CRYSTAL CLEAR FUTURE FOR GLENCAIRN !
 
In a time of financial uncertainty, Scottish crystal company,  Glencairn Crystal are bucking the trend with the announcement of a  £500,000 expansion programme over the next 3 years and a recruitment drive for additional staff.
 
The recent purchase of Collins Crystal combined with new factory space  and the expansion of glass and bottle decorating facilities, including  new Lehr and specialised decorating equipment are just the first steps in the company’s expansion plans.
 
Glencairn are also investing in New product development and building new clean room facilities at their East Kilbride factory and hope to create 6 new jobs in the area.
 
For the family run business the future is crystal clear, with Managing Director, Paul Davidson confident that the increase in growth and staffing levels over the next few years will continue,
 
He said: “We have made a good start on our investment plan of over £500,000 over the next couple of years and I imagine we will continue to expand in all areas at this rate especially in the overseas markets. Over one third of our total sales are outside the UK and through the scotch whisky companies, over 65% of our business is international.”
 
For Glencairn, a heady mix of rare and expensive whiskies and an innovative approach to product design and quality presentation packaging looks set to ensure that the turnover at East Kilbride based, Glencairn Crystal, will grow to over £5million during the next year – with current new business increasing staff by 15% so far this year .
 
For the Davidson family, their combined blend of expertise in crystal, design, packaging, with more than a dash of innovative product development, has ensured that Scottish based Glencairn  Crystal has secured pole position as the largest supplier of crystal to the Scottish Whisky industry in the UK and Ireland, as well as supplying their products and gaining interest in over 30 countries in the global market.

HIGHLAND PARK REACHES OUT TO RECORD AUDIENCES AT HAY

Highland Park’s sampling platform, Keynotes, enjoyed record attendance figures at this year’s Hay Festival, aided by over 250,000 visitors to the ten day festival.

The festival saw the return of the popular Highland Park Keynotes, a series of free intimate performances from some of the Festival’s most recognised artists, combined with the opportunity to sample a complimentary dram of Highland Park 12 year old, known as ‘the greatest all-rounder in the world of whisky’.* The Highland Park Keynotes marquee saw over 15,000 brand interactions and 15 incredible performances over six days. 

The Festival, situated in a small Welsh village, has grown considerably since taking off in 1988. It is now taken internationally to 12 countries and has positioned itself as one of the most important literary events in the world, being described as “The Woodstock of the mind” by ex President Bill Clinton.

This year saw headline performances from Bob Geldof, David Bailey, Chris Evans, Kevin McCloud, Brian Cox, Ralph Fiennes, Rob Lowe and Gillian Anderson who were joined by a host of Nobel Laureates and some of the world’s leading authors.

The Keynotes area had an international feel with performers hailing from eight different countries, including leading British scientist Marcus du Sautoy, comedian David Baddiel, script writer and author of ‘About Schmidt’ Louis Begley and Hanif Kureishi, one for the 50 greatest British writers since 1945.  Each artist gave short readings from their novels or shared their thoughts on subjects as diverse as mathematics, the US-Mexico border, human rights, the first British art movement, sex and class conflict in 90’s Pakistan, foreign encounters in Egypt and Muslim prejudices to name only a few.

Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director at Maxxium UK ltd said: “Highland Park has a strong relationship with the world of literature. We are delighted with the reception Highland Park Keynotes received at this year’s Hay Festival, allowing us to reach out to consumers who share our passion for literature and appreciate a good dram.  The campaign has bolstered our brand awareness south of the border and we look forward to taking Keynotes to further literature festivals later this year.”

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

www.highlandpark.co.uk

Notes

*Quoted by Michael Jackson, Malt Whisky Companion

Maxxium UK:

About Maxxium

·         Maxxium UK Ltd is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc and The Edrington Group.

·         Its UK portfolio of premium brands includes: blended Scotch (The Famous Grouse and Teacher’s), malt whisky (Highland Park, Laphroaig, The Macallan, The Glenrothes and Ardmore), imported whiskey (Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, Canadian Club), cognac and brandy (Courvoisier and Fundador), sherry (Harveys), vodka (Stolichnaya), tequila (Sauza), rum (Brugal and Cruzan), liqueurs and specialities (Sourz, Bols liqueurs, Galliano, Vaccari, After Shock).

·         Across Maxxium’s whisky brands, including Blended, Malt and American, Maxxium has the leading portfolio in the UK market, attracting over 9 million drinkers annually  (GB TGI 201, Q1).

·          2 in every 3 whisky drinkers drink a Maxxium brand  (GB TGI 2011, Q1).

·         In the retail arena, 1 in every 4 whisky shoppers purchase a Maxxium brand (Kantar July 2010).

·         The whisky category is declining 3% on last year, however The Famous Grouse has shown the strength of a premium brand growing by 13% (March 11 CGA/ April 11 Nielsen).

·         Maxxium UK can deliver leading innovation to the market, The Black Grouse is the No. 1 Scotch whisky launch in recent times (March 11 CGA/ April 11 Nielsen).

·         Visit www.mixxit.co.uk for further details.

 
Highland Park:

Established in 1798, Highland Park is one of the oldest Scotch whisky distilleries. More important than age though, is the combination of traditional whisky-making techniques with obsessive attention to detail that has made Highland Park arguably the most respected single malt in the world.

Highland Park’s five keystones:

Hand-turned malt adds to the deliciously succulent, balanced layers of aromatic character found in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

Aromatic peat gives a delectably seductive, luxuriant floral sweetness to Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

Cool maturation enhances the smooth character of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

Sherry oak casks contribute to the distinctive richness and multi-dimensional complexity of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

Cask harmonisation ensures consistency and balance in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

BUSINESS WORLD ENJOYS A TASTE OF THE MACALLAN

The Macallan single malt whisky, distributed by Maxxium UK, is investing in a business sampling programme at some of the UK’s most prestigious events on the business calendar, engaging with over 2,850 people. 

The aim of the programme is to engage and educate consumers.  The brand will sample The Macallan Fine Oak at a host of events including the prestigious National Business Awards, attracting some of UK’s leading entrepreneurs and business heavyweights.

Kicking off at the Restaurant and Bar Design Awards next month, The Macallan will showcase its pioneering Ice Ball Serve at this contemporary event.  Guests will be able to enjoy the theatre of this innovative serve, with a perfectly formed sphere of ice in each glass.

Other national events will include the Law Awards of Scotland in Glasgow on 8 September, and the National Chamber of Commerce Awards in London on 24 November, which is considered to be one of the UK’s most prestigious business awards on the calendar.

In addition to business events, The Macallan Lounge will also tour some of the UK’s top lifestyle events, heading to London in November for the Top Gear Live Show.  The theme will be motor racing masters with one of Nigel Mansell’s Formula 1 racing cars showcased in The Lounge.

The Macallan Lounge will also be visiting The Holiday and Travel Show, January 2012, as well as appearing in The Photographic Masterclass area of The Gadget Show Live, April 2012, showcasing the latest innovations in the world of photography.   The Macallan Masters of Photography will be showcased at both of these events.

The Macallan Lounge, a travelling ‘lounge bar’, offers an elevated sampling experience where consumers are invited to meet with friends, relax and enjoy a complimentary dram of The Macallan Fine Oak 10 year old. The Macallan Lounge aims to achieve over 28,000 brand interactions and gain exposure to 230,000 consumers during the programme.

Peter Sandstrom, Marketing Director at Maxxium UK ltd, commented: “We have a tailored marketing strategy for The Macallan and sampling is a key part of the brand’s investment plan.  These events offer strong platforms to further build our brand, reaching both existing Macallan fans and introducing the brand to new consumers.  We are confident that the awareness of The Macallan is high and the best way to introduce whisky is getting it into people’s hands and allowing them to try it out for themselves. The Macallan tends to have a high trial to conversion rate so when people taste it they tend to like it.” 

Maxxium UK:

Maxxium UK Limited is a company registered in Scotland under the Companies Acts (Registered number SC203623) and has its registered office at Maxxium House, Castle Business Park, Stirling, FK9 4RT, to which address any notices should be sent.

Maxxium UK Limited is part of the global sales and distribution alliance between Beam Global Spirits and Wine Inc and The Edrington Group. Its portfolio of premium spirits includes: The Famous Grouse, Teacher’s and Cutty Sark blended Scotch; Highland Park, Laphroaig and The Macallan single malts; Courvoisier cognac; Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon. In addition Maxxium has premium brands across a number of other drinks categories including Sourz, Brugal, After Shock, Sauza and Harveys. Maxxium UK also represents third-party drinks brands including Stolichnaya vodka, Bols liqueurs, Galliano and The Glenrothes.

For further information on our brands and how to enjoy them log on to www.mixxit.co.uk

The timeless reputation of The Macallan is founded upon Six Pillars:

The Spiritual Home

Easter Elchies House proudly watches over The Macallan distillery in Speyside, Scotland. Built in 1700, this Jacobean manor house is The Macallan’s spiritual home.

Curiously Small Stills

The Macallan’s curiously small and uniquely shaped copper stills help to concentrate the flavour of the ‘new make’ spirit.

The Finest Cut

The ‘cut’ is the amount of distilled spirit collected from the stills as ‘new make’ spirit. The Macallan takes one of the finest ‘cuts’ of any distillery in Scotland; typically just 16% goes forward to fill or our casks. 

Exceptional Oak Casks

The Macallan’s unfaltering obsession with selecting exceptional oak casks brings an unsurpassed, timeless quality to The Macallan.

Natural Colour

The Macallan insists upon Natural Colour. It is the interaction of spirit and wood alone which delivers the rich variety of colour, aroma and taste evident throughout the range.

Peerless Spirit

The Macallan remains the single malt against which all others must be judged. It is celebrated far and wide by experts and discerning drinkers as the world’s most precious whisky.

For further information visit www.themacallan.com

Tennants inaugural Rare Whisky and Wine sale on 18th June featured hundreds of bottles of malt whisky, vintage port and fine wine.  All but two of the lots found new owners and the sale totalled almost £20,000, a sure sign that the commodities market is resilient to the toughest financial conditions.

Iconic bottles of whisky from closed distilleries continued to generate huge interest.  Top results included a 1970’s bottle of Bowmore selling for £660 and a 22 year old Springbank selling for £450.  The old stock from a retired off-licence owner, who closed shop in the 1980’s, also proved popular, with a bottle of Macallan 25 year old, distilled in 1957, making £720!  Vintage wine and port continued to be popular, and amongst the top sellers was a case of 1985 Taylors vintage port at £440.

Tennants are now planning a specialist wine sale in September, with magnums of 1970 Chateau Lafite, Latour and Mouton Rothschild already consigned alongside cases of 1985 Chateau Calon Segur and a bottle of Chateau Lafite from 1945!  The wine market is increasingly buoyant and the keen interest shown from Chinese bidders helps to make the current climate one of the best times to sell vintage wine and port.

The next Whisky sale is scheduled for November, and entries are coming in fast.  If you would like to consign any items for either sale, or would like further information or a valuation of your own cellar please contact Mark Littler on 01969 623780 or email mark.littler@tennants-ltd.co.uk. We have very competitive sellers rates, 15%+vat of the hammer price, and reach the world with our sales.  As proven with the last sale, the commoditites market is very strong, and resilient to the toughest financial conditions, so there really has never been a better time to sell!

Behind the scenes narrative;

Before the sale had even begun every lot was well covered with commission bids, and a packed room coupled with very active phone bidders mean that the sale was a success, totalling almost £20,000.  There was a phenomenal amount of interest pre sale, the majority from North of the border, although there was a large number of trade buyers, including several notable whisky bars!

Recent Bottles
The sale included several good recent bottlings.  Amongst the top sellers included a 1976 Laphroaig, £380, a 1975 Ardbeg, £250, and a 1957 Glen Grant, £150.  There was lots of private interest in these bottles, and needless to say many will now have been opened and sampled!  Other good performers included a litre of Loch Dhu, £120, and the four Flora and Forna series bottles also achieved a bullish £300, the latter being bid strongly by two parties in the room.  The sale highlight however came from a 25 year old Macallan, distilled in 1957, which sold for £720.

Vintage Bottles
Undoubtedly the main attraction at the sale was the vintage bottles.  The majority came from two collectors; one started buying when his grandchild was born as a 21st present (the grandchild did not end up liking whisky so after several years of debate, the decision was made to sell), and a retired off-liscence owner who retired in the early 1980’s.

Two of the best sellers of the sale fall into the vintage category, a ships label bottle of Bowmore, £660, and a 1970’s 22 year old bottle of Springbank, £450.  Sticking with the Springbank a recent bottle of cask strength made £130.  Other 1970’s bottles that did well was a 10 year old Laphroaig, £410, and a Rosebank, £300. 

There were two bottles of Balvenie over 8 year old, a 70cl and a Litre.  Surprising the 70cl sold better at £160, compared to the £130 for the litre (despite that 70cl not having a box).  There were also two bottles of Glen Flagler.  The first, an 8 year old with its original red velvet bag, made £280, the other, in original cellophane wrapper made £170.

Cask Strength
For those who like it a little stronger, there were some nice cask strength bottles on offer.  Highlights included the two Rare Malts Selections, the 35 year Millburn making £250 and the 21 year Banff selling for £190. 

Specials
There were a few more unusual  lots on offer. The first, a bottle of Old Suntory, is the subject of a whole online debate (http://nonjatta.blogspot.com/2010/02/dating-suntory-old-bottles.html).  And to solve the age old question for the topic viewers, it made £160.  Another unusual lot was the complete Beneagles Thistle and Rose chess set.  This was not the normal set of miniatures that often crop up, but a full chess set, complete with board and a 70cl full bottle of Beneagles (presumably for the winner?!).

The next Whisky sale is planned for November. 

Kind regards,

Mark Littler

Auctioneer and General Valuer

WOODFORD RESERVE® BOURBON RELEASES SORGHUM VINAIGRETTE DRESSING

First bottled dressing available at distillery gift shop

June, 2011, Louisville, KY – Looking for the perfect summer dressing to enhance  fresh garden lettuces, season-grilled vegetables, or the perfect marinade for your favorite meats? Look no more. Woodford Reserve® has created its first-ever bottled salad dressing–Woodford Reserve Sorghum Vinaigrette Dressing–available now in the distillery’s gift shop.

The delectable dressing was developed at The Woodford Reserve Distillery by Chef-in-Residence Ouita Michel for the famous Bourbon Academy Salad (recipe below). Michel teamed up with Bourbon Barrel Foods’ Matt Jamie to bottle the dressing.

“We wanted to reflect the flavors of our premium spirit perfectly- sorghum and bourbon is a match made in heaven. This dressing is light and tangy with the smooth flavors of Kentucky Sorghum running throughout,” says Michel.

Made in Louisville, the dressing contains Kentucky sorghum–similar to molasses–along with apple cider, vinegar, Woodford Reserve bourbon, onion powder, paprika, and hot sauce.

“Sorghum is rich and earthy and adds a great dimension to this unique product. All these flavors are custom matched with our unique flavor wheel approach to develop great bourbon dishes and recipes,” said Michel. “The dressing also works great as a marinade for grilled pork and chicken or even on fresh fruit such as peaches, marinated and grilled.”

Retailing at $5.99 for a 8.4 fl oz. bottle, the dressing is available for purchase at the distillery gift shop, located at 7855 McCracken Pike, in Versailles, KY, or by calling the gift shop directly at 859-879-1940 and ordering over the phone. The item is available for shipping anywhere in the U.S.

Bourbon Academy Salad:

Limestone Bibb lettuce

Fresh sliced oranges or strawberries

Toasted pecans

Thin sliced red onion

Assemble all items, and drizzle dressing over the top.

About Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve is a super-premium Kentucky “small batch” bourbon distilled at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, KY. It is a bourbon of craftsmanship and the embodiment of substance and style. Woodford Reserve is also the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby and its distillery is the oldest bourbon distillery in America. Woodford Reserve is one of the fine spirits produced and marketed by Brown-Forman Corporation, a producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord and Tuaca. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. For more information on Woodford Reserve, visit www.woodfordreserve.com. 

Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol., The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY ©2011

BONHAMS WHISKY SALE MAKES OVER £140,000 AS LIVE ON-LINE BIDDING IMPACTS
 
Bonhams whisky sale in Edinburgh on 22 June made over £141,500, with 96% of the lots finding a new home.
 
Star performers included a rare, early 20th century Glenfiddich, which made £2,880 (est £1,500-2,000), an 18 year old Bowmore which sold for £3,840 (est £2,500-3,500) and a 1932 Glenrothes-Glenlivet bottled in 1974 which exceeded its estimate of £800-1,200 to sell for £1,800.
 
This was the first Bonhams whisky sale to feature live on-line bidding.  Martin Green, Bonhams whisky specialist, commented, ”The availability of on-line bidding made a noticeable difference both to the number of bids and to the variety of bidders, some of whom were taking part in a Bonhams whisky sale for the first time. On this evidence, the convenience of being able to bid from your own home or office is clearly welcomed.”
 
www.bonhams.com
 
NOTES
 
Bonhams
 
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son and Neale UK. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street, and Knightsbridge, and a further five throughout the UK. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Boston in the USA; Toronto, Canada; and France, Monaco, Hong Kong, Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 57 specialist areas. By the end of 2009, Bonhams had become UK market leaders in ten key specialist collecting areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, go to www.bonhams.com.

The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry Head-to-Head at Sentebale Polo Cup Sponsored by Royal Salute

The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry demonstrated polo at its finest with the Duke’s team coming out on top, in front of a star-studded crowd at The Sentebale Polo Cup sponsored by Royal Salute yesterday.

Neve Campbell, Dougray Scott, Claire Forlani, Ellie Goulding and Greg James, were hosted by the luxury Scotch whisky Royal Salute, as they overlooked a spectacular game of polo at Coworth Park just outside London. The exclusive invite-only event raised funds for Sentebale, a charity co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, who also attended the event.

Prince Harry said: “I’m delighted to be at the second Sentebale Polo Cup in the glorious setting of Coworth Park. While my team didn’t finish as champions, it’s encouraging to see the level of support here today for this great cause that gives hope and help to the children of Lesotho.”

Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO, Chivas Brothers says, “Royal Salute is honoured to be associated with polo and more importantly today, with Sentebale, a very special charity that is helping and changing the lives of many in Lesotho. It’s been such a privilege to watch this incredibly historic and skilful game in the beautiful surroundings of Coworth Park.”

The exclusive Royal Salute Dinner and After Party, attended by The Prince, the Duke of Argyll, models Karolina Kurkova and Tallulah Harlech, model and actor Douglas Booth, and actors Toby Kebbell and Sally Hawkins, further treated VIPs to a special viewing of Tribute to Honour, Royal Salute’s finest and rarest limited edition expression of only 21 bottles. Adorned with over 400 black and white diamonds, Tribute to Honour is a collaboration with Garrard, the royal jeweller and fellow supporter of Sentebale.

The Sentebale event, sponsored by Royal Salute included an auction to raise vital funds for the charity, set up five years ago by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, in support of the neediest and most vulnerable people of Lesotho.

The Sentebale Polo Cup sponsored 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.

Royal Salute World Polo Series continues on the 18th June 2011 at a charity event held at the Beaufort Polo Club in Tetbury, Gloucestershire and closely followed by The Foundation Polo Challenge, at Santa Barbara, California, to raise funds for the American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry on 9th July 2011.

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, 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, paying homage to the most notable to and compelling symbols of Scottish royalty

Royal Salute World Polo

In addition to The Sentebale Polo Cup 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:
• Charity polo event (name TBC) Beaufort Polo Club Gloucestershire, UK, previously titled The Chakravarty Cup
• 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

Garrard

Garrard, the international jeweller with a cultural heritage of unparalleled richness was founded by master goldsmith George Wickes, who received his first royal commission in 1735. By the time the firm had passed into the hands of Robert Garrard in 1802, whose name it still bears, creating designs of matchless magnificence for the social and royal sects had become a matter of course. Garrard’s seductive collections can be found today at its flagship store on London’s Albemarle Street and or on display in the permanent exhibition in the Tower of London, where the Crown Jewels reside. Celebrating a 275 year anniversary this year, Garrard’s legacy of devotion to the highest degree of workmanship has been the company’s trademark since the first designs drew the attention of the world. Garrard continues to passionately embrace the past by creating tomorrow’s heirlooms today.

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

WHISKI named 2011 WHISKY BAR of the Year at DRAM AWARDS

On Monday 20th June 2011, WHISKI bar on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile was awarded Whisky Bar of the Year at the 2011 DRAM awards, the Oscars of the licensed trade industry. This is the first time that an Edinburgh bar has won this top accolade and the judges commented that; 

“WHISKI goes to exceptional lengths to promote whisky in Scotland, with  over 300 whiskies, whisky cocktails and extremely well trained staff”

WHISKI also opened a new venue called WHISKI Rooms on Sunday 19th June 2011 overlooking the iconic Mound in Edinburgh. WHISKI Rooms is a hybrid venue comprises a specialist whisky shop with a dedicated tasting room that will host daily whisky tastings in summer, a bar and an all day dining bistro serving fresh local Scottish produce.

“We are delighted with the DRAM Whisky Bar of the Year award and feel that again the profile of whisky will be raised with this recognition of Whiski in the capital of Scotland and the launch of our new venue WHISKI Rooms” said owner Gary Still.

Background:

WHISKI is an award winning whisky bar situated mid way down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. WHISKI launched in May 2007 specializing in whisky and fresh Scottish food.

Visit Whiski Bar at www.whiskibar.co.uk 

Ballantine’s Leaves a Striking Impression with Challenging New Plan Ballantine’s Advertising

Ballantine’s Finest is further strengthening its position as the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe by introducing a challenging and creative pan-regional television advertising campaign that inspires consumers to “change their plan and leave an impression”.

The advertising is part of the brand’s distinctive ‘Leave an Impression’ global campaign that encompasses the comprehensive Ballantine’s range, and extends Finest’s ‘Plan Ballantine’s’ communication platform launched during 2010.

A new 30 second advert will run from May to September 2011 across a range of European TV channels, including MTV, Viva, Comedy Central and Discovery. The execution, entitled Transformation, features a man demonstrating that by believing in himself and not accepting what others expect him to do he is able to fulfil his true creative passion in life.

“This striking new advertising is designed to inspire Scotch whisky drinkers to challenge what is usually expected, go against the norm or change the predictable plan, and so leave an impression”, explains Ballantine’s Global Brand Director, Peter Moore. “This approach to life reflects the flair, authenticity, creativity and individuality of Ballantine’s, and forms part of the strong emotional engagement that exists with people who choose to drink the brand”.

In addition to the new pan-European television campaign, there will continue to be a wide range of Plan Ballantine’s marketing activity on a global basis including print, TV, radio, out of home, experiential events, PR, digital and social media. The Ballantine’s website www.planballantines.com and Facebook page for fans have also proved to be successful vehicles to build consumer engagement and interaction.

Notes:

Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s Finest is a complex blend of single malts and grain whiskies from four renowned whisky regions of Scotland – Islay, Highlands, Speyside and Lowlands. Its elegant signature style is a balance of soft and sweet, due to the key malts of Glenburgie and Miltonduff.

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 with a portfolio that includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

For further information please visit: www.chivasbrothers.com

Royal Salute Pays Homage to the Exceptional with the Launch of the Rarest Crafted Whisky: Tribute To Honour

The world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range, Royal Salute, has crafted a blend so rare, so sumptuous that only one man in the world has tasted it – creator and Master Blender, Colin Scott.

‘Tribute to Honour’ has been introduced to pay homage to the oldest crown jewels of the British Isles: The Honours of Scotland. The narrative of the Honours comprises glorious legends and intrigue and remains a powerful and inscrutable ode to Scottish history. Royal Salute 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 and also mark the pinnacle of Colin’s 21 years of expertise in blending.

Explains Colin, “Chivas Brothers has a phenomenal archive of high-aged whiskies, some of which, after decades of careful maturation, have acquired a rich intensity and deep concentration of sumptuous characters. It is these very few whiskies which I have personally selected to compose Tribute To Honour – this opulent and rarest of blends.”

Fittingly, only the finest aged whiskies – at least 45 years old – are presented in the spectacular bejeweled bottle, dressed by Garrard in flawless diamonds and shimmering gold.

As the world’s oldest jeweller to royalty Garrard has embellished the Royal Salute Tribute to Honour flagon – hand cast and perfected, black porcelain – with 413 flawless white and black diamonds. Some of these exquisite jewels form the shape of the Sword of State: one of the trilogy of treasures that are The Honours of Scotland. Set in gold and silver, 22 carats of gemstone adorn the decorative collar and stunning flagon’s visage. Golden lions sit either side of the diamond encrusted sword, a symbol of valiancy, and patriotism, of battles fought and won.

Craftsman at Garrard have spent days perfecting each flagon by hand. The prestigious jeweller has served six successive British monarchs and pays tribute to the ancient Scottish Sword of State as its landmark.

Each flagon of Royal Salute Tribute to Honour will be available from September 2011. The bottles are individually numbered and priced at US$200,000 excluding taxes. One of the 21 bottles will be kept in the Royal Salute Vault.

Application for purchase should be directed to Giaia.Rener@pernod-ricard.com

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, 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 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.

Garrard

Garrard, the international jeweller with a cultural heritage of unparalleled richness was founded by master goldsmith George Wickes, who received his first royal commission in 1735. By the time the firm had passed into the hands of Robert Garrard in 1802, whose name it still bears, creating designs of matchless magnificence for the social and royal sects had become a matter of course. Garrard’s seductive collections can be found today at its flagship store on London’s Albemarle Street and or on display in the permanent exhibition in the Tower of London, where the Crown Jewels reside. Celebrating a 275 year anniversary this year, Garrard’s legacy of devotion to the highest degree of workmanship has been the company’s trademark since the first designs drew the attention of the world. Garrard continues to passionately embrace the past by creating tomorrow’s heirlooms today.

For further information www.chivasbrothers.com