Scott set for Korean return at Ballantine’s Championship

Adam Scott is hoping to continue his fine record on Asian soil when he makes his debut in the Ballantine’s Championship at the Blackstone Golf Club, in Korea, from April 26-29.

Four of Scott’s eight European Tour victories have been in Asia, and with the Ballantine’s Championship celebrating its fifth anniversary this year the World Number 11 is targeting a fifth European Tour title of his own in the continent.

The 31 year old from Adelaide will head to Korea in good form after a wonderful 2011 season in which he finished joint runner-up behind Charl Schwartzel in the Masters Tournament before winning the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

After a share of 11th place in the WGC – Cadillac Championship a fortnight ago, Scott returns to Augusta National next month before travelling to Korea for the €2,205,000 Ballantine’s Championship aiming to follow in the footsteps of his compatriot Marcus Fraser, who won the title in 2010.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back to Korea and playing in the Ballantine’s Championship,” said Scott. “It’s been a long time since I played in Korea – I think 2002 was my last visit – so it is certainly time for me to go back and hopefully challenge for a championship.

“My form this season has been okay. I haven’t played that much, but I’m planning on really getting into it now and kicking off for a run at the Masters, the Ballantine’s Championship and beyond. So I have been pacing myself a little bit, but I am hoping to pick up on where I left off last year.

“From what I’ve heard, everything about the Ballantine’s Championship in Korea is just like their whisky – it is of the highest calibre. Everything they do, from the way the players are treated to the overall experience for the fans, is first rate.”

In addition to the strong international line-up that includes Open Champion Darren Clarke, Ryder Cup stars Miguel Angel Jiménez and Ian Poulter, and American Dustin Johnson, Scott is expecting a strong home challenge for the title led by 2009 US PGA Champion YE Yang.

Scott has first-hand experience of the strength of Korean golf from the Presidents Cup, and he is impressed by what he has seen on the world stage.

“Golf is growing fast globally and certainly in Asia,” he said. “I have played a lot of golf in Asia and it’s a fantastic environment. The fans are enthusiastic and they have a lot to be enthusiastic about with world class golfers being produced on a yearly basis.

“Obviously YE Yang winning a Major Championship was a big coup and they also have young guys like Noh (Seung-yul), who is an exceptional talent and who is going to be a world beater one day. The sport is growing fast in Korea, it’s getting a lot of support and that’s good to see.

“YE Yang is a real professional who works very hard. He has a fantastic short game and is a very consistent ball striker. You saw that when he came down the stretch and won the US PGA Championship. He hit a lot of great shots, chipping in on the back nine, and he really showed off his short game. He is a fantastic golfer and he has a lot more good golf ahead of him for sure.”

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

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013
• Ballantine’s is an official sponsor of the Barclay’s Scottish Open & The Mission Hills Golf World Cup
• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

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.

Best of Class

Artisan Distilled Whiskey
Corsair Artisan Distillery – Grainiac 9 Grain Bourbon

Artisan Merchant Bottled
Smooth Ambler Spirits Co – Old Scout Straight Bourbon Whiskey

WHISKEY 

CLEAR WHISKEY

Silver Medal

Copper Fox Distillery – Wasmund’s Rye Spirit

Deerhammer Distilling Company – Whitewater Whiskey

Tennessee Distilling Company – Collier & McKeel Charcoal Mellowed   White Dog

Dark Horse Distillery – Long Shot White Whiskey

Bronze Medal

High West Distillery – High West Silver Whiskey – OMG Pure Rye

Finger Lakes Distillery – White Pike Whiskey

CORN WHISKEY

Gold Medal, Best of Category

Limestone Branch Distillery – T.J. Pottinger Moonshine

Silver Medal

Asheville Distilling Company – Troy & Sons Moonshine

Colorado Gold Distillery – Colorado’s Own Corn Whiskey
Dark Corner Distillery – Moonshine Corn Whiskey

Bronze Medal

Balcones Distillery – Balcones True Blue
Kings County Distillery – Kings County Moonshine
Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery – Corn Whiskey
Pinchgut Hollow Distillery – Corn Shine

BOURBON

Gold Medal, Best of Category

Corsair Artisan Distillery – Grainiac 9 Grain Bourbon

Silver Medal

Corsair Artisan Distillery – Nashville Bourbon
Tuthilltown Spirits – Hudson Whiskey Four Grain Bourbon

Bronze Medal

Kings County Distillery – Kings County Bourbon
Tuthilltown Spirits – Hudson Baby Bourbon

STRAIGHT BOURBON

Silver Medal, Best of Category,

Colorado Gold Distillery – Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Silver Medal

Ballast Point Spirits – Devil’s Share Whiskey

Bronze Medal

Peach Street Distillers – Colorado Straight Bourbon

Malt Whiskey

Gold Medal, Best of Category

Golden Distillery – Samish Bay Single Malt Whiskey

Silver Medal

Golden Distillery – Samish Bay Whiskey Reserve
Rogue Ales & Spirits – Oregon Single Malt Whiskey

Bronze Medal

Corsair Artisan Distillery – Pils American Malt Whiskey
New Holland Artisan Spirits – Double Down Barley
Rogue Ales & Spirits – Dead Guy Whiskey

STRAIGHT MALT WHISKEY

Gold Medal, Best of Category

Ballast Point Spirits – Devil’s Share Whiskey

Silver Medal

Edgefield Distillery – Hogshead Whiskey
New Holland Artisan Spirits – Zeppelin Bend
Rye Whiskey

Silver Medal, Best of Category

Breuckelen Distilling – 77 Whiskey

Silver Medal

1512 Spirits – Aged Rye Whiskey
Corsair Artisan Distillery – 100% Rye
Corsair Artisan Distillery – Ryemageddon

NON-TYPICAL WHISKEY

Gold Medal, Best of Category

Balcones Distillery – ‘1’ Texas Single Malt

Gold Medal

1512 Spirits – Signature Poitin

Silver Medal

Corsair Artisan Distillery – Oatmeal Stout Whiskey
Corsair Artisan Distillery – PreProhibition American Malt Whiskey
Florida Farm Distillers – Palm Ridge Reserve
Koval Distillery – Lion’s Pride, 47th Ward Whiskey
Old Sugar Distillery – Queen Jennie Sorghum Whiskey
Glacier Distilling Company – Wheatfish Whiskey

Bronze Medal

Corsair Artisan Distillery – Quinoa & Barley Whiskey
Corsair Artisan Distillery – Triticale & Barley Whiskey
Koval Distillery – Lion’s Pride Millet Whiskey
Middle West Spirits – OYO Whiskey

SMOKED WHISKEY

Silver Medal, Best of Category

Balcones Distillery – Brimstone

Silver Medal

Corsair Artisan Distillery – Oak Smoked Wheat Whiskey
Corsair Artisan Distillery – Cherrywood Smoke

Bronze Medal

Corsair Artisan Distillery – Triple Smoke
Square One Brewery & Distillery – JJ Neukomm Malt whiskey

HOPPED WHISKEY

Gold Medal, Best of Category

Corsair Artisan Distillery – Citra Whiskey

Silver Medal

Spirits of St. Louis – Hopskey

Bronze Medal

Corsair Artisan Distillery – Elderflower Bohemian Whiskey

FLAVORED WHISKEY

Bronze Medal

Corsair Artisan Distillery – Old Punk

Artisan Merchant Bottled Whiskey

Gold Medal, Best of Category

Smooth Ambler Spirits Co – Old Scout Bourbon Whiskey

Gold Medal

Bull Run Distillery – Temperance Trader Bourbon

Bronze Medal

Great Lakes Distillery, LLC – Kinnickinnic Whiskey

THE FAMOUS GROUSE EXPERIENCE CELEBRATES 10TH BIRTHDAY

The Famous Grouse Experience is celebrating its 10th birthday this year and to mark this milestone the distillery is launching a new Celebration Tour that will run from April through to the end of the year.

Glenturret Distillery is the oldest working and most visited distillery in Scotland and 10 years ago also became the spiritual home of Scotland’s favourite whisky when The Famous Grouse Experience opened its doors on the historic site.

A decade after first opening to the public, The Famous Grouse Experience has seen close to one million visitors through its doors and boasts a number of accolades including winning a BAFTA in 2007 and receiving the 5* visitor attraction rating from Visit Scotland for the last 16 years.

The Celebration Tour gives visitors the chance to learn about the highly skilled blending process used to make The Famous Grouse, as well as the traditional production of Glenturret single malt, one of the malts used to make The Famous Grouse. Following a tour of the distillery and the interactive zone visitors will be taken to the tasting bar to sample a superb selection of whiskies including: The Famous Grouse Celebration Blend, Highland Park 25 year old, The Famous Grouse Gold Reserve and The Naked Grouse.

Tracy McCafferty, General Manager of The Famous Grouse Experience, commented: “This year marks a great milestone for us and the launch of our fantastic new Celebration Tour is just one of the activities we will be organising to mark our 10th birthday. We have welcomed visitors from all across the world over the past 10 years and hope many old and new visitors will come along to help us celebrate this special year.”

The Celebration Tour costs just £14.95 and includes five whisky samples.

About The Famous Grouse (www.thefamousgrouse.com)

The Famous Grouse is the no. 1 whisky in Scotland and no. 6 blended whisky worldwide.
The Famous Grouse has been the best selling whisky in Scotland since 1980.
The Famous Grouse is exported to over 100 countries.
Created in 1896 by founder Matthew Gloag, it was originally called The Grouse Brand.
The brand became so popular that on August 12th 1905 it was renamed The Famous Grouse
The Famous Grouse Experience is located at Scotland’s oldest working distillery – Glenturret. Originally established as a single malt distillery in 1775, today
The Famous Grouse Experience is the most visited distillery in Scotland. (www.thefamousgrouse.com/experience)

About The Famous Grouse Experience

The Famous Grouse Experience is located at Scotland’s oldest working distillery – Glenturret. Originally established as a single malt distillery in 1775, today The Famous Grouse Experience is the most visited distillery in Scotland (receiving an average of 100,000 visitors a year).
The distillery offers the opportunity to learn about how a single malt is made in the traditional way, as well as learning about where some of the Glenturret single malt ends up – in the blending of The Famous Grouse.
Not only is The Experience an attraction for tourists, offering three types of tours – ‘The Experience’, ‘The Celebration Tour’ and ‘Warehouse no. 9’ – as well as a cafe and shop, it also caters for corporate functions and private hire. The Experience has conference facilities for team meetings and away days and can be used in the evenings for events catering for up to 275 (248 seated).
· The visitor attraction has received a number of prestigious awards in recent years including three consecutive Thistle Awards in 2007, 2008 and 2009, for People Development, Customer Service and Business Tourism respectively. In addition to this it has been awarded Perthshire Chamber of Commerce Star Awards for Customer Service and Retail in November 2008, Customer Service in 2009 and Training and Development in 2011.

· Opening Hours 9am – 6pm. First Tour 9.30am & Last Tour 4.30pm. Tours from £7.50. Children under 12 go free. For more information please visit www.thefamousgrouse.com/ visit-us or call 01764 656565.

A Smith Bowman Distillery Opening Gift Shop and Tour Operation

Grand Opening Will Be Held April 19th at Noon

Fredericksburg, VA. (April 2012) – A. Smith Bowman Distillery, long known as a producer of fine bourbon whiskey, is adding tourism to its portfolio. A new visitor center and tour program will kick off April 19th at its location in Fredericksburg.

On the guided tour, visitors will have a chance to explore the A. Smith Bowman museum, see “Mary,” the unique copper still, visit the barrel aging warehouse, and end in the gift shop, which contains A. Smith Bowman signed bottles by Master Distiller Truman Cox and other gifts. Tours are complimentary and run Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and by appointment.

Gary Skinner, Spotsylvania board of supervisors, Lee Hill district supervisor will join Truman Cox, master distiller, A. Smith Bowman Distillery, for the ribbon cutting at noon on April 19th.

Who: A. Smith Bowman Distillery

What: Grand Opening of Visitor Center and Tourism Operation

When: April 19, 2012 at noon

Where: One Bowman Drive, Fredericksburg, VA in Spotsylvania County

Why: To offer visitors a unique opportunity to visit one of Virginia’s finest Distilleries!

Note: This event is a private party for media personnel and special invitees only. It is not open to the general public.

About A. Smith Bowman

Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition. In 1935, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition of the distillation of bourbon. The original Distillery was located on the Bowman family homestead in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm. In response to the rapid growth of Northern Virginia, the Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com

For people with a passion for authentic Scottish pourings, there can be no more important event this spring than the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival (3rd-7th May).

The five-day festival is one of the most important on the whisky calendar and a ‘must’ for all devotees of the dram. Speyside boasts over half of Scotland’s distilleries which produce 7 of the top 10 best selling single malt whiskies in the world, and the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival offers an unrivalled opportunity to uncover the unique culture and heritage of Scotland’s famed whisky country.

Visitors with all levels of experience of enjoying whisky can join interesting, instructional and inspirational events – from distillery tours offering an insight into some of Speyside’s most famous names including Cardhu, Glen Grant, The Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, The Macallan and Benromach, as well as a number usually closed to the public such as Glen Elgin, Glenlossie and Mannochmore, Glen Spey, Speyburn and The Glenrothes, to masterclasses and demonstrations exploring the arts behind the creation of the traditional Scottish tipple.

Festival-goers will be initiated into the Speyside whisky secrets and immersed in the culture of whisky country – with ample opportunity to explore the stunning surroundings as well and the chance to discover the passion behind the world’s finest whiskies from some of the industry’s finest experts, from blenders to coopers and mashmen to managers.

Serious sippers can choose from a number of tours and tastings, hosted by those in the know at the area’s 50+ distilleries. Guests keen to hone their nosing and tasting tactics can choose to attend events designed to develop their understanding of the dram including the chance to sample award-winning offerings at Benromach or Gordon and MacPhail and introductions to the process behind famous name pourings such as Glenlivet and Glenfiddich and Chivas (complete with a chance to sample a selection of the products).

And visitors can take an inside look at an independent distillery at Glenfarclas, which will also be offering an opportunity to enjoy the “Chairman’s Reserve” – sampling single cask offerings from four key years as well as the spirit picked to celebrate 175 successful years at the stills.

For whisky-loving foodies there are invites to enjoy a nip and a nibble, and to explore the relationship between the whisky makers and farmers who enjoy a special symbiosis on Speyside. Guests can enjoy perfectly married meals where courses are paired with exquisite expressions, visit whisky and food workshops and learn to match dishes and drams or take the ‘Plough to Plate’ tour to discover more about Speyside’s superlative produce.

Visitors who are hungry to learn more about the history and heritage of the Speyside spirit can follow in the footsteps of the Speyside smugglers, exploring the backcountry braes that housed the first illicit stills or spend an evening with Scottish “Whisky Bard” Robin Laing. Alternatively they can join respected industry author David Wishart, who will this year launch the 10th anniversary edition of his trusted tome Whisky Classified, as he explores the Wonderful World of Whisky.

And if all that education leaves fans and followers hankering for a bit of hands on experience, they are in luck, with a choice between events such as the ‘Blend it Like’ workshop at the Cardhu distillery (home of Johnnie Walker) and the chance to help choose bottlings at the Glenfarclas or Gordon and MacPhail distilleries.

Since taking part in tutorials, tours and tastings will likely see visitors exposed to more than just the “angel’s share” of this authentic Scottish spirit, a range of events in the open air are on offer to help festival goers keep clear heads – from stream train tours through the heart of stunning Speyside, to wildlife walks up the region’s famed “Whisky Mountain”, Ben Rinnes. Fans of the outdoors can also explore the area with guided Landrover trips, or experience the outdoors in an amphibious Argocat.

Festival Chairman Jim Royan said: “The Spirit of Speyside festival offers whisky lovers the chance to pursue their passion and deepen their understanding of the processes, place and people that make this authentic Scottish spirit.

“As always, tickets for our exclusive events are selling fast and we are looking forward to 2012 being our finest festival yet.”

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.

Chivas Regal Extends Support of Cannes Film Festival

Chivas Regal, the original luxury whisky, is set to reinforce its role as official partner of the Cannes Film Festival, after extending its support of the iconic event until at least 2014.

Now in its fourth year as official whisky partner, the new agreement will see Chivas Regal build on over a decade of association with the world’s most prestigious film festival.

In 2011, Chivas Regal launched a global partnership with charity FilmAid International in the presence of FilmAid supporter and legendary actor and director, Robert de Niro. The announcement was made at Chivas House on the famous Croisette with an initial $100,000 donation.

Since then, Chivas Regal has continued its support, most notably in December of last year at the Chivas Legends Dinner held in Dubai, where business leaders and luminaries including guest of honour, Sir David Frost, took part in a silent auction raising a further £60,000 for the charity.

Cannes 2012 will see Chivas Regal reaffirm its commitment to FilmAid with the unveiling of a new short film which aims to showcase the powerful work of FilmAid in its mission to help, educate and inspire communities in need through the power of film.

This, coupled with the increased presence during the festival fortnight, underlines Chivas Regal’s on-going commitment to cinema, explains James Slack, Global Brand Director, Chivas Regal:

“We are delighted to continue our support as official partner of the Cannes Film Festival. Like Cannes, Chivas Regal is synonymous with discerning style, luxury and legend, which makes this partnership a perfect one.”

Slack added: “Working alongside our partners FilmAid International, we look forward to bringing something special to this year’s festival, showcasing the incredible work of FilmAid and generosity of spirit at the heart of the Chivas Regal brand.”

At this year’s festival, Chivas will host film and cinema stars alongside pioneers of the industry from 18 countries for the duration of the festival which runs from 16th – 27th May.

Notes

About Chivas Regal
Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, selling 4.6 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old.

About 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.

For further information please visit www.chivasbrothers.com

Ballantine’s Marks Championship with very Rare Blend

Ballantine’s, the No 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia Pacific, has brought together Master Blender Sandy Hyslop and the winner of the 2011 Ballantine’s Championship, England’s Lee Westwood, to create the fifth Ballantine’s Championship Blend.

Launched to commemorate this year’s tournament, which takes place from 26th – 29th April 2012 at the Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, Korea, this exceptional limited edition continues the brand’s unique tradition of creating a rare and exclusive blend to mark one of Asia’s most prestigious golfing events.

The 2012 Ballantine’s Championship Blend contains a selection of the rarest whiskies, aged for at least 41 years. Only 10 individually numbered bottles of the whisky will be produced, and as reigning Ballantine’s Championship winner, Westwood will receive one. A bottle will also be reserved for the 2012 champion and another will be auctioned for charitable causes during the tournament.

The Ballantine’s Championship Blend is presented in a bottle adorned with a leather and gold metal band that enhances the blend’s prestige credentials. An outer case glorifies the bottle and has been crafted with a combination of wood and leather and decorated with two golden plaques featuring a note from Hyslop and Westwood who was ranked the world’s No 1 golfer when he won the 2011 Ballantine’s Championship. A leather bound booklet completes the luxurious presentation, and communicates Ballantine’s association with golf and the uniqueness of the blend.

Lee Westwood is only the third person outside Ballantine’s expert blending team to influence a Ballantine’s blend, with Northern Irish golfer Graeme McDowell and Australia’s Marcus Fraser having been granted the same privilege as previous winners of the Ballantine’s Championship in 2008 and 2010.

Master Blender Sandy Hyslop personally prepared a selection of extremely rare and high quality grain and malt whiskies and took Westwood through a tasting of each of them to assess which flavours he preferred. Westwood’s selection was carefully blended by Hyslop, who is delighted with the final result of their collaboration commenting: “It was an absolute pleasure for me to work with Lee. This is a superlative blend that has a real effortless and spicy character and, at 41 years of age, it is the first time we have produced a whisky as old and exclusive.”

Lee Westwood said: “It has been a real eye-opener. I didn’t realise the processes a blend has to go through to get to the final stage and I can appreciate the whisky much more now. The 2012 Ballantine’s Championship Blend is one of the rarest whiskies in the world so look out for it at the tournament in April.”

Peter Moore, Ballantine’s Global Brand Director, says: “We are delighted that the Ballantine’s Championship will be celebrated again with its very own exclusive whisky. This tradition is part of our long term investment in world class golf and highlights the shared flair and excellence of Ballantine’s and this prestigious sport.”

Since the inaugural event in 2008, many professional golfers have demonstrated their world-class talents at the Ballantine’s Championship and the tournament has made a lasting impression on Asian golf history. The brand is committed to the tournament until at least 2013.

Notes

Tasting Notes
Nose: This year’s blend is rich, fruity and incredibly smooth. Fantastic flavours of sweet tangy orange marmalade complemented with vanilla and cinnamon notes in abundance. This blend is extremely complex with layer after layer of soft fruit flavours (pears and peaches) and the faintest hint of ginger in the background.

Taste: Fruity in the extreme with honey, soft caramel and sweet moist raisin flavours. There is also a tantalizing background flavour of dark chocolate peppermint fondant sweets.

Finish: Very long and unbelievably smooth.

Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia Pacific and the range sells over 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.

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 Scotch.

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

For further information visit: www.chivasbrothers.com

Maker’s Mark’s Perfect Mint Julep Recipe for Derby Day

It’s time to press your seersucker suit and unpack your fanciest hat because racing around the corner comes the most exciting two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby on May 5th! More than just a sporting event, Derby is as much about fashion and sipping mint juleps as it is horse racing. So, what exactly is a mint julep? It sounds simple – ice, bourbon, sugar and mint – but the truth is there’s a lot of prep that goes into making this iconic drink correctly.

Maker’s Mark is one of Kentucky’s finest premium bourbons, handcrafted at the oldest operating bourbon distillery in the world. Rob Samuels, eighth generation distiller and grandson of Maker’s Mark Founder Bill Samuels Sr., has happily offered up his family’s personal recipe for The Perfect Mint Julep so that you can share it with our readers. (See below)

For those who don’t have enough time to make juleps, Rob suggests trying Maker’s 46 – the first new bourbon from Maker’s Mark in 52 years. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks, Maker’s 46 is finished with seared French oak staves and offers a bolder and more complex taste than the original Maker’s Mark. It has a rich, creamy caramel and vanilla flavor with a big, oaky finish.

For other great cocktail recipes using Maker’s Mark Bourbon, visit www.makersmark.com

“The Perfect Mint Julep”
(Serves 14-16)

Ingredients:

1 liter Maker’s Mark® Bourbon

Lots of fresh spearmint

Distilled water

Granulated sugar

Powdered sugar

To prepare the mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves – wash and place in a small mixing bowl. Cover with 3 ounces of Maker’s Mark. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then, gather the leaves in a clean, soap-free piece of cotton cloth and vigorously wring the mint bundle over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times. Then set aside.

To prepare the simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and one cup of water in a cooking pot. Heat to dissolve the sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.

To prepare the mint julep mixture, pour 3 ½ cups of Maker’s Mark into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. (Pour the remaining whisky from the liter bottle into another container and save it for another purpose). Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the Maker’s Mark.

Now, begin adding the mint extract a tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You may have to leave the room a time or two to clear your nose. The tendency is to use too much mint. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste – generally about 3 tablespoons.

When you think its right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to “marry” the flavors.

To serve the mint julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) half full with shaved ice. Insert a sprig of mint and then pack in more ice to about an inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to one inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.

When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice, add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice and serve.

Whisky ambassador receives two industry honours

Douglas Campbell, Brand Ambassador at Tomatin Distillery, is the proud recipient of two prestigious awards from the whisky industry, marking 50 years’ service at Tomatin Distillery.

Douglas has been inducted into Whisky Magazine’s ‘Hall of Fame’; a permanent tribute honouring those noteworthy individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the world of whisky. Having joined Tomatin in 1961 at the age of 15, Douglas progressed through almost every area in the distillery before being appointed Distillery Manager in 1990. He now promotes the brand worldwide in his current role of Brand Ambassador. The Hall of Fame honour was presented at the Waldorf Hilton in London on 22nd March 2012.

Induction into the Hall of Fame follows Douglas’ recent receipt of a Lifetime Achievement award from Whisky Advocate magazine, America’s leading whisky magazine in February 2012. Every year the magazine awards its
Lifetime Achievement Award to someone who has distinguished themselves in the industry over long years of service. Douglas has been selected by the magazine to receive the 18th annual award because in their view, “dedication such as his should not go unnoticed”.

Tomatin Distillery released a special limited edition whisky last year in recognition of Douglas’ 50 years’ service. Douglas himself created the single malt using whiskies distilled in each of the 5 decades he has worked at the
distillery, calling it ‘Decades’.

Robert Anderson, CEO of the Tomatin Group, commented: “Douglas had already contributed 27 years to Tomatin when I took up my post in 1988 and has therefore always been a great inspiration to me. ‘Decades’ was a fitting compliment to Douglas’ participation in the evolution of Tomatin, and these honours further highlight the dedication given by Douglas over the past 50 years. We couldn’t be prouder of him!”

Douglas added: “Even after 50 years I am still learning new things about the Scotch whisky industry, and most importantly, I still enjoy doing what I can to help promote the Tomatin product.”

Notes

 URLs:

http://www.whiskyadvocateblog.com/  

http://www.whiskymag.com/awards/hall_of_fame/
 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.
 Website: www.tomatin.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Tomatin1897 Twitter: www.twitter.com/Tomatin1897
 The distillery was established in 1897, and while historically the whisky produced was primarily sold for use in other brands of blended whisky, the company is now very focussed on growing the Tomatin single malt brand in its own right.
 The company’s most popular blends are The Antiquary, The Talisman and Big ‘T’.
 The distillery is owned by Japanese company Takara Shuzo: http://www.takarashuzo.co.jp/english/index.htm

Dunkeld Atholl Brose voted world’s best liqueur

Elgin based whisky, wine and spirit merchant, Gordon & MacPhail proudly announces Dunkeld Atholl Brose has been crowned ‘World’s Best Whisky Liqueur’ at the World Whisky Awards 2012.

More than 300 whiskies and liquors battled during three intensive blind tasting rounds to be crowned the World’s Best Whiskies. 

Judges for Whisky Magazine’s independent editorial panel were drawn from some of the best drinks journalists and retailers across the world, with industry representatives made up of master blenders, distillers and brand ambassadors in the final round. 

Inspired by an ancient Highland recipe, Dunkeld Atholl Brose is a delicious boutique liqueur that captures the best natural flavours of Scotland. A luxurious golden blend of single malt whisky, honey and carefully-selected herbs, Dunkeld Atholl Brose is a unique product steeped in Scottish history. 

David Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, said: “The World Whiskies Awards are one of the most high-profile and highly-regarded in the industry, so to have been presented with the title of ‘World’s Best  Whisky Liqueur’ really is a fantastic achievement, particularly when you consider that we were judged by a panel of senior industry representatives from around the world.” 

The World Whiskies Awards is the annual selection of the very best whiskies internationally with entries being received from Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, India, Ireland, Japan, Scotland, South Africa, Sweden, the USA and Wales. 

Categories are based upon the commonly held whisky groupings, which define both the style and the process of whisky and whisky production: single malt, blended, blended malt, grain, American and whisky liqueurs. 

Organised by Whisky Magazine, this annual competition selects, awards and promotes to consumers and trade the ‘World’s Best Whiskies’. 

The competition is open to proprietary bottlings only, and is chaired by Rob Allanson, Editor of Whisky Magazine, and exists to inform and educate consumers throughout the world about whisky. 

Notes 

Tasting Note: 

AROMA without water: Sweet, spicy and fruity – cloves and cinnamon, eucalyptus and menthol aromas. 

TASTE without water: Sweet, warming with menthol and peppermint notes. Spicy, herbal flavours and a subtle whisky edge. 

About Gordon &MacPhail:  

Gordon &MacPhail is an independent, family-owned spirit and wine merchant which has been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies. 

Since its foundation, Gordon &MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin. 

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon &MacPhail exports to more than 55 countries. It offers more than 450 presentations of own-bottled single malts and has a stock-holding of more than 700 whiskies. In 2009, Gordon &MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. 

In 1993 the company purchased Benromach Distillery in nearby Forres.  After extensively re-equipping the distillery over a five year period, Benromach was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in October 1998. The award-winning range includes Benromach 10 Years Old and Benromach Organic – the world’s first single malt to be certified by the Soil Association.