BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has added Walter Simonz to its sales team as Wisconsin Regional Manager. He will be responsible for management of the Heaven Hill product portfolio throughout the state.

Simonz has almost 30 years of experience in the beverage alcohol industry. His experience includes portfolio management, marketing and business analysis.

“Wally is a great addition to Heaven Hill,” said Steve Feller, Vice President, North American sales for Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “He offers a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success.”

Simonz graduated from the University of Wisconsin. He and his family currently reside in Milwaukee, WI.

Walter Simonz

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.

The Glenlivet Storms Leading International Spirits Competition

The Glenlivet, the world’s No 2 malt whisky, was last week awarded one of the top trophies at the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2011.

The covetable IWSC Cask Strength Scotch Whisky Trophy was given to The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, which also picked up a Gold ‘Best in Class’ medal in the competition. The pinnacle of the brands success at the IWSC, The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve was commended by IWSC judges as a most ‘elegant and well balanced’ whisky.

The Glenlivet 18 Year Old and The Glenlivet 21 Year Old Archive were also awarded the top Gold ‘Best in Class’ medal, while The Glenlivet Nádurra Cask Strength 16 Year Old won a Gold medal. All three whiskies received acclaim from IWSC judges; The Glenlivet 18 Year Old was referred to as ‘elegant and poised to perfection’ while judges spoke of The Glenlivet 21 Year Old Archive as ‘a grand old whisky’. The Glenlivet Nádurra Cask Strength 16 Year Old received high praise when described as ‘classy in every respect’.

Global Brand Director for Malts at Chivas Brothers, Neil Macdonald, said: “This outstanding achievement highlights the quality credentials of The Glenlivet. A pioneering spirit, inspired by The Glenlivet founder George Smith, runs through the history of The Glenlivet and is just as prevalent today as it was then – as Master Distiller Alan Winchester so perfectly demonstrates with this award-winning range.”

The Glenlivet Distillery in Speyside recently underwent a £10 million expansion. The new facility will help increase production by 75%, as part of Chivas Brothers’ long-term ambition for the brand to become the World’s No 1 single malt Scotch whisky.

The Glenlivet 18 Year Old – the perfect expression of age and elegance, balancing the archetypal ripe fruit notes of The Glenlivet with a drier, evocative oak influence.

The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve 21 Year Old –This is Glenlivet at its best, incredibly smooth and envelops the mouth with delicious and mouthwatering fruity flavours. A limited edition of 1824 bottles were created in recognition of the year George Smith founded the distillery and to celebrate the opening of The Glenlivet distillery expansion.

The Glenlivet 21 Year Old Archive – a batch-produced whisky using only hand-selected casks. It is a complex whisky with sherry and wood notes integrating seamlessly with the aromatic palate.

The Glenlivet Nàdurra Cask Strength – Gaelic for ‘natural’, this 16-year-old single malt Scotch is a bold innovation and an exciting premium addition to The Glenlivet range. Non-chill filtered, Nàdurra is a smooth and fruity Speyside whisky with a softly rich, floral aroma, combined with added richness and creaminess devolved from maturation in first-fill ex-bourbon casks.

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 individuals in the trade and a judging panel of industry experts. This year’s competition received entries from almost 80 countries.

Notes:

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

Aberlour Goes for Gold at Leading International Spirit Competition

Aberlour has been awarded two Gold medals at one of the most prestigious international spirit competitions – the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2011.

Aberlour 16 Year Old Double Cask Matured won a Gold ‘Best in Class’ medal at the competition while Aberlour 18 Year Old was presented with a Gold medal.

The Gold ‘Best in Class’ is the highest medal a spirit can receive in the competition. The IWSC judges commended the ‘great depth of character’ of Aberlour 16 Year Old Double Cask Matured. The judge’s praise was also given to Aberlour 18 Year Old for its ‘inviting nose’ and a ‘creamy, rich flow and deep texture.’

Brand Director for Chivas Brothers Malts portfolio, Neil Macdonald, comments: “We are absolutely thrilled with these wins for Aberlour at this prestigious competition. The result highlights the quality of this multi-faceted and distinctive single malt whisky range which continues to attract wide acclaim from industry leaders such as the IWSC judges.”

The Aberlour malt whisky range has some very distinct characteristics, due to the fact it is matured in rare ex-sherry butts and ex-bourbon casks to ensure a perfect balance of flavours. The Aberlour range has a heritage stretching back more than 1,500 years to an ancient Celtic settlement established by St Drostan. Unlike most whiskies, the Aberlour brand name is synonymous with the Speyside village in which the original distillery is still located. The range has also recently undergone a packaging revamp to give the brand a more contemporary look and reflect the quality and richness of the whisky.

Aberlour 16 Year Old Double Cask Matured – launched in 2003, this whisky is matured in sherry and traditional oak casks to ensure a depth of character as well as the spiciness and fruitiness of Aberlour.

Aberlour 18 Year Old – an intense whisky of perfect structure with notes of chocolate and orange zest, leading to a very long, smooth finish.

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 individuals in the trade and a judging panel of industry experts. This year’s competition received entries from almost 80 countries.

Notes:

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

LUCK OF THE IRISH PREVAILS AS BARTON IRISH WHISKEY WINS SILVER AND BRONZE MEDALS IN SPIRITS COMPETITIONS

Also Named “Best Buy” and Received “89” points from Beverage Testing Institute

NEW ORLEANS, LA (Aug. 2011) – Irish eyes have been smiling upon Barton Irish Whiskey lately, with its first silver medal win in the Los Angeles Wine & Spirits Competition (LAIWSC), a bronze medal win in the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC), and some good marks from the Beverage Testing Institute.

This relative newcomer to the “hot” Irish Whiskey category was rated “Highly Recommended” with a score of 89 points and a “Best Buy” at the 2011 International Review of Spirits, conducted by the Beverage Testing Institute.

“We’ve only had this product on the market for about a year, so to receive these accolades so quickly is exciting,” said Lori Logan, brand director, Irish Whiskies. “We’ve always known our Barton Irish Whiskey had a taste and quality that over delivered for the price, especially compared to the competition. To have it rated so highly and be named a best buy just reinforces what both on premise accounts and consumers are quickly discovering – Barton Irish Whiskey is a great product at a great price!”

Logan acknowledges the award-winning taste of the Barton Irish Whiskey is due to its partnership with the much famed Cooley Distillery in Ireland. Cooley distills and blends Barton Irish Whiskey in Ireland at its highly acclaimed distillery, named the 2010 Distillery of the Year by Malt Advocate Magazine, 2008 World Distiller of the Year and 2008 European Distiller of the Year. The product is double distilled and matured in former bourbon barrels for a minimum of four years, giving it its smooth and slightly sweet taste profile which is traditionally associated with the best Irish Whiskey.

The Irish Whiskey category has experienced strong growth trends over the past ten years. According to the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA), Irish Whiskey has had a 10 year growth of more than 230% and is expected to exceed 1.5 million cases by the year 2013.

“It’s a great category to be in right now,” continued Logan. “The growth has been steadily climbing over the past few years, and is expected to keep on going. To be able to offer a premium product that is 33% more liquid than our competitors for the same price just makes it even better!

Barton Irish Whiskey is available in a 1 liter size for $19.99.

About The Sazerac Company

Barton Irish Whiskey is bottled and distributed by the Sazerac Company. Sazerac is one of New Orleans’ oldest family owned, privately held companies and has operations in New Orleans, Louisiana; Frankfort, Bardstown, Louisville and Owensboro, Kentucky; Fredericksburg, Virginia; Carson, California; and Baltimore, Maryland. For more information, please visit www.sazerac.com.

Kilchoman Spring 2011 Release Wins IWSC ‘Gold Best in Class’ Award

Kilchoman Distillery is delighted to announce that the Spring 2011 Release has won the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition 2011 ‘Gold – Best in Class’ award in the non aged Islay single malt category.

The Spring release is 3 years of age and is a combination of 3 and 4 year single malt matured in bourbon barrels and then finished in oloroso sherry butts for 5 weeks prior to bottling.

Anthony Wills, Managing Director, commented, ‘this award is recognition for the small team at Kilchoman who have dedicated themselves to producing top quality Islay Single Malt at a relatively young age and shows what can be achieved’.

Visit Kilchoman Distillery at www.kilchomandistillery.com  

The Whisky Barrel launches new online shop

To commemorate the third anniversary of TheWhiskyBarrel.com, Scotland’s specialist online whisky store, we thought it was about time to give our shop a facelift. Today, the company launches TheWhiskyBarrel.com 2.0.

Featuring an all new and easier to use interface, improved product and distillery descriptions and a simplified secure order process.

A new blog discusses whisky tastings, interviews, industry profiles and news from Scottish and international contributors.

Alastair Brown, Managing Director of The Whisky Barrel, says, “We’ve come a long way since launching in 2008. Three years on we felt it was about time to spruce up our web shop and our approach was to make the new site even easier to use reinforcing our commitment to customer service.”

The Whisky Barrel’s catalogue features over 1,000 whiskies including the latest distillery releases, our favourites from independent bottlers as well as our own exclusive casks which are a connoisseurs and collectors paradise. We ship our delicious single malts and blends mail-order worldwide direct from Scotland.

With over 500 years distilling history in Scotland, whisky is often described as our nation’s greatest gift to the world. Our provenance is paramount. Our reputation is your guarantee.

The Whisky Barrel
www.thewhiskybarrel.com

facebook.com/thewhiskybarrel
twitter.com/whiskybarrel

E: info@thewhiskybarrel.com
T: +44 (0)845 2248 156

The Macallan Masters of Photography Winner Revealed

After attracting over 7,000 entries and 94,000 votes, The Macallan single malt has announced that the winner of the first ever ‘Masters of Photography Masterclass’, in partnership with legendary Scottish photographer Albert Watson, is ‘Waiting for the Eclipse’ by Luke Bhothipiti from the USA.

The competition invited members of the public to upload their finest photographs celebrating the theme of ‘great journeys’ either from travels or a special moment showing a passage of time. The competition was inspired by the Albert Watson edition of The Macallan Masters of Photography which showcases his visual interpretation of the journey of The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks from Jerez, Spain to Speyside, Scotland.

With an overwhelming response, 94,000 votes were cast by the public to select the top 20 images. These were then judged by Watson, winner of the prestigious Royal Photographic Society’s 2010 Centenary Medal, who is well known across the globe for his fashion, celebrity and art photography having shot over 200 covers for both Vogue and Rolling Stone Magazine.

The stunning winning image of friends gathered around a fire waiting for the lunar eclipse at the end of 2010 stood out from the rest, allowing him to take top honours in the competition.

Luke’s photograph wins him a trip of a life time to Scotland, courtesy of Visit Scotland. The second, third and fourth prizes are Nikon camera equipment and an annual subscription to Digital Camera Magazine.

The winners of the first The Macallan Photography Masterclass:

First : ‘Waiting for the Eclipse’ by Luke Bhothipiti
The story: A photograph of my friends standing around a fire for warmth waiting for the lunar eclipse on 12/21/2010. We all made the trip into the country for the best possible view of an event that only comes around every 460 years. This would also be the last photograph of everyone together before they would embark on their own personal journeys.

Second: ‘The Raging Bull’ by Muhammad Fadli
The story: Pacu Jawi, which means The Bull’s Race, is a traditional festival of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is a celebration of the farmer for the previous harvesting season.

Third: ‘A motion shot of a 1948 GMC’ by John Jackson
The story: It just shows the loneliness of being out on the open road alone in some vintage Iron, and that’s what makes it special to me.

Fourth: ‘Dark night so cold and lonely’ by Rob Dallas
The story: Not being afraid of cold weather, I stepped outside on this dark, so cold and lonely night. I found the bleakness of a winter’s night and captured the real beauty of the contrast and color …leaving just the distant sign orange … warm and inviting … like a fire or hearth …winter is not just cold, it is also a place to find warmth.

Ken Grier, Director of Malts, The Edrington Group, said: “The standard of entries received and the talent demonstrated has been phenomenal. We were overwhelmed by the number of entries received and we thank each and every person who uploaded a photograph of their personal journey.

“On behalf The Macallan I would also like to congratulate Luke on his wining image which really is quite captivating. We are also honoured to have been able to work with Albert Watson who has shared with us his incredible expertise and creativity.”

Albert Watson, added: “The standard of entries received was impressive and it was by no means an easy task to choose a winner. However of all the entries, Luke’s image was the most original. I liked the intent of the shot, the composition, the ice cold of the sky, and the ghostly group of figures around the warm fire. It spoke to me emotionally.”

A second Masterclass is in the planning. In the meantime please review the entries here: www.themastersofphotography.com/the-masterclass/s8/

Please enjoy our brands responsibly. www.drinkaware.co.uk

Notes:

The first Macallan Masters of Photography was launched in 2008 with Rankin. Rankin produced 1,000 individual black and white images captured on Polaroid. Each limited edition bottle of rare 30 year old Macallan Fine Oak single malt displayed a bespoke label featuring one of Rankin’s images, accompanied by the original Polaroid. The array of images featured artistic nude studies of Tuuli, Rankin’s muse and wife, contrasted by shots of the dedicated craftspeople of the distillery, and still life images of the surrounding flora and fauna at Easter Elchies Estate.

The Albert Watson edition is the second in the series.

The 36 bottles of The Macallan 1946 limited edition with matching platinum prints have almost sold out with only a couple left. Please contact www.themacallan.com/contact-us for further information.

Albert Watson – photographer

Born in Scotland, Albert Watson is one of the world’s most successful photographers of the past four decades. His striking images have appeared on over 240 covers of Vogue and Rolling Stone – some of the most iconic portraits of a generation including Alfred Hitchcock, Mick Jagger and Kate Moss.

As well as directing over 300 TV commercials for global brands including Gap, Chanel and Revlon, Albert is also the creative genius behind some of the most well recognised movie posters of our time, namely Memoirs of a Geisha and Kill Bill.

In recognition of his work Albert was named one of the 20 most influential photographers of all time by industry bible, Photo District News. In 2010 he was awarded the ultimate accolade – the Centenary Medal from the Royal Photographic Society.

Albert Watson is a master of his art who greatly enriches our perception with his unique photographic view. A single minded commitment to perfection has made Albert Watson one of the world’s most sought-after photographers.

www.albertwatson.net

Two Gold Awards at the 2011 International Wine and Spirit Competition

The Black Bull brand has taken charge of its field in the 2011 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) winning two gold awards for its 12 and 40yo Deluxe Blended Scotch Whiskies. Black Bull’s uncompromising yet sublimely balanced character floored the judges of this prestigious competition and comes hot on the heels of recent accolades from the 2011 World Whisky awards and Whisky Magazine.

Black Bull 12 YO Deluxe Blended Scotch Whisky – GOLD Award
Tasting Category: Scotch Whisky – Deluxe Blend – 12-13 YO

Judges Tasting Notes: The nose is a large basket packed with fruit with inviting notes of apple and tropical notes along with liquorice and vanilla. Complex and full in the mouth with all the nose aromas transferred into very attractive flavours. Spice and fruit combine well with the evident oak. Lots of attractive vanilla and citrus in outstanding finish.

Black Bull 40 YO Deluxe Blended Scotch Whisky – GOLD Award

Tasting Category: Scotch Whisky – Deluxe Blend – 40 YO

Judges Tasting Notes: Tremendous flourish of floral aromas opens up big nose. Ripe, pulpy fruits follow with cumin and apple. Great complexity. All carries into the mouth where rich malt dominates with loads of golden syrup, barley sugar and hints of citrus and marmalade. Great presence and balance. Long, fruit filled finish.

Awards for 2011 so far:

WWA Best Blended Scotch Whisky 12 years and under
Black Bull 12yo
Editor’s Choice in Whisky Magazine Issue 95
Black Bull 40yo Batch 2
Editor’s Choice in Whisky Magazine Issue 96
Black Bull Special Reserve No.1

For more information on Duncan Taylor please inquire at info@duncantaylor.com

Clan Campbell new limited edition night bottle in collaboration with Jean-Charles de Castelbajac

Clan Campbell created and launched in October 2010 their new ‘Limited Edition Night Bottle’ (i.e. Série Limitée Nuit) which was designed by the French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. The bottle is a refined and dazzling stained glass, reflecting the nobility of the brand and its Scottish heritage.

Indeed, the bottle design was inspired by the traditional window ornaments of Scottish castles, and it immediately stands out by its colourful touches and silver contrasting with the black background. In the centre, there is the Clan Campbell crest which symbolizes the alliance of the natural elements that enable the development of the Clan Campbell Scotch Whisky: The earth and the sun that contribute to the development of barley, the water and fire, which evoke the distillation carried out in the authentic Scottish tradition.

“What I like about this brand is the timeless tradition it embodies. This bottle is both authentic and modern, and an expression of Clan Campbell heritage. I am proud of this project because it is very meaningful and the design is sumptuous. “said Jean-Charles de Castelbajac.

Thus, this new bottle has a strong image and is aesthetic; evoking modern values of tradition and authenticity inherent in Scotland, the birth place of Clan Campbell Scotch Whisky

Digital Enbotellarte FUTBOL 2011

The brand Something Special has always been renowned for its unique bottle shape.

Enbotellarte is an art competition born in Uruguay in 2000 which is inspired in the exclusive diamond-shaped bottle. Ever since, it has evolved significantly, moving to a digital format in 2009.

Digital Enbotellarte FUTBOL 2011 challenged artists to represent their passion for their national team through digital art, based on the Something Special bottle or icon.

The competition utilises the territory of art to strengthen the consumer perception of Something Special in key markets as an innovative and contemporary brand to consumers.

The Copa América 2011 provides an opportunity to create an artistic campaign which engaged artists with the brand through a major sporting event which is receiving worldwide media attention.

Digital Enbotellarte FUTBOL 2011 asked artists to enter a digital artwork in one the four following categories:
– Animation
– Short film
– Computer-generated art
– Digital photography

Selected pieces will be part of exhibitions hosted across Latin America and winning artworks will receive a cash prize and international exposure for the artists.

With over 1200 registered users and submitted artworks from 17 countries the 2011 edition is already a success.