The Macallan Masters of Photography Winner Revealed

After attracting over 7,000 entries and 94,000 votes, The Macallan single malt has announced that the winner of the first ever ‘Masters of Photography Masterclass’, in partnership with legendary Scottish photographer Albert Watson, is ‘Waiting for the Eclipse’ by Luke Bhothipiti from the USA.

The competition invited members of the public to upload their finest photographs celebrating the theme of ‘great journeys’ either from travels or a special moment showing a passage of time. The competition was inspired by the Albert Watson edition of The Macallan Masters of Photography which showcases his visual interpretation of the journey of The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks from Jerez, Spain to Speyside, Scotland.

With an overwhelming response, 94,000 votes were cast by the public to select the top 20 images. These were then judged by Watson, winner of the prestigious Royal Photographic Society’s 2010 Centenary Medal, who is well known across the globe for his fashion, celebrity and art photography having shot over 200 covers for both Vogue and Rolling Stone Magazine.

The stunning winning image of friends gathered around a fire waiting for the lunar eclipse at the end of 2010 stood out from the rest, allowing him to take top honours in the competition.

Luke’s photograph wins him a trip of a life time to Scotland, courtesy of Visit Scotland. The second, third and fourth prizes are Nikon camera equipment and an annual subscription to Digital Camera Magazine.

The winners of the first The Macallan Photography Masterclass:

First : ‘Waiting for the Eclipse’ by Luke Bhothipiti
The story: A photograph of my friends standing around a fire for warmth waiting for the lunar eclipse on 12/21/2010. We all made the trip into the country for the best possible view of an event that only comes around every 460 years. This would also be the last photograph of everyone together before they would embark on their own personal journeys.

Second: ‘The Raging Bull’ by Muhammad Fadli
The story: Pacu Jawi, which means The Bull’s Race, is a traditional festival of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is a celebration of the farmer for the previous harvesting season.

Third: ‘A motion shot of a 1948 GMC’ by John Jackson
The story: It just shows the loneliness of being out on the open road alone in some vintage Iron, and that’s what makes it special to me.

Fourth: ‘Dark night so cold and lonely’ by Rob Dallas
The story: Not being afraid of cold weather, I stepped outside on this dark, so cold and lonely night. I found the bleakness of a winter’s night and captured the real beauty of the contrast and color …leaving just the distant sign orange … warm and inviting … like a fire or hearth …winter is not just cold, it is also a place to find warmth.

Ken Grier, Director of Malts, The Edrington Group, said: “The standard of entries received and the talent demonstrated has been phenomenal. We were overwhelmed by the number of entries received and we thank each and every person who uploaded a photograph of their personal journey.

“On behalf The Macallan I would also like to congratulate Luke on his wining image which really is quite captivating. We are also honoured to have been able to work with Albert Watson who has shared with us his incredible expertise and creativity.”

Albert Watson, added: “The standard of entries received was impressive and it was by no means an easy task to choose a winner. However of all the entries, Luke’s image was the most original. I liked the intent of the shot, the composition, the ice cold of the sky, and the ghostly group of figures around the warm fire. It spoke to me emotionally.”

A second Masterclass is in the planning. In the meantime please review the entries here: www.themastersofphotography.com/the-masterclass/s8/

Please enjoy our brands responsibly. www.drinkaware.co.uk

Notes:

The first Macallan Masters of Photography was launched in 2008 with Rankin. Rankin produced 1,000 individual black and white images captured on Polaroid. Each limited edition bottle of rare 30 year old Macallan Fine Oak single malt displayed a bespoke label featuring one of Rankin’s images, accompanied by the original Polaroid. The array of images featured artistic nude studies of Tuuli, Rankin’s muse and wife, contrasted by shots of the dedicated craftspeople of the distillery, and still life images of the surrounding flora and fauna at Easter Elchies Estate.

The Albert Watson edition is the second in the series.

The 36 bottles of The Macallan 1946 limited edition with matching platinum prints have almost sold out with only a couple left. Please contact www.themacallan.com/contact-us for further information.

Albert Watson – photographer

Born in Scotland, Albert Watson is one of the world’s most successful photographers of the past four decades. His striking images have appeared on over 240 covers of Vogue and Rolling Stone – some of the most iconic portraits of a generation including Alfred Hitchcock, Mick Jagger and Kate Moss.

As well as directing over 300 TV commercials for global brands including Gap, Chanel and Revlon, Albert is also the creative genius behind some of the most well recognised movie posters of our time, namely Memoirs of a Geisha and Kill Bill.

In recognition of his work Albert was named one of the 20 most influential photographers of all time by industry bible, Photo District News. In 2010 he was awarded the ultimate accolade – the Centenary Medal from the Royal Photographic Society.

Albert Watson is a master of his art who greatly enriches our perception with his unique photographic view. A single minded commitment to perfection has made Albert Watson one of the world’s most sought-after photographers.

www.albertwatson.net

Two Gold Awards at the 2011 International Wine and Spirit Competition

The Black Bull brand has taken charge of its field in the 2011 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) winning two gold awards for its 12 and 40yo Deluxe Blended Scotch Whiskies. Black Bull’s uncompromising yet sublimely balanced character floored the judges of this prestigious competition and comes hot on the heels of recent accolades from the 2011 World Whisky awards and Whisky Magazine.

Black Bull 12 YO Deluxe Blended Scotch Whisky – GOLD Award
Tasting Category: Scotch Whisky – Deluxe Blend – 12-13 YO

Judges Tasting Notes: The nose is a large basket packed with fruit with inviting notes of apple and tropical notes along with liquorice and vanilla. Complex and full in the mouth with all the nose aromas transferred into very attractive flavours. Spice and fruit combine well with the evident oak. Lots of attractive vanilla and citrus in outstanding finish.

Black Bull 40 YO Deluxe Blended Scotch Whisky – GOLD Award

Tasting Category: Scotch Whisky – Deluxe Blend – 40 YO

Judges Tasting Notes: Tremendous flourish of floral aromas opens up big nose. Ripe, pulpy fruits follow with cumin and apple. Great complexity. All carries into the mouth where rich malt dominates with loads of golden syrup, barley sugar and hints of citrus and marmalade. Great presence and balance. Long, fruit filled finish.

Awards for 2011 so far:

WWA Best Blended Scotch Whisky 12 years and under
Black Bull 12yo
Editor’s Choice in Whisky Magazine Issue 95
Black Bull 40yo Batch 2
Editor’s Choice in Whisky Magazine Issue 96
Black Bull Special Reserve No.1

For more information on Duncan Taylor please inquire at info@duncantaylor.com

Clan Campbell new limited edition night bottle in collaboration with Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

Clan Campbell created and launched in October 2010 their new ‘Limited Edition Night Bottle’ (i.e. Série Limitée Nuit) which was designed by the French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. The bottle is a refined and dazzling stained glass, reflecting the nobility of the brand and its Scottish heritage.

Indeed, the bottle design was inspired by the traditional window ornaments of Scottish castles, and it immediately stands out by its colourful touches and silver contrasting with the black background. In the centre, there is the Clan Campbell crest which symbolizes the alliance of the natural elements that enable the development of the Clan Campbell Scotch Whisky: The earth and the sun that contribute to the development of barley, the water and fire, which evoke the distillation carried out in the authentic Scottish tradition.

“What I like about this brand is the timeless tradition it embodies. This bottle is both authentic and modern, and an expression of Clan Campbell heritage. I am proud of this project because it is very meaningful and the design is sumptuous. “said Jean-Charles de Castelbajac.

Thus, this new bottle has a strong image and is aesthetic; evoking modern values of tradition and authenticity inherent in Scotland, the birth place of Clan Campbell Scotch Whisky

Digital Enbotellarte FUTBOL 2011

The brand Something Special has always been renowned for its unique bottle shape.

Enbotellarte is an art competition born in Uruguay in 2000 which is inspired in the exclusive diamond-shaped bottle. Ever since, it has evolved significantly, moving to a digital format in 2009.

Digital Enbotellarte FUTBOL 2011 challenged artists to represent their passion for their national team through digital art, based on the Something Special bottle or icon.

The competition utilises the territory of art to strengthen the consumer perception of Something Special in key markets as an innovative and contemporary brand to consumers.

The Copa América 2011 provides an opportunity to create an artistic campaign which engaged artists with the brand through a major sporting event which is receiving worldwide media attention.

Digital Enbotellarte FUTBOL 2011 asked artists to enter a digital artwork in one the four following categories:
– Animation
– Short film
– Computer-generated art
– Digital photography

Selected pieces will be part of exhibitions hosted across Latin America and winning artworks will receive a cash prize and international exposure for the artists.

With over 1200 registered users and submitted artworks from 17 countries the 2011 edition is already a success.

Long John Packaging Refresh

Long John is a long – established brand predominately in the French market. Market feedback has indicated the need to refresh the packaging whilst maintaining the key features and values of the brand, in order to enhance quality.

Passport’s First Night Bottle Passport has created a limited edition night bottle in collaboration with Brazilian artist Flavio Samelo, renowned for his artistic collaboration with Nike and Adidas.

The result is Passport’s first night bottle with a geometric and dynamic design. In the dark, Passport night bottle reveals a new layer. The superposition of lines makes the bottle even more vibrant

To celebrate the launch of Passport Night Bottle in collaboration with Flavio Samelo, a road show of parties were held in art galleries across Brazil to reinforce the territory of art. Launch parties happened in the cities of Florianopolis, Porto Alegre, Curitiba and Sao Paolo.

Buffalo Trace Distillery Releases Second Round of  Single Oak Project Bourbon Quest for the World’s Perfect Bourbon Continues

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (August, 2011) – Round two of the critically acclaimed Single Oak Project is being released from Buffalo Trace Distillery this week, part of the Distillery’s “Holy Grail” project.

This release will explore three important variables that affect the taste of bourbon, recipe, grain size, and char level. Some of the bottles contain bourbon made with rye and others with wheat. The barrels themselves were made from different trees, each with varying degrees of thickness to their wood grain, from fine to very coarse. These barrels were charred at either a number three or number four char level to determine how the burn will alter the taste. All other variables in the experimental project, such as the entry proof, stave seasoning, tree cut, and warehouse location remain constant.

As with the first release, Buffalo Trace hopes consumers can rate each whiskey they taste online at www.singleoakproject.com. This feedback will help determine which type of bourbon connoisseurs prefer most. After reviewing a bottle online, consumers will be availed of all the aging details and provenance of the barrel. They can interact with others who’ve also reviewed the barrel, compare their reviews, and even learn for themselves which characteristics they enjoy most, in order to help them select future favorites. Participants online will earn points after each review and most importantly, help Buffalo Trace Distillery create the perfect bourbon!

The Single Oak Project is part of an intensive research project Buffalo Trace Distillery started conducting in 1999 by hand picking 96 trees with different wood grains and then dividing them into a top and bottom piece, yielding 192 unique sections. From there, staves were created from each section and were air dried for either 6 months or 12 months. After all the staves were air dried, a single barrel was created from each tree section, resulting in 192 total barrels. These barrels were given either a number three or a number four char and then filled with either wheat or rye recipe bourbon.

To further the variety of experiments, the barrels were filled at two different proofs, 105 and 125 proof. And if this wasn’t enough, two completely different warehouses were used, one with wooden ricks and one with concrete floors. In total, seven different variables were employed in Buffalo Trace’s ultimate experiment.

For eight years the Distillery continued with its tracking process, creating intricate databases and coming up with a potential of 1,396 tasting combinations from these 192 barrels!

The Single Oak Project Bourbon will be released in a series every three months over the next four years until all of the 192 barrels have been released. The first release hit select stores at the end of May. This second release should show up in stores towards the end of August. Like the first release, the quantity is very limited. Every case will contain 12 bottles, each from a different barrel. The second release is made up of barrel numbers 29, 31, 61, 63, 93, 95, 125, 127, 157, 159, 189, 191. All releases will be packaged in a 375ml bottle. Suggested retail pricing per bottle is $46.35.

At the conclusion of the Single Oak Project, the Distillery plans to take the top rated barrel based on online consumer feedback, make more of that product and launch it under the Single Oak Project nameplate.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The distillery’s rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Malt Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotrace.com.

RANDY RAIN JOINS HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES SALES FORCE

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has added Randy R. Rain to its sales team as Southwest Regional Manager. He will be responsible for management of the Heaven Hill product portfolio throughout Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico.

Rain has 15 years of management experience in the beverage alcohol industry with Glazer’s Texas and Southern Wine & Spirits Arizona. In addition, his experience includes restaurant, wine and financial management.

“Randy will be a valuable addition to Heaven Hill,” said Steve Feller, Vice President, North American sales for Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “He delivers a rich understanding of the industry. His background and experience will serve the Heaven Hill portfolio of brands well.”

Rain graduated from McLennan Community College in Texas. He currently resides in Phoenix, AZ.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

Duke of Cambridge Leads Royal Salute Sponsored Team to Victory in Charity Polo on US Tour

The Duke of Cambridge led the Foundation Team sponsored by Royal Salute to victory at The Foundation Polo Challenge today, when he played in the charity polo match at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club, California.

The Foundation Team, sponsored by British luxury brand, Royal Salute Scotch whisky, performed with skill and grace in a thrilling match, which saw them triumph over the opposition, Team American Express Centurion, against the stunning backdrop of the Californian sun.

The Duke was watched by his wife, The Duchess of Cambridge, during the start of the couple’s first official tour of the US that commenced on the 8th July. Joining the Duchess were a host of VIPs including actors Rob Lowe and Billy Zane, actresses Jennifer Love-Hewitt, Nicolette Sheridan and model Molly Sims.

Also in attendance was His Grace, Torqhill Ian Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll, a patron within the Scotch whisky industry and representative for Royal Salute. He said, “Both polo and Royal Salute share values of honour, nobility and leadership, virtues we’ve definitely witnessed on and off the pitch today.

“As a long-time friend of Royal Salute, it has been a real honour to be here representing the luxury British brand at this exclusive polo event. Royal Salute is very proud to be associated with The Foundation Polo Challenge, especially as it provides the opportunity to support such a very worthwhile cause; The American Friends of The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.”

Guests including actresses Rosario Dawson and Zoe Saldana were hosted by Royal Salute at an exclusive VIP bar while being treated to a three course lunch by celebrity chef Giada De Laurentiis. Here they were able to relax and enjoy the luxury Scotch whisky while soaking up the sun.

Following a day of sumptuous dining and revelry, guests were privy to a special viewing of Tribute to Honour, Royal Salute’s finest and rarest limited edition expression. Only 21 bottles of Tribute to Honour have been crafted from a blend so rare, so sumptuous that only one man in the world has tasted it, Master Blender Colin Scott.

The Foundation Polo Challenge support shown by Royal Salute further highlights the whisky brand’s growing commitment to international polo, with sponsorships of some of the world’s most prestigious polo events currently spanning China, India, Dubai, Brazil and the UK.

The Foundation Polo Challenge raised funds for the American Friends of The Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry. For more information visit http://www.foundationpolochallenge.com/

Notes

Torquhil Ian Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll
The Duke of Argyll is the Hereditary Master of the Royal Household in Scotland. He is also Chief of Clan Campbell and a Patron of the Scotch Whisky Industry.

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, it 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
• 2011: Royal Salute Tribute to Honour launched, the Honours are most notable and compelling symbols of Scottish royalty

Royal Salute World Polo
In addition to The Foundation Polo Challenge sponsored by Royal Salute, the Scotch whisky also supports some of the most luxurious polo tournaments in the world, staged in the grandest venues, including:
• Bernard Weatherhill Polo Club Charity Day, Gloucestershire, UK, previously titled The Chakravarty Cup
• The Sentebale Polo Cup, Coworth Park, UK
• The Foundation Polo Challenge, Santa Barbara, California, US
• Royal Salute Tang Polo Cup, Beijing, China
• Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup, Jodhpur, India
• The Nations Cup, Dubai, UAE
• Triple Crown Tournament, Helvetia Polo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Tribute to Honour
Royal Salute Tribute to Honour pays homage to the oldest crown jewels of the British Isles: The Honours of Scotland. Tribute to Honour marks a historical pinnacle in whisky making. The most exquisite, precious and scarce whiskies used to create Tribute to Honour, have been carefully selected from the Royal Salute Vault at Strathisla. Expertly blended by Colin Scott, just 21 bottles of Tribute to Honour have been created priced at $200,000 and available on application. Contact Giaia.Rener@pernod-ricard.com for further information.

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  

BAIN’S CAPE MOUNTAIN WHISKY DOES SA PROUD

The proudly South African 100% single grain whisky, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky, has returned home for the second consecutive year with a gold medal from the 2011 International Wine and Spirits Competition. The judges praised the whisky for its “excellent, clean, lively entry into the mouth with sweet grain firmness and beautiful balance.”

Inspired by the Bain’s Kloof Pass and its natural beauty, Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is crafted from the finest South African grain. It is South Africa’s first single grain whisky and its double-maturation imparts flavour and complexity, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and distinctive whisky.

Crafted by master distiller Andy Watts, the whisky shows an exceptional interaction between spirit and wood to produce a mix of toffee, floral and vanilla aromas and flavours with a hint of spice softened by sweet undertones. The result is a warm and extended mouthfeel with an exceptionally smooth finish.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is distilled and matured at The James Sedgwick Distillery which dates back to 1886 and is situated near the foothills of the Bain’s Kloof Pass in Wellington, in the heart of the Boland. The whisky pays tribute to Andrew Geddes Bain the pioneering pass builder who was the mastermind behind the Bain’s Kloof Pass which connected Wellington to the interior in the mid-1850s.

Bain’s Cape Mountain Whisky is available from leading liquor outlets and retails for around R180 per 750ml bottle.