GLENDRONACH’S MOST SOUTHERLY TASTING…IN DEEPEST ANTARCTICA!
 
THE richly-sherried GlenDronach single malt is savoured worldwide but, in what must be some kind of a record, we’ve just heard of some fervent American fans…at the South Pole!
 
Thanks to GlenDronach’s New Zealand agents Whisky Galore, a team of intrepid American scientists survive sub-zero temperatures down there thanks to some invigorating bottles of GlenDronach fifteen-year-old.
 
Whisky Galore’s owner Michael Fraser Milne explains: “The United States Antarctic Programme (USAP) is an organisation that heads up scientific research and support on Antarctica. For many years, Whisky Galore has been a proud supporter of the scientists and crew who fly down to the ice from Christchurch where we’re based.
 
“We like to make sure they’re staying warm with a good dram or two, and the ‘ice people’ as we know them are very loyal fans of Whisky Galore.
 
“Last year we suggested to a group of them that whoever sends us the best whisky-related photo from Antarctica will win a prize, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Pictures flooded in and the winner was one of our regular USAP customers, Thomas Da Cosse, whose pictures were our favourites.”
 
Michael’s colleague Stephen Le Petit added: “Thomas tasted some GlenDronach in our shop and absolutely loved it. It’s now his favourite and, as his pictures show, they help him endure temperatures of minus ninety degrees Fahrenheit.”
 
GlenDronach Regional Sales Director James Cowan said: “GlenDronach is enjoyed in some pretty exotic places but the South Pole is surely a world first for us. As a result, we’re claiming the record for the most southerly tasting of GlenDronach ever!”
 
Michael is the proud owner of Whisky Galore, New Zealand’s premier whisky supplier. He is originally from the Strathspey area of Scotland and has been involved with whisky for most of his life.
 
The attached picture shows Thomas Da Cosse at the geographic South Pole with his GlenDronach.

ACCLAIMED IRISH DESIGNER PAUL DALY TOASTS ST PATRICK’S DAY WITH A SPECIAL LIMITED EDITION BOTTLE FOR JAMESON

Jameson, the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey, has teamed up with internationally acclaimed Irish artist Paul Daly to launch a new limited edition bottle for St Patrick’s Day.

The contemporary bottle design, which will appeal to collectors, was inspired by the legendary Celtic illustrations in The Book of Kells. By using a screen-printing technique, the image is textured while all gold-coloured elements are foiled to highlight the brand’s premium positioning and offer on-shelf stand-out. The launch will be supported by bespoke POS including engraved glassware and limited prints of the artwork.

The Jameson limited edition St Patrick’s Day bottle will be available from mid-February in selected markets including the UK, Latvia, Czech Republic, Bulgaria and Travel Retail Europe.

The launch forms part of the brand’s global St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, which include the Jameson Global Radio Broadcasts taking place in the Old Jameson Distillery, Dublin and the Jameson St. Patrick’s Day Party, featuring special guests Groove Armada. For the first time ever, Jameson will be broadcasting globally online via their St. Patrick’s Day radio station, JFM, streamed on www.jamesonwhiskey.com on 17th March.

Howard Southern, Jameson Marketing Director, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard says: “Our vision is to make St Patrick’s Day more contemporary and relevant to our global consumers while raising the profile of Jameson Irish Whiskey. By commissioning contemporary artist Paul Daly, we have created a limited edition bottle, with a striking, modern design, which will be the centrepiece of our activity and will appeal to both our on and off trade customers in key markets. We are confident that it will strike a chord with our core consumers while attracting those new to the brand and category.”

Paul Daly commented: “As an Irishman who has spent much of his life abroad, the opportunity to fuse my interests in Irish culture with art and a truly Irish brand like Jameson, was one I couldn’t refuse. St Patrick’s Day is always a fun-filled celebration of the Irish, and it was a great experience creating something that consumers around the world could enjoy on the big day.”

Notes:

Paul Daly

Paul began his illustrious career at the National College of Art & Design (NCAD) in Dublin, followed by a BA Degree in Goldsmiths College, London, where he worked alongside contemporaries Gary Hume, Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas and Fiona Rae.

With Gary, Paul set up trendy Hoxton Square and remains the longest resident in the location, having been there since 1988. Paul founded Zigfrid and its basement, Underbelly as well as numerous other bars and restaurants in London and cities around the world, including Vendome in Mayfair. Aside from his bar designs, Paul has also worked with the likes of Ozwald Boateng, setting up his first establishment on Saville Row, and also designed the props for two of U2’s World Tours.

Paul is also the Founding Director of The Elbow Room chain of bars across the UK and has worked with Treasury Holdings to produce the luxurious Spencer Dock Penthouses in Dublin. Paul hopes to be working with Treasury once again on the recently approved £5.5bn renovation plans for Battersea Power Station.

The Book of Kells

The Book of Kells is a lavishly decorated account of the four gospels, written around the year 800 AD and is thought to have inspired much of modern Celtic art. It remains an important part of Irish heritage and is still very much alive at Trinity College in Dublin, the city in which Jameson was founded.

Jameson

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).

Irish Distillers Limited, 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.

For further information visit: www.jamesonwhiskey.com

SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE WHISKY AWARDS – FINALISTS ANNOUNCED

Six whiskies from some of Speyside’s most iconic distilleries have made the finals of the prestigious Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards. 

The judging panel for the first round of the awards, including industry representatives, whisky writers and specialist retailers, gathered at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Thursday (27th January) for a blind tasting of 52 of Speyside’s finest malts, hosted by Richard Lochhead MSP.

The judges selected two finalists in each of the three categories.  Aberlour a’bunadh and Balvenie Signature 12 Years Old will battle it out in the ’12 Years and under’ class.  The Glenlivet 15 Years Old and The Glenlivet 18 Years Old go through to the final in the ’13 to 20 Years Old’ class, while Balvenie Portwood 21 Years Old and Glenfiddich 30 Years Old came out top in the ’21 Years and over’ category.

Jim Royan, Chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Board said: “These whiskies are the expressions of the highest quality of Speyside’s wonderful spirit.  I’m sure that their success will confirm their international recognition.”

Richard Lochhead, MSP, added:  “The Speyside whisky sector is a huge success story that is supported by the region’s pristine environment.

“As part of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, it is now a tradition to host the first round of the annual judging of the awards in the Scottish Parliament and I am always proud to play a role in the event. There is a great team behind the festival and I pay tribute to all of them.

“The Festival is set to once again attract thousands of visitors to Speyside in a few months’ time injecting cash into the local economy and boosting tourism. These benefits could not come at a more crucial time.” 

The six finalists will now go on to a public vote at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival on Thursday, 28th April, a unique judging process which has helped the Awards gain international recognition since their inception in 2005.

Visitors to the Festival can book tickets for the exclusive final judging of the best of Speyside malts, and the winners will be announced shortly afterwards at the Opening Dinner to be held at the Knockando Distillery.

Tickets to take part in the judging of the Awards finals at this year’s Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival or to attend the Opening Dinner are available at www.spiritofspeyside.com.   And whisky lovers can keep up to date with the Festival programme on www.facebook.com/WhiskyFestival or www.twitter.com/spirit_speyside.

Notes:

– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 runs from Thursday, 28th April-Monday, 2nd May.  www.spiritofspeyside.com
– Tickets to take part in the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards judging event cost £10; tickets for the opening dinner at Knockando Distillery cost £65.
– The judging panel for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards comprised Martine Nouet (whisky writer), Mike Lord (The Whisky Shop Dufftown), Dr Stephen Lunn, Ewen Mackintosh (Gordon and MacPhail), Mike Collins (Northern Scot), Ian Black (The Herald), Hamish MacDonell (The Scotsman), David Wishart (whisky writer), Andy Cant (Diageo)

– Speyside is easily accessible by rail or air, including a number of low-cost airline options to Aberdeen and Inverness airport
– The Festival runs a subsidised dial-a-bus service and taxi voucher scheme
– The Festival also runs several competitions and awards including a Whisky Cocktail Competition, Photographic Competition and the prestigious Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards

– Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2011 has received funding from EventScotland and is also financially supported by many other private and public partners
– EventScotland is the national events agency.  EventScotland is working to make Scotland one of the world’s leading event destinations. By developing an exciting portfolio of sporting and cultural events EventScotland is helping to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy by attracting more visitors.  For further information about EventScotland, its funding programmes and latest event news visit www.EventScotland.org

THE ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AND THE MACALLAN UNVEIL JOINT PARTNERSHIP

Award Ceremony sponsorship enhances The Macallan’s photography commitment

The Royal Photographic Society and The Macallan have announced a new three year deal to sponsor the world renowned annual Royal Photographic Society Awards Ceremony, as part of The Macallan’s innovative and ground-breaking work within the photography arena.

Founded in 1853, The Royal Photographic Society is the world’s longest established Photography Society.  It was granted its Royal patronage by Queen Victoria in 1894, and a Royal Charter in 2004. It remains one of the most prestigious and well-respected societies to this day, with membership across the world.

By supporting the Awards for the next three years, The Macallan will cement its growing commitment to the photographic world as well as working in partnership with The Society to develop the Awards in the longer term.  Membership of the Society is diverse and varied across both professional and amateur spectrums enabling The Macallan to play its part in encouraging the rich seam of talent, expertise and innovation of photographers, educationalists, and imaging scientists.

The Macallan 2011 Royal Photographic Society Awards which take place in September, will recognise individuals who have made a significant contribution to the art and science of photography.  From recognising achievements in the advancement of photography, education and research, through to technical excellence and the ultimate accolade, the Centenary Medal for sustained, significant contributions to the art of photography, the Awards support and celebrate every aspect of the photographic industry and its thriving community.

Last year’s recipient of the prestigious Royal Photographic Society Centenary Award, Albert Watson Hon FRPS, was recently involved in a unique collaboration with The Macallan.  The partnership began when Watson was invited by The Macallan to weave a visual narrative of the long journey made from acorn to glass to eventually produce a rich and complex Single Malt.   The stunning end result was a series of platinum prints partnered with an exceptional limited edition 1946 Macallan

Commenting on the partnership, Ken Grier, Director of Malts at The Edrington Group, said, “Working with, and supporting, The Royal Photographic Society is a natural progression for The Macallan and testament to our increasing presence, passion and innovation in the photography sphere.  The Society itself is an ideal partner given its rich history, professional excellence and world leading authority in photography. Our commitment in this area is for the long term and the Awards give us the opportunity to work with the very best, at the highest levels to ensure complete integrity and excellence.”
 
He continued, “Building on our work with both Rankin and Albert Watson, we recognise and respect the power of stunning photography in capturing the essence of The Macallan brand and telling different and intriguing stories through this medium.”

The Masters of Photography initiative celebrates the coming together of two very different but highly revered art processes, photography and whisky-making.  The first Masters of Photography was created by Rankin and saw a photographic interpretation of The Macallan’s spiritual home on Speyside.

In welcoming The Macallan as sponsors of The Society Awards Ceremony Rosemary Wilman HonFRPS, President of The Society, commented ” The Royal Photographic Society recognises The Macallan as a natural partner for The Society, with their commitment and passion for photography at the highest level, through Masters of Photography. We look forward to working with The Macallan and believe that this partnership will strengthen the prestige of The Society Awards.” 

She added “The most recent Masters of Photography collaboration was with Albert Watson HonFRPS, The RPS Centenary Medal winner in 2010 . The Centenary Medal recognises a sustained contribution to the art of photography at the highest level with previous recipients including Annie Leibovitz (2009), Martin Parr (2008), Don McCullin (2007), David Bailey (2005) and Elliott Erwitt (2002).”

www.themacallan.com

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

Notes

About the Royal Photographic Society

The Royal Photographic Society was founded in 1853, to promote the art and science of photography, a mission it continues to this day, in the UK and, through its overseas membership, worldwide. Membership of The Society is open to everyone interested in photography, amateur or professional, artist or scientist. The Royal Photographic Society is an educational charity. www.rps.org

The Royal Photographic Society Awards: awarded annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the art and science of photography. Nominations are invited for a wide range of awards,  including to those under the age of 35.

The Macallan

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 through out 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.

DEFENDING CHAMPION MARCUS FRASER LEAVES AN IMPRESSION ON 2011 CHAMPIONSHIP BLEND

Ballantine’s, the No 1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific, has brought together Master Blender Sandy Hyslop and the 2010 Ballantine’s Championship winner Marcus Fraser, to create the 2011 Championship Blend.

The blend is a priceless limited edition of only 10 bottles made from rare and precious whiskies aged for at least 38 years.  Of these rare bottles, one will be presented to the winner of the 2011 Ballantine’s Championship and another will be auctioned during the tournament with all proceeds being donated to charitable causes.

The creation of an exclusive blend has become an annual tradition ahead of the €2.2 million Ballantine’s Championship golf tournament which this year will take place at the prestigious Blackstone Golf Club in Icheon, Korea from 28th April to 1st May 2011.

The event is set to be an exciting tournament with an all-star quartet of golfing greats contending for the title, including world No 1 Lee Westwood, South African superstar Ernie Els, world No 10 Ian Poulter and Asia’s first major winner, YE Yang.

Peter Moore, Ballantine’s Global Brand Director, is delighted that such a distinct tradition has been established: “We are excited to once again be unveiling an exceptionally rare and exclusive blend for the Ballantine’s Championship. Marcus was triumphant last year, demonstrating real flair in his efforts, and has extended this sense of style to whisky blending too. We wish Marcus every success in April, when he returns to South Korea to defend his Ballantine’s Championship title.”

Master Blender Hyslop personally guided Fraser through the delicate blending process, and he is delighted with the final result of this unique collaboration adding: “The 2011 Ballantine’s Championship Blend is completely bespoke and it is absolutely first class. On no account could a whisky of this quality be produced on a commercial scale, because the whiskies we have blended are so precious and rare.”

Fraser is only the second person outside Ballantine’s expert blending team to influence a Ballantine’s blend, with Northern Irish golfer and current US Open champion Graeme McDowell having been granted the same privilege as winner of the inaugural Ballantine’s Championship in 2008.

Notes

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Very rich and fruity with notes of ripe peaches in sweet syrup and traditional pear drop boiled sweets. There is also a wonderful background flavour of butterscotch, honeycomb candy and vanilla

Taste: Fruity, incredibly sweet and satin smooth. Rich honey flavours intermingled with sweet orange and a hint of liquorice tang

Finish: Unbelievably long, sweet and juicy

MEDIA INFORMATION
For Immediate Release: 31st January 2011.

• Islay for sale!
• Iconic web domain name to be auctioned.

The owner of the iconic domain name Islay.com has announced its auction over the internet.

German IT entrepreneur Dr Clemens Dillmann has previously operated the site for whisky enthusiasts but has withdrawn his interests in the whisky market and will offer the site to a new owner. 

The domain name – www.islay.com – will be auctioned on eBay (item number 190497112612) with the auction scheduled to finish at 16.05 hrs on Thursday 10th February.

It is expected that www.islay.com will be of interest to the island’s many distillers, as well as tourist authorities, community groups or even a B&B operator.  “As I have no plans to continue in this market,” explained Dr Dillmann “it seemed best that the domain should go to a new owner and an internet auction seems the fairest way to find the right buyer.”

Bidding started at £0.99 and concludes at 16.05 hrs on Thursday 10th February.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact:           Dr. Clemens Dillmann
mf Medienservice, Bollmannallee 17, D 27318 Hoya, Germany.
Tel:                  +49 (0)4251 92440.
Email:                    clemens.dillmann@mfmedienservice.de

Glengoyne Awarded Ultra Premium Dram of 2010

Edinburgh: Connoisseurs from one of the UK’s largest and most prestigious whisky events, The Whisky Show, have named Glengoyne 40 Years Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky as the Ultra Premium Dram of 2010.

Competing against over 20 luxury whiskies currently available in the global marketplace retailing from a minimum of £300, Glengoyne 40 Years Old was selected as the pinnacle dram that best captured the distiller’s art.

A combined vote from visitor sampling and nomination for their preferred Ultra Premium whisky and a final tasting by Event Director Graeme Wallace and The Whisky Exchange proprietor Sukhinder Singh, Glengoyne was declared the ultimate winner of the ultimate whisky award. Praised for its “sweet, complex” and “oily texture”, it was noted that this Single Malt had remained “superbly balanced” and velvety smooth, without being overpowered by its 40 years of contact with the cask. 

Graeme Wallace, Event Director commented:  “To evaluate and settle on which expression was the best of the very best is always going to be extremely hard, with every Ultra Premium Dram being of the highest magnitude, reflecting the finest whisky available today.”

“For a whisky to top this category and win the Ultra Premium Dram Award is no easy achievement and should in no way reflect negatively on the runners up. It was a very close call but Glengoyne 40 Years Old was a very worthy winner.”

Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers commented: “We are thrilled with this result.  It is testament to the Glengoyne team’s craftsmanship and skill that the 40 Years Old has succeeded in winning this very prestigious title against such a high calibre of entrants.

“The 40 Years Old Single Malt captures the pure essence of Glengoyne and its exceptional, un-peated ‘Real Taste of Malt’. It is a joy to open the highest quality sherry casks after four decades and find such great balance between malt and Still. It doesn’t get any better than this.”

Owned by the Scottish, independent, family owned company Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd, Glengoyne distillery has been producing whisky from the heart of the Trossachs for over 175 years. With a highly selective cask policy, Glengoyne is also distilled slower than any other single malt Scotch whisky. Using air-dried malted barley, rather than pungent peat smoke, the distillery nurses the spirit through its stills at around one-third of the normal rate. This creates a more subtle, complex whisky in which all of the delicate flavours are freely allowed to express themselves.

Only 250 bottles of the limited edition Glengoyne 40 Years Old have been produced, retailing domestically for £3,750, this luxury whisky is presented in a hand-blown bespoke crystal decanter and stitched leather and solid oak presentation box of the highest quality.

Glengoyne 40 Years Old has been described by Michel Roux Jnr, as “simply sensational”, with the two star Michelin chef commenting on the “complexity in the flavours that linger in the mouth. There’s a strong richness in both the colour and in the flavours. It has a long, dry finish.”

The Whisky Show is an annual premium consumer whisky tasting even that takes place in London at the end of October. For more details visit www.thewhiskyshow.com

For further details on stockists and distribution details for Glengoyne, contact Alan Wardrop, UK Sales Manager, Ian Macleod Distillers, 01506 852205.

Only the slowest distillation process, untainted by peat smoke, creates Glengoyne THE REAL TASTE OF MALT

Glengoyne encourages responsible drinking

www.drinkaware.co.uk   www.scotch-whisky.org.uk

January 2011

Release of WhiskyCompanion 1.06 for Android devices

Today WhiskyCompanion announced the release of WhiskyCompanion ver. 1.06 for Android mobile devices.

WhiskyCompanion for Android is a complete whisky (or whiskey if you prefer) guide for the curious amateur as well as for the experienced collector.

The App comes with detailed information and pictures of more than 2.300 whiskies (rye, malts, single malt, cask strength, blended, etc.) from 211 distilleries in 18 countries.

The pre-loaded data for whiskies and distilleries can easily be changed, or the user can create new whiskies and distilleries supported by own camera pictures or pictures uploaded to the phone.

Whiskies might be found through countries, regions or distilleries. The app also has full text search functionality for whiskies making it very easy to find your favorite whisky in the massive list.

As more data (content) is published, new countries, distilleries and whiskies will be added to the central database that can easily be downloaded to the app’s database. These updates will not affect modified user data in the phone’s database.

Notes from distillery visits can be added to each distillery, and detailed comments and tasting notes (classifications) may be added to the whiskies. All distilleries visited and whiskies tasted and rated will then be available in the “My Whiskies” section. This section also includes a wish-list for whiskies.

Most of the distilleries have map-location for integration with Google Map. When clicking on a distillery location, Map will launch, and this can easily be switched to Street-View. It is then possible to virtually walk around the distillery.

The app is available as an introductory offer at NOK 17,50 (US$ 2,95) on Android Market.

For more information please search Android Market for “whisky” or “WhiskyCompanion”, or visit www.whiskycompanion.com.

A few screenshots of the app are shown below:

Edinburgh: Following successful partnerships with iconic rock brands such as Marshall Amps and Classic Rock Magazine, Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is now celebrating Glasgow’s vibrant music scene with an exciting new competition with VisitScotland. 

Promoted as part of VisitScotland’s seasonal Winter White campaign, Smokehead is now selling all its UK standard bottles with on-pack promotional stickers offering fans the chance to win a luxury two night break in Scotland’s largest, brightest city. Staying at the five star Glasgow Hilton, the lucky winner and guest will also receive their choice of music gig tickets for the SECC, courteous of TicketSoup.com.

The prize also includes breakfast both mornings, evening meals at The Hilton’s stylish Cameron Restaurant and Ashton Lane’s popular Grosvenor Bistro, entry to the West End’s Viper Club,  £300 travel/spending money and of course a special bottle of Smokehead Whisky. 

Iain Weir, Marketing Director of Ian Macleod Distillers, brand owners of Smokehead Whisky said: “Glasgow has one of the most exciting music scenes in the UK and working with VisitScotland to promote this is the perfect way for us to build on Smokehead’s growing rock credentials, offering a competition that will really appeal to our target customer base.

“With our continued support for fantastic events such as this summer’s High Voltage music festival and the Marshall Ultimate Band Contest, this is set to be a big music year for Smokehead. The Winter White promotion with VisitScotland is the ideal start to 2011.”

Described as being like a cannonball, Smokehead is an explosive combination of peat, smoke and spice with some delicate sweetness. The single malt flavour is described as fresh, fruity and immense, with notes of sherry, iodine, toffee, smoke and sea salt. The taste hits the palate at once with cocoa, peat and some honey sweetness, before exploding with peppery spice and more earthy peat.

Smokehead is widely available throughout the UK and worldwide, RRP £31.99. Details of stockists can be found on the website www.smokehead.co.uk 

In his new book 101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die, Ian Buxton says of Smokehead 18 Years Old: “I saw Extra Black compared to the amplifier that goes all the way up to 11 in Spinal Tap. It is just as rock and roll as that.”

To enter or for more information visit www.smokehead.co.uk or www.visitscotland.com/whitemalt

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky encourages responsible drinking

www.drinkaware.co.uk  www.scotch-whisky.org.uk

CLEGG PRAISES STRONG SCOTCH WHISKY EXPORT FIGURES DURING VISIT TO HOME OF CHIVAS REGAL

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, welcomed Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s announcement today that, according to the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), the value of whisky exports during the first ten months of 2010 reached £2.8bn* – an increase of 12 per cent on the same period the previous year.

Speaking at the Strathisla Distillery in Keith, Scotland – the home of Pernod Ricard’s icon brand Chivas Regal, Mr Clegg said: “I would like to raise a toast to the Scotch whisky industry, as 2010 shapes up to have been a record year for exports. I was glad to see evidence this morning of the verve and ambition in Scottish industry.

Mr Clegg also commented “The dynamic Scotch whisky companies are making great strides to exploit new markets and new opportunities and the UK Government will continue to do whatever we can to assist them.”

Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers Limited, commented: “This is hugely encouraging news for the Scotch whisky industry and we look forward to the SWA’s complete 2010 export data when it is published later this year. Following a more challenging environment in 2009, it is great for the industry to see a strong growth pattern emerging again.

Mr Porta added: “Hosting Mr Clegg at Strathisla Distillery today is very fitting as it is the home of Chivas Regal, a truly global super-premium Scotch whisky brand. We are very confident of the continuing strong growth in our brands, especially in all the fast emerging markets.”

Chivas Regal sells 4.2 million 9L cases** annually and is the No 1 super-premium Scotch whisky in Europe.*** It is also the leading imported spirit in China, where 25% of the global luxury category is represented. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old.

Notes:

* Shipment value
** Pernod Ricard sales figures: July 2009 – June 2010
*** Pernod Ricard figures

Photography

Pictured from left to right: Gavin Hewitt, Chief Executive of the Scotch Whisky Association; Alan Winchester, Distilling Manager Chivas Brothers; Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister; Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers Limited.

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.

About The Age Matters
In 2010, Chivas Brothers launched a global campaign entitled The Age Matters, to advocate the importance and value of Scotch whisky age statements, following consumer research which showed that 94% of whisky drinkers believe that age is an important indicator of quality while only 10% understand that it refers to the youngest whisky in the bottle.

With 85% share of all Scotch whiskies aged 21 years old and over, Chivas Brothers has an outstanding pedigree in the maturation of luxury whisky. At any given time Chivas Brothers has more than 6m casks maturing, having been laid down over the last 50 years.