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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes:

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

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

For further information please visit: www.chivasbrothers.com

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

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

‘Tribute to Honour’ has been introduced to pay homage to the oldest crown jewels of the British Isles: The Honours of Scotland. The narrative of the Honours comprises glorious legends and intrigue and remains a powerful and inscrutable ode to Scottish history. Royal Salute Tribute to Honour marks a historical pinnacle in whisky making.

The most exquisite, precious and scarce whiskies used to create Tribute To Honour, have been carefully selected from the Royal Salute Vault at Strathisla. Expertly blended by Colin Scott, just 21 bottles of Tribute to Honour have been created and also mark the pinnacle of Colin’s 21 years of expertise in blending.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes

Royal Salute

The pinnacle of Scotch whisky, award-winning Royal Salute was first created as a tribute by Chivas Brothers to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II upon her coronation in 1953. This defining luxury whisky has a very powerful and sophisticated style, and has become the world’s leading luxury Scotch whisky brand.

Royal Salute has a long legacy of paying tribute to nobility and leadership, it is part of the brand’s DNA

• 1953: Royal Salute created to pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen’s coronation
• 2003: Royal Salute 50 Year Old launched for the 50th anniversary of the coronation, also paid tribute to Sir Edmund Hillary’s and Sir Tensing Norgay’s on the anniversary of their successful ascent of Everest
• 2005: Royal Salute 38 Year Old launched – a tribute from Scotland, inspired by the Stone of Destiny
• 2010: Royal Salute 62 Gun Salute launched paying tribute to the craftsmanship of four master blenders who have safeguarded the Royal Salute legacy
• 2011: Royal Salute Tribute to Honour launched, the most notable and compelling symbols of Scottish royalty

Chivas Brothers

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

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

Garrard

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

For further information www.chivasbrothers.com

WILLEM DAFOE’S “BOLD” JIM BEAM TV COMMERCIAL GARNERS TOP INDUSTRY AWARDS

Deerfield, Ill. June 13, 2011 –Willem Dafoe’s first ever TV commercial – a “short film” by Jim Beam that celebrates his “Bold Choice” to turn actor – received three prestigious awards last night at the American Independent Commercial Producers (AICP) awards. As the advertising industry awaits the world-renowned Cannes Lions Festival later this month, Jim Beam’s groundbreaking commercial is grabbing attention for Willem Dafoe and the world’s number one bourbon brand.

AICP recognized Jim Beam’s “Parallels” advertisement with awards for Best Direction, Best Visual Style and Best Cinematography.

The anthem for Jim Beam’s new “Bold Choice” global campaign, features iconic American actor Willem Dafoe and sparks a movement for bold choices. In the commercial, which has aired on numerous U.S. cable networks since February, a young Dafoe is shown at a crossroads, faced with a choice: to boldly leave his hometown of Appleton, Wisconsin and head for the bright lights (and long odds) of an acting career in New York City – or stay put, and let fate decide his future. As Dafoe reflects on his decision, the commercial explores the many futures that could have been: factory foreman, chess champion, aging punk, even sumo wrestler. But, as Dafoe notes in the ad, there is really only one choice. “All choices lead you somewhere,” he states. “Bold choices take you where you’re supposed to be.”   

Jim Beam’s Bold Choice spot received seven total finalist nominations by the AICP including Best Advertising Commercial of The Year, Best Direction, Best Visual Style, Production, Production Design, Cinematography, and Best Editorial.

“As a brand that’s been rooted in making bold choices for over 200 years, our Jim Beam campaign communicates that the bold choices you make, make you. We are thrilled that this campaign has contributed to Jim Beam’s continued growth, solidifying its position as the number one Bourbon in the world, and are honored to be recognized by the AICP,” said Kevin George, senior vice-president and global chief marketing officer, Beam Global.

The multi-platform “Bold Choices” campaign from Jim Beam features TV, print and digital advertisements created by StrawberryFrog and represents a reinvigoration of the Jim Beam brand with a year-round ad campaign. Throughout 2011, Jim Beam is celebrating the Bold Choices made across America in entertainment and sports, and challenging fans to share their bold stories on Facebook® and Twitter®. Jim Beam sparked these discussions earlier in the year by releasing the findings of their “Boldest Towns Survey” – a cross-country quest to identify the boldest towns in America. Additionally, Jim Beam has boldly launched an innovative new bourbon – Devil’s Cut™ – that captures the ingenuity and creativity that has defined seven generations of distillers since 1795.

To learn more, visit www.jimbeam.com or facebook.com/jimbeam.

Jim Beam is committed to social responsibility and advises legal purchase age consumers to drink smart®. Through drinksmart.com, Beam Global educates legal purchase age consumers about how to make responsible choices about alcohol.

About Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc.:

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. (“Beam Global”) is one of the world’s largest premium spirits companies, encompassing a portfolio of nearly 100 brands (including 10 of the world’s top-100 premium spirits brands), more than a dozen global operating and commercial facilities and 3,200 employees worldwide. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Teacher’s® Scotch Whisky, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Cruzan® Rum, Hornitos ™ Tequila, EFFEN® Vodka, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, DeKuyper® Cordials, Knob Creek® Bourbon and Skinnygirl® Cocktails. Growth through innovation is a key strategy at Beam Global, with Red Stag by Jim Beam® Bourbon, Cruzan® 9 Rum, Maker’s 46™ Bourbon and Courvoisier® 12 Cognac and Courvoisier® 21 Cognac all being launched as new products over the past two years. Beam Global is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company. For more information on Beam Global, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

THE SINGLETON OF GLEN ORD HONOURED BY LEADING WHISKY EXPERTS

The Singleton of Glen Ord™ Single Malt Scotch Whisky  –   the fastest growing Single Malt in the Asia Pacific region  –  has added to its global prestige and long record of success with a major win in the prestigious Scotch Whisky Masters competition. The results were announced in London on 6 June 2011.

The Scotch Whisky Masters wins are decided by an expert judging panel after an extensive and rigorous blind tasting process. The panel included mixologists, managers of luxury hotels, bars and restaurants, global retailers, and leading whisky commentators including two former editors of Whisky Magazine.

They awarded The Singleton of Glen Ord 12 year old a ‘Master’  –  the highest award in the competition.

The Singleton of Glen Ord 12 year old has been extensively enjoyed by sophisticated drinkers in Asia since its launch in 2006. The 15 and 18 year old versions of The Singleton of Glen Ord have also attracted much praise and a growing number of devoted followers.

Asia’s fastest growing malt whisky
The Singleton of Glen Ord continues to display stunning growth in its Asian markets.

The recently released IWSR 2010 data shows that The Singleton of Glen Ord is the fastest growing Single Malt in the Asia Pacific region.  It has recently broken the 100,000 cases barrier and grew volumes at 40% in 2010, notably in Taiwan and South East Asian market, with triple digit growth in many markets

For Diageo’s Asia Pacific region, Mark Sandys, Category Director for Whisky, said:

“We were confident from the outset that The Singleton of Glen Ord would be very well received in this vibrant and fast-growing region.

“Our consumers tell us that it’s the taste of The Singleton that appeals strongly to them, plus the strikingly elegant style and presentation. We’re delighted with its success here and are thrilled that consumers’ enthusiasm for this wonderful single malt whisky has been confirmed by the expert judges in the prestigious Scotch Whisky Masters competition.”

The Singleton™ of Glen Ord™
Glen Ord is a famous and award-winning Highland distillery on the edge of the Black Isle west of Inverness in the north of Scotland. It continues to malt its own barley and use the long fermentation and slow distillation methods followed there for generations since Robert Johnstone established the distillery in 1838.

For The Singleton of Glen Ord, a high proportion of the liquid has been matured in European oak, delivering a rich, smooth-tasting, well-balanced and accessible style.

When it first appeared, many famous whisky commentators were quick to praise its smooth, sophisticated and fragrant taste.

KILCHOMAN LAUNCHES THE INAUGURAL 100% ISLAY SINGLE MALT  

Kilchoman, Islay’s Farm Distillery, is proud to announce the release of its first single malt produced from barley, grown, malted, distilled, matured and bottled at the distillery.

It has been matured for 3 years in first fill bourbon barrels from Buffalo Trace Distillery, Kentucky, USA and is lightly peated (10 to 20ppm of phenols) and bottled at 50% alcohol strength

Colour :         Light Golden

Nose:           Soft peaty aromas and a blend of citrus, lemon and pear drops

Palate:          An initial sweetness is followed by soft peat smoke and then the mixed fruits

Finish:           Long and clean with a lovely sweet aftertaste.

Kilchoman ‘100% Islay’ is available from twenty six specialist whisky retailers in the UK at a retail price of £69.00 per bottle and twenty nine markets worldwide. 11,300 bottles have been released worldwide.

There is also a special edition, available only at the distillery, of 1060 bottles at cask strength 61.3% ABV. Presented in a hand crafted American white oak presentation box, this edition at £149.00 is available only from the distillery.

For more information visit www.kilchomandistillery.com

Anthony Wills, Managing Director, commented:  “Being able to release a single malt produced from raw materials sourced locally was what the Kilchoman project was all about and I’m delighted to be able to share this exceptional young aged single malt with whisky enthusiasts around the world”.

LIMITED EDITION THREE SHIPS CONQUERS INTERNATIONAL WATERS

The limited edition Three Ships 10-year old single malt recently returned home with a gold medal from the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles held in Luxembourg. A total 7 386 wines and spirits from 49 producer countries competed before a hand-picked selection of some of the world’s foremost judges.

The whisky was matured for the full 10 years in American oak casks of varying ages with the older small wood contributing to the exceptional smoothness of this whisky while also imparting a slight sweetness.  It’s a full-bodied and well-rounded whisky with a hint of peat and estery notes that add a slightly sweet fragrance hinting of dried fruit and fudge.

With only 8 000 bottles launched in October last year, it is highly unlikely that you would still find a bottle in liquor outlets but if you are lucky enough to spot one, make sure it becomes part of your whisky collection.

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

The Tweeddale Blend Batch 2 Launch Event – 25/06/11
—————————————————————————–
A new specialist spirits store in Glasgow will host the official launch of the second batch of The Tweeddale Blend scotch whisky. The Good Spirits Co. in Bath Street have barely been open a couple of weeks but are already lining up an exciting array of exclusive tastings and events to promote quality drink products in the city.

Alasdair Day, the creator of the blend, discovered his Great Grandfather’s recipe book and decided to recreate the whisky for the modern market. The first batch has since sold out and he has now put together a new version which this time is 12 years old, two years older than the original.

On Saturday 25th June, visitors to The Good Spirits Co. will be able to sample the whisky as well as talk to Alasdair himself about his lastest creation. The event will run from 1pm-5pm.

www.thegoodspiritsco.com
http://www.stonedean.co.uk

The Good Spirits Co.
23 Bath Street
Glasgow G2 1HW

New range from award-winning Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box Whisky Co. heralds ‘Rebirth of the Blend’

Great King Street launches in Europe on 6th June and in the USA in September

“This is more than a brand; it’s a mission. A mission to get people – all people – to take a fresh look at Blended Scotch; to join in the Rebirth of the Blend: in how Blends are made, how they are viewed, how they are consumed.”  – John Glaser, Whiskymaker

Founded in October 2000, Compass Box Whisky Co. is kicking off its second decade by launching a new range solely dedicated to Blended Scotch Whisky – called Great King Street.

The first whisky in the range – the Artist’s Blend – launches in Europe on 6th June, with the US and other markets following suit in September. Available exclusively in a 50cl format – the first Scotch whisky to do so – and bottled at 43%, the whisky is rich, round and fruity with hints of toasty oak, vanilla and spice.  The name and label are inspired by Compass Box’s registered office address in Scotland – 24 Great King Street, in Edinburgh. The RRP will be around £25.00.

Glaser explains, “In a world where malt whisky gets all the attention, people often overlook the pleasures of good Blended Scotch. We believe that Great King Street will change this. There are good reasons why the blending of grain whisky and malt whisky has been the mainstay of the Scotch industry for over 100 years. Well-made Blended Scotches have an elegance and approachability that make them a joy to drink.  Great King Street will offer a new and compelling alternative for both whisky enthusiasts who ordinarily drink only malt whiskies, and for whisky novices.

By applying the same skill, techniques and philosophy that we use for the Compass Box Signature Range of whiskies, Great King Street will offer a style and approach to Blended Scotch that has not existed before. The keys are using individually chosen casks from some of Scotland’s best distilleries, a high proportion of malt whisky, truly excellent quality grain whiskies, and the careful use of new French Oak aging for added complexity.  All bottled at a natural colour and without chill-filtering. We call whiskies made with this approach ‘craft blends’.”

As you might expect from a four-time Whisky Magazine ‘Innovator of the Year’, Compass Box is also looking to use Great King Street as a way to encourage different ways of drinking whisky:

As John puts it, “As well as being delicious neat, Great King Street is equally enjoyable drunk with ice, as a refreshing Highball with soda water and ice, or in cocktails. One of the wonderful things about a whisky highball is that it slips down as easily as beer.  This gives us whisky lovers a refreshing whisky-based drink for all sorts of different occasions—at the bar with friends after work, on a warm day, parties, receptions, even with food (particularly Asian food). We believe it is time for a renaissance of the Highball.”

Website www.greatkingstreet.com

ABOUT COMPASS BOX (www.compassboxwhisky.com)
The Compass Box Whisky Company is a boutique Scotch whiskymaker and craft blender, started in 2000 by John Glaser.  Compass Box produces and bottles a range of Scotch whiskies, available in over 25 countries around the world.  A four-time winner of the Whisky Magazine Innovator of the Year award, Compass Box is known throughout the whisky world for quality, innovation and passion for great whisky. The Compass Box signature range of whiskies includes Asyla, Oak Cross, The Peat Monster, The Spice Tree and Hedonism.  They also produce limited release whiskies annually, and Orangerie, a Scotch whisky infusion.

ABOUT JOHN GLASER
American ex-pat John Glaser started Compass Box Whisky Company from the kitchen of his west London home in 2000.  Having started his career on a path to become a winemaker, then re-routing himself through the corporate world and ending up as marketing director for Johnnie Walker in London, Glaser has a unique perspective on both the creation and the marketing of Scotch whisky.

Glaser established Compass Box based on his commitment to evolving practices in the industry to make great Scotch whisky more approachable and relevant to more people.  From the beginning, his vision has been to create one of Scotland’s finest and most exciting whisky companies, re-establishing the standards for quality and style in the industry.

THE ART OF JAPANESE WHISKY REVEALED IN A RITUAL TASTING

London, June 13, 2011 – The meticulous attention to detail and the blending of art with nature were revealed at an Omotenashi – ritual tasting – of Suntory Japanese whisky at the Saatchi Gallery on June 13.

Showcased were the Yamazaki 12 year old and Hakushu single malts and Hibiki 17 year old blended whisky during a tasting led by Mike Miyamoto, Suntory Global Brand Ambassador.

Suntory whiskies have garnered over 60 awards in the last eight years. Most recently, Yamazaki 1984 year old single malt was named Best Malt Whisky in the World, while Hibiki 21 year old was named Best Blended Whisky in the World.

In 2010, Suntory was named Distiller of the Year, the first time such an accolade had  been given to a Japanese distiller,

Suntory has been perfecting the art of making whisky since the first whisky distillery in Japan was built by founder Shinjiro Torii in 1923. The whiskies were originally created to match the delicate Japanese palate and to complement the cuisine.  Often they are drunk at mealtime straight, on the rocks, blended with water as a Highball or blended with water as a mizuwari.

While Yamazaki, Hakushu or Hibiki are a delightful partner to sushi or nigiri, it was demonstrated that the whiskies marry well with English cooking too. They were matched playfully with fish and chips, burgers and shepherd’s pie.

Another side to the versatility of Suntory whiskies was revealed in a menu of cocktails celebrating the 24 Japanese Seasons. Mixologist Zoran Peric has created a unique collection of Suntory cocktails.                                                      

Art of Whisky/2

A Japanese cocktail is about philosophy, nuance and refinement in which the final product inspires the imagination and triggers the palate, he explained.

The art of the east and the art of the west meet literally at the Saatchi Gallery where Suntory is a corporate sponsor. Suntory has a long history  of association with the arts, said Makiko Ono, President of Suntory London. “Our founder, Shinjiro Torii firmly believed that a third of Suntory’s profit from all our business operations should be returned to society to enhance the Arts and Culture”.

Ms Ono added: “ I cannot emphasise enough how important the UK market is for Suntory. The Japanese have the highest respect for the United Kingdom and since 1971 London has been the hub of all Suntory operations in Europe”.

Diamond Jubilee Blended Scotch Whisky by John Walker & Sons Celebrating 60 Years of the Reign of Her Majesty the Queen 1952-2012

LONDON, June, 2011 – To mark The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, John Walker & Sons, Scotch Whisky Distillers By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen, is to produce an extremely limited edition of 60 crystal decanters of ‘Diamond Jubilee Blended Scotch Whisky by John Walker & Sons’, a unique blend of whiskies distilled in 1952 and finished in a marrying cask of English oak from The Queen’s Sandringham Estate.

These rare editions will be offered, by invitation only, for private sale at GBP100,000 each. John Walker & Sons will donate all profits from the sale, with a guarantee of at least GBP1million, to the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), the charitable arm of the Royal Warrant Holders Association. This will support the QEST Diamond Jubilee Appeal, through which it aims to grow its scholarship base, build a mentoring programme and enable traditional craftsmanship to flourish in Britain.

John Walker & Sons has harnessed the collective skills of some of the finest craftsmen and women, including fellow Royal Warrant Holders and QEST Scholars, to create exclusive, bespoke pieces to accompany the whisky; a stunning showcase of craftsmanship.

‘Diamond Jubilee Blended Scotch Whisky by John Walker & Sons’ will be presented in a lead crystal decanter adorned with a Britannia silver collar that features a half carat diamond set by hand, and an individually numbered silver seal. This will be accompanied by a pair of hand-engraved lead crystal glasses and a leather bound, personalised, hand-embellished artefact book, all housed in a bespoke cabinet incorporating woods from The Queen’s Sandringham and Balmoral estates.

David Gates, Royal Warrant grantee at John Walker & Sons said: “As a holder of the Royal Warrant, we felt compelled to mark this truly historic occasion with something truly exquisite. We look forward to sharing further news on this exceptional liquid very soon.”

Jim Beveridge, Master Blender for John Walker & Sons said: “These are extraordinary grain and malt whiskies that have been maturing slowly since 1952. It’s a huge privilege to work with them using all our resources and experience to craft a John Walker & Sons blend that’s fitting for this special anniversary. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Sixty editions of ‘Diamond Jubilee by John Walker & Sons’ will be bottled on 6th February 2012, exactly 60 years to the day since The Queen acceded to the Throne.

NOTES

ABOUT JOHN WALKER & SONS

John Walker & Sons is part of the Diageo Group.

Johnnie Walker(R) is the world’s number one Scotch whisky brand, enjoyed by people in almost 200 countries around the world.

ABOUT DIAGEO

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray and Captain Morgan.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

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