Glenmorangie celebrates being ‘The Best of the Best’

Over the past five years Glenmorangie has achieved more prestigious accolades than any other single malt Scotch whisky at the International Wine and Spirits Competition

Glenmorangie is toasting a record run of gold medals at the 2011 International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC).

Glenmorangie whiskies have now won a remarkable total of eighteen ‘Gold Best in Class’ medals over the past five years at the IWSC – the most internationally-recognised awards body.

This is more than any other single malt Scotch whisky, making Glenmorangie the best of the best.

Beating off stiff competition, this consistent display of top class awards reflects the uncompromising commitment to the art of whisky creation at Glenmorangie. It also cements the Company’s reputation for being creators of ‘Unnecessarily Well Made’ single malt Scotch whiskies.

It does this by using the tallest stills in Scotland and the finest oak casks, and by pioneering the now widely used technique of extra maturation to provide additional rich and intriguing layers of flavours to the house style of Glenmorangie.

This year, after blind tasting and professional analysis, the independent judges awarded five of their ultimate prizes – the highly regarded ‘Gold Best in Class’ – to Glenmorangie Original, Nectar D’Or, 18 Years Old, Quarter Century and Signet.

Paul Skipworth, President & Managing Director, The Glenmorangie Company.said: “We are absolutely delighted to win these distinguished awards. Accolades from the IWSC are a credit to our Glenmorangie Whisky Creation Team, which continually strives to create new, innovative single malt Scotch whiskies with an intriguing variety of tastes, textures and aromas.

“Using unique creation techniques they deliver the rounder, smoother taste that has set Glenmorangie apart.”

Dr Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling and Whisky Creation at The Glenmorangie Company, said: “Winning these awards is an honour in acknowledgement of all the work that goes in to crafting each Glenmorangie expression. I am thrilled that such a respected awards body as the IWSC have recognised this and have consistently bestowed on us their most prestigious awards.”

Notes:

About Glenmorangie

Glenmorangie single malt Scotch whisky originates in the Scottish Highlands where, at the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills in Scotland, expertly matured in the finest oak casks, and perfected by the Men of Tain. The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field uniting tradition with innovation to create Unnecessarily Well Made single malt whiskies.

About The Glenmorangie Company

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH). Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay malt. It also owns The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

About The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC):

The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. The IWSC Awards mark out of a possible 100, with Gold medals going to whiskies within the top ten percentile. Gold Best in Class is bestowed upon the top whisky within the top ten percentile. Silver medals are given to spirits ranging within 80 – 89.9 and bronze medals are appointed to products between 75 – 79.9 marks.

IWSC 2011 Gold Best in Class Wins
Glenmorangie Original – Gold Best in Class
Glenmorangie Nectar D’Or – Gold Best in Class
Glenmorangie18 Years Old – Gold Best in Class
Glenmorangie Quarter Century – Gold Best in Class
Glenmorangie Signet – Gold Best in Class

Responsible Drinking
The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

International Beverage Holdings Enjoy a Medal Streak at Major Global Competition

International Beverage Holdings are celebrating an extraordinary haul of honours in the 2011 International Wine & Spirits Competition. The Airdrie-based distiller won a phenomenal sixteen awards across their portfolio of Scotch whiskies, which includes Old Pulteney, anCnoc, Balblair and Speyburn single malts and Hankey Bannister, MacArthur’s and Catto’s blended Scotch whiskies.

In total, the company picked up three gold awards, all of which were ‘Best in Class’ and a further thirteen silver awards, of which two were ‘Best in Class’. International Beverage Holdings own five distilleries across Scotland (Pulteney, Balblair, Speyburn, Knockdhu and Balmenach) and manage the production, distillation and maturation of a broad portfolio of drinks brands in markets across the globe.

This unprecedented array of results is significant for the forward thinking company whose brands continue to go from strength to strength both in the international and domestic markets. Old Pulteney Scotch Whisky is one of the fastest growing single malt brands in the UK off-trade, with sales increasing 62% in the twelve months to June. *

Karen Walker, Marketing Director at International Beverage Holdings says:

“We’re absolutely thrilled with our wins from this inaugural competition. Scooping sixteen awards is a great reflection of the quality and craftsmanship of our whiskies and the passion and enthusiasm of the team behind them.”

Each of these globally respected international awards follow a rigorous two-stage judging process of blind tastings and detailed technical analysis by a panel of industry experts. The awards received are a testament to the quality of the products and the great work of each of the distilleries

The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. With entries from over 80 countries worldwide, it aims to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs.

-Notes

*Figures supplied by A C Neilson.

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 infused 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.

The Full List of Awards Placed for International Beverage are:

Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 1978 GOLD (BEST IN CLASS)
AnCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 YO GOLD (BEST IN CLASS)
Hankey Bannister Blended Scotch Whisky 40 YO GOLD (BEST IN CLASS)
Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky 17 YO SILVER (BEST IN CLASS)
Drummer Blended Scotch Whisky 5 YO SILVER (BEST IN CLASS)
Balblair Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 2000 SILVER
Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky 21 YO SILVER
Balblair Highland Single Malt 1989 Vintage (2nd Release) SILVER
Old Pulteney WK209 Single Malt Scotch Whisky SILVER
AnCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky 16 YO SILVER
Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 YO SILVER
Hankey Bannister Blended Scotch Whisky Original SILVER
Hankey Bannister Blended Scotch Whisky 12 YO SILVER
Hankey Bannister Blended Scotch Whisky 21 YO SILVER
Catto’s Blended Scotch Whisky Rare Old Scottish SILVER
Speyburn Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky SILVER

Cooley Continues IWSC Gold Run

Cooley Distillery claims 8 Gold Medals at 2011 International Wine & Spirits Competition

Cooley Distillery, the multi-award winning Irish whiskey distiller, continued its phenomenal success at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) by claiming a further 8 IWSC Gold medals in London yesterday.

Cooley’s medal haul included a record 4 Gold Medals for its Connemara Peated Single Malt Irish whiskey range including two Best in Class honours reaffirming its place as the most honoured Irish Single Malt of all time at International Spirits Competitions.

Other repeat winners for Cooley at the IWSC included the Lockes 8 Yr Old Single Malt and Tyrconnell 10 Yr Old Madeira Finish Single Malt. Two recently launched products, the Kilbeggan 18 Yr Old Deluxe Blended Irish whiskey and the Greenore 18 Yr Old Single Grain Irish Whiskey also both claimed Gold medals in their maiden IWSC competition.

Jack Teeling, Managing Director of Cooley Distillery, commented, ““The Irish whiskey industry is in rude health. There are opportunities in many markets around the world where Irish whiskey exports are benefitting from the industry’s collective success. The International awards we receive each year for the quality of our products will enable us to take advantage of this opportunity.

This latest success at the International Wine & Spirits Competition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff. It is a further ringing endorsement on the International stage of the quality and consistency of the whiskey being produced by Cooley”.

Founded in 1987, Cooley Distillery has won a total of 40 IWSC Gold medals over the last 5 years. This year on year success has resulted in Cooley Distillery being named European Distiller of the Year by the IWSC for the last three years running and is shortlisted for the 2011 European Distiller of the Year Award, the results of which will be announced at the 2011 IWSC Competition Banquet that will be held in the Guildhall in London on the 16th November 2011.

List of Gold Medals at the 2011 IWSC

Gold Medal & Best in Class, Connemara Peated Single Malt
Gold Medal & Best in Class, Connemara Turf Mór Peated Single Malt
Gold Medal & Best in Class, Tyrconnell 10 Year Old Madeira Finish Single Malt
Gold Medal & Best in Class, Lockes 8 Yr Old Single Malt
Gold Medal, Connemara 18 Year Old Single Cask Peated Single Malt
Gold Medal, Connemara 12 Year Old Peated Single Malt
Gold Medal, Kilbeggan 18 Year Old Blended Irish whiskey
Gold Medal, Greenore 18 Year Old Single Grain Irish whiskey

About the IWSC
IWSC medals are awarded on a strict points system by a panel of international judges. They are the most prestigious honours bestowed to the drinks industry as they are judged solely on the quality of the wine or spirit.
The 2011 IWSC Competition Banquet will be held in the Guildhall in London on the 16th November 2011 when specific product and producer trophies will be awarded.

About Cooley Distillery
Cooley Distillery is the only independent Irish whiskey distillery. Established in 1987, Cooley takes its name from the location of its distillery, situated at the foothills of the Cooley mountains, in Co. Louth. Cooley has an award winning portfolio of Irish whiskeys including Kilbeggan Irish whiskey, Tyrconnell Single Malt, Connemara Peated Single Malt and Greenore Single Grain Irish whiskey. To learn more about Cooley Distillery visit www.cooleywhiskey.com.

SUNTORY RELEASES REMARKABLE BOURBON BARREL EXPRESSIONS

London, August 1, 2011 – Two remarkable expressions of limited edition Yamazaki and Hakushu single malts, aged in Bourbon barrels, will be released in September. Only 3,000 bottles of each expression are available in Europe.

The Yamazaki and Hakushu share similar presentation, but differing flavour profiles. Both are non-aged (vatted 10-15 year malts) non-chill filtered and bottled at an ABV 48.2 %, priced at £69.50 per 70 cl bottle.

The meticulous attention to detail which characterises Suntory whisky is apparent at every stage of production from preparation of the spirit in the distilleries of Yamazaki and Hakushu to maturation in   different temperature zones.

When used to age Yamazaki and Hakushu, the 180-litre  white oak casks – smaller than most whisky barrels – impart elegant aromas and sweet vanilla flavours.

Yamazaki Bourbon barrel is stored in cellars in the Yamazaki and Oumi regions where nature is in rhythm with the seasons. The result is distinctively Japanese
whisky with an uncommon aroma and a smooth,lingering sweet flavour.

Hakushu is aged deep in the Hakushu forest, 700 metres above sea level in the shadow of Mt Kaikomagatake in the southern alps. The cool climate imparts a mild, refreshing taste and crisp, citrus aromas with a distinctive vanilla flavour.    

Art of whisky/4

Kazuyuki Takayama, Suntory Marketing Manager for Europe, says: “These single malts  express the art of Japanese whisky in ways which are intriguing and beguiling.  These 180-litre casks are most susceptible to the surrounding atmosphere and produce whiskies which are distinctive to the region where they are aged”.

The tasting profiles are:

Yamazaki single malt Bourbon barrel
Colour: dark amber. Aroma: vanilla, honey, caramel.
Taste: robust, woody
Finish: slightly sweet, pleasantly lingering

Hakushu single malt Bourbon barrel
Colour: gold. Aroma: tropical fruits, citrus, vanilla
Taste: light, smooth.
Finish: refreshing, clean

Suntory whiskies are distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends. For all sales enquiries contact Cellar Trends, Tel: 01283 217703 www.cellartrends.co.uk

BenRiach Distillery

BENRIACH WINS TWO TROPHIES AT 2011 INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION

THE BENRIACH Distillery Company, owners of GlenDronach and BenRiach, has won an amazing two product trophies at this year’s International Wine & Spirits Competition – both for its BenRiach 12 year-old sherry-matured single malt Scotch whisky.

This is the first time in the company’s seven-year history that it has been awarded a trophy by the IWSC.

The BenRiach 12 year-old sherry-matured won the following IWSC trophies:

The IWSC Single Malt Scotch whisky (15 years and under) Trophy

The IWSC Single Malt Scotch whisky (Special Edition) Trophy

and was also awarded the following medal:

Gold Medal / Best in Class (category – Scotch whisky, Single Malt, Speyside, Cask Finish, 12 – 13YO)

In total, the Edinburgh-headquartered company collected an impressive nine awards this year – two trophies, and various medals – one gold ‘Best in Class’, one gold, four silver and one bronze.

The awards were announced yesterday (July 27) at a ceremony in London.

The company’s full list of awards is:

The IWSC Single Malt Scotch whisky (15 years and under) Trophy – BENRIACH 12YO SHERRY MATURED

The IWSC Single Malt Scotch whisky (Special Edition) Trophy – BENRIACH 12YO SHERRY MATURED

Gold Medal / Best in Class – BENRIACH 12YO SHERRY MATURED

Gold Medal – BENRIACH 20YO

Silver Medal – BENRIACH ‘HEART OF SPEYSIDE’

Silver Medal – GLENDRONACH 18YO

Silver Medal – GLENDRONACH 12YO

Silver Medal – GLENRONACH ‘GRANDEUR’ 31YO

Bronze Medal – BENRIACH ‘HORIZONS’ 12YO TRIPLE DISTILLED

Founded in 1969, the IWSC is the most prestigious competition of its kind in the world. IWSC medals and trophies are the most highly regarded in the trade, representing the best of the best in the world of wines and spirits. The IWSC is judged by a panel selected from 300 fully-qualified, experienced industry judges. Noted for its intense and unrivalled judging process, the IWSC is proud to be the only competition of its kind that conducts a full blind tasting with extensive technical analysis.

BenRiach’s Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We are delighted to have won these nine different awards – particularly the two trophies. It’s a major achievement for a small independent to make the UK producer shortlist and to win any of the top awards when you consider all of the big multi-nationals which are also participating. Especially pleasing is the fact that there were only six trophies for whisky up for grabs, and we managed to win two of them with the same expression – that is quite special.

“These awards are a tribute to our people at BenRiach and GlenDronach distilleries who lovingly craft the singular taste of our whiskies. It’s also testament to the time and energy we have dedicated towards our wood management programme – with our trophy-winning whisky having been created by combining BenRiach from both Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks.

He added: “There are a lot of wine & spirits competitions out there today, but the IWSC still carries a lot of weight in terms of its reputation and history. It has serious credibility, and as such I cannot stress just how delighted we are to receive these trophies and gold medals from the IWSC.

“We actually released the BenRiach 12 year-old sherry-matured as an exclusive for the Taiwanese market a few years back, and only recently started rolling it out into additional markets. I have a feeling some of our local customers will be pushing for a UK release on the back of these awards!”

Tasting notes for the BenRiach 12YO Sherry Matured (46% vol)

Nose: Mocha, dark chocolate, sultanas and rich spices.
Colour: Deep gold-bronze.
Taste: The combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks gives a wonderful balance of mocha and dark chocolate interwoven with figs, sultanas, vanilla, fruits and rich spices.

FORTUNE BRANDS NAMES BOARDS OF DIRECTORS FOR INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES FOLLOWING PLANNED SEPARATION

Deerfield, Illinois, July 27, 2011 – Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO) today announced the Boards of Directors for Beam Inc. and Fortune Brands Home & Security, the standalone public companies to result from the planned separation of its businesses. In connection with the anticipated completion of the plan, Bruce Carbonari, chairman and chief executive officer of Fortune Brands, has decided to retire from the company at year end.

Upon completion of the proposed spin-off of Fortune Brands Home & Security, David Mackay, a current director of Fortune Brands and the former chief executive officer of Kellogg Company, will serve as non-executive chairman of the board of Beam Inc., the new name for Fortune Brands. Mackay has been a director of Fortune Brands since 2006.

David Thomas, the lead director of Fortune Brands and the former chairman and chief executive officer of IMS Health Incorporated, will be the non-executive chairman of the board of Fortune Brands Home & Security, the spin-off company. Thomas has served on the board of Fortune Brands since 2000 and as lead director since 2007.

Matt Shattock will be CEO of Beam and Chris Klein will be CEO of Fortune Brands Home & Security. Fortune Brands is targeting completion of the separation plan early in the fourth quarter.

“I’m very pleased that we’ve established such strong boards of directors for each of our ongoing businesses,” Carbonari said. “These boards are composed of directors with deep and relevant experience, commitment to strong corporate governance, and a track record of promoting the interests of shareholders. David Mackay and David Thomas will be outstanding chairmen, and I couldn’t have more confidence in the extremely talented executive leadership already in place at each company.

“I see the anticipated separation of our businesses as a monumental achievement for our leadership team and the perfect time personally to move on to new challenges,” Carbonari added. “These two companies will have strong leadership, governance and continuity, and I’ll look forward to participating in their future success as a proud and confident shareholder. Once we complete the separation plan, I’ll play an advisory role for a brief transition period, and then I’ll be eager to take some time before determining the next phase in my career.”

“Fortune Brands has benefited tremendously from Bruce’s leadership and unparalleled commitment to the interests of shareholders, and the board respects his decision to seek new challenges after completing such a major milestone for the company,” said David Thomas, lead director of the Fortune Brands board. “As CEO, Bruce guided Fortune Brands during a period in which its three businesses strengthened their competitive positions and emerged from the economic downturn outperforming the competition. In order to maximize long-term value for shareholders, he then went on to lead the final development and implementation of the plan to separate Fortune Brands’ businesses, which will result in two strong, independent companies with outstanding future prospects.”

Structure of Boards for Beam and Fortune Brands Home & Security

Nine current directors of Fortune Brands will serve on one or both of the new boards.

The members of the board of Beam will be:

•David Mackay (non-executive chairman), former chief executive officer, Kellogg Company; current Fortune Brands director
•Richard Goldstein, former chairman & chief executive officer, International Flavors and Fragrances, Inc.; current Fortune Brands director
•Ann Fritz Hackett, president, Horizon Consulting Group; current Fortune Brands director
•Pierre Leroy, former president, Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division and Global Parts Division, Deere & Company; current Fortune Brands director
•Matt Shattock, president & chief executive officer, Beam Inc.
•Anne Tatlock, former chairman & chief executive officer, Fiduciary Trust Company International; current Fortune Brands director
•Peter Wilson, former chairman, Gallaher Group Plc; current Fortune Brands director

The members of the board of Fortune Brands Home & Security will be:

•David Thomas (non-executive chairman), former chairman, IMS Health Incorporated; current Fortune Brands lead director
•Richard Goldstein, former chairman & chief executive officer, International Flavors and Fragrances, Inc.; current Fortune Brands director
•Ann Fritz Hackett, president, Horizon Consulting Group; current Fortune Brands director
•Chris Klein, president & chief executive officer, Fortune Brands Home & Security
•David Mackay, former chief executive officer, Kellogg Company; current Fortune Brands director
•Ron Waters, former president & chief executive officer, LoJack Corporation; current Fortune Brands director
•Norm Wesley, former chairman & chief executive officer, Fortune Brands; current Fortune Brands director

Each board expects to add at least one additional member following the separation of the businesses.

Carbonari has held key leadership positions at Fortune Brands for the past 21 years. He became president and chief operating officer of Fortune Brands in December 2006, chief executive officer in January 2008, and chairman and chief executive officer in October 2008. Earlier in his career, Carbonari oversaw the growth of Moen during the 1990s as it became the number one faucet brand in North America; in the early 2000s, Carbonari led the Home & Hardware group (now known as Fortune Brands Home & Security) as it more than doubled sales to nearly $5 billion. More recently, Carbonari guided the evolution of the company’s Beam spirits business into the global outperformer that it is today.

Under the separation plan, the company intends to complete the sale of its golf business by the end of July to a group led by Fila Korea and Mirae Asset Private Equity, and is preparing for the spin-off to shareholders of Fortune Brands Home & Security. Completion of the separation remains subject to completion of detailed separation plans, customary regulatory approvals and final Board approval.

* * *

About Fortune Brands

Fortune Brands, Inc. is a leading consumer brands company. Its operating companies have premier brands and leading market positions in distilled spirits, home and security, and golf products. The major spirits brands of Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. include Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon, Sauza tequila, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Cruzan rum, Teacher’s and Laphroaig Scotch, EFFEN vodka, Skinnygirl margarita and DeKuyper cordials. The brands of Fortune Brands Home & Security LLC include Moen faucets, Aristokraft, Omega, Diamond and Kitchen Craft cabinetry, Therma-Tru door systems, Simonton windows, Master Lock security products and Waterloo storage and organization products. Acushnet Company’s golf brands include Titleist and FootJoy. Fortune Brands, headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FO and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index.

To receive company news releases by e-mail, please visit www.fortunebrands.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements relating to future events, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the company does not assume any obligation to update, amend or clarify them to reflect events, new information or circumstances occurring after the date of this release. In addition to final Board authorization, the potential separation of Fortune Brands’ companies will also be subject to the receipt of a number of customary regulatory approvals and/or rulings, the execution of intercompany agreements and finalization of other related matters. There can be no assurance that any of the proposed transactions will be completed as anticipated or at all.

SOUTH AFRICAN SINGLE MALT WRAPPED IN GOLD

The limited edition single malt produced by Three Ships is making waves across the world. Shortly after receiving gold at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles held in Luxembourg, the Three Ships 10 year old single malt took gold at the 2011 International Wine and Spirits Competition.

According to master distiller Andy Watts these awards indicate the giant leaps Three Ships continues to make in the world of whisky.

“The whisky industry in South Africa, as opposed to the established producers like Scotland, is still in its relative infancy. However we are constantly developing our range to underscore the country’s ability to produce world-class whiskies. Receiving recognition from these international competitions, judged by some of the world’s leading experts, is humbling and a sign that we are moving in the right direction.”

“And our single malt is definitely an example of how we have progressed. It has spent the full 10 years in American oak casks of varying ages with the older small wood contributinged to the exceptional smoothness and imparting a slight sweetness. With only 8 000 bottles launched last year in October, it might not be that easy to find a bottle but if you’re lucky enough, then make sure it becomes part of your whisky collection.”

The whisky is full-bodied and well-rounded with a hint of peat and estery notes that add a slightly sweet fragrance hinting of dried fruit and fudge.

The Three Ships range of whiskies is produced at The James Sedgwick Distillery, situated in Wellington under the shadow of the Cape’s Drakenstein Mountains. The distillery was established in 1886 and over the past two decades has undergone several upgrades transforming it into a state-of-the-art distillery. The Three Ships range of whiskies consists of Three Ships Select, Three Ships 5-year-old Premium Select, Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish and the Three Ships 10-year-old Single Malt Whisky.

Andy Watts

1792 RIDGEMONT RESERVE

KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

WINS SILVER MEDAL IN LOS ANGELES COMPETITION

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (July, 2011) – The namesake brand of the Barton 1792 Distillery won its first Silver Medal in the 2011 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition (LAIWSC) held May 23-24.  Only one other bourbon besides 1792 Ridgemont Reserve was awarded a Silver Medal in its category.  There were 154 spirits brands entered in the competition from 47 producers in 19 countries.

“We’re thrilled with our first medal from the LAIWSC,” said Ken Pierce, director of distillation and quality assurance. “To capture this award amongst so many other quality spirits is truly an honor.” Complete results of the 2011 LAIWSC are available at www.fairplex.com/wos/spirits_competition.

1792 Ridgemont Reserve Bourbon is handcrafted in small batches and aged eight years and bottled at 93.7 proof. Suggested retail pricing is $27.99 for a 750ml.  

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is a family-owned company based in Bardstown, Kentucky.  The distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the only fully operating distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.”  The distillery is located on 192 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Ridgemont Reserve Bourbon whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery.  This small batch Bourbon whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state.  It’s the official toasting Bourbon of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival^® and was awarded a silver medal at the 2011 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. To learn more about the distillery visit http://www.1792bourbon.com/. 

As you know, we do things slowly up here; Laphroaig will never be rushed. But, as it is with our whisky, so it is with our website. It’s extraordinary to think that it has not really changed in over 12 years, so it is getting rather creaky! With the 18th anniversary of The Friends of Laphroaig coming up next year we thought you were long overdue a new website. We will be emailing you in the next week to let you know when the new site will be up and ready for you to explore.

Now, I know from all your many comments how much you like the present site so please rest assured that all the familiar parts you enjoy will still be there. The site is still divided into two parts; the open part that everybody can go to, and of course your private FOL area that can only be entered with your password.

The open part has lots of new features; beautiful new photography and a brand new professionally shot Distillery Tour film, which I hope you will enjoy. Of course your own private site has had a complete overhaul too, incorporating the many suggestions that you have sent in over the years.

But it’s not just your website that we have improved. When we first started emailing you there were only 73,000 Friends of Laphroaig. Now we are approaching half a million Worldwide! It has become impossible to manage such numbers with our old system so the boffins have changed to a new faster one.

This email is the last using our old system. I am advised that the layout of the new email will look slightly different but should get to your inbox perfectly. However – just in case, if you don’t receive an email from me next week please check your junk mail folder. If we did end up in your junk then click on the ‘not junk’ option or add us to your address book to ensure you always receive the emails in the future. As always, if you have any problems just send us an email.

So, the next email from me will be in a nice new template and with a brand new website for you all to enjoy. I’d love to hear what you think of the new site when you have had a look next week feel free to send me an email or for those of you on Facebook or Twitter you can find me at: www.facebook.com/laphroaig and www.twitter.com/laphroaigwhisky

Slàinte,

John Campbell
Distillery Manager

Visit the Friends of Laphroaig at http://www.laphroaig.com/friends

Arts an-Cnocing

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Whisky Develop Visual Art Campaign

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky have revealed an extension of its brand campaign focusing on the visual arts, to provide a contemporary experience of whisky for modern day drinkers. Developing their long-standing programme of arts activity, anCnoc is working with contemporary galleries on high profile visual art exhibitions and events, enhancing the brands visibility and appeal amongst arts audiences.

The campaign builds on anCnoc’s grass roots involvement with arts organisations, refreshing existing partnerships with new elements of activity and working with several new galleries in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

In Glasgow, anCnoc is working with famed performance venue The Arches to sponsor their prestigious graduate award for visual artists, Blackbox. The sponsorship realises an artist residency within the Arches, with the winner of the award creating a groundbreaking visual artwork, due to be revealed as part of The Arches Live festival this September. anCnoc also sponsors gallery exhibitions at renowned cultural landmark The Tron Theatre, within the newly unveiled anCnoc Long Gallery exhibition space. anCnoc Long gallery exhibitions are curated by Glasgow Print Studios, with the brand’s bespoke illustrations framing artist’s work. anCnoc has also forged a new partnership with Glasgow Print Studios themselves, providing sampling for exhibition openings and First Thursday events, which are part of a late night opening across the renowned Trongate 103 arts complex.

In Edinburgh, anCnoc continues to work with The Fruitmarket Gallery, while new partners include Stills Gallery and Collective with sampling activity at their opening nights. Paying testament to the location of anCnoc’s distillery at Knockdhu near Huntly, anCnoc is also working with two new Aberdeen based galleries, leading contemporary art space Peacock Visual Arts and Project Slogan.

Gillian Gibson, anCnoc Brand Manager, commented: “anCnoc is a refreshingly modern brand, and our focus is to outreach to contemporary whisky drinkers. Visual arts provide us with an exciting platform to do so and we are delighted to announce our enhanced involvement and support for so many of Scotland’s leading arts organisations.”

Notes

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:

Ø Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand

Ø Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn

Ø Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister

Ø Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941

Ø Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused 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.