BENROMACH SSSHARE THE SECRET WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS NEW WEBSITE

Benromach, Single Malt Scotch whisky, has re-launched its website www.benromach.com  to help share Speyside’s best kept secret with audiences across the world.

The new website, launched today (Friday 9 December), allows visitors to discover the secret of Benromach and explore the range of whiskies, the boutique distillery in Forres, where Benromach is handcrafted by just two experienced distillers, and the Benromach visitor centre.

Key features of the website include a step by step guide of the Benromach distilling process from malting through to maturation. Visitors can learn why Benromach is such a unique and rare, prestigious single malt, and see all the countries across the world that are discovering the malt on an interactive map.

There is a also a Benromach history timeline dating back to 1898, the year Benromach distillery opened in Forres up to the current day, including details of when and how it came into Gordon & MacPhail’s ownership.

Explaining further, Joint Managing Director at Gordon & MacPhail, who own Benromach, Michael Urquhart, adds:

“Since we acquired Benromach in 1993 and re-opened the distillery in 1998 the business has grown significantly and we now want to share the secret of the success of Benromach with people all over the world as well as the people on our door step through an interactive, modern, easily accessible and informative site.

“An area of the website which we anticipate to be really popular is the ‘Secret’ section where visitors are invited to discover the Benromach Secret. The ‘Secret’ is revealed, detailing the process that our two distillery workers Manager Keith Crookshank and Mike Cross experience on a daily basis from malting, milling and mashing to fermentation, distillation and maturation, resulting in the production of the hand crafted single malt whisky.

“We have also added our social networking feeds including facebook and twitter, to the website, allowing us to share the secret on a number of online platforms.”

The launch of the new website is part of Benromach’s wider objective of raising the profile of the brand.

Last month Benromach awarded three Swedish whisky enthusiasts the Honorary Stillman Fellowship award, recognising them for their outstanding contribution to the promotion and endorsement of Scotch Whisky in Sweden. As part of their recognition they were taken on a two day tour experience of the bespoke Benromach distillery in Forres and trained in the distilling and bottling process.

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.

Beam Announces Agreement to Purchase Cooley Distillery, Award-Winning Irish Whiskey Company

Beam Entering Fast-Growing Irish Whiskey Category

Opportunity to Leverage Beam’s Strong Distribution and Brand-Building Capabilities

Award-Winning Portfolio of Irish Whiskeys Includes Kilbeggan and Connemara

Dublin, Ireland, and Deerfield, Illinois, December 16, 2011 – Beam Inc. (NYSE: BEAM), a leading global premium spirits company, today announced that it has entered into an agreement to purchase Cooley Distillery, the award-winning independent Irish whiskey producer. The acquisition of Cooley, the industry’s only remaining independent Irish whiskey distillery, will mark Beam’s entrance into one of the spirits industry’s fastest-growing categories. The purchase price is approximately $95 million on a debt-free basis.

Cooley owns and produces the Kilbeggan, Connemara, Tyrconnell and Greenore brands. It currently sells approximately 250,000 9-liter cases per year – divided among its brands, private label products and bulk sales to third-party customers – and has production capacity to support substantial future growth. Beam expects the acquisition to be earnings neutral in 2012 and increasingly accretive moving forward.

“Cooley is one of only three sources for Irish whiskey, and the only independent player, so this transaction is a unique and compelling high-return opportunity to enter one of the industry’s highest growth categories,” said Matt Shattock, president and chief executive officer of Beam. “We see the opportunity to leverage our combination of scale with agility to further build consumer demand for Cooley’s award-winning brands, and to expand distribution off a relatively small base in key export markets for Irish whiskey across North America and Europe. Cooley’s brands and distilleries have a heritage that’s unmatched in the world of Irish whiskey, so they will be a great fit with our portfolio of brands with long and rich histories. We look forward to being good stewards of these iconic Irish assets. We are also eager to work with the Cooley team, led by the Teeling family, who have built Cooley with so much pride and passion, to capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead.”

John Teeling, Chairman and Founder of Cooley Distillery, said, “Beam understands whiskey. They have the culture, experience and global strength to enable the Cooley portfolio of brands to reach their potential in the fast growing Irish whiskey category. The renaissance in Irish whiskey, most evident in the United States, is now spreading across the world. Through Beam, our brands, built on quality, will be introduced to a host of new consumers. I am certain that the marriage between Cooley and Beam will benefit all.”

With both grain and malt distilleries, Cooley is able to produce a complete range of Irish whiskey styles. The company’s Kilbeggan Distillery, opened in 1757, is reputed to be the world’s oldest distillery and produces Cooley’s flagship blended Irish whiskey. Cooley’s many accolades include being named European Spirits Producer of the Year for an unprecedented four consecutive years by the International Wine & Spirit Competition (2008-2011).

The Irish whiskey category grew 11.5% in 2010 to 4.86 million cases according to Impact Databank. The leading markets for Irish whiskey, according to Impact, are the United States, Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, South Africa and Germany.

The transaction is structured as a tender offer in which Beam will offer Cooley’s stockholders $8.25 in cash for each outstanding share of Cooley stock. The transaction is conditioned upon holders of at least 80% of Cooley’s outstanding stock accepting the offer and other customary closing conditions. Holders of over 75% of Cooley’s outstanding stock have irrevocably agreed with Beam to tender their shares in the offer. The parties expect to complete the transaction in the first quarter of 2012.

About Cooley Distillery

Cooley Distillery is the award winning independent Irish whiskey distillery. Established in 1987, Cooley takes its name from the location of its distillery, situated at the foothills of the Cooley Mountains, in Co. Louth. Cooley has an award winning portfolio of Irish whiskeys including Kilbeggan Irish whiskey, Tyrconnell Single Malt, Connemara Peated Single Malt and Greenore Single Grain Irish whiskey. To learn more about Cooley Distillery visit www.cooleywhiskey.com .

Ballantine’s Finest Amplifies Innovation with New Packaging

Two executions of the limited edition bottle have been created; each designed to look like a speaker, while retaining the recognisable shape and style of Ballantine’s Finest. The pouring bottle has a striking foil label depicting a speaker while the second is designed to create impressive back-bar stand-out and lights up intermittently as if pulsing to the beat of the music playing in the venue, powered by batteries or mains electricity.

The Ballantine’s Finest ‘Speaker’ bottle will be available to bars and nightclubs in key markets and follows on from the hugely successful ‘graphic equaliser’ bottle that launched in 2009 as part of the ‘Listen to Your Beat’ campaign. In 2010, the bottle was awarded a prestigious StarPack award for innovative design and 66,000 bottles were produced over three production runs.

Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s Peter Moore comments: “The ‘Listen to Your Beat’ campaign has energised our on-trade accounts by engaging consumers with creative and pioneering packaging. This latest development builds upon the brand’s reputation for innovation and highlights its ongoing association with music.”

Created by London-based packaging agency The Core, the inventive ‘speaker’ bottle is suitable for both display and pouring purposes and will be available exclusively to the on-trade.

Notes:

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific, selling more than 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

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

For further information visit: www.chivasbrothers.com

WORLD RECORD SMASHED AT BONHAMS WHISKY SALE IN EDINBURGH

£46, 850 PAID FOR BOTTLE CELEBRATING THE 110 YEARS OF LIFE OF SCOTLAND’S OLDEST INHABITANT

A rare and exclusive bottle of 55 Year Old Glenfiddich commemorating and celebrating the 110th birthday of Janet Sheed Roberts, the granddaughter of William Grant – founder of the Glenfiddich distillery – and the oldest person in Scotland sold for a world record £46,850 at Bonhams Whisky auction in Edinburgh today (14 December). The previous world record for a bottle of single malt at auction was £29,700.

The cask was filled on New Year’s Eve 1955 and over the past 55 years so much of the liquid has evaporated or soaked into the barrel that there is only enough whisky left to fill 15 bottles. Eleven of these – one to celebrate each decade of Janet Sheed Roberts’ life – will be sold at auctions round the world over the coming 12 months to raise money for charity. The proceeds of the bottle auctioned today will go to support Water Aid.

Bonhams Head of Whisky, Martin Green, said, “It’s a great privilege to have sold a bottle with such a distinguished pedigree and for such a good cause. We area all delighted.”

In total the sale raised £215,000 and 93% the lots were sold.

For further sale information please go to www.bonhams.com/whisky

Notes

Bonhams

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to www.bonhams.com.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES
LAST EXPERIMENTAL COLLECTION OF 2011
Bourbon made with “Rice” and “Oats” Are the Latest Two Experiments

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Dec., 2011) Those creative distillers have been up to it again at Buffalo Trace Distillery. The latest round of whiskies in the Experimental Collection are two bourbons – one made with rice and one made with oats. And like their breakfast-sounding names, both provide a hearty mouthful without being over powerful.

“For this experiment, we were curious to taste what would happen when we substituted the rye grain in our traditional recipe with other grains like rice and oats,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “The results are very different from each other, and different than typical bourbon, but both are pleasant surprises.” This whiskey experiment yielded very few bottles, but some will be available in select U.S. stores in late December.

Details are as follows:

Rice Bourbon Whiskey – These barrels were filled on April 30, 2002, and aged on the 7th floor of Warehouse I for 9 years and 5 months. Corn, malt and rice are the ingredients used in the recipe, resulting in a very clean aroma with the barrel notes of caramel and spice. A crisp flavor on the tongue is noticed, without any heaviness or oiliness whatsoever. A slight dryness near the end provides a quick finish. It is a very delicate whiskey.

Oat Bourbon Whiskey – These barrels have the same fill date, aging location and aging time as the Rice Bourbon. Corn, malt and oats are the ingredients used in this recipe, resulting in a pleasantly smoky nose with a rich aroma of toasted oats that offers a nice complexity. On the palette, the smokiness intrigues as hints of dried fig and stone fruit come through, and eventually give way to an earthy finish.

There are more than 1,500 experimental barrels of whiskey now aging in the warehouses of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Each of these barrels has unique characteristics that differentiate it from all others. Some examples of these experiments include unique mash bills, type of wood and barrel toasts. In order to further increase the scope, flexibility and range of the experimental program, an entire micro distillery, named The Colonel E.H. Taylor, Jr. “OFC” Micro Distillery, complete with cookers, fermenting tanks and a state-of-the-art micro still has been constructed within Buffalo Trace Distillery.

The Experimental Collection will be packaged in 375ml bottles. Each label will include all the pertinent information unique to that barrel of whiskey. These whiskeys will retail for approximately $46.35 each. They are 45% alcohol by volume. Each experiment is very rare and very limited. For more information on the Experimental Collection or the other products of Buffalo Trace Distillery, please contact Kris Comstock at kcomstock@buffalotrace.com .

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 .

Speyside’s smallest distillery toasts increase in sales

Sales of Benromach’s flagship Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Benromach 10 Years Old, are pouring off the shelves in the run up to Christmas with figures increasing by 40 per cent across the UK from last year.

According to new figures from Speyside’s smallest distillery, Benromach, sales of their flagship Single Malt shot up between 1 March 2011 and 30 November 2011, compared to the same period last year.

Sales south of the border increased significantly by 83 per cent during the same period.

Benromach 10 Years Old is a multi-award winning Single Malt Scotch Whisky hand-crafted at Speyside’s smallest working distillery. Initially matured in a mix of Bourbon and Sherry casks, the whisky is transferred to

European oak Oloroso Sherry casks for a final period of maturation.

The result is a beautifully balanced dram, displaying a rich Sherry character, summer fruit flavours, malt creaminess and a light peat smoke influence.

David Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, said: “Benromach 10 Years Old is an ideal, affordable Christmas present for the whisky lover who enjoys something unique and of high quality. As a boutique distillery, run by two men, we pride ourselves in hand crafting award winning, quality single malt whiskies.”

Benromach 10 Years Old is one of a range of single malt Scotch from the Speyside distillery which are available from whisky shops and fine wine and spirits retail specialists.

For more information visit www.benromach.com  

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

NEW LOOK FOR TALISKER™
by Pat Roberts

TALISKER™, the celebrated Single Malt Scotch Whisky from the Isle of Skye, is being given a new family identity as it continues to grow in markets around the world.

The single malt whisky itself has, of course, not changed.

What’s new?

Powerful maritime photography on the new outer cartons and more prominent maps of Skye on both cartons and bottle labels now anchor the brand more strongly in its rugged island home and emphasise its Made by the Sea character.

Stunning photography

The wrap-around images on the new cartons were shot by Skye-based photographer Cailean Maclean, and feature stormy waves crashing against the Isle of Skye’s rocky and mountainous coast. Cailean’s photography transforms into a striking coastal vista when two cartons stand side by side. The images are reinforced by Cailean’s signed commentary on each scene.

Skye’s rocky coast stars on new Talisker pack

Cailean’s photography features on most cartons, but the Talisker 18 year old carton carries an equally turbulent seascape image by Scottish photographer and Skye enthusiast Angus Bremner.

‘It speaks to our roots’

Mark Lochhead, manager at Talisker Distillery on Skye, is enthusiastic about the new designs: “Talisker is made by the sea in every sense of the word, just as all our lives are shaped by the elements here on Skye. To have this captured in these new designs is exciting for everyone here. At the same time it both speaks to our own roots and helps consumers understand what kind of place Skye is.

“More than this, the strong impression I think the new packaging gives is of a family united, of all the expressions of Talisker now being brought together in one design family, so that Talisker can march forward strongly as a brand in its own right. And understandably, I rather like that idea!”

The redesigns were carried out by Claessens International, the drinks brand design consultancy.

Evolved label design for Talisker single malt Scotch whisky

James Boulton at Claessens said: “ “The new Talisker designs are born of our experience, meeting the people at the distillery and seeing at first hand how Talisker relates to its home, the Isle of Skye. Armed with that understanding and building on earlier ‘maritime’ designs, we have added a richness of detail and a ruggedness to reinforce what Talisker stands for and what kind of place it comes from.”

Phased introduction

The new designs are being introduced onto bottles and cartons progressively, as new stocks are bottled and distributed. Talisker 10 year old will be the first to see the new carton in Great Britain before Christmas 2011 and the revised labels will follow shortly in the New Year.

In Great Britain, for Christmas 2011, the new carton for the 10 year old will initially carry the RNLI flash that signals the brand’s support for this famous British maritime charity. In some cases the new cartons will enclose the old-style bottles until stocks are sold through.

The new standard carton and bottle designs for Talisker 10 year old will then launch into GB and other markets in the first quarter of 2012. The new designs for other Talisker expressions will be introduced throughout the remainder of 2012.

At the same time Diageo has announced that from 2011, Talisker 25 year old and Talisker 30 year old will be available on a regular basis within the Talisker range – although necessarily in limited editions, and bottled at the traditional Talisker strength of 45.8% ABV. In the past, these long-aged expressions of Talisker have been issued at cask strength in Diageo’s annual Special Releases series.

NOTES

Other changes

On both bottle and carton, a redrawn, bolder Talisker font strengthens the name standout; the outline map of Skye plays a more visible role in emphasising provenance; and the more prominent ‘ESTD 1830’ motif underlines the importance of tradition at Talisker. Existing maritime cues about the birthplace of this famous whisky, such as the map of Skye, the Made by the Sea strapline, the compass graphic and the distillery co-ordinates, are retained but strengthened.

Designed to deliver bolder standout on the shelf, the familiar solid blue carton with the embossed map is giving way to the arresting maritime themes (described above), that will carry across the whole portfolio of Talisker expressions, with visual cues to differentiate each individual expression. Other copy suggests pairings with food to match each particular expression.

Greater clarity, stronger impact and better colour coordination with the carton have inspired subtle adjustments to the typography and content of the main labels on the bottles. Highlighting the provenance of Talisker, the map of Skye now stands out more ruggedly, with extra detail to invite discovery. And space has been found for Talisker’s new Sea-Lion emblem, reflecting the 19th century Talisker-Dailuaine heritage and symbolising the whisky’s Scottish heritage, powerful character and links with the sea. Colour banding on the labels and the cartons now clearly signal the different expressions.

Talisker

Talisker, in its widely distributed 10 year old expression, is a powerhouse Single Malt Scotch Whisky with a formidable peat and sea-salt nose; smoky sweetness with malt flavours; and developing warmth with a huge, peppery finish. It is the only single malt whisky made on the dramatic Isle of Skye, where the distillery has been making this award-winning single malt whisky since 1830. See www.malts.com

‘APPY’ CHRISTMAS TO ALL WHISKY LOVERS…

Whisky drinkers across the world are today celebrating the launch of world’s most comprehensive whisky mobile app ever produced; Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible Pro 2012.

Written by whisky doyen Jim Murray, the app features a staggering 4,500 whisky tasting notes, 1,500 of which have been individually tasted and rated by Jim Murray over the past four months.

Designed to harness Jim Murray’s experience and status as the leading whisky writer and author, the app provides quick, honest, and independent whisky advice to users; a feature that will enable anyone, irrespective of their whisky experience, to walk into a shop or bar and be confident of what it is they are buying.

‘People can be intimidated by the high price of whisky, particularly at this time of year when the sheer number of whiskies made available, increases significantly’, comments Jim Murray. ‘ Add the many styles, country of production; finishes and ages on offer, and it’s easy to why people don’t want to take a risk on a unknown bottle which can cost upwards of £50’, he continues.

Launched in a Standard and Pro versions, Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible app is available on Android and Apple ITunes platforms.

In its standard format, the app offers outstanding value and choice for those who are simply looking for quick independent guidance on what to expect from any individual whisky. Featuring short-form tasting notes, this format will be of particular use to the inexperienced whisky buyer and those wishing to build their whisky knowledge in ‘bite-sized’ chunks. Featuring 13 individual sets of tasting notes from the key whisky-producing regions of the world, the standard Whisky Bible is priced at £1.49 for each of the regions purchased.

The Pro version of the app is a full-blown mobile version of Jim Murray’s highly rated Whisky Bible 2012. Priced £12.99 this version carries Murray’s full set of tasting notes for all 4,500 entries in the 2012 Whisky Bible, making it the most comprehensive and detailed collection of tasting notes available anywhere on the planet!

Both Whisky Bible app formats feature an easy to use search mechanism enabling users to explore the world of whisky by type, distillery, or brand name. Searches can also be carried out using country, region, and age or by using a single word search facility that enables users to identify whiskies that have a particular taste or flavour profile.

“If I had been a given a Pound, Dollar or Euro for every time I had been asked to give advise on what whisky to buy, I would be a very wealthy man indeed; but sadly I’m not. And whilst I would truly love to be able to answer these questions on an individual basis, I can’t, which makes the launch of the Whisky Bible app such a rewarding exercise. For the first time ever whisky buyers will be able to draw upon my experience, knowledge and my vast collection of tasting notes at a time and place where it matters most; when faced with ubiquitous wall of whisky in a bar or in a retail store. I hope that once armed this app, consumers will be encouraged to explore the rich and diverse world of whisky with confidence“, concludes Murray.

Printed copies of Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible, priced £12.99/ $19.99 are available through good book shops. Signed copies by the author can be purchased from www.whiskybible.com.

SOUTHERN COMFORT PARTNERS WITH THE BLACK KEYS ON ALBUM RELEASE SHOW

400 tickets to concert given away morning of show via social media

December 12, 2011, LOUISVILLE, KY – Southern Comfort partnered with the rock duo The Black Keys in support of their album release show on December 5 in New York City. The Black Keys launched their seventh studio album El Camino on December 6.

400 tickets to that evening’s invitation only show were given away on a first come, first serve basis by Southern Comfort in the Bowery neighborhood of New York Monday morning, December 5 beginning at 10:00am. The location of the ticket giveaway was announced on the Southern Comfort Facebook and Twitter pages at 9:45am that morning. By 10:00am, a line of fans had wrapped around the building in hopes of getting ticket. In addition to the 400 show tickets, 75 “Golden Tickets” were handed out to the first 75 fans that showed up, giving them access to an exclusive sound check with The Black Keys prior to the show.

In the days leading up to the ticket giveaway, the Southern Comfort Facebook page saw a 39% increase in fan interaction and 4,000 new “likes” on the page.

“Southern Comfort was thrilled to partner with such an acclaimed group as The Black Keys for their album release show,” said John Tichenor, VP, Group Brand Director for Southern Comfort. “We truly saw the power of social media that morning when people were running to get in line for tickets. It was an incredible concert and we look forward to helping The Black Keys kickoff their new album release for El Camino moving forward.”

The Black Keys will embark on the first leg of their North American tour this March, with shows in arenas like New York’s Madison Square Garden, Boston’s TD Garden, and Chicago’s United Center.

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 www.SouthernComfort.com and facebook.com/southerncomfort.

GLEN GARIOCH DISTILLERY AND MERCHANT QUARTER LAUNCH FIRST EVER ABERDEEN WHISKY WALK

Aberdeen’s Merchant Quarter has partnered with Glen Garioch, the city’s local distillery, to launch the first ever Whisky Walk.  

The Whisky Walk guides visitors around the historic Merchant Quarter’s bars where they can enjoy a dram or two and learn about Scotland’s national drink. 

The tour features something for everyone, from the most ardent whisky fans to those just keen to know more about the famous spirit.

The Whisky Walk is being sponsored by Glen Garioch Distillery, Aberdeen’s local dram.  Based just 17 miles from the city centre, it boasts a proud Doric history and has been producing the finest whiskies for more than 200 years.

Walkers can hop on the bus at Union Square to tour the Glen Garioch Distillery in Oldmeldrum before heading back to the Merchant Quarter in Aberdeen to sample some of the region’s finest drams.

Gary Atkinson, of the Merchant Quarter, said the Whisky Walk offers something different for locals and tourists who want to experience the north east’s whisky heritage.

He said:  “We have a long whisky history in the north east and the Merchant Quarter bars wanted to celebrate that and so the Whisky Walk was born.  With the Glen Garioch Distillery on our doorstep it lets people experience an authentic working distillery and then enjoy the fruits of it on our Whisky Walk.

“The 12 bars taking part have more than 200 whiskies in stock and the enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff can help you select the dram to suit you.  We hope the Whisky Walk will offer Aberdonians and visitors a little taste of Scotland and the Highland whisky region.”

John Mullen, Glen Garioch brand manager, said the distillery was delighted to support the Merchant Quarter Whisky Walk. 

He said: “Glen Garioch is proud to be Aberdeen’s local malt and the Whisky Walk is a perfect way for whisky newcomers and enthusiasts alike to experience the region’s whisky history.

“Glen Garioch is one of the oldest remaining distilleries still in production and produces some of the finest single malts which are lauded the world over.  With the distillery just 17 miles from the city you can see whisky production in action before savouring the liquid in a tour of the Merchant Quarter bars making it a perfect day out.” 

Gordon McIntosh, Aberdeen City Council’s Director of Enterprise, Planning and Infrastructure, warmly welcomed the Merchant Quarter Initiative.

He said “North east whisky production is a key part of our heritage and initiatives like this bring it to life for locals and visitors alike.

“It is fantastic to secure the support of local distillery Glen Garioch.  The Whisky Walk will offer something for everyone, from whisky buffs to those just keen to know more about the north-east’s whisky history.” 

The Merchant Quarter Whisky Walk includes 12 bars offering everything from a smooth and mellow experience in Carmelite Bar and Grill with its selection of 40 whiskies, woody and spicy whisky fun at the Prince of Wales and Old Kings Highway to a smoky and peaty flavour at The Hen Hoose and The Lorne Bar.   

People interested in the Whisky Walk can visit www.merchantquarter-aberdeen.com for more information or pop into any of the Merchant Quarter bars to pick up a specially produced map.

Notes:

•Glen Garioch, pronounced Glen Geery, founded in 1797 is one of the oldest remaining distilleries in Scotland
•The distillery lies on rising ground at the picturesque town of Oldmeldrum, just 17 miles north-west of Aberdeen
•Glen Garioch was relaunched in October 2010 with a core range of two single malt whiskies – the Glen Garioch 1797 Founder’s Reserve, a non chill-filtered single malt bottled at 48% ABV and the Glen Garioch 12 Year   Old, non chill-filtered single malt bottled at 48% ABV after maturing in bourbon and sherry casks. 
•Glen Garioch is owned by the Morrison Bowmore Distillers Limited who also produce Bowmore and Auchentoshan
•Glen Garioch is distributed by Cellar Trends in the UK, Tel: 01283 217 703.