JOHNNIE WALKER® LAUNCHES THE SPICE ROAD™, INSPIRED BY TRAVEL AND MADE EXCLUSIVELY FOR TRAVELLERS

JOHNNIE WALKER today unveiled the first of a portfolio of whiskies that take their inspiration from the travelling heritage of John Walker & Sons. Available only in duty free stores, JOHNNIE WALKER THE SPICE ROAD pays a unique homage to the global travellers of today.

The whisky of intriguing complexity, rich flavour and exceptional smoothness takes the John Walker & Sons tradition of blending for big, bold flavour inspired by influences from all over the world, into the 21st Century.

From the four corners of Scotland to the four corners of the world, JOHNNIE WALKER has always pushed boundaries to discover new horizons.

From 1820, the Walker family and their agents travelled the world, navigating their way down the famous trade routes: the Spice Road of Europe and Asia; the Royal Route from Europe to Persia; and the Gold Route of the Americas and the Caribbean, in pursuit of adventures bringing both new business and rich experiences.

Their efforts ensured that, by the 1920s, JOHNNIE WALKER had arrived in 120 countries and was being enjoyed on the great railways, luxury ocean liners and early transatlantic flights. Meanwhile, the striking image of the JOHNNIE WALKER Striding Man was becoming an icon all over the world.

Back in London, close to the shipping houses and docks from which the JOHNNIE WALKER agents travelled the world, Alexander Walker established the Travellers’ Room where his agents would convene to rest, talk strategy and exchange stories and samples from their travels. These colourful tales of exploration influenced the JOHNNIE WALKER Master Blenders, who began to create different styles of whisky to reflect these exotic stories.

Today, this tradition continues as JOHNNIE WALKER launches a range of whiskies made exclusively for travellers – the JOHNNIE WALKER EXPLORERS’ CLUB COLLECTION™.

The first three blends in the collection collectively known as the Trade Routes Series are inspired by the richness that could be found along the great trade routes.

The first release, JOHNNIE WALKER THE SPICE ROAD is an evocative expression of the vibrancy, aromas and spices that the JOHNNIE WALKER agents would have discovered in the thriving markets around Asia.

It is a bold blend of intriguing complexity, rich flavour and exceptional smoothness. A spicy zestiness on the nose is balanced by fresh citrus. The smooth, rich and honeyed flavours on the palate – warmed by cloves, ginger and vanilla sweetness – give way to a smouldering finish of the JOHNNIE WALKER signature smoke.

“To create the intense spicy flavour profile of JOHNNIE WALKER THE SPICE ROAD, we used well-matured single malts and grains, presenting all their fresh vibrant distillery characters, aged in carefully selected, high quality American oak casks; and of course there is a trace of West Coast smoke in the background – revealing the classic JOHNNIE WALKER signature,” commented Master Blender Jim Beveridge.

Steve White, Marketing Director of Diageo Global Travel and Middle East, said: “Travel is in the DNA of JOHNNIE WALKER and it is these credentials that we feel will resonate with today’s travellers who are undertaking bold journeys of their own.

“This travel heritage and pioneering spirit of adventure makes JOHNNIE WALKER the perfect companion for today’s travellers.”

With a recommended retail price of $43 / €36.90 / £26, JOHNNIE WALKER THE SPICE ROAD will be available in duty free stores in Europe, the Middle East and Australia in December. It will be available in duty free stores globally from January 2013.

The second and third releases in the Trade Routes Series – JOHNNIE WALKER THE GOLD ROUTE™ and JOHNNIE WALKER THE ROYAL ROUTE™ will be available in duty free stores in 2013.

Notes

Johnnie Walker Facebook: facebook.com/JohnnieWalker
Johnnie Walker Instagram: @johnniewalker
Twitter Hashtag: #JWSpiceRoad

ABOUT DIAGEO
DIAGEO is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer categories. These brands include JOHNNIE WALKER, GUINNESS, SMIRNOFF, J&B, BAILEYS, CUERVO, TANQUERAY, CAPTAIN MORGAN, CROWN ROYAL, BEAULIEU VINEYARD and STERLING VINEYARDS wines.

DIAGEO is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

THE MACALLAN APPOINTS NEW MASTER OF WOOD

One of the world’s leading single malt whiskies, The Macallan, has unveiled Stuart MacPherson as its new Master of Wood. Stuart MacPherson joined the Clyde Cooperage in Glasgow in 1979, beginning his four year apprenticeship as a cooper, and rising through the ranks to become Cooperage Manager in 2001.

Today Stuart oversees 16 production coopers, 3 apprentices and 7 service coopers, based at our 2 cooperages for the supply and repair of the oak casks, which are essential to the distinctive maturation character of The Macallan. He is responsible for the day to day running of the cooperage, production planning and ensuring that the distillery receives casks that meet our exacting quality standards.

In assuming the role of Master of Wood for The Macallan, Stuart is the primary source of information on The Macallan’s oak casks and the influence on the whiskies. He is also involved in the far reaching brand education programme around wood.

Commenting on his new role, Stuart MacPherson said, “Taking on the role of Master of Wood for The Macallan feels like a natural progression for me. Having worked as a cooper since 1979, this feels like the ultimate job where I can bring together all my practical experience of wood and casks to assist in driving forward our rigorous wood policy for the coming years.”

This is a crucial role as the influence of the oak maturation casks on the final character of The Macallan is critical. The huge investment in these casks pays a dividend in the distinctive character of the final whisky, reckoned to account for some 60% of the final aromas and flavours of The Macallan.

Ken Grier, Director of Malts at Edrington, owners of The Macallan, said, “Stuart is a great addition to the Macallan team and his role as Master of Wood is vital to the sustaining the highest quality approach to wood which sits at the very heart of The Macallan.”

Stuart MacPherson takes up the role following the retirement of George Espie on 1st October 2012. Stuart lives in Lenzie with his wife Carol and son Scott. He is keen on all aspects of sport ranging from athletics to football however his main passion nowadays is golf.

Visit The Macallan at www.themacallan.com

Notes:

ABOUT THE MACALLAN
Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to 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 of Spain, North America and Scotland, 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.

Maxxium UK:
Maxxium UK Limited is a company registered in Scotland under the Companies Acts (Registered number SC203623) and has its registered office at Maxxium House, Castle Business Park, 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. Maxxium UK also 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

BRAND NEW! Launched in November 2012,

Based on the classic card game; Whisky Trumps lets you do battle with Whisky using a set of 36 cards containing many classic, premium and rare single malts. Choose from any of five key categories on each card to Trump your opponents and reach victory by winning all the cards in the pack. Fun and whisky educational. 1st Release is a limited edition. £5.99 plus shipping/postage.

Available from Angels;  trumps@angelswhiskyclub.com

http://angelswhiskyclub.com/awc/whiskytrumps.asp

2nd Floor, 163 High Street, Perth PH1UN, Scotland.

Can be shipped as a single pack or groups all over the world.

INDEPENDENT DISILLERY BRINGS BACK BERE BARLEY

Independent Scotch whisky producer, Isle of Arran Distillers, has teamed up with the Agronomy Institute at Orkney College UHI, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands, to produce a dramatic new single malt whisky made with Scotland’s oldest cultivated barley.

Thought to have been brought to the UK by the Vikings over 1,000 years ago, Bere barley is notoriously hard to grow, but for those willing to persevere it can produce a very fine quality of spirit.

Until the 19th century Bere was one of the most important Scottish crops and was widely grown by farmers and used by millers, brewers and distillers. Despite being a fundamental part of Scotland’s agricultural heritage, the crop is now only commercially grown on islands off Scotland’s North and West coasts as it has been replaced by higher yielding modern varieties.

To challenge this, the Agronomy Institute and Arran Distillers have worked together to revive the spirit of this barley which generates a unique taste of whisky as it used to be, a flavour which can be found in the new Arran Malt Orkney Bere.

Due to hit stores at the beginning of December, Orkney Bere has been matured for eight years in ex-bourbon barrels and the spirit developed quicker than anticipated. Just 5,800 bottles will be available for sale.

Euan Mitchell, managing director of Isle of Arran Distillers, said: “As an independent distillery we have the freedom to try different things and we’re constantly looking for new ways to interest and excite people who enjoy excellent malt whiskies.

“Due largely to lack of availability and difficulties with its cultivation, there are only a few distilleries which use Bere, but it can produce fantastic results and is part of Scotland’s heritage. We’ve worked with Orkney College to help raise the profile of this forgotten crop and offer our customers a taste of pure history with this limited edition malt.”

Peter Martin, Director of the Agronomy Institute at Orkney College UHI, commented: “Working with Arran Distillers on this Orkney Bere whisky has been very exciting and I hope its release will help to awaken interest in this historically important Scottish crop. Bere is an under-utilised Scottish food and drink resource – there are not many other ancient cereals still in cultivation which can be used for making whisky, beer and a wide range of bakery products!”

The Arran Malt Orkney Bere has a flavour of ripe apples, oak and rich spices. The spirit has an ABV of 46% and has developed in American oak barrels with no artificial colours and non-chill filtered. A true collector’s edition, you can buy the whisky online at www.arranwhisky.com and specialist whisky shops.

Notes:

The Arran Malt – Orkney Bere is released early in December and will be available in the UK, France, Holland, Belgium, Denmark, Japan, Germany and Switzerland. RRP is £47.99 for 70cl.

For more information visit www.arranwhisky.com

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

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.)

More information on the Agronomy Institute at Orkney College UHI:
The Agronomy Institute is a research centre of the University of the Highlands and Islands and is based at Orkney College UHI which is an academic partner in the University. The Institute specialises in crop-based research and development activities aimed at promoting sustainable development within the Highlands and Islands region of Scotland. For more information visit www.agronomy.uhi.ac.uk

The Whisky Shop is proud to announce the opening of its new flagship store in Piccadilly London on Thursday the 22nd of November!

Andrew Torrance, Managing Director of The Whisky Shop, said: “This is a very exciting development and we believe that whisky deserves to have this platform. We want to offer customers a very different retailing experience that is both accessible and can serve the needs of the most discerning whisky customer.

“The new store reflects the continuing success story of whisky and will combine prestigious and super premium whisky offerings with the high service standards that customers have come to expect from The Whisky Shop.”

The store will also offer some of the most exclusive whiskies in the world including Royal Salute, ‘Tribute to Honour’, one of the most opulent and rarest of blends in the world of which there are only 21 bottles. Priced at £150,000, the whisky is presented in a spectacular bejewelled bottle, embellished by royal jeweller Garrard in flawless diamonds and shimmering gold.

The Dalmore Constellation Collection, priced at £158,000, consists of 21 individual expressions of some of the world’s rarest single malts created at the Highland Distillery between the years 1964 and 1992.

The flagship Piccadilly store will include a vast whisky library stocking over 400 whiskies as well as an information bar using iPad technology to lead the customer through their whisky journey and to help with their understanding of Scotch.

The Whisky Shop
Tel 0141 427 2919
info@whiskyshop.com
www.whiskyshop.com

JAMESON LAUNCHES SECOND EDITION OF ITS FILM MAKING COMPETITION ‘JAMESON FIRST SHOT’

Building on the success of its inaugural year, Jameson is launching ‘Jameson First Shot’ short film competition for 2013, with two major Hollywood actors now involved in the project.

After the success of the first year which saw over five million people worldwide watching the three winning films starring Kevin Spacey, the second Jameson First Shot competition will offer talented amateur film-makers the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with acting legend Kevin Spacey and for the first time, to direct double Oscar nominee Willem Dafoe.

Aspiring film-makers in South Africa, Russia and the USA are invited to submit a script inspired by one of the three themes – ‘legendary’, ‘humorous’ or a ‘very tall tale’ – by 1st January 2013 on www.jamesonfirstshot.com. All submitted scripts will be judged by an esteemed panel including Spacey, Dafoe and Dana Brunetti, President of Trigger Street Productions.

The shortlisted filmmakers will then go through to the next stage of the competition where they will have to demonstrate their directing skills, before the three winners – one from each country – are chosen and flown to Los Angeles to film their short film starring Willem Dafoe.

Howard Southern, International Marketing Director for Jameson says: “Last year’s Jameson First Shot competition was a runaway success and further established the exciting association Jameson has with the film industry. It is great to be able to offer aspiring film-makers such an amazing opportunity to help them turn their passion into a profession and we are thrilled to have such well-known Hollywood figures involved in this unique project. We are very proud of the strong associations Jameson has built with the film industry over the last 14 years and we’re delighted to say that the brand is now involved with cinema projects across more than 30 countries. This involvement really resonates with our consumers and ultimately works towards increasing brand loyalty amongst our target audience worldwide.”

For full details on how to enter plus exclusive videos and tips from Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti, visit www.jamesonfirstshot.com

Notes

Jameson is the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey. Award-winning as a result of its exceptional smoothness following its unique triple distillation process, Jameson is enjoyed in more than 120 countries worldwide. The core Jameson range includes Jameson; Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve; Jameson Gold Reserve; Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve; Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve; and Jameson Signature Reserve (Travel Retail exclusive).

Kevin Spacey
Kevin Spacey has won countless plaudits from the film industry, including two Academy Awards, a Tony award, two National Board of Review awards, a Critics Circle award, an Olivier award and a BAFTA. Kevin has been nominated for six Golden Globes, two Emmys and a Grammy. He has produced and directed for both the stage and screen. He has also pioneered new content and distribution models with the creation of TriggerStreet.com as an online community for unrepresented screenwriters and short film directors. The site immediately took off with thousands of online users uploading their work, reviewing work created by their peers, and participating in online competitions and short film festivals. Kevin is also the Artistic Director of The Old Vic Theatre, London, and will continue in this role up to 2015.

Willem Dafoe
Willem Dafoe is one of Hollywood’s most provocative and engaging actors. Dafoe has spent much of his working life in experimental theatre in New York, as well as starring in over 70 feature films ranging from major Hollywood blockbusters (Spider-Man, Once Upon A Time In Mexico, Clear And Present Danger, Mississippi Burning, Platoon) to independent cinema (The Clearing, The Boondock Saints, American Psycho) and world cinema (Wim Wenders’ Faraway and The Spierig Brothers’ Daybreakers). He has twice been nominated for an Academy Award and nominated once for a Golden Globe.

Dana Brunetti
Feature film and TV producer Dana Brunetti is Kevin Spacey’s long-term business partner and President of Trigger Street Productions. His film credits include 21, Fanboys, Bernard and Doris and Casino Jack. Dana produced 2010’s The Social Network, which received numerous awards including eight Academy Award nominations. Dana was nominated twice and won a Golden Globe for The Social Network, as well as winning many other awards, including the National Board of Review and The Critics’ Choice Award.

Trigger Street Productions
Trigger Street Productions is an entertainment production company formed by Kevin Spacey and his producing partner Dana Brunetti in 1997. Trigger Street’s credits include Golden-Globe winning The Social Network and the Emmy-nominated Bernard and Doris, as well as numerous other film productions including 21, Shrink, Fanboys and The Big Kahuna, as well as stage productions of The Iceman Cometh and Cobb.

For further information visit www.jamesonwhiskey.com

CHIVAS BROTHERS APPOINTS M&C SAATCHI AS BALLANTINE’S GLOBAL ADVERTISING AGENCY

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, has announced the appointment of M&C Saatchi as the new global advertising agency for Ballantine’s, the world’s No. 2 Scotch whisky.

The award-winning agency has been appointed following a four-month review process and is tasked with asserting Ballantine’s position as one of the most dynamic and brave whisky brands in the world to its global audience. New activations will have a particular focus on Spain, France, Russia, Poland, Latin America, China and Korea.

M&C Saatchi’s central Ballantine’s account team will be based in London with local teams in place in key markets. The agency will take over the Ballantine’s account from incumbent agency, Publicis, who will continue to work with Chivas Brothers on integrated marketing campaigns for Beefeater Gin and The Glenlivet.

Eric Benoist, International Marketing Director for Chivas Brothers commented ‘Throughout the review process, M&C Saatchi impressed us with their excellent understanding and appreciation of Ballantine’s. They demonstrated considered, strategic thinking, an insightful and original approach to creative work and they also showed great passion and commitment to working with us. We are looking forward to partnering with M&C Saatchi and building an ambitious future for Ballantine’s.”

A brand renowned for its dynamic and engaging marketing initiatives such as ‘Leave an Impression’, Ballantine’s is the No. 1 whisky in Europe, and the world’s No. 2 Scotch whisky by volume, selling over 70 million bottles a year worldwide.

NOTES

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe, selling more than 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 80 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 iconic 30 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.

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.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

KILCHOMAN LAUNCHES MACHIR BAY MINIS IN AMERICA FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME!

After a multitude of inquiries from our distributors, retailers and consumers, we have now brought in Kilchoman Machir Bay 50 ml.

We’ve always appreciated miniatures as a they are a great tool for introducing consumers to a product by giving them a chance to sample it before committing to a full bottle.

We are extremely excited to be able to make it possible for this expression.

Machir Bay Minis can be used to fill a well-deserved space in one’s miniature collection and they can be given as a corporate or personal gift to travellers, colleagues, friends or family members.

With the holiday season just around the corner, they couldn’t have come at a better time as they make the perfect stocking stuffer!

Bottled at 46%, unchillfiltered and with no artificial colour, each miniature comes in its own gift box at an RRP of $11.99/btl.

Glann ar Mor Distillery appoints importer for Denmark

Glann ar Mor, the artisan distillery from Brittany is delighted to announce it has appointed FC Whisky for the distribution of its whiskies in Denmark.

Jean Donnay, the designer and owner of Glann ar Mor distillery said “We are thrilled to start in Denmark with FC Whisky who share the same uncompromising and passionate attitude about whisky as we do ourselves.”

FC Whisky who are based in Vejle represent some reputed whisky producers such as Kilchoman and Vintage Malt Whisky Co.

Glann ar Mor is a craft distillery producing its whiskies by the seaside on the Northern coast of Brittany in pure Celtic tradition, doing it the old fashion way with live flame heating for its two pot stills, worm tub condensers, wooden washbacks and ultra slow distillation.

The un-peated Glann ar Mor and the peated Kornog are being introduced in Denmark during the second half of November, including a few rare bottles of the the casks strength/single cask Kornog “Taouarc’h an Hañv 2012” @ 58,7%, otherwise now sold out everywhere else.

Both single malts are already well established within the whisky community, having benefited from multiple awards and tasting reviews, including in particular a “Liquid Gold Award” for Kornog in the three latest editions of Jim Murray’s “Whisky Bible”.

For more information contact :
FC Whisky
Email: info@cask.dk
Phone: 0045 26 11 64 90