Old Pulteney Salutes You!

UK Army Officer To Take on Battle of the Arctic After Spirited Global Competition Win 

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky and explorer Jock Wishart have revealed the winner of Pole Position, their unique global competition to find the sixth and final crew member of a pioneering arctic expedition – The Old Pulteney Row to the Pole.

David Mans, a 28 year old British Army Officer from Hampshire, beat stiff competition from hundreds of international entrants to be crowned the Pole Position winner at the London Boat Show 2011 on Friday 7th January.

He will join internationally acclaimed adventurer and sportsman Jock Wishart in summer 2011, as he attempts one of the world’s last remaining ‘firsts’: an unsupported row to the magnetic North Pole.

In a specially designed ice boat, David will take his place in the team of six who will set off from Resolute Bay in Canada on a 450 mile route across the arctic on a voyage which if successful, will make history.

The challenge is of global significance as both a pioneering maritime adventure and an environmental expedition – which is only now possible due to the increase in seasonal ice melt and its deterioration due to climate change.

The Old Pulteney Pole Position competition was launched in September 2010 to offer one spirited person a once in a lifetime chance to be part of this extraordinary adventure – but only if they had the physical and mental attributes required for such an extreme feat of skill and endurance.

After an online entry process, a shortlist of forty eight international finalists were invited to compete head-to-head in a Pole Position Challenge Day on the 20th November at the 2012 Olympic Rowing Course, Dorney Lake, Eton Rowing Centre. To test their physical and mental abilities, contestants competed in a two and a half hour endurance row, group interviews and psychometric tests. David’s determination, fitness and stamina stood out amongst the other finalists and saw him scoop the life changing prize, and he will now be personally trained by Jock in the countdown to the summer expedition send off.

To reach the magnetic North Pole, David will row with the other crew members in three hour shifts, and will have to overcome challenging weather and subzero temperatures with little chance of rest or shelter.

His rowing experience at both coastal and river clubs combined with his career as an army officer will put him in good stead to overcome the many obstacles he will face during the arduous voyage. From commanding soldiers in the Middle East to leading army mountaineering expeditions in the UK, David is no stranger to cold, monotony and exhaustion and the effect it can have on a team of people. He credits his sense of humour in the face of adversity and strong determination to succeed as the key attributes he will bring to the team.

David Mans says: ‘I am absolutely thrilled to be joining the Old Pulteney Row to the Pole crew and relish the opportunity to take part in what will undoubtedly be one of  the biggest adventures of my life to date. Rowing has always been my passion from a young age and has enabled me to keep grounded in the civilian world. For me, rowing is the ultimate team sport and I can only imagine the sense of camaraderie and achievement the crew will feel if we succeed in such a groundbreaking voyage.’

Jock Wishart says: ‘This is the most complicated logistical exercise in the Polar regions since Sir Vivian Fuch’s Trans Antarctic expedition in 1957/58. For this we require the best people. Only the best are “good enough.”

The Old Pulteney Row to the Pole will be captured on camera for UK and international audiences and will follow Jock’s preparations and the 4-6 week long row where he and his team will face dramatic ice-bound coastlines and shifting sea-ice barriers.

Old Pulteney’s partnership with Jock is rooted in the whisky’s maritime heritage and history of supporting sailing and seafaring adventure.  The whisky is distilled in the historic harbour town of Wick, the most northerly distillery on the UK mainland and the windswept and rugged landscape that surrounds it has given the malt its legacy as the Maritime Malt. The malt whisky continues its association with some of the most prestigious sailing events in the country with its continuation of its sponsorship of the Isle of Wight’s Round the Island Race and the Old Pulteney IRC Scottish Championship in 2011.

www.rowtothepole.com

Notes

• The certified position of the North Magnetic Pole is 78 degrees, 35.724 minutes North, 104 degrees, 11.915 minutes West.

Jock Wishart

Jock is established as one of the UK’s leading adventurers and explorers, with a successful background in polar exploration, rowing and extreme navigational feats. He led the team which established fifteen new world speed records for powered circumnavigation and captained the team that broke the London to Paris rowing record in 1999. He has a lifetime interest in polar exploration and in 1992 journey he was part of the first team to walk unsupported to the Geomagnetic North Pole.

‘The Old Pulteney’ Ice Boat

The Old Pulteney was designed by Dutchman Peter Bosgraaf of Peter Bosgraaf Yacht Design from Amsterdam in collaboration with Hugh Welbourne of Welbourne Yacht Design from East Allington, Devon, who advised on the laminates and under water construction. Roger Daynes of Snowsled Polar from Tetbury in Wiltshire advised on the design and construction of the “runners” on the bottom of the ice boat. The boat was built by Cris Rossiter of Rossiter Yachts in Christchurch, Dorset.

Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky

Old Pulteney Single Malt Whisky, is diligently crafted at Pulteney Distillery in Wick. It is the most northerly distillery on the UK Mainland and was founded in 1826 by James Henderson at the height of Wick’s herring boom.  The distillery lies in the heart of ‘Pulteneytown’, which was created for all the fishermen at the time, and is embedded in the deep rooting history of this coastal town, which used to be one of the most important and biggest herring fishing ports in Europe.

International Beverage Holdings (www.interbevgroup.com) was established in 2005 as the international arm of ThaiBev, one of South East Asia’s leading alcohol beverage companies. With a network of regional offices in Asia, Europe and North America, the company is responsible for the production, sales, marketing and distribution of a portfolio of premium global brands in over 80 countries and territories.

Inver House Distillers (www.inverhouse.com) is globally integrated into International Beverage Holdings and drives the distillation and maturation of Scotch through its five distilleries.
International Beverage brands include:

 Chang Beer: Thailand’s iconic beer brand
 Single Malt Scotch Whiskies: Old Pulteney, Balblair, anCnoc, Speyburn
 Blended Whiskies: Hankey Bannister
 Mekhong: ‘The Spirit of Thailand’ since 1941
 Caorunn – a small batch distilled Scottish Gin infused with 5 Celtic botanicals

The company’s success is built on the combination of a strong understanding of local cultures and markets with the creation of a truly global operational network.  Brand building pays respect to heritage, provenance and craftsmanship whilst delivering innovative and highly effective strategies at global level. A skilled and dedicated team of people of more than 12 nationalities, speaking over 14 languages delivers the highest standards of customer service and attention to detail across all aspects of the business.

Woodford Reserve ® and Esquire Crown “Master of the Manhattan”

Marcelo Nascimento from Austin, TX Takes Top Honors

New York, NY – After searching the country for the nation’s ultimate well-crafted Manhattans, Woodford Reserve bourbon and Esquire magazine have crowned Marcelo Nascimento from Austin, Texas and his “Voodoo Manhattan” as the “Master of the Manhattan” for 2011.

Nascimento’s cocktail was reviewed by a distinguished panel of experts along with the 10 other bartenders creations from across the country. Nascimento and the other participant’s cocktails were critiqued on creativity, ingredients, presentation and taste. The judges included Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris, spirits journalist Paul Pacult, Whiskycast creator Mark Gillespie, and Douglass Miller from the Culinary Institute of America. The judging took place at The Manhattan Experience at Top of the Standard in New York City on Monday, January 10.

“There was some stiff competition from the other bartenders and I didn’t expect to win, but the judges told me they thought my drink really stood out,” said Nascimento.  “The whole time in New York was exceptional and I want to thank Woodford Reserve and Esquire for an amazing experience.”

The Voodoo Manhattan along with the other 10 recipes will be featured in a Woodford Reserve advertisement in the February edition of Esquire. The Voodoo Manhattan recipe is as follows:

Voodoo Manhattan crafted by Marcelo Nascimento

2½ oz. Woodford Reserve®

½ oz. Amaro Averna

½ oz. Clément Créole Shrubb

½ bar spoon of Pink peppercorns

Garnish with skewered blood orange supremes and inflamed orange peel

Winner Marcelo Nascimento

About Woodford Reserve

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, Fetzer, Korbel, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, Tuaca, and Bonterra. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. For more information on Woodford Reserve, visit www.woodfordreserve.com.

About Esquire

Esquire (www.esquire.com), published by Hearst Magazines, was the winner of the 2010 National Magazine Awards for “Profile Writing.” It is the most-honored monthly magazine in America with a total of 14 awards over the past 13 years. In addition to its U.S. flagship, Esquire publishes 22 editions around the world. 

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

Woodford Reserve ® and Esquire to Showcase Nation’s Ultimate Manhattans

Finalists’ creations to be showcased at January 10 event at Top of The Standard
 
Louisville, Ky. (January 5, 2011) – With the recent resurgence of pre-Prohibition bourbon cocktails, the classic Manhattan is making a comeback across the country. Woodford Reserve bourbon and Esquire magazine have searched the country for the nation’s ultimate well-crafted Manhattans and will feature 11 “Masters of the Manhattan” on January 10 during The Manhattan Experience Finals in New York City.

Each bartender showcased their own spin on the historic cocktail at events across the country and will present their own well-crafted Manhattan cocktails at the Woodford Reserve/Esquire Magazine Manhattan Experience. The event takes place in New York City on Monday, January 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Top of The Standard. There, the bartenders’ creations will be reviewed by a panel of experts, including Woodford Reserve Master Distiller Chris Morris and spirit journalist Paul Pacult.

“We have had some wonderful and creative recipes submitted during our search over the past few months, highlighting all of the flavors of Woodford Reserve,” said Laura Petry, Woodford Reserve brand manager. “Along with our partners at Esquire, we look forward to showcasing the cocktail craftsmanship of some of the finest mixologists in the country.”

All 11 finalists will be featured in a Woodford Reserve advertisement in the February issue of Esquire.

To celebrate the spirit of crafting the ultimate cocktail, Esquire’s resident mixologist David Wondrich has developed the Esquire Manhattan featuring Woodford Reserve. The cocktail recipe is as follows:

Esquire Manhattan featuring Woodford Reserve

1.5 to 2 oz Woodford Reserve

1 oz Martini & Rossi red vermouth

1/2 oz Fernet Branca

Stir well with cracked ice. Strain into chilled cocktail glass and twist swatch of thin-cut orange peel over the top.

About Woodford Reserve

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, Fetzer, Korbel, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, Tuaca, and Bonterra. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. For more information on Woodford Reserve, visit www.woodfordreserve.com.

About Esquire

Esquire (www.esquire.com), published by Hearst Magazines, was the winner of the 2009 National Magazine Awards for “Feature Writing,” “Personal Service” and “Leisure Interests.” It is the most-honored monthly magazine in America with a total of 13 awards. Readers can also interact with the brand on the digital front, with Esquire mobile (m.esquire.com). In addition to its U.S. flagship, Esquire publishes 16 editions around the world. 

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

BALLANTINE’S LEAVES AN IMPRESSION AS CENTENARY YEAR COMES TO A CLOSE

Reflecting the global reach of Ballantine’s, almost 100 international guests, from countries such as Poland, Czech Republic and Ukraine, gathered in Scotland this month for a two day event to celebrate the centenary year for Europe’s No 1 Scotch whisky brand, Ballantine’s Finest.

Taking place in Edinburgh, the historical home of Ballantine’s, the group which included media from around the world, enjoyed a visit to Dundas Castle and a formal Scottish dinner with a special address to the Haggis by International Brand Ambassador Ken Lindsay.

Pictured at the dinner, from left to right, are Ballantine’s Global Brand Director Peter Moore; International Brand Ambassador, Ken Lindsay and Master Blender Sandy Hyslop, who cut the Ballantine’s Finest birthday cake together to commemorate the brand’s landmark year.

Speaking at the event, Peter Moore said: “This is a historic occasion for Ballantine’s and we are delighted to be celebrating it with so many of our market guests. Their attendance not only demonstrates their loyalty to the brand but their determination to continue to support it around the world. This event has concluded what has been a year of celebration across all our key markets and we hope it will inspire even greater future success for the brand.”

Notes:

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s, is the No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe, No 1 ultra-premium whisky in Asia Pacific and sells over 70 million bottles a year. The brand has won over 80 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the iconic 30 Year Old, is the most comprehensive and innovative in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of master blenders that dates back to 1827.

About 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.

Dumgoyne: Glengoyne Distillery is to launch its SLOWEST ever bottling. Taking over four years to complete, this is a world’s first small batch release from a single cask, creating a live experiment which whisky enthusiasts can take part in.

Available from Tuesday 28 December 2010, The Glengoyne Christmas Cask will be released each Christmas until 2014. Just 100 bottles will be released at a time, exclusively available to buy in person from the distillery shop. This highly innovative, first of a kind bottling will allow single cask lovers to trace the flavour evolution in this remarkable, yet typical, Glengoyne cask over its next four years of maturation.

Cask 790, a First Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt distilled in 2002, is currently rich, with hints of rosehip syrup, cocoa beans, oak and spice. It still clings to the last of its spirited youth, but delivering plenty and promising much more.
 
Glengoyne’s unique flavour is derived from Scotland’s SLOWEST malt whisky distillation and the use of some of Spain’s finest sherry casks. Every year a team of dedicated noses search the warehouses for casks that are just right, releasing between two and four Single Casks a year.  Once in the bottle the whisky stops maturing, so Single Cask bottlings represent a snapshot in time.

Stuart Hendry, Glengoyne Brand Heritage Manager explained “One day, after a particularly productive tasting session, we got to thinking – what if there is something more? We at the distillery are able to taste casks as they mature, witnessing their highs and lows, their flavour peak and troughs as they wind their way towards maturity. What if we were able to share that with our anorak-wearing whisky chums?”

‘Headspace’ – the area within the cask unoccupied by liquid – is normally created through evaporation at the rate of approximately 1.5% per annum. In the case of the Christmas Cask we will be removing 70 litres from the cask each year, leading to much increased headspace, giving the potential for higher rates of evaporation and interactive maturation. Stuart continued: “We don’t know for sure what will happen, but we’re looking forward to finding out.”

The release of the Glengoyne Christmas Cask is something completely different, a first of its kind for the distillery, and the world, representing the Glengoyne SLOW ethos. It is an utterly unique insight into the life of a Single Malt Whisky cask, with the staggered bottlings perfectly demonstrating the long slow path each and every cask takes to reach the moment of perfect maturity. Each bottle will be numbered and signed by the Glengoyne Tasting Panel, but will be presented without packaging in order to keep the price down.

The release date for the first 100 bottles is 28th December 2010 and the bottles must be purchased AT the distillery, priced £100. They will not be available online or through telesales.

For further information visit: www.glengoyne.com or call the distillery on 01360 550 254

Ian Macleod Distillers encourages responsible drinking

www.drinkaware.co.uk  www.scotch-whisky.org.uk

Notes:

Award-winning Glengoyne is one of the leading premium malt whiskies in the world and has been distilled at Glengoyne distillery since 1833. The Glengoyne portfolio consists of the 10 Years Old, 12 Years Old Cask Strength, 12 Years Old at 43%, 17 Years Old , 21 Years Old and Vintage 1972 as well as other limited edition special bottlings. 

Following a recent 25% increase in case sales Glengoyne recently announced a new long-term marketing initiative based on the concept “SLOW”, and is to invest upwards of £1m in the campaign drive over the next two years.

The campaign is centred on Glengoyne’s distillation speed, which is SLOWER than any other Scotch Whisky. Glengoyne attributes its high quality, smooth tasting malt to its slow distillation, which is about one third the normal rate.
 
SLOWLY distilling the spirit allows more contact with the copper stills, removing unwanted sulphur which can result in bitterness and encouraging the formation of esters creating Glengoyne’s distinctive apple fruitiness. The increased copper interaction also helps draw more flavour from the slowly handcrafted Spanish Sherry oak casks during maturation.

Celebrate Hogmanay with a NEW Limited Edition from The Dalmore

Bring in the New Year with a dram of the NEW Dalmore Eos 59 year old single malt. The Dalmore is renowned for its distinction and aristocratic pedigree, rewarding its loyal admirers with a unique, full taste that reflects its colourful history and origins.

Named after the Titan goddess of the dawn, The Dalmore’s Eos captures the essence of mythical properties and divine nature that she represented to our ancestors. Legend has it that Eos opened the gates of heaven every morning, an appropriate portrayal of the opening of the Dalmore’s warehouse doors to release this divine spirit. Like the ancient practice of worshipping the dawn, The Dalmore’s Eos is sure to become a treasured part of whisky history.

The subtle aromas reach you well before your tongue senses the exquisite flavours like the brightening night sky hinting to dawn. An exhilarating explosion of honeyed pear and pineapple, bitter dark chocolate and roasted coffee wakens the senses before the nose delights to the scent of soft peaches, mangoes and almonds. Intense flavours of toffee, caramel, orange, golden syrup and cinnamon then vie for attention on the palate and leave a long lingering full-flavoured aftertaste.

Selected from the same two exceptional sherry casks, Eos is sister to Selene, The Dalmore’s highly prized 1951 vintage. An additional year of slumber has intensified the flavours of the whiskies, now combined to create a golden nectar likely to appeal to the sacred golden-throned goddess herself.

Little did The Dalmore’s local artisans know it at the time, but on the seventh of June 1951 history was being created. This was the day that casks 1781 and 1782 were filled and left to mature, deep in dark, bonded warehouse’s tucked away in the Scottish Highlands. As countless dawns swept the land, the characteristics that make Eos so unique slowly developed, infusing the spirit with distinctive aromas, flavours and finishes. Now, over half a century later, The Dalmore’s Master Distiller finally believes the time is right to release the spirit.

Only 20 decanters containing this divine spirit will ever see the light of day. Made from mouth blown Portuguese crystal, painstakingly hand cut and adorned with beautiful silver highlights, each decanter reflects the years of skill, knowledge and craftsmanship that have gone into producing every drop of The Dalmore Eos. The decanter is then safely encased in a prized and robust solid steel box, inlaid with dark timber to protect it over the decades to come.

Price RSP £15,000

Visit The Dalmore website at www.thedalmore.com

The above whisky can be found at Harrods, Selfridges, Whisky Shop Chain, www.elitemarket.com, Oddbins, Nicolas, World of Whisky, World Duty Free & all good whisky specialists.

Notes:

The Dalmore whisky is crafted in small batches using an artisan philosophy that has been passed down through generations, The Dalmore converts crystal-clear water from the nearby river Alness in the Highlands into liquid gold. The small band of stillmen that run the distillery all originate from a handful of local families and with years of experience exhibit true craft and take enormous pride in their work. This ensures The Dalmore whisky’s unique character.

Whisky fans can join The Dalmore Custodians, a select group of individuals with an appetite for luxury single malt, by visiting http://www.thedalmore.com

Tomatin releases 1973 and 1982 Single Casks.

Tomatin Distillery is delighted to announce the release of two exquisite Single Cask bottlings. These expressions of the Tomatin Single Malt Scotch whisky were selected by Master Distiller, Douglas Campbell, who deemed them to be of an exceptional standard.

Matured in a refill Bourbon cask the 1973 displays a complex mix of flavours ranging from wild cherries and pear drops to coconut flakes and lemon curd. This 36 year old single cask yielded a paltry 184 bottles and will be available to consumers worldwide although the majority of the stock is expected to be sold in Western Europe. Bottles are expected to retail at £450.00.

The 1982 expression comes from an Oloroso sherry Puncheon and offers drinkers a remarkably different experience to the 1973. Bottled at a natural strength of 57%abv and limited to 560 bottles this bottling will again be offered to Tomatin distributors throughout the world. The 1982 is expected to sell for around £340.00

Both of these whiskies are presented in an ultra heavy weight glass bottle which is sealed with a wax coated glass stopper. Each bottle is protected with a luxurious velvet lined wooden box designed by Breeze Creative and manufactured by Mount Gabriel.

Graham Nicolson, Regional Sales Manager for Western Europe commented “I feel confident that these Single Cask expressions will be very well received by whisky enthusiasts around the world. We are starting to build up a loyal following in certain Western European markets and I am sure that consumers will not be disappointed by what are 2 very unique expressions of Tomatin”.

Product Details

Brand Name Tomatin 1973 Single Cask
Cask No 25602
Cask Type Refill American Oak Cask
No of Bottles Produced 184
Date of Distillation 13.09.73
Date of Bottling 10.08.10
Age Over 36 years
Strength 44%abv
Chill filtration No

Tasting Notes

Nose – A veritable fruit salad. Pear drops, wild cherries, cranberries, malt, vanilla and beeswax
Palate – Light ,soft , subtle fruity flavours coat the middle of the tongue. These are followed by delicate hints of lemon curd, coconut flakes and a heather honey sweetness that linger on and on…
Finish – Smooth , sensual and creamy.

Brand Name Tomatin 1982 Single Cask
Cask No 92
Cask Type Refill Sherry Puncheon
No of Bottle Produced 560

Date of Distillation 29.01.82
Date of bottling 10.08.10
Age Over 28 years
Strength 57%abv
Chill filtration No

Tasting Notes

Nose – Soft and honeyed with gentle hints of aniseed. Darjeeling Tea leaves, banoffee pie with a minty undertone.
Palate – Rich , sweet and mellow. Gently toasted hazelnuts and almonds, stewed plums giving way to subtle oaky flavours.
Finish – Subtle and creamy with a hint of coconut.

HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES FILLS MILESTONE 6 MILLIONTH BARREL OF KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

Company Only the Second Continuously Operated Distillery to Reach Historic Number

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned distilled spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, today celebrated the filling of Bourbon barrel number six million.  Heaven Hill is only the second continuously operating Bourbon producer to reach the historic benchmark. And in an historic coincidence, the filling of barrel number six million took place on the exact same day, 75 years later, that Heaven Hill filled their first barrel of Bourbon in 1935.

“It is indeed a proud day for our company and our extended Heaven Hill family,” said Heaven Hill Distilleries President Max L. Shapira.  “That the filling of this historic barrel fell on the 75th anniversary of the day that my father and his four brothers filled Heaven Hill’s very first Bourbon barrel makes this day monumentally important for us.  And it is made all the more special that it is personally overseen by two generations of my family and two generations of the family of our Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam.”

No one could foresee the many changes and tremendous growth that lay ahead for both Heaven Hill and the American Whiskey industry in between the filling of their first barrel— ironically on Friday, December 13th, 1935—and their latest milestone barrel, but the company remains true to its original mission as a family-owned and operated independent Kentucky company, the last remaining in the Bourbon business today. Heaven Hill now has over 900,000 aging barrels of Kentucky Bourbon in their inventory, and their flagship Evan Williams brand is the second largest selling Bourbon in the United States and the world. 

The 6 millionth barrel was “bunged off” by sixth- and seventh-generation father and son Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam in a brief ceremony at Heaven Hill’s cistern room attended by company executives and local dignitaries.  Congressman Brett Guthrie, Bardstown Mayor J. Richard Heaton and Mayor Elect Bill Sheckles, State Rep. David Floyd and Nelson County Judge Executive Dean Watts attended the brief ceremony and offered congratulations to the company on their latest accomplishment.  The barrel was then moved to Rickhouse “Y” where it will rest alongside the other Heaven Hill milestone barrels in a special display where visitors to Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center may view them.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

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

The Macallan HOSTS PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION INSPIRED BY Albert Watson edition of The Masters of Photography

Inspired by the launch of the Albert Watson edition of The Masters of Photography and his visual interpretation of the journey of The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks, the Speyside single malt has launched the first Macallan Masterclass photography competition.

The competition invites the public to upload their finest photographs that celebrate the theme of “great journeys”. It could be from travels or a special moment showing a passage of time from one stage to another.

The top ten photographs, as voted for by the public, will then be judged by Albert Watson, winner of the prestigious Royal Photographic Society’s 2010 Centenary Medal, who will choose a first, second, third and a highly commended entry. Prizes include the ultimate trip of Scotland, Nikon digital camera equipment and a 12 month subscription to Digital Camera magazine. Entry to the competition and voting is at www.themastersofphotography.com. Closing date is 29th April 2011.

Edinburgh-born world leading photographer, Albert Watson, unveiled his latest works of art undertaken in partnership with The Macallan single malt whisky earlier this month. Interpreting the story of The Macallan’s exceptional oak casks, Watson visually documented his journey which began in the forests of Spain and ended at The Macallan’s spiritual home in Speyside.

To create his black and white photographic series, Watson embarked upon a journey of 12 days covering 600 miles and encountered some of the most breathtaking scenery. From the entrancing forests of Northern Spain, where the mighty Spanish oaks grow, to the traditional cooperage in Jerez, Watson began a journey of discovery, culminating in the alchemy and passion of The Macallan Distillery in Scotland. The photographic odyssey took place in 3 parts, the romantic tale of a couple’s road trip, a series of images expanding on this particular journey and finally the creation of fine art platinum prints.

The outcome is a stunning anthology which captures the genuine emotional connection between the photographer and his subjects: the striking landscapes, beautiful settings and the spectacular weather patterns. Watson’s photographic prints exude an air of drama and romance, trailing a stylish couple taking a voyage to unearth the key secret behind The Macallan. These are coupled with intimate shots of the time served master craftsmen of the cooperage and dramatic stills of the surrounding wilderness.

A limited collection of 1,000 unique The Macallan Sherry Oak 20 year old bottles is available for purchase throughout the world, each with a specially commissioned label by Watson and a set of 10 portfolio prints unique to this edition. A further 36 individually customised bottles of The Macallan 1946 whisky, the date Watson first met his wife Elizabeth, with a signed one-off collectible platinum print can also be purchased, once they have completed their world exhibition tour, with a reserve price of £10,000.

The Macallan Masters of Photography Albert Watson Edition can be purchased at luxury spirits retailers or via www.themacallan.com for an RRP of £700. 

To enter the Macallan Masters competition, go to www.themastersofphotography.com.

www.drinkaware.com

Notes

Tasting notes – The Macallan Sherry Oak 20 year old

NOSE – Dark chocolate orange, cloves, ginger and dried fruit, accented by polished oak

TASTE – Robust spine of blood orange and exotic spices, with an abundance of sun ripened raisins, dates and sultanas

FINISH – Tantalisingly long, oak, allspice, stem ginger with sustained fruitiness

COLOUR – Lacquered rosewood

The Macallan Sherry Oak 20 year old bottles will be available for purchase in the UK from luxury retailers for the RRP £700.

The Macallan 1946 bottle can also be purchased in the UK at luxury retailers at a starting price of £10,000

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

The Macallan is ranked number two by value* among the world’s top selling single malts and is recognised as being a leader within the Scotch Whisky industry when it comes to innovation.

*IWSR figures ending December 2006

www.themacallan.com

Albert Watson – photographer

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

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

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

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

www.albertwatson.net

The timeless reputation of The Macallan is founded upon Six Pillars:

The Spiritual Home

Easter Elchies House proudly watches over The Macallan distillery in Speyside, Scotland. Built in 1700, this Jacobean manor house is The Macallan’s spiritual home.

Curiously Small Stills

The Macallan’s curiously small and uniquely shaped copper stills help to concentrate the flavour of the ‘new make’ spirit.

The Finest Cut

The ‘cut’ is the amount of distilled spirit collected from the stills as ‘new make’ spirit. The Macallan takes one of the finest ‘cuts’ of any distillery in Scotland; typically just 16% goes forward to fill or our casks. 

Exceptional Oak Casks

The Macallan’s unfaltering obsession with selecting exceptional oak casks brings an unsurpassed, timeless quality to The Macallan.

Natural Colour

The Macallan insists upon Natural Colour. It is the interaction of spirit and wood alone which delivers the rich variety of colour, aroma and taste evident through out the range.

Peerless Spirit

The Macallan remains the single malt against which all others must be judged. It is celebrated far and wide by experts and discerning drinkers as the world’s most precious whisky.

High Tech or Hand Crafted?

The Balvenie Holiday Survey Reveals Men Want It All

 With just days until Santa arrives, The Balvenie Single Malt Holiday Survey conducted by Leger Marketing asked 1,200 Canadian men, “What are you buying this year?” 

• Canadian men are into the true holiday spirit and showing their gentler side selecting “time with family” as number one on their wish list (32.9%); followed by “travel” (22.4%) and “peace and quiet” (12.3%).

• Thirty-four per cent of Canadian men identified electronics stores as their primary spending target this Christmas, ahead of clothes, toys and restaurants.  The liquor store ranks in the top five “spending destinations” at eight per cent, beating out jewellery (6%), cosmetics (2%) and furniture stores (1%).   

• Forty per cent of Canadian men pick single malt scotch, such as The Balvenie, as the special gift they would buy for their best friend – beating out a hand-built watch (23.6%), bespoke clothing (23.3%), or hand-rolled cigars (12.9%).

• And they give with heart. Ninety-one per cent of Canadian men say they would feel pride in giving a gift like handcrafted single malt scotch – the highest “pride” rating of any premium gift. 

• Tradition reigns in mens’ shopping style. The majority of Canadian men (85%) will make their Christmas purchases at good old fashioned “Bricks and Mortar” stores.

• Canadian men plan to spend an average of $638 each on gifts this year. Married males will spend considerably more ($732) than single males ($347).

• Credit continues to fuel the Canadian consumer: a large majority of Canadian males (59%) will be using their credit cards to make their Christmas season purchases. Twenty-eight percent will use debit and the remaining 13% will use cash.