Mr Ewing at the BenRiach bottling line and in conversation with Mr Walker

 

BENRIACH WELCOMES SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT ENTERPRISE MINISTER FERGUS EWING TO NEWBRIDGE BOND AND HQ

THE BENRIACH Distillery Company was delighted to welcome Fergus Ewing, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism, to its headquarters and bottling plant at Newbridge, Edinburgh, today (Monday November 21).

The company, which owns the BenRiach and GlenDronach single malt distilleries, gave Mr Ewing a tour of its premises and a presentation on its activities worldwide.

Acquired last year, the Newbridge Bond, Scotland’s specialist contract bottling company, has five bottling lines including a purpose-built line for low-volume/high-value product and Scotland’s fastest miniature bottling line. Working with some of the world’s leading spirits brands, it has the capacity to produce 2 million cases per year, it can store 3 million litres in its vats and can accommodate up to 150,000 cases in its bonded warehouse.

In April 2004 the company acquired BenRiach, south of Elgin, in a deal worth over £6m.

Four years later, it also acquired GlenDronach near Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

It employs a total of 80 people at its two distilleries, Head Office and bottling plant.

Annual turnover is £15.1m, with net profit of some £2.6m.

The BenRiach Distillery Company Ltd. has three shareholders – industry veteran Billy Walker and two South Africans, Wayne Keiswetter and Geoff Bell.

Its whiskies are available in over thirty countries. Mature markets include Europe, Scandinavia and the USA, while emerging markets are opening up in Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, the Phillipines and Vietnam.

Over the years it has won a number of prestigious industry accolades. In 2007 BenRiach won “Distillery of the Year” at the Malt Advocate magazine whisky awards and in 2009 it was “Distillery of the Year” at the Whisky magazine Icons of Whisky Awards. And earlier this year the company won nine awards for GlenDronach and BenRiach – two trophies, and a total of seven gold, silver and bronze medals – at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London.

Last month it augmenting its award-winning range of whiskies by unveiling the new 21 year-old GlenDronach “Parliament”. Matured in a combination of the finest Oloroso and Pedro Ximinez sherry casks, it continues the GlenDronach tradition of offering fruit-laden intensity in its single malts. The new expression is named “Parliament” after the colony, or “parliament” of rooks that have been nesting in the trees overlooking the GlenDronach distillery for almost 200 years.

Born in Dumbarton in 1945, Billy Walker graduated from Glasgow University in 1967 with a BSc Honours Degree in Chemistry. After spells with Ballantine’s, Inver House Distillers and Burn Stewart, in 2004 he set up his own venture – the BenRiach Distillery Company – which led to the acquisition of BenRiach and GlenDronach distilleries.

Over the last seven years the company has resurrected “sleeping giants” BenRiach and GlenDronach, bringing a range of innovative and ground-breaking malt whiskies to the market. Billy is one of the most recognisable characters in the Scotch Whisky industry where he has now been involved for over forty years. He is a Master Blender and a Master of the Quaich – the highest honour the Scotch Whisky Industry can bestow.

Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing said: “Our whisky industry is a national success story and makes a huge contribution to Scotland. Exports are a large part of this and it’s encouraging to see the latest figures showing that they are up 22% in the first half of the year to stand at £1.8 billion.

“BenRiach is to be congratulated for playing its part in this and developing its brands so well over the last few years – and contributing to Scotland’s sustainable economic growth in the process.”

Billy Walker said: “My colleagues and I were delighted to welcome Fergus Ewing to Newbridge in his capacity as Scottish Minister for Enterprise.

“Mr Ewing took a great interest in our activities during his visit. I took the opportunity to emphasise that whisky is Scotland’s greatest export and vital to the Scottish Government’s number one priority – increasing sustainable economic growth. It plays a critical role in the Scottish economy, with producers employing over 10,000 workers, generating gross income of over £460m and contributing gross value added of £2.7 billion towards Scotland’s economy.”

November 2011: Drambuie 15, the premium aged whisky liqueur from the iconic Scottish brand, is to be offered onboard all British Airway’s routes from December. The award-winning Drambuie 15 will be offered as in-flight refreshment for first class and business class passengers, as well as being sold in one litre bottles through the onboard retail outlet, Highlife Shop.

Designed to appeal to discerning malt whisky drinkers, Drambuie 15 is a connoisseur expression of Drambuie, drawn from the company’s finest selection of 15 Year Old Speyside Malts. Selected for their soft, complex fragrance and flavour, the rare Speyside Malts ideally complement and balance the herbs and spicy aromas of Drambuie’s famed secret recipe.

Will Birkin, global travel retail manager, Drambuie Liqueur Co. commented: “With only a handful of the world’s finest spirits chosen to be sold by this prestigious airline this a real coup for the brand. It demonstrates the quality of the spirit and premium reputation of the Drambuie name.

“Drambuie 15 aims to appeal to existing Drambuie customers trading up and malt whisky experimenters, making it an ideal fit with BA’s discerning passengers.”

By January 2012, Drambuie 15 will be listed in the majority of the world’s major airports.

Drambuie 15 is not the only member of the Drambuie family to be enjoying travel retail success with ultra-premium bottling The Jacobite Collection – the Spirit of ‘45, seeing strong sales since it became available in global outlets. Launched at TFWA Cannes 2011, the double award-winning limited edition Collection, which retails for £3,500, has already sold more than 20 units in just two months.

Will Birkin said: “The Jacobite Collection was very well received at TFWA Cannes in September, especially in winning awards for Luxury Drinks Brand of the Year and Best Drinks Launch. Demand for the product has since been incredibly strong.”

The solid wood presentation box contains a hand-etched crystal replica of the famous Spottiswoode ‘Amen’ glass and a hand-blown crystal decanter, which holds the rare blend of precious 45 year old whiskies, infused with Drambuie’s secret recipe of herbs and spices. The Jacobite Collection is regarded by Drambuie to be the finest product it has ever created and a gift ‘truly fit for a Prince’. Each individual element of the luxurious presentation has been carefully considered to capture The Spirit of ‘45, in liquid, glass and paper.

The Drambuie Liqueur Co. Ltd is an independent, family owned business that has been producing the world-renowned Drambuie Liqueur since 1909.

For more information visit www.drambuie.com

Notes

Drambuie’s The Jacobite Collection – the Spirit of ‘45 won Best Drinks Launch at Cannes and Best Luxury Drinks Brand of the Year in the Drinks International Travel Retail Excellence Awards at the world’s largest travel retail exhibition, TFWA Cannes this week (19-23 September).

DRAMBUIE 15

Drambuie 15 won two Gold Medals in the Drinks International Travel Retail Excellence Awards at its launch in TFWA Cannes 2010.

Tasting Notes

With a nose of Drambuie’s aromatic citrus spice, fragrant grass and butterscotch notes, Drambuie 15 has a velvet soft mouth feel with a tang of lemongrass and warming malty notes, berries and heather. A finish of shortbread, fresh herbs and the unmistakable long afterglow of the Drambuie elixir, results in a refined, drier expression of Drambuie, perfect for sipping and savouring either neat or over ice.

SERVE: To sip and savour, neat or over ice.

NOSE: Drambuie aromatic citrus spice, overlaid with fragrant grassy and butterscotch notes – characteristic of aged Speyside Malt.

FLAVOUR: Velvet soft mouth feel – fragrant citrus lemongrass tang gives way to complex warming malty notes of butterscotch, berries and heather.

FINISH: Shortbread, fresh herbal notes and the unmistakable long afterglow of the Drambuie elixir.

About DRAMBUIE®

The elixir at the heart of DRAMBUIE was created more than 260 years ago exclusively for Prince Charles Edward Stuart of Scotland. It is a unique combination of aged Scotch whiskies, heather honey and a blend of herbs and spices – a recipe kept secret since 1745. In the late 19th century the drink became know as “an dram buidheach” – from the Gaelic the drink that satisfies, and was subsequently registered as Drambuie is 1893. The first commercial production of Drambuie took place in Edinburgh 1909, it became the first liqueur to be served in The House of Lords in 1916 and became popular internationally as it was taken abroad by the Scottish Regiments in the two World Wars.

In the USA post prohibition, it became synonymous with the classic cocktail The Rusty Nail ™. Today it’s enjoyed neat, over ice and as a long refreshing drink mixed with soda, ginger beer or ginger ale. For more information visit www.drambuie.com

Bowmore Unveils Islay Taste Map With Martine Nouet

The ultimate companion and guide to Islay Single Malt whiskies

The interactive taste map is now live and can be viewed here: http://www.islaytastemap.com/

This autumn, Bowmore, the first Islay Single Malt whisky, has collaborated with esteemed whisky writer Martine Nouet to create the Islay Taste Map. In a bold move to support the Islay category as a whole, the map, which is the first of its kind, is the ideal guide to the complex and very varied characters of Islay’s eight magical distilleries: Ardbeg, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman, Lagavulin, Laphroaig and Bowmore. Launched as an educational tool for both the on- and off-trade, the map will also be available for consumers to access online from November.

Bringing to life the ancient elements Earth, Air, Fire and Water that make up Islay’s mild yet uncompromising climate, the map uses colour-coordinated taste profiles to illustrate how each of the elements is reflected in the whiskies from each distillery. From the peaty and mossy cues of EARTH; the floral notes of heather and sweet meadow in AIR; the smoke, bonfires and burnt wood of FIRE; to theocean air, sea salt and wet sand of WATER – each distillery has a unique taste profile. The map also explains how the whiskies taste indoors and out alongside a character profile and tasting notes.

In development for over a year, the map has been created in collaboration with esteemed whisky writer and Islay resident Martine Nouet. Known as the ‘The Queen of the Still’, Martine was carried away by Islay’s distinct yet varied fragrances when she first visited the island 20 years ago.

Founded over two centuries ago in 1779, Bowmore is the first recorded distillery on Islay and one of the oldest in Scotland. As with all Islay Single Malts, Bowmore whiskies are renowned for its peaty smokiness. The Distillery carefully smokes its own malt just as their ancestors did centuries ago, using skills handed down from generation to generation. Nurtured and matured in the legendary warehouses below sea level, the No. 1 Vaults, Bowmore Single Malt is widely acknowledged to be amongst the finest and most perfectly balanced in the world.

UK Distributor: Cellar Trends on 01283 217703 or enquiries@cellartrends.co.uk

Bowmore

The best-balanced Islay Single Malt whisky is the perfect reward after your outdoor experience.

Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldestDistillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles, which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the lexicon of Whisky. The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception; we carefully smoke our malt and use skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt.

Bowmore’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of our

Single Malts. We’re one of only a few distilleries anywhere which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery. For our whiskies we draw water from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones, and it’s the same Islay peat that fires the malt drying kiln.

Bowmore Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of our spirit. The legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of our whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, dampcellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the Vault’s sea-facing wall.

They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours.

It’s this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore Single Malt Whiskies.

The Bowmore domestic product range:

· Bowmore Legend
· Bowmore 12 Years Old
· Bowmore Darkest 15 Years Old (sherry cask finished)
· Bowmore 18 Years Old
· Bowmore 25 Years Old

Islay

Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, and is also known as “The Queen of the Hebrides.” Its mild climate and rich peaty soil make it ideal for creating whisky, and despite having a population of not much more than 3,000, it’s home to no fewer thaneight distilleries.

AUCHENTOSHAN THREE WOOD WINS OVERALL BEST IN CLASS AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRIT COMPETITION

Auchentoshan, the only triple distilled Single Malt Scotch Whisky, is delighted to announce it has been awarded Best in Class Trophy for Single Malt Scotch Whisky 15 years & under for its Three Wood expression at the prestigious Cathay Pacific Hong Kong IWSC Awards.

Auchentoshan Three Wood is a unique Single Malt Whisky that pioneered three cask maturation. Maturing first in North America oak (ex Bourbon casks) then Oloroso Sherry (European Oak) and finally Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks – Three Wood is a rich, complex whisky with incredible toffee and dark fruit flavours.

Dating back to 1823, Auchentoshan is renowned for its smooth and delicate flavor. The only Single Malt to consistently triple distil every drop, Auchentoshan produces the highest new make spirit of any Scottish distillery, which results in an ultra light distillate, absorbing more flavor from the oak casks within which it matures.

This award highlights Morrison Bowmore’s commitment to the Asia Pacific region, a key growth market for single malt Scotch whisky. Auchentoshan is one of the fastest growing single malt brands in Asia Pacific, with 45% growth forecast in 2011.

Kirsteen Beeston, Head of Brands Marketing, said “This competition is intent on recognizing the quality of products available within the Asian market and naturally we’re delighted Auchentoshan Three Wood has won this extremely prestigious award”.

“This win demonstrates the perfect suitability of Auchentoshan’s expressions to the Asian palate. They are discerning customers and we are delighted the quality and provenance of our brand is finding a place in the hearts of the Asian consumers”.

Notes:

Auchentoshan

As Glasgow’s closest Distillery, Auchentoshan is truly unique as it is the only distillery to use a third still in the whisky making process. It means Auchentoshan is the only Single Malt Scotch whisky to triple distil every single drop. This third distillation takes the new spirit to 81.5% ABV making it the highest distillate of any Scottish distillery. This strength removes the impurities and harshness often associated with single malts and produces an extremely light spirit,allowing Auchentoshan to extract maximum flavours from the wood. The result? A delicate, smooth malt with each expression strongly showcasing the character of cask or casks it was matured in.

At the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Auchentoshan 12 Year Old, Auchentoshan Classic and Auchentoshan Three Wood were all awarded a Silver Medal in the Spirits category. At the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Auchentoshan 18 Year Old also won a coveted Double Gold Medal.

Auchentoshan Domestic Product Range – Tasting Notes

Auchentoshan Classic

Nose: Rich vanilla and coconut with a hint of green apple and a tang of citrus zest.
Palate: Sweet vanilla cream, fresh green apple skin and a little mint.
Finish: A fresh floral zestiness.

Auchentoshan 12 Year Old

Nose: Crème brulee, a burst of citrus and the signature nuttiness and green leafiness of Auchentoshan.
Palate: The palate is smooth and sweet with hints of tangerine and lime.
Finish: Gingery and slightly drying with a pleasant lingering nuttiness.

Auchentoshan Three Wood

Nose: Blackcurrant, brown sugar, orange, plum and raisin.
Palate: Fruit and syrup. Hazelnut with hints of cinnamon and lemon. A butterscotch sweetness adds to the overall complexity.
Finish: Fresh and fruity with long lasting oaky sweetness.

Auchentoshan 18 Year Old

Nose: Fresh tobacco leaf then sweet with a hint of caramelised sugars, green tea and toasted almonds.
Palate: At first the palate has a floral freshness with sweet barley sugar, this gently ebbs to reveal a tangerine zestiness that leaves the palate alive and refreshed.
Finish: A long, lingering and well-balanced dram that invigorates the mouth.

Auchentoshan 21 Year Old

Nose: Ripe gooseberry notes together with sweet vanilla and oak combines with a freshly cut barley flavour.
Palate: Light chocolate and soft green fruit,with a twist of old oak and honey.
Finish: A long and lasting finish demonstrating real depth of character.

* Recommended retail price. Available from all leading whisky specialists and selected retailers

Auchentoshan Three Wood

Nose: Blackcurrant, brown sugar, orange, plum and raisin.
Palate: Fruit and syrup. Hazelnut with hints of cinnamon and lemon. A butterscotch sweetness adds to the overall complexity.
Finish: Fresh and fruity with long lasting oaky sweetness.

M C L E A N S C O T L A N D
W H I S K Y    T O U R S    T O    R E M E M B E R

MCLEANSCOTLAND have been awarded “Official Tour Agent” for whisky live Dublin 2012. A great honour after a lot of hard work, research and event planning. They believe it is the first time a tour company have been awarded such a title in the whisky trade. Add all this to their growing reputation and more awards (Clan Gillean USA for example) and you begin to understand what they are all about – perfection, knowledge, service and fun, in all their tours. Truly a grand combination.

The Perth based whisky tour company have had an excellent year, a minimum of one whisky tour per month, rising to six in May! Apart from whisky tours, they offer every tour possible, lochs and glens, castles, food, golf and … of course a mix of whisky and anything else!
The tours have taken them to Islay, Mull, Arran, Jura, Orkney and Skye distilleries (the Islands) plus the Lowlands, Highlands and Speyside, (with one distillery in both Low and Highlands) even sneaking in an Irish trip. How many distilleries they visit in any one year is anyone’s guess! With so many excellent trade contacts, they even visit distilleries closed to the public. Their whisky dinners and evening tastings are a superb example of “bringing a taste of Scotland to the masses”.

Apart from their Russian clients, they bring groups from USA, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Faroe Isles, Netherlands, Germany, even England, Far East, Middle East, France and Ukraine. The final tours of the year (December) are from Sweden and South Africa. This last tour is a prize for lucky whisky lovers from South Africa winning a competition by Brandhouse and Diageo, “we are happy working with them” said Paul. Somehow they also found time to attend whisky festivals!

For 2012 many tours are already booked in, once again from all over the world, with tours also in the can for Pernod Ricard all over Speyside. They been described as “The best whisky tour company”. For all readers looking to travel to Scotland or Ireland in 2012, you can find no one better to look after you than MCLEANSCOTLAND.

Quotes;

“I think it was really the best vacation of mine – ever. This was a VERY impressive tour – lots of great sightseeing places of Scotland, beautiful castles and the most important – wonderful 36 whisky distilleries (with 21 full-scale distillery tours – I have counted them all ! The tour was truly fabulous – perfectly planned, greatly executed, every little detail was considered. This was a whisky tour of my dream – a truly marvellous experience for a true whisky lover like me ! And I very much appreciate your highly professional approach, your vast historical and folklore knowledge, your lovely sense of humour. I would have no hesitations in recommending mcleanscotland as the best Scotland tour operator (esp. whisky tour!)! I look forward to visiting Scotland with my wife next year – and only on YOUR tour! Timofei Prokopov CFO, Vice President, Finance & Investments,”Protek” Russia

On behalf of all I can say we will treasure this trip as a unique experience of the whisky world. I have been bragging about this trip already at work, they all envy us. For us, this trip was more than we all imagined. We feel that we have seen Scotland in a way only possible with a guide like you. The scenery of this whisky tour was beautiful, the wonderful boat trip to Islay, the nature, the historical places and as special treat the Doune castle where Monty Python made their first feature movie. For me this made the whisky tour just perfect. Your knowledge of whisky and all details attached to it really made it a special trip which I can recommend to all. The different distilleries, the history behind it, the visit to the cooperage, your network allowing access to closed distilleries and the tastings of very special whiskies at different locations was just beyond belief (and taste). I personally thought this trip would make all clear and that at the end I would be able to say what my personal favourite whisky’s would be. Well the conclusion is simple; thanks to you I have to conclude that not only whisky is a more diverse product I ever imagined and that there is more to whisky then Islay whisky in Speyside excellent whisky’s are made. The adventure has just begun! Marc

Contact Liz and Paul at whisky@mcleanscotland.com or check out www.mcleanscotland.com If more whisky were needed, they also run www.angelswhiskyclub.com

THE BOWMORE TWEED SAVILE ROW EXPERIENCE

The ultimate luxury Christmas gift for the Single Malt whisky-drinking gentleman

Bowmore, the first Islay Single Malt whisky is collaborating with esteemed Savile Row tailor, Malcolm Plews to create the ultimate premium Christmas gift; a bespoke tailoring session where gents will be fitted with a made-to-measure Bowmore Tweed jacket followed by an in-depth one to one whisky tasting with a Bowmore expert on the range of perfectly balanced, warm and smoky Bowmore whiskies.

The package, which retails at £3,000, also includes first class travel to London from anywhere in the UK, a night’s stay for two at the Malmaison Clerkenwell, and lunch for two at the undeniably chic Sartoria restaurant, Savile Row. A bottle of Bowmore 15YO and whisky glasses complete the package and are issued to the recipient with details of the package just in time for Christmas Day.

Like Bowmore, Malcolm Plews is renowned for creating products of the highest quality and craftsmanship. With over 40 years experience, Malcolm provides the ultimate bespoke tailoring experience from the home of British tailoring. Positioned in the heart of Mayfair, central London, Savile Row tailors have long epitomised the well-dressed man. Malcolm fits and cut all his suits on the premises. Each jacket will take two fitting sessions to complete.

The Bowmore Tweed echoes the brand’s heritage and provenance. Made from the finest British wool, the Tweed has been produced in conjunction with Gordon and Sheila Covell, owners of the Islay Woollen Mill, whose designs have featured in Hollywood blockbuster Braveheart!!

The colour palette is routed in Bowmore’s core, Islay, with the blue inspired by the wild waves of Loch Indaal that surround Bowmore distillery and its legendary No.1 vaults, where the remarkable whiskies spend their long lives. The grey mirrors Islay’s slate and heather on the island and the burnt orange signifies the giant copper still of the Bowmoredistillery as well as the amber colour of the perfectly balanced warm and smoky spirit. ! In addition to bespoke Tweed jackets, Bowmore Tweed is also available in rugs and scarves

The Bowmore Tweed Savile Row Experience is available from www.singlemaltwhiskyshop.com  at RRP £3,000.

For more information visit www.bowmore.com/

Notes:

Bowmore

The best-balanced Islay single malt whisky is the perfect reward after your outdoor experience.

Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest Distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles, which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the lexicon of Whisky. The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception; we carefully smoke our malt and use skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt.

Bowmore’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of our Single Malts. We’re one of only a few distilleries anywhere which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by traditional wooden malt shovel. For our whiskies we draw water from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones, and it’s the same Islay peat that fires the malt drying kiln.

Bowmore Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of our spirit. The legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of our whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the Vault’s sea-facing wall.

They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours. It’s this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore Single Malt Whiskies.

The Bowmore domestic product range:

• Bowmore Legend

• Bowmore 12 Years Old

• Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’ (sherry cask finished)

• Bowmore 18 Years Old

• Bowmore 25 Years Old

Islay

Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, and is also known as “The Queen of the Hebrides.” Its mild climate and rich peaty soil make it ideal for creating whisky, and despite having a population of not much more than 3,000, it’s home to no fewer than eight distilleries.

Soho Whisky Club

Benefits of membership

– New attractive bar in the heart of Soho incorporating large enclosed and heated terrace. Total capacity at any one time 40.

– Over 300 malts on offer, very competitively priced, including whiskies which are no longer commercially available.

– F ree WiFi.

– Any of the wide range of wines/champagnes purchased from The Vintage House can be consumed in the club for a small corkage charge of £12.00.

– Coffee and tea will be available for purchase throughout the day.

– There will be regular tutored whisky/spirit tastings (some will be free to members, others may have a cover charge). Due to limited space, tasting information will be emailed to members and places allocated on a first come first served basis.

– There will be tutored cigar appreciation sessions (weather permitting). Due to current regulations all smoking related events must have a realistic charge.

– The Club room will be available for hire to members. The number of such events will be strictly limited so as not to spoil the enjoyment of other members.

The Soho Whisky Club has been initiated to further the enjoyment of whisky and cigars in central London. The Club is part of The Vintage House which has been trading in Soho since 1944 and has decided to share the breadth of knowledge of it’s staff with fellow enthusiasts. The aim of the Club is to provide a welcoming haven for people in the trade, or people with a passion for whisky or cigars, to learn and share this experience. The Club also has the benefit of a large roof terrace so that one can enjoy a cigar in shelter and comfort during this cold season.

www.sohowhiskybar.com/

British Soldiers to Celebrate with Luxury Scotch Whisky on Epic Polar Journey

With two bottles of Chivas Regal 12 Year Old Scotch whisky in tow, six brave army veterans will cover 900 miles, 10,000 feet and subzero temperatures over a gruelling 70 days, in a race to the South Pole.

Supported by the world’s leading luxury Scotch, the group of two teams will replicate the race between British Captain, Robert Falcon Scott and Norwegian Roald Amundsen in 1911 – a journey Amundsen ultimately won, making him the first person in history to reach the South Pole.

“As we prepare to set out on this expedition, the greatest challenge will be retaining a positive team spirit that will see us through the tough times and give us the strength to keep going. We’re delighted that Chivas inspires honour, integrity and optimism, and we hope to draw upon these values throughout our months in the Antarctic,” says Henry Worsley, who is leading the upcoming Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race that sets off on 11 November.

Courage and camaraderie will come into full force as each team battles the elements, toasting a dram of Chivas as they cross each line of latitude and become one step closer to their success.

James Slack, Brand Director for Chivas Regal, comments: “Chivas’ partnership with The Race is rooted in our values of optimism, generosity and brotherhood, values that are crucial to all polar expeditions. As these brave and inspiring men battle together against all odds, the least we can do is ensure they have a decent drink as they reach each and every milestone.”

Each team will take their last dram of Chivas when they reach the South Pole, celebrating success together as one team. The empty bottles will be filled with snow from Pole, which will melt to become the purest water in the world and given to Chivas as a memento of the journey.

The Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race will raise money for the Royal British Legion in their aim to raise £25m to fund four Personnel Recovery Centres. Visit http://www.scottamundsenrace.org/  to follow the journey online.

Notes:

Chivas Regal
Chivas Regal is a truly international premium Scotch whisky brand, sold in more than 150 countries, selling over 4.2 million nine litre cases annually.

Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, sold in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. With annual volume sales exceeding 4.2m 9L cases (over 50m bottles a year), Chivas Regal is the No 1 Scotch whisky in China and the No 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in the world.

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.

Ballantine’s 12 Year Old Unveils Seasonal Gift Offering

Ballantine’s, the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe, will support the global off-trade sector during the lucrative festive period with the release of a stylish limited edition gift tin for its 12 Year Old expression. The striking gift packaging reflects the brand’s hugely successful BEYOND creative platform.

The gift pack uses modern and elegant design cues to recast key elements of Ballantine’s heritage. The tin bears the colours of the iconic Scottish Saltire flag and a series of sophisticated design and print techniques create the illusion that the tin is wrapped in a traditional Scottish tartan sash and secured with a Ballantine’s 12 kilt pin. The folds and shadows of the sash have been recreated through an intricate process of embossing which continues inside the pack where Ballantine’s 12 Year Old tasting notes are debossed on the lid.

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, comments, “This creative and contemporary limited edition gift pack will provide Ballantine’s 12 Year Old drinkers with a specialist gift offering during a key sales period. The striking packaging, which fuses classic symbols with contemporary design, allows for maximum prominence in off-trade sales and will appeal to new and existing customers.”

BEYOND invites Ballantine’s 12 consumers to look at things in a different way and discover what lies beyond the ordinary. The creative platform has been supported with a range of contemporary art events, advertising, point of sale materials and merchandise, which have captivated consumers across the world.

Notes

Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and 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.

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.

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

www.chivasbrothers.com

BEAM FILLS 12 MILLIONTH BARREL OF BOURBON

The commemorative white oak barrel bearing the new company logo was filled and sealed on Oct. 17, 2011, at Beam’s flagship distillery in Clermont, Ky., where it will be aged until 2015.

“After more than 216 years, Beam continues to thrive as the number one Bourbon producer in the world,” said Frederick “Fred” Booker Noe III, Jim Beam’s great-grandson and seventh generation Beam family distiller. “This milestone comes at a time when bourbon is growing faster than categories like vodka in the U.S., and reflects the popularity of our brands, innovations and the worldwide growth of America’s native spirit.”

One of Kentucky’s signature companies, Beam is the fourth largest premium spirits company in the world. Its extensive bourbon portfolio include Jim Beam®, Jim Beam Black®, Red Stag by Jim Beam™, Devil’s Cut™, Knob Creek®, Basil Hayden®, Baker’s®, Booker’s®, Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve, Maker’s Mark® and Maker’s 46™.

According to Noe, twelve million barrels would:

➢ Yield nearly 340 million cases of Jim Beam Bourbon; ➢ Create more than 500 trillion bourbon cocktails; ➢ Fill 1,060 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Additional information about the history and heritage of Beam Inc., and its family of bourbons can be found at www.jimbeam.com  and www.beamglobal.com