Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases Fifth Round of Single Oak Project Bourbon

One Year Into Experiment, Which Barrel is in the Lead?

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (May, 2012) – One year ago Buffalo Trace Distillery unveiled its Single Oak Project and its quest for the perfect bourbon. Now as the fifth round of Single Oak Project Bourbons are released, there has been much excitement and many reviews, but still many questions to be answered.

The fifth round of experiments will focus on three variables, the recipe, rye vs. wheat; the entry proof, 105 vs. 125 proof; and wood grain size, tight, average, or coarse. All of the other variables such as barrel stave seasoning, aging warehouse, char level, and tree cut (top or bottom) remain constant.

As with the other four releases, Buffalo Trace hopes whiskey enthusiasts can continue to rate each whiskey they taste online at www.singleoakproject.com. To date, more than 1700 accounts have been created online, and nearly 1,550 reviews have been given on the four various releases so far.

The whiskey reviews have been tallied and the leading barrel after one year is…. a three way tie!! Barrels #10, 106 and 184 are all tied for first place. With all three of those barrels having different variables, it seems the only thing the three have in common is that the oak was harvested from bottom half of the tree! The other six variables of the leading barrels vary.

“Quite a mixed bag so far,” said Kris Comstock, bourbon brand manager. “It seems the only thing people can agree on so far is that they like bourbon aged in barrels made from the bottom portion of oak trees, opposed to the top half. Good thing we have 3 more years, 144 more barrels, and thousands more reviews to come!”

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, help Buffalo Trace Distillery 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 releases hit select stores in 2011. This fifth release will reach stores towards the end of May. Like all the other releases, the quantities are very limited. Every case will contain 12 bottles, each from a different barrel. The fifth release is made up of barrel numbers 1, 17, 33, 49, 65, 81, 97, 113, 129, 145, 161, 177. 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 barrel based on online consumer feedback, make more of that product and launch it under the Single Oak Project nameplate.

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, Malt 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 www.buffalotrace.com

WIESBERGER TOASTS MAIDEN VICTORY WITH RARE BALLANTINE’S 2012 CHAMPIONSHIP BLEND

Austrian, Bernd Wiesberger sealed a dominant maiden European Tour victory in style at the Ballantine’s Championship yesterday, holing a 20 foot birdie on the final hole to finish five shots clear of Richie Ramsay at the Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, Korea.

Wiesberger left Korea with the Ballantine’s Championship trophy, a winner’s cheque for €367,500 (about US$487,000) and a rare bottle of Ballantine’s 2012 Championship Blend (pictured), co-created by 2011 champion Lee Westwood and Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop. Wiesberger received the first of only 10 bottles produced, none of which will be sold.

“I’m going to bring back a couple of bottles of Ballantine’s so they will be opened, I’m sure,” said a delighted Wiesberger. “I’d be lying if I say I’m not going to have a nice celebration when I get home”.

The Austrian closed with a nerveless round of 68 to consolidate his overnight advantage and never looked like relinquishing his stranglehold, producing a faultless display of front running.

“Every sportsman dreams about winning, especially a tournament that was so well organised and has such great players in the field,” he said. “To play the way I did this week is very special.”

The 26-year-old had already stocked up on Ballantine’s earlier in the week after receiving two bottles of Ballantine’s 21 Year Old for shooting the lowest rounds on days two and three – two successive bogey-free 65s.

That seven-under-par score was equalled by Paul McGinley and Kiradech Aphibarnrat in the third round and by Adam Scott and Richie Ramsay in the fourth – but it was never bettered.

That meant that Wiesberger – along with McGinley, Scott, Kiradech and Ramsay – also received a bottle of Ballantine’s 30 Year Old as his share of the prize for setting the course record at Blackstone Golf Club.

“I think to win a tournament, you need to have your ‘A Game’ and especially at a tournament here, the Ballantine’s, where such a great field was present.”

Ballantine’s Championship 2012 took place from 26th – 29th April 2012 at the Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, Korea.

Photo caption: Bernd Wiesberger with the trophy and a bottle of Ballantine’s 2012 Championship Blend after winning the 2012 Ballantine’s Championship. Photo: James Cheadle/Ballantine’s.

Notes:

Ballantine’s is the number one ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the number one 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 ten 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.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013.

• Ballantine’s has been an official sponsor of the Scottish Open since 2007. The 2012 event will be held at the Castle Stuart Golf Links, Inverness, from July 12-15.

• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England.

• Ballantine’s was the official sponsor of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in 2009 and 2011.

For further information visit: www.chivasbrothers.com

DEFIANT SPEYSIDE SPIRIT INJECTING ‘WATER OF LIFE’ INTO MALT WHISKY COUNTRY

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival kicks off in stunning style today (Thursday, 3rd May) smashing previous records with ticket sales already exceeding those of last year’s end-of-event total.

The five-day ‘dramfest’ is defying the national double-dip, as well as depressions in the global economy, by attracting the biggest potential audience to date. Organisers recorded the busiest first 24 hours in the event’s thirteen year history when the festival programme went live online earlier this year; within hours dozens of the Festival’s most popular tours, tastings, masterclasses and workshops were sold out and whisky fans had spent a staggering £50,000+ to secure spots at a range of the festival’s exclusive and hugely sought after events.

Bookings have continued apace since then and the Festival, which has grown in both size and reputation over the years to become one of the most important whisky festivals in the world, is bracing itself for the influx of thousands of international whisky aficionados eager to base themselves in the world’s premier whisky destination.

As interest in Scotland’s national drink and the value of Scotch whisky exports has continued to increase, defying global economic uncertainty, advance bookings have proved particularly attractive to visitors from Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and the UK. But the organisers report interest from as far afield as Japan, Australia, Russia, South Africa, Canada and the USA.

A varied and quality programme of over 300 events has tempted loyal whisky fans to Speyside to enjoy exclusive events such as the opening dinner at The Macallan Distillery featuring entertainment from three times Brit Award wining Scottish songstress Eddi Reader. The renowned Spirit of Speyside Whisky School, ‘ultimate’ distillery visits, whisky and food pairing workshops, as well as the Speyside ‘Mystery Bus’ and ‘Seven Stills’ tours have proved popular with regular visitors.

However, festival organisers are keen to point out that whisky fans are still able to book or just turn up to a wide range of more than 200 events over the five-day festival.

This year the Festival is set to breathe ‘water of life’ into a wider catchment area, as events have been expanded into Badenoch and Strathspey.
Last year the Festival recorded 47,000 visits, which generated £613,000 within Speyside and £722,000 across the country, excelling in its aim to boost the area in what was previously perceived as the ‘off season’.

As the launch date approaches, Festival organisers are in high spirits. Jim Royan, Festival Chairman, said: “The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival puts Malt Whisky Country on an international stage. We have much to be proud of – a higher concentration of distilleries than any other region on earth and 7 of the 10 top selling single malt whiskies in the world.

“Our visitors come from all over the world to share our passion for Speyside’s landscape, history, culture, music, people and, of course, its whisky. We know they enjoy the experience and our hospitality because they are inspired to return to Speyside year after year.”

Mary Hemsworth, Festival Manager, has been delighted at the number of whisky fans heading for the Festival. She said: “This is my first year organising the Festival, and the anticipation is huge. We have literally thousands of whisky fans descending on Speyside this weekend, and we want their experience of Speyside and the Festival to be authentic, inspiring and spirited.

“Everyone involved in staging an event has been working very hard to show, once again, that Speyside can rise to the occasion, and put on a world class festival to showcase our world class product and environment.”

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland said: “The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is one of the highlights on Scotland’s events calendar, and we have seen in recent years that its popularity is continuing to grow.

“Whisky is one of the country’s most iconic products, and the Festival’s 2012 programme will once again attract visitors from all over the world. Scotland is the perfect stage for events, and Speyside provides the ideal location for the Festival with its beautiful landscapes and world-renowned distilleries.”

Notes

– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival runs from Thursday, 3rd May – Monday, 7th May. Check out www.spiritofspeyside.com for up-to-date news and follow the Festival at www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside

– The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is committed to promoting responsible drinking. Visitors needing to travel to and from festival events can take advantage of a range of transport options including a taxi voucher scheme (sponsored by Diageo) providing festival goers with a 25% reduction on fares with participating operators, various pre-bookable dedicated bus shuttles and even a “Dram Line” off-road Argocat taxi for a day long distillery tour or Saturday night whisky-country-crawl.

– The Festival also runs several competitions and awards including the prestigious Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards as well as the Photographic Competition

– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival has received funding from EventScotland and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners

– EventScotland: EventScotland is the national events agency. EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org.

– About the Year of Creative Scotland 2012: The Year of Creative Scotland began on January 1, 2012 and is a chance to showcase, celebrate and promote Scotland’s cultural and creative strengths on a world stage. Through a dynamic and exciting year-long programme of activity celebrating our world-class events, festivals, culture and heritage, the year puts Scotland’s culture and creativity in the international spotlight with a focus on cultural tourism and developing the events industry and creative sector in Scotland. More information about the programme can be found at: www.visitscotland.com/creative. The Year of Creative Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative led in partnership by EventScotland, VisitScotland, Creative Scotland and VOCAL.

The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart to go stateside with Benromach

Benromach Single Malt Whisky is set to go overseas with the National Theatre of Scotland as it continues to sponsor an international tour of the Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart in America.

Building on its successful partnership with the National Theatre Scotland and following its support of the production at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe last year, the production will tour Scotland, England and internationally in 2012 and 2013.

Some US dates are sponsored by Benromach Single Malt Whisky, with American audiences being offered the opportunity to share a dram of the Speyside Scotch Malt during the show. This sponsorship will cover all US venues where state legislation allows and is part of Benromach’s venturing into the arts and their first foray into international arts touring.

In keeping with the site-specific origins of the show, the production will be staged in taverns, breweries, and community spaces and studios with bars built in, where stories are told, re-told, sung and passed on. It’s an evening of supernatural storytelling, music and theatre inspired by the Border Ballads, Robert Burns and the poems of Robert Service.

The show opens at the Wicked Wolf Tavern, Festival of New Ideas, New Haven in Connecticut on 20th June before moving on to North Carolina, Chicago, Massachusetts, Ohio, Purdue, Washington DC, Michigan, Texas and California. The production will also be visiting Vancouver, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand and Brazil.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Michael Urquhart Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, owners of the Benromach Distillery in Forres, said: “We’re proud to be supporting this tour as it goes international. Scotland has many world-class artists and this individual and artistic performance deserves to

be shared with the UK and people internationally. The US already enjoys one of Scotland’s other fine traditions being one of the largest export markets for Scotch whisky so we hope the audience enjoys sharing a free dram of Benromach with this great performance.”

The tale of Prudencia Hart, an uptight academic, follows her as she sets off to attend a conference one wintery morning in Kelso in the Scottish Borders. As the snow begins to fall, little does she know who or what awaits her there. Her wild journey through the night takes her into and out of different supernatural and natural realms looking for folk songs.

Elly Rothnie, Development Director, National Theatre of Scotland said: “The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart was a huge success at the Fringe last year and our audiences loved sampling one of Scotland’s finest malt whiskies as part of the experience. We are thrilled to continue this important partnership in 2012 where we will take the production and Benromach whisky to new audiences across the globe.”

The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart originally toured Scotland in February 2011 subsequently playing at a number of top venues in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The production has won two awards, a CATS Award for Best Music and Sound and a Herald Angel.

Notes:

About Benromach

Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by Gordon & MacPhail in 1993. Drawing on generations of whisky expertise, the company carried out a painstaking refurbishment, and the distillery was officially re-opened by Prince Charles in 1998.

Just two men hand-craft Benromach using the finest Scottish barely and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. They fill new spirit into the highest quality casks before being left to mature at the distillery for many years. The Benromach portfolio includes the award winning Benromach 10 Years Old and the first fully certified organic single malt – Benromach Organic.

Benromach expressions include:

Benromach Ten Years Old

Benromach Ten Years Old is created from the finest Scottish barley and pure spring water from the nearby Romach hills. After being matured for at least ten years, it emerges golden in colour and displays rich fruit, sweet chocolate and delicate spicy aromas. With a rich sherry influence, the mouth-watering palate coats the senses with exotic fruit flavours, toasted malt and a delicate hint of smoke.

Benromach Traditional

A rich and mellow single malt with fruit and malty tones, balanced with a hint of smoke.

Benromach Peat Smoke

Full bodied, intense and challenging with a smoky character, yet balanced with the fruity elegance of Speyside.

Benromach Origins

A series of special bottlings crafted to highlight how small changes in the art of whisky-making can help to shape the character of the final single malt.

Please visit www.benromach.com for details.

About the National Theatre of Scotland

The National Theatre of Scotland is supported by the Scottish Government. Since its launch in February 2006, the National Theatre of Scotland has been involved in creating over 160 productions in 125 different locations. With no building of its own, the Company takes theatre all over Scotland and beyond, working with existing and new venues and companies to create and tour theatre of the highest quality. It takes place in the great buildings of Scotland, but also in site-specific locations, airports and tower blocks, community halls and drill halls, ferries and forests. The company has performed to over 710,000 people, across three continents. www.nationaltheatrescotland.com

STARS SHOW ‘TRUE CHARACTER’ IN BALLANTINE’S CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO CALL

British Open champion Darren Clarke and YE Yang, the first Asian to win a Major, headlined a gallery of stars at the official photo call ahead of this week’s €2.2 million Ballantine’s Championship, which teed off today at the Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, Korea.

Flamboyant Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez, last year’s runner-up, world number 11 Adam Scott, Englishman Ian Poulter and young Korean stars Bae Sang-moon and Kim Kyung-tae also featured in a selection of photo opportunities, which took place ahead of the Gala Dinner at Grand Hyatt Seoul.

Photo captions:

[Image1] Australian star Adam Scott (left), YE Yang (middle), the 2009 US PGA Championship winner, and British Open champion Darren Clarke (right) in a photo call at Grand Hyatt Seoul ahead of this week’s €2.2 million Ballantine’s Championship, which will be held at Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon from April 26-29. All three players are trying to win the trophy for the first time along with other top golfers including Ian Poulter, Bae Sang-moon, Kim Kyung-tae and Miguel Angel Jiménez, last year’s runner-up. Photo: James Cheadle/Ballantine’s.

[Image 2] Australian star Adam Scott (left), YE Yang (middle), the 2009 US PGA Championship winner, and British Open champion Darren Clarke (right) in a photo call at Grand Hyatt Seoul ahead of this week’s €2.2 million Ballantine’s Championship, which will be held at Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon from April 26-29. All three players are trying to win the trophy for the first time along with other top golfers including Ian Poulter, Bae Sang-moon, Kim Kyung-tae and Miguel Angel Jiménez, last year’s runner-up. Photo: James Cheadle/Ballantine’s.

[Image 3] Ballantine’s Championship contenders Ian Poulter, Bae Sang-moon and Miguel Angel Jiménez tend the bar in a photo call at Grand Hyatt Seoul ahead of this week’s €2.2 million tournament, which will be held at Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon from April 26-29. All three players are trying to win the trophy for the first time along with Australian star Adam Scott, British Open champion Darren Clarke, Kim Kyung-tae and Korean legend YE Yang, the 2009 US PGA Championship winner. Photo: James Cheadle/Ballantine’s.

[Image 4] Ballantine’s Championship contenders (left to right) Bae Sang-moon, British Open champion Darren Clarke, Ian Poulter, Kim Kyung-tae, YE Yang, Adam Scott and Miguel Angel Jiménez relax at the tournament’s Gala Dinner at Grand Hyatt Seoul. All seven players are trying to win the trophy for the first time. Photo: James Cheadle/Ballantine’s.

Notes:

Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the number one ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the number one 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 ten 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.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013.

• Ballantine’s has been an official sponsor of the Scottish Open since 2007. The 2012 event will be held at the Castle Stuart Golf Links, Inverness, from July 12-15.

• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England.

• Ballantine’s was the official sponsor of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in 2009 and 2011.

For further information visit: www.chivasbrothers.com  and www.ballantines.com

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Isle of Skye is the Winner at the Scottish Grand National

Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, presents the Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Scottish Jump Trainers’ Championship Award to Scotland’s number one National Hunt trainer, Lucinda Russell

April 2012: Scotland’s number one National Hunt trainer, Lucinda Russell, owner of Arlary House Stables was presented with the Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Scottish Jump Trainers’ Championship Award 2011/12 by Scotland’s First Minister, Alex Salmond, at Saturday’s Scottish Grand National at Ayr.

The official whisky partner for Scottish Racing, Isle of Skye Whisky also sponsored the high profile Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr Racecourse.

The Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Scottish Champion Hurdle trophy was presented to winning jockey, Robert Thornton, Simon Munir (owner) and Alan King (trainer) of winning horse, Raya Star. The award was presented by Edith Russell, wife of Ian Macleod Distillers Chairman Peter Russell, owner of Isle of Skye Scotch Whisky.

Scotland’s leading National Hunt yard, Arlary House has earned a strong reputation, sending out winners the length and breadth of Britain, from Perth to Cheltenham. It has been a record-breaking season for Arlary House, having over 55 race wins, including Brindisi Breeze, who won the Albert Bartlett 3 mile Novice Hurdle at this year’s Cheltenham Festival race – the first Scottish Cheltenham winner for 10 years. Brindisi Breeze is owned by Sandy Seymour from St Andrews, was ridden by Campbell Gillies from Haddington and trained by Lucinda Russell, both of whom are sponsored by Isle of Skye Scotch Whisky.

Lucinda Russell owner of Arlary House Stables and winner of the Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Scottish Jump Trainers’ Championship Award 2011/12, said: “I’m really proud to have won this prestigious award. The hard work of the Arlary team and support from everyone, including the Scottish public and especially Isle of Skye Whisky has been incredible.

Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, commented: “We’re delighted that Lucinda Russell has won this year’s Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Scottish Jump Trainers’ Championship Award.”

“This is the second year that we’ve sponsored the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr Racecourse. The event’s values of tradition and excellence sit neatly with the exceptional qualities Isle of Skye 8 Years Old Blended Scotch Whisky possesses. Both are in perfect synergy in terms of their Scottish roots, passionate commitment to achieving excellence and determination to be the best.”

The Scottish Champion Hurdle was first run in 1966 when the winner was Blue Venom. It was awarded Grade 2 status in 1991 and was run on the opening day of the two day Scottish Grand National meeting until 1994 when it moved to the Saturday.

Isle of Skye Whisky is also the official Whisky Partner of Scottish Racing which encompasses all five of Scotland’s racecourses – Ayr, Hamilton Park, Kelso, Musselburgh and Perth. The sponsorship is part of the brand development for Isle of Skye, raising the profile of the award-winning Blended Scotch throughout Scotland’s racecourses and beyond.

For further information visit: www.isleofskyewhisky.com

For UK distribution of Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky and all other Ian Macleod brands, contact Alan Wardrop, UK Sales Manager, Ian Macleod Distillers, 01506 852205 www.ianmacleod.com

Notes

Images:

Image 1: First Minister, Alex Salmond, presents the Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Scottish Jump Trainers’ Championship Award to Scotland’s number one National Hunt trainer, Lucinda Russell

Image 2: Edith Russell (wife of Ian Macleod Distillers Chairman Peter Russell, owner of Isle of Skye Whisky) presenting the Isle of Skye Blended Scotch Whisky Scottish Champion Hurdle Trophy. (L-R) Robert Thornton (jockey), Edith Russell, Simon Munir (owner) & Alan King (trainer)

Isle of Skye blended Scotch whisky is available in 8 Years Old, limited edition 21 and 50 Years Old. An exceptionally smooth and mellow Scotch whisky containing a high proportion of carefully selected Island and Speyside Malts, the 8 Years Old has been described by whisky expert Jim Murray, as “an absolute must for any Islay-philes out there – in fact, a must for everybody. Your taste buds are beaten up and caressed simultaneously. One of the most enormous yet brilliantly balanced whiskies in the world.”

The Isle of Skye 8 Years Old is available in a range of sizes – (1.5 litre, 35cl and 5cl) and 70cl in Tesco and Asda etc.

1

KENTUCKY LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, LOUISVILLE MAYOR JOIN HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES, INC. ANNOUNCING DOWNTOWN LOUISVILLE ATTRACTION THE EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON EXPERIENCE™

LOUISVILLE, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., along with Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, announced today in Louisville the September 2013 opening of The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ will be a multi-million dollar artisanal distillery, immersive tourism experience and retail location which will celebrate the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first distiller and namesake of Heaven Hill’s flagship Bourbon brand. Heaven Hill Distilleries—the largest family owned and operated distilled spirits company in the country, and producers of Evan Williams, the second largest selling Bourbon in the United States and the world—will be renovating their historic building at 528 West Main Street, in the heart of what was once called “Whiskey Row” in Louisville. Evan Williams, who also served as an early Trustee of the City of Louisville, served as wharfmaster, and built the first county clerk’s office and city jail, set up his early distillery in 1783 near what is now 6th and Main Streets in downtown Louisville—almost directly across Main Street from where the new attraction will be located.

The highlight of The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ will be a fully functioning, artisanal pot still distillery, viewable to visitors and capable of producing a range of American Whiskey types and styles. The gleaming copper pot stills are a modern version of the same type of equipment Evan Williams himself set up in his distillery along the Ohio River over 200 years ago.

The signature feature of The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ will be the façade of the building, which will feature a five story high Evan Williams Bourbon bottle. The pouring bottle will be reproduced as window graphics in the top three floors, but becomes three dimensional in the two lower floors as the neck of the bottle and a large glass in the lobby form a flowing “Bourbon fountain.”

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ will offer guests guided, immersive tours where they are brought back in time to see Evan Williams’ original distillery, Louisville wharf scenes and high definition video renderings of turn-of-the-century Whiskey Row. A dioramic video wall display allows guests to see how Heaven Hill’s modern Bernheim Distillery operates and how it is different from those in Evan Williams’ era, and then visitors will get to see a combination of the two—a state-of-the-art modern distillery using the same types of pot stills used in early Bourbon-making days.

Displays on warehouses and aging will also be included, and guests of legal drinking age will have the opportunity to enjoy a tutored tasting of premium Bourbons in two different themed tasting rooms. One of these tasting rooms will be modeled after the interior of the Philip Hollenbach Co. Whiskey Distributor that occupied the building prior to Heaven Hill’s acquisition over 70 years ago. In addition, a large retail area will offer a range of Evan Williams branded merchandise, specialty food products, and a number of Heaven Hill’s premium Bourbons and American Whiskeys for sale to the public. Finally, a “speakeasy” themed event space in the lower level will be available for corporate use, as well as public rental for special functions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Heaven Hill’s amazing addition to this historic section of Louisville,” said Lt. Gov. Abramson. “Downtown is growing into a popular destination for tourists and families, making for another bright spot in Kentucky’s rich tradition and history.”

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ is expected to attract in excess of 100,000 visitors annually, and will generate a significant amount of state and local tax revenue, as well as creating 14 new full time and nine part time jobs at the attraction. Heaven Hill was approved today by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority for economic incentives for the project.

“This is a great project, not only because of Heaven Hill’s significant investment and the jobs it will create, but for the history that is being reclaimed as the bourbon industry returns to Main Street in downtown Louisville,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer.

Heaven Hill has operated its Bourbon Heritage Center® in Bardstown as part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® attraction since 2004. Drawing over 70,000 visitors annually, it is the most visited attraction in Nelson County and a past winner of Whisky Magazine’s “Visitor Attraction of the Year” award at the magazine’s annual “Icons of Whisky” Awards. Heaven Hill also sponsors the Evan Williams Bourbon Bar on the lower level of the KFC Yum! Center, another high visibility venue in Louisville for one of the nation’s fastest growing high volume Bourbon brands, according to A.C. Nielsen.

“We at Heaven Hill Distilleries are so pleased to be able to announce this exciting new initiative for Louisville, for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and for our Evan Williams Bourbon brand,” stated Heaven Hill Executive Vice President Harry J. Shapira. “It brings together a lot of important economic development, tourism and historical forces—an important new manufacturing and distillation facility, a major Louisville and Kentucky-themed attraction, and the history of Whiskey Row and Evan Williams as an important Louisville figure and early distiller. 122 years ago, when this building was first constructed, this area of Main Street was an important center of commerce for the Bourbon industry, and now Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first commercial distiller, is coming back home to his original locale. We are looking forward to the same kind of success and accolades with the new Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ that we have been fortunate enough to receive for our Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown.”

“This is an exciting time for the Commonwealth and Heaven Hill,” said Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear in a prepared statement. “Heaven Hill’s growing presence only adds to the appeal of downtown Louisville and means new jobs for Kentucky families and a boost to our economy. The Bourbon industry is one of Kentucky’s signature industries and plays a vital role in Kentucky’s economic success, representing thousands of jobs and producing millions of dollars in incomes.”

IMAGE CUTLINE: (L to R) Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. President Max Shapira, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Executive Vice President Harry Shapira, and Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson, unveil The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™. Slated to open in Downtown Louisville in September 2013, The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ will be a multi-million dollar artisanal distillery, immersive tourism experience and retail location which will celebrate the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first distiller and namesake of Heaven Hill’s flagship Bourbon brand. Heaven Hill Distilleries—the largest family owned and operated distilled spirits company in the country, and producers of Evan Williams, the second largest selling Bourbon in the United States and the world—will be renovating their historic building at 528 West Main Street, in the heart of what was once called “Whiskey Row” in Louisville.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely

JACK DANIEL’S TENNESSEE HONEY INTRODUCES NEW SIZES

New 100 ml, 200 ml and 1.75 Liter Sizes Offered to Increase Convenience and Retail Presence for Top-Selling New Spirit

LYNCHBURG, TENN., (APRIL 2012) – The growing number of consumers who enjoy Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey will soon have more options when it’s time for their next purchase. Beginning in May, the leading seller in the increasingly-popular flavored whiskey category will be available in 100 ml, 200 ml and 1.75 liter bottles.

Launched nationally in April 2011 as the first new offering from the Jack Daniel Distillery in nearly a generation, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey is crafted with world-renowned Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey and mingled with a proprietary honey liqueur resulting in a unique, smooth offering. It was initially introduced in the U.S. in 50 ml, 375 ml, 750 ml and 1-liter bottle sizes.

“Due to the incredible consumer reception, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey was the #1 new spirit of 2011,” said Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Brand Manager Casey Nelson. “The new sizes give our friends additional choices and more convenient ways to enjoy Tennessee Honey.”

Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey was ranked the top new spirit in the U.S.* and was launched in Canada during October 2011.

Fly Straight. Drink Responsibly.

* Source: AC Nielsen, New Spirits Brands Past 12-mo Dollar & 9L Case Sales, Ending 3.3.12

About Jack Daniel’s
Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey-Based Ready-to-Drink Beverages and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails.

BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY WHISKIES EARN HIGH PRAISE IN ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (April, 2012) –The winners from the 2012 Ultimate Spirits Challenge have been announced, and both 1792 Ridgemont Reserve and Kentucky Tavern Kentucky Straight Bourbons from the Barton 1792 Distillery received high honors.

1792 Bourbon was named a Finalist for the Chairman’s Trophy for Bourbon. It was awarded a rating of 95 points and given an “Extraordinary; Ultimate Recommendation.” The judges’ tasting notes for this small batch bourbon noted, “It finishes crisp and full.”

Kentucky Tavern Bourbon, a newcomer to the Ultimate Spirits Competition, garnered a rating of 92 points and an “Excellent/Strong Recommendation.” Judges noted this bourbon had, “lots of pleasing fruit aromas – banana, apple, cherry – and a moderate vanilla sweetness.”

2012 was the third year for the Ultimate Spirits Competition and 36 different bourbon brands were entered in the prestigious competition, founded by noted spirits writer Paul Pacult. The Competition was held last month in New York City. Full results of the USC can be found at http://www.ultimate-beverage.com/the-results/2012-spirits-results/

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands of Kentucky, with facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, a family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the only fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” 1792 Ridgemont Reserve Bourbon whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This small batch Bourbon whiskey is the recent winner of a double gold medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. To learn more about the Distillery visit www.1792bourbon.com

Jim Beam Unleashes Highly Anticipated Devil’s Cut on Australia

Jim Beam is expecting a hot reception to the Australian release of their new premium bourbon; Devil’s Cut. In an innovative first, Jim Beam uses a unique proprietary process to extract bourbon from the wood of the barrel before blending it with six year old Jim Beam, resulting in a deep, dark flavour and aroma that bourbon consumers won’t be able to resist.

Devil’s Cut plays on the notion of the “Angel’s Share” in bourbon making; the portion of liquid lost to evaporation. After ageing, when the bourbon is emptied from the barrels, a certain amount of whiskey is left trapped within the wood. It’s that liquid, and the rich, wicked flavours it has developed that are extracted to blend with a six year old Jim Beam Bourbon, producing the 90 proof Devil’s Cut.

Ray Noble, Brand Director of Bourbon, believes Devil’s Cut will encourage bourbon aficionados to invest in premium Jim Beam products.

“Following the product’s success in the US, Australians have been eagerly waiting for it to hit the shelves here – the intrigue from consumers through social media and in-store has been overwhelming. It’s exciting to be able to finally offer bourbon lovers of Australia our Jim Beams Devil’s Cut which will definitely appeal to people who are looking for a bourbon product with a more robust flavour, excitement and depth, ” said Noble.

With Australian’s love of bourbon, the Jim Beam team is optimistic that bourbon enthusiasts will appreciate the intense notes of wood, oak and vanilla, derived from the charred oak barrel, that Devil’s Cut has to offer, and is best enjoyed neat, on the rocks or mixed with cola or dry.

Devil’s Cut will make up one of the six characters in Jim Beam’s latest promotion, The Vegas Job. One lucky Australian will be flown to Las Vegas, along with five of their friends, to engage in a series of daring stunts in order to retrieve the stolen Jim Beam recipe and the chance to win up to $50,000. Each contestant will be matched with the Jim Beam product that best suits their personality, playing on the brand characteristics of Jim Beam Honey, Jim Beam Black Cherry, Jim Beam White, Jim Beam Black and Jim Beam Bonded.

To find out more about Devil’s Cut, along with The Vegas Job, visit Jim Beam’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/JimBeamAustralia and the Australia website: http://www.jimbeam.com.au

Devil’s Cut will be unleashed on all good liquor stores for a RRP $49.99.

About Beam Inc.

As one of the world’s leading premium spirits companies, Beam is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac,

Teacher’s Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, EFFEN Vodka, Pucker Flavored Vodka, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC, DeKuyper Cordials, and Skinnygirl Cocktails. Beam is focused on delivering superior performance with its unique combination of scale with agility and a strategy of Creating Famous Brands, Building Winning Markets and Fueling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,200 passionate associates worldwide generated 2011 sales of $2.8 billion, volume of 34 million 9-liter cases and some of the industry’s fastest growing innovations.

Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEAM and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index. For more information on Beam, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.