AUCHENTOSHAN THREE WOOD WINS OVERALL BEST IN CLASS AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRIT COMPETITION

Auchentoshan, the only triple distilled Single Malt Scotch Whisky, is delighted to announce it has been awarded Best in Class Trophy for Single Malt Scotch Whisky 15 years & under for its Three Wood expression at the prestigious Cathay Pacific Hong Kong IWSC Awards.

Auchentoshan Three Wood is a unique Single Malt Whisky that pioneered three cask maturation. Maturing first in North America oak (ex Bourbon casks) then Oloroso Sherry (European Oak) and finally Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks – Three Wood is a rich, complex whisky with incredible toffee and dark fruit flavours.

Dating back to 1823, Auchentoshan is renowned for its smooth and delicate flavor. The only Single Malt to consistently triple distil every drop, Auchentoshan produces the highest new make spirit of any Scottish distillery, which results in an ultra light distillate, absorbing more flavor from the oak casks within which it matures.

This award highlights Morrison Bowmore’s commitment to the Asia Pacific region, a key growth market for single malt Scotch whisky. Auchentoshan is one of the fastest growing single malt brands in Asia Pacific, with 45% growth forecast in 2011.

Kirsteen Beeston, Head of Brands Marketing, said “This competition is intent on recognizing the quality of products available within the Asian market and naturally we’re delighted Auchentoshan Three Wood has won this extremely prestigious award”.

“This win demonstrates the perfect suitability of Auchentoshan’s expressions to the Asian palate. They are discerning customers and we are delighted the quality and provenance of our brand is finding a place in the hearts of the Asian consumers”.

Notes:

Auchentoshan

As Glasgow’s closest Distillery, Auchentoshan is truly unique as it is the only distillery to use a third still in the whisky making process. It means Auchentoshan is the only Single Malt Scotch whisky to triple distil every single drop. This third distillation takes the new spirit to 81.5% ABV making it the highest distillate of any Scottish distillery. This strength removes the impurities and harshness often associated with single malts and produces an extremely light spirit,allowing Auchentoshan to extract maximum flavours from the wood. The result? A delicate, smooth malt with each expression strongly showcasing the character of cask or casks it was matured in.

At the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Auchentoshan 12 Year Old, Auchentoshan Classic and Auchentoshan Three Wood were all awarded a Silver Medal in the Spirits category. At the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Auchentoshan 18 Year Old also won a coveted Double Gold Medal.

Auchentoshan Domestic Product Range – Tasting Notes

Auchentoshan Classic

Nose: Rich vanilla and coconut with a hint of green apple and a tang of citrus zest.
Palate: Sweet vanilla cream, fresh green apple skin and a little mint.
Finish: A fresh floral zestiness.

Auchentoshan 12 Year Old

Nose: Crème brulee, a burst of citrus and the signature nuttiness and green leafiness of Auchentoshan.
Palate: The palate is smooth and sweet with hints of tangerine and lime.
Finish: Gingery and slightly drying with a pleasant lingering nuttiness.

Auchentoshan Three Wood

Nose: Blackcurrant, brown sugar, orange, plum and raisin.
Palate: Fruit and syrup. Hazelnut with hints of cinnamon and lemon. A butterscotch sweetness adds to the overall complexity.
Finish: Fresh and fruity with long lasting oaky sweetness.

Auchentoshan 18 Year Old

Nose: Fresh tobacco leaf then sweet with a hint of caramelised sugars, green tea and toasted almonds.
Palate: At first the palate has a floral freshness with sweet barley sugar, this gently ebbs to reveal a tangerine zestiness that leaves the palate alive and refreshed.
Finish: A long, lingering and well-balanced dram that invigorates the mouth.

Auchentoshan 21 Year Old

Nose: Ripe gooseberry notes together with sweet vanilla and oak combines with a freshly cut barley flavour.
Palate: Light chocolate and soft green fruit,with a twist of old oak and honey.
Finish: A long and lasting finish demonstrating real depth of character.

* Recommended retail price. Available from all leading whisky specialists and selected retailers

Auchentoshan Three Wood

Nose: Blackcurrant, brown sugar, orange, plum and raisin.
Palate: Fruit and syrup. Hazelnut with hints of cinnamon and lemon. A butterscotch sweetness adds to the overall complexity.
Finish: Fresh and fruity with long lasting oaky sweetness.

M C L E A N S C O T L A N D
W H I S K Y    T O U R S    T O    R E M E M B E R

MCLEANSCOTLAND have been awarded “Official Tour Agent” for whisky live Dublin 2012. A great honour after a lot of hard work, research and event planning. They believe it is the first time a tour company have been awarded such a title in the whisky trade. Add all this to their growing reputation and more awards (Clan Gillean USA for example) and you begin to understand what they are all about – perfection, knowledge, service and fun, in all their tours. Truly a grand combination.

The Perth based whisky tour company have had an excellent year, a minimum of one whisky tour per month, rising to six in May! Apart from whisky tours, they offer every tour possible, lochs and glens, castles, food, golf and … of course a mix of whisky and anything else!
The tours have taken them to Islay, Mull, Arran, Jura, Orkney and Skye distilleries (the Islands) plus the Lowlands, Highlands and Speyside, (with one distillery in both Low and Highlands) even sneaking in an Irish trip. How many distilleries they visit in any one year is anyone’s guess! With so many excellent trade contacts, they even visit distilleries closed to the public. Their whisky dinners and evening tastings are a superb example of “bringing a taste of Scotland to the masses”.

Apart from their Russian clients, they bring groups from USA, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Faroe Isles, Netherlands, Germany, even England, Far East, Middle East, France and Ukraine. The final tours of the year (December) are from Sweden and South Africa. This last tour is a prize for lucky whisky lovers from South Africa winning a competition by Brandhouse and Diageo, “we are happy working with them” said Paul. Somehow they also found time to attend whisky festivals!

For 2012 many tours are already booked in, once again from all over the world, with tours also in the can for Pernod Ricard all over Speyside. They been described as “The best whisky tour company”. For all readers looking to travel to Scotland or Ireland in 2012, you can find no one better to look after you than MCLEANSCOTLAND.

Quotes;

“I think it was really the best vacation of mine – ever. This was a VERY impressive tour – lots of great sightseeing places of Scotland, beautiful castles and the most important – wonderful 36 whisky distilleries (with 21 full-scale distillery tours – I have counted them all ! The tour was truly fabulous – perfectly planned, greatly executed, every little detail was considered. This was a whisky tour of my dream – a truly marvellous experience for a true whisky lover like me ! And I very much appreciate your highly professional approach, your vast historical and folklore knowledge, your lovely sense of humour. I would have no hesitations in recommending mcleanscotland as the best Scotland tour operator (esp. whisky tour!)! I look forward to visiting Scotland with my wife next year – and only on YOUR tour! Timofei Prokopov CFO, Vice President, Finance & Investments,”Protek” Russia

On behalf of all I can say we will treasure this trip as a unique experience of the whisky world. I have been bragging about this trip already at work, they all envy us. For us, this trip was more than we all imagined. We feel that we have seen Scotland in a way only possible with a guide like you. The scenery of this whisky tour was beautiful, the wonderful boat trip to Islay, the nature, the historical places and as special treat the Doune castle where Monty Python made their first feature movie. For me this made the whisky tour just perfect. Your knowledge of whisky and all details attached to it really made it a special trip which I can recommend to all. The different distilleries, the history behind it, the visit to the cooperage, your network allowing access to closed distilleries and the tastings of very special whiskies at different locations was just beyond belief (and taste). I personally thought this trip would make all clear and that at the end I would be able to say what my personal favourite whisky’s would be. Well the conclusion is simple; thanks to you I have to conclude that not only whisky is a more diverse product I ever imagined and that there is more to whisky then Islay whisky in Speyside excellent whisky’s are made. The adventure has just begun! Marc

Contact Liz and Paul at whisky@mcleanscotland.com or check out www.mcleanscotland.com If more whisky were needed, they also run www.angelswhiskyclub.com

THE BOWMORE TWEED SAVILE ROW EXPERIENCE

The ultimate luxury Christmas gift for the Single Malt whisky-drinking gentleman

Bowmore, the first Islay Single Malt whisky is collaborating with esteemed Savile Row tailor, Malcolm Plews to create the ultimate premium Christmas gift; a bespoke tailoring session where gents will be fitted with a made-to-measure Bowmore Tweed jacket followed by an in-depth one to one whisky tasting with a Bowmore expert on the range of perfectly balanced, warm and smoky Bowmore whiskies.

The package, which retails at £3,000, also includes first class travel to London from anywhere in the UK, a night’s stay for two at the Malmaison Clerkenwell, and lunch for two at the undeniably chic Sartoria restaurant, Savile Row. A bottle of Bowmore 15YO and whisky glasses complete the package and are issued to the recipient with details of the package just in time for Christmas Day.

Like Bowmore, Malcolm Plews is renowned for creating products of the highest quality and craftsmanship. With over 40 years experience, Malcolm provides the ultimate bespoke tailoring experience from the home of British tailoring. Positioned in the heart of Mayfair, central London, Savile Row tailors have long epitomised the well-dressed man. Malcolm fits and cut all his suits on the premises. Each jacket will take two fitting sessions to complete.

The Bowmore Tweed echoes the brand’s heritage and provenance. Made from the finest British wool, the Tweed has been produced in conjunction with Gordon and Sheila Covell, owners of the Islay Woollen Mill, whose designs have featured in Hollywood blockbuster Braveheart!!

The colour palette is routed in Bowmore’s core, Islay, with the blue inspired by the wild waves of Loch Indaal that surround Bowmore distillery and its legendary No.1 vaults, where the remarkable whiskies spend their long lives. The grey mirrors Islay’s slate and heather on the island and the burnt orange signifies the giant copper still of the Bowmoredistillery as well as the amber colour of the perfectly balanced warm and smoky spirit. ! In addition to bespoke Tweed jackets, Bowmore Tweed is also available in rugs and scarves

The Bowmore Tweed Savile Row Experience is available from www.singlemaltwhiskyshop.com  at RRP £3,000.

For more information visit www.bowmore.com/

Notes:

Bowmore

The best-balanced Islay single malt whisky is the perfect reward after your outdoor experience.

Founded in 1779, Bowmore is the oldest Distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles, which make up the region known as the ‘Islands’ in the lexicon of Whisky. The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands. Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore is no exception; we carefully smoke our malt and use skills handed down from generation to generation to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt.

Bowmore’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of our Single Malts. We’re one of only a few distilleries anywhere which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by traditional wooden malt shovel. For our whiskies we draw water from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones, and it’s the same Islay peat that fires the malt drying kiln.

Bowmore Distillery’s close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of our spirit. The legendary Bowmore No. 1 Vaults is where most of our whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the Vault’s sea-facing wall.

They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours. It’s this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore Single Malt Whiskies.

The Bowmore domestic product range:

• Bowmore Legend

• Bowmore 12 Years Old

• Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’ (sherry cask finished)

• Bowmore 18 Years Old

• Bowmore 25 Years Old

Islay

Islay is the southernmost island of the Inner Hebrides, and is also known as “The Queen of the Hebrides.” Its mild climate and rich peaty soil make it ideal for creating whisky, and despite having a population of not much more than 3,000, it’s home to no fewer than eight distilleries.

Soho Whisky Club

Benefits of membership

– New attractive bar in the heart of Soho incorporating large enclosed and heated terrace. Total capacity at any one time 40.

– Over 300 malts on offer, very competitively priced, including whiskies which are no longer commercially available.

– F ree WiFi.

– Any of the wide range of wines/champagnes purchased from The Vintage House can be consumed in the club for a small corkage charge of £12.00.

– Coffee and tea will be available for purchase throughout the day.

– There will be regular tutored whisky/spirit tastings (some will be free to members, others may have a cover charge). Due to limited space, tasting information will be emailed to members and places allocated on a first come first served basis.

– There will be tutored cigar appreciation sessions (weather permitting). Due to current regulations all smoking related events must have a realistic charge.

– The Club room will be available for hire to members. The number of such events will be strictly limited so as not to spoil the enjoyment of other members.

The Soho Whisky Club has been initiated to further the enjoyment of whisky and cigars in central London. The Club is part of The Vintage House which has been trading in Soho since 1944 and has decided to share the breadth of knowledge of it’s staff with fellow enthusiasts. The aim of the Club is to provide a welcoming haven for people in the trade, or people with a passion for whisky or cigars, to learn and share this experience. The Club also has the benefit of a large roof terrace so that one can enjoy a cigar in shelter and comfort during this cold season.

www.sohowhiskybar.com/

British Soldiers to Celebrate with Luxury Scotch Whisky on Epic Polar Journey

With two bottles of Chivas Regal 12 Year Old Scotch whisky in tow, six brave army veterans will cover 900 miles, 10,000 feet and subzero temperatures over a gruelling 70 days, in a race to the South Pole.

Supported by the world’s leading luxury Scotch, the group of two teams will replicate the race between British Captain, Robert Falcon Scott and Norwegian Roald Amundsen in 1911 – a journey Amundsen ultimately won, making him the first person in history to reach the South Pole.

“As we prepare to set out on this expedition, the greatest challenge will be retaining a positive team spirit that will see us through the tough times and give us the strength to keep going. We’re delighted that Chivas inspires honour, integrity and optimism, and we hope to draw upon these values throughout our months in the Antarctic,” says Henry Worsley, who is leading the upcoming Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race that sets off on 11 November.

Courage and camaraderie will come into full force as each team battles the elements, toasting a dram of Chivas as they cross each line of latitude and become one step closer to their success.

James Slack, Brand Director for Chivas Regal, comments: “Chivas’ partnership with The Race is rooted in our values of optimism, generosity and brotherhood, values that are crucial to all polar expeditions. As these brave and inspiring men battle together against all odds, the least we can do is ensure they have a decent drink as they reach each and every milestone.”

Each team will take their last dram of Chivas when they reach the South Pole, celebrating success together as one team. The empty bottles will be filled with snow from Pole, which will melt to become the purest water in the world and given to Chivas as a memento of the journey.

The Scott-Amundsen Centenary Race will raise money for the Royal British Legion in their aim to raise £25m to fund four Personnel Recovery Centres. Visit http://www.scottamundsenrace.org/  to follow the journey online.

Notes:

Chivas Regal
Chivas Regal is a truly international premium Scotch whisky brand, sold in more than 150 countries, selling over 4.2 million nine litre cases annually.

Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, sold in more than 150 countries across Europe, Asia Pacific and Americas. With annual volume sales exceeding 4.2m 9L cases (over 50m bottles a year), Chivas Regal is the No 1 Scotch whisky in China and the No 1 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in the world.

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.

Ballantine’s 12 Year Old Unveils Seasonal Gift Offering

Ballantine’s, the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe, will support the global off-trade sector during the lucrative festive period with the release of a stylish limited edition gift tin for its 12 Year Old expression. The striking gift packaging reflects the brand’s hugely successful BEYOND creative platform.

The gift pack uses modern and elegant design cues to recast key elements of Ballantine’s heritage. The tin bears the colours of the iconic Scottish Saltire flag and a series of sophisticated design and print techniques create the illusion that the tin is wrapped in a traditional Scottish tartan sash and secured with a Ballantine’s 12 kilt pin. The folds and shadows of the sash have been recreated through an intricate process of embossing which continues inside the pack where Ballantine’s 12 Year Old tasting notes are debossed on the lid.

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, comments, “This creative and contemporary limited edition gift pack will provide Ballantine’s 12 Year Old drinkers with a specialist gift offering during a key sales period. The striking packaging, which fuses classic symbols with contemporary design, allows for maximum prominence in off-trade sales and will appeal to new and existing customers.”

BEYOND invites Ballantine’s 12 consumers to look at things in a different way and discover what lies beyond the ordinary. The creative platform has been supported with a range of contemporary art events, advertising, point of sale materials and merchandise, which have captivated consumers across the world.

Notes

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

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.

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

www.chivasbrothers.com

BEAM FILLS 12 MILLIONTH BARREL OF BOURBON

The commemorative white oak barrel bearing the new company logo was filled and sealed on Oct. 17, 2011, at Beam’s flagship distillery in Clermont, Ky., where it will be aged until 2015.

“After more than 216 years, Beam continues to thrive as the number one Bourbon producer in the world,” said Frederick “Fred” Booker Noe III, Jim Beam’s great-grandson and seventh generation Beam family distiller. “This milestone comes at a time when bourbon is growing faster than categories like vodka in the U.S., and reflects the popularity of our brands, innovations and the worldwide growth of America’s native spirit.”

One of Kentucky’s signature companies, Beam is the fourth largest premium spirits company in the world. Its extensive bourbon portfolio include Jim Beam®, Jim Beam Black®, Red Stag by Jim Beam™, Devil’s Cut™, Knob Creek®, Basil Hayden®, Baker’s®, Booker’s®, Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve, Maker’s Mark® and Maker’s 46™.

According to Noe, twelve million barrels would:

➢ Yield nearly 340 million cases of Jim Beam Bourbon; ➢ Create more than 500 trillion bourbon cocktails; ➢ Fill 1,060 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Additional information about the history and heritage of Beam Inc., and its family of bourbons can be found at www.jimbeam.com  and www.beamglobal.com

The Glenlivet Continues to Inspire with Launch of The Glenlivet Cellar Collection 1980

The Glenlivet, the world’s No 2 single malt Scotch whisky, is releasing the latest addition to its acclaimed Cellar Collection range of limited and unique vintage batches – The Glenlivet Cellar Collection 1980.

The 1980 expression is drawn from three first-fill American oak casks that were singled out as exceptional. They completed their maturation in The Glenlivet’s celebrated warehouse No 1 and have now produced a single malt worthy of a Cellar Collection release.

The Glenlivet Cellar Collection 1980 is the ninth release from the award-winning range. Just 500 bottles of this non chill-filtered, cask strength single malt whisky will be available in markets including Taiwan, Japan, Travel Retail and Portugal, and priced from £1000 for a 70cl bottle. Presented in individually numbered bottles, this latest masterpiece was bottled in August 2011 with a 43.3% ABV. Perfectly balanced, the whisky is bursting with fruity aromas of blackcurrant and pear along with soft peppermint, developed over many years of careful maturation.

Master Distiller Alan Winchester, the ultimate guarantor of The Glenlivet, adds: “With the added complexity that comes with 31 years of maturation, this vintage displays The Glenlivet’s fruity character with both an intensity and a remarkable freshness – a classic. It is my responsibility, and privilege, to continue a long tradition of excellence started by George Smith in 1824, and this latest release is no exception to that legacy.”

Introduced in 2000, The Glenlivet Cellar Collection showcases some of the most remarkable expressions of The Glenlivet, selected from rare aged stocks within the distillery and laid down for further maturation and eventual release. Each bottling exhibits the distinctive personality of The Glenlivet whilst displaying its own unique characteristics.

Notes

Tasting notes

NOSE: Initial burst of sweet fruity homemade blackcurrant jam followed by notes of tangy orange flavours and freshly baked gingerbread.

PALATE: Perfectly balanced, mouthwatering, fills the mouth with incredibly fruity flavours of blackcurrant and pear. Full of life with a spicy and zesty sparkle, complemented by nuances of soft peppermint.

FINISH: Incredibly long and dry.

About The Glenlivet
The Glenlivet is currently the No 2 single malt Scotch whisky in the world and the No 1 single malt Scotch whisky in the US – the world’s largest malt whisky market. Crafted in the remote Livet Valley since 1824, it is the only whisky with the unchallengeable right to be called The Glenlivet.

About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits. Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

In July 2010, Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

For further information visit www.chivasbrothers.com

Michael Urqhuart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, Susan Stenström, Emma Andersson, Helena Hugo

Benromach Shares the Secret with Sweden

Three Swedish whisky ambassadors are set to share the secret of Speyside’s smallest distillery following a unique programme seeing them become Honorary Stillmen of Benromach for a day.

The ladies are winners of the inaugural Benromach Fellowship Award 2011 which allows them to travel to the distillery and be exclusively trained in the production of its single malt whisky by its two master distillers. The Benromach Fellowship award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion and endorsement of Scotch Whisky in Sweden.

Whisky bar manager, Susan Stenström, restaurateur, Helena Hugo and popular whisky magazine ‘Allt Om Whisky’ editor, Emma Andersson, will learn firsthand the art of whisky making when they take part in milling, mashing and distilling. They will also hand fill casks which will mature at the distillery for years to come.

The ladies won the fellowship for their enthusiasm and dedication to whisky which has seen them share their knowledge and experience with others in their home country.

Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, owners of Benromach Distillery, said:

“It’s an honour to be sharing our expertise with such highly regarded international whisky ambassadors. Taking part in our Honorary Stillman programme is the best way of fully understanding the hands-on innovative processes used in producing whisky at Benromach.

“Sweden has a huge whisky following and is becoming an increasingly popular market for Benromach. We hope the ladies will share their experiences of their scholarship and our single malt whisky with friends and family when they are back home.”

Susan Stenström is a well known whisky authority in Sweden who through her passion and dedication has created a unique whisky bar with her own personal stamp at Friiberghs Herrgård. Susan regularly organises whisky weekends aimed at encouraging people to discover and enjoy whisky. Excited to be taking part in the programme she said:

“As a huge whisky fan it’s been a real opportunity to come to Scotland and have such a personal experience in the production of this great single malt. Being a small distillery we got a real insight into a typical working day and the expertise and skill that is involved in making Benromach. Not many people get a chance to be so hands on and learn direct from the master stillman. It’s been a once in a lifetime trip.”

Restaurateur and whisky ambassador, Helena Hugo, has created a venue for whisky lovers in the middle of the Swedish countryside. Bredaryd Värdshus is a Mecca for connoisseurs offering great food, a micro-brewery and an excellent whisky selection. Helena ensures her staff can deliver exceptional customer service by arranging for them to attend whisky education courses in Sweden and Scotland.

Emma Andersson is editor of one of the world’s best whisky magazines, Allt Om Whisky. Emma’s focus on delivering quality news and features from the world of whisky, is one of the major reasons why Sweden has some of the world’s most informed and passionate whisky enthusiasts.

Benromach is represented in Sweden by Symposion International AB.

Notes:

The Benromach Fellowship Award 2011 was set up by Michael Urquhart of Gordon & MacPhail & Thomas Kuuttanen, Symposion International AB, distributors of Benromach in Sweden, and presented during the Viking Line Whisky Fair aboard M/S Cinderella in January 2011.

Benromach Distillery is Speyside’s smallest. Based in Forres, just two expert distillers hand-craft the award winning range of Single Malts.

Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by family firm Gordon & MacPhail in 1993. Drawing on generations of whisky expertise, the company carried out a painstaking refurbishment and the distillery was officially re-opened by Prince Charles in 1998.

Old Forester Bourbon Honors Creator through Founder’s Day

George Garvin Brown Celebrated, Best-Selling Author Tom Kelley and Master Distiller Chris Morris Recognized as Modern Innovators

Louisville, Ky. (November 2011) – George Garvin Brown, creator of Old Forester, America’s First Bottled Bourbon, has been honored for his major contributions to the bourbon industry with Founder’s Day. Brown laid the foundation that allowed Old Forester to be the only bourbon still in existence that was sold before, during and after Prohibition, and built what is now the Brown-Forman Corporation.

On the inaugural Founder’s Day, Old Forester celebrated Brown’s 165th birthday and honored his pioneering spirit with the establishment of the George Garvin Brown Lifetime Achievement Award for Innovation Excellence and Dedication to Community. This annual award was created to honor individuals who exhibited leadership traits that were evidenced in Brown – a passion for learning and a leader without compromise who recognized the importance of giving back.

“When we think of George Garvin Brown, we consider him to be one of the forefather’s of bourbon. Indeed without him, the industry might not be where it is today,” said brand manager Therese McGuire. “This lifetime achievement award not only honors his legacy but recognizes those currently on the forefront of innovation and who hold the same values as Brown.”

More than 140 years ago, Brown led the industry with his revolutionary ideas. His commitment to making quality bourbon resulted in putting Old Forster in a sealed bottle with his guarantee of excellence and his signature prominently displayed just as it is today. With this inaugural award Old Forester honors two modern day innovators: Master Distiller Chris Morris and best-selling author and General Manager of IDEO Tom Kelley.

“Through the work and leadership of Chris Morris and Tom Kelley, cutting-edge products have been introduced and set the stage for future industry advancements,” said McGuire.

As Master Distiller for Old Forester and a spirits historian, Morris’ passion for innovation in the spirits industry has lead to numerous new products and rare releases. Morris created a combined Nuevo Beaujolais concept with vintage dated single malt whiskey which became the Old Forester Birthday Bourbon. Additionally, he initiated a study of wine finishes and alternate wood mellowing processes that are groundbreaking in the world of whiskeys. Morris is on the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and the Kentucky Distillers Association and was Co-Chairman of the DISCUS Master Distillers Committee, as well as a former Chairman of the Boy Scouts of America.

Kelley is one of the world’s most respected experts on managing innovation and design but is also the author of two books on innovation and creativity: The Art of Innovation and The Ten Faces of Innovation. As the General Manager of IDEO the renowned design and development firm, Kelley spearheaded the introduction of the Apple mouse, the Palm V, and hundreds of other cutting-edge products. IDEO was listed as number five in Fast Company’s list for 2008 of The World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies. Additionally, Kelley is actively involved in the Cambodian Children’s Fund and the American Cancer Society.

“Old Forester and Brown-Forman are extremely proud to recognize these individuals as the first recipients of the George Garvin Brown Lifetime Achievement Award,” said McGuire. “We are excited to see what future innovations hold for not only our industry but throughout the world.”

About Old Forester Bourbon

George Garvin Brown was the founder of Old Forester Bourbon Whisky and Brown-Forman Corporation. Brown-Forman Corporation, Louisville, Kentucky, is a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Tequila Herradura, el Jimador Tequila, Canadian Mist, Woodford Reserve, and Korbel California Champagnes.

For more information on Old Forester, visit the Old Forester website at www.oldforester.com  or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/oldforester .