Ballantine’s Continues to Impress Whisky Expert Jim Murray

Ballantine’s Finest, the No 1 whisky in Europe, has been named Best Scotch Blend of the Year (standard no age statement), for the fourth consecutive year, by leading whisky connoisseur Jim Murray, in the 9th edition of his Whisky Bible.

Murray has tasted just under 1,500 new whiskies to complete the 2012 edition of the much-celebrated Whisky Bible. Ballantine’s Finest received its accolade after achieving an impressive 96 of a possible 100 points. The world-renowned whisky expert describes Ballantine’s Finest “as a major work of art”. He also pays tribute to Ballantine’s Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, commenting, “take a mouthful of this and experience the work of a blender very much at the top of his game”. *

Peter Moore, Ballantine’s Global Brand Director, comments: “It is an honour to receive an accolade like this from one of the world’s most respected whisky writers. Not only is this a testament to the expertise of our Master Blender, but it also further enhances the reputation of the Ballantine’s portfolio as an unrivalled range of high-quality blended Scotch whiskies.”

With almost two decades of experience in the whisky industry and as author of many best-selling books on the subject, Murray is widely regarded as the world’s leading whisky commentator. His unwavering dedication to the spirit is aptly demonstrated in his Whisky Bible each year, with his vast knowledge and passionate writing style. His latest issue, features an encyclopedia of tasting notes on more than 4,500 of the world’s whiskies, from leading to lesser known brands.

Notes:

*Jim Murray

Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s Finest is a complex blend of single malts and grain whiskies from four renowned whisky regions of Scotland – Islay, Highlands, Speyside and Lowlands. Its elegant signature style is a balance of soft and sweet, due to the key malts of Glenburgie and Miltonduff.

www.chivasbrothers.com

Award-Winning Laphroaig® Single Malt Scotch Whisky Introduces New Triple Wood to U.S. Market

Laphroaig Triple Wood Offers Three Times the Complexity for Scotch Enthusiasts

Laphroaig Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is pleased to introduce its latest award-winning expression, Laphroaig Triple Wood, just in time for the holidays. Garnering its name from a distinct triple maturation process, only 13,500 bottles of Laphroaig Triple Wood (48% ABV; 96 proof) will be available in the U.S. market in 2011, making it the perfect holiday gift for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

The newly available expression has enjoyed time in American Oak ex-bourbon barrels, 19th Century style quarter casks and European Oak Oloroso sherry casks, revealing a rich blend of subtle sherry sweetness and hints of sea salt. The spirit’s gentle suggestion of vanilla and smooth nutty flavor is complemented by Laphroaig’s signature peat smoke and a slight tang from time spent in rich White Oak casks – bold characteristics that earned Laphroaig Triple Wood a Best in Class Gold Medal honor at the 2011 International Wine & Spirit Competition.

“Laphroaig Triple Wood is one of the most complex expressions we have ever bottled, and we are delighted to begin offering it to our U.S. consumers,” said Laphroaig Distillery Manager John Campbell. “Triple Wood will satisfy palates with unique notes that are fresh, yet remain true to the Laphroaig heritage and standards of Scotch whisky.”

To build on the excitement of Laphroaig Triple Wood’s arrival, the brand is answering consumer demand by launching an integrated iPhone® app that allows whisky enthusiasts and scotch newcomers alike to easily locate venues nearest them that offer expressions from Laphroaig’s celebrated portfolio. To access the new Laphroaig Bar Finder iPhone app, visit http://itunes.apple.com.

Laphroaig Triple Wood is currently available at participating retail locations beginning in September 2011. Suggested retail price is $60.00 for a 750ml bottle.

ALDI LAUNCHES LIMITED EDITION 40 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT WHISKY FOR UNDER £50

Whisky lovers will be queuing overnight to get their hands on Aldi’s luxury, limited edition, 40 year old Speyside Single Malt Whisky, on sale this Thursday (8th December) for the unbelievable price of £49.99.

The first supermarket ever to sell an own-label spirit 40 years old, discounter Aldi will be releasing 3,000 bottles of the whisky throughout its 450 UK stores as a special Christmas present to loyal shoppers. The coveted whisky is predicted to sell out within hours and could even appear for sale on eBay as hard-up Brits look to capitalise on the amazing deal.

Aldi’s Spirits Buyer said: “Whisky of this quality and age would usually sell for around £300 plus.  Aldi is giving customers the chance to get hold of a very high quality luxury product for a very low price.”

The Speyside Single Malt comes from one of Scotland’s finest distilleries and has been matured in European Oak Sherry casks, resulting in a very intense and rich flavour. The beautiful decanter is presented in a stylish gift box.

With an aroma of dark chocolate and dried figs, the sweet taste gives off a marmalade zestiness, and the dry oak tannins fade into a lingering sweet and mellow finish.

Glenbridge 40 Year Old Single Malt Whisky – £49.99, 70cl, 40% ABV On sale from 8th December 2011, available as long as stock lasts.

ALDI LAUNCHES LIMITED EDITION 24 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT WHISKY FOR UNDER £30

Impress Dad or Hubby this Christmas with Aldi’s limited edition, unbelievable value Glen Marnoch 24 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, on sale as a Special Buy from 24th November.

There will be just 3000 bottles of the whisky released throughout Aldi’s 450 UK stores.

Casked in 1987, this very special Scotch whisky comes in a stylish gift box, making it the perfect gift for that special man in your life.

With a delicate floral aroma, notes of blooming heather and green vines and a very mellow taste, including gentle vanilla oak and a silky texture, this single malt provides a very rewarding taste experience for whisky lovers.

Glen Marnoch 24 Year Old Single Malt Whisky – £29.99, 70cl, 40% ABV On sale from 24th November, available as long as stock lasts.

Win A Chance To Make the 2012 Vintage

On 11th November, The Glenrothes is launching the second installment of its Vintage Maker contest. Whisky enthusiasts are invited to recall and share a game changing or halcyon moment in their life, whether it be plucked from your career, love life, traveling days or something else inspiring or memorable.

The four most compelling storytellers will be flown to the Speyside region of Scotland, the home of The Glenrothes, from 21st – 28th May 2012. There, they will nose a wide gamut of drams before selecting the best casks to be laid down for maturation, to eventually be bottled and released as The Glenrothes 2012 Vintage.

The new installment of The Glenrothes Vintage Maker follows hot on the heels of over 10,000 budding whisky makers entering the 2011 draw. Entrants must submit 1500 characters or less in answer to the question “Tell us about your Vintage moment,” and may also upload a picture or link to an online video to supplement their written entry.

For more information on how to enter, plus rules and regulations, visit www.TheGlenrothes.com , facebook.com/TheGlenrothes or facebook.com/Liquor.com . The competition closes on January 31, 2012 at 11:59:59 pm EST. You must be age 21 to enter.

TEACHER’S INTRODUCES GIFT CARTON FOR CHRISTMAS

Teacher’s blended Scotch whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK, is launching a special gift carton into the retail sector, a first for the brand since 1988, in the lead up to Christmas.

The Teacher’s 70cl gift carton will be available over the festive period and the move highlights Maxxium’s investment into the brand, which is one of the UK’s top five premium blended whiskies.

This distinctive brand, established in 1830, has one of the highest malt contents of any blend, ensuring a rich and complex flavour of true quality. The ‘fingerprint’ malt in Teacher’s is Highland single malt Ardmore, which imparts a smoky richness. Teacher’s has a long history of quality and innovation and in 1913 was the first drinks brand to introduce the ‘self opening bottle’, known today as the screw cap.

Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director, Maxxium UK commented: “Teacher’s is one of the only blends to be in a gift carton this Christmas, which will provide an enhanced on shelf presence, and appeal to consumers looking for a premium and authentic blend this festive season. It is well known for having an exceptionally high malt proportion, guaranteed to be at least 45%, which really delivers a unique and balanced blended whisky with tastes of full rich malts and maturity.”

Teacher’s 70cl will also be available in the cash and carry sector as a £12.49 priced marked pack during the Christmas sales season.

Notes:
*Source: Nielsen data June – Aug 2011
• William Teacher first began selling blended Scotch whisky in 1830. To ensure authenticity of his whisky he sold it through his infamous Glasgow dram shops. Throughout the decades, Teacher’s has continued to be a popular brand around the world.
• Teacher’s is a blend of over 35 single malts blended with grain whiskies and has one of the highest malt contents of any blend ensuring a unique, rich and complex flavour of true quality.
• The brand implements traditional distillation and maturation methods in large and small oak casks, creating a more authentic blend.
• The ‘fingerprint’ malt in Teacher’s is Ardmore, a lightly peated Highland malt whisky, which imparts a smoky richness to the blend.
• Teacher’s has a history of consistent quality and innovation. It is a distinctive brand with true heritage.

Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Rich amber with yellowish highlights
Nose: Deep and robust maltiness with hints of pear and sherry maturity
Palate: Challenging, exciting, round and warming with a silky texture. Tastes of full rich malts and maturity
Finish: Balanced and creamy

DISPUTE BETWEEN KDA AND SAZERAC COMPANY SETTLED

Frankfort, KY (November 17, 2011) – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association and Sazerac Company, Inc., today announced that the groups have reached a settlement over disputed trademark issues.

The announcement brings an end to litigation filed in U.S. District Court in May 2010 by the KDA against Sazerac, a Louisiana-based company that owns the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, the Barton 1792 Distillery in Bardstown and Glenmore Distillery in Owensboro. In response to KDA’s lawsuit, Sazerac countersued the KDA. The counterclaims against KDA have also been resolved as a result of today’s settlement.

Sazerac Company resigned from the KDA, a non-profit trade association based in Frankfort, in December 2009. Members of the KDA include Beam Global Spirits & Wine (Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark), Brown-Forman, Diageo North America, Four Roses, Heaven Hill and Wild Turkey.

“We’re pleased that an amicable resolution has been reached in this important matter,” said KDA President Eric Gregory. “The KDA and its members look forward to continue building the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experience and promoting our signature industry’s rich history to visitors from around the world.”

“Sazerac’s three Kentucky distilleries, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Barton 1792 Distillery and The Glenmore Distillery look forward to continue developing their distillery tours along the bourbon trail,” said Marketing Service Director, Meredith Moody.

Terms of the settlement are confidential and will not be released to the public, the parties agreed.

For more information about the KDA please visit www.kybourbon.com  or www.kybourbontrail.com .

For more information about the Buffalo Trace Distillery, please visit www.buffalotrace.com .

For more information about the Barton 1792 Distillery, please visit www.1792bourbon.com .

Passport Scotch Flying High with 1 Million Case Sales

Born in the 1960s, the ever-innovative Passport Scotch has broken new ground with the announcement today of one million nine litre case sales (MAT)* globally. This latest milestone positions the brand among the top 20 Scotch whiskies in the world.

The continued double-digit growth of Passport Scotch is primarily driven by its strong performance in Brazil, the brand’s largest market, and Mexico, where it is experiencing increasing popularity. A strong performance in other key markets including Africa, Portugal and Poland, has also contributed to the brand’s success.

Geoff Parmiter, Brand Director of Standard Brands at Chivas Brothers, comments: “We are delighted to announce this latest triumph. Passport Scotch has a strong and vibrant identity that has always been characterised by its distinctive rectangular green bottle, which has become a unique symbol in the world of Scotch whisky. As a result, it continues to attract young adults, for whom individuality is essential, around the world. By continually engaging with this audience through groundbreaking marketing activity, we are confident that Passport Scotch will continue to enjoy success in the foreseeable future.”

The brand has been built on a communication platform based on the theme ‘Estilo Propio’, which translates as ‘a style of its own’. Growth in leading market Brazil has been fuelled by Green Project, a digital initiative that has strengthened the brand’s association with urban culture, electronic music and technology. Meanwhile the launch of the Passport Scotch ‘Night Bottle’, designed by renowned graphic designer Flavio Samelo, reinforced the association through increased brand visibility in key on-premise outlets.

* Month ending 30 Sept 2011

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 Scotch

www.chivasbrothers.com

Unique and collectable whisky to go under the hammer

A unique and collectable bottle of signed whisky from Speyside’s smallest distillery will go under the hammer this week in an online auction with proceeds going to a local rescue charity.

Distillery manager, Keith Cruickshank, and infamous whisky blogger, Ralf Mitchell, commonly known as Ralfy, have signed the bottle of Benromach single cask for a charitable auction being hosted by Scotch Whisky Auctions, who have kindly agreed to waive their auction fees.

The money raised from the sale will go to Findhorn based Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation (M.I.R.O) who are an independent rescue service manned entirely by volunteers.

Keith Cruikshank said he expected the online auction, which starts today (17 November 2011) and runs until the 27th of November, to generate global interest.

He said: “This is a very unique bottle of Benromach Single malt whisky hand bottled by Ralfy at our distillery. It is the only bottle to be bottled at this time so we hope it will be a hit with collectors and whisky enthusiasts across the globe. The proceeds of the auction, made possible by Scotch Whisky Auctions, will go towards making a splash in Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation’s funds, which are based only a few miles away from our distillery.”

The winner will also get an exclusive selection of Benromach merchandise including a sample bottle of whisky, two blender glasses, key ring, polo shirt, wallet, stow bag, calendar and a newsletter signed by David and Michael Urquhart.

Ralfy will also donate a memory stick containing all the v-logs created for the auction, including a personalised v-log to the winner and signed tasting notes.

Simon Paterson from the Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation said: “We are very grateful to Benromach for donating a bottle of their finest whisky to be auctioned online.”

Previous charitable auctions of similar products have seen funds of around £400 raised. Anyone interested in bidding for this unique bottle of whisky can make a bid by visiting www.scotchwhiskyauctions.com.

If you want to find out more information about Benromach and sample the unique taste of their rare whiskies visit the Glasgow Whisky Festival at The Arches on Argyll Street on November 19 2011 or 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.

Please visit www.benromach.com  for details.

About Ralfy

Ralfy is an independent video based commentator who combines entertaining whisky reviews with eccentricity for independent Scotch Whisky Producers.

Ralfy is also a member of the Malt Maniacs.

Please visit www.ralfy.com for details.

About Scotch Whisky Auctions

Scotch Whisky Auctions is an innovative and imaginative whisky auction website offering old whisky, rare whisky and vintage whisky for auction.

Please visit www.scotchwhiskyauctions.com  for details.

About M.I.R.O

MIRO is one of around 50 independent rescue services that operate around the UK. It is manned entirely by volunteers and funded by the generosity of the general public and local business. Every penny raised by MIRO goes directly into the charities funds with nothing deducted for third parties or administration.

Please visit www.morayinshorerescue.org for details.

Royal Salute Continues To Support World-Class Polo in China

Royal Salute, the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky, strengthened its association with international polo this month through its prestigious title sponsorship of the Royal Salute Gold Cup 2011 China Open Polo Tournament in Beijing.

Hosted in the luxurious Tang Polo Club near the Wenyu River in Beijing, the 10 day tournament saw some outstanding polo with four, 10 and 16 goal tournaments held over 10 days, but it was the Royal Salute team who came out on top, triumphing over AMG Ireland in a closely fought final. Lead by team captain and founder of Tang Polo Club Liu Shi-Lai, the Royal Salute team received the Royal Salute Polo Gold Cup with a score of 7 to 6.

Neil Macdonald, Global Brand Director for Royal Salute, commented, “Through our Royal Salute World Polo initiative, we have sponsored and supported polo events in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia. Royal Salute and polo have a natural affinity as ultimate expressions of power, skill and nobility of character.”

Sanctioned by both the General Administration of Sport of China and the Chinese Equestrian Association, the Royal Salute Gold Cup is China’s most prestigious polo tournament.

The latest title sponsorship further underlines the quality of the Royal Salute’s World Polo programme, which supports events in China, Brazil, India, Dubai, the US and the UK. Most recently, Royal Salute sponsored the Duke of Cambridge’s team at The Foundation Polo Challenge at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, California.

NOTES:

About Tang Polo Club
The Tang Polo Club, Beijing, was established on 10th of October, 2010 and through its positioning as China’s premier Polo and Equestrian Club, “Membership by Invitation” policy and the hosting of international tournaments, it is at the forefront of the renaissance of polo in China.

Additionally to be in line with international standards, the club is a member of the International Polo Association and the Hurlingham Polo Association. It is connected with the world’s best known polo clubs and its name is growing on the international stage as a true Polo Club.

About Royal Salute
The pinnacle of Scotch whisky, award-winning Royal Salute was first created as a tribute by Chivas Brothers to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II upon her coronation in 1953. This defining luxury whisky has a very powerful and sophisticated style, and has become the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky brand.

Royal Salute has a long legacy of paying tribute to nobility and leadership.

• 1953: Royal Salute created to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen’s coronation
• 2003: Royal Salute 50 Year Old launched for the 50th anniversary of the coronation, also paid tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary’s and Sir Tensing Norgay’s on the anniversary of their successful ascent of Everest
• 2005: Royal Salute 38 Year Old launched – a tribute from Scotland, inspired by the Stone of Destiny
• 2010: Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute launched paying tribute to the craftsmanship of four master blenders who have safeguarded the Royal Salute legacy
• 2011: Royal Salute Tribute to Honour launched, the Honours are most notable and compelling symbols of Scottish royalty

Royal Salute World Polo
In addition to Royal Salute Tang Polo Cup, the Scotch whisky also supports some of the most luxurious polo tournaments in the world, staged in the grandest venues, including:

• Bernard Weatherhill Polo Club Charity Day, Gloucestershire, UK, previously titled The Chakravarty Cup
• The Sentebale Polo Cup, Coworth Park, UK
• The Foundation Polo Challenge, Santa Barbara, California, US
• Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup, Jodhpur, India
• Triple Crown Tournament, Helvetia Polo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

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.