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

THE FIRST MINISTER OF SCOTLAND, ALEX SALMOND SIGN A BOTTLE OF TWEEDDALE WHISKY – 9th March 2012.

From Alasdair Day of The Tweeddale Blend

Two years ago I attended the World of Whiskies Conference held at the Radisson Hotel in Glasgow. This was before the 1st batch of The Tweeddale blend was released. At the Conference I meet Alan Wolstenholme a Consultant with over 40 years experience in the Whisky industry.

I had arranged to meet Alan yesterday at the Radisson Hotel to discuss a project that I have recently started work on to build a distillery in the Scottish Borders. There are currently no distilleries in the Borders although there have been in the past. I would like to create a unique Borders malt whisky that would become the heart of the Tweeddale Blend in the future.

I had a great meeting with Alan and we were just finish up when the First Minister, Alex Salmond arrived. He was at the hotel ahead of the SNP conference in Glasgow this weekend. He very kindly agreed to sign a bottle of The Tweeddale Blend.

My wife Sharon has recently recovered from her treatment for breast cancer and is going to do the MoonWalk in Edinburgh this year. So we will be auctioning the bottle of Tweeddale Blend signed by Alex Salmond and the proceeds will go to the charity.

So feel free to make a bid!

http://www.walkthewalk.org/AboutUs/Media/TheMoonWalkEdinburgh

Ballantine’s Draws on its Inner Depths with New Signature Distillery Editions

Ballantine’s, the No 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia Pacific, is set to unveil two Signature Distillery Editions of Ballantine’s 17 Year Old – part of a new four-strong collection of innovative whiskies that highlight the influence of the signature malts that provide the depth to Ballantine’s 17 Year Old.

Specially created by Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, each limited edition aims to showcase the unique contribution of one of four distilleries – Scapa, Glenburgie, Miltonduff and Glentauchers – by accentuating their characteristics within the limited edition blend.

Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Scapa Edition is a 43% ABV blended Scotch that dials up the influence of Scapa, the single malt that gives Ballantine’s 17 Year Old its rich, sweet top dressing, while contributing to the initial burst of fruity, floral flavours. As a result, this whisky is bursting with a zesty, fruit sparkle of sweet orange and peach flavours but remains incredibly smooth, creamy and luxurious.

Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Glenburgie Edition is a 43% ABV blended Scotch that highlights the influence of Glenburgie, the single malt that sits at the heart of the Ballantine’s blend. Located in Speyside and surrounded by temperate and fertile terrain, Glenburgie distillery produces a fruity, floral and rich-flavoured malt. As a result, this limited edition provides smooth aromas of apples and blackcurrants with a honeycomb sweetness whilst maintaining the soft, elegant and balanced style of Ballantine’s.”

Sandy Hyslop, Ballantine’s Master Blender, says: “Ballantine’s 17 Year Old is a blend of more than 40 different malt and grain whiskies from all over Scotland, but Scapa, Glenburgie, Miltonduff and Glentauchers stand out as having played a monumental role in the blending process of our master blenders over the years. These stunning limited editions offer the whisky drinker an insight into blending and the role that these malts play in the original and much-celebrated Ballantine’s 17 Year Old blend.”

Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Scapa Edition will be available in limited quantities in Korea while Ballantine’s 17 Year Old Signature Distillery Glenburgie Edition will be available in limited quantities in duty free. The range is priced from RRP 69 USD in Asia Duty Free.

Notes:

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia Pacific and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827.

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.

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.chivasbrothers.com

Stars Set to Toast Ballantine’s Championship Fifth Anniversary

Major Champions Darren Clarke and YE Yang will help toast the fifth anniversary of the Ballantine’s Championship when they headline an impressive ‘blend’ of star names at Blackstone Golf Club, in the Korean capital, Seoul, from April 26-29 2012.

Reigning Open Champion Clarke and 2009 US PGA Champion Yang will be joined by World Number Eight Adam Scott, of Australia, who makes his debut at the event, and World Number Ten Dustin Johnson, the American Ryder Cup player who finished fourth at Blackstone last year.

Also adding to the vintage will be Spaniard Miguel Angel Jiménez, last year’s runner-up, and his Ryder Cup team-mate Ian Poulter, who have amassed an impressive 29 European Tour titles between them.

The world class field, headlined by the six star names unveiled today, underlines the growing reputation of the Ballantine’s Championship, which returns to Blackstone Golf Club for a second successive year.

Christian Porta, CEO of Chivas Brothers, says: “The Ballantine’s Championship has truly established itself as one of Asia’s biggest golf tournaments by continuing to attract the world’s best players. We are delighted to support this prestigious event as part of our long-term investment in world class golf.”

Clarke, who lifted the Claret Jug at Royal St George’s last July, is relishing his debut in the tournament, with the Northern Irishman aiming to add the title to his previous success in Asia at the 2008 BMW Asian Open. He will also hope to celebrate the Ballantine’s Championship’s fifth anniversary edition by following in the footsteps of compatriot and fellow Major Champion Graeme McDowell, who won the inaugural tournament in 2008.

“The Ballantine’s Championship is a new opportunity for me and somewhere that I’m very excited to go to,” said Clarke. “It’ll be great to go there as the Open Champion. The Claret Jug has been travelling around the world quite a lot with me so it’ll be great to take it to another place that hasn’t seen it before.”

“I have heard a lot of good things about the course at Blackstone. It is tough but fair, with
a lot of risk and reward so you’ve got to think a little bit and figure out your way around it, which I will look forward to.”

He added: “From what all the other guys have said in the past, Ballantine’s put on a fantastic event and I’m sure this year will be no different, so I’m certainly looking forward to going there and seeing how good the tournament is.”

While the Korean fans will be eager to see The Open Champion, their support will undoubtedly be behind home favourite Yang, who became the first Asian to win a Major Championship when he famously held off Tiger Woods at Hazeltine National three years ago.

The 40-year-old, who won the 2007 HSBC Champions in Shanghai and the 2010 Volvo China Open in Suzhou, will be keen to put on a show for his compatriots after missing the cut in each of the past two Ballantine’s Championships.

Jiménez and Johnson return to Korea hoping to improve on last year when they came up just short behind champion Lee Westwood, with Jiménez missing a 15ft birdie opportunity on the last hole to take the tournament into a play-off.

Johnson was a further two shots back and he will return hoping to become the first American winner of the Ballantine’s Championship, adding his name to a trophy previously won by Northern Ireland’s McDowell (2008), Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee (2009), Australian Marcus Fraser (2010) and Englishman Westwood (2011).

Meanwhile Poulter and Scott will both be seeking further silverware in Asia, having won the UBS Hong Kong Open and Barclays Singapore Open respectively in 2010.

Debutant Scott will be determined to build on an impressive 2011 campaign during which he won the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, while the highlight of Poulter’s year was his victory in the Volvo World Match Play Championship in Spain.

A New Decade, A New Spirit

Winners of 11th Teacher’s Achievement Awards include:

Teacher’s Lifetime Achievement Award: Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma
Teacher’s Achievement Award for Business: Ronnie Screwvala, Zarine Mehta; Siddharth Roy Kapur for UTV Motion Pictures
Teacher’s Achievement Award for Communication (Electronic Journalism) : Nidhi Razdan
Teacher’s Achievement Award for Sports : Gagan Narang
Teacher’s Achievement Award for Entertainment: Vidya Balan
Teacher’s Global Indian Achiever Award: Anil Kapoor
People Teacher’s Achiever Award: Anushka Sharma
Teacher’s Youth Achievers’ Club Recognition: Durjoy Datta

All roads in Delhi led to the ITC Maurya as Beam Inc celebrated the spirit of achievement with the 11th Teacher’s Achievement Awards (TAA). The evening commemorated the start of the second decade of the one of the most prestigious, respected and admired Teacher’s Achievement Awards by welcoming into its fold the finest achievers from the fields of Business, Entertainment, Sports and Communication. The awards underwent a stringent evaluation process by a distinguished panel of jury members before the final winners were announced in the national capital today.

Recognizing the tireless efforts of taking India to the global stage, TAA honoured the inimitable Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Sharma has been at the forefront of taking Indian classical music to the international stage while being steadfast attached to the Indian roots. His contribution to Indian music is unmatchable and achievements as an individual, insurmountable. He is credited with making the Santoor a popular Classical Instrument. Sharma is the recipient of various national and international awards, including an honorary citizenship of the city of Baltimore, USA, in 1985, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1986, the Padma Shri in 1991, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2001. The award was presented by Shabana Azmi, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Matt Shattock, President and CEO, Beam Inc.

Congratulating winners of the 11th TAA, Matthew J Shattock, President and CEO, Beam Inc said, “The Teacher’s Achievement Awards have come a long way in the past decade. This is a very proud moment for all of us at Beam as we enter the second decade of achievements and excellence with the Teacher’s Achievement Awards. I would like to congratulate all the winners – present as well as past – who have excelled … thanks to their talent … steadfast determination … and winning spirit. It is an honor to be in the company of such a rich spectrum of accomplishment from so many walks of life.”

Anil Kapoor who has received international acclaim for his contribution to Indian cinema was recognised with the Teacher’s Global Indian Achiever Award. Dr L Subramaniam, Ramesh Sippy and Harish Moolchandani, CEO and Managing Director Beam India and ISC gave away the award to Kapoor.

The bubbly and vibrant Anushka Sharma who has been seen playing vivid roles in films like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Patiala House, Badmaash Company, Band Baaja Baaraat received the People Teacher’s Achiever Award.

The evening opened with a stunning performance of Manasi Scott who performed the Teacher’s anthem to an alluring audience. This was followed with the traditional “Teacher’s Achievers’ Walk” designed and choreographed by the designer duo Rohit Gandhi-Rahul Khanna. The duo crafted a special collection for the past winners, jury members which included – Shabana Azmi, Pankaj Advani, Feroz Abbas Khan, Louis Bankz, Prahlad Kakkar, L Subramaniam, Nagesh Kukunoor, Manish Arora, Michael Ferreira, Prasoon Joshi, Anjali Bhagwat and Boman Irani.

Mr Harish Moolchandani, CEO and Managing Director Beam India & ISC said, “I would like to congratulate all the winners who have not only excelled in their own individual capacity but are in some way anchors for the future of this beautiful country by becoming an example of motivation to the youth of today. Teacher’s Achievement Awards are a symbol of excellence. And we are proud to be associated with individuals of the stature that we see today. Beam Inc welcomes each and every winner of the 11th Teacher’s Achievement Awards into its family.”

Boman Irani, who has been associated with the Teacher’s Achievement Award since 2003, co-hosted the evening with Vir Sanghavi. Irani was honoured with the Teacher’s Achiever of the Decade in 2010. The evening also saw mesmerizing acts by Eric Luna and Georgia Ambarian. After performing in Hong Kong, Germany, Poland, Canada, Mexico, South Africa and all over the United States, Eric and Georgia stunned the Indian audience with their extraordinary ballroom dancing skills. The grand finale saw a splendid performance with solo acts followed by a jugalbandi between Anoushka Shankar, Medieval Punditz, Karsh Kale and Angaraag ‘Papon’ Mahanta.

The evening saw past winners, jury members and key stakeholders of the Teacher’s Achievement Awards join the celebrations at the Nandiya Gardens at ITC Maurya. Those present included Ramesh Sippy, Jacqueline Fernandes, Kavita Subramaniam, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Vinod Mehta, Kashi Memani, BS Nagesh and Pablo Bartholomew among others.

Nominees for the 11th Teacher’s Achievement Awards included:

Business

Ronnie Screwwala and Zarine Mehta for UTV
Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor for Balaji Telefilms
Yash Chopra for Yashraj Films
Kishore Lulla & Sunil Lulla for Eros Entertainment
Shahrukh Khan & Gauri Khan for Red Chillies Entertainment
Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar for Excel Entertainment

Communication

Vikram Chandra – NDTV
Sonia Verma Singh – NDTV
Nidhi Razdan – NDTV
Shereen Bhan – CNBC
Anuradha Sengupta – CNBC

Entertainment

Farhan Akhtar
Anushka Sharma
Vidya Balan
Hrithik Roshan
Imran Khan

Sports

Gagan Narang
Vijender Singh
Jwala Gutta
Arjun Atwal
Saina Nehwal

The event was managed by Wizcraft International.

As a precursor to the TAA, Beam Inc commissioned a special television series, “Achiever’s Club”, a 14-part series that showcased the glittery, glamorous and fabulous lives of self-made achievers of India. The Achievers’ Club is an exclusive series where India’s most celebrated achievers like KP Singh, Vidya Balan, Rajeev Chandrashekhar, Naveen Jindal, Manish Arora, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and many more share their success mantras and millionaire lifestyle with the host Vir Sanghvi. The series currently AIRs on Star World on Saturday @ 8pm.

Instituted in 2001, the Teacher’s Achievement Awards recognise the true potential of human endeavour. Over the years, the awards have welcomed into its family, achievers who are the nation’s most respected names in the realms of business, sports, entertainment, literature, fashion, lifestyle and communication. Today, it stands as the most definitive platform of recognition for India’s finest, most trailblazing achievers. Now in its 11th edition, the awards greet the decade ahead by saluting the achievers who have made their ‘mark of achievement’.

The Teacher’s Achievement Awards, in partnership with KPMG and the Advisory Board oversee a stringent selection process and grade the nominees before the Jury takes over. The nominees are evaluated on the basis of specific criteria – proven track record, originality, innovation, peer recognition and significant milestones achieved in the chosen area of expertise. The final winners chosen by the Jury members are then felicitated at the grand finale.

Beam Inc is using the online and offline space very aggressively to promote the 11th Teacher’s Achievement Awards. Information is being shared using multiple communication channels, including the official website of the awards, www.teachersachievementawards.com. Regular updates, interesting information and latest developments on the awards will also be made available on Twitter. Users can follow the awards on the official TAA page on facebook – www.facebook.com/TeachersIndia  and on twitter at http://twitter.com/TeachersIndia . Internet users can view event videos by subscribing to the official channel http://www.youtube.com/user/TeachersIndia/featured

Royal Salute Launches Majestic Advertising Campaign In China

Royal Salute, the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky, has unveiled a new television advertising campaign in China to further underline the brand’s luxury status. The ‘Today’s Kings’ commercial is part of Royal Salute’s global communication platform, ‘Noble Leadership’, which aims to explore new dimensions of luxury and redefine the top end of the whisky category.

With a long legacy of paying tribute to nobility and leadership, the brand commissioned consumer research among whisky connoisseurs in China, to define how and why noble leadership is relevant to them. The results helped inspire this latest campaign, which identifies a select group of bold leaders, each with three key attributes – they are visionary and dare to go beyond; they have the boldness, courage and self-belief to grasp their visions; and their actions are not driven by self-interest, but by a belief in a greater good.

The 45 second television commercial, now on air in China, sees four men who are leaders in their respective fields, whose conviction, talent and vision inspire their journey to fulfil their goals. After following them on their respective journeys, the advert concludes with the four men coming together to share a toast with Royal Salute 21 Year Old. The commercial ends with the tagline ‘Royal Salute – the journey begins where others end’.

Neil Macdonald, Brand Director for Royal Salute, said: “We’re delighted with this stirring, masculine new TV creative for the Chinese market. It truly reflects the brand’s power and luxury and will help cement Royal Salute’s position at the highest end of the whisky category.”

The advert was shot in Queenstown, New Zealand, by well-known commercial director Jeff Darling, and features original scored music.

Notes:

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 and this is part of the brand’s DNA
• 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 since 1953
• 2011: Royal Salute Tribute to Honour launched, the Honours are most notable and compelling symbols of Scottish royalty

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.chivasbrothers.com