RAF Team Nail the Impossible

The Drambuie Pursuit 2011

14 April 2011, Edinburgh: Four serving members of the Royal Air Force have won a £2,500 donation for the RAF’s Benevolent Fund (RAFBF) after securing the number one qualifying position for the high octane Scottish endurance race, The Drambuie Pursuit. 

Team ultRAFast, which includes Squadron Leader Alan Rutledge; Flight Lieutenants Tom Kinsley and Simon Ramsden; and Flying Officer Chris Carrington-Smith, won over a quarter of the votes for their online entry video  and pledge to support the RAFBF.

Taking place 13-15 May, the epic Drambuie Pursuit covers 100 miles of the Scottish Highland’s rugged terrain and includes activities such as rock climbing, white water rafting, downhill mountain biking, kayaking and buggy racing. 

UltRAFast will now compete head to head against nine other international teams including an American celebrity team lead by professional athlete, NFL Pro-American Football star Jeremy Shockey.  Carolina Panther player Shockey was the winner of the first NFL Pro-American Football Rookie Award in 2002 and is a two time Pro-Football Champion.

The race is inspired by events that took place more than 260 years ago. In 1746 after a failed attempt to claim the British throne, Bonnie Prince Charlie was pursued across the highlands by the Government forces but escaped with the help of his loyal clansmen. In gratitude for their help he passed on the top secret recipe for his personal elixir which became Drambuie.

UltRAFast team member, Flight Lieutenant Tom Kinsley said: “All of us share a mutual passion for the great outdoors and adrenalin fuelled adventures. Thanks to Drambuie, we will be able do what we love best, in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland.  The fact that we are doing it for such a worthy cause makes it all the more special.

“As serving members of the Royal Air Force we all are affected by operations in Afghanistan, either personally or through friends and work colleagues. The Benevolent Fund provides an essential support for all members of the RAF, past and present. The help and advice it offers whether financial, personal or dealing with injuries and bereavement cannot be overstated.”

Will Birkin, Senior Brand Manger Drambuie said: “UltRAFast make worthy winners of the charity prize money and Drambuie is delighted the funds are going to such a worthwhile cause.  The premise behind the Drambuie Pursuit is that working together, friends and colleagues can “Nail the Impossible” and achieve results above all expectations.  UltRAFast live by that very same code every day in their working lives. We wish them, and all of the teams, best of luck in the Pursuit challenge in May.”

The RAF’s leading welfare charity, the RAFBF provides practical, financial and emotional support to serving and former members of the RAF as well as families. The RAFBF deals with a wide range of issues from childcare and relationship difficulties, to injury and disability and from financial hardship and debt to illness and bereavement.

The spirit of Drambuie lives on and over the years this unique whisky liqueur has been passed down through generations carrying with it a sense of adventure, culminating in this exciting event.  Today people around the world are enjoying Drambuie served long with & ginger beer; know as The Drambuie Ginger Nail, a refreshing twist on the classic Drambuie cocktail The Rusty Nail.

For more information on Drambuie Pursuit please visit: www.drambuie.co.uk/pursuit

Drambuie encourages responsible drinking
www.drinkaware.co.uk   www.scotch-whisky.org.uk

Notes:

Team UltRAFast include:

Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr) Alan Rutledge based at RAF Wittering
Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Tom Kinsley based at RAF Valley
Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Simon Ramsden based at RAF Boscombe Down (Soon to be at RAF Lossiemouth flying the Tornado)
Flying Officer (Fg Off) Chris Carrington-Smith, based at RAF Benson
 
About DRAMBUIE®

The elixir at the heart of DRAMBUIE was created more than 260 years ago exclusively for Prince Charles Edward Stuart of Scotland.  It is a unique combination of aged Scotch whiskies, heather honey and a blend of herbs and spices – a recipe kept secret since 1745. In the late 19th century the drink became know as “an dram buidheach” – from the Gaelic the drink that satisfies, and was subsequently registered as Drambuie is 1893. The first commercial production of Drambuie took place in Edinburgh 1909, it became the first liqueur to be served in The House of Lords in 1916 and became popular internationally as it was taken abroad by the Scottish Regiments in the two World Wars.

In the USA post prohibition, it became synonymous with the classic cocktail The Rusty Nail ™. Today it’s enjoyed neat, over ice and as a long refreshing drink mixed with soda, ginger beer or ginger ale.  For more information visit www.drambuie.com

Woodford Reserve® Bourbon Unveils World’s Most Luxurious Mint Julep Cup

Proceeds from one-of-a-kind Tiffany & Co. sterling silver cups to benefit The Heart of a Horse Foundation

Louisville, Ky., – Woodford Reserve bourbon is taking the traditional Kentucky Derby® cocktail, the mint julep, to a new level by unveiling the world’s most exclusive mint julep cup. The Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup Experience will feature the most exotic ingredients in the world and a collection of 103 sterling silver mint julep cups designed by Tiffany & Co. exclusively for Woodford Reserve. Proceeds from the cup sales will benefit The Heart of a Horse Foundation.  

“Woodford Reserve is proud to partner with Tiffany & Co. to bring horse racing fans the most well-crafted mint julep cup ever to be sold,” said Laura Petry, Woodford Reserve brand manager.  “Woodford Reserve has been associated with the thoroughbred community since the brand’s beginning and through the sale of these cups, we look forward to assisting The Heart of a Horse Foundation in their horse rescue mission.”

In addition to the 103 traditional cups, there will also be three (3) “Prestige” cups available for auction. These sterling silver cups feature a design around the base in 24 karat gold vermeil originally used by Tiffany & Co. on a horse racing cup created in 1876. Bidding on these extremely rare cups will start at $2,000 each.

“Tiffany & Co. represents the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship in silversmithing today and we are thrilled to continue that heritage with the creation of these sterling silver mint julep cups,” said Susanne Halmi, group director of Tiffany & Co.  “It is an honor to partner with Woodford Reserve for a second year while also supporting the Heart of a Horse Foundation.”

 Owners of the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup will enjoy a mint julep featuring a unique set of ingredients from around the globe: ice made of rainwater captured on the pristine island of Tasmania, Australia; rare Chocolate mint grown in San Diego, California; bourbon smoked sugar from Louisville, KY which combined raw Demerara sugar smoked in used Woodford Reserve barrels; and a small batch of the Master Distiller’s personal selection of Woodford Reserve super-premium bourbon. The 103 traditional cups and three Prestige cups will be presented on Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill Downs® in The Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup Experience located near the clubhouse escalator inside Gate 10.

“We are honored to have The Heart of a Horse Foundation chosen as the beneficiary of this year’s Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup sales,” said April Horowitz, Heart of a Horse Foundation President. “This program is an opportunity to promote our rescue mission and to raise awareness about horse welfare to millions of people both in America and abroad.”

Fans are encouraged to follow Woodford Reserve online from exciting Derby events and activities via Twitter at @woodfordreserve. Visit www.twitter.com/woodfordreserve for all the details.

2011 marks the sixth year of the $1,000 Mint Julep Experience program with over $300,000 raised for worthy equine and humanitarian causes over the past five years.

How to Purchase a Cup

Starting April 11, 2011 at noon, (EDT) consumers age 21 years and older can log on to www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com to purchase one of the 103 traditional cups or to bid on one of the three Prestige cups. Presented on one day, at one place only, all cups purchased must be picked up by the buyer or the buyer’s proxy on May 7, 2011, Kentucky Derby Day at historic Churchill Downs.

Traditional Cups

103 Traditional Cups will be sold online for $1,000 on a first come, first buy basis. (There have been 103 Kentucky Derby winners born in the state of Kentucky.) The cups are individually numbered and feature the Woodford Reserve logo along with a unique horse racing design. The handmade sterling silver cups have been designed by Tiffany & Co. and come with a sterling silver sipping straw. Each cup will be presented in a unique Tiffany & Co. Blue Box and will be set in a Woodford Reserve casing made from the same wood as Woodford Reserve barrels. The cups will be on sale from April 11-May 5 at www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com for $1,000. Any unsold cups will be available for purchase at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day.

Prestige Cups

In addition to the 103 traditional cups, there will also be three (3) “Prestige” cups available for auction. These sterling silver cups feature a design around the base in 24 karat gold vermeil originally used by Tiffany & Co. on a horse racing cup created in 1876. The cups will be up for auction from April 11-May 5 at www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com with bidding on these extremely rare cups starting at $2,000 each.

The Mint Julep Cup’s Exotic Ingredients

The $1,000 Mint Julep will be made with the most exotic ingredients in the world

Ice made of rainwater captured on the pristine island of Tasmania, Australia, where the air is scientifically proven to be the purest in the world. The air travels over Antarctica and 10,000 miles of ocean reaching the western part of Tasmania called “The Edge of the World” where it is collected without ever touching the ground.

Rare Chocolate mint grown in San Diego, California. This unique mint adds a tantalizing touch of spring freshness to the classic Mint Julep.

Bourbon Smoked Sugar from Bourbon Barrel Foods in Louisville, KY represents the union of flavors that result when Woodford Reserve barrels are combined with raw Demerara sugar. The bourbon-soaked barrel staves are utilized during the smoking process to impart a sweet, caramel flavor and the essence of smoked oak.

A small batch of the Master Distiller’s personal selection of Woodford Reserve super-premium bourbon, selected specifically for the $1,000 Mint Julep. 

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. 

About Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. operates jewelry and specialty retail stores and manufactures products through its subsidiary corporations. Its principal subsidiary is Tiffany and Company. The Company operates TIFFANY & CO. retail stores and boutiques in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe and engages in direct selling through Internet, catalog and business gift operations. For additional information, please visit tiffany.com or call the shareholder information line at 800-TIF-0110.

About The Heart of a Horse Foundation

The mission of The Heart of a Horse Foundation (HOAH) is quite simple when considering ethical and humane care, treatment and rescue of our equine companions. With 7 million horses in the United States alone The American Horse Council estimates there are over 170,000 unwanted and uncared for horses. Each year, 100,000 American horses are slaughtered unnecessarily. The Heart of a Horse Foundation’s mission is to maintain and stimulate the unwavering well-being of horses in America.

About Churchill Downs®:

Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875.  Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 7, 2011. The track’s 2011 Spring Meet is scheduled for April 30-July 4.  Churchill Downs has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships a record seven times and the event will return to the track for its next renewal on Nov. 4-5. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com. 

Churchill Downs®, Kentucky Derby® and the Twin Spires design are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

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

SPOIL DAD WITH SOMETHING SPECIAL FROM ISLAY

Finding it increasingly difficult to track down a suitable gift for dad? Stop fretting while saving yourself hours in crowded shopping malls. Offer him the gentle taste of the Bunnahabhain 12-year old single malt and he will thank you every time he savours the warming glow of this whisky.

The home of Bunnahabhain, pronounced Bū-na-ha-venn, is the world-renowned Isle of Islay on the west-coast of Scotland. Unlike most other single malts from Islay, Bunnhabhain is known for its gentle taste profile and unique character, largely the result of malted barley enhanced by the pure spring water that flows freely underground, untainted by the peaty moorlands.

This award-winning single malt comes beautifully packaged in a black gift tube. It offers a wonderfully fresh and aromatic experience with a subtle whiff of smoke. The palate opens with notes of fruit and nuts that lead onto a malty sweetness, ending in a rich, lingering finish.

The Bunnahabhain distillery produces three single malts – a 12-, 18- and 25-year old, all crafted by master distiller Ian MacMillan, who has over 40 years experience in whisky distilling.

The Bunnahabhain 12-year old retails for about (South African Rand) R485 per 750 ml bottle. For more information please visit www.bunnahabhain.com

NFL Carolina Panther set for release in Scottish Highlands

13-15 May 2011

In the wilderness of Scotland’s rugged and remote Highlands, the NFL Carolina Panther Jeremy Shockey, will face one of the biggest endurance tests of his career, as he competes against nine other international teams in the annual Drambuie Pursuit 2011.

The winner of the first NFL Pro-American Football Rookie Award in 2002 and a two time Pro-Football Champion, Shockey will aim to bring all his skills from the football field to the high-octane competition. Covering over 100 miles in one day, the epic adventure race will include rock climbing,  white water rafting, downhill mountain biking, kayaking and buggy racing.

In anticipation of his first visit to Scotland, Jeremy Shockey said “The Drambuie Pursuit is an incredible opportunity to showcase athletic prowess and endurance.. I look forward to putting together an unbeatable team to tackle the Scottish Highlands and knock out the competition.”

Previously with the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants, Shockey signed a multi-million dollar deal with the Carolina Panthers in early March 2011. As part of his participation in the Drambuie Pursuit, Jeremy will be making a donation to the Heath Evans Foundation. Founded by Jeremy’s teammate, Heath Evans, the foundation is dedicated to fostering hope and healing in the lives of children and families affected by sexual abuse.

Will Birkin, Senior Brand Manager for Drambuie commented “We are excited to see the level of competitiveness Jeremy will bring to the Drambuie Pursuit, as this is the second time we have enlisted a professional athlete having used Lawrence Dallaglio in 2009. 2010 has been an exciting year for revitalising and modernising the brand, and we look forward to continuing that momentum by enjoying the participation of a star from the NFL in the 2011 Drambuie Pursuit.”

The UK teams who will be competing against Team Jeremy all secured their place in the competition as they were the teams with the most public votes for their team application.  The team with the most votes, UtRAFast, made up of four RAF servicemen, were rewarded with a £2,500 donation from Drambuie to the charity of their choice, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.  The RAF’s largest welfare charity provider the RAFBF provides far reaching support for serving and former members of the RAF and their families.

The race is inspired by events that took place more than 260 years ago. In 1746 after a failed attempt to claim the British throne, Bonnie Prince Charlie was pursued across the highlands by the Government forces but escaped with the help of his loyal clansmen. In gratitude for their help he passed on the top secret recipe for his personal elixir which became Drambuie.

The spirit of Drambuie lives on and over the years this unique whisky liqueur has been passed down through generations carrying with it a sense of adventure, culminating in this exciting event.  Today people around the world are enjoying Drambuie served long with & ginger beer; know as The Drambuie Ginger Nail, a refreshing twist on the classic Drambuie cocktail The Rusty Nail.

For more information on Drambuie Pursuit please visit: www.drambuie.co.uk/pursuit

Drambuie encourages responsible drinking
www.drinkaware.co.uk   www.scotch-whisky.org.uk

Notes
 
About DRAMBUIE®

The elixir at the heart of DRAMBUIE was created more than 260 years ago exclusively for Prince Charles Edward Stuart of Scotland.  It is a unique combination of aged Scotch whiskies, heather honey and a blend of herbs and spices – a recipe kept secret since 1745. In the late 19th century the drink became know as “an dram buidheach” – from the Gaelic the drink that satisfies, and was subsequently registered as Drambuie is 1893. The first commercial production of Drambuie took place in Edinburgh 1909, it became the first liqueur to be served in The House of Lords in 1916 and became popular internationally as it was taken abroad by the Scottish Regiments in the two World Wars.

In the USA post prohibition, it became synonymous with the classic cocktail The Rusty Nail ™. Today it’s enjoyed neat, over ice and as a long refreshing drink mixed with soda, ginger beer or ginger ale.  For more information visit www.drambuie.com

IRISH DISTILLERS PERNOD RICARD WINS TOP AWARDS AT PRESTIGIOUS SPIRIT COMPETITION

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is celebrating the success of its premium whiskey portfolio after achieving four Double Gold and one Gold medal at the internationally renowned San Francisco World Spirit Competition (SFWSC) 2011.

Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve, the most luxurious whiskey in the Jameson family, picked up a Double Gold in the Blended Irish Whiskey category, while Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve won Gold.

Redbreast, the highly acclaimed single pot still whiskey also created at the Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork, won Double Gold for both its 12 Year Old and 15 Year Old expressions.

Powers 12 Year Old, the premium edition of Powers Gold Label, one of Ireland’s favourite whiskeys, also picked up a Double Gold medal.

Speaking about the company’s success, CEO and Chairman of Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, Alex Ricard says: “To achieve five top awards at this prestigious competition is a huge honour and testament to the skill and dedication of our master distillers at the Midleton Distillery. As owners of Jameson, the world’s leading Irish whiskey, we are continuing to invest in this fast-growing category and these awards will only help to build further consumer advocacy around the world.”

A record number of entries were submitted to the 11th annual SFWSC with 1106 products from 61 countries. Entries were evaluated by a panel of 33 industry heavyweight judges including experts from noted restaurants, well-known spirits journalists, spirits buyers, and spirits consultants. Judging was based on a blind, consensual procedure ensuring competitive integrity, making the competition one of the most reputable and recognised competition in the spirits industry.

Notes:

Irish Distillers Pernod Picard, part of Pernod Ricard Group, distils and distributes a range of famous Irish whiskey, gin and vodka brands internationally including Jameson, Powers, Paddy, Midleton Very Rare, Redbreast, Cork Dry Gin, Cork Crimson Gin and Huzzar Vodka.

Jameson is the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey. Award-winning as a result of its exceptional smoothness following its unique triple distillation process, Jameson is enjoyed in over 120 countries worldwide. The core Jameson range includes Jameson; Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve; Jameson Gold Reserve; Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve; Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve and Jameson Signature Reserve (Travel Retail exclusive).

For further information:

Visit: www.jamesonwhiskey.com

THE FINE ART OF DRINKING

INAUGURAL 2011 WHISKY AUCTION TO HIGHLIGHT BONHAMS NEW YORK APRIL CALENDAR

New York/San Francisco/Los Angeles – Bonhams is delighted to announce full details of its first Whisky sale of 2011 in New York.

In the early evening of Thursday April 14, Bonhams New York will hold Whisky, a 322-lot sale that includes three notable private collections, along with a variety of other Scottish single malt whisky consignments.

Richard Pike, Bonhams New York Wine & Whisky Director, says: “These two April sales present to our growing international client base an excellent selection of sought-after wine and whiskies from the leading producers of the world. Whether it’s exceptional Macallan or leading current vintages from Château Lafite-Rothschild, Bonhams is happy to continue to expand its sale offerings in these two categories, and to further its role within a wider Wine department that regularly holds wine and whisky sales across three continents.”

Whisky, April 14

The auction is dominated by three notable private collections. The first two are consigned from an East Coast collector and a whisky aficionado from Virginia. They both represent a wide, eclectic mix of Scottish single malt whiskies, including whiskies for current drinking, rare bottlings from independents, and sought-after rarities. Highlights include a Macallan Private Eye individually numbered bottle (est. $600-800); a 12-year-old Ghillie’s Dram Macallan (est. $450-600); three bottles of Ardbeg 1974 Provenance (est. $600-900 per bottle); and two bottles of Black Bowmore 1964 (est. $2,800-3,500 per bottle).

A third collection comes from a remarkable Brooklyn consignor featuring exceptional rarities, including Macallan 55 year old in Lalique decanter (est. $16,000-22,000, pictured); Macallan 57 year old in Lalique decanter (est. $15,000-20,000, pictured); Glenfiddich 50 year old (est. $15,000-20,000); the Bowmore Trilogy (est. $15,000-20,000); a six-bottle Springbank Millennium Set (est. $9,000-12,000); and a six bottle original wooden presentation case Macallan-Speymalt set (est. $8,000-12,000).

Whisky Auction: April 14, 5pm EST, Bonhams New York

Notes

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 and Dubai. 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 (May 2010).

Kilchoman Launches Spring 2011 Release

Kilchoman, Islay’s Farm Distillery, has launched its sixth single malt.

This release is a vatting of 70% 3 year old and 30% 4 year old matured in fresh bourbon barrels.   The 4 year old has been finished in 20 year old oloroso sherry butts for 5 weeks prior to bottling.

The whisky was vatted and reduced to bottling strength on Islay using Kilchoman’s exclusive spring water and then shipped in transit tanks to the mainland for bottling.

Colour : Medium Straw
Nose:  Strong peaty aromas with a soft complex blend of mixed fruits
Palate: Hints of butterscotch and rich tropical fruits with an intense sweetness
Finish: A true classic Islay malt…peaty, fresh and clean

Kilchoman Spring 2011 is available from twenty four specialist whisky retailers in the UK at a retail price of £40 per bottle and twenty six markets worldwide.   This price represents an approximate discount of 15% from previous releases.   For more information visit our website at www.kilchomandistillery.com

In June 2011 we will launch our ‘100% Islay’ single malt from barley grown, malted, distilled, matured and bottled on Islay and in November our first 5 year old will be bottled.

Anthony Wills, Managing Director, commented ‘2011 is a very exciting year for everyone involved with Kilchoman as we launch some wonderful new expressions’

International Artists Leave an Impression with ‘Art of Beyond’ Bar

Revealed at the Nettie Horn Art Gallery on Vyner Street in the heart of London’s contemporary art district, the installation is a unique project involving six international, contemporary artists who have collaborated to create a premium and stylish bar that offers a whisky drinking experience beyond the ordinary.

The artists, working together for the first time, were invited to create the individual elements for a bespoke Ballantine’s 12 Year Old bar that embodied the spirit of looking beyond the ordinary. From across Europe, the artists included Oskar Zieta (Polish designer and architect), Lee Broom (British interior and product designer), Creatmosphere (French light artists), Rolf Sachs (Swiss furniture designer), Luis Galliussi (Argentinian interior designer) and Jovo Bozhinovski (Bulgarian architect and designer).

Working across a range of disciplines, each artist was chosen for their award-winning creativity in their respective fields. Whilst the process behind the ‘Art of BEYOND’ has been open and collaborative (with designers sharing their ideas and concepts with each other over a three month period) the works themselves hide secrets that bring to life the brand’s creative platform of ‘Takes you BEYOND’. The ‘Ballantine’s 12 Art of BEYOND Bar’ was designed to leave an impression by creating a layered whisky drinking experience with more to discover

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s said, “Art and design is the perfect platform to bring to life the concept of BEYOND whilst maintaining the stylish sophistication that embodies Ballantine’s 12 Year Old. We are extremely proud to have commissioned this unique collaboration; working with six very different but hugely talented artists who bring the values of authenticity and flair to their work. The ‘Art of BEYOND Bar’ is an extraordinary whisky-drinking experience that really does take you beyond.”

To celebrate the ‘Ballantine’s 12 Art of BEYOND Bar’, Ballantine’s has engaged Brand Ambassador Fredrik Olsson to design a series of bespoke Ballantine’s 12 Year Old cocktails created and inspired by the work of the six designers. The collection of six limited edition cocktails will be the signature drinks of the ‘Ballantine’s 12 Art of BEYOND’ project – a dedication to the artists and their works. .

Notes:

About Ballantine’s
Ballantine’s is the No 1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe, 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.

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 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.

What a Great Time,  What Great Whiskies

Thanks for Being Part of the 12th Annual WoW!

Dear Whisky Friends:
 
We want to thank everyone who attended for making this year’s WoW Expo such a great night and grand success! Thanks to you for joining us on-board the Hornblower for another remarkable WoW Expo.
 
Going back to the Hornblower as our venue opened up so much space for all the evening’s activities and the addition of the boat ‘next door’ classrooms allowed so many of you to experience the Masterclasses offered by our experts and world famed distillers and blenders. With two full decks of tasting booths we’re sure you had your fill! Wasn’t the Mixology booth from Beam Global a blast? A different complex cocktail every hour!!! That’s the sort of new feature we love adding to the show for you!
 
So many thanks go to our amazing exhibitors from brands large and small! We LOVE introducing you to new distilleries and spirits as well as offering a huge range of spirits that extend across the wide reaching category of ‘whisky/whiskey’. We hope you experimented with new palate experiences as well as enjoying your old favorites. Who indulged with the Oban Distiller’s Edition from the Classic Malts or Bushmills Crystal Malt?

Thanks also for supporting our charity.  Thanks to all the brands who donated gifts and thanks to our Whisky Enthusiast guests, the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund raised $1600.
 
Since the first year the Expo opened new whisky show territory by holding the event on the Hornblower yacht, we’ve enjoyed the distinction of having a venue that allowed us to give you a cigar experience along with your spirits! Many thanks to Sip Smoke Savor for the wonderful whisky/chocolate/cigar adventures.  Thanks to Serious Cigars  www.seriouscigar.com for providing the evenings generous supply of cigars and to Tim Wong of Rock Patel for sharing his expertise with us. And….What a treat it was to have Richard Paterson of The Dalmore as our cigar class surprise speaker.
 
For those of you with a hankering to fill your spirits shelves at home with the extraordinary drinks you sampled at the Expo, be sure to pay a visit in person or on-line to our supporting retailers:
 
The Whisky Shop: retailer for specialty Scotch and Irish Whiskies. Offering Discounts on all Expo pours: Price list www.whiskyshopusa.com
 
John Walker & Co. : offering discounts for American and Irish Whiskies from Wow: Price List www.JohnWalker.com
 
Ledgers Liquors: 15% Discount on all whiskies with printed coupon.  www.ledgersliquors.com
 
As in years past, we ask you to take a moment and send us your comments about this year’s show as well as your suggestions for the future. Each year we make an effort to tailor the event  to meet as many of your requests as possible. Don’t be shy! Let us know what you think! Just send us an email at cs@whiskiesoftheworld.com
 
And for those of you who want to relive the night from time to time until the time comes for the 2012 WoW Expo…here are some links to lots and lots of photos and some wonderful reviews of the evening:
 
Drink Me Magazine http://drinkmemag.com/2011/03/all-aboard-whiskies-of-the-world/
Bay Guardian Newspaper http://www.sfbg.com/category/author/virginia-miller
Whisky Wall blog http://whiskywall.wordpress.com/2011/03/30/whiskies-of-the-world-expo/
The Cask blog http://thecasks.com/2011/03/28/2011-whiskies-of-the-world-expo-recap/
Bunrab.com blog http://www.bunrab.com/dailyfeed/2011March/dailyfeed_march-11_p3.html#mar2611
Drink Hacker http://www.drinkhacker.com/2011/04/02/tasting-report-whiskies-of-the-world-expo-san-francisco-2011/
SFWeekly.com http://www.sfweekly.com/slideshow/whiskies-of-the-world-expo-2378705/
Pictures http://picasaweb.google.com/bestofdoug/WoW2011?feat=email

After a short rest we’ll be diving right back in to begin the work on the 12th Annual WoW Expo. We’ll be in touch to let you know next year’s date and location just as soon as possible.
 
Have a wonderful spring and again…thanks for making this year’s show so much fun for everyone involved!
 
Cheers,

Douglas Smith

BENRIACH AND GLENDRONACH JOIN CRAFT DISTILLERS IN SUPPORTING JAPAN
 
BenRiach and GlenDronach are two of seven independent Scottish distilleries collaborating to produce a unique whisky and donate all proceeds to the disaster relief effort in Japan.
 
Each of the seven distilleries, representing the best craft producers in the Scotch whisky business, is donating a cask of its single malt that will be expertly blended to create a limited edition whisky, appropriately called The Spirit of Unity.
 
The seven are Arran, BenRiach, Bladnoch, GlenDronach, GlenGyle, Kilchoman and Springbank. For whisky fans, they represent acclaimed malt whisky regions – in Islands, Speyside, Highland, Islay, Campbeltown and Lowland.
 
The seven casks will be vatted, blended and bottled at BenRiach’s Newbridge production facility, with Master Blender Billy Walker overseeing the operation. The bottles will then be despatched from Newbridge for worldwide distribution.
 
The connections between the malt whisky industry and Japan are strong as few consumers are as passionate about malt whisky as the Japanese and it has been major export market for many years.
 
The combined contribution will produce approximately 2,000 bottles with 1,200 available in the UK. The remainder will be shipped to Japan with some being donated for sale in New Zealand to assist with relief in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake. It is expected that the release will be oversubscribed as soon as it is made available.
 
With the support of suppliers and partners, including retailers, a conservative estimate is that at least £50,000 will be donated to the relief effort.
 
The producers will offer the limited bottling available through two leading online whisky retailers – Royal Mile Whiskies and Loch Fyne Whiskies – and in their respective shops in Edinburgh, London and Inveraray.
 
Not a penny of profit will be taken from the project by any of the parties involved, with the packaging being donated free of charge by Chesapeake Branded Packaging.
 
The Spirit of Unity will be available in store and for despatch by the end of April, with details being posted on the websites of the distillers. Pre-orders at £59 per bottle (+p&p) are now being taken at www.royalmilewhiskies.com and www.LFW.co.uk