Organisation of The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show continues apace and we are happy to announce the latest group of new exhibitors who will be attending in October.

Joining 45 other whisky companies and brands will be LVMH with Ardbeg and Glenmorangie; Whyte & Mackay with their blended whisky as well as Isle of Jura and Dalmore; Springbank, also with Longrow and Hazelburn; Grant’s with Glenfiddich and Balvenie; The Scotch Malt Whisky Society; and Compass Box.

Even with 60 confirmed brands at The Show we expect to announce further new exhibitors over the coming months, as well as information about our Masterclasses and other secrets that we’ve been quietly organising. Further news will appear on http://www.whisky-show.com and you can find a full list of exhibitors at http://www.whisky-show.com/exhibitors.

The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show takes place on the weekend of the 6th and 7th of October 2012 and tickets are available from http://www.whisky-show.com/tickets, priced £99 per day or £185 for the weekend.

Notes:

Media Enquiries:
The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show: Oliver Chilton (Ollie@whisky-show.com) on 0207 403 8688

Siren Communications: Stacey Stockwell stacey.stockwell@sirencomms.com  or Emma Mathews emma.mathews@sirencomms.com on 020 8237 1210

Alternatively visit http://www.whisky-show.com for full information on the Show

To register for the trade and media day on Monday 8 October 2012 please visit http://www.whisky-show.com/trade-registration/

About The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show:

. The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show consumer sessions will take place on:
Saturday 6th October 12:00pm-6.00pm
Sunday 7th October 12:00pm-6.00pm

. It will take place at Vinopolis, situated near London Bridge.
. All food and drink (apart from ‘Dream Drams’, see below) is included in the price of admission.
. A small number of rare and expensive ‘Dream Drams’, which have ranged in price in previous years from £500 to over £3000 per bottle, will be available to try on presentation of tokens. Each visitor will receive a token with admission and further tokens can be bought at the Show.
. Tickets will include a two course meal designed by renowned whisky and food expert Martine Nouet.
. Masterclass events are still to be announced, but in the past have included tastings led by writers Dave Broom, Serge Valentin and Charles Maclean; Whyte & Mackay Master Blender Richard Paterson; Gordon & Macphail Managing Director David Urquhart; Glenfarclas Sales Director George Grant; and brand ambassadors including Highland Park’s Gerry Tosh and Diageo’s Colin Dunn. These have covered a wide range of whiskies from the impressive to the fabled, including Dalmore’s 50 year old Candela and Gordon & Macphail’s Glenlivet 70 year old.
. Tickets will be on sale through http://www.whisky-show.com in Spring 2012.

About Vinopolis:

Vinopolis has been established as an exhibition centre and tasting venue for wines and spirits since 1999, and is located in the arches of a Victorian railway viaduct built in 1866. With its soaring vaulted arches and perfect location adjacent to the world-famous Borough Market and London Bridge, Vinopolis is the ideal setting for The Whisky Exchange Whisky Show.

With its nearby transport links and accommodation, Vinopolis is easy to get to for people attending from in and around London, as well as being highly convenient for visitors and exhibitors travelling to the event from further afield.

2011 testimonials:

Fantastic event, feel I have learnt so much in a short space of time. The Masterclasses have been excellent. bring on next year!
Dawn Davies, Selfridges

Well organised on the two days. Good, engaged consumers who wanted to learn…
Jamie Milne, Glenfiddich

I was quite amazed at the mix of people attending, from the London-based enthusiasts to the Scandinavians who appeared in force, to the Russian who flew in from Portugal and planned his holiday around the event…!
Alistair Mutch, Tomatin Distillery

Excellent show as always, well done Sukhinder & gang…
Serge Valentin, Whiskyfun.com

I look back on a great day with fond memories of all the fabulous whiskies that I have sampled. You have certainly set a high standard for next year’s event…
Jochem van Hove, Consumer

SOUTHERN COMFORT DEBUTS LINGO COPS CAMPAIGN

Becomes First Spirits Brand To Use Crowdsourced TV Spots

June, 2012, LOUISVILLE, KY – Southern Comfort is debuting a two month national television and online video campaign to support the Southern Comfort and Cola call drink. The “Lingo Cops” series begins airing the week of June 4.

After conducting a crowdsourcing assignment for the newest Southern Comfort advertising campaign, the “Lingo Cops” series was selected. People submitted their commercials through Poptent (www.poptent.com), an online community of creative videographers looking to have their ideas and work adopted by major brands and high-profile organizations. The assignment asked creators to put together a 30-second spot messaging “Southern Comfort & Cola” to consumers. The selected series will help launch the Southern Comfort & Cola ad campaign through the summer via broadcast TV and online digital media. The spots can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/southerncomfort

Poptent member RezFX, a three-person production group based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, conceived and developed three parallel “Lingo Cops” spots to drive user engagement and get consumer input on a new drink name for Southern Comfort & Cola. The first will air on TV, asking viewers to check-out Facebook, where two other ads further drive engagement around the new drink name.

“While Southern Comfort is one of the most versatile spirits on the market, the simple Southern Comfort & Cola has long been a signature drink for the brand,” said John Tichenor, VP, Group Brand Director, Southern Comfort. “This new ad campaign highlights how well SoCo & Cola go together in a humorous way through the introduction of the Lingo Cops.”

The two month national television buy will include commercials on ESPN, TBS, FX, NBC Sports Network, Comedy Central along with the first ever network TV airing for Southern Comfort on late night programs. Two versions of the commercial will air, one messaging Southern Comfort and Cola while another will message Southern Comfort Bold Black Cherry, a new product launching this summer from Southern Comfort.

About Southern Comfort

Southern Comfort®, a fruit, spice, and whiskey flavored liqueur, was created in New Orleans by bartender M.W. Heron in 1874. Today, it is enjoyed by friends in over 100 countries around the world and continues to grow as an icon brand. Please visit us at SouthernComfort.com and facebook.com/southerncomfort.

About Poptent

Poptent (www.poptent.com) is a global video production company which harnesses the collective skills of a powerful social network of nearly 50,000 videographers in 140 countries to produce commercials and other video assets for Fortune 500 brands and agencies. Providing end-to-end video services, Poptent works with clients to develop high-quality commercials and other video content with unprecedented speed and at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. Brands which “Poptent” their videos have access to Poptent’s global creative talent pool and take advantage of its attendant treasure trove of creative ideas. Poptent creators benefit through industry networking and the other resources available to them at Poptent, and by having their work seen, reviewed and potentially purchased by leading brands and ad agencies. Poptent’s principal offices are in Southern California and suburban Philadelphia, with regional sales offices in New York, Chicago, and other key US markets. The company also opened an office in Sao Paulo, Brazil in mid-2011.

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society

The Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship 2012

Winners Announced

On Friday 15th June, whisky enthusiasts from all over Australia flew in to compete in the biennial Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship. A major event on the Australian whisky calendar ever since 1989, this year a record 64 competitors and a large number of spectators gathered in the Dinosaur Gallery at The Australian Museum in Sydney to put their tastebuds to the test and find out who would be the newly-crowned Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Champion.

With everyone seated, competitors had 30 minutes to assess the eight whiskies poured before them in a blind-tasting format. Each competitor was provided with a list of nine possible whiskies – the eight on the table, plus one red herring. The task was to correctly identify which whisky was which.

This year’s line up of whiskies featured a large number of Speyside malts that were similar in style, and it took some pretty experienced and knowledgeable palates to discern them apart. And so to the winners:

Alan Forrest, a third time competitor from Adelaide, took out the title with a clear winning margin. Alan’s reward, apart from significant bragging rights, is two places on The Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s upcoming “Ultimate Whisky Tour to Tasmania”, including airfares & accommodation. 1st prize is valued at over $3,500.

The defending Champion from 2010, Jack Turek from Sydney, showed that his previous victory was no fluke by again featuring on the podium, this time taking out 2nd place. Jack’s prize was a selection of rare Scotch Malt Whisky Society whiskies, valued at over $1,000.

First time competitor, Simon Clarke from Sydney, made an impressive debut, taking out 3rd place. Jack and Simon were tied on equal points after the main round, and it took a hard-fought taste-off to split them for the minor placings. Simon’s prize is a series of tickets to attend upcoming whisky tasting events held by The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, valued at over $350.

At the conclusion of the competition, all participants and spectators retreated to the other end of the Dinosaur Gallery for an impressive afterparty, which was generously sponsored by William Grant & Sons, through their flagship single malts Glenfiddich & Balvenie. In addition to serving a great line up of malts from both of these distilleries, they also served up a number of delicious whisky cocktails and whisky chocolates, again using Glenfiddich malt as the key ingredient. The party kicked on into the night…

Notes

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society began in the late 1970’s when a group of discerning friends in Edinburgh bought a single cask of malt whisky and shared it amongst themselves. The group of friends grew and grew, with subsequent cask purchases, and in 1983, the group syndicated as a Society.

Today, the Society has over 25,000 members around the world with branches in 14 countries. It bottles over 300 single casks a year for its members from a range of more than 129 distilleries.

Members can choose from the world’s widest selection of single cask, single malt whiskies with only the very best selected and approved by the Society’s respected Tasting Panel.

The Society has been active in Australia since 2002, holding extremely popular and well-attended frequent whisky tasting nights in each of the capital cities around Australia all through the year for both its members and the general public.

The Australian Malt Whisky Tasting Championship is a blind tasting competition that has been run in Australia since 1989. It was held annually in Adelaide from 1989 until 2002, then was in recess for six years until the Scotch Malt Whisky Society resurrected the competition in 2008. It is open to national and international competitors, and is now a biennial event held in Sydney.

Photographs from the event will be available very shortly.

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™