Diageo’s Single Malt Whiskies acclaimed by leading whisky experts

Posted by Pat Roberts

Diageo’s Single Malt Scotch Whiskies Lagavulin™, Talisker™ and The Singleton™ of Glen Ord™ have added further polish to their global prestige and long record of success with major wins in the prestigious Scotch Whisky Masters competition. The results were announced in London on 6 June 2011.

Talisker 57° North - Master award

The Scotch Whisky Masters awards are decided by expert judging panels after an extensive and rigorous blind tasting process.

The panels, all independent of the whisky industry, included mixologists, managers of luxury hotels, bars and restaurants, global retailers, and leading whisky commentators including two former editors of Whisky Magazine, chaired by the widely-respected drinks journalist Patience Gould.

They awarded six ‘Master’ accolades –  the highest award in the competition  –  to Diageo brands: Lagavulin 16 year old (adding to its already substantial collection of awards), The Singleton of Glen Ord 12 year old, now a major success in Asian markets, Talisker 57° North™, The Distillers Editions™ of Cragganmore™ and Dalwhinnie™  –  and a newcomer: Caol Ila™ Moch™, a recently launched expression of the highly successful Islay malt without an age statement, destined initially for the exclusive enjoyment of the Friends of the Classic Malts.

Talisker confirmed its status as a regular winner by picking up three top medals: a Master for Talisker 57° North, and Gold medals for Talisker 10 year old and Talisker Distillers Edition.

Other Gold medal winners were: Caol Ila 12 year old, Cardhu™ 12 year old, Cragganmore, 12 year old, Dalwhinnie 15 year old, Glenkinchie™ 12 year old, Glenkinchie Distillers Edition, Lagavulin Distillers Edition and The Singleton of Glendullan™ 12 year old.

Nick Morgan, Diageo Scotch Knowledge and Heritage Director, said

“These are outstanding results. And we value this increasingly-influential competition. It stands out by the independence of its judging panels, with members drawn from a wide cross-section of drinks professionals and commentators, many of whom are close to the tastes of our target consumers.”

WOODFORD RESERVE® NAMED OFFICIAL BOURBON OF THE BELMONT STAKES®

Woodford Reserve Belmont Jewel will serve as Official Drink of Belmont Stakes

June, 2011, Louisville, KY – Woodford Reserve®, one of America’s fastest growing bourbons, is proud to return as a sponsor of the 143rd running of the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 11 at Belmont Park® in Elmont, NY. Woodford Reserve will serve as the “Official Bourbon of the Belmont Stakes” for 2011 and will be included in the signature drink of the Belmont Stakes, the Belmont Jewel.

Woodford Reserve will also sponsor the race immediately preceding the running of the Belmont Stakes. Named the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap, the 1 1/4th mile turf race carries a purse of $400,000 and is for three-year-olds and up.  The Manhattan Handicap was inaugurated at Morris Park in 1896 and is named after the principal borough of New York City. The race will be nationally televised on NBC with post time set for 5:39 p.m. ET.

 “Woodford Reserve is proud to partner with Belmont Park and a distinguished race such as the Manhattan Handicap,” said Laura Petry, senior brand manager for Woodford Reserve.  “This partnership continues Woodford Reserve’s commitment to the thoroughbred industry and extends it to the East Coast.”

Woodford Reserve will also toast race day with the Belmont Jewel, the Official Drink of Belmont Park and the Belmont Stakes.

Woodford Reserve Belmont Jewel

Official Cocktail of the Belmont Stakes

1 ½ oz. Woodford Reserve

2 oz.  Lemonade

1 oz.  Pomegranate juice

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain over ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge or cherry.

The Woodford Reserve Belmont Jewel will be available in the clubhouse on the second floor near the Player’s Club, on the clubhouse third floor next to the food court, in the grandstand on the second floor near the escalators and at Backyard Brews in the Belmont Park Backyard.  

Hal Handel, NYRA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, said, “Woodford Reserve is a premium brand with strong commitment to the thoroughbred industry. This partnership is a perfect fit. We are very pleased to be able to offer our patrons access to Woodford Reserve’s first-class bourbon.”

Belmont Jewel

Belmont Park

Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, is the home of the third leg of horse racing’s storied Triple Crown and one of three racetracks operated by The New York Racing Association (NYRA). NYRA also operates Aqueduct Racetrack and Saratoga Race Course. Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing in New York through 2033, NYRA contributes more than $2 billion annually to the State’s urban, suburban and rural economy. In 2007, nearly two million people attended the live races at NYRA tracks, and the average daily betting handle on NYRA races totals more than $10.9 million. To learn more about NYRA, please visit www.NYRA.com.

About Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve is a super-premium Kentucky “small batch” bourbon distilled at the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, KY. It is a bourbon of craftsmanship and the embodiment of substance and style. Woodford Reserve is also the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky Derby and its distillery is the oldest bourbon distillery in America. Woodford Reserve is one of the fine spirits produced and marketed by Brown-Forman Corporation, a producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord and Tuaca. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. For more information on Woodford Reserve, visit www.woodfordreserve.com.

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

TEACHER’S – INDIA’S #1 SELLING SCOTCH WHISKY, NOW IN A BOLD NEW LOOK

The world’s premier Scotch whisky brand and the No 1 selling premium Scotch brand in India – Teacher’s will now be available in a new exclusive and contemporary look. What doesn’t change is the same uncompromising spirit. The new look forms part of a global refresh exercise to make Teacher’s contemporary and recruit new consumers into the brand franchise. Teacher’s is a Power brand within the Beam portfolio and this new look stays true to its heritage and genuine quality while staying relevant to successive generations of Scotch aficionados. This bold, confident new look adds a new aspirational touch to “The spirit of achievement” and is inspired from the Teacher’s adage that true achievement is not resting on your laurels but striving for the next high.

Teacher’s is a destination brand for consumers looking for fine taste. Over its 181 year history, Teacher’s has had a history of innovation and has changed its packaging over the years with an objective to keep the brand relevant contemporary to the ever evolving Scotch consumer. In 1913 Teacher’s patented “the self opening bottle”. This innovation essentially a tapered cork with a rim gave Teacher’s a 15-year lead over its rivals.

Mr. Harish Moolchandani, CEO & Managing Director, India and Indian Sub Continent, Beam Global Spirits & Wine said, “Teacher’s has grown to its preeminent position by staying true to its heritage and quality. And equally importantly, by embracing change and remaining relevant to successive generation of Scotch connoisseurs who appreciate a fine dram. The same uncompromising spirit, is now in a bold, confident, more premium look that refreshes our brand and brings us closer to the high standards set by William Teacher’s.”

The new Teacher’s Highland Cream bottle now has broader more masculine shoulders, an enhanced bulbous neck adding to style, with William Teacher’s WT insignia proudly embossed adds to authority and reinforces quality. Both the bottle label & the packaging moves away from the traditional all beige look to a new black, white & burnished gold look which shows more liquid and looks elegant and contemporary – representing the new Teacher’s consumer.

Teacher’s 50, the 12 year old blend from the house of Teacher’s retains its old all black & gold look but adapting to the new packaging style and bottle.

Alistair Longwell, Distillery Manager, Beam Global UK Ltd, Ardmore Distillery, said, “The stylish new packaging for Teacher’s accentuates all that is good about this iconic Brand. The boldness of the new bottle design, incorporating the prominent Teacher’s insignia on the bottle front and the Teacher’s name itself down both sides, together with the sleek profile of the new, contemporary label, allow every consumer to clearly see the quality that is present in every bottle – the finest blended Scotch that William Teacher was proud to put his name to.”

Teacher’s has three premium expressions available in India including Teacher’s Highland Cream, Teacher’s 50 and Teacher’s Origin. Teacher’s Origin celebrates William Teacher’s origin as a fine blender of Scotch whisky. It is a premium scotch blend that contains 65% malt, greater than any other standard blend and is maturated in 19th century styled Quarter Casks which impart upto 30% more maturation resulting in a rich and smooth taste. The

heart of Teacher’s Origin is Ardmore Malt Whisky which imparts a more traditional peat smoke flavour and rich robustness

About Teacher’s

Teacher’s Highland Cream was the first internationally known scotch to be launched in India. Today Teacher’s is the largest selling scotch brands, ragingly popular in cocktail circuits across the country. The prestigious Teacher’s 50, a 12 year old scotch whisky was specially blended and launched to commemorate the 50th year of the Indian independence.

Teacher’s Origin is an addition to the Teacher’s portfolio that includes eminent expressions like Teacher’s Highland Cream and Teacher’s 50. Teacher’s Origin celebrates William Teacher’s origin as a fine blender of Scotch whisky. It is a premium scotch blend that contains 65% malt, greater than any other standard blend and is maturated in 19th century styled Quarter Casks which impart upto 30% more maturation resulting in a rich and smooth taste. The heart of Teacher’s Origin is Ardmore Malt Whisky which imparts a more traditional peat smoke flavour and rich robustness.

1911 Lagavulin

1881 LAGAVULIN™ RETURNING HOME

by Pat Roberts

One of the world’s rarest bottles of Single Malt Scotch Whisky returned home to Lagavulin Distillery on 2 June 2011.

1911 Lagavulin

The exceptional 130-year old unopened bottle of “Lagavulin Liqueur” contains single malt whisky that was distilled at Lagavulin Distillery on Islay on 2 June 1881. After an extraordinary 30 years in cask, the single malt was bottled on 2 June 1911 by Mackie & Co of Glasgow, then owners of Lagavulin Distillery and a firm with a long tradition of supplying Islay malts.

It was rare for 19th century whiskies to be offered as single malts – most found their way into blended whisky – but according to Alfred Barnard, celebrated author of The Whisky Distilleries of the United Kingdom (published 1887), “there are only a few of the Scotch distillers that turn out spirit for use as single whiskies, and that made at Lagavulin can claim to be one of the most prominent“.

This precious bottle was acquired at auction by Diageo and forms part of the comprehensive Diageo spirits industry Archive. It was recently exhibited at the Visitors Centre at Royal Lochnagar distillery on Deeside.

But on 2 June, Donald Renwick, the distillery manager at Royal Lochnagar and former distillery manager at Lagavulin, travelled to Islay to carry the bottle back home, where it has been deposited in an ultra-secure display case in the Visitors Centre.

Georgie Crawford securing the 1911 bottle

The handover at Lagavulin Distillery took place on the 100th anniversary of the bottling, and the 130th anniversary of its distilling, to the exact day. Donald Renwick was accompanied on his journey to Islay by two other former Lagavulin distillery managers, Peter Campbell and John Thomson, who joined him in handing the bottle into the safekeeping of the distillery’s present manager, Georgie Crawford.

Lagavulin Distillery

Although Lagavulin Bay may have already been a centre of whisky production in the early 17th century, it was in 1816 that John Johnston founded the first legal distillery at Lagavulin, where it remains, dominated by the ruins of Dunyvaig Castle, a 13th century base of The Lords of the Isles. As with most Scottish distilleries, it passed through the hands of different owners, including the celebrated Sir Peter Mackie, whose company became White Horse Distillers, forever associated with Lagavulin. White Horse joined The Distillers Company Ltd. (eventually Diageo) in 1927. In 1989, Lagavulin, now bottled at 16 years rather than the original 12, became one of the six Classic Malts of Scotland; but a limited-edition of 12 year old expression is regularly issued in the annual Special Releases series.

Four Lagavulin Managers with 1911 bottle

•Glenglassaugh Replacement Distillery Manager

The Glenglassaugh Distillery Company is pleased to announce that as of 1st July 2011 two new roles will be created to replace the current Distillery Manager role.

Mhairi McDonald has been appointed to the new role of Production Manager  and will be responsible for all activities from raw material to final spirit production. Mhairi is currently working as trainee manager at Glenglassaugh and has a first class honours degree in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University where she also picked up a number of prizes for her outstanding work. She has previous experience of working with Diageo and Chase Distillery and also previously worked with us in a temporary marketing role.

The new Maturation Manager, responsible for all filling operations and looking after the maturing stock will be Graeme Morrison. Graeme has been with us since we purchased the distillery and his previous experience includes being in charge of the large Chivas filling store operation in Keith.

We would like to wish them both well in their new roles.

For further information, please contact:

Ronnie Routledge, Glenglassaugh Distillery Co.
www.glenglassaugh.com

Father’s Day (19th June 2011) is one of the only times of the year that we can truly spoil our father’s with a special gift and what better way to treat them than with a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue Label (SRP: £200).

Johnnie Walker Blue Label is the perfect gift for people who appreciate the finer things in life. Blended to evoke the qualities of whiskies created by the Walkers in the early 19th century, this prestigious blend has a dark gold appearance with dense shades of amber, and highlights the full power of flavours such as hazelnuts, rose petals, sherry and oranges.  The blend has a well balanced, long and intense finish with hints of smoke, Islay seaweed and vintage oak resulting in a truly unique taste experience.

Of the seven million casks of Scotch whisky available to the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Master Blender only about 1 in every 1000 are deemed to hold the exceptional flavours and properties necessary for Blue Label. Some of the distilleries that produced these casks no longer exist, making the whiskies literally irreplaceable.  Others come from exclusive distilleries with such small stills that only a small amount of whisky can be produced at any one time, adding to the final product’s exclusivity and high value.

These distinctive casks are carefully selected soon after they are distilled and are then set aside for Johnnie Walker Blue Label and matured until they are at their absolute peak. Johnnie Walker Blue Label whisky is best enjoyed from a balloon glass, the palate having first been cleansed with a sip of ice-cold highland spring water, served on the side.

Available at Harrods, Selfridges and The Whisky Exchange

Global thirst for learning about Scotch whisky quenched

A course designed to give an understanding of Scotch whisky is being launched online today (Wednesday 8 June, 2011) in a bid to satisfy increasing global demand from students.

Created by Moray College UHI, in partnership with Gordon & MacPhail, the World’s Leading Malt Whisky Specialist, the 20 hour online course can be studied anytime, anywhere with internet access.  It aims to introduce students to the Scotch whisky industry and covers the history of whisky making, the production process and marketing.  A section on whiskies from around the world, including Canada and Japan, is also covered to highlight the differences across the globe.

Delivered along with eight whisky miniatures and three sampling glasses the course also helps to develop skills in nosing and tasting so students can appreciate the general characteristics of different styles and types of whisky, including single and blended malts.

Moray College UHI originally joined forces with Gordon & MacPhail to develop a residential whisky course, which was then developed into an open learning course available as a CD- Rom.  Following growing registration from students overseas, from Austria to Australia, it is now available as an interactive, online course – making it even more accessible.

Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director at Gordon & MacPhail, said:

“It is exciting to see more people from different cultures and walks of life developing an interest and enthusiasm for Scotch whisky.  By going online, this unique course is helping even more people across the globe learn about its origins and the many different varieties available.

“The increasing international appeal in whisky is also reflected in the growing number of exports of our very own handcrafted single malt, Benromach, which has seen particular growth throughout Europe, North America, South Africa and Japan over the last year.”

Master distiller, Jim Cryle, is the tutor for the course and regarded as one of the greatest authorities in Scotch whisky.  Retired as manager from The Glenlivet Distillery he brings to the course a broad expertise of whisky making including malting, distilling and quality control.  Coupled with Gordon & MacPhail’s extensive knowledge and history of Scotch whisky spanning over 100 years and the experience of Moray College UHI, a partner in the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), the course delivers an exclusive Scotch whisky learning experience.

Mike Devenney, Principal of Moray College UHI, said:

“The course has proven to be a huge success with people from a very broad range of 21 countries[1], including Estonia, South Africa and Hong Kong, enrolling for the CR-Rom over the last ten years.

“Converting it to an online format was the natural step in its progression.  The technology means we can reach a greater audience and interact with students online via assessments and question and answer sessions.   New computer animations clearly illustrate the skill and craft that whisky-making requires and students can introduce their own dimensions to the process to see the consequences of their actions on the final dram.”

Campbell Evans, Director of Government & Consumer Affairs at Scotch Whisky Association said:

“Whether before or after a trip to Scotland, or just because they already enjoy the drink, the use of technology will through this course take Scotch Whisky to living rooms and bars around the world. Better informed bar staff will be able to help their customers, and more knowledgeable consumers will be able to expand their appreciation and love of Scotch Whisky, whether they are in traditional Scotch Whisky export countries or new emerging markets.”

The course leads to a Moray College UHI/Gordon & MacPhail certificate and costs £195.  It is open to anyone over 18 years old (age restrictions for the consumption of alcohol may differ in overseas markets) with an interest in Scotch whisky and may particularly appeal to those working in the whisky, hospitality, leisure and tourism or retail industries. 

Further details can also be obtained from Moray College UHI Registry on T: 00 44 (0) 1343 576 309 or email: registry@moray.uhi.ac.uk

Notes

[1] Over the last ten years enrolment for the CD Rom version of the Whisky Course has included people from the USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, The Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and The Netherlands.

About Gordon & MacPhail:

Gordon & MacPhail is an independent, family-owned spirit and wine merchant who have been based in Elgin, Moray, since 1895. Four generations of the Urquhart family have continued the tradition of seeking out the best and rarest Scotch whiskies.

Since its foundation, Gordon & MacPhail’s policy has been to send casks to distilleries throughout Scotland, fill them with ‘new make’ spirit and mature them either at the distillery of origin or in the firm’s own bonded warehouses in Elgin.

Now one of the world’s leading malt whisky specialists, Gordon & MacPhail exports to more than 55 countries. It offers more than 450 presentations of own-bottled single malts and has a stock-holding of more than 700 whiskies. In 2009, Gordon & MacPhail was awarded the prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

In 1993 the company purchased Benromach Distillery in nearby Forres.  After extensively re-equipping the distillery over a five year period, Benromach was officially opened by HRH Prince Charles in October 1998.  The award winning range includes Benromach 10 Years Old and Benromach Organic – the world’s first single malt to be certified by the Soil Association.

About Moray College UHI:

Moray College UHI is a partner in the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) which has only recently become Scotland’s newest university. The college has its origins in Elgin Technical College, which was founded in 1971 and which changed its name to Moray College following the incorporation of Scotland’s Colleges in 1993.

With over 9,800 students, Moray College UHI provides a wide range of courses covering many subject areas at various levels of study which meet the needs of a diverse range of people. The rich landscape and energetic community of the surrounding area form a key component of many courses, through study tours and work placements.
 
The college has a commitment to bring out the very best from its students, at all the various levels of attainment, and some of its proudest moments are in following the subsequent careers of so many of them. It seeks to provide the skills and knowledge and ways of thinking to shape a new generation, and warmly welcomes students from all places and all age groups and all walks of life.

About The Scotch Whisky Association:

Scotch Whisky, which by law must be made in Scotland, is one of the UK’s leading export industries generating £3.45billion for the balance of trade. It is an icon for Scotland is almost 200 countries around the world.

The Scotch Whisky Association represents the interests of distillers, bottlers, blenders and brand owners at home and abroad.

Its objective is to facilitate long term growth worldwide by promoting Scotch Whisky as a spirit of the highest quality produced in Scotland from natural ingredients, encouraging responsible consumption of alcohol as part of a modern, healthy lifestyle, protecting the integrity of Scotch Whisky if necessary through the courts, and negotiating for the removal of trade barriers or disproportionate regulatory measures that undermine the competitiveness of the Scotch Whisky industry.

THERE’S NO TURNING BACK AS PIONEERING ARCTIC ROWERS CHRISTEN THEIR VESSEL

Arctic and maritime adventurer Jock Wishart and his crew have today christened their specially designed rowing boat, The Old Pulteney ahead of its pioneering voyage into the unknown. The  expedition team named the boat after their sponsors, Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky at a ceremony outside Boisdale’s at Canary Wharf, London.

Wishart will lead a six strong team on the Old Pulteney Row to the Pole expedition in a bespoke ice boat – today christened The Old Pulteney – which will set off from Canada’s Resolute Bay on the 1st of August on a 450 mile route across the arctic on a voyage to the magnetic North Pole which, if successful, will make history as a world first.

The Old Pulteney has been constructed to accommodate a six-strong crew and their equipment during the four to six week voyage. The crew comprise of five experienced oarsmen, and one carefully selected novice, David Mans. Mans, a 28 year old British Army Officer and Afghanistan veteran from Hampshire, beat stiff competition from hundreds of international entrants of the Old Pulteney Pole Position Competition earlier this year, offering one spirited person a once in a lifetime chance to be part of this extraordinary adventure.

Speaking at the ceremony, Jock Wishart told the audience: “It is hard to imagine that in the 21st century there are still parts of our oceans that have never been explored. This is truly a voyage into the unknown – within 60 nautical miles of the start of our voyage; we will be taking The Old Pulteney through waters that have never been navigated by any surface vessel.”

The challenge is of global significance as both a pioneering maritime adventure and an environmental expedition and has only now become possible due to the increase in seasonal sea ice melt and its deterioration because of climate changes. The final leg of the journey is only navigable for a few weeks of the year before refreezing, and Jock and his crew will be working with scientific research partners to deliver environmental data and insight from the journey.

David Mans, the crew’s oceanographer, said: “Last summer the ice melted to its third lowest extent. Already this year the ice is shrinking at a rate of 15,000 square kilometres a day and indicating that the conditions could well be right for us to make it all the way.”

Christening the boat at the launch, Senior Brand Manager for Old Pulteney, Margaret Mary Clarke commented: “Old Pulteney is a long standing supporter of maritime activity and we’ve been working with Jock and his team for over two years on building up to this day. It’s fantastic to christen the boat The Old Pulteney and we wish Jock and his crew the best of luck for the expedition.”

During their epic row, the crew will be sleeping on board their cramped boat and experiencing temperatures as low as minus 15 Centigrade and they will have to consume over 7,000 calories to survive.

“It’s daunting” comments oarsman Billy Gammon, “I’m taking time out from my job to do this, but I am sure there will be times it won’t seem like such a good idea!”

To help the crew navigate the journey safely and identify the route through the disintegrating ice, Jock Wishart will be studying detailed satellite photos taken by MDA Geospatial’s Radarsat 2: “The satellite images are our eye in the sky. Without them it would be much more difficult to navigate,  especially in the later stages of the expedition when we expect the amount of ice surrounding us will be greatest.”

www.rowtothepole.com

Notes

• The certified position of the North Magnetic Pole is 78 degrees, 35.724 minutes North, 104 degrees, 11.915 minutes West.
• See Jock Wishart’s biography attached for more information on his previous feats as an oarsman, polar explorer and navigator.

‘The Old Pulteney’ Ice Boat

The Old Pulteney was designed by Dutchman Peter Bosgraaf of Peter Bosgraaf Yacht Design from Amsterdam in collaboration with Hugh Welbourne of Welbourne Yacht Design from East Allington, Devon, who advised on the laminates and under water construction. Roger Daynes of Snowsled Polar from Tetbury in Wiltshire advised on the design and construction of the “runners” on the bottom of the ice boat. The boat was built by Cris Rossiter of Rossiter Yachts in Christchurch, Dorset.

Old Pulteney

Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky is crafted at the most northerly distillery on the UK mainland in Wick. The distillery was founded in 1826 at the height of Wick’s herring boom and it’s this maritime heritage that gives the whisky its name as the Maritime Malt. Old Pulteney’s partnership with Jock is rooted in the whisky’s renowned maritime heritage and history of supporting sailing and seafaring adventure.

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.

International Beverage brands include:
 Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
 Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
 Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
 Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
 Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals

The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network.  Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of more than 12 nationalities speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

EARLY TIMES KENTUCKY WHISKY UNVEILS  “REEL IN A MILLION” CONTEST

Consumers Are Invited to Show Their “Fish Face” to Win a Chance to Fish with Professional Angler Kevin Wirth for One Million Dollars

Louisville, KY – Early Times Kentucky Whisky announces the popular Reel in a Million contest will return for 2011. The winner will receive a dream fishing trip to Lake Louise, Lake Butler and Lake Palmer in Orlando, Florida for a chance to catch a tagged bass worth one million dollars.

Early Times will lend the help of Team Early Times’ Kevin Wirth, one of the world’s top-ranked anglers, as his or her fishing partner for the day. Together they will try to reel in 50 tagged bass connected to great prizes including the “Big Cash Bass” worth one million dollars. 

“This year we’re bringing our winner to Florida for a once in a lifetime opportunity to catch a fish that could be worth a million dollars,” said Therese McGuire, brand manager for Early Times Kentucky Whisky. “Not only is there a million dollars on the line, but this is the only fishing promotion we know of where a consumer will have the opportunity to work side-by-side with a world class angler like Kevin Wirth.”

Starting June 1, 2011, consumers 21 years of age and older can enter the Early Times’ “Reel in a Million” contest on the Early Times Facebook page at www.facebook.com/earlytimeswhisky by submitting their best “fish face” photo. Entries must be received by July 31, 2011. Early Times will choose 20 finalists whose entries will be posted on the Early Times Facebook site. Early Times will then select a grand prize winner from among the 20 finalists in early August. The Reel in a Million event will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2011. The winner and one guest will be provided with travel to Orlando, FL along with two nights accommodations.

In addition to the million-dollar tagged bass, the lucky angler is eligible to pull in other tagged bass worth $100,000, $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000. Whether it is Wirth who catches a tagged bass or the sweepstakes winner, Early Times will give all prizes to the winner of the sweepstakes. For full sweepstakes details visit www.facebook.com/earlytimeswhisky.

About Early Times

Early Times Kentucky Whisky, is enjoyed in 28 countries around the world and the Early Times Mint Julep is the “Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby™.” For more information visit www.earlytimes.com. For over 140 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Canadian Mist, Early Times Kentucky Whisky, Korbel, Gentleman Jack, el Jimador, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord and Woodford Reserve. Brown-Forman’s brands are supported by nearly 4,000 employees and sold in approximately 135 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit http://www.brown-forman.com/.