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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely

JACK DANIEL’S TENNESSEE HONEY INTRODUCES NEW SIZES

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

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

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

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

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

Fly Straight. Drink Responsibly.

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

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

BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY WHISKIES EARN HIGH PRAISE IN ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE

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

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

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

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

About Barton 1792 Distillery

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

Jim Beam Unleashes Highly Anticipated Devil’s Cut on Australia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Beam Inc.

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

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

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

Become The Host With The Most

Chivas Regal has joined forces with party maestros Andre and Lionel of Le Baron to launch a gentleman’s guide to becoming the ultimate host at home.

‘The Art of Hosting’ will teach the tricks of the trade when it comes to pulling off a great party. From concocting simple cocktails certain to impress, to creating that perfect ambience, the Art of Hosting is an expert guide on everything required by the discerning gentleman who wants to entertain in style, inside.

A bespoke playlist created by the Le Baron duo with ‘home-tainment’ in mind is also available to download from www.chivas.com/artofhosting. And all the top tips can be accessed exclusively by those who buy the Chivas & Le Baron limited edition bottle.

André of Le Baron nightclub fame said: “Entertaining at home is so popular right now and we wanted to create a collection which would really inspire people to host their own parties with confidence and with style. With Chivas at the heart of the celebration, who can resist – let the party begin!”

Notes:

The Chivas Regal & Le Baron Limited Edition will be available globally from April 2012 and will retail at a premium of approximately 10% compared to Chivas Regal 12 Year Old.

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.

ROYAL SALUTE SEALS PARTNERSHIP WITH HISTORIC ROYAL PALACES

Royal Salute Scotch Whisky has become the first ever brand to be officially associated with the Royal Gun Salutes at the Tower of London.

The partnership will support the work of Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity responsible for the Tower of London, and through this will see Royal Salute, the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky, associated with the gun salutes at Her Majesty’s Tower of London that mark special royal occasions and other VIP salutes.

The partnership will be launched when the Royal Gun Salute is fired from the Tower of London, on 3rd June 2012 to signal the arrival of the magnificent river pageant in honour of Her Majesty’s The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Gun salutes are customarily fired, both on shore and at sea, as a sign of respect or welcome. For the upcoming Diamond Jubilee, Royal Salute will support the official 41 Gun Salute from the Tower of London: 21 rounds to mark a royal occasion, and a further 20 rounds fired as it is held in the Royal Palace of the Tower of London.

General Lord Dannatt, Constable of HM Tower of London, says: “The Gun Salutes at the Tower have marked important State and Royal events since Tudor times and are fired in accordance with the regulations of this fortress. As a Trustee of Historic Royal Palaces, the charity that cares for the Tower of London, It is my great pleasure to thank Royal Salute for their valued and generous support.”

Neil Macdonald, Brand Director for Royal Salute, says: “We are delighted to be officially associated with the Royal Gun Salutes at the Tower of London. The occasion is particularly poignant as this royal tradition provided the inspiration for the brand’s name when it was launched on Her Majesty’s coronation in 1953.”

The five-year partnership will play an important role for Royal Salute as it continues to build upon its unique heritage. The partnership embeds a long-term relationship between Historic Royal Palaces and Royal Salute, which will be sealed with an official marque to be applied to Royal Salute Scotch Whisky packaging, and will allow the brand to provide unrivalled hospitality opportunities for guests in London.

As the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky, Royal Salute continues to redefine the pinnacle of the category and starts where others end with all whiskies matured for a minimum of 21 years.

Notes:

Royal Salute

The pinnacle of Scotch Whisky, award-winning Royal Salute was created to mark the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Royal Salute starts where other whiskies end, as only the most precious whiskies aged for a minimum of 21 years are used to create its powerful and sophisticated blends.

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 with a portfolio that includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

For further information visit www.chivasbrothers.com and www.royalsalute.com

Treat your Dad to the new Limited Edition Glengoyne ‘Auld Enemy Dram’ this Father’s Day (17 June 2012)

Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Whisky has launched a special limited Edition ‘Auld Enemy Dram’ in time for Father’s Day – 17th June 2012.

The Auld Enemy Dram has been launched to recognise and celebrate the great sporting rivalry that exists between the two great nations of Scotland and England.

The Glengoyne 1990 Single Cask bottling makes the ideal gift for Father’s Day with its robust nose, powerful palate.

The Auld Enemy Dram has a rich mahogany colour with a heavy and robust nose of hazelnut, prunes, cocoa powder, and liquorice with BBQ spice.

The palate is powerful with good balance of red apple, raisins, wafer cone and subtle citrus. The finish maintains strength with increased fruits and dry spice.

Retailing at just £175 per bottle (reduced from £195 for Father’s Day), The Limited Edition Glengoyne ‘Auld Enemy Dram’ is now available to buy at Vino’s Edinburgh stores and online at www.vinowines.co.uk or at www.glengonye.com

All proceeds from sales of The Limited Edition Glengoyne ‘Auld Enemy Dram’ go to support Help for Heroes* and The Bill McLaren Foundation*.

The Glengoyne Core Range

Award-winning Glengoyne is one of the leading premium malt whiskies in the world and has been distilled at Glengoyne distillery since 1833. Using methods passed down for generations, Glengoyne is made with knowledge, passion and craftsmanship, a key combination for a perfect Father’s Day gift.

Glengoyne is a subtle, complex whisky in which all of the delicate flavours are freely allowed to express themselves The full Glengoyne portfolio consists of the 10 Years Old, 12 Years Old Cask Strength, 12 Years Old at 43%, 17 Years Old, 21 Years Old and Vintage 1972 as well as other limited edition special bottlings.

Glengoyne 10 Years Old is a great introduction to this award winning range, golden in colour with a sweet nose, warming mouthfeel and a smooth and delicate palate leaving a fruity finish behind. 70cl, 40% Vol, £32.49 per bottle

For the very first time Glengoyne has used first fill bourbon wood in one of our core range, Glengoyne 12 Years Old. There is also less sherry wood as a result giving a completely different taste and nose.

The majority of the wood is USA/European refill casks, the whisky is also chill filtered. Glengoyne 12 Years Old is nothing like the cask strength, the only thing that is the same is the age statement. 70cl, 43% Vol, £37.99

The Glengoyne 17 Year Old probably the most famed of the core range has a medium golden rich appearance, a hint of Vanilla and a rich spicy oak finish. A more concentrated, equally well-balanced palate of flavours, though it still retains the same clean, delicate taste as the 10 Years Old. 70cl, 43%, Vol, £56.99 per bottle

The Glengoyne 21 Year Old has a deep copper appearance, which leaves a spicy, warm and dry finish. This Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Whisky achieves the optimum balance of flavours and the maximum benefits from specially selected 100% first fill European Oak Sherry casks. 70cl, 43% Vol, £92.99 per bottle

The Glengoyne core range is available online at www.glengoyne.com and from all good UK specialist retailers and the 10 Years Old is available from Sainsbury’s and Asda in Scotland.

For further information visit: www.glengoyne.com

The MMs adopt a new Committee and celebrate their 15th Anniversary in Scotland

It was 1997 when Johannes van den Heuvel, Craig Daniels and Louis Perlman created The Malt Maniacs, one of the first online communities of whisky anoraks which, over the last 15 years and under Johannes’ leadership, has grown beyond anyone’s initial belief. After all these years at the helm, Johannes has decided to call it a day and retire from his Maniacal status, although we dearly hope that his retirement may only be temporary.

It goes without saying that we wish Johannes well in his future, hopefully quieter endeavours.

So, just how do we think about replacing our leader and founder? After much soul searching, discussion and navel examining (well, not really) we have decided upon what most may consider the obvious choice; a Committee with nine willing volunteers, some ‘old’, some ‘new’ and some who were already there in 1997.

So we are pleased to announce our new MM Committee, the nine members in alphabetical order and their roles:

MM Social Media Maniac Benjamin Chen (Singapore)
MM Elder Statesman & Voice of Reason Craig Daniels (Australia)
MM Awards Co-ordinator Davin de Kergommeaux (Canada)
MM Events & Chief Diary Keeper Konstantin Grigoriadis (Greece)
MM Whisky Monitor Wizard Rich Howard (USA)
MM Website Editor Oliver Klimek (Germany)
MM E-Pistle Apostle Nabil Mailloux (Canada)
MM Master Maniac Serge Valentin (France)
MM Postmaster General Keith Wood (Germany)

Also in the MM news, our Charlie MacLean is starring in Ken Loach’s new movie The Angel’s Share that will be in competition in Cannes and Paul Dejong is back after a very short retirement from the Maniacs. Hurray!

Last but not least we are delighted to announce that June 2012 will see the largest ever real-life ‘in the flesh’ gathering of Malt Maniacs as no fewer than 26 (twenty six) MMs from all continents celebrate our “First 15 years” and look forward to the next 15. Where else could we possibly choose to do this but, you guessed it; Scotland!

Watch this space and in the meantime, Slàinte Mhath, Cheers, Santé, Skol, Prost!!!

http://www.maltmaniacs.net/

ACTOR ELIJAH WOOD OF DJ WOODEN WISDOM TO PERFORM AT ‘BUSHMILLS LIVE’

Bushmills Village: 23rd April 2012: Bushmills™ Irish Whiskey has announced that globally-renowned actor Elijah Wood will perform a DJ set at ‘Bushmills Live’ – the festival of handcrafted whiskey and music taking place at the Old Bushmills Distillery on the 20th and 21st June.

He joins a bill that already features multi-platinum selling band Snow Patrol – whose fee for the festival is being donated in full to the Oh Yeah Music Centre in Belfast – and award winning artists Iain Archer and Foy Vance.

Wood, along with his friend Zach Cowie, will take to the stage under the name Wooden Wisdom. The duo has DJ’d at Bushmills launch events in the past, but this will be the first time that they will have performed at an event together outside of the United States.

Widely regarded as one of the most gifted actors of his generation, Wood has recently completed production for Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit, where he will be reprising his role as Frodo Baggins. Wood made an indelible mark in the trilogy of films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings in the lead role of the hobbit, Frodo. Directed by Jackson, the films; The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and Return of the King were all critically lauded as well as being box office record setters. In addition, Return of the King won the Academy Award* for Best Picture as well as 11 Academy Awards in all, tying Titanic for the record. Wood is also the founder of record label Simian Records.

Elijah Wood recently appeared in ‘Bushmills Since Way Back’– an initiative that celebrates the friendships of artists across the world, and works with them to produce unique content inspired by their passions.

Fans of Bushmills Irish Whiskey can win the chance to attend the festival by entering a competition on the Bushmills Facebook page – facebook.com/bushmills1608.

To stand a chance of winning they will have to submit a photo of themselves and a friend and explain why they and their friend should be in the audience for Bushmills Live.

As well as listening to great music, those fortunate to win a ticket to the festival will also have the opportunity to make their own blend of Bushmills Irish Whiskey.

Colum Egan, Master Distiller at the Old Bushmills Distillery said: “I am really looking forward to welcoming Elijah to the Old Bushmills Distillery. He is a great actor and DJ and I have already seen him perform at a fantastic Bushmills party in Los Angeles. The line up for Bushmills Live just keeps getting better and I now can’t wait for 20th June!”

To win tickets to Bushmills Live or to find out more, visit facebook.com/bushmills1608. Entry closes at 23:59 GMT on 27th April 2012. Terms and conditions apply.

*OSCAR® and ACADEMY AWARDS® are registered trademarks and service marks of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Notes

Biography

Widely regarded as one of the most gifted actors of his generation, Elijah Wood continues to challenge himself with roles spanning the spectrum of style and genre.

Wood was recently seen among an ensemble cast in Celeste and Jesse Forever, a Rashida Jones and Will McCormack film that was screened at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. This summer, Wood returns for a second season of the hit FX comedy Wilfred. He has recently wrapped production on Franck Khalfoun’s re-make of the thriller Maniac and on Stewart Harcourt’s adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, in which he plays Ben Gunn, alongside Eddie Izzard and Donald Sutherland.

Wood has also recently completed production for Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit, where he will be reprising his role as Frodo Baggins. He made an indelible mark in the trilogy of films based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings in the lead role of the hobbit, Frodo. Directed by Jackson, the films: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and Return of the King were all critically lauded as well as being box office record setters. In addition, Return of the King won the Academy Award for Best Picture as well as 11 Academy Awards in all, tying Titanic for the record. Wood is also the founder of record label Simian Records.

Captions

Elijah Wood: Elijah Wood performs with DJ partner Zach Cowie as DJ Wooden Wisdom at the Bushmills Irish Whiskey ‘Since Way Back’ event in New York City. Elijah and Zach are set to appear at the Bushmills Live music and whiskey festival June 20-21: the first music festival held at the Bushmills Irish Whiskey distillery, and the first time the pair has DJ’d together overseas.

‘Bushmills Live’: The stage is set for ‘Bushmills Live’, the landmark whiskey and music festival taking place at the Old Bushmills Distillery on 20th and 21st June 2012.

Competition

The Facebook competition is open to people in:

· Belgium

· Bulgaria

· Germany

· Great Britain

· Netherlands

· Northern Ireland

· Portugal

· Republic of Ireland

· USA

From each, one pair of finalists will win tickets to ‘Bushmills Live’.

What a remARKabLE collaboration!

So what’s this all about I hear you ask? Take one renowned illustrator (Peter Arkle) and one fantastic, refreshingly modern whisky (anCnoc), and mix these creative and forward thinking collaborators together and voila! A cracking new whisky with distinctively cool packaging is born.

Scottish born Peter Arkle is a modest and amiable fellow who also happens to be an internationally acclaimed and hugely prolific illustrator. Despite loving a dram this is the first whisky project he has worked on, having already worked with some of largest brands in the world. You will undoubtedly have seen his work in newspapers, magazines, advertising and now on the packaging of anCnoc single malt whisky.

anCnoc has supported the creative arts for some years, but this vibrant project is on a new scale and a bold step which will hopefully lift it to the levels of appreciation that Old Pulteney and Balblair enjoy. This is the first of three limited releases, and although no details have yet been revealed of the later bottlings Royal Mile Whiskies are proud to be the sole UK retailer of the first edition.

This is a really interesting new whisky in ways other than the packaging. That sweet and easy drinking anCnoc spirit we love has been matured entirely in sumptious sherry casks for the very first time. Traditionally anCnoc is matured in American oak, so the Spanish oak with its spice and dried fruit flavours offers a new layer on top of the usual anCnoc notes of honey, zest and orchard fruit.

The initial edition is limited to just 6000 bottles worldwide, with all UK stock being sold exclusively by www.royalmilewhiskies.com online and in our London and Edinburgh shops, as well as our Drinkmonger stores in Pitlochry and Bruntsfield. If you visit us and ask nicely, they even have a bottle open to taste in store!

Since Peter visited us on the Royal Mile and shared a dram, the whisky has been officially launched with great gusto. Hats off to Inverhouse for finding such a talented and charming man to work with, and for filling the bottles with such tasty malt. In the meantime check out both of these cool websites: www.peterarkle.com and www.ancnoc.com (Watch the promotional film…it takes 15 minutes but is well worth it!)

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” — Albert Enstein

FOR ALL GENERAL ENQUIRIES PLEASE CALL: 0131 524 9380 or email: contact@royalmilewhiskies.com

Royal Mile Whiskies Whisky Magazine’s ‘Retailer of the Year 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011’

Royal Mile Whiskies (Edinburgh) 379 The Royal Mile Edinburgh EH1 1PW Tel: 0131 225 3383 Mon to Sat 10 ~ 6pm Sun 11 ~ 6pm

drinkmonger (Pitlochry) 100 Athol Road Pitlochry PH16 5BL Tel: 01796 470 133 Mon to Sat 10 ~ 8pm Sun 12 ~ 5pm

Royal Mile Whiskies (London) 3 Bloomsbury St London WC1B 3QE Tel: 0207 436 4763 Mon to Sat 10 ~ 6pm (Thurs 10 ~ 8pm) Sun 12 ~ 5pm

drinkmonger (Edinburgh) 11 Bruntsfield Place Edinburgh EH10 4HN Tel: 0131 229 2205 Mon to Wed 11 ~ 7pm Thur to Sat 11 ~ 9pm Sun 11 ~ 7pm