Limited Edition Fifteen Year Old

Tomatin Distillery has announced the launch of a limited edition brand extension to the Tomatin Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky range.

The new release is an exceptionally high quality spirit which has been matured for over 15 years in a combination of Bourbon barrels and Tempranillo wine casks. It was agreed that 52% was the optimum strength for achieving the perfect balance between flavour, body and overall mouth feel. The result is a whisky which is dominated by deep fruity aromas softened by a sweet candy flavour with a long lasting and very creamy finish.

Graham Eunson, Distillery Manager, explains how this new edition came to be: “I’ve always found the interaction between the casks and the whisky fascinating and this expression of Tomatin is no exception.

The intensity of the wine casks is gently softened by the use of second fill ex-bourbons to achieve a perfect balance. The combination of flavours and aromas achieved by the use of these differing casks is fantastic.

There’s always a sense of anticipation and excitement when you experience a potential new whisky for the first time and in this case, those emotions were well justified.”

This product is available now and support communications including a film with Graham Eunson will be available via Tomatin’s social media channels; Facebook, Twitter & YouTube.

Available: 3,150 bottles

Distribution: Worldwide

Price: RRP £49.99 per 70cl bottle ($79.99 USA)

TASTING NOTES

Aroma: Deep fruity aromas are dominant with plums, blackberries and fresh grapefruit taking centre stage. Softens with hints of vanilla, tobacco leaves, beeswax and sugar candy.
Palate: The sweet candy flavour plays a major role in the overall structure of this single malt. Like the nose the palate is rewarded with some big fruity flavours – bananas, crunchy green apples and poached pears – which are nicely balanced with the drying tannins and white pepper.
Finish: Once the spiciness subsides the finish is long lasting and very creamy.

NOTES
• 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.
• The Bourbon casks are second fill and the whisky within has matured in them since 1996. The whisky in the Tempranillo casks was originally laid down in 1994 before transferring to theses casks in August 2008, for in excess of 3 years’ finishing in a traditional dunnage warehouse.
• Website: www.tomatin.com Facebook: facebook.com/Tomatin1897  Twitter: @Tomatin1897 YouTube: youtube.com/user/tomatin1897

CASKERS LAUNCHES TO BRING UNIQUE CRAFT SPIRITS FROM AROUND THE WORLD TO ITS MEMBERS

New York, June, 2012 — Caskers [ http://www.caskers.com ], an invitation-only membership site for craft spirits, announced today the beta launch of its website. With its launch, Caskers will increase the reach of the growing community of craft distilleries that have sprouted up around the world in recent years.

Craft distilleries struggle to gain meaningful distribution outside of their local area, and accordingly, fail to generate brand-recognition despite their excellent quality. In addition, consumers are inundated with brand-name, “corporate” spirits at most local retailers. These factors make it nearly impossible for the average consumer to find and try the terrific craft spirits being made today. Caskers solves this problem by working with craft distilleries and other experts across the industry to source and curate the finest craft spirits, and then markets and makes them available for purchase on Caskers’ website. Distilleries are able to reach new markets, while consumers are able to access the best craft spirits, regardless of where they live.

The number of craft distilleries has exploded in the past decade, from fewer than 25 in 2000 to over 300 today. Spirits also represent a growing segment of the nearly $60 billion U.S. alcohol industry, accounting for nearly 34% of all sales, with approximately 1,800 new spirits products introduced in the past three years alone, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

“It’s an exciting time to be in the craft spirits business,” said Bill Owens, President of the American Distilling Institute. “Caskers is ideally placed to help continue the fast growth of the craft spirits segment, while introducing fantastic products to new customers across the country.”

Founded by Steven Abt and Moiz Ali, two former corporate attorneys who were classmates at Harvard Law School, Caskers is an invitation-only membership site. 

Whisky Intelligence readers can go to http://caskers.com/register and use the invite code “EARLYBIRD” to access the site!

The Art of Wrapping: Suntory Whisky X Shinsuke Kawahara For Father’s Day

In honor of all fathers, and en homage to Shinjiro Torii, the founding father of Japanese whisky, Suntory is partnering with screen print designer Shinsuke Kawahara to create a limited-edition furoshiki, or authentic Japanese men’s scarf.

The black silk scarf features a block print image of Shinjiro Torri’s face, in a playful interpretation of Kawahara’s iconic rabbit motif. Kawahara has etched the face of Torri – who established the Yamazaki distillery and Japan’s first in 1923 – in muted grey and white tones, in reference to the wise and humble ways of the Japanese father.

While the scarf looks sharp draped or tied around the neck, the furoshiki is expressed best when it is wrapped around a bottle of Yamazaki, Hakushu or Hibiki. This elaborate tying of the scarf forms part of the ancestral art of wrapping – or in Japanese tsutsumu – which is pivotal to gift giving on Father’s Day in Japan. The art of enveloping the whisky bottle in the furoshiki evokes the protective embrace the father extends over his family. The Japanese hero their fathers as daikokubashira or the pillar on which everything rests and the home is built. The intricate layering of the furoshiki not only symbolizes the reassuring role the father plays within the family, but also adds a dimension of utter elegance when wrapped around your favorite bottle of Suntory whisky.

Participate in the art of furoshiki across the country this Father’s Day. In New York, you can find the scarves in select liquor stores. In San Francisco, you can join Suntory’s West Coast brand ambassador, Neyah White, for a Japanese whisky tasting presented by Umamimart & Cask, where all participants will walk away with the scarf and a bottle of Hibiki blended whisky. The San Franciso event is happening on June 17th at Local Edition in SOMA. For tickets and information, please visit: https://www.snagtickets.com/53668/Fathers_Day_Japanese_Whisky_Tasting

The furoshiki gift idea is meant for both the connoisseur and the whisky newcomer. Please visit Facebook.com/SuntoryWhisky for tips on how to wrap a bottle of Yamazaki, Hibiki or Hakushu, to present as a gift this Father’s Day.

About Shinsuke Kawahara

Shinsuke Kawahara is an illustrator and painter, specializing in screen printing. In the late 1980’s, he completed his seminal design work for Madam Figarom, which was pubslihed in Maria Claire, Le Figaro and Vogue. Renown for his mini rabbit motif, he has partnered with brands as wide ranging as Louis Vuitton, Le Coq Sportif and Hermes. Visit shinsukekawahara.com for more information.

Suntory Ltd.

Suntory Ltd. is one of the world’s leading wine and spirits companies. Founded in 1899, Suntory was the first company to introduce western-style spirits to Japan. Suntory’s businesses today encompass liquor, including whisky, shochu, wine and beer; food products; soft drinks; floral products; restaurants; and sports. Suntory exports a wide range of authentic Japanese whiskies and liqueurs to 35 countries, including the United States. Made with exceptional Japanese craftsmanship, these include the unique melon liqueur MIDORI, which is especially popular in the U.S., YAMAZAKI Single Malt Whisky, Japan’s premier single malt whisky, Hibiki Japanese Blended Whisky and the new Hakushu Single Malt Whisky. With its head office in Osaka, the Suntory Group comprises 170 companies operating in 17 countries.

About Campari America

Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), together with its affiliates Gruppo Campari. At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, McClelland’s® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Midori® Melon Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky, Hakushu® Single Malt Whisky, and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky.

Campari America is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation.

The Macallan launches ‘The Last Word’ photography competition in celebration of the Masters of Photography: Annie Leibovitz

Following the launch of the Masters of Photography: Annie Leibovitz Edition, The Macallan, the luxury single malt whisky, today announces a photography competition ‘The Last Word’ marking the third in its prestigious Masters of Photography series.

Celebrating Annie Leibovitz’s world famous portraits, from Tuesday 12th June, photography aficionados will be able to upload a portrait they have taken with one word – ‘The Last Word’ – capturing the mood of their photograph. The theme ‘The Last Word’ reflects The Macallan’s standing as the last word in luxury; the ultimate Scotch for the most memorable drinking occasion.

Showcasing the photographic talent of The Macallan fans around the world, The Macallan Masters of Photography website, www.themastersofphotography.com, is a global platform which will both profile the photographs submitted and allow users to vote on the portraits – entrants to the competition will also be able to share their work through Twitter, Facebook and google+ and there will also be a dedicated Pinterest board.

Each week one portrait will be chosen as ‘The Last Word of the week’ which will become Macallan’s Facebook profile picture for the following week. Prizes will be awarded monthly leading up to a final selection of winners as chosen by esteemed judges from the Royal Photographic Society. The judges, Roy Robertson Hon FRPS, President of The Royal Photographic Society, Leo Palmer FRPS FPSA MPSA and Vanessa Slawson FRPS FBPPA ASWPP AFIAP DPAGB, will also provide their top tips on how to take great photographs. Monthly prizes include the ‘making of’ book that details the collaboration between Annie Leibovitz and The Macallan; and a pewter hipflask encased in leather. The overall winner will receive a photography themed visit to the home of The Macallan.

This is the second year that The Macallan has run a photography Master Class celebrating its Masters of Photography series. Last year’s competition was judged by the 2nd Master of Photography – Albert Watson, with over 7,000 entries and nearly 100,000 votes received.

The Macallan Masters of Photography series features exclusive collaborations, conjoining the art of whisky making with the artist’s interpretation of the world of The Macallan. This year, Annie Leibovitz has interpreted the four single cask variants released for the first time and created four powerful images, using Scottish actor Kevin McKidd as her leading man. Leibovitz captures the brilliance of a moment where everything comes together, showcasing the stature of whisky as an icon of taste and masculinity and confirming The Macallan as ‘The Last Word’ in luxury.

To enter the competition, please visit www.themastersofphotography.com

www.themacallan.com 

ABOUT THE MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY
The Macallan Masters of Photography: Annie Leibovitz Edition comprises 1,000 limited edition bottles, of which there are four different versions. Each bottle contains one of four unique single malts, crafted to reflect the mood of the signed Annie Leibovitz print that it is paired with. The four single cask whiskies have been matured in different cask types to be completely unique and original. The bottle and print are presented in a bespoke photo-archival box, stamped with The Macallan brand and Annie Leibovitz’s name.

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.

At the first hint of autumn one’s spirits need a boost

London: The Japanese know what to do as soon as the temperature makes that imperceptible change downwards. Keep the weather at arms’ length with cocktails that raise the spirits a few degrees. Their 24 seasons calendar calls for two cocktails in August which are appropriate to the weather. Rishuu means the first sign of autumn and Shosho means the summer heat is on the way out.

To raise your spirits in August mixologist Zoran Peric uses the award-winning Suntory Yamazaki and Hakushu Single Malt whiskies to create two delightful cocktails.

Rishuu – first sign of autumn (6 August).

The temperature downturn calls for a Yamazaki Rishuu cocktail.

Yamazaki Rishuu: 50ml Yamazaki 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

150ml soda, lemon and orange peel infused ice ball, Pour whisky and soda over ice ball in a highball, glass. Stir to extract taste of lemon and orange. Garnish with lemon and orange slices.

Shosho – summer heat is a lingering memory (22 August).

This is the time to soak up the garden scents and savour them as autumn breezes in. Hakushu Shosho: 50ml Hakushu 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, 150ml soda water, 15ml Rose water, Fresh mint. Pour Hakushu over crushed ice in a highball glass and stir in Rose water, Add soda water. Garnish with mint sprig and rose petals

Comments Zoran Peric, creator of many whisky based cocktails: “Suntory Japanese whiskies are world beaters having won more than 60 international awards since 2003 and whisky lovers have taken to them. The latest accolade is for Yamazaki 25 Year Old Single Malt voted this year as World’s Best Single Malt Whisky. There is something about the subtle aromas and delicate flavours of Suntory whiskies which appeal to many palates whether taken neat, over ice or in cocktails”.

Yamazaki 12 year old Japan’s leading single malt whisky and Hakushu 12 year old single malt have become firm favourites here in the UK. Taste both at their best in the Yamazaki Rishuu and Hakushu Shousho cocktails above.

Suntory Japanese whiskies are available from: Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Fortnum & Mason, Harrods, The Whisky Exchange, independent specialist retailers and drinkon.com priced from:

Yamazaki 12 year old – £42

Hakushu 12 year old £52

Suntory Japanese whiskies are distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends. For all sales enquiries contact: sales@cellartrends.co.uk

Jura single malt whisky, in partnership with Olympus, is launching an online photography competition (www.jurawhisky.com/communityspirit) to find images from across the world that best embody the theme of ‘community spirit’.

Three budding amateur photographers are being offered the chance to win an unforgettable trip to the island of Jura, off Scotland’s dramatic West Coast. The island is famed for its small and close-knit community of less than 200, united by the island they love and the warmth of its people. The walls of the Distillery Visitor Centre are adorned with photos of Diurachs (the Gaelic name for the people of Jura) past and present, who have all played their part in contributing to the island’s famous community spirit.

To experience Jura’s island life for themselves, amateur photographers are invited to submit photographs that best tell a story of community spirit. These images could include photos of groups or individuals that evoke the spirit of the neighbourhood in which they live, or even photos of festivals and events that conjure the character of a particular place.

Each one of the three winners and their partners will enjoy a week’s all-expenses stay in the exclusive Jura Lodge and a VIP tour of the Jura distillery and island. The winners will also receive an Olympus PEN E-PL3 camera to create a lasting memento of their visit to Jura, and a photography workshop on the island from award-winning photographer David Nightingale (www.chromasia.com).

To enter, applicants must upload a photo that captures community spirit onto an e-postcard template along with a description in 50 words or less of why that picture tells a story of community spirit. Jura will assess a shortlist of the very best ‘postcards’ and pick three lucky winners – one from North America, one from the UK and a third from the rest of the world.

The competition, which can be found by visiting www.jurawhisky.com/communityspirit, opens today (Monday, 11 June) and will run for eight weeks, closing on Friday, 3 August.

Entrants are encouraged to share their e-postcards with friends and family. Every week for eight weeks, Jura will be awarding an Olympus VG-170 camera and a bottle of Jura 16 year old to the photo which receives the most public votes during the course of that week.

Willie Cochrane, Distillery Manager, said:

“We may only have 200 people living on the island, but as a community we possess a spirit that is unique to Jura, and I’m not just talking about the whisky! Many people, both islanders and tourists, have captured our spirit on camera over the years. These photographic records of people and events that have helped to define what it means to be a Diurach are a significant part of Jura’s history, telling the story of our culture and community. We look forward to welcoming the winners of this competition to the island and sharing the Diurach spirit with them.”

About the competition
1. All competition details can be found at www.jurawhisky.com/communityspirit
2. Entrants must be of legal drinking age
3. Entrants must be free to travel between the dates of 29 April and 5 May 2013
4. Entrants must register to become a Diurach before entering the competition
5. Full terms and conditions can be found on the competition website

About Jura
Off the west coast of Scotland lies one of nature’s best kept secrets, the Isle of Jura. Populated by a community of less than 200 known as Diurachs (the Gaelic name for the people of Jura), it is a place of myth, legend and intrigue – and an award-winning range of single malt whiskies, which hold the promise of good fortune for all those that believe.

There are four classic bottlings in the Jura Collection: Origin 10, Superstition, Diurach’s Own and Prophecy. Many of the Jura whiskies have their own distinctive drinking rituals, but one cuts across the range. Islanders believe that it brings good fortune to knock on wood before they drink a dram.

For those who love the great outdoors, Jura is an idyllic place. Its three ‘Paps’ – or mountains – dominate the skyline, distinguishable from miles around and the focus for the tough Jura Fells Race which takes place every May. For those who like to explore, whether by foot, bike or yacht, there is a wealth of historical sites and natural phenomena to discover, from stone circles and standing stones to ruined castles and Iron Age forts; from sandy beaches and secluded coves to stacks, pinnacles and caves, as well as raised beaches from the Ice Age. Golden eagles, sea eagles, otters, seals and, not forgetting the 5,000 red deer which inhabit the island, are all a common sight, and carry on about their business uninhibited by humans.

www.jurawhisky.com

Nearly two years ago, when Joshua Hatton, Jason Johnstone-Yellin and Seth Klaskin set out to launch the Jewish Single Malt Whisky Society as a US-based independent bottling company, they envisioned that their society would embody an “open arms” approach. Their goal was – and remains – to launch a whisky company with a Jewish cultural flare that exhibits sensitivity to the dietary needs of Jews but is every bit a classic “whisky society,” for the enjoyment of all.

Although dedicated to a classic society structure, the trio was aiming for something…more. They wanted to create a whisky kinship that meets not only the needs, but also the passions of its members. An interactive community that inspires participation, affiliation and a common identity: a Nation. Joshua, Jason and Seth are pleased to announce that, henceforth, their company name will be Jewish Whisky Company, LLC, operating under the trade name Single Cask Nation™ (using the new domain www.singlecasknation.com). Moving forward, its current and growing membership will comprise one people – a Nation – unified in the commitment to Monocaskism™. Single Cask Nation is One Nation, Under Whisky™.

Single Cask Nation will fulfill the vision of its founders: to bottle the best and most unique single cask whiskies (including many that are kosher-by-nature) for its diverse membership. While Joshua, Jason and Seth are big fans of Scotch malt whisky, they share their membership’s zeal for adventure and discovery. The new society name reflects the fact that they will expand their members’ horizons beyond Scotch whisky. Single Cask Nation will be bottling world whiskies from many countries, some of which will not be malt whiskies at all (think grain whiskies, corn mash, ryes and other treats). Moreover, while the change in trade name poses an opportunity to focus more closely on their emphasis of single cask whiskies (cask strength, pure, straight from the barrel to the bottle, never blended), it also gives them an opportunity to welcome non-Jewish whisky enthusiasts more comfortably to the society than the previous name might have done.

Since its launch in February 2012, the Jewish Whisky Company’s Single Cask Nation™ has made tremendous strides and has turned many heads in the industry. In receiving an honorable mention in the Best Independent Bottler category of this year’s Drammies, the Jewish Whisky Company’s Single Cask Nation garnered thousands of votes before it even released a single whisky expression on US shores!

The Jewish Whisky Company is expecting its initial release of 3 – 4 expressions of single cask whisky to arrive on US shores in late summer, 2012. The Founders Membership Drive is nearing its conclusion. Your window of opportunity to be part of history by becoming a Founding Member of Single Cask Nation™ is quickly closing. Follow the link below today and become a member of the nation sensation: the Single Cask Nation™ — One Nation, Under Whisky™.

http://www.singlecasknation.com

There are three levels of membership available. Those that choose to join in on the base, or “White,” level can expect to enjoy the following for an initial $180 membership fee:

• 1 complimentary 750ml bottle of one of the Single Cask Nation™ single cask single malts (to ship during late summer, 2012)
• 2 Urban Bar tasting glasses bearing the Single Cask Nation™ logo
• 1 Society T-¬‐shirt bearing the Single Cask Nation™ logo
• A one year subscription to Whisky Advocate Magazine, a premier industry periodical
• A laminated membership card – individually numbered
• The very low $36/yr. renewal fee (due on the one year anniversary of receipt of the welcome bottle)
• The ability to invite a friend to join Single Cask Nation™

ARRAN WHISKY STRIKES GOLD IN WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION
– Scottish distillery goes from strength to strength

Scotch whisky producer, Isle of Arran Distillery, is celebrating a double win for two of its single malts at the recent World Spirits Competition 2012.

Facing tough competition from across the world, Arran claimed a Double Gold award for its 14 Year Old Single Malt Scotch and a Gold award for its 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch.

Held in San Francisco, the World Spirits Competition is one of the leading industry competitions, celebrating the very best spirits in the world today. This year was the biggest yet in the competition’s 12 year history, with 1,200 spirits from 61 countries being entered into the awards.

To date the 14 Year Old Malt is the oldest regular release to be bottled by Isle of Arran Distillery, and the whisky is already a multi-award winner. In 2011 it was named ‘Best Island (non Islay) Single Malt Whisky, 13-20 Years’ by Whisky Magazine.

Speaking of the high-profile win, Euan Mitchell, Managing Director of the Isle of Arran Distillery, said: “We pride ourselves on making high quality products that people will enjoy and savour. It’s fantastic to be recognised by the industry and our peers in this way and I’m delighted that the quality of our spirits has received critical acclaim.”

Since it was established 17 years ago, The Isle of Arran Distillery has won a number of awards including Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007).

James Taggart is the Master Distiller at the Isle of Arran Distillery and was responsible for creating both malts. He said: “14 Years is not a common age for a Single Malt, so I’m delighted that it has already been so well received. It’s exciting that this product is now a multi-award winner and to see our whisky celebrated on a global scale. We hope to continue producing award- winning malts for many years to come.”

* Current accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.)
Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.)

Also, ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the World Spirits Competition 2012.

Global film competition helps to ‘raise a glass’ to dads this Father’s Day

Some of the world’s most famous whisky makers, including Johnnie Walker, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, J&B and Talisker, have harnessed the creative talents of up-and-coming independent film makers around the globe to help inspire people to ‘raise a glass’ to their dads this Father’s Day.

As part of their ‘Raise a glass to your dad’ campaign, the whisky makers partnered with MOFILM, a global network of some 45,000 film makers, to seek short films that pay tribute to fathers.

Shopper statistics1 show that, traditionally, consumers spend more on Mother’s Day than Father’s Day and the ‘Raise a glass to your dad’ campaign aims to redress the balance, urging sons and daughters to pay tribute to the ‘man behind their dad’.

Andrew Fell, Global Customer Marketing Director, Diageo Global Whiskies Category said: “Working with MOFILM we were able to showcase new talent and truly creative ideas. The winning entries were all touching, amusing, provocative and innovative and perfectly illustrated the love and respect due to fathers.”

MOFILM, which is the world’s leading video and film contest community, challenged 20 previous contest winners to create a short piece that told the story of their relationship with their father and how whisky plays a part in that.

The winner, New Yorker Jody Lauren Miller, was flown to Palm Springs to celebrate her win in style at the Coachella Music Festival. Her film, entitled ‘Victor’ – which featured her father and his fondness for Johnnie Walker – was described by the judging panel as “quite simply superb”.

Jody was presented with a $5,000 cash prize and a separate gift of a personally engraved bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label.

In a close second place was the Swedish team of Daniel, Fredrik & Henrik Lundh. Their entry – ‘The Man with the Nose’ – told the story of their dad’s character and his amazing sense of smell that leads him to Talisker whisky.

In third place was Will Shipley of the US with ‘Like Father Like Daughter’ which celebrated Bushmills Irish Whiskey. In fourth was ‘You Know Him’ by Canadian film maker Lloyd Choi, linked to J&B Whiskey, and in fifth place was ‘Sleepless Nights’ by John Waters from the UK, which also linked to Bushmills.

The winning entries can be viewed and downloaded here:

http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/diageo/53835/

Andrew Fell added: “We believe film is an incredibly powerful medium to capture the feelings that people have for their fathers, a feeling that is often hard for them to express. Watching these films it’s hard not to raise a smile – and a glass – to dads!”

1 In the US consumers were expected to spend $16.3 billion on Mother’s Day compared to $11.1 billion on Father’s Day in 2011. Source: BIGresearch survey in partnership with the National Retail Federation (NRF) 2011. Total spending is extrapolation of spending of U.S. adults 18+.

Notes:

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.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

About MOFILM

MOFILM is the leading video and film contest community for aspiring filmmakers, with members around the world. MOFILM works with global brands, like Diageo, to showcase talent and create innovative new ideas. MOFILM provides help with production costs and also mentors its community from the initial idea to the completed piece, ensuring that the film makers have the best opportunity for their work to be used by that brand.

Return of the longtime favourite – the classic Highball – Japanese style

London: Bartenders everywhere know how to make their own special Highball, a cocktail that has long been popular the world over. It has come back into fashion partly because it is such a refreshing drink, partly because it is so simple to mix. What is more, retro cocktails are now fashionable thanks to TV shows like Mad Men.

Suntory Brand Ambassador Zoran Peric has created a range of Highballs all of which are simple and draw out the intricate flavours of Japanese whiskies.

Fresh as a Summer’s Day

Zoran’s Taisho Highball is an example of pure cocktail delight. Taisho means Japanese season of big heat.

Coat large chunks of ice with elderflower cordial in a tall glass

Pour in 50ml of Hakushu 12 year old single malt and stir 5 times. Add soda water and stir 5 times. Finish off with lemon zest and serve in a chilled Highball glass. Garnish with elderflowers and berries and lemon slice.

A twist of lime adds another dimension to the summer Highball, and there are many others including the use of tonic water, ginger ale or a half and half mix of the two.

Comments Brand Ambassador Zoran Peric: “With their unique flavours Suntory whiskies make very appetising cocktails and we have created a range of cocktails which are appropriate to the time of year. The Highball is ideally suited to the summer months and to individual tastes. Anyone can make one”.

Suntory have created many cocktails based on their single malt and blended whiskies to celebrate Japan’s 24 seasons. For the summer seasons they have always followed the need for simplicity. Cocktails that are easy to make, not time consuming and with ready to hand ingredients. The Highball is a classic of simplicity, refreshing and the perfect quench on a hot day.

This year Yamazaki 25 year old single malt whisky was named The World’s Best Single Malt Whisky at the World Whisky Awards while Yamazaki 18 year old was awarded a world best Trophy at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in the USA. Since 2003 Suntory Japanese whiskies have won more than 60 international awards for quality, flavour and excellence.

Notes: Pronouncing Suntory Names

Yamazaki – (Ya-ma-zarkee)

Hakushu – (Ha-koo-shoe)

Hibiki – (Hi-bi-kee)

Hakushu single malt whisky is available from: Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, The Whisky Exchange, independent specialist retailers and drinkon.com priced from about £52.

The Suntory range of Japanese whiskies is distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends. For all sales enquiries contact: sales@cellartrends.co.uk