Celebrate the coming of Spring like the Japanese with Hakushu Semei or Hibiki Kokuu cocktails

London March 2012: The Japanese are very close to nature and mark the passage of each of their traditional 24 seasons in different ways. In April the two seasons are Semei and Kokuu.

* Semei is the period of clear and bright weather leading up to the warmer weather.

* Kokuu is the time for some rain to help develop the crops for the harvest.

Suntory celebrates each season with the 24 Seasons Cocktail menu, an appropriate cocktail created by Brand Ambassador Zoran Peric.

Hakushu Semei – clear and bright weather (4 April)

Enough to raise the spirits for a good summer!

Recipe:

50ml Hakushu 12 Year Old single malt whisky

12.5ml Luxardo Maraschino liqueur

1ml Absinthe

Lemon zest

Coat an ice cube with absinthe and stir 10 times in a mixing glass. Add rest of ingredients then stir 30 times. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with grapefruit zest

Hibiki Kokuu – rain for a good harvest (20 April)

A bright interlude among the showers

Recipe:

40ml Hibiki 17 Year Old blended whisky

25ml Prucia golden plum liqueur

Stir ingredients with ice for about 2 minutes and serve over an ice ball in an Old Fashioned glass. Garnish with Orange zest

Suntory seasons/2

Suntory Japanese whiskies are world beaters having won more than 60 international awards since 2003 including Best Blended Whisky in the World for the Hibiki 21 and 30 year old and Best Single Malt in the World for the Yamazaki 18 year old. In 2010 Suntory was named Best Distiller in the World.

Whisky connoisseurs the world over applaud the subtle aromas and delicate flavours. In Japan whisky is often drunk with food such as sushi in a combination of two to three times water with whisky.

Hakushu 12 Year Old Single Malt and Hibiki 17 year old Blended whiskies are firm favourites in Japan and here in Europe. Celebrate these 2 Japanese seasons of Semei and Kokuu with a welcoming cocktail.

Notes: Pronouncing Suntory names

Yamazaki – (Ya-ma-zarkee)

Hakushu – (Ha-koo-shoe)

Hibiki – (Hi-bi-kee)

Hakushu single malt whisky and Hibiki blended whisky are available from: Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, The Whisky Exchange, independent specialist retailers and drinkon.com priced from:

Hakushu 12 year old £49

Hibiki 17 year old £70

The Suntory range of Japanese whiskies is distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends. For all sales enquiries contact: sales@cellartrends.co.uk

How to Drink Like the Characters of Mad Men

The liquor loving characters of the Emmy award-winning show Mad Men are back March 25th on AMC for a fifth season of drama and drinking on the job. If you’re planning to throw a viewing party and want to imbibe just like the employees of Sterling Cooper Draper and Pryce, Maker’s Mark Bourbon recommends these classic cocktail recipes for a Manhattan and Old Fashioned. Both immensely popular in the 50’s and 60’s, these drinks are now coming back into style thanks to a bourbon Renaissance. Pair them with a recipe for spiked Shrimp Cocktail from Chef Franklin Becker of New York’s Abe & Arthur’s and you’ve got yourself a party Don Draper would be proud of.

Just in case you’re a stickler for historical accuracy like the producers of the show, you’ll be comforted to know that Maker’s Mark launched in 1958 and the show is presently set in 1965. Maker’s was the world’s first premium bourbon, and to that end, was the first bourbon to use warm red winter wheat instead of rye as its main flavor grain. This made it incredibly smooth, setting it apart from the harsher tasting rye whiskies of the time.

The Perfect Manhattan

Ingredients:

1 1/2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
1/2 parts Sweet Vermouth
1 tsp. Maraschino Cherry Juice
Maraschino Cherries

Directions:

Shake all together for 30 seconds. Strain into chilled Manhattan glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry (served up, no ice).

Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

· 2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon

· 3 dashes of Angostura Bitters

· 1 Sugar Cube

· 1 Orange

· Maraschino Cherries

· Soda

· Ice

Directions:

Place sugar cube into the bottom of an Old-Fashioned glass and add Angostura bitters directly to the sugar cube. Add one orange slice, one cherry, and a splash of soda and muddle thoroughly. Remove the fruit remnants. Add Maker’s Mark, ice, and top off with soda. Garnish with a fresh orange slice and a maraschino cherry.

Shrimp Cocktail with Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Cocktail Sauce

Recipe by Chef Franklin Becker, Abe & Arthur’s

Prep Time: 30 minutes. Cook Time: 30 minutes. Level: Easy

Serves 4-8

24 pc. shrimp in shell, u-10

12 cups water

1½ cups dry white wine, such as Riesling

2 lemons juiced

2 bay leaves

10 pieces whole black peppercorn

1 medium onion, peeled, halved and sliced thin ¼”

1 stalk celery, sliced thin crosswise 1/8”

1 whole leek, washed and sliced thin, white and green

3 medium carrots, peeled, sliced into 1/8” thick rounds

¼ cup kosher salt

1 recipe Maker’s Mark® Bourbon cocktail sauce (recipe below)

Lemon wedges, for garnish

1. Leaving the shell and tail intact, slice down the back of the shrimp, deveining the shrimp.

2. Bring the water, white wine, lemon juice, bay leaves, peppercorns, onion, celery, leek, carrots, and kosher salt to a boil in a large pot. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until the vegetables are soft and the brine is flavorful. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a new pot, discarding the solids.

3. Bring the stock back up to a simmer. Add the shrimp in shell and stir to submerge the shrimp. Remove the pot from the heat and allow the shrimp to poach for 10 minutes or until fully cooked.

4. Drain the shrimp and place the shrimp into a large bowl filled with ice. Stir the shrimp with the ice cubes and place the bowl in the freezer until the shrimp have cooled down, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Peel the shell from the shrimp, leaving the tail intact. Discard the shells. Serve the shrimp ice cold alongside the Maker’s Mark® Bourbon cocktail sauce, with fresh lemon wedges.

Maker’s Mark® Bourbon Cocktail Sauce

Makes 1½ cups

1 cup Heinz® Ketchup

1 tablespoon TABASCO® Sauce

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

¼ cup freshly grated horseradish

1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar

2 tablespoons Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, flamed off

1. Combine all ingredients together in a small bowl. Keep chilled until needed.

For additional Maker’s Mark® Bourbon food and drink recipes, please visit www.makersmark.com

New York, NY (March, 2012) – The annual Ultimate Spirits Challenge (USC) was held at Astor Center in New York City on March 5-9, 2012. Ultimate Beverage Challenge LLC, the sponsoring company, proudly announces the top spirits in more than 30 categories (but here at Whisky Intelligence we only care about one….) USC began with a record number of contestants as more than 650 spirits were entered (up 15% from 2011) from more than 70 companies and 30 countries around the world.

Led by Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) Founder and Judging Chairman F. Paul Pacult and Judging Co-Chairman Sean Ludford, fourteen of the world’s foremost distilled spirits authorities, including award-winning authors, spirits buyers, journalists, educators, bar owners and consultants rated the world’s finest distillates on USC’s innovative multilevel system, rendering the most unassailable results in the industry. This remarkable super-group of experts named 31 Ultimate Spirits Challenge Chairman’s Trophy winners and more than 80 Finalists.

Said UBC Founder F. Paul Pacult, “Since we started Ultimate Spirits Challenge we have seen double digit growth in number of entries each year. Whether a product receives a Chairman’s Trophy Winner, a Finalist or a regular score, USC entrants are able to use their credible scores and insightful tasting notes to market and sell their products to bars, retailers and ultimately the consumer. USC is in the business of helping spirits companies achieve their sales goals, not by pandering to false aspirations but by telling the truth. With USC, you know the score.”

Judges for USC 2012 were: Chairman F. Paul Pacult, Co-Chairman Sean Ludford, Jacques Bezuidenhout, Tad Carducci, James Conley, Dale DeGroff, Doug Frost, MS, MW, Jim Meehan, Steve Olson, Julie Reiner, Jack Robertiello, Andy Seymour, Marcos Tello and David Wondrich.

For a complete list of results go to www.ultimate-beverage.com/usc2012results/

For downloadable images (hi/lo res) go to www.ultimate-beverage.com/2012USCpics

VODKA – UNFLAVORED

Fuzzy’s Ultra P

2012 ULTIMATE SPIRITS CHALLENGE CHAIRMAN’S TROPHY WINNERS

WHISK(E)Y – NORTH AMERICA

AMERICAN WHISKEY: Balcones “1” Texas Single Malt

BOURBON: Blanton’s Single Barrel

RYE: Masterson’s (should be in the Canadian category – WI)

TENNESSEE WHISKEY: George Dickel Barrel Select

WHISKEY – IRELAND

BLENDED: Midleton Barry Crockett

IRISH POT STILL WHISKEY: Redbreast Cask Strength 12 Years Old

SINGLE MALT: Bushmills 16 Years Old

WHISKY – SCOTLAND

BLENDED MALT: Johnnie Walker Green Label

BLENDED: Buchanan’s Special Reserve 18 Years Old

SINGLE MALT: Caol Ila 12 Years Old

WHISKY – CANADA

Caribou Crossing Single Barrel

WHISKY – WORLD

Japan: Yamazaki Single Malt 18 Years Old

Ultimate Spirits Challenge…like no other competition and doesn’t want to be

ABOUT ULTIMATE BEVERAGE CHALLENGE

Ultimate Beverage Challenge (UBC) provides expert evaluation of wines and spirits for producers, importers and marketers through its three innovative annual competitions – Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Ultimate Wine Challenge and Ultimate Cocktail Challenge. Based on exacting standards, expert judges and rigorous methodology, UBC raises the standards of spirits and wine evaluation and supplies ratings and accolades to help companies build their brands with buyers, both industry and consumer. UBC was founded by F. Paul Pacult, Sue Woodley and David Talbot. Challenge and event photos, videos and press coverage can be found at www.ultimate-beverage.com

PRINCE HARRY & TEAM WIN SENTEBALE ROYAL SALUTE POLO CUP

Prince Harry’s first visit to Brazil culminated in triumph yesterday at the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup, which took place at Haras Larissa, Campinas, São Paulo.

Over 500 international and Brazilian VIPs including supermodel Fernanda Motta, who presented the Prince with the trophy, gathered to watch the Sentebale team play the St. Regis team, captained by Nacho Figueras, with a final score of six to three.

Speaking of his work for Sentebale the Prince said “I hope that with the position that I’m in and the title that I have, I will continue to be able to use that to bring attention to these disadvantaged kids all over the world.”

Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers also said: “We’re honoured to support Sentebale for the second year. It was great to witness such a well-played game, with the Prince’s team taking the Cup.

“Royal Salute World Polo has a fantastic presence in Brazil, including Triple Coroa Tournament at the Helvetia Polo Club in São Paulo. This amazing country, with a thirst for luxury is a natural home for Royal Salute and we look forward to a great future here.”

The game demonstrated the immense strength and skill of the ‘sport of kings’ with Most Valuable Player awarded by British jeweller Garrard to Calao Mello who scored three goals.

The Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup further highlights the Scotch whisky brand’s commitment to international polo, with recent tournaments including the Foundation Polo Challenge in California, the Royal Salute China Open Beijing, the Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup in India and the Royal Salute UAE Nation’s Cup, Dubai.

The Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup partnered with Haras Larissa (Official Host and Venue Sponsor), St. Regis Hotels and Resorts (Official Team Sponsor), Garrard (Official Jeweller, Silversmith and Most Valuable Player Award), Jaguar Land Rover (Official Vehicle Sponsor) and Nespresso (Official Coffee Sponsor).

Notes

Teams and Players

Sentebale

• Prince Harry (1)

• Calao Mello (6)

• Jose Kalil (6)

• Carlos Mansur (1) St. Regis

• Bash Kazi (1)

• Nacho Figueras (6)

• Rico Mansur (7)

• Carlinos Mansur (1)

About Sentebale

Sentebale was founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso from the Lesotho Royal family in response to the plight of the neediest and most vulnerable of Lesotho’s children.

About Royal Salute World Polo

In addition to the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup, Royal Salute World Polo is proud to support some of the world’s most prestigious and luxurious polo tournaments.

• UAE Royal Salute Nations Cup, Dubai

• India Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup

• China Royal Salute Tang Polo Cup, Beijing

• China Royal Salute China Open, Beijing

• Brazil Triple Coroa Tournament, Helvetia Polo Club, São Paulo

• Australia Sydney Gold Cup, Sydney

• Korea Country Polo Club, Jeju

In 2011, Royal Salute World Polo was proud to be involved in several polo tournaments, supporting charities whose patrons include the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry.

• USA The Foundation Polo Challenge 2011, Santa Barbara, California in aid of the U.S Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry

• UK The Sentebale Polo Cup 2011, Coworth Park, Berkshire,

• UK Bernard Weatherhill Polo Cup, Tetbury, England

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

Combining classic sophistication and modern luxury, the St. Regis brand remains faithful to its commitment to excellence. Founded by John Jacob Astor IV, with the opening of the first St. Regis Hotel in New York City over a century ago, the St. Regis brand of hotels and residences is known for its unique luxury dimension, customized service and refined elegance in the best destinations worldwide. Plans for the brand to globally continue its legacy include long-awaited St. Regis hotels and resorts in Buenos Aires and the Riviera Maya. In Asia, St. Regis has also announced plans to open hotels in Changsha, Chengdu, Kuala Lumpur, Lijiang, New Delhi and Zhuhai. In Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the St. Regis brand will continue to expand in Abu Dhabi, Amman, Cairo, Doha and Mauritius. The distinctive trait of the St. Regis experience is customized service and attention to detail through signature St. Regis Butler Service, coveted locations and luxurious design. For more information on St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.stregis.com and for the privilege of residential ownership, please visit www.stregis.com/residences.

The St. Regis brand has long been associated with the world of polo, beginning at the turn of the last century when polo matches on Manhattan’s Governors Island were the highlight of the New York social calendar and where St. Regis’ founding family, the Astors, were a prominent fixture. As St. Regis continues to grow globally, the brand expands its polo presence in nearly as many destinations: hosting spirited polo matches and marquee events in the United Kingdom, the United States, Bangkok, Singapore, Buenos Aires and now 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.

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

For further information www.chivasbrothes.com

Jim Beam® Expands Bourbon Portfolio with the Addition of Two Bold New Red Stag by Jim Beam® Expressions

Jim Beam® is expanding its world-leading bourbon portfolio with two new Red Stag by Jim Beam® expressions hitting shelves nationwide this month – Red Stag Honey Tea and Red Stag Spiced. This announcement comes two years after one of the most successful bourbon launches of the past decade – Red Stag Black Cherry. Red Stag Honey Tea and Red Stag Spiced, like their predecessor, use signature Jim Beam four-year-old bourbon – the world’s number one bourbon – as a base, but instead of black cherry, the new expressions are honey tea and cinnamon flavored. All three Red Stag offerings provide a mixable, approachable spin on America’s native spirit.

“My family has a history of making bold choices by consistently challenging itself to embrace innovation while honoring the tradition of our world famous bourbon,” said Fred Noe, Seventh-Generation Jim Beam Family Distiller and great-grandson of Jim Beam. “We’ve done a great job of pushing the envelope and trailblazing the innovative bourbon category while still staying true to our roots with an authentic 80-proof, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.”

While some flavored whiskeys and bourbons use liqueur to alter their flavor – all three Red Stag expressions are 80-proof bourbons, infused with natural flavors through a unique artisanal process. Red Stag Honey Tea offers a warm, rich taste with a hint of honey and tea for just the right amount of sweetness, while Red Stag Spiced enhances the bold bourbon with flavors of cinnamon and spice.

“The Red Stag brand has broken barriers and driven new consumers toward bourbon, including women who may have previously shied away from brown spirits,” said Rob Mason, U.S. Senior Director of Bourbons, Beam Inc. “We’re proud that we were the first to address that trend with the launch of Red Stag Black Cherry, and now with Red Stag Honey Tea and Red Stag Spiced. We look forward to helping new and old bourbon drinkers make the bold jump into the bourbon category.”

The two new additions to the Red Stag portfolio have received glowing recommendations from industry experts. According to Tony Sachs, spirits writer for The Huffington Post, “The Honey Tea is a nice combination of sweet, tangy honey with dry, slightly bitter tea, while Spiced has a nice cinnamon edge to it.”

Red Stag by Jim Beam is now available for a suggested retail price of $17.99 for a 750ml bottle. For more information about Red Stag by Jim Beam, go to www.jimbeam.com/red-stag, visit us at www.facebook.com/JimBeam or follow us at @JimBeamOfficial.

Ed Kohl invited to join The Keepers of the Quaich Society

Ed Kohl, Managing Director of ImpEx Beverages, Inc. has been invited to enter the esteemed Keepers of the Quaich Society. The induction ceremony will take place on April 23, 2012, during the next Keeper’s banquet at Blair Castle of Atholl Estates in the Highland region of Scotland. The Keepers of the Quaich is a Scotch Whisky society with membership by invitation only, founded to acknowledge those who have contributed to the Scotch Whisky industry. This prestigious honor was given to Ed Kohl in recognition of 17+ years of contributions to the industry. Kohl was chosen specifically for his ability to blend the old with the new. He has enhanced scotch awareness with his non-stop national tasting seminars, sharing his palate with connoisseurs and recently discovered scotch lovers. He uses modern social media venues such as Facebook and Twitter to keep regular fans posted on announcements and upcoming events. His use of social media venues also serves to attract a different demographic from the “traditional” scotch lovers and cultivates passion for whisky in a variety of age groups.

A leading whisky expert and spirit specialist, Kohl conducts more than 100 educational seminar tastings every year. He travels the United States promoting the ImpEx portfolio of products while maintaining close relationships with manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumers. He is passionate about single malt Scotch whisky and has a niche focus in understanding the needs of independent bottlers and how to successfully bring new products to market. ImpEx Beverages, Inc. is the exclusive USA importer of a variety of products including the Ian MacLeod brands: Chieftain’s, Isle of Skye, and SMOKEHEAD. Prior to founding ImpEx Beverages, Inc., Ed spent 15 years as North American Marketing Manager for Signatory Vintage Scotch Whisky Co.

ImpEx Beverages, Inc.
300 Swift Ave.
Side B Suite 9
So. San Francisco, CA 94080
Phone: 650.872.1113
Fax: 650.872.1114
Email: office@impexbev.com
www.impexbev.com

Bloody Scotland: Launch of the Glengoyne Short Story Writing Competition

Glasgow: Like its whisky, Scotland is world-renowned for the exceptional quality of its crime fiction.

To celebrate and recognise this synergy, Glengoyne Highland Single Malt is proud to announce the launch of a new short story writing competition as part of Scotland’s inaugural international crime writing festival, Bloody Scotland (14-16 September 2012) in Stirling.

With the aim of discovering the next big name in crime fiction the Glengoyne Short Story Writing Competition opens for entries today (Thursday 8 March), giving amateur writers the opportunity to be read and reviewed by some of the most respected authors, publishers and editors in the crime literary world. The prestigious prize will include digital publication by Blasted Heath as the lead short story in an ebook collection of the best competition entries. The winner will also benefit from a week-long residential writing course run by Arvon at a location of their choice.

The overall winner will receive a bespoke hand-engraved Glencairn Crystal Decanter filled with an exceptionally rare 35 Years Old Glengoyne Highland Single Malt, worth over £2,000, presented at the closing award ceremony at the Bloody Scotland Festival in September.

To enter, writers need to submit a maximum 3000 word short story online via bloodyscotland.com by 29 June 2012. All entries need to, on some level, incorporate the theme or wording: ‘worth the wait.’

Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Glengoyne, explained: “Crafting a great crime novel takes time, care and attention to detail, but the results are worth the wait. The same attributes are crucial in making Glengoyne Whisky’s natural, unpeated taste and flavour. Scottish crime fiction is an international success story and we are delighted to be part of a competition that celebrates our country’s unique creative contribution.”

Crime author and Bloody Scotland event organiser, Gordon Brown, commented: “With UK retail sales for crime fiction now worth over £143 million, the genre has never been more popular. We are thrilled to have Glengoyne’s support for the short story writing competition. Bloody Scotland celebrates not only our nation’s crime fiction legacy, but the success of crime writing across the globe. Glengoyne’s sponsorship reaffirms the Scottish roots of the festival, but like the whisky, an exciting crime thriller can be enjoyed with a great quality dram anywhere in the world”.

Taking place 14-16 September 2012 in Stirling, Bloody Scotland will have over 20 events and host over 40 UK and international authors, including Scotland’s own Ian Rankin and Val McDermid. Named by VisitScotland as the Year of Creative, 2012 is a landmark date for Scottish crime fiction. Bloody Scotland will also celebrate the 125th anniversary of the publication of the first Sherlock Holmes story, the 35th anniversary of William McIlvanney’s ‘Laidlaw’, the father of ‘Tartan noir’ – and the 25th anniversary of the first Rebus novel by Ian Rankin.

A crime scene from her latest novel, A Pound of Flesh, Alex Gray launched the Glengoyne Short Story Writing Competition in Glasgow’s Blythswood Square. Alex is the brains behind the Bloody Scotland Festival, along with her good friend and partner in crime Lin Anderson. They are also the main organisers along with Jenny Brown (their literary agent), Gordon Brown and Clio Gray, and they are supported by fellow authors who have given their invaluable assistance to help organise the event. Alex Gray says:

“With over 40 literature festivals taking place in Scotland each year, not one has ever exclusively recognised the remarkable talent amongst Scottish crime writers. Bloody Scotland will showcase all that is great in Scottish crime literature and indeed the fabulous authors who continue to excite, thrill and entertain us.”

The Glengoyne Short Story Writing Competition is open to all amateur writers over 18 years old. Entries must be uploaded to www.bloodyscotland.com before the closing date of 29 June 2012.

For further information on Glengoyne Highland Single Malt and for exclusive expert tips on successful crime writing visit: www.glengoyne.com.

Photo captions (in order of appearance from top):

1. Mashman Charlie Murray and stillman Duncan McNicoll search for creative inspiration among the casks for the new Glengoyne sponsored Short Story Writing competition, part of the inaugural Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival.

2. Glengoyne Distillery’s Engineer Billy Edminston and stillman Duncan McNicoll get set for the Glengoyne Short Story Writing competition, part of the inaugural Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival.

3. Mashman Charlie Murray does his detective work for the Glengoyne Short Story Writing competition, part of the inaugural Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival.

4. Glengoyne Distillery’s stillman Duncan McNicoll and mashman Charlie Murray get inspired from Sherlock Holmes for the Glengoyne Short Story Writing competition, part of the inaugural Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival.

For further details on the competition prizes, and entry terms & conditions visit: www.bloodyscotland.com

Glengoyne

Situated nearby to Bloody Scotland Festival’s home in Stirling at the beginning of the West Highland Way, Glengoyne Distillery is known as Scotland’s most beautiful distillery and offers an unrivalled visitor experience. Owned by independent family company, Ian Macleod Distillers, Glengoyne, has been producing its award winning Highland Single Malt for over 175 years. Using methods passed down for generations, Glengoyne has nurtured and perfected the art of producing multi – gold award winning single malts. The result is a portfolio of whiskies including the core 10, 12, 17 and 21 Years Old range, as well as special limited edition Single Malts, released each year. www.glengoyne.com

Avron

Arvon is all about writers. Their residential writing courses pluck you from your everyday life and place you gently in one of their four writers’ houses, located in Devon, Inverness-shire, Shropshire or West Yorkshire, where you are insulated from the outside world of email, internet and mobile phones. Each course is tutored by two professional writers plus a guest writer who visits mid-week to read their own work and answer your questions. There are daily workshops over four days running from Tuesday to Friday, plus a one-to-one tutorial with each tutor. www.arvonfoundation.org

Blasted Heath

Blasted Heath is a digital publisher of original ebooks with a focus on crime fiction. Their authors include Ray Banks, Douglas Lindsay, Anthony Neil Smith, Gerard Brennan, Nigel Bird, Tony Black and Damien Seaman. Len Wanner’s series of interviews with crime writers, The Crime Interviews, published this month, is an excellent introduction to the craft of crime writing, featuring in-depth contributions from nine professional writers including Ian Rankin, Chris Brookmyre, Stuart MacBride, Louise Welsh and Allan Guthrie. Blasted Heath’s imminent Blasted Shorts imprint will showcase original short crime stories from some of the finest exponents of the form. www.blastedheath.com

Mazars

Leading accountancy and business advisory firm, Mazars is the headline sponsorship of Bloody Scotland, Scotland’s first International Crime Writing Festival.

As at 1st January 2012, the Group has a presence in 68 countries and draws on the expertise of 13,000 professionals to assist businesses, major international groups, SMEs, entrepreneurs and public bodies at every stage in their development. Mazars also has correspondents and local representative offices in 14 further countries, which gives it additional capability to serve clients to the same strict quality standards across five continents. By listening closely to clients and understanding their needs, the Mazars range of services is designed to provide the assurance of recognised technical and regulatory expertise together with the added-value of a business partner that can advise effectively on improving performance at all levels. www.mazars.co.uk

Blythswood Square

A crime scene in Alex Gray’s latest novel A Pound of Flesh, published 1 March, Blythswood Square is an award winning five star hotel, situated in Glasgow’s city centre. Not only does it have 100 stunning guest rooms but it also houses an amazing spa, restaurant, bars (including the historic Rally Bar, cocktail bar and champagne bar) and private event areas, a true 5 star proposition. www.blythswoodsquare.com

Picture 1

BUSHMILLS™ TO HOST FIRST EVER MUSIC FESTIVAL IN AN IRISH WHISKEY DISTILLERY

Bushmills Village March 2012: The Old Bushmills Distillery, where handcrafted Irish Whiskey has been made for centuries, is to host a landmark whiskey and music festival – ‘Bushmills Live’.

The two-day festival will take place on 20th and 21st June 2012 and will be the first ever staged in an Irish Whiskey distillery.

Some of the brand’s most famous fans will play a series of intimate gigs at the distillery which is situated on Ireland’s north coast and age-old buildings where the art of distilling has been practiced for generations, will become venues for the festival which will be unlike any other ever staged before.

The brand already has a strong association with the contemporary music scene through a series of global partnerships that see artists such as Bon Iver, Chromeo, Theophilus London, Foy Vance and Iain Archer appear in its current advertising campaign.

‘Bushmills Live’ will be a ‘money can’t buy experience’. Tickets for the event won’t go on general release. Instead, 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 should be in the audience for ‘Bushmills Live’.

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

Speaking at the launch of the festival, Colum Egan, Master Distiller at the Old Bushmills Distillery said: “I am so excited about ‘Bushmills Live’ and the fantastic line-up of talent that will be coming to the distillery this summer!

“We are in the final stages of confirming all the artists and I can’t wait to tell you who will be playing.

“I can promise you that the acts that will be performing are both known and loved around the world. Their music like our whiskey, represents the very best in craftsmanship.

“We welcome more than 100,000 visitors to our distillery every year and it will be fantastic to host some of our most famous friends as part of ‘Bushmills Live’ this summer.

“It will be a unique occasion and will bring the best of handmade music and the best of handmade Irish Whiskey together under one roof. Get entering and good luck!”

To win tickets to ‘Bushmills Live’ or to find out more, visit facebook.com/bushmills1608. Entry opens at 16:08 GMT on 17th March 2012 and closes at 23:59 GMT on 27th April 2012. Terms and conditions apply.

Picture 2

Notes

Captions:

Picture 1: Colum Egan, Master Distiller at the Old Bushmills Distillery, pictured at the launch of ‘Bushmills Live’, the landmark whiskey and music festival taking place at the Old Bushmills Distillery on 20th and 21st June 2012.

Picture 2: 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.

Picture 3: The Old Bushmills Distillery.

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’.

AA3

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 1952-2012 Islay Cask Exclusive

Online whisky shop TheWhiskyBarrel.com today releases a 21 year old Scotch whisky commemorating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee.

Featuring a rather splendid Crown Jewel, this single malt Scotch was distilled at Bunnahabhain distillery and matured in a fresh sherry cask bottled at natural cask strength.

Only 90 bottles have been released and are available exclusively from The Whisky Barrel shipping to customers Worldwide.

Bunnahabhain 21 Years Old Queen’s Diamond Jubilee / Sherry Cask / 54.4%

£54.16 GBP ($85 USD) £64.99 inc VAT.

Order online at http://www.thewhiskybarrel.com

The Whisky Barrel

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ST PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS GO GLOBAL WITH JAMESON

Jameson fans from around the world are being encouraged to party with the Irish this St Patrick’s Day, as the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey unveils an exciting line-up of activities to support its markets and allow consumers around the world to embrace their Irish Spirit.

Festivities will include the Jameson Global Broadcast – an annual event that offers markets the unique opportunity to invite their local radio stations to Dublin, to broadcast their shows live from the Old Jameson Distillery. With the Jameson master distillers on hand throughout the day for interview, as well as a host of Irish musicians and comedians, the presenters can tailor their programme to convey the spirit of the celebrations to listeners back home.

With more than 35 stations already signed up, the Jameson Global Broadcast is estimated to reach more than 50 million listeners, including a large proportion in Jameson’s No. 1 market, the US.

The Jameson St Patrick’s Day Global Party, which takes place in the heart of Dublin, will be headlined by renowned indie rock band, Razorlight and attended by invited guests. Markets hosting their own Jameson parties, including Dubai and Sofia, will be invited to link up live with the event, in an effort to create a global party atmosphere.

Jameson’s limited edition St Patrick’s Day bottle, created by internationally acclaimed Irish designer Paul Daly and first introduced in March 2011, will be rolled out to more than 30 markets including the US, Russia, Spain and Australia. The contemporary bottle design, which appeals to collectors and was inspired by the legendary Celtic illustrations in The Book of Kells, is available from mid-February.

International Brand Director for Jameson, Nick Blacknell says: “We have an exciting line-up of events planned for St Patrick’s Day 2012 – both here in Dublin and in our markets around the world, ensuring that Jameson is the drink of choice for this annual celebration. The growth in popularity of these celebrations is testament to the continued success of events such as the Jameson Global Broadcast and the Global Party. We are confident that through this activity we can encourage even more Jameson fans to embrace their Irish spirit by joining the festivities of a global whiskey community”.

Further incentives for consumers to embrace their Irish spirit include a new app, available from 17th February on Jameson’s Facebook page. The ‘Slainte-O-Meter’ app allows Jameson followers to create their personal St Patrick’s Day toast and share it with their friends online. A ‘Guide to St Patrick’s Day’ party kit will also be available to download from the brand’s website www.jamesonwhiskey.com.

About Jameson:

Jameson is the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey. Award-winning as a result of its exceptional smoothness following its unique triple distillation process, Jameson is enjoyed in more than 120 countries worldwide.

The core Jameson range includes Jameson; Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve; Jameson Gold Reserve; Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve; Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve; and Jameson Signature Reserve (Travel Retail exclusive).

About Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard

Irish Distillers Limited, part of Pernod Ricard Group, distils and distributes a range of famous Irish whiskey, gin and vodka brands internationally, including Jameson, Powers, Paddy, Midleton Very Rare, Redbreast, Cork Dry Gin and Huzzar Vodka.

For further information visit: www.jamesonwhiskey.com