Glenfiddich Rolls Out the “Cask of Dreams”

Iconic Single Malt Scotch Whisky Launches Nationwide Campaign to Foster the New American Pioneering Spirit

NEW YORK, – Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky, today announced the launch of Glenfiddich Cask of Dreams – an exciting new campaign designed to inspire people across the nation to pursue their pioneering dreams, and help them to achieve them.  An extension of the groundbreaking Glenfiddich “One Day You Will” advertising campaign, Cask of Dreams will combine a series of activities, including a global survey, high profile stunts, celebration events and a partnership with a likeminded charity, to bring the spirit of a pioneer to life in the U.S.  Starting in April, this nationwide initiative will see Glenfiddich travelling across the country, visiting major cities, where Glenfiddich Ambassadors Heather Greene, Freddy May and Mitch Bechard will roll actual casks around the streets, encouraging people to write their dreams and aspirations on them, and offering people the chance to win one of a series of trips to help them achieve their pioneering goals.

This nationwide campaign is inspired by the results of an international survey detailing global attitudes to innovation and what it means to be a pioneer in the 21st Century. Performed by leading London-based research company The Future Laboratory, the survey highlights numerous surprising findings, most significantly the fact that a small but dedicated segment of society (17%) considers itself pioneering, and that perceptions of what it means to be a pioneer have shifted to include a variety of new disciplines and attitudes, including a focus on philanthropy (87%) and innovation (85%).  In addition, the survey, which also contains a dedicated description of “The American Dreamer”, found that, despite their overwhelming desires to be pioneer, people in the U.S felt that there were numerous obstacles – most notably economic constraints (62%) and fear of failure (23%) – in the way of them achieving their pioneering goals.  The Cask of Dreams campaign exists to encourage, inspire and assist people in realizing those goals with a combination of prizes, incentives and philanthropic pursuits.

At the end of the campaign, the written on casks will be sent to the storied Glenfiddich distillery in Scotland, where they will be used to finish a special limited edition expression of Glenfiddich, which will then be sold in the U.S in early 2012.  This exclusive bottling will be performed in conjunction with Glenfiddich charity partner, the National Geographic Explorer’s Program, which, like the campaign, supports uniquely gifted adventurers, scientists, photographers, and writers by helping them accomplish their pioneering goals. As part of this partnership, Glenfiddich will also be using the campaign to fund several National Geographic expeditions, by donating $1 every time somebody shares their dream via a dedicated web site, www.caskofdreams.com.

“We are extremely happy to see that the spirit of a pioneer is still very much alive and well in the U.S.,” said David Bitran, Senior Marketing Manager for Glenfiddich. “Since our founder William Grant first set out on his own, and built our distillery with his bare hands, nurturing self belief , innovation and our unique “One Day You Will” spirit has been extremely important to us.  Whether it is our establishment of the Single Malt category or our constant drive to innovate and pioneer within the category, we have proudly carried our founder’s philosophy through the years.  With the Cask of Dreams campaign, we are offering people across the United States the opportunity not only to achieve their dreams, but to help realize the dreams of others and delight in life’s adventures.”

In addition to the Cask of Dreams campaign, Glenfiddich will also be giving out a series of dream trips to people interested in exploring their adventurous and culinary pursuits.  To find out more about the Glenfiddich Cask of Dreams campaign and become involved, please visit www.caskofdreams.com. 

For additional information about Cask of Dreams, including survey results, and for the opportunity to interview a Future laboratory representative about the survey, please contact:

Ashley Wallace
Maloney & Fox
646-356-8332
awallace@maloneyfox.com

www.caskofdreams.com

About William Grant & Sons

William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distills some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s most awarded single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s fourth largest blended Scotch Grant’s® as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry® Rum, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey and the award-winning Milagro® Tequila.

Among the most recent accolades for the well-awarded company, William Grant & Sons was honored as the “Distiller of the Year” for the fourth time in five years by the prestigious International Spirits Challenge.

Founded in 1964, William Grant & Sons USA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of William Grant & Sons, Ltd. and features one of the fastest growing spirits portfolios in the USA with brands including Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin, Sailor Jerry Rum, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Milagro Tequila, Stolichnaya Vodka, Grant’s, Hudson Whiskey, Clan MacGregor, Reyka Vodka, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Lillet, Licor 43, Art In The Age, The Knot and BOLS cordials. The company has offices in New York City (sales and marketing) and Edison, NJ (bottling and warehouse facilities). For more information on the company and its brands, please visit www.grantusa.com.

The Tomatin Distillery Co Ltd is delighted to announce the appointment of Graham Eunson as Distillery Manager. This appointment will take affect as of the 1st of August 2011.

Eunson joins Tomatin from Glenglassaugh Distillery where he has spent the last 3 years in the role of Distillery Manager. Prior to that he was Distillery Manager at Glenmorangie for 12 years.

Stephen Bremner, Sales Director at Tomatin said “we are absolutely delighted that Graham has agreed to join us as Distillery Manager. He brings with him a wealth of experience having worked in some of Scotland’s top distilleries. We are very much committed to developing our range of single malts and feel that Graham can play a very important role in fulfilling that strategy.

Visit Tomatin Distillery at www.tomatin.com

Chris Bunting, who is probably best known among whisky drinkers for his www.Nonjatta.com blog about Japanese whisky, has just published a new guide to Japanese alcohol culture with Tuttle Publishing Ltd.

Drinking Japan is a 288-page guide based on a year and a half spent travelling around Japan exploring its unique alcohol culture.

Bunting says: “Many people may know me for various bits of writing I have done about Japanese whisky, but I have tried to go beyond that in Drinking Japan. It explores the history and development of Japanese whisky and there are detailed descriptions of the best of Japan’s world-famous whisky bars, but the book is also probably the first attempt in English to comprehensively explore the whole of Japanese alcohol culture.”

“Researching Japanese whisky gradually convinced me that trying to it in isolation from its environment, as an odd offshoot of the Scottish whisky, was a fundamental misunderstanding. I came to realise that I had to try to look at it in the context of the whole of Japanese alcohol culture and history, and that is the journey Drinking Japan took me on,” Bunting says.

“I think it really is the first attempt to comprehensively look at this culture in English.”

Drinking Japan offers extensive descriptions of Japanese alcohol’s development from prehistory to the extraordinary diversity it shows today. As well as whisky, there is a long chapter on the history of sake and the contemporary sake world, and the first extensive descriptions in an English-language book of Japan’s indigenous spirits, shochu and awamori. Whole chapters are devoted to the country’s beer and wine industries, offering insights that have until now not been available to readers in English, and there is also discussion of the development of Japan’s unique bar tending culture and its critical role in the postwar flowering of the Japanese bar scene.

The book is also practical guide, offering richly illustrated reviews of 122 of Bunting’s favourite bars in Japan. The entries are written with the newly arrived visitor to Japan in mind, with detailed price guides, language help, advice on food and drink choices, and maps and directions to get visitors to the bars if they go to Japan. There is an appendix offering help to the complete beginner on reading Japanese alcohol labels and tackling other language problems.

Half of the author’s earnings will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society’s earthquake relief effort.

Book site: http://drinkingjapan.com/
Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Drinking-Japan-Japans-Drinks-Establishments/dp/4805310545/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1303117216&sr=1-1
Publisher: http://tuttlepublishing.com/

RAF Team Nail the Impossible

The Drambuie Pursuit 2011

14 April 2011, Edinburgh: Four serving members of the Royal Air Force have won a £2,500 donation for the RAF’s Benevolent Fund (RAFBF) after securing the number one qualifying position for the high octane Scottish endurance race, The Drambuie Pursuit. 

Team ultRAFast, which includes Squadron Leader Alan Rutledge; Flight Lieutenants Tom Kinsley and Simon Ramsden; and Flying Officer Chris Carrington-Smith, won over a quarter of the votes for their online entry video  and pledge to support the RAFBF.

Taking place 13-15 May, the epic Drambuie Pursuit covers 100 miles of the Scottish Highland’s rugged terrain and includes activities such as rock climbing, white water rafting, downhill mountain biking, kayaking and buggy racing. 

UltRAFast will now compete head to head against nine other international teams including an American celebrity team lead by professional athlete, NFL Pro-American Football star Jeremy Shockey.  Carolina Panther player Shockey was the winner of the first NFL Pro-American Football Rookie Award in 2002 and is a two time Pro-Football Champion.

The race is inspired by events that took place more than 260 years ago. In 1746 after a failed attempt to claim the British throne, Bonnie Prince Charlie was pursued across the highlands by the Government forces but escaped with the help of his loyal clansmen. In gratitude for their help he passed on the top secret recipe for his personal elixir which became Drambuie.

UltRAFast team member, Flight Lieutenant Tom Kinsley said: “All of us share a mutual passion for the great outdoors and adrenalin fuelled adventures. Thanks to Drambuie, we will be able do what we love best, in one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland.  The fact that we are doing it for such a worthy cause makes it all the more special.

“As serving members of the Royal Air Force we all are affected by operations in Afghanistan, either personally or through friends and work colleagues. The Benevolent Fund provides an essential support for all members of the RAF, past and present. The help and advice it offers whether financial, personal or dealing with injuries and bereavement cannot be overstated.”

Will Birkin, Senior Brand Manger Drambuie said: “UltRAFast make worthy winners of the charity prize money and Drambuie is delighted the funds are going to such a worthwhile cause.  The premise behind the Drambuie Pursuit is that working together, friends and colleagues can “Nail the Impossible” and achieve results above all expectations.  UltRAFast live by that very same code every day in their working lives. We wish them, and all of the teams, best of luck in the Pursuit challenge in May.”

The RAF’s leading welfare charity, the RAFBF provides practical, financial and emotional support to serving and former members of the RAF as well as families. The RAFBF deals with a wide range of issues from childcare and relationship difficulties, to injury and disability and from financial hardship and debt to illness and bereavement.

The spirit of Drambuie lives on and over the years this unique whisky liqueur has been passed down through generations carrying with it a sense of adventure, culminating in this exciting event.  Today people around the world are enjoying Drambuie served long with & ginger beer; know as The Drambuie Ginger Nail, a refreshing twist on the classic Drambuie cocktail The Rusty Nail.

For more information on Drambuie Pursuit please visit: www.drambuie.co.uk/pursuit

Drambuie encourages responsible drinking
www.drinkaware.co.uk   www.scotch-whisky.org.uk

Notes:

Team UltRAFast include:

Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr) Alan Rutledge based at RAF Wittering
Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Tom Kinsley based at RAF Valley
Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Simon Ramsden based at RAF Boscombe Down (Soon to be at RAF Lossiemouth flying the Tornado)
Flying Officer (Fg Off) Chris Carrington-Smith, based at RAF Benson
 
About DRAMBUIE®

The elixir at the heart of DRAMBUIE was created more than 260 years ago exclusively for Prince Charles Edward Stuart of Scotland.  It is a unique combination of aged Scotch whiskies, heather honey and a blend of herbs and spices – a recipe kept secret since 1745. In the late 19th century the drink became know as “an dram buidheach” – from the Gaelic the drink that satisfies, and was subsequently registered as Drambuie is 1893. The first commercial production of Drambuie took place in Edinburgh 1909, it became the first liqueur to be served in The House of Lords in 1916 and became popular internationally as it was taken abroad by the Scottish Regiments in the two World Wars.

In the USA post prohibition, it became synonymous with the classic cocktail The Rusty Nail ™. Today it’s enjoyed neat, over ice and as a long refreshing drink mixed with soda, ginger beer or ginger ale.  For more information visit www.drambuie.com

Woodford Reserve® Bourbon Unveils World’s Most Luxurious Mint Julep Cup

Proceeds from one-of-a-kind Tiffany & Co. sterling silver cups to benefit The Heart of a Horse Foundation

Louisville, Ky., – Woodford Reserve bourbon is taking the traditional Kentucky Derby® cocktail, the mint julep, to a new level by unveiling the world’s most exclusive mint julep cup. The Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup Experience will feature the most exotic ingredients in the world and a collection of 103 sterling silver mint julep cups designed by Tiffany & Co. exclusively for Woodford Reserve. Proceeds from the cup sales will benefit The Heart of a Horse Foundation.  

“Woodford Reserve is proud to partner with Tiffany & Co. to bring horse racing fans the most well-crafted mint julep cup ever to be sold,” said Laura Petry, Woodford Reserve brand manager.  “Woodford Reserve has been associated with the thoroughbred community since the brand’s beginning and through the sale of these cups, we look forward to assisting The Heart of a Horse Foundation in their horse rescue mission.”

In addition to the 103 traditional cups, there will also be three (3) “Prestige” cups available for auction. These sterling silver cups feature a design around the base in 24 karat gold vermeil originally used by Tiffany & Co. on a horse racing cup created in 1876. Bidding on these extremely rare cups will start at $2,000 each.

“Tiffany & Co. represents the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship in silversmithing today and we are thrilled to continue that heritage with the creation of these sterling silver mint julep cups,” said Susanne Halmi, group director of Tiffany & Co.  “It is an honor to partner with Woodford Reserve for a second year while also supporting the Heart of a Horse Foundation.”

 Owners of the Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup will enjoy a mint julep featuring a unique set of ingredients from around the globe: ice made of rainwater captured on the pristine island of Tasmania, Australia; rare Chocolate mint grown in San Diego, California; bourbon smoked sugar from Louisville, KY which combined raw Demerara sugar smoked in used Woodford Reserve barrels; and a small batch of the Master Distiller’s personal selection of Woodford Reserve super-premium bourbon. The 103 traditional cups and three Prestige cups will be presented on Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill Downs® in The Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup Experience located near the clubhouse escalator inside Gate 10.

“We are honored to have The Heart of a Horse Foundation chosen as the beneficiary of this year’s Woodford Reserve $1,000 Mint Julep Cup sales,” said April Horowitz, Heart of a Horse Foundation President. “This program is an opportunity to promote our rescue mission and to raise awareness about horse welfare to millions of people both in America and abroad.”

Fans are encouraged to follow Woodford Reserve online from exciting Derby events and activities via Twitter at @woodfordreserve. Visit www.twitter.com/woodfordreserve for all the details.

2011 marks the sixth year of the $1,000 Mint Julep Experience program with over $300,000 raised for worthy equine and humanitarian causes over the past five years.

How to Purchase a Cup

Starting April 11, 2011 at noon, (EDT) consumers age 21 years and older can log on to www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com to purchase one of the 103 traditional cups or to bid on one of the three Prestige cups. Presented on one day, at one place only, all cups purchased must be picked up by the buyer or the buyer’s proxy on May 7, 2011, Kentucky Derby Day at historic Churchill Downs.

Traditional Cups

103 Traditional Cups will be sold online for $1,000 on a first come, first buy basis. (There have been 103 Kentucky Derby winners born in the state of Kentucky.) The cups are individually numbered and feature the Woodford Reserve logo along with a unique horse racing design. The handmade sterling silver cups have been designed by Tiffany & Co. and come with a sterling silver sipping straw. Each cup will be presented in a unique Tiffany & Co. Blue Box and will be set in a Woodford Reserve casing made from the same wood as Woodford Reserve barrels. The cups will be on sale from April 11-May 5 at www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com for $1,000. Any unsold cups will be available for purchase at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day.

Prestige Cups

In addition to the 103 traditional cups, there will also be three (3) “Prestige” cups available for auction. These sterling silver cups feature a design around the base in 24 karat gold vermeil originally used by Tiffany & Co. on a horse racing cup created in 1876. The cups will be up for auction from April 11-May 5 at www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com with bidding on these extremely rare cups starting at $2,000 each.

The Mint Julep Cup’s Exotic Ingredients

The $1,000 Mint Julep will be made with the most exotic ingredients in the world

Ice made of rainwater captured on the pristine island of Tasmania, Australia, where the air is scientifically proven to be the purest in the world. The air travels over Antarctica and 10,000 miles of ocean reaching the western part of Tasmania called “The Edge of the World” where it is collected without ever touching the ground.

Rare Chocolate mint grown in San Diego, California. This unique mint adds a tantalizing touch of spring freshness to the classic Mint Julep.

Bourbon Smoked Sugar from Bourbon Barrel Foods in Louisville, KY represents the union of flavors that result when Woodford Reserve barrels are combined with raw Demerara sugar. The bourbon-soaked barrel staves are utilized during the smoking process to impart a sweet, caramel flavor and the essence of smoked oak.

A small batch of the Master Distiller’s personal selection of Woodford Reserve super-premium bourbon, selected specifically for the $1,000 Mint Julep. 

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. 

About Tiffany & Co.

Tiffany & Co. operates jewelry and specialty retail stores and manufactures products through its subsidiary corporations. Its principal subsidiary is Tiffany and Company. The Company operates TIFFANY & CO. retail stores and boutiques in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe and engages in direct selling through Internet, catalog and business gift operations. For additional information, please visit tiffany.com or call the shareholder information line at 800-TIF-0110.

About The Heart of a Horse Foundation

The mission of The Heart of a Horse Foundation (HOAH) is quite simple when considering ethical and humane care, treatment and rescue of our equine companions. With 7 million horses in the United States alone The American Horse Council estimates there are over 170,000 unwanted and uncared for horses. Each year, 100,000 American horses are slaughtered unnecessarily. The Heart of a Horse Foundation’s mission is to maintain and stimulate the unwavering well-being of horses in America.

About Churchill Downs®:

Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack, has conducted Thoroughbred racing and presented America’s greatest race, the Kentucky Derby, continuously since 1875.  Located in Louisville, the flagship racetrack of Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ: CHDN) also operates Trackside at Churchill Downs, which offers year-round simulcast wagering at the historic track. Churchill Downs will conduct the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 7, 2011. The track’s 2011 Spring Meet is scheduled for April 30-July 4.  Churchill Downs has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championships a record seven times and the event will return to the track for its next renewal on Nov. 4-5. Information about Churchill Downs can be found on the Internet at www.churchilldowns.com. 

Churchill Downs®, Kentucky Derby® and the Twin Spires design are registered trademarks of Churchill Downs Incorporated.

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

SPOIL DAD WITH SOMETHING SPECIAL FROM ISLAY

Finding it increasingly difficult to track down a suitable gift for dad? Stop fretting while saving yourself hours in crowded shopping malls. Offer him the gentle taste of the Bunnahabhain 12-year old single malt and he will thank you every time he savours the warming glow of this whisky.

The home of Bunnahabhain, pronounced Bū-na-ha-venn, is the world-renowned Isle of Islay on the west-coast of Scotland. Unlike most other single malts from Islay, Bunnhabhain is known for its gentle taste profile and unique character, largely the result of malted barley enhanced by the pure spring water that flows freely underground, untainted by the peaty moorlands.

This award-winning single malt comes beautifully packaged in a black gift tube. It offers a wonderfully fresh and aromatic experience with a subtle whiff of smoke. The palate opens with notes of fruit and nuts that lead onto a malty sweetness, ending in a rich, lingering finish.

The Bunnahabhain distillery produces three single malts – a 12-, 18- and 25-year old, all crafted by master distiller Ian MacMillan, who has over 40 years experience in whisky distilling.

The Bunnahabhain 12-year old retails for about (South African Rand) R485 per 750 ml bottle. For more information please visit www.bunnahabhain.com

NFL Carolina Panther set for release in Scottish Highlands

13-15 May 2011

In the wilderness of Scotland’s rugged and remote Highlands, the NFL Carolina Panther Jeremy Shockey, will face one of the biggest endurance tests of his career, as he competes against nine other international teams in the annual Drambuie Pursuit 2011.

The winner of the first NFL Pro-American Football Rookie Award in 2002 and a two time Pro-Football Champion, Shockey will aim to bring all his skills from the football field to the high-octane competition. Covering over 100 miles in one day, the epic adventure race will include rock climbing,  white water rafting, downhill mountain biking, kayaking and buggy racing.

In anticipation of his first visit to Scotland, Jeremy Shockey said “The Drambuie Pursuit is an incredible opportunity to showcase athletic prowess and endurance.. I look forward to putting together an unbeatable team to tackle the Scottish Highlands and knock out the competition.”

Previously with the New Orleans Saints and New York Giants, Shockey signed a multi-million dollar deal with the Carolina Panthers in early March 2011. As part of his participation in the Drambuie Pursuit, Jeremy will be making a donation to the Heath Evans Foundation. Founded by Jeremy’s teammate, Heath Evans, the foundation is dedicated to fostering hope and healing in the lives of children and families affected by sexual abuse.

Will Birkin, Senior Brand Manager for Drambuie commented “We are excited to see the level of competitiveness Jeremy will bring to the Drambuie Pursuit, as this is the second time we have enlisted a professional athlete having used Lawrence Dallaglio in 2009. 2010 has been an exciting year for revitalising and modernising the brand, and we look forward to continuing that momentum by enjoying the participation of a star from the NFL in the 2011 Drambuie Pursuit.”

The UK teams who will be competing against Team Jeremy all secured their place in the competition as they were the teams with the most public votes for their team application.  The team with the most votes, UtRAFast, made up of four RAF servicemen, were rewarded with a £2,500 donation from Drambuie to the charity of their choice, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.  The RAF’s largest welfare charity provider the RAFBF provides far reaching support for serving and former members of the RAF and their families.

The race is inspired by events that took place more than 260 years ago. In 1746 after a failed attempt to claim the British throne, Bonnie Prince Charlie was pursued across the highlands by the Government forces but escaped with the help of his loyal clansmen. In gratitude for their help he passed on the top secret recipe for his personal elixir which became Drambuie.

The spirit of Drambuie lives on and over the years this unique whisky liqueur has been passed down through generations carrying with it a sense of adventure, culminating in this exciting event.  Today people around the world are enjoying Drambuie served long with & ginger beer; know as The Drambuie Ginger Nail, a refreshing twist on the classic Drambuie cocktail The Rusty Nail.

For more information on Drambuie Pursuit please visit: www.drambuie.co.uk/pursuit

Drambuie encourages responsible drinking
www.drinkaware.co.uk   www.scotch-whisky.org.uk

Notes
 
About DRAMBUIE®

The elixir at the heart of DRAMBUIE was created more than 260 years ago exclusively for Prince Charles Edward Stuart of Scotland.  It is a unique combination of aged Scotch whiskies, heather honey and a blend of herbs and spices – a recipe kept secret since 1745. In the late 19th century the drink became know as “an dram buidheach” – from the Gaelic the drink that satisfies, and was subsequently registered as Drambuie is 1893. The first commercial production of Drambuie took place in Edinburgh 1909, it became the first liqueur to be served in The House of Lords in 1916 and became popular internationally as it was taken abroad by the Scottish Regiments in the two World Wars.

In the USA post prohibition, it became synonymous with the classic cocktail The Rusty Nail ™. Today it’s enjoyed neat, over ice and as a long refreshing drink mixed with soda, ginger beer or ginger ale.  For more information visit www.drambuie.com

IRISH DISTILLERS PERNOD RICARD WINS TOP AWARDS AT PRESTIGIOUS SPIRIT COMPETITION

Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard is celebrating the success of its premium whiskey portfolio after achieving four Double Gold and one Gold medal at the internationally renowned San Francisco World Spirit Competition (SFWSC) 2011.

Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve, the most luxurious whiskey in the Jameson family, picked up a Double Gold in the Blended Irish Whiskey category, while Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve won Gold.

Redbreast, the highly acclaimed single pot still whiskey also created at the Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork, won Double Gold for both its 12 Year Old and 15 Year Old expressions.

Powers 12 Year Old, the premium edition of Powers Gold Label, one of Ireland’s favourite whiskeys, also picked up a Double Gold medal.

Speaking about the company’s success, CEO and Chairman of Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, Alex Ricard says: “To achieve five top awards at this prestigious competition is a huge honour and testament to the skill and dedication of our master distillers at the Midleton Distillery. As owners of Jameson, the world’s leading Irish whiskey, we are continuing to invest in this fast-growing category and these awards will only help to build further consumer advocacy around the world.”

A record number of entries were submitted to the 11th annual SFWSC with 1106 products from 61 countries. Entries were evaluated by a panel of 33 industry heavyweight judges including experts from noted restaurants, well-known spirits journalists, spirits buyers, and spirits consultants. Judging was based on a blind, consensual procedure ensuring competitive integrity, making the competition one of the most reputable and recognised competition in the spirits industry.

Notes:

Irish Distillers Pernod Picard, part of Pernod Ricard Group, distils and distributes a range of famous Irish whiskey, gin and vodka brands internationally including Jameson, Powers, Paddy, Midleton Very Rare, Redbreast, Cork Dry Gin, Cork Crimson Gin and Huzzar Vodka.

Jameson is the world’s No 1 Irish whiskey. Award-winning as a result of its exceptional smoothness following its unique triple distillation process, Jameson is enjoyed in over 120 countries worldwide. The core Jameson range includes Jameson; Jameson 12 Year Old Special Reserve; Jameson Gold Reserve; Jameson 18 Year Old Limited Reserve; Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve and Jameson Signature Reserve (Travel Retail exclusive).

For further information:

Visit: www.jamesonwhiskey.com

THE FINE ART OF DRINKING

INAUGURAL 2011 WHISKY AUCTION TO HIGHLIGHT BONHAMS NEW YORK APRIL CALENDAR

New York/San Francisco/Los Angeles – Bonhams is delighted to announce full details of its first Whisky sale of 2011 in New York.

In the early evening of Thursday April 14, Bonhams New York will hold Whisky, a 322-lot sale that includes three notable private collections, along with a variety of other Scottish single malt whisky consignments.

Richard Pike, Bonhams New York Wine & Whisky Director, says: “These two April sales present to our growing international client base an excellent selection of sought-after wine and whiskies from the leading producers of the world. Whether it’s exceptional Macallan or leading current vintages from Château Lafite-Rothschild, Bonhams is happy to continue to expand its sale offerings in these two categories, and to further its role within a wider Wine department that regularly holds wine and whisky sales across three continents.”

Whisky, April 14

The auction is dominated by three notable private collections. The first two are consigned from an East Coast collector and a whisky aficionado from Virginia. They both represent a wide, eclectic mix of Scottish single malt whiskies, including whiskies for current drinking, rare bottlings from independents, and sought-after rarities. Highlights include a Macallan Private Eye individually numbered bottle (est. $600-800); a 12-year-old Ghillie’s Dram Macallan (est. $450-600); three bottles of Ardbeg 1974 Provenance (est. $600-900 per bottle); and two bottles of Black Bowmore 1964 (est. $2,800-3,500 per bottle).

A third collection comes from a remarkable Brooklyn consignor featuring exceptional rarities, including Macallan 55 year old in Lalique decanter (est. $16,000-22,000, pictured); Macallan 57 year old in Lalique decanter (est. $15,000-20,000, pictured); Glenfiddich 50 year old (est. $15,000-20,000); the Bowmore Trilogy (est. $15,000-20,000); a six-bottle Springbank Millennium Set (est. $9,000-12,000); and a six bottle original wooden presentation case Macallan-Speymalt set (est. $8,000-12,000).

Whisky Auction: April 14, 5pm EST, Bonhams New York

Notes

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 and Dubai. 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 (May 2010).