Disabled teams defy difficult terrain and appalling weather to meet the 2011 Bowmore Ben Nevis Challenge

I was determined to make it to the top this time, having had to turn back before. I’m ecstatic to have got to the summit.’ Rosie Smith, Team Leader, Nitshill.

Eight teams of disabled and non-disabled people yesterday (20th August 2011) set off on what is the ultimate challenge; conquering the UK’s highest peak Ben Nevis. Sponsored by Bowmore, the first Islay Single Malt Whisky, the Bowmore Ben Nevis Challenge is the culmination of months of training and preparation for the teams.

Guided by ex-SAS officer and TV Presenter Ken Hames, the teams were led by disabled people with a variety of impairments. The leaders, seven of who are using specially designed wheelchairs, must navigate and direct their team to the summit and in the process help raise vital funds for Capability Scotland.

The teams made the ascent despite at times appalling weather with almost constant rain and, at times, zero visibility. Working with experienced volunteer mountain guides they worked their way across treacherous terrain, avoiding sheer drops and contending with large boulders and fences.

The first team to the top was led by Rosie Smith (24) from Nitshill in Glasgow. She and her team ‘Rosie’s Runners’ made the summit in just 5 hours and 20 minutes. ‘Despite having attempted this before, I was still nervous’ said Rosie, ‘but I was determined to make it to the top this time, having had to turn back before. I’m ecstatic to have got to the summit.’

Andy Steen (45) from Gourock and his team ‘We Want To Go Hames’ was second to the summit. He commented: “How many people can say they’ve been up Ben Nevis?  I’ve joined an elite club! I hope this event will help dispel the myth that sometimes exists that disabled people need to be wrapped in cotton wool!”

Capability Scotland, Director of External Affairs, Richard Hamer, added: “We are delighted to have been able to work with our sponsor, Bowmore, to stage this terrific challenge.  Not only will the event help raise vital funds to support disabled people at home, at work and in school it will also hopefully demonstrate just what can be achieved when disabled people are given the opportunity to explore and enjoy every part of our country, an opportunity which they are not always given.”

Cara Laing, Bowmore Brand Manager said, “Bowmore has always been a champion of nature and the great outdoors so we’re delighted to be supporting Capability Scotland and the team to take on this, the ultimate physical and mental challenge for both non disabled and disabled people. We’ll be taking part in the challenge and waiting at the bottom of the mountain to give each of the participants an extra special dram. It would be great if our friends can show their support by digging deep and helping to raise our fundraising goal of £100,000.”

Front: Rosie Smith, Back left – right, Johanthon McNeil, Victoria Sparrow, John Keenan, Gail Taylor, Michael Gaffney Photo credit Michael Dickie

Please  visit www.capability-scotland.org.uk/bennevis. 

You can also follow us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/CapabilityScotland

and Twitter http://www.twitter.com/capability_scot.

Notes

Capability Scotland

Capability Scotland campaigns with, and provides education, employment and support services for, disabled children and adults across Scotland supporting them to achieve equality and have choice and control in their lives. www.capability-scotland.org.uk  Capability’s mission is to transform expectations of what is possible and ensure that disabled people achieve equality in all areas of life.

In May 2008 Capability Scotland staged the original Ben Nevis challenge which raised £100,000.

Capability’s Access to Sport survey should that 64% of disabled Scots did not meet government recommended levels of physical activity and 40% felt they could not take part in sports or excersise.  The survey identified a number of barriers including lack of suitability of available activities, lack of support, lack of confidence and negative attitudes, policies and practices.

Bowmore

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

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

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

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

They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours.

It’s this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore Single Malt Whiskies.

The Bowmore domestic product range:

• Bowmore Legend
• Bowmore 12 Years Old
• Bowmore 15 Years Old ‘Darkest’ (sherry cask finished)
• Bowmore 18 Years Old
• Bowmore 25 Years Old

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY WHISKEYS RECEIVE TOP HONORS IN INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION

Three Whiskeys Named “Best in Class”

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 2011) – Buffalo Trace Distillery once again solidified its standing as the world’s most award-winning distillery with honors from the 2011 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), results of which were released on July 27. Taking top honors were several Buffalo Trace whiskeys, including:

· Gold Medal, Best in Class—Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

· Gold Medal, Best in Class—William Larue Weller Uncut, Unfiltered Bourbon

· Silver Medal, Best in Class—George T. Stagg Uncut, Unfiltered Bourbon

Also winning Gold Medals were Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Year Old Bourbon, Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Uncut, Unfiltered Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, and Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon.

Silver Medal winners include Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon, Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Bourbon, and Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 20 Year Old Bourbon.

In total, Buffalo Trace Distillery entered 22 whiskeys in the competition, and 18 of them won awards. Of the Gold Medal Winner, Best in Class for Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey, the judges noted, “… Beautiful structure and enormous surge appears in the full paced finish. A fascinating whiskey.”

The IWSC is the fourth spirits competition Buffalo Trace Distillery has entered this year, bringing the grand total of medals awarded to the Distillery to 82 for this year alone.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery

Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The distillery’s rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Malt Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotrace.com.

Quality in Quantity as Chivas Brothers Whiskies Scoop Top Awards at the International Wine and Spirit Competition

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, is celebrating after winning a covetable Trophy, an impressive five Gold ‘Best in Class’ medals and two Gold awards at this year’s prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).

The Glenlivet, the world’s No 2 single malt Scotch whisky, continued its legacy as the original and inspiring single malt by claiming the IWSC Cask Strength Scotch Whisky Trophy for The Glenlivet Founders Reserve. Launched to mark the expansion of The Glenlivet distillery in 2010, the bottling pays tribute to the whisky’s founder George Smith and reflects the year of its foundation with the limited release of just 1,824 bottles.

Further triumph for The Glenlivet came when Gold ‘Best in Class’ medals were awarded to The Glenlivet 18 Year Old and The Glenlivet 21 Year Old Archive. The brand also picked up a Gold medal for its bold and innovative expression, The Glenlivet Nádurra Cask Strength 16 Year Old.

Chivas Brothers’ extensive blended Scotch whisky portfolio also scooped ‘Best in Class’ Golds for Ballantine’s 17 Year Old and Royal Salute 21 Year Old.

Aberlour, a leading single malt Scotch whisky in France, scooped two of the top accolades in the competition, including a Gold ‘Best in Class’ for the Aberlour Double Cask Matured 16 Year Old and Gold for the 18 Year Old expression.

Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, said: “We are delighted with these exceptional IWSC results, which are testament to the quality of our comprehensive portfolio of Scotch whiskies. Recognition from the IWSC’s expert panel of judges not only reinforces our position as an authority within the industry, it also highlights the craftsmanship and dedication of our master distillers and blenders.”

The IWSC was founded in 1969 to promote and reward the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs. Winners are selected following a rigorous two-stage judging process of professional blind tasting and a detailed technical analysis. The competition is backed by a group of vice-presidents made up of the most influential men and women in the trade and a judging panel of industry experts. This year’s competition received entries from almost 80 countries.

Notes:

International Wine and Spirit Competition Results:

The IWSC Cask Strength Scotch Whisky Trophy
The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve 21 Year Old

Gold Best in Class
The Glenlivet 18 Year Old
The Glenlivet 21 Year Old Archive
Aberlour 16 Year Old Double Cask Matured
Ballantine’s 17 Year Old
Royal Salute 21 Year Old

Gold
The Glenlivet Nádurra Cask Strength 16 Year Old
Aberlour 18 Year Old

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

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

For further information: Visit: www.chivasbrothers.com

The Kensington Wine Market is proud to announce the official launch a 70 year old whisky at two exclusive tastings: Thursday August 25th and Friday August 26th 2011. These sold out tastings ($200/person), which are being conducted by Michael Urquhart, Co-Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, are expected to raise up to $3,500.00 for a local charity. The whisky, Gordon & MacPhail’s Generations Glenlivet 1940 70 Year Old, will be available from the Kensington Wine Market, after August 26 at the price of $21,999.99 for a 700ml bottle and $5,999.99 for a 200ml bottle. The Glenlivet 1940 ties a record, also held by Gordon & MacPhail, for the oldest whisky ever bottled. It will be sold exclusively by the Kensington Wine Market in Canada, along with five other Gordon & MacPhail Glenlivet vintages, one from each of five decades: 1950-1990. Together they are one of the most unique and interesting whisky collections every put up for sale.

More About the Gordon & MacPhail Generations Glenlivet 1940 70 Year

– Bottled after 70 years in a single First Fill Sherry Butt.

– Filled into bottle at 45.9%

– Only 100 numbered 700ml decanters available worldwide; 2 in Canada.

– Only 175 numbered 200ml decanters available worldwide; 10 in Canada

– The hand blown crystal decanters are in the shape of a tear and have a British Hallmarked silver stopper.

– The decanter is cradled in a sterling silver base, in a bespoke Scottish Elm box handmade in Scotland.

More About the Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Decades Bottlings

1. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 5 Decade Set – 50 Sets Available World Wide– Only 1 set to Alberta – 1 bottle each of the following vintages: 1954, 1963, 1974, 1980 and 1991. – $5664.99

2. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 1954 – 56 Year – 135 bottles – Only 6 bottles to Alberta – 50.6% – First Fill Sherry Hogshead – Tasting Notes to Come in a Future Malt Messenger – $2193.99

3. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 1963 – 47 Year – 169 bottles – Only 6 bottles to Alberta – 40.6% – First Fill American Oak Hogshead – Tasting Notes to Come in a Future Malt Messenger – $1325.99

4. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 1974 – 36 Year – 189 bottles – Only 6 bottles to Alberta – 50.1% – First Fill Sherry Hogshead – Tasting Notes to Come in a Future Malt Messenger – $923.99

5. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 1980 – 30 Year – 61 bottles – Only 3 bottles to Alberta – 48.5% – Refill American Oak Hogshead – Tasting Notes to Come in a Future Malt Messenger – $496.99

6. Gordon & MacPhail Private Collection Glenlivet 1991 – 19 Year – 203 bottles – Only 6 bottles to Alberta – 54.4% – Refill Sherry Hogshead – Tasting Notes to Come in a Future Malt Messenger – $202.99

More About Gordon & MacPhail

– Located in the north-east of Scotland in the heart of the world famous whisky producing region of Speyside, Gordon and MacPhail is an independent family owned and managed firm which has been bottling Single Malt Whiskies for over 115 years.

– From its humble beginnings as a retailer, Gordon and MacPhail has grown to become a diverse and dynamic company with a number of different business interests today which include the retailing, wholesaling, exporting, bottling and distilling of single malt Scotch whisky.

– Owned by the third and fourth generation of the Urquhart family, Gordon and MacPhail celebrate family values, embracing the philosophy that the future is shaped by what is done today and today is represented by what has been done in the past.

– In 1993 nearly 100 years after its founding the company fulfilled a long-time goal of acquiring their own distillery, Benromach.

More About Michael Urquhart – Co-Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail

– Michael is part of the third generation to own and manage the 115 year old company. The 4th generation of the Urquhart family has also entered the business.

– A Chartered Accountant, Michael is responsible for the Finance and Export functions at Gordon & MacPhail.

– Since 2007 he has also taken over the responsibility for Whisky Production and Supply within the business.

– In 1999 he was made a Keeper of the Quaich in recognition of services of promotion of Scotch Whiskies worldwide and continues to travel extensively in this respect.

More About Kensington Wine Market

– One of the first private liquor stores in Canada.

– The doors opened on Friday, May 15, 1992, two-and-a-half years before the provincial government fully privatized the sale of alcohol.

– Richard Lindseth, a Calgary architect, and local businesswoman Nancy Carten, formed a partnership which became the Kensington Wine Market.

– We have grown from a small family of 4 employees to a larger one of 20 dedicated oenophiles, beer and whisky experts.

– From our humble origins we are recognized as one of the most respected liquor stores in Canada.

– Up to 1/3 of our wines are exclusively imported, we have an impressive selection of import and micro brewed beers and our whisky selection is second to none in the country.

o We select and bottle our own casks of whisky.

o Stock 40+ exclusive whiskies.

o And specialize acquiring the most rare and unique whiskies to find their way into Canada, like these Glenlivets.

More About Andrew Ferguson – Kensington Wine Market’s Scotch Whisky Expert

– One of Canada’s most respected authorities on Scotch whisky.

– First Canadian retailer to be inducted into the Keepers of the Quaich, and one of only 12 Canadians to be honoured by the organization.

– Has helped Kensington Wine Market become one of the most well known specialist whisky shops in North America.

– Writes a whisky newsletter distributed to nearly 5,000 recipients.

– Conducts tastings and Master Classes all over Canada.

– Organizes and leads week long small group premium Whisky Tours in Scotland.

More About Gold Medal Marketing and Andy Dunn

– Andy is one of the most well known promoters of Scotch whisky in western Canada, having spent the last 17 years working in the privatized Alberta liquor market.

– Andy started Gold Medal Marketing in 2000 after a number of decades working in various facets of the Western Canadian liquor industry.

– For his service to the Scotch Whisky industry Andy Dunn was made a Keeper of the Quaich (one of fewer than a dozen in Canada) in 2008.

– Gold Medal Marketing represents more than 125 brands in Alberta and is specialized in Scotch whisky, representing:

1. Gordon & MacPhail

2. Benromach

3. Springbank

4. WM Cadenhead

5. Tullibardine

6. Kilchoman

7. And others.

Morning dew now appearing – time for an Hakuro cocktail

London  August 2011: Some are excited to see the first appearances of morning dew, others become slightly depressed because summer is becoming just a memory.

With their 24 seasons the Japanese have just the answer, time to mix two very appropriate cocktails for the month of September. These are from a range of seasonal cocktails created by Zoran Peric, Suntory Brand Ambassador.

Hibiki Hakuro is the cocktail to banish the blues or to celebrate the coming of the cooler seasons when dew appears.

Hakushu Shuubun will repeat the effect in the second half of September, time of the Autumn Equinox.

Hakuro – when the white morning dew appears

That fall in temperature is the wake-up call for an Hibiki Hakuro cocktail.

Hibiki Hakuro : 50ml Hibiki 17 Year Old Blended

Malt whisky

50ml Sugarcane juice

2.5ml Milk thistle

Pour ingredients over ice, stir thoroughly

Serve in a chunky highball glass

Garnish with a twist of orange

Shuubun – the time of the Autumn Equinox

For that balance between celebration or banishing the blues try an Hakushu Shuubun.

Hakushu Shuubun: 50ml Hakushu 12 Year Old

Single Malt whisky

20ml Yuzu juice

20ml Gomme syrup

1 Egg white

Shake ingredients thoroughly and pour into a cocktail goblet

Garnish with lemon twist

Suntory Japanese whiskies are world beaters having won more than 60 international awards since 2003 and whisky lovers have taken to them. There is something about their subtle aromas and delicate flavours which appeals to the palate whether taken neat, over ice or in cocktails.

Hakushu 12 year old Single Malt whisky and Hibiki 17 year old Blended Malt whisky are firm favourites in Japan and here in Europe. Taste them at their best in the Hibiki Hakuro and Hakushu Shuubun cocktails above.

Note: Pronouncing Suntory names

Yamazaki – (Ya-ma-zarkee)

Hakushu – (Ha-koo-shoe)

Hibiki – (Hi-bi-kee)

Yamazaki single malt whiskies are available from: Selfridges, Harvey Nicols, The Whisky Exchange, independent specialist retailers and www.drinkon.com priced from:

Hakushu 12 year old £52

Hibiki 17 year old £70

The Yamazaki range of single malt whiskies from Suntory is distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends. For all sales enquiries contact: sales@cellartrends.co.uk

Ballantine’s Extends its Lead as Europe’s Favourite Whisky and becomes a Major Hit on YouTube

According to the latest data published by IWSR* Ballantine’s has reinforced its position as No 1 selling Scotch whisky in Europe and No 1 whisky overall for the region. Ballantine’s grew volume in Europe in 2010, selling 4m cases, extending the lead to over 600,000 9L cases versus the No 2 competitor.

Over 70 million bottles of the world No 2 Scotch whisky were purchased in the last year, ranging from the ever popular Ballantine’s Finest and Ballantine’s 12 Year Old to the brand’s comprehensive aged blended Scotch whisky range, which makes Ballantine’s the No1 ultra premium whisky in Asia Pacific.

According to Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s, “The brand’s continued popularity across Europe and worldwide is down to a mix of proud heritage and consistent, multi-award winning quality together with dynamic and engaging marketing initiatives that resonate with Ballantine’s drinkers.”

The recent success of Ballantine’s has been driven by the hugely acclaimed and distinctive global marketing campaign ‘Leave an Impression’, which was initially launched in more than 100 countries. Phase 2 was rolled out in 2010 with the ‘Plan Ballantine’s’ communication platform, which focuses on Ballantine’s Finest.

This year Ballantine’s Finest launched a major digital campaign ‘The Human API’ on Facebook. The campaign video received a viral response with over 1 million views on YouTube when it showed an artist tattooing a client live on Facebook. During the four hour session, fans took part in some of the creative decisions and the resulting tattoo featured a QR code that linked to an animation – a first in tattooing.

Ballantine’s also launched a creative TV advertising campaign across Latin America and pan-Europe, entitled Transformation, which inspires people to ‘change their plan and leave an impression’.

Ballantine’s has also continued high profile golf sponsorships like the Ballantine’s Championship in Korea and the Barclay’s Scottish Open, which are particularly popular with drinkers of the brand’s aged Scotch whisky range.

Notes:

* International Wine & Spirit Research’s Database 2011

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

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

LAGAVULIN™ ISLAY JAZZ FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2011 PROGRAMME

The programme has been announced for this year’s Lagavulin™ Islay Jazz Festival, and tickets have gone on sale via the website and direct from promoters Jazz Scotland.

The 13th Lagavulin™ Islay Jazz Festival, which this year will take place from 16-18 September, is again expected to attract hundreds of jazz lovers to the world-famous whisky island on Scotland’s west coast.

And the BBC have announced that they will be recording some sessions at Lagavulin Distillery for BBC Radio 3‘s Jazz Line Up and BBC Radio Scotland’s Jazz House programmes for broadcast at a later date.

A special limited-edition bottling of Lagavulin Single Malt Scotch Whisky will be on sale to Festival ticket holders during the Festival. The bottling is from a single bodega sherry wood cask of Lagavulin, filled in February 1993 and matured at the historical warehouse at Caol Ila distillery, also on Islay.

Viktoria Tolstory will open the Lagavulin Islay Jazz Festival

This year, one of Europe’s major vocal stars, Viktoria Tolstoy, visits Islay for the first time. Highly musical, and exuding charisma, she’ll sing her own special arrangements of many great standards along with interpretations of pop tunes. Her first concert, at Lagavulin Distillery, inaugurates the Festival on Friday 16 September.

The Festival also features the world premiere of Tom Bancroft ‘s Red Trio with English piano star, Tom Cawley, and Norwegian bass sensation Mats Eilertsen, while Brian Kellock and Jacob Karlzon front two piano trios at different edges of the jazz spectrum.

The sensational brass quartet, Brass Jaw, play two concerts, mixing magnificent musicality with humour and an unbridled imagination.

Otis Grand

Subie Coleman fronts the late night jazz/soul dance at Bowmore Hall with Philadephia and New York tipped raw soul grooves, while Otis Grand and Sandy Tweeddale deliver exceptional vintage driving-blues. Mario Caribe fronts two bands new to the Festival – one focusing on the music of his homeland: Brazil, the other an all-star homage to the Jazz Crusaders.

Nick Morgan, for the Lagavulin Scotch Whisky brand, says “The Jazz Festival is a great advertisement for Islay and a great advertisement for Lagavulin Scotch Whisky. The brand is now really at the heart of the Festival, with its strong personality, big heritage and plenty of intensity. Not a bad analogy for jazz.”

The Festival is co-promoted by jazz specialists Jazz Scotland, and the island’s premier arts promoters, The Islay Arts Association.

Jazz Scotland Director Fiona Alexander pointed out that “ The magic of the Jazz Festival in Islay is partly created by Lagavulin. Without their funding, we would not be able to present so much high quality jazz.”

Diageo announced in February that it was renewing the sponsorship of the Festival by the quintessential Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Lagavulin, following the highly successful and widely welcomed sponsorship of the event last year.

The events of the Festival are spread over three days. Concerts are presented across the island, in a mix of unique settings: village halls, distilleries, bird sanctuaries, and small bars and inns. Several sessions are held at Lagavulin Distillery, in the acoustically excellent Malt Mill.

Notes

Programme details
Islay Jazz Festival website: www.islayjazzfestival.co.uk/

The Islay Jazz Festival
The Festival has been running since 1999; this year’s is the 13th.. Since then the Festival has promoted musicians from over 25 countries and presented fifteen world premieres and is today regarded as a significant jazz event in the UK calendar.

Diageo’s famous Islay single malt whisky Lagavulin™ first sponsored the Festival in 2010.

Special Festival bottling of Lagavulin™ This will be priced at £79.95 UK RRP per bottle.

GHOSTLY SPIRITS OF BARDSTOWN

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival Inc. invites you to Ghostly Spirits of Bardstown. The walks are Thursday -Saturday, September 15-17, 2011 from 8 p.m. until 10 pm, with a final walk on Saturday, September 17th from 10 p.m. until midnight.

Join certified Ghost Hunter Patti Starr for a historic walking tour and ghost hunt on the shadowy streets of Bardstown. You’ll hear true stories of ghostly activity at the locations on the trek. Bring your cameras, audio recorders and camcorder, if you wish.

The tour starts at the Bardstown Welcome Center. Tickets are $20 per person and available by calling 800-638-4877 # 4 or 502-348-3623 # 4. Reservations are recommended.

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival Inc. is a non-profit organization

Whisky Israel publishes its 300th post, and celebrates its two year birthday with a ‘Balvenie’ 3 sample set Raffle

As a token of their appreciation to their readers , Whisky Israel is giving you a chance to win a wee prize. A Balvenie 3 sample kit (3X50ml) containing the : 12 double wood, 12 year old ‘Signature’ and a 15 year old single cask.

To enter the competition you have to be a friend of whisky Israel whether on FB, or on twitter, and send an email with the following answers to : competitions@whiskyisrael.co.il

1. Your name
2. Your FB/twitter name you’re following us with (if you are not, then indicate that)
3. A short (100 words max) story telling us which whisky got you hooked, and where and when you got the chance of drinking it.

Mail it over to : competitions@whiskyisrael.co.il

The deadline for submitting your answers is September 1st.

Good Luck!

RARE AND AFFORDABLE ALBERTA PREMIUM 30 YEAR OLD LIMITED EDITION® WHISKY TO BE RELEASED THIS JUNE

Toronto, ON  – Starting this June, in time for Father’s Day, Canadian whisky lovers in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan are in for a rare and special treat. Calgary, Alberta-based Alberta Distillers Ltd., the producer of Alberta Premium®, will release a limited amount of its rare Alberta Premium 30 Year Old Limited Edition® – a must-have addition to any whisky lovers’ collection.

What makes this a unique whisky is both its age and limited availability. Developed by Alberta Distillers Ltd., owned by Beam Global Spirits, Alberta Premium 30 Year Old Limited Edition has been aged for 26 years in charred oak casks until its smooth and unique taste emerged, decanted and then casked again for four more years.

According to Rob Tuer, Director of Operations at Alberta Distillers, whisky fans can expect Alberta Premium 30 Year Old Limited Edition to deliver a unique blend of wood, spice, chocolate and a hint of smoke. Tuer describes the rare liquid as having rich, full- bodied, extremely smooth and mellow taste with distinctive rye notes.

“Alberta Distillers is proud and excited to introduce this rare, top quality whisky to Canada,” says Tuer. “This small batch 30 Year Old Limited Edition is an exceptional opportunity for Alberta Premium lovers and whisky connoisseurs to enjoy.”

Whisky connoisseurs consider Alberta Premium a top quality rye whisky. It is heralded for its flavour, bouquet and value, and is one of the few 100 per cent rye whiskies still made in North America. Accolades for the brand are global.

In his 2011 edition, whisky expert Jim Murray, author of the Whisky Bible, calls Alberta Premium a “throbbing, pulsing rye on a variety of levels: full and juicy, dull and dusty, firm and flinty. Unique and unmistakable; the first whisky of my day – and it needs to be.” Alberta Premium has been awarded “Canadian Whisky of the Year” by Murray in his 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 Whisky Bibles. The 25 Year Old Limited Edition bottling won “Canadian Whisky of the Year” in the 2008 version. Alberta Premium also won the 2010 San Francisco World spirits competition Gold Medal.

Availability

Alberta Premium 30 Year Old Limited Edition will be available in Ontario, British Columbia (in July), Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan at a retail price of $49.95 / 750 mL bottle.

About Alberta Distillers Ltd.

Calgary-based Alberta Distillers Ltd. is one of the few remaining 100 per cent Canadian rye whisky producers in North America. They have produced quality whisky for over 50 years. The Alberta Premium brand has a strong focus on heritage and western rural values, and has won numerous prestigious awards for its excellent quality. As of 2010, Alberta Premium is owned by Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc., a unit of Fortune Brands.

About Beam Global Canada Inc.™

Beam Global Canada is building brands people want to talk about. Inspiring conversations in Canada and around the world, our brands include Canadian Club® Canadian Whisky, Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Courvoisier® Cognac, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cruzan® Rum, Banff Ice® vodka, and Alberta Premium® Canadian Whisky. Distribution partnerships in Canada include: The Macallan® and Highland Park® Single Malt Scotches, The Famous Grouse, Brugal® Rum, Russian Standard® vodka and Bols® Liqueurs.

Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc. is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company. For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.