Truman Cox Named Master Distiller at A. Smith Bowman

Fredericksburg, VA. (Oct. 2011) – Truman Cox has been named Master Distiller at A. Smith Bowman Distillery, taking over for Joe Dangler, who retired Oct. 1st, 2011.

Cox has been training under Dangler on site since July 1st, but has been preparing for this role for his entire life.

Born and raised in Northern Indiana, Cox grew up fascinated by his grandfather’s tales of driving “gin trucks” during Prohibition. After completing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Central Florida, Cox worked with such notable firms as Disney World and NASA at the Kennedy Space Center before moving to Iowa to begin his dream of working in the distilled spirits industry. There Cox worked as a quality chemist for one of the country’s largest beverage alcohol producers and spent time with some of the top sprits organoleptic experts.

In 2004, Cox took the position of lead chemist at Buffalo Trace Distillery and worked with distillery legends such as Elmer T Lee, Gary Gayheart and Harlen Wheatley. When Dangler announced his retirement from A. Smith Bowman in early 2011, Cox jumped at the chance to fulfill his dream.

Cox is excited about carrying on the Bowman family tradition of high quality products while introducing some new offerings as well. Cox will also be finishing up and opening the Visitor Center at A. Smith Bowman which is expected to be completed in spring 2012.

About A. Smith Bowman Distillery

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition. In 1935, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition of the distillation of bourbon. The original distillery was located on the Bowman family homestead in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm. In response to the rapid growth of Northern Virginia, the distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

BENRIACH AND GLENDRONACH LAUNCH UK EXCLUSIVE SINGLE CASK BOTTLINGS

THE BenRiach Distillery Company Ltd. is delighted today (October 10) to announce UK EXCLUSIVE bottlings from two single casks – one from BenRiach and the other from its sister distillery at GlenDronach.

These limited release 1995 expressions, both bottled in August this year, were both matured in Pedro Ximinez sherry puncheons. These were originally used to store the characteristically sweet, full-bodied Spanish sherry that confers its distinctively rich and complex characteristics on the whisky.

The result in both cases is fruit-laden heaven!

First, the GlenDronach. From cask 4681, distilled in November 1995, this is a 15-year-old single malt bottled at cask strength – 56.2% vol.

Its striking appearance is cherry-wood and russet mahogany. On the nose, there is chocolate orange and stewed plum while the palate delivers chocolate, toffee, spiced fruits, figs, raisins and dates.

The cask out-turned 725 bottles, each of which is individually numbered.

Complementing this monster GlenDronach is an equally substantial offering from BenRiach. From cask 7164 distilled in May 1995, this is aged 16-years-old and bottled at a cask strength of 58.3% vol.

Its appearance is bright amber with a late autumnal glow. On the nose, bananas, citrus fruits and oregano while the palate brings melons, bananas and lychee.

The out-turn on the BenRiach was marginally smaller, at 695 bottles. Again, each bottle is hand-numbered.

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “GlenDronach and BenRiach are both renowned for their idiosyncratic single cask bottlings, and we release a number of these each year. They have proven to be very popular, but with our ‘batch’ single cask releases being divided amongst all of our export markets as well as the UK, allocations can be quite tight. For that reason, we decided to select a couple of casks just for the UK to give our home-based retail clients the chance to get their hands on a reasonable quantity of each bottling.”

Both expressions are pictured.

Benromach Stockholm Award Sweep

Speyside’s smallest distillery, Benromach, has scooped a number of awards at one of the world’s largest beer and whisky festivals.

The distillery and two of its single malt Scotch whiskies – Benromach 2001, Cask Strength and Organic Special Edition, were given Gold Awards at the Stockholm Beer and Whisky Festival 2011.

Now in its 20th anniversary year the festival has grown in reputation in the industry with over 1,300 different types of beer, whisky, cider and calvados being exhibited.

Commenting on the award Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, owners of Benromach, said:

“The international appeal of Benromach is continuing to grow. It’s exciting to see our range of whiskies and most recent new expressions like Benromach Cask Strength being honoured at respected events like these. As a boutique distillery we pride ourselves in hand distilling quality single malt whiskies.”

Matured in bourbon barrels, Benromach Cask Strength is a mouth warming and smooth single malt with hints of spice. Containing earthy influences it also has a delicate peaty edge and is bottled at 59.9% ABV.

Made using the finest Scottish organic barley, Benromach Organic Special Edition is dried using peat smoke to produce a fresh, vibrant single malt that is smooth and creamy with a strong oak influence and sweet vanilla notes.

Benromach single malt whiskies are available from whisky shops and fine wine and spirits retail specialists.

For more information about Benromach Distillery and the Benromach range of Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whiskies go to www.benromach.com.

Notes

Benromach distillery is Speyside’s smallest. Based in Forres, just two expert distillers make this, golden malt whisky.

Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by family firm 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.

Other Benromach expressions include:

Benromach Ten Years Old

Benromach Ten Years Old is created from the finest Scottish barley and pure spring water from the nearby Romach hills. After being matured for at least ten years, it emerges golden in colour and displays rich fruit, sweet chocolate and delicate spicy aromas. With a rich sherry influence, the mouth-watering palate coats the senses with exotic fruit flavours, toasted malt and a delicate hint of smoke.

Benromach Traditional

A rich and mellow single malt with fruit and malty tones, balanced with a hint of smoke.

Benromach Peat Smoke

Full bodied, intense and challenging with a smoky character, yet balanced with the fruity elegance of Speyside.

Benromach Origins

A series of special bottlings crafted to highlight how small changes in the art of whisky-making can help to shape the character of the final single malt.

Please visit www.benromach.com for details.

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY FESTIVAL IS A MECCA FOR WHISKY LOVERS WORLDWIDE

With a higher concentration of whisky distilleries than any other part of the world, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival continues to provide a major economic boost to the region, attracting a significant loyal audience and a large number who attended the celebrated Festival for the first time, according to a survey published today.

The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Market Research and Festival Evaluation 2011 report found that the five-day event, which ran from 28th April to 2nd May, attracted over 47,000 visits to its packed programme of whisky-themed events, generating £613,000 towards the Speyside economy and £722,000 towards Scotland as a whole.

Showcasing the very best of the area’s culture, history, landscape and people and with well over 200 events running throughout the five days, the festival has grown in importance over the past 12 years to become one of the leading whisky events in the world.

Almost half of this year’s Festival visitors were from overseas, with whisky afficionados travelling from as far afield as Israel, Columbia, New Zealand, Australia and Russia to sample the spirit of Speyside. Scandinavian visitors continue to represent the keenest Speyside whisky fans who enjoyed a exceptional choice of whisky based events and activities, ceilidhs, food tours and family friendly events with other connoisseurs from countries such as Germany, US, Netherlands, Canada, Italy and Japan.

Festival Chairman, Jim Royan said: “Year after year the Festival continues to attract visitors from around the globe, with many already having attended twice or even up to six times before. And encouragingly a large percentage of new visitors this year were experiencing the Festival for the first time. Hopefully they will find the Festival as compelling as our many loyal and regular visitors, and come back to join in the festivities with us time and time again.

“We certainly know they enjoyed themselves, because almost 100% of our visitors said they were “very happy” or “happy” with their Festival experience, enjoying the atmosphere, hospitality, friendliness, expert knowledge and, this year in particular, the weather!”

Popular events on this year’s Festival programme included the Whisky Awards Finals and the Opening Dinner, the many whisky dinners running throughout the Festival as well as the highly regarded and exclusive three-day Whisky School where enthusiasts learned about the science, art and folklore of the whisky industry at the historic Knockando distillery.

The Whisky and Food Tours, which were new for this year, are to be repeated again next year, introducing visitors to the rich culinary and agricultural heritage of the area.

Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer for EventScotland commented: “It is wonderful to see the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival continuing to attract large numbers of Scottish and overseas visitors to the event.

“The economic impact generated for the local area shows the importance of events in Scotland and its continued success shows the appetite for Scottish produce, culture and heritage in an iconic setting.”

Notes:

– The Market Research and Festival Evaluation Report 2010 was conducted by Enigma Business Consulting, Muir of Ord
– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2012 runs from 3rd-7th May. Further information at www.spiritofspeyside.com  

– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 has received funding from EventScotland and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners
– EventScotland is the national events agency. EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors. For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org
– The Year of Active Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative being delivered by EventScotland and VisitScotland which began on the 1st January 2011. For more information go to www.eventscotland.org/activescotland
– A series of focus years running from 2010 to 2013 will ensure co-ordinated national activity that will spotlight some of Scotland’s great assets as we journey towards 2014. The four focus years are centred on domestic and international tourism and the development of the events industry in Scotland. These focus years will celebrate our reputation as a land food and drink, as an active nation, as a place of culture and creativity and as a place of natural beauty.
– EventScotland in partnership with Volunteer Development Scotland is delivering Event Team Scotland, a new web – based portal which matches volunteers across Scotland with exciting sporting and cultural events. For more information please visit www.eventteamscotland.com

Summary of Key Findings

– It is estimated that the 2011 Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival generated over 47,000 ‘visits to events’ over five days
– The Festival’s direct economic benefit to Speyside is estimated at £613,000 and to Scotland as a whole is £722,000.
– The average spend per person at the Festival is estimated at £247. This was significantly higher for overseas visitors (£331) and lower for Scottish visitors (£128) and UK visitors (£206). The average spend reported by respondents taking part in the survey is, however, estimated to be higher than it would be for the majority of visitors compared to VisitScotland’s published ‘spend per night’ figures
– Information from the online booking system suggests that 56% of the total number of tickets purchased were purchased by overseas visitors. The number of overseas visitors taking part in the survey accounted for 49% of respondents.
– The 2011 Festival again attracted visitors from around the globe to the Speyside area. 75% of Survey Respondents (who did not live in the local area) said that the Festival was their main reason for their visit to Speyside. This compares to 71% in 2010 and 65.5% in 2009
– 88% of visitors (from outside the local area and whose main reason for visiting Speyside was the Festival) were staying overnight in Speyside. The average number of nights people stayed was 3.63. This was lower for Scottish visitors (2.54 nights) and higher for UK (3.93 nights) and overseas (4.02 nights) visitors.
– Levels of satisfaction were exceptionally high with 99.7% of visitors saying that they were ‘very happy’ or ‘happy’. People enjoyed the atmosphere, hospitality, friendliness, expert knowledge and weather the most.
– 70% of this year’s Festival visitors were attending for the first time (an increase on 67% saying this in 2010). The Festival continues to attract a loyal audience with over a quarter of survey respondents having attended the Festival for more than 6 years.
– 41% of this year’s visitors plan to attend the Festival in 2012.
– The Festival attracted more males than females with a 73/27 split; the majority of visitors are aged 26+.

HISTORIC AND RARE WHISKY FROM 1883 MAKES £18,750 AT BONHAMS, EDINBURGH

An exceptionally rare bottle of The Glenlivet, distilled in 1883 and bottled in 1931 by George & John Gordon Smith was sold for £18,750 by Bonhams at their whisky sale in Edinburgh on 12 October. It had a pre-sale estimate of £15,000-20,000.

The bottle had an impeccable pedigree. It was originally owned by Captain William Smith Grant, the great grandson of Colonel George Smith founder of The Glenlivet Distillery and had been in the family ever since.

A bottle of The Macallan-50 year old, distilled in 1928 and bottled in 1983. Number 50 of 500 it sold for £16,875 against an estimate of £10,000-12,000.

In total, the sale made £175,000.

Bonhams whisky specialist, Martin Green, commented, “These were two very special bottles so it is not surprising that they were eagerly sought after and sold so well. In all, 90% of the lots on offer found buyers which suggests the whisky market is still in good health.”

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

Notes

Bonhams
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son and Neale UK. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals through two major salerooms in London – New Bond Street, and Knightsbridge – and a further three throughout the UK. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Boston in the USA; Toronto in Canada; and in Switzerland, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 57 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, go to www.bonhams.com (October 2011).

At the first sign of winter it’s time for a Hakushu Ritto (Japanese hot toddy)

London October 2011: With a cocktail to welcome in each of their 24 seasons the Japanese raise a Hakushu Ritto (hot toddy) in early November to acknowledge the first sign of winter. With English winters becoming colder we all have our preferences for a winter warmer, but this is a hot toddy Japanese style.

Suntory Brand Ambassador Zoran Peric has created a cocktail for each of the 24 Japanese seasons, and the Hakushu Ritto combines the subtle tastes and aromas of a 12 year old single malt whisky with hot tea to stimulate the taste buds in colder weather.

Ritto the “Beginning of Winter”

Hakushu Ritto:

50ml Hakushu 12 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

75ml hot green tea
Teaspoon of runny honey
Pinch of powdered ginger
Squeeze of lemon juice
Pour Hakushu and green tea into a mug, add honey, ginger and lemon juice
Stir until honey is dissolved
Add ginger slice and serve

Suntory Japanese whiskies are world beaters having won more than 60 international awards since 2003 and whisky lovers have taken to them. There is something about their subtle aromas and delicate flavours which appeal to the palate whether taken neat, over ice, in cocktails or in a hot toddy as above..

Suntory Single Malt Whiskies are firm favourites in Japan and here in Europe. Enjoy them and especially the warm glow that comes with the Hakushu Ritto.

Note: Pronouncing Suntory names

Yamazaki – (Ya-ma-zarkee)
Hakushu – (Ha-koo-shoe)
Hibiki – (Hi-bi-kee)

Suntory single malt whiskies are available from: Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, The Whisky Exchange, independent specialist retailers and www.drinkon.com

Hakushu 12 year old single malt £49.95

The Yamazaki and Hakushu range of single malt and Hibiki blended whiskies from Suntory is distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends. For all sales enquiries contact: sales@cellartrends.co.uk

Old Pulteney Creates Celebratory Spirit to Mark Heroes’ Homecoming

Multi award-winning Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky has today unveiled a limited edition commemorative bottle to celebrate one of the World’s last great firsts in maritime endurance – the Old Pulteney Row to the Pole expedition.

On the 26th August this year, British arctic adventurer Jock Wishart and his pioneering crew made history by successfully completing a never attempted before expedition to row to the 1996 magnetic North Pole. The four week adventure, which was sponsored by Old Pulteney, proved to be a challenge of a lifetime, as the crew braved extreme Arctic conditions to complete their 450 mile voyage into the unknown. The limited edition release was designed to mark their momentous achievement.

Only 3,000 of the unique, collectable bottles will be available world-wide and will feature exceptional single malt selected by Malcolm Waring, Distillery Manager at Pulteney Distillery. The exclusive edition is matured in ex American and ex Spanish sherry casks and bottled in 35cl at 40%, ABV. On the palete the initial sweet hints of citrus combined with overtones of raisins, pears, chocolate and warm spices lead to a full bodied long lasting finish.

Presented in a traditional canvas sailing gift bag, the bottle’s eye catching design features the expedition’s distinctive artwork and is endorsed with expedition leader Jock Wishart’s signature.

Commenting on the release, Margaret Mary Clarke, Senior Brand Manager from Old Pulteney says:

“The Old Pulteney Row to the Pole expedition proved to be an unforgettable and unique experience for all involved and we are proud to have been involved in such an ambitious challenge.

Our partnership with Jock and the expedition stems from the brand’s age old heritage of supporting maritime adventure and we are delighted to release a commemorative bottle to mark the crew’s dedication, bravery and remarkable success.”

Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky is crafted at the most northerly distillery on the UK mainland in Wick. The distillery was founded in 1826 at the height of Wick’s herring boom and it’s this maritime heritage that gives the whisky its name as the Maritime Malt.

Notes

Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky is diligently crafted at Pulteney Distillery in Wick. It is the most northerly distillery on the UK Mainland and was founded in 1826 by James Henderson at the height of Wick’s herring boom. The distillery lies in the heart of ‘Pulteneytown’, which was created for all the fishermen at the time, and is embedded in the deep rooting history of this coastal town, which used to be one of the most important and biggest herring fishing ports in Europe.

Old Pulteney Single Malt whisky has a long standing association with the sea and is also known as the Maritime Malt’.

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.
Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

International Beverage brands include:
 Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
 Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
 Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
 Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
 Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin with 5 Celtic botanicals

The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network. Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of more than 12 nationalities speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

SOUTHERN COMFORT PARTNERS WITH TABASCO® Brand FOR NEW FIERY PEPPER PRODUCT

Two Louisiana Icons Come Together for Chili-Pepper-Flavored Line Extension

October, 2011, LOUISVILLE, KY – Southern Comfort announces the launch of Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper, a fierce fusion of Southern Comfort and Tabasco® brand pepper sauce. The new product is set to hit shelves nationally in October 2011.

The new spicy concoction delivers a perfectly balanced mixture of genuine whiskey, and the premium flavors of Southern Comfort, infused with original Tabasco brand pepper sauce. Served as a cold shot or incorporated into a cocktail, Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper finishes off any drink with the perfect amount of heat.

“This partnership between Southern Comfort and Tabasco brand strikes the perfect balance between sweet and heat and brings together two iconic brands for a one-of-a-kind product,” said Mark Bacon, VP, Managing Director, Southern Comfort. “Fiery Pepper gives our consumers another unique way to enjoy Southern Comfort that will challenge their senses and fire up the night.”

“We’re proud to partner with another iconic brand born in Louisiana to create a spicy addition to the classic Southern Comfort line,” said Paul McIlhenny, president and CEO of McIlhenny Company, maker of Tabasco brand pepper sauce. “We look forward to a future of fiery cocktails.”

Southern Comfort will launch a large-scale advertising campaign in support of the product release consisting of a 10-week national television buy in the fall which includes commercials, integrations and custom features on ESPN, TBS, TNT, Comedy Central and Discovery among others. The headline “Sometimes a Burning Sensation is Good News” highlights a national trade and online media campaign also “spreading” this fall.

“We’re making a considerable investment both above the line and below the line during and after the initial launch of the brand,” added Bacon. “Fiery Pepper is a significant initiative for us and will be a key component of the Southern Comfort growth plan for years to come.”

Southern Comfort Fiery Pepper will be available only in the United States initially with global expansion to follow. Each bottle will be presented at 70 proof with a suggested retail price of $16.99 for a 750ml bottle.

About Southern Comfort

Southern Comfort®, a fruit, spice, and whiskey flavored liqueur, was created in New Orleans by bartender M.W. Heron in 1874. Today, it is enjoyed by friends in over 100 countries around the world and continues to grow as an icon brand. Please visit us at www.SouthernComfort.com and facebook.com/southerncomfort.

Please Drink Responsibly.

Spirit Specialty, 15-50% Alc. by Volume, Southern Comfort Company, Louisville, KY ©2011

About Tabasco® Brand Pepper Sauce

Original Tabasco brand pepper sauce was invented by Edmund McIlhenny in 1868 on Avery Island, Louisiana. Today, the iconic sauce is still produced on that very same site, the basic recipe, the process by which it’s made, and the ingredients remain virtually unchanged.

TABASCO® is a registered trademark for sauces and other goods and services; TABASCO, the TABASCO bottle design and label designs are the exclusive property of and licensed by McIlhenny Company,

Avery Island, Louisiana, USA 70513.

http://www.TABASCO.com  

REVEALS THE NAMES OF THE TOP 20 US and UK FINALIST BARTENDERS For THE AUCHENTOSHAN SWITCH

A Trans-Continental Bartender Swap

US Finalists Travel to Las Vegas For the Final Showdown on October 26, 2011

Glasgow, Scotland (October 5, 2011) – This past August, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Scotland’s only triple-distilled single malt, announced a bartender talent search like no other – the The Auchentoshan Switch, where two outstanding barkeeps in the US and the UK will switch places and switch countries for two weeks to work in one of New York City’s and London’s most prestigious bars. Bartenders were asked to enter by submitting a video of themselves creating a lemonade and an Old Fashioned cocktail with Auchentoshan Three Wood. Well folks, the judges have voted and the votes are in. The group of top 20 US finalists will travel to Las Vegas on October 26 to participate in the showdown hosted by the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) where the top US bartender will be named. This bartender will travel to the UK and work at famed 69 Colebrooke Row. The finale in London will take place on October 24, resulting in one bartender being sent to New York City to ply their trade.

And today we happily announce the finalists – both US and UK. Congratulations to all and may the best bartender cross the pond!

US BARTENDER FINALISTS – In alphabetical order by last name, including the bar/city where they work:

–          Jeff Bell from PDT, New York City
–          Amber Berry from Ward III, New York City
–          Gina Chersevani from PS7’s, Washington, DC
–          David Curiel from Dalva Hideout, San Francisco
–          Michael Flannery from Michaels, New York City
–          Abigail Gullo from The Beagle, New York City
–          Dev Johnson from Employees Only, New York City
–          Charles Joly from The Drawing Room, Chicago
–          Mirjana “Mindy” Kucan from Grand Prize Bar, Houston
–          Jason Littrell from Death & Co, New York City
–          Ian McCarthy from Boiler Room, Omaha
–          Alexandra Parks from Green Russell, Denver
–          Zachary Safron from Metro, Lafayette
–          Steve Schneider from Employees Only, New York City
–          Rachel Sergei from The Jack Rose, Washington, DC
–          David Shenaut from Kask/Rum Club, Portland
–          Ezra Star from Drink, Boston
–          Lucinda Sterline from Little Branch, New York City
–          Clinton Terry from PX, Alexandria
–          Jenn Tosatto from Manifesto, Kansas City

Check out this video compilation of the US finalists: http://bit.ly/r2dxvT  

UK BARTENDER FINALISTS – In alphabetical order by last name, including the bar/city where they work:

– Martin Ball from Corrido, Manchester
– Divyesh Chauhan from Match Bar, London
– Matthew Dakers from Whistling Shop, London
– Kevin Griffin from The Raconteur, Edinburgh
– Andrew Harrod from Wabi, London
– Richard Hunt from Hawksmore, London
– Scott Ingram from Blythswood Square, Glasgow
– Alex Kratena from Artesian, London
– Simon La Moon from Zetter Townhouse, London
– Bruce Lerman from Epernay Champagne Bar, Leeds
– Antonino Lo Iacono from The Dukes Hotel, London
– Giuseppe Miggiano from The Bar at Chancery Court, London
– Khalil Moh’d Lahham from Donovan’s Bar/Brown’s Hotel, London
– Martyn Nicol from Blythswood Square, Glasgow
– Matt Roberts from Quo Vardis, London
– Andreas Tsanos from Lonsdale, Notting Hill
– Tom Walker from Bramble, Edinburgh
– Sam Watson from Purl, London
– Faye Woodcock from The Blind Pig, Glasgow

“We were so excited to have such great feedback, a cavalcade of interest, and so many great video entries for our first ever Auchentoshan Switch,” said Hannah Fisher, Auchentoshan Brand Manager. “It’s obvious that the brand is very relevant to today’s top bartenders in the UK and the US and we can’t wait to see what these incredibly talented bartenders will show us at the finale. Congratulations to all the finalists!”

THE SWITCH. The Switch will take place in early 2012 when the winning US bartender will spend two weeks behind the stick at the famed London bar 69 Colebrooke Row, while the winning British barkeep will get to spend his or her two weeks at a well known bar in New York City. 69 Colebrooke Row is home to the Drinks Factory, one of the only bar-related drinks labs in the world. There they will become incorporated into the daily bar procedures as well as visiting producers and sourcing quality ingredients. In NYC, the UK bartender will work at one of the hottest cocktail bars in Gotham’s underground scene. We’re not revealing the name of the bar just yet, but with no menus there, bartenders cook up individually prescribed concoctions according to their customer’s mood. Here the presentation of the cocktail is as dramatic as the cocktail itself. The winner will be part of both a theater of performance and a chemistry lab at the same time. And yes, there will also be some time for sightseeing as well.

ABOUT AUCHENTOSHAN SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

The award-winning Auchentoshan portfolio includes Auchentoshan Classic, 12 Year Old, Three Wood, 18 Year Old and the limited release 21 Year Old, in addition to select vintage, limited edition releases. Auchentoshan is available nationwide in the US and in more than 45 countries worldwide. The Auchentoshan portfolio is imported to the US by Skyy Spirits, LLC. Auchentoshan recently relaunched its website at www.auchentoshan.com. Join the Auchentoshan conversation on Facebook.

ABOUT UNITED STATES BARTENDERS’ GUILD (USBG) (www.usbg.org)

The United States Bartenders’ Guild is an organization of beverage professionals dedicated to the continued refinement of our craft. Such refinement is achieved through advanced product education; original hand crafted cocktail competitions; and aggressive involvement with other professionals in the beverage industry throughout the country and internationally. It is our intention, desire and main focus to become the most skilled, knowledgeable and professional group of bartenders in the industry. With the resurgence and ever increasing popularity of the cocktail, there is a high demand for creative and professional bartenders. As an industry leader the USBG is responsible for raising the bar and creating new trends to keep our competitive edge. The USBG is currently in the following locations: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Denver, Hawaii, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, New Orleans, New York, North Texas, Northern California, Oregon, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Rhode Island, San Diego, St. Louis, Tampa Bay.

ABOUT 69 COLEBROOKE ROW – LONDON (www.69Colebrookerow.com)

Tucked away off the Islington Green end of Essex Road, 69 Colebrookee Row bears an impressive pedigree. Opened in mid 2009, it’s the brainchild of Tony Conigliaro, widely acknowledged as one of the UK’s pioneering drinks creators. The tiny space, with a capacity of only 40 people, is identifiable only by a lantern and has no name at all. Entry is via video entryphone, booking by phone, text or email only. When you step inside, the interior blends 1950s Italian café style with a film noir feel: large ceramic sinks behind a wooden bar add a touch of old Berlin.

ABOUT SKYY SPIRITS, LLC

The eighth-largest spirits company in the US, Skyy Spirits, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), together with its affiliates Gruppo Campari. Launched in 1992 with the introduction of its flagship brand, SKYY® Vodka, Skyy Spirits has grown exponentially, building a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Skyy Spirits manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY90®, All Natural SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Skyy Spirits is also the exclusive US distributor of The Glenrothes® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Midori® Melon Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky.

Skyy Spirits was founded and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.skyyspirits.com, www.facebook.com/skyyspirits, Twitter: @SkyySpirits and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Skyy Spirits brands responsibly and in moderation.

Alistair Walker (second right, front row) with members of Tryst and the prestigious Howard de Walden trophy

BENRIACH SPONSORSHIP HELPS SCOTTISH ACTORS BECOME BRITISH CHAMPIONS

A TEAM of Scottish actors sponsored by BenRiach have become British champions.

Falkirk’s Tryst Theatre were crowned the best in the UK at the culmination of a nationwide drama festival involving over one thousand theatre groups.

The team fought off challenges from the top English, Welsh and Northern Irish teams to lift the coveted Howard de Walden Trophy in Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre.

Tryst’s three actors performed Act One of the comedy “Art” by Yasmina Reza.

Adjudicator Mike Tilbury praised Tryst’s performance for its polish and professionalism and said: “This was acting of the highest standard – slick, comedic and highly entertaining.”

Tryst Director Alan Clark said: “We are very grateful to Alistair Walker and BenRiach for their generous sponsorship. With all the costs we faced in getting to Swindon, we couldn’t have done it without them.

“The celebrations went on long into the night, thanks to some excellent BenRiach Curiositas!”

BenRiach’s Alistair Walker said: “Congratulations to Tryst. We know winners when we see them. As we have won a number of awards ourselves this year, it’s great that we assisted Tryst in becoming the best in their field.”