WOODFORD RESERVE® BOURBON RELEASES SORGHUM VINAIGRETTE DRESSING

First bottled dressing available at distillery gift shop

June, 2011, Louisville, KY – Looking for the perfect summer dressing to enhance  fresh garden lettuces, season-grilled vegetables, or the perfect marinade for your favorite meats? Look no more. Woodford Reserve® has created its first-ever bottled salad dressing–Woodford Reserve Sorghum Vinaigrette Dressing–available now in the distillery’s gift shop.

The delectable dressing was developed at The Woodford Reserve Distillery by Chef-in-Residence Ouita Michel for the famous Bourbon Academy Salad (recipe below). Michel teamed up with Bourbon Barrel Foods’ Matt Jamie to bottle the dressing.

“We wanted to reflect the flavors of our premium spirit perfectly- sorghum and bourbon is a match made in heaven. This dressing is light and tangy with the smooth flavors of Kentucky Sorghum running throughout,” says Michel.

Made in Louisville, the dressing contains Kentucky sorghum–similar to molasses–along with apple cider, vinegar, Woodford Reserve bourbon, onion powder, paprika, and hot sauce.

“Sorghum is rich and earthy and adds a great dimension to this unique product. All these flavors are custom matched with our unique flavor wheel approach to develop great bourbon dishes and recipes,” said Michel. “The dressing also works great as a marinade for grilled pork and chicken or even on fresh fruit such as peaches, marinated and grilled.”

Retailing at $5.99 for a 8.4 fl oz. bottle, the dressing is available for purchase at the distillery gift shop, located at 7855 McCracken Pike, in Versailles, KY, or by calling the gift shop directly at 859-879-1940 and ordering over the phone. The item is available for shipping anywhere in the U.S.

Bourbon Academy Salad:

Limestone Bibb lettuce

Fresh sliced oranges or strawberries

Toasted pecans

Thin sliced red onion

Assemble all items, and drizzle dressing over the top.

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

BONHAMS WHISKY SALE MAKES OVER £140,000 AS LIVE ON-LINE BIDDING IMPACTS
 
Bonhams whisky sale in Edinburgh on 22 June made over £141,500, with 96% of the lots finding a new home.
 
Star performers included a rare, early 20th century Glenfiddich, which made £2,880 (est £1,500-2,000), an 18 year old Bowmore which sold for £3,840 (est £2,500-3,500) and a 1932 Glenrothes-Glenlivet bottled in 1974 which exceeded its estimate of £800-1,200 to sell for £1,800.
 
This was the first Bonhams whisky sale to feature live on-line bidding.  Martin Green, Bonhams whisky specialist, commented, ”The availability of on-line bidding made a noticeable difference both to the number of bids and to the variety of bidders, some of whom were taking part in a Bonhams whisky sale for the first time. On this evidence, the convenience of being able to bid from your own home or office is clearly welcomed.”
 
www.bonhams.com
 
NOTES
 
Bonhams
 
Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world’s oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son and Neale UK. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street, and Knightsbridge, and a further five throughout the UK. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Boston in the USA; Toronto, Canada; and France, Monaco, Hong Kong, Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 57 specialist areas. By the end of 2009, Bonhams had become UK market leaders in ten key specialist collecting areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, go to www.bonhams.com.

The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry Head-to-Head at Sentebale Polo Cup Sponsored by Royal Salute

The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry demonstrated polo at its finest with the Duke’s team coming out on top, in front of a star-studded crowd at The Sentebale Polo Cup sponsored by Royal Salute yesterday.

Neve Campbell, Dougray Scott, Claire Forlani, Ellie Goulding and Greg James, were hosted by the luxury Scotch whisky Royal Salute, as they overlooked a spectacular game of polo at Coworth Park just outside London. The exclusive invite-only event raised funds for Sentebale, a charity co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, who also attended the event.

Prince Harry said: “I’m delighted to be at the second Sentebale Polo Cup in the glorious setting of Coworth Park. While my team didn’t finish as champions, it’s encouraging to see the level of support here today for this great cause that gives hope and help to the children of Lesotho.”

Christian Porta, Chairman and CEO, Chivas Brothers says, “Royal Salute is honoured to be associated with polo and more importantly today, with Sentebale, a very special charity that is helping and changing the lives of many in Lesotho. It’s been such a privilege to watch this incredibly historic and skilful game in the beautiful surroundings of Coworth Park.”

The exclusive Royal Salute Dinner and After Party, attended by The Prince, the Duke of Argyll, models Karolina Kurkova and Tallulah Harlech, model and actor Douglas Booth, and actors Toby Kebbell and Sally Hawkins, further treated VIPs to a special viewing of Tribute to Honour, Royal Salute’s finest and rarest limited edition expression of only 21 bottles. Adorned with over 400 black and white diamonds, Tribute to Honour is a collaboration with Garrard, the royal jeweller and fellow supporter of Sentebale.

The Sentebale event, sponsored by Royal Salute included an auction to raise vital funds for the charity, set up five years ago by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, in support of the neediest and most vulnerable people of Lesotho.

The Sentebale Polo Cup sponsored by Royal Salute further highlights the whisky brand’s growing commitment to international polo, with sponsorships of some of the world’s most prestigious polo events currently spanning China, India, Dubai, Brazil and the UK.

Royal Salute World Polo Series continues on the 18th June 2011 at a charity event held at the Beaufort Polo Club in Tetbury, Gloucestershire and closely followed by The Foundation Polo Challenge, at Santa Barbara, California, to raise funds for the American Friends of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry on 9th July 2011.

Notes:

Royal Salute

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

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

Royal Salute World Polo

In addition to The Sentebale Polo Cup sponsored by Royal Salute, the Scotch whisky also supports some of the most luxurious polo tournaments in the world, staged in the grandest venues, including:
• Charity polo event (name TBC) Beaufort Polo Club Gloucestershire, UK, previously titled The Chakravarty Cup
• The Foundation Polo Challenge, Santa Barbara, California, US
• Royal Salute Tang Polo Cup, Beijing, China
• Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup, Jodhpur, India
• The Nations Cup, Dubai, UAE
• Triple Crown Tournament, Helvetia Polo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

Garrard

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

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 www.chivasbrothers.com

WHISKI named 2011 WHISKY BAR of the Year at DRAM AWARDS

On Monday 20th June 2011, WHISKI bar on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile was awarded Whisky Bar of the Year at the 2011 DRAM awards, the Oscars of the licensed trade industry. This is the first time that an Edinburgh bar has won this top accolade and the judges commented that; 

“WHISKI goes to exceptional lengths to promote whisky in Scotland, with  over 300 whiskies, whisky cocktails and extremely well trained staff”

WHISKI also opened a new venue called WHISKI Rooms on Sunday 19th June 2011 overlooking the iconic Mound in Edinburgh. WHISKI Rooms is a hybrid venue comprises a specialist whisky shop with a dedicated tasting room that will host daily whisky tastings in summer, a bar and an all day dining bistro serving fresh local Scottish produce.

“We are delighted with the DRAM Whisky Bar of the Year award and feel that again the profile of whisky will be raised with this recognition of Whiski in the capital of Scotland and the launch of our new venue WHISKI Rooms” said owner Gary Still.

Background:

WHISKI is an award winning whisky bar situated mid way down Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. WHISKI launched in May 2007 specializing in whisky and fresh Scottish food.

Visit Whiski Bar at www.whiskibar.co.uk 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes:

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

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

For further information please visit: www.chivasbrothers.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Notes

Royal Salute

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

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

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

Chivas Brothers

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

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

Garrard

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

For further information www.chivasbrothers.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc.:

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

THE SINGLETON OF GLEN ORD HONOURED BY LEADING WHISKY EXPERTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KILCHOMAN LAUNCHES THE INAUGURAL 100% ISLAY SINGLE MALT  

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

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

Colour :         Light Golden

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

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

Finish:           Long and clean with a lovely sweet aftertaste.

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

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

For more information visit www.kilchomandistillery.com

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

LIMITED EDITION THREE SHIPS CONQUERS INTERNATIONAL WATERS

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

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

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

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