. Building work began in August and the distillery
equipment was installed across November and December. The entire project has been successfully completed on schedule and exactly as specified.

“This is an enormously exciting moment for everyone involved,” commented Shane Fraser, Wolfburn production manager. “To watch the distillery go from concept to reality has been a truly superb experience. Commissioning went very smoothly indeed -­‐ the equipment performed exactly as expected -­‐ and the first spirit, with a wonderful malty flavour, is already flowing from the stills.”

The first oak casks are now full of new Wolfburn spirit – the first such maturation to take place in Thurso in over a century.

The first Wolfburn distillery was built in 1821 and was passed down through subsequent generations of the Smith family; in its heyday it was the largest distillery in Caithness. Production ceased during the latter half of the 19th Century –
the exact date is not known. The first bottling of the next generation of Wolfburn single malt whisky is expected in early 2016.

CHIVAS CELEBRATES REAL FRIENDSHIPS WITH RELEASE OF FIRST SHORT FILM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CANANA

Chivas Regal, the world’s original luxury whisky, has launched the second phase of its successful Here’s to Real Friends campaign with the release of Drifting, the first of a two-part short film in partnership with Mexican arthouse film company, Canana.

The release follows the announcement last week that Chivas is collaborating with Canana – which was set up by real-life friends Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna, Pablo Cruz – to produce the film about friendship, following the adventures of a group of life-long friends.

Filmed in Tulum, Mexico and directed by Diego Luna, the first part of Drifting can be viewed at www.chivascanana.com along with exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews with the director. The conclusion, directed by Gael Garcia Bernal, is set for release in early February 2013.

James Slack, Chivas Regal Global Brand Director, says: “As a brand created by brothers and shared by friends around the world, Chivas understands that friendship is – and always has been – a vital source of inspiration and support for men.

The story of friendship behind Canana and the opportunity to bring friendship to life not only in the film but also behind the camera through Diego and Gael’s collaboration inspired us to partner with them. We hope Chivas fans around the world enjoy the film.”

Here’s to Real Friends is the latest instalment of Chivas’ ‘Live with Chivalry’ campaign which first launched in 2008 and continues to connect with consumers in more than 60 markets worldwide.

Notes:

About Drifting

Drifting sees Nico (Pablo Cruz Guerrero) and Andres (Ari Brickman) embark on an adventure to lure their friend Al (Alexander DiPersia) away from his idyllic beach paradise, where his new laid-back lifestyle has meant that he has lost touch with his lifelong friends. With Nico’s wedding on the horizon, the friends want to make sure Al gets back for the big event. They plan a surprise visit to convince him but their reunion takes an unexpected turn and the friends find themselves lost at sea with nothing but each other and a life raft. 

About Chivas Regal

Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, selling 4.9 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old. 

About ‘Real Friends, Make Time’

Chivas Canana Present was inspired by ‘Here’s to Real Friends’, the latest instalment of the Live with Chivalry campaign, featuring two short films about friendship directed by Academy Award® winning short filmmaker Joachim Back. The two cinematic films focus on the trials, tribulations and idiosyncrasies of modern male friendships, celebrating the stories that bind real friends together.

For further information please visit www.chivascanana.com 

About Canana

CANANA was founded in 2005 by Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, Pablo Cruz, and most recently joined by partner and CEO Julián Levin.  Over the past 7 years, CANANA has produced over twenty films including Abel, Luna’s first feature length film, Sin Nombre, Miss Bala, directed by Gerardo Naranjo, and most recently, the English language film, Chavez, directed by Luna and based on the life of Mexican-American labor union organizer César E. Chávez.

In 2012, CANANA expanded its operations in the U.S. with Canana L.A., bridging the talent pool between Latin America and the U.S. with such projects as A Man Must Die, a political thriller produced in collaboration with Focus Features, with Naranjo set to direct. In México, CANANA added both a television arm, which produced Soy Tu Fan, starring Ana Claudia Talancón and Niño Santo, and a distribution outlet, CANANA Presenta, which has been releasing international art house films in Mexico for six years across all platforms, with a catalogue of more than 50 titles, including the award-winning NO, Pina, and The White Ribbon.  The partners’ passion for film has also reflected through Documental Ambulante, a traveling documentary festival that has taken over 200 documentaries to communities across México, having recently completed its 8th tour.

The UK’s leading Whisky Experience where you can taste,
learn about & enjoy the world’s finest whiskies’

Save the Date! The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show returns for a fifth year

28^th January 2013 – The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show team are very pleased to announce that the UK’s biggest and best whisky show will be returning to London’s Vinopolis for a third year, with consumer sessions running across the weekend of October 5th and 6th. The trade and press session will be on Monday October 7th.

Vinopolis have completed their refurbishment, opening up new spaces for us to fill with more whisky than ever before, and we will be continuing the traditions of previous years with masterclasses, special guests, food matching, the Show Brasserie and, as ever, a great selection of whiskies. The Dream Drams will be returning, with our exhibitors bringing some of their finest, rarest and most sought after whiskies to taste, and more new show highlights will be announced as we move towards October.

Tickets will be on sale soon from http://www.whisky-show.com