BenRiach Distillery

BENRIACH WINS TWO TROPHIES AT 2011 INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION

THE BENRIACH Distillery Company, owners of GlenDronach and BenRiach, has won an amazing two product trophies at this year’s International Wine & Spirits Competition – both for its BenRiach 12 year-old sherry-matured single malt Scotch whisky.

This is the first time in the company’s seven-year history that it has been awarded a trophy by the IWSC.

The BenRiach 12 year-old sherry-matured won the following IWSC trophies:

The IWSC Single Malt Scotch whisky (15 years and under) Trophy

The IWSC Single Malt Scotch whisky (Special Edition) Trophy

and was also awarded the following medal:

Gold Medal / Best in Class (category – Scotch whisky, Single Malt, Speyside, Cask Finish, 12 – 13YO)

In total, the Edinburgh-headquartered company collected an impressive nine awards this year – two trophies, and various medals – one gold ‘Best in Class’, one gold, four silver and one bronze.

The awards were announced yesterday (July 27) at a ceremony in London.

The company’s full list of awards is:

The IWSC Single Malt Scotch whisky (15 years and under) Trophy – BENRIACH 12YO SHERRY MATURED

The IWSC Single Malt Scotch whisky (Special Edition) Trophy – BENRIACH 12YO SHERRY MATURED

Gold Medal / Best in Class – BENRIACH 12YO SHERRY MATURED

Gold Medal – BENRIACH 20YO

Silver Medal – BENRIACH ‘HEART OF SPEYSIDE’

Silver Medal – GLENDRONACH 18YO

Silver Medal – GLENDRONACH 12YO

Silver Medal – GLENRONACH ‘GRANDEUR’ 31YO

Bronze Medal – BENRIACH ‘HORIZONS’ 12YO TRIPLE DISTILLED

Founded in 1969, the IWSC is the most prestigious competition of its kind in the world. IWSC medals and trophies are the most highly regarded in the trade, representing the best of the best in the world of wines and spirits. The IWSC is judged by a panel selected from 300 fully-qualified, experienced industry judges. Noted for its intense and unrivalled judging process, the IWSC is proud to be the only competition of its kind that conducts a full blind tasting with extensive technical analysis.

BenRiach’s Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We are delighted to have won these nine different awards – particularly the two trophies. It’s a major achievement for a small independent to make the UK producer shortlist and to win any of the top awards when you consider all of the big multi-nationals which are also participating. Especially pleasing is the fact that there were only six trophies for whisky up for grabs, and we managed to win two of them with the same expression – that is quite special.

“These awards are a tribute to our people at BenRiach and GlenDronach distilleries who lovingly craft the singular taste of our whiskies. It’s also testament to the time and energy we have dedicated towards our wood management programme – with our trophy-winning whisky having been created by combining BenRiach from both Pedro Ximenez and Oloroso sherry casks.

He added: “There are a lot of wine & spirits competitions out there today, but the IWSC still carries a lot of weight in terms of its reputation and history. It has serious credibility, and as such I cannot stress just how delighted we are to receive these trophies and gold medals from the IWSC.

“We actually released the BenRiach 12 year-old sherry-matured as an exclusive for the Taiwanese market a few years back, and only recently started rolling it out into additional markets. I have a feeling some of our local customers will be pushing for a UK release on the back of these awards!”

Tasting notes for the BenRiach 12YO Sherry Matured (46% vol)

Nose: Mocha, dark chocolate, sultanas and rich spices.
Colour: Deep gold-bronze.
Taste: The combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks gives a wonderful balance of mocha and dark chocolate interwoven with figs, sultanas, vanilla, fruits and rich spices.

FORTUNE BRANDS NAMES BOARDS OF DIRECTORS FOR INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES FOLLOWING PLANNED SEPARATION

Deerfield, Illinois, July 27, 2011 – Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO) today announced the Boards of Directors for Beam Inc. and Fortune Brands Home & Security, the standalone public companies to result from the planned separation of its businesses. In connection with the anticipated completion of the plan, Bruce Carbonari, chairman and chief executive officer of Fortune Brands, has decided to retire from the company at year end.

Upon completion of the proposed spin-off of Fortune Brands Home & Security, David Mackay, a current director of Fortune Brands and the former chief executive officer of Kellogg Company, will serve as non-executive chairman of the board of Beam Inc., the new name for Fortune Brands. Mackay has been a director of Fortune Brands since 2006.

David Thomas, the lead director of Fortune Brands and the former chairman and chief executive officer of IMS Health Incorporated, will be the non-executive chairman of the board of Fortune Brands Home & Security, the spin-off company. Thomas has served on the board of Fortune Brands since 2000 and as lead director since 2007.

Matt Shattock will be CEO of Beam and Chris Klein will be CEO of Fortune Brands Home & Security. Fortune Brands is targeting completion of the separation plan early in the fourth quarter.

“I’m very pleased that we’ve established such strong boards of directors for each of our ongoing businesses,” Carbonari said. “These boards are composed of directors with deep and relevant experience, commitment to strong corporate governance, and a track record of promoting the interests of shareholders. David Mackay and David Thomas will be outstanding chairmen, and I couldn’t have more confidence in the extremely talented executive leadership already in place at each company.

“I see the anticipated separation of our businesses as a monumental achievement for our leadership team and the perfect time personally to move on to new challenges,” Carbonari added. “These two companies will have strong leadership, governance and continuity, and I’ll look forward to participating in their future success as a proud and confident shareholder. Once we complete the separation plan, I’ll play an advisory role for a brief transition period, and then I’ll be eager to take some time before determining the next phase in my career.”

“Fortune Brands has benefited tremendously from Bruce’s leadership and unparalleled commitment to the interests of shareholders, and the board respects his decision to seek new challenges after completing such a major milestone for the company,” said David Thomas, lead director of the Fortune Brands board. “As CEO, Bruce guided Fortune Brands during a period in which its three businesses strengthened their competitive positions and emerged from the economic downturn outperforming the competition. In order to maximize long-term value for shareholders, he then went on to lead the final development and implementation of the plan to separate Fortune Brands’ businesses, which will result in two strong, independent companies with outstanding future prospects.”

Structure of Boards for Beam and Fortune Brands Home & Security

Nine current directors of Fortune Brands will serve on one or both of the new boards.

The members of the board of Beam will be:

•David Mackay (non-executive chairman), former chief executive officer, Kellogg Company; current Fortune Brands director
•Richard Goldstein, former chairman & chief executive officer, International Flavors and Fragrances, Inc.; current Fortune Brands director
•Ann Fritz Hackett, president, Horizon Consulting Group; current Fortune Brands director
•Pierre Leroy, former president, Worldwide Construction & Forestry Division and Global Parts Division, Deere & Company; current Fortune Brands director
•Matt Shattock, president & chief executive officer, Beam Inc.
•Anne Tatlock, former chairman & chief executive officer, Fiduciary Trust Company International; current Fortune Brands director
•Peter Wilson, former chairman, Gallaher Group Plc; current Fortune Brands director

The members of the board of Fortune Brands Home & Security will be:

•David Thomas (non-executive chairman), former chairman, IMS Health Incorporated; current Fortune Brands lead director
•Richard Goldstein, former chairman & chief executive officer, International Flavors and Fragrances, Inc.; current Fortune Brands director
•Ann Fritz Hackett, president, Horizon Consulting Group; current Fortune Brands director
•Chris Klein, president & chief executive officer, Fortune Brands Home & Security
•David Mackay, former chief executive officer, Kellogg Company; current Fortune Brands director
•Ron Waters, former president & chief executive officer, LoJack Corporation; current Fortune Brands director
•Norm Wesley, former chairman & chief executive officer, Fortune Brands; current Fortune Brands director

Each board expects to add at least one additional member following the separation of the businesses.

Carbonari has held key leadership positions at Fortune Brands for the past 21 years. He became president and chief operating officer of Fortune Brands in December 2006, chief executive officer in January 2008, and chairman and chief executive officer in October 2008. Earlier in his career, Carbonari oversaw the growth of Moen during the 1990s as it became the number one faucet brand in North America; in the early 2000s, Carbonari led the Home & Hardware group (now known as Fortune Brands Home & Security) as it more than doubled sales to nearly $5 billion. More recently, Carbonari guided the evolution of the company’s Beam spirits business into the global outperformer that it is today.

Under the separation plan, the company intends to complete the sale of its golf business by the end of July to a group led by Fila Korea and Mirae Asset Private Equity, and is preparing for the spin-off to shareholders of Fortune Brands Home & Security. Completion of the separation remains subject to completion of detailed separation plans, customary regulatory approvals and final Board approval.

* * *

About Fortune Brands

Fortune Brands, Inc. is a leading consumer brands company. Its operating companies have premier brands and leading market positions in distilled spirits, home and security, and golf products. The major spirits brands of Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. include Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon, Sauza tequila, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Cruzan rum, Teacher’s and Laphroaig Scotch, EFFEN vodka, Skinnygirl margarita and DeKuyper cordials. The brands of Fortune Brands Home & Security LLC include Moen faucets, Aristokraft, Omega, Diamond and Kitchen Craft cabinetry, Therma-Tru door systems, Simonton windows, Master Lock security products and Waterloo storage and organization products. Acushnet Company’s golf brands include Titleist and FootJoy. Fortune Brands, headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FO and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index.

To receive company news releases by e-mail, please visit www.fortunebrands.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements relating to future events, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and the company does not assume any obligation to update, amend or clarify them to reflect events, new information or circumstances occurring after the date of this release. In addition to final Board authorization, the potential separation of Fortune Brands’ companies will also be subject to the receipt of a number of customary regulatory approvals and/or rulings, the execution of intercompany agreements and finalization of other related matters. There can be no assurance that any of the proposed transactions will be completed as anticipated or at all.

SOUTH AFRICAN SINGLE MALT WRAPPED IN GOLD

The limited edition single malt produced by Three Ships is making waves across the world. Shortly after receiving gold at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles held in Luxembourg, the Three Ships 10 year old single malt took gold at the 2011 International Wine and Spirits Competition.

According to master distiller Andy Watts these awards indicate the giant leaps Three Ships continues to make in the world of whisky.

“The whisky industry in South Africa, as opposed to the established producers like Scotland, is still in its relative infancy. However we are constantly developing our range to underscore the country’s ability to produce world-class whiskies. Receiving recognition from these international competitions, judged by some of the world’s leading experts, is humbling and a sign that we are moving in the right direction.”

“And our single malt is definitely an example of how we have progressed. It has spent the full 10 years in American oak casks of varying ages with the older small wood contributinged to the exceptional smoothness and imparting a slight sweetness. With only 8 000 bottles launched last year in October, it might not be that easy to find a bottle but if you’re lucky enough, then make sure it becomes part of your whisky collection.”

The whisky is full-bodied and well-rounded with a hint of peat and estery notes that add a slightly sweet fragrance hinting of dried fruit and fudge.

The Three Ships range of whiskies is produced 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 range of whiskies consists of Three Ships Select, Three Ships 5-year-old Premium Select, Three Ships Bourbon Cask Finish and the Three Ships 10-year-old Single Malt Whisky.

Andy Watts

1792 RIDGEMONT RESERVE

KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

WINS SILVER MEDAL IN LOS ANGELES COMPETITION

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (July, 2011) – The namesake brand of the Barton 1792 Distillery won its first Silver Medal in the 2011 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition (LAIWSC) held May 23-24.  Only one other bourbon besides 1792 Ridgemont Reserve was awarded a Silver Medal in its category.  There were 154 spirits brands entered in the competition from 47 producers in 19 countries.

“We’re thrilled with our first medal from the LAIWSC,” said Ken Pierce, director of distillation and quality assurance. “To capture this award amongst so many other quality spirits is truly an honor.” Complete results of the 2011 LAIWSC are available at www.fairplex.com/wos/spirits_competition.

1792 Ridgemont Reserve Bourbon is handcrafted in small batches and aged eight years and bottled at 93.7 proof. Suggested retail pricing is $27.99 for a 750ml.  

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is a family-owned company based in Bardstown, Kentucky.  The distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the only fully operating distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.”  The distillery is located on 192 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Ridgemont Reserve Bourbon whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery.  This small batch Bourbon whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state.  It’s the official toasting Bourbon of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival^® and was awarded a silver medal at the 2011 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition. To learn more about the distillery visit http://www.1792bourbon.com/. 

As you know, we do things slowly up here; Laphroaig will never be rushed. But, as it is with our whisky, so it is with our website. It’s extraordinary to think that it has not really changed in over 12 years, so it is getting rather creaky! With the 18th anniversary of The Friends of Laphroaig coming up next year we thought you were long overdue a new website. We will be emailing you in the next week to let you know when the new site will be up and ready for you to explore.

Now, I know from all your many comments how much you like the present site so please rest assured that all the familiar parts you enjoy will still be there. The site is still divided into two parts; the open part that everybody can go to, and of course your private FOL area that can only be entered with your password.

The open part has lots of new features; beautiful new photography and a brand new professionally shot Distillery Tour film, which I hope you will enjoy. Of course your own private site has had a complete overhaul too, incorporating the many suggestions that you have sent in over the years.

But it’s not just your website that we have improved. When we first started emailing you there were only 73,000 Friends of Laphroaig. Now we are approaching half a million Worldwide! It has become impossible to manage such numbers with our old system so the boffins have changed to a new faster one.

This email is the last using our old system. I am advised that the layout of the new email will look slightly different but should get to your inbox perfectly. However – just in case, if you don’t receive an email from me next week please check your junk mail folder. If we did end up in your junk then click on the ‘not junk’ option or add us to your address book to ensure you always receive the emails in the future. As always, if you have any problems just send us an email.

So, the next email from me will be in a nice new template and with a brand new website for you all to enjoy. I’d love to hear what you think of the new site when you have had a look next week feel free to send me an email or for those of you on Facebook or Twitter you can find me at: www.facebook.com/laphroaig and www.twitter.com/laphroaigwhisky

Slàinte,

John Campbell
Distillery Manager

Visit the Friends of Laphroaig at http://www.laphroaig.com/friends

Arts an-Cnocing

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Whisky Develop Visual Art Campaign

anCnoc Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky have revealed an extension of its brand campaign focusing on the visual arts, to provide a contemporary experience of whisky for modern day drinkers. Developing their long-standing programme of arts activity, anCnoc is working with contemporary galleries on high profile visual art exhibitions and events, enhancing the brands visibility and appeal amongst arts audiences.

The campaign builds on anCnoc’s grass roots involvement with arts organisations, refreshing existing partnerships with new elements of activity and working with several new galleries in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

In Glasgow, anCnoc is working with famed performance venue The Arches to sponsor their prestigious graduate award for visual artists, Blackbox. The sponsorship realises an artist residency within the Arches, with the winner of the award creating a groundbreaking visual artwork, due to be revealed as part of The Arches Live festival this September. anCnoc also sponsors gallery exhibitions at renowned cultural landmark The Tron Theatre, within the newly unveiled anCnoc Long Gallery exhibition space. anCnoc Long gallery exhibitions are curated by Glasgow Print Studios, with the brand’s bespoke illustrations framing artist’s work. anCnoc has also forged a new partnership with Glasgow Print Studios themselves, providing sampling for exhibition openings and First Thursday events, which are part of a late night opening across the renowned Trongate 103 arts complex.

In Edinburgh, anCnoc continues to work with The Fruitmarket Gallery, while new partners include Stills Gallery and Collective with sampling activity at their opening nights. Paying testament to the location of anCnoc’s distillery at Knockdhu near Huntly, anCnoc is also working with two new Aberdeen based galleries, leading contemporary art space Peacock Visual Arts and Project Slogan.

Gillian Gibson, anCnoc Brand Manager, commented: “anCnoc is a refreshingly modern brand, and our focus is to outreach to contemporary whisky drinkers. Visual arts provide us with an exciting platform to do so and we are delighted to announce our enhanced involvement and support for so many of Scotland’s leading arts organisations.”

Notes

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:

Ø Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand

Ø Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn

Ø Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister

Ø Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941

Ø 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.

HIGHLAND PARK RELEASES FINAL EDITION IN MAGNUS SERIES

The long-awaited and much anticipated third, and final, edition in Highland Park’s Magnus Series has now been released. Earl Haakon continues the story from the Orkney Inga Saga but reflects the darker, more sinister character by bringing the murderous cousin into the spotlight.

Whilst the first two bottlings in the Series celebrated the influential 11th century Earl Magnus who was canonised to become Saint Magnus only 20 years after his untimely death, his cousin Haakon was far closer to the warmongering and violent Viking of legend. It was in fact Haakon who ordered the death of Magnus under the most deceitful and murderous of circumstances.

Highland Park Earl Haakon adopts the character of its namesake through 18 year old cask strength single malt giving a character-busting ABV of 54.9%. This Orcadian beast encapsulates the spirit of Haakon, a true berserker and warrior, to capture the depth of flavour of Highland Park’s multi-award wining 18 year old but adding a new dimension achieved through one vatting. With only 3,300 bottles available worldwide, this third edition is set to sell out in record time and build on the success of both Earl Magnus and Saint Magnus.
Gerry Tosh, Head of Brand Education, Highland Park, “Both previous bottlings began the
storytelling but the introduction of Earl Haakon brings the Saga to its climax and signals the end of the Highland Park Series. This 18 year old cask strength beast is both complex in flavour and bursting with powerful character. This combination will undoubtedly appeal to our fans and I’ve no doubt that Earl Haakon will become a legend in the history of Highland Park.”

He continued, “The story of Magnus and Haakon is truly legendary in Orkney. The two were joint rulers of Orkney for a period of peace and harmony however things changed and they become enemies. Legend has it that the two agreed to meet for a peace meeting but the treacherous Haakon sailed up with eight fully-equipped warships, outnumbering Magnus and sealing his fate. Haakon had won the battle for supremacy over Orkney but it is Magnus who is remembered today. “

The Earl Haakon bottle is entirely black glass, made in the same historic way as the previous two bottlings, and is presented in an open black wood window wooden gift box.

Earl Haakon will be available from specialist independent whisky retailers throughout the UK, the Highland Park distillery and www.highlandpark.co.uk at a RRP of £160.

Tasting notes

Age: 18 year old cask strength
ABV: 54.9%

APPEARANCE: Rich russet, clear and bright
NOSE: Shellac, hot fudge, gingercake, lemon zest and blackcurrants with a hint of damsons
PALATE: Sweet vanilla, wood smoke, cedarwood and ginger
FINISH: Lingering spiciness, medium sweet and long

Please enjoy our brand responsibly. www.highlandpark.co.uk  www.drinkaware.co.uk

Notes:

Highland Park: Established in 1798 on Orkney, Highland Park is one of the most remote Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection. Its range of 12, 15, 18, 21, 25, 30 and 40 year old single malts is consistently acclaimed by connoisseurs and experts. Highland Park has won a string of prestigious awards across its portfolio, most recently including ‘best new whisky release of the year 2009’ for its 40-year-old single malt and ‘best whisky in the world 2009’ for its 21-year-old expression in the World Whisky Awards, as well as four double gold awards in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2009.

Five keystones contribute to making the Best Spirit in the World:

• Hand-turned malt adds to the deliciously succulent, balanced layers of aromatic character found in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky
• Aromatic peat gives a delectably seductive, luxuriant floral sweetness to Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky
• Cool maturation enhances the smooth character of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky
• Sherry oak casks contribute to the distinctive richness and multi-dimensional complexity of Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky
• Cask harmonisation ensures consistency and balance in Highland Park single malt Scotch whisky.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY PRODUCES THREE “BEST OF CATEGORY” WINNERS AT THE 2011 LOS ANGLES INTERNATIONAL WINE AND SPIRITS COMPETITION

Blanton’s, Pappy Van Winkle 15 and Sazerac Straight Rye Named “Bests”

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (July, 2011) – The Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition announced the winners from its recent 2011 competition held in late May and Buffalo Trace Distillery received 10 accolades for its whiskeys produced at its Frankfort, KY distillery. The award-winning entries were selected out of 154 spirits from 47 producers.

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s top winners include:

· Best of Category: Single Barrel American Whiskey 10 Years or Less

o Blanton’s Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

· Best of Category: Small Batch Bourbon 11 Years or Older

o Pappy Van Winkle 15 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

· Best of Category: American Straight Rye

o Sazerac Straight Kentucky Rye Whiskey

Buffalo Trace Distillery’s whiskeys also won numerous medals, including:

· Gold Medal

o Blanton’s

o Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 15 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

o Pappy Van Winkle Family Reserve 20 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

o Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

o Eagle Rare Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

· Silver Medal

o Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

· Bronze Medal

o Buffalo Trace Distillery White Dog Mash #1

“I’m very proud of our team here that consistently produces whiskeys that win such esteemed awards as these,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley.

Complete results of the 2011 LAIWSC are available at www.fairplex.com/wos/spirits_competition . The award-winning entries will be displayed during the Los Angeles County Fair, September 3 – October 2, 2011 in “The Wine & Spirits Marketplace.”

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 whiskey 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 .

GEORGE T. STAGG NAMED TOP SPIRIT IN THE WORLD 2011

American Bourbon Beats Scotch Whisky!

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (July,  2011) – George T. Stagg, the iconic uncut, unfiltered bourbon released annually from Buffalo Trace Distillery, has been named the number one spirit in the world, knocking off the perennial favorite Highland Park 18 Scotch Whisky for the first time since 2005. The list, compiled annually by noted sprits reviewer F. Paul Pacult, was released in his June 2011 issue of The Spirit Journal. The George T. Stagg is also the first American Whiskey to ever be named number one in The Spirit Journal’s 13 years of tabulating.

Notes Pacult, “This version (2010) of the GT Stagg is the latest layer in an incredible body of work performed by Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley that deserves to be recognized as genuinely great.”

The George T. Stagg Bourbon Whiskey is part of the Antique Collection that is released each fall from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Long considered the frontrunner of the Collection, the Stagg has collected numerous awards over the years, including the 2011 Ultimate Spirits Competition Chairman’s Trophy Winner; 2011 Double Gold Winner, Best Bourbon, San Francisco World Spirits Competition; the 2010 American Whiskey of the Year from Jim Murray’s 2010 Whiskey Bible; 2009 Bourbon of the Year and Best Bourbon Aged 13-17 Years from Jim Murray’s 2009 Whiskey Bible; and the Best in Class in the 2009 New York Spirits Awards, among others.

“This is such an honor,” notes Harlen Wheatley, master distiller at Buffalo Trace Distillery. “To be the top spirit, not just the top whiskey, but top spirit, in the world, and then to find out it’s the first American Whiskey to hold that distinction is quite a privilege – especially coming from someone as well respected in the industry as Paul.”

Adds Pacult in his review, “This is more of a clarion call that American whiskey distillers run with the best of Scotland and Ireland and, in some cases, like GT Stagg, eclipse them.”

The 2011 version of the George T. Stagg will be released later this fall with the Antique Collection. Suggested retail pricing of the Stagg is $69.99.

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. To download images from Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracemediakit.com .

Benromach to Share the Secret with the Arts

Gordon & MacPhail, owners of Benromach Single Malt Scotch Whisky, is sponsoring the National Theatre of Scotland’s successful production The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, in the company’s first major venture into the arts.

The new partnership has been successful in securing a Scottish Government Arts & Business New Arts Grant, designed to build private sector sponsorship of the arts, and has made it possible for Benromach to sponsor the show for its entire six week run.

The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart takes theatre into pubs and other unlikely venues, where stories are told, re-told, sung and passed on. It’s an evening of supernatural storytelling, music and theatre inspired by the Border Ballads, Robert Burns and the poems of Robert Service. The show opens at Òran Mór in Glasgow on 21 July 2011 before transferring to Ghillie Dhu for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 2 – 27 August 2011.

Commenting on the sponsorship, David Urquhart Joint Managing Director of Gordon & MacPhail, owners of the Benromach Distillery in Forres, said:

“The National Theatre of Scotland is the perfect partner for Benromach. It is a pleasure to be associated with such an individual and artistic performance, which we feel reflects many of the distinctive qualities of the various expressions of our malt whisky. We look forward to the continued success of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart and to being able to share the secret of Benromach with the audience.”

In atmospheric pubs in Glasgow and Edinburgh audiences can look forward to an afternoon of anarchic theatre, haunting folk music, wild karaoke and strange goings-on. Watching with a refreshment to hand is recommended.

The tale of Prudencia Hart, an uptight academic, follows her as she sets off to attend a conference one wintery morning in Kelso in the Scottish Borders. As the snow begins to fall, little does she know who or what awaits her there. Her wild journey through the night takes her into and out of different supernatural and natural realms looking for folk songs.

Elly Rothnie, Development Director, National Theatre of Scotland is delighted to welcome Benromach on board as sponsors. She said:

“2011 is a milestone year for us as we celebrate five years of being Scotland’s national theatre and the partnership with Benromach is a wonderful birthday present.

“The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart is a terrific show that showcases some of Scotland’s finest contemporary artistic talent in the unique atmosphere of traditional Scottish pubs and we know it will provide a fantastic platform for the Benromach brand.”

Those attending the performance will be invited to sample Benromach 10 Years Old, Benromach Organic or Benromach Peat Smoke at the bar after the performance and will also receive a miniature of Benromach Traditional to take away.

Located on the outskirts of the ancient market town of Forres, the Benromach Distillery is one of Scotland’s best-kept secrets. From Speyside’s smallest whisky distillery emerged a single malt with distinctive qualities reflecting its exclusive hand-made credentials as well as encapsulating the self-reliance, sophistication and modern values of Scotland today.

Just two experienced distillers create Benromach using the finest Scottish barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. They personally ensure that only the highest quality spirit is filled into sturdy oak casks before being left to mature at Benromach Distillery for many years.

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About Benromach

Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by Gordon & MacPhail in 1993. Drawing on generations of whisky expertise, the company carried out a painstaking refurbishment, and the distillery was officially re-opened by Prince Charles in 1998.

Just two men hand-craft Benromach using the finest Scottish barely and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. They fill new spirit into the highest quality casks before being left to mature at the distillery for many years. The Benromach portfolio includes the award winning Benromach 10 Years Old and the first fully certified organic single malt – Benromach Organic.

Benromach expressions include:

Benromach Ten Years Old

Benromach Ten Years Old is created from the finest Scottish barley and pure spring water from the nearby Romach hills. After being matured for at least ten years, it emerges golden in colour and displays rich fruit, sweet chocolate and delicate spicy aromas. With a rich sherry influence, the mouth-watering palate coats the senses with exotic fruit flavours, toasted malt and a delicate hint of smoke.

Benromach Traditional

A rich and mellow single malt with fruit and malty tones, balanced with a hint of smoke.

Benromach Peat Smoke

Full bodied, intense and challenging with a smoky character, yet balanced with the fruity elegance of Speyside.

Benromach Origins

A series of special bottlings crafted to highlight how small changes in the art of whisky-making can help to shape the character of the final single malt.

Please visit www.benromach.com for details.

About the National Theatre of Scotland

The National Theatre of Scotland is supported by the Scottish Government. Since its launch in February 2006, the National Theatre of Scotland has been involved in creating 137 update productions in 125 update different locations. With no building of its own, the Company takes theatre all over Scotland and beyond, working with existing and new venues and companies to create and tour theatre of the highest quality. It takes place in the great buildings of Scotland, but also in site-specific locations, airports and tower blocks, community halls and drill halls, ferries and forests. The company has performed to almost 600,000 people, across three continents. www.nationaltheatrescotland.com