The Tweeddale Blend Batch 2 Launch Event – 25/06/11
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A new specialist spirits store in Glasgow will host the official launch of the second batch of The Tweeddale Blend scotch whisky. The Good Spirits Co. in Bath Street have barely been open a couple of weeks but are already lining up an exciting array of exclusive tastings and events to promote quality drink products in the city.

Alasdair Day, the creator of the blend, discovered his Great Grandfather’s recipe book and decided to recreate the whisky for the modern market. The first batch has since sold out and he has now put together a new version which this time is 12 years old, two years older than the original.

On Saturday 25th June, visitors to The Good Spirits Co. will be able to sample the whisky as well as talk to Alasdair himself about his lastest creation. The event will run from 1pm-5pm.

www.thegoodspiritsco.com
http://www.stonedean.co.uk

The Good Spirits Co.
23 Bath Street
Glasgow G2 1HW

New range from award-winning Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box Whisky Co. heralds ‘Rebirth of the Blend’

Great King Street launches in Europe on 6th June and in the USA in September

“This is more than a brand; it’s a mission. A mission to get people – all people – to take a fresh look at Blended Scotch; to join in the Rebirth of the Blend: in how Blends are made, how they are viewed, how they are consumed.”  – John Glaser, Whiskymaker

Founded in October 2000, Compass Box Whisky Co. is kicking off its second decade by launching a new range solely dedicated to Blended Scotch Whisky – called Great King Street.

The first whisky in the range – the Artist’s Blend – launches in Europe on 6th June, with the US and other markets following suit in September. Available exclusively in a 50cl format – the first Scotch whisky to do so – and bottled at 43%, the whisky is rich, round and fruity with hints of toasty oak, vanilla and spice.  The name and label are inspired by Compass Box’s registered office address in Scotland – 24 Great King Street, in Edinburgh. The RRP will be around £25.00.

Glaser explains, “In a world where malt whisky gets all the attention, people often overlook the pleasures of good Blended Scotch. We believe that Great King Street will change this. There are good reasons why the blending of grain whisky and malt whisky has been the mainstay of the Scotch industry for over 100 years. Well-made Blended Scotches have an elegance and approachability that make them a joy to drink.  Great King Street will offer a new and compelling alternative for both whisky enthusiasts who ordinarily drink only malt whiskies, and for whisky novices.

By applying the same skill, techniques and philosophy that we use for the Compass Box Signature Range of whiskies, Great King Street will offer a style and approach to Blended Scotch that has not existed before. The keys are using individually chosen casks from some of Scotland’s best distilleries, a high proportion of malt whisky, truly excellent quality grain whiskies, and the careful use of new French Oak aging for added complexity.  All bottled at a natural colour and without chill-filtering. We call whiskies made with this approach ‘craft blends’.”

As you might expect from a four-time Whisky Magazine ‘Innovator of the Year’, Compass Box is also looking to use Great King Street as a way to encourage different ways of drinking whisky:

As John puts it, “As well as being delicious neat, Great King Street is equally enjoyable drunk with ice, as a refreshing Highball with soda water and ice, or in cocktails. One of the wonderful things about a whisky highball is that it slips down as easily as beer.  This gives us whisky lovers a refreshing whisky-based drink for all sorts of different occasions—at the bar with friends after work, on a warm day, parties, receptions, even with food (particularly Asian food). We believe it is time for a renaissance of the Highball.”

Website www.greatkingstreet.com

ABOUT COMPASS BOX (www.compassboxwhisky.com)
The Compass Box Whisky Company is a boutique Scotch whiskymaker and craft blender, started in 2000 by John Glaser.  Compass Box produces and bottles a range of Scotch whiskies, available in over 25 countries around the world.  A four-time winner of the Whisky Magazine Innovator of the Year award, Compass Box is known throughout the whisky world for quality, innovation and passion for great whisky. The Compass Box signature range of whiskies includes Asyla, Oak Cross, The Peat Monster, The Spice Tree and Hedonism.  They also produce limited release whiskies annually, and Orangerie, a Scotch whisky infusion.

ABOUT JOHN GLASER
American ex-pat John Glaser started Compass Box Whisky Company from the kitchen of his west London home in 2000.  Having started his career on a path to become a winemaker, then re-routing himself through the corporate world and ending up as marketing director for Johnnie Walker in London, Glaser has a unique perspective on both the creation and the marketing of Scotch whisky.

Glaser established Compass Box based on his commitment to evolving practices in the industry to make great Scotch whisky more approachable and relevant to more people.  From the beginning, his vision has been to create one of Scotland’s finest and most exciting whisky companies, re-establishing the standards for quality and style in the industry.

THE ART OF JAPANESE WHISKY REVEALED IN A RITUAL TASTING

London, June 13, 2011 – The meticulous attention to detail and the blending of art with nature were revealed at an Omotenashi – ritual tasting – of Suntory Japanese whisky at the Saatchi Gallery on June 13.

Showcased were the Yamazaki 12 year old and Hakushu single malts and Hibiki 17 year old blended whisky during a tasting led by Mike Miyamoto, Suntory Global Brand Ambassador.

Suntory whiskies have garnered over 60 awards in the last eight years. Most recently, Yamazaki 1984 year old single malt was named Best Malt Whisky in the World, while Hibiki 21 year old was named Best Blended Whisky in the World.

In 2010, Suntory was named Distiller of the Year, the first time such an accolade had  been given to a Japanese distiller,

Suntory has been perfecting the art of making whisky since the first whisky distillery in Japan was built by founder Shinjiro Torii in 1923. The whiskies were originally created to match the delicate Japanese palate and to complement the cuisine.  Often they are drunk at mealtime straight, on the rocks, blended with water as a Highball or blended with water as a mizuwari.

While Yamazaki, Hakushu or Hibiki are a delightful partner to sushi or nigiri, it was demonstrated that the whiskies marry well with English cooking too. They were matched playfully with fish and chips, burgers and shepherd’s pie.

Another side to the versatility of Suntory whiskies was revealed in a menu of cocktails celebrating the 24 Japanese Seasons. Mixologist Zoran Peric has created a unique collection of Suntory cocktails.                                                      

Art of Whisky/2

A Japanese cocktail is about philosophy, nuance and refinement in which the final product inspires the imagination and triggers the palate, he explained.

The art of the east and the art of the west meet literally at the Saatchi Gallery where Suntory is a corporate sponsor. Suntory has a long history  of association with the arts, said Makiko Ono, President of Suntory London. “Our founder, Shinjiro Torii firmly believed that a third of Suntory’s profit from all our business operations should be returned to society to enhance the Arts and Culture”.

Ms Ono added: “ I cannot emphasise enough how important the UK market is for Suntory. The Japanese have the highest respect for the United Kingdom and since 1971 London has been the hub of all Suntory operations in Europe”.

Diamond Jubilee Blended Scotch Whisky by John Walker & Sons Celebrating 60 Years of the Reign of Her Majesty the Queen 1952-2012

LONDON, June, 2011 – To mark The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012, John Walker & Sons, Scotch Whisky Distillers By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen, is to produce an extremely limited edition of 60 crystal decanters of ‘Diamond Jubilee Blended Scotch Whisky by John Walker & Sons’, a unique blend of whiskies distilled in 1952 and finished in a marrying cask of English oak from The Queen’s Sandringham Estate.

These rare editions will be offered, by invitation only, for private sale at GBP100,000 each. John Walker & Sons will donate all profits from the sale, with a guarantee of at least GBP1million, to the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST), the charitable arm of the Royal Warrant Holders Association. This will support the QEST Diamond Jubilee Appeal, through which it aims to grow its scholarship base, build a mentoring programme and enable traditional craftsmanship to flourish in Britain.

John Walker & Sons has harnessed the collective skills of some of the finest craftsmen and women, including fellow Royal Warrant Holders and QEST Scholars, to create exclusive, bespoke pieces to accompany the whisky; a stunning showcase of craftsmanship.

‘Diamond Jubilee Blended Scotch Whisky by John Walker & Sons’ will be presented in a lead crystal decanter adorned with a Britannia silver collar that features a half carat diamond set by hand, and an individually numbered silver seal. This will be accompanied by a pair of hand-engraved lead crystal glasses and a leather bound, personalised, hand-embellished artefact book, all housed in a bespoke cabinet incorporating woods from The Queen’s Sandringham and Balmoral estates.

David Gates, Royal Warrant grantee at John Walker & Sons said: “As a holder of the Royal Warrant, we felt compelled to mark this truly historic occasion with something truly exquisite. We look forward to sharing further news on this exceptional liquid very soon.”

Jim Beveridge, Master Blender for John Walker & Sons said: “These are extraordinary grain and malt whiskies that have been maturing slowly since 1952. It’s a huge privilege to work with them using all our resources and experience to craft a John Walker & Sons blend that’s fitting for this special anniversary. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Sixty editions of ‘Diamond Jubilee by John Walker & Sons’ will be bottled on 6th February 2012, exactly 60 years to the day since The Queen acceded to the Throne.

NOTES

ABOUT JOHN WALKER & SONS

John Walker & Sons is part of the Diageo Group.

Johnnie Walker(R) is the world’s number one Scotch whisky brand, enjoyed by people in almost 200 countries around the world.

ABOUT DIAGEO

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray and Captain Morgan.

Diageo is a global company, with its products sold in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

Highland Park first Scotch whisky to enter The Spirit Journal Hall of Fame

Highland Park 18 year old has become the first Scotch whisky to be inducted into The Spirit Journal Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame has been created by Spirit Journal editor F. Paul Pacult, in recognition of brands that have consistently exhibited extraordinary quality over the course of numerous Spirit Journal reviews.

One of only five inductees, Highland Park is also the only ever spirit to be awarded the prestigious Best Spirit in the World, receiving the accolade in both 2005 and 2009 for its 18 year old single malt.  It will now be officially ‘retired’ into the Hall of Fame to take its rightful place in the history of the world’s finest spirits.

Gerry Tosh, Head of Brand Education at Highland Park, said: “Being the only Scotch to be awarded the Best Spirit accolade, and doing this twice, was an amazing achievement in its own right, but now to be the first Scotch inductee to the Hall of Fame, really shows the status the Highland Park as achieved.  We are extremely proud of our Orkney single malt.”

Pacult said of Highland Park and the four other spirits inducted into the hall of fame: “Among the scores of superlative spirits that have received five stars in the journal, these five have come to represent distillation and production at their finest. These spirits are bona fide icons.”

The Spirit Journal, a quarterly publication, was established in 1991 and is widely acknowledged as the most trusted newsletter on spirits, wine and beer in America. It does not accept advertising and as such offers unbiased reviews and ratings that are considered the gold standard within the alcoholic beverage industry.

Visit Highland Park at http://www.highlandpark.co.uk/

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

Notes:

Highland Park:

Established in 1798, Highland Park is one of the oldest Scotch whisky distilleries. More important than age though, is the combination of traditional whisky-making techniques with obsessive attention to detail that has made Highland Park arguably the most respected single malt in the world.

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.

Benromach adds hat trick of expressions to range

Speyside’s smallest whisky distillery, Benromach, has added three new expressions of the famous, single malt whisky to its range.

The hat trick of expressions adds to the range of ages, styles and strengths of the malt available in the Benromach portfolio, demonstrating the creativity and innovation synonymous with the boutique distillery.

Benromach Wood Finish Hermitage is a subtly smoky single malt Scotch whisky with a distinctly French flavour. The malt was matured in sherry and bourbon casks, before being transferred into oak casks for 22 months that had been used to produce wine from the Hermitage Appellation d’Origine Controlee, in the northern Rhone wine region of France.

Matured in first fill bourbon barrels, Benromach Cask Strength is a mouth warming and smooth single malt with hints of spice.  Containing earthy influences it also has a delicate peaty edge and is bottled at 59.9% ABV.

Benromach 30 Years Old is a smooth and creamy single malt whisky with warming festive hints of sherry and spices.  Matured in sherry casks the bright gold, medium malt also has hints of peat emerging.

Michael Urquhart, Joint Managing Director of Benromach Distillery and owners of Gordon & MacPhail, said:

“The Benromach portfolio now offers an expansive range – something for a variety of palletes.  These latest expressions really demonstrate the skill of our master distillers in maturing and distilling the single malt.  While different in taste, they all have that recognisable Benromach quality which comes from our unique whisky making process, which includes using the finest Scottish malted barley and pure spring water from the Romach Hills.

“We are also pleased to be able to extend the international flavours in our Wood Finish range with the Benromach Hermitage following on from last year’s launch of Spanish Wood Finish, Benromach Pedro Ximenex.”

Benromach single malt whiskies are available from whisky shops and fine wine and spirits retail specialists.

For more information about Benromach Distillery and the Benromach range of Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whiskies go to www.benromach.com.

About Benromach

Benromach distillery is Speyside’s smallest. Based in the attractive Moray town of Forres, the gateway to Scotland’s famous whisky producing region, just two expert distillers make this, golden malt whisky.

Established in 1898, Benromach distillery changed hands many times and was virtually derelict when bought by family firm 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.

Tasting Notes and UK recommended retail prices.  Prices will vary from market to market with currency fluctuations and local taxes:

Benromach Wood Finish Hermitage, 2001, 45%

Colour: Golden amber

Undiluted

Nose: Initially a subtle smokiness with sweet cured bacon influences. A fruity note of ripe red berries and citrus elements emerge. A creamy toffee element lingers.

Palate: Citrus notes are initially evident – lemon and limes. A subtle hint of peat smoke, with a warming spice – ground black pepper. A pleasant smooth and creamy element lingers.

With water

Nose: Initially fresh, malty notes are present. Hints of freshly bailed hay, with some citrus notes emerging – reminiscent of fresh pink grapefruit and lime zest. A rounded sweetness lingers.

Palate: An initial burst of sweetness, with a toasted malt edge. A very delicate hint of smoke becomes evident. Smooth and balanced.

Body: Medium

Finish: Long

Cask types: The whisky is initially matured in 1st fill sherry and bourbon casks. Finished in Hermitage casks.

Recommended retail price: £31.25

Benromach Cask Strength, 2001, 59.9%

Colour: Dark straw

Undiluted

Nose: Fresh with subtle esters and toasted malt.  Sweet vanilla flavours with hints of cream toffee, with a fresh pear note emerging.

Palate: An initial burst of chilli spice, mouth warming, yet very smooth and creamy.  A hint of liquorice and earthy influences linger.

With water

Nose: Fresh with a subtle hint of smoke and some subtle esters.  A defined poached pear nose with sweet, nutty notes (fudge and almond).

Palate: An initial hint of spice, mouth warming and smooth.  A delicate peaty edge develops.

Body: Medium

Finish: Long

Cask types: First fill Bourbon barrels

Recommended retail price: £40.50

Benromach 30 Years Old, 43%

Colour: Bright gold

Undiluted

Nose: Initial rum and raisin notes, with a delicate vanilla edge.  Smooth peach and nectarine fruit flavours mingle beautifully with toasted malt.

Palate: Hints of rich Sherried Christmas cake, with a touch of marzipan.  Some mixed spices emerge.  Smooth and creamy with mouth warming qualities.

With water

Nose: Subtle ripe green apple notes, with a delicate touch of smoke (charred oak) coming to the fore.  Some malty notes become apparent.

Palate: An initial burst of Sherry sweetness, with a hint of peat smoke emerging.  Some hints of black pepper.  Smooth and moreish.

Body: Medium

Finish: Long and warming

Cask type: 1st fill and refill Sherry casks

Recommended retail price: £149.99

Other 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. The first batch release in the series is produced using Golden Promise barley, grown in the heart of Speyside. Matured in first and second fill sherry casks, this full bodied single malt displays rich, fruity notes, intertwined with peat smoke a soft spicy flavours.

Further Benromach expressions are also available. Please visit www.benromach.com for details.

Glenmorangie offers a Father’s Day gift to remember

— Iconic Scottish brand will inscribe the names of 1843 special fathers on their new ‘Founders Wall’ in a tribute to year the distillery was opened —

Glenmorangie is offering the ultimate Father’s Day gift this year with the chance for whisky lovers to create their own legacy.

The iconic Scottish brand will inscribe the names of 1843 people on the ‘Founders Wall’ of the Glenmorangie Distillery in a tribute to the year of its foundation. By receiving a bottle of the award-winning Glenmorangie 18 Years Old, whisky lovers can enjoy their own slice of history.

The unique opportunity to make your father part of a ‘Living Legacy’ by having his name engraved on the wall of the Glenmorangie Distillery visitor centre is a timeless gift for Father’s Day.

Dr Bill Lumsden, Head of Distilling and Whisky Creation at The Glenmorangie Company, said: “The ‘Living Legacy’ initiative means that whisky aficionados can become part of the Glenmorangie story. When they visit our distillery in Tain they can enjoy seeing their own name up on the Founders Wall and feel part of our proud history. This is the ultimate timeless gift for Father’s Day.

“Glenmorangie 18 Years Old is a rare, unnecessarily well made single malt whisky of distinction. It has a silky smooth texture, a long enticing finish. It is an intriguing contrast of the Glenmorangie house style balanced with the flavours of 18 years of ageing which include sweet dried fruit, melting honey and nuttiness.”

Glenmorangie has carved out its reputation as a pioneer, marrying traditional techniques with innovative processes, including using Scotland’s tallest stills. The running of the Distillery is entrusted to the ‘Men of Tain’ – the skilled craftsmen charged with perfecting Glenmorangie’s spirit.

Glenmorangie 18 Years Old is seen as the brand’s ‘Living Legacy’ due to its combination of heritage and modernity, and its flavour balance of maturity and vibrancy. It was recently awarded a ‘Double Gold’ medal at the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

A limited edition sleeve has been added to the Glenmorangie 18 Years Old outer packaging with an envelope inside detailing the information of how to apply to be a part of this special piece of history. But for those who do not make the first 1843, they are still in for a treat. Full details can be accessed at www.glenmorangie.com/1843

Notes
 
About The Glenmorangie Company

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moët Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH). Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, the Company produces Glenmorangie Single Highland malt whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay malt. It also owns The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.

Responsible Drinking
The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savour Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in-line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

WHISKY A GO-GO: GLENDRONACH’S “CASK IN A VAN” TO TOUR BELGIUM AGAIN IN JUNE
 
FOR the last two years, GlenDronach malt whisky has selected a rare single cask from its Aberdeenshire distillery…and toured it around Belgium in the back of a van!
 
The unusual tasting tour – called “Cask in a Van” – has proved so successful that it’s being repeated again later this month.
 
The quirky Roadshow starts in Kampenhoudt on June 20 and ends in Waremme on the night of June 25.
 
Regional Sales Manager Donald MacLellan said: “Belgium is one of our fastest-growing markets, and we’re delighted to take this exceptional cask on this tasting tour. So if lovers of GlenDronach have difficulty getting to a liquor store that stocks it, we’ll bring it to them!
 
“With our specially-liveried van, we’re offering Belgians the chance to savour and purchase a truly excellent GlenDronach single cask whisky – this time it’s a 2002 release at 55% vol which has been matured in a Pedro Ximinez Butt. In addition, we’ll be offering tastings of our award-winning 12, 15 and 18 year-old core range.
 
“Like last year, people will be given the opportunity to fill their own bottle of GlenDronach straight from the cask and, as it’s a limited edition, it’s going to be a highly collectable item.”
 
The 8 year-old’s tasting notes suggest it’s a classic GlenDronach with a spicy sherry twist:
 
Nose: sweet oak and spiced fruit cake intermingle with honey and walnut notes. Fresh and clean with plenty of life.
 
Appearance: rich deep gold with a fantastic mahogany glow.
 
Palate: a spicy sherry concoction with balanced toasted oak notes and brown sugar. Vanilla beans and roasted nuts. Bold earthy notes add lovely depth and body. A real heavyweight for the vintage and plenty of maturity for such youth.
 
The tour dates and locations are:
 
Monday June 20 – Tasttoe, Kampenhoudt
Tuesday June 21 – Hardies, Mol
Wednesday June 22 – Crombe, Kortrijk
Thursday June 23 – Verloo, Antwerpen
Friday June 24 – W&P, Liege
Saturday June 25 (afternoon) – Barrique, Charleroi
Saturday June 25 (evening) – PDV, Waremme
 
GlenDronach’s core range is available in over one hundred specialist stores throughout Belgium.

Jim Beam® Establishes Revolutionary Bourbon-Making Process with Release of Devil’s Cut™

Clermont, KY (May 25, 2011) – Continuing to push the envelope in the bourbon category, Jim Beam® debuts the latest innovation in its portfolio – Devil’s Cut™. The new, premium bourbon whiskey is created using a proprietary process that extracts the liquid trapped inside the wood of the bourbon barrels. The product is a robust premium bourbon with a deep color, aroma and character that showcases notes of wood, oak and vanilla derived from the barrel wood.

Devil’s Cut plays off the notion of “Angel’s Share” in the bourbon-making process. As bourbon ages, a portion of liquid is lost from the barrel due to evaporation – that’s the Angel’s Share. After aging, when the bourbon is dumped out of the barrel, a certain amount of whiskey is left trapped within the wood of every barrel—it’s that liquid, and the rich flavors from deep within the barrel wood it contains, that has been extracted and put back into extra-aged Jim Beam Bourbon to create Devil’s Cut.

“The barrel is the soul of any bourbon – it always has been,” said Fred Noe, seventh-generation Beam family distiller and great-grandson of Jim Beam. “With Devil’s Cut, we’re breaking new ground by unleashing that trapped bourbon from the barrel and giving people a chance to really experience that bold flavor in a way that they never have before.”

To create Devil’s Cut, Jim Beam distillers begin by emptying barrels of extra-aged, six-year Jim Beam Bourbon. The barrels are then agitated through a proprietary process to pull the trapped bourbon and flavors from the barrel wood. The liquid (with the extracted elements it now contains) is then held for an appropriate length of time in a proprietary process until it has developed the proper balance of bourbon notes. In the final step, this special liquid is carefully added back to extra-aged Jim Beam to create the finely-balanced, smooth 90 proof Devil’s Cut Bourbon.

“Devil’s Cut brings you even closer to the bourbon making process,” said Rob Mason, Director, U.S. Bourbons, Beam Global Spirits & Wine. “We think this is a product that both our long-time fans and curious newcomers will appreciate. It’s an opportunity to experience the charred oak barrel, which has always played a crucial part in making Bourbon.”

Devil’s Cut has already been well-received within the bourbon industry. Charles K. Cowdery, author of Bourbon, Straight, states: “I predict the enthusiast community will be enthusiastic about Jim Beam Devil’s Cut…In the course of about a year, Beam Global has [become] arguably the most innovative [spirits company], and their willingness to bet the flagship brand on these escapades makes it even more impressive.”

Jack Bettridge, Senior Features Editor at Cigar Aficionado describes Devil’s Cut as “a very full-flavored, tasty whiskey that manages to belie its origin and coloration by being smooth and approachable as well.”

Devil’s Cut will be available in select states (NH, PA, VA, WA, OH, NC, and OR) in May, and nationwide this summer for a suggested retail price of $23.99 for a 750ML bottle. For more information about Devil’s Cut, go to www.jimbeamdevilscut.com or visit us on Facebook® at www.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.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY RELEASES
ONE-OF-A-KIND MILLENNIUM BARREL BOTTLING
Distillery Hopes to Raise $200,000 for Charity

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (June, 2011) – It was Dec. 31st, 1999, and the new century was dawning as the  employees at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY gathered around to watch the  last barrel of the twentieth century roll into Warehouse V, the world’s only bonded single barrel aging warehouse.

      Now nearly 12 years later, this Buffalo Trace Millennium Barrel bourbon has filled 174 beautifully handwritten and individually numbered bottles.  Each Millennium Barrel bottle has been packaged in a numbered hardwood showcase box that includes a piece of this historic barrel’s charred oak stave and a brochure explaining the significance of this collector’s edition.

      Endeavoring to do something special with this milestone barrel, the company will offer all 174 bottles to charitable organizations across the country free of charge to auction off and raise money for their worthwhile causes.

       This commemorative bottling of the Buffalo Trace Millennium Barrel will not be available in stores. Bottles will only available to non-profit organizations wishing to raise funds for their charity. To be considered, organizations must submit an official U.S. non-profit tax ID number and auction the bottle within the 2011 calendar year. Applications will be taken online only, at www.buffalotacemillennium.com. Recipients of these bottles shall be notified by email on August 1st. Bottles will be shipped free of charge in August and recipients will have until Dec. 31, 2011 to auction the bottle.

      “This was special barrel of barrel of whiskey and we want to do something with the bottles to help those in need,” said Kris Comstock, Buffalo Trace Brand Manager. “We really hope whiskey enthusiasts and collectors will help some deserving non-profit groups raise serious money. These 174 bottles are beautiful and the bourbon tastes amazing. Our goal is to raise $200,000 for charity!”

      Non-profit organizations can submit their request for a bottle online beginning today. The cutoff date to submit an online application is July 26th.

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.