BALLANTINE’S BRAND AMBASSADOR MCDOWELL CELEBRATES FIRST MAJOR WIN IN STYLE WITH RARE, LIMITED EDITION SCOTCH

Ballantine’s, the world’s No 2 Scotch whisky, is raising a toast to golfer Graeme McDowell today following his impressive win at the US Open at Pebble Beach this weekend.  McDowell, who also won his fifth European Tour title at Celtic Manor in Wales earlier this month, held off some of the sport’s biggest names including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickleson and Ernie Els.

A global brand ambassador for Ballantine’s 17, 21 and 30 year old whiskies, McDowell left an impression on the golfing world by becoming Europe’s first US Open champion for 40 years.  He will now be celebrating his success in style by opening a very rare bottle of Ballantine’s Championship Blend, which he co-created with Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop.

Reacting to his win McDowell said, “Ballantine’s has always been a lucky charm for me and since my 2008 Ballantine’s Championship win in Korea I’ve played some of the best golf of my life.  I said I would open my very special bottle of The Ballantine’s Championship Blend either on the birth of my first child, or my first major win – Pebble Beach came first!”

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director for Ballantine’s said, “On behalf of everyone at Ballantine’s I’d like to express our warmest congratulations to Graeme and look forward to celebrating with him over a glass of Ballantine’s.  Graeme is an extremely talented player who we are proud to support and he thoroughly deserves all of his success.”

While McDowell wears the Ballantine’s logo on his left sleeve, he has also represented Ballantine’s at numerous events since winning The Ballantine’s Championship title in Korea in 2008.  These include becoming the first person ever to collaborate with a Ballantine’s Master Blender on the creation of the 2009 Championship Blend and the launch of the 2010 Championship Blend, which celebrated 50 years since Ballantine’s was first involved with international golf.

McDowell won the US Open by one shot from France’s Gregory Havret with Ernie Els two behind in third and Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods tied fourth.  He is now almost certain to secure a Ryder Cup place this October.

Notes:

The Ballantine’s Championship

The Ballantine’s Championship is Asia’s fourth biggest golf tournament and the largest sporting event in Korea. It is now an established platform which drives Ballantine’s long-term relationship with the iconic sport.  The 2010 Ballantine’s Championship was won by Australia’s Marcus Fraser.

The Ballantine’s Championship Blend 2010

The creation of an exclusive, limited edition blend has become an annual tradition of the Ballantine’s Championship.  The 2010 Championship Blend is a limited edition Scotch whisky combining extremely rare grains and malts taken from the time of the first Ballantine’s golf tournament fifty years ago. The inaugural tournament, held at Wentworth Club in 1960, introduced the ‘big ball’ to the game and attracted some of the most well respected players of the day.

The Ballantine’s Championship Blend 2009

This unique 35 Year Old Scotch represented the first time in history that anyone outside the company’s expert team collaborated with a Master Blender. Only 15 limited edition bottles were been made due to the scarcity of the whiskies within the blend and following tradition, one precious bottle was presented to the winner of the tournament.

About Ballantine’s:

Ballantine’s is the world’s No 2 range of blended Scotch whisky and has won over 60 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 extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of master blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013

• Ballantine’s is an official sponsor of the Barclay’s Scottish Open, held every July at the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club

• Ballantine’s was also sponsor of The Omega Mission Hills World Cup, held in China in 2009

• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

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.

www.mcleanscotland.com

The Scottish Whisky Tour Specialist

JUNE 2010.

MCLEANSCOTLAND have just ended a superb Scottish whisky tour with a very special guest from Russia. Paul McLean arranged, booked and acted as driver guide for Timofei Prokopov, Moscow. Working closely with Tim, Paul set about to design and arrange this unique (never to be repeated, but may be imitaed) whisky tour of Scotland.  Starting on Islay and visiting the Highlands, Speyside, Perthshire and Glasgow area, the tour was exhaustive and included the following distilleries;

Bruichladdich, Ardbeg, Laphroaig with shopping at Bowmore, Port Ellen and Lagavulin. This part of the tour was taken by Paul’s friend Lamont who lives on the island. Meeting Tim at the ferry terminal at Kennacriag, they then visited Oban, Ben Nevis, Tomatin, Benromach, dallas Dhu, Glen Moray (tour taken by distillery manager),  Glen Grant, Aberlour, Mortlach and Dufftown (closed to public), Glenfiddich special tour, Cragganmore, Strathisla, Dalwhinnie, Edradour (taken by special tour and samples with Andrew), Bell’s, Glenturret special tour, Dewars extra special tour (Paul knows people here to arrange these), Glengoyne (the top of the line tour) and Auchentoshan.  All this in 8 days! Tim was extremely expert on his whisky and it was a real pleasure for Paul to show him his country. Throughout the trip, Tim was buying superb whiskies and between them (Paul and Tim) they mailed them back to Russia, including a nice wee Glencairn decanter. Many of the distillery tours were taken by distillery managers and knowledgably distillery workers.

Tim was also very generous and has booked another tour in May 2011. Once again Paul will be driving. Says paul; “It was an absolute pleasure working with Tim, he is not a client nor a guest, he is a friend! Apart from all these brilliant distilleries, we spent time at castles, standing stones and Scottish sightseeing locations all over Scotland”

MCLEANSCOTLAND are recognised as one of the best (if not the best) whisky tour companies in Scotland. With vast experience and untold knowledge of the whisky industry, they design whisky tours to suit the client and then add a wee bit more fun into the blend! Knowing many people in the industry really helps, maybe even arranging a meeting with namesake Charles Maclean next time. A Clan Maclean member as is Paul.

From John Campbell at Laphroaig;

I am aware I have not written to you for a while (I have been very busy, but I know that’s a poor excuse. However it is true!)

We have just completed our biggest and best Feis Ile. This is the week long festival of “Malt and Music” that our island of Islay puts on every year. During the festivities we held two big events.

The first was our first ever Friends of Laphroaig “Gathering”. Hundreds of “Friends” from all over the World donned their special Wellington Boots and joined us on their plots for a toast to “The Friends”. Later that evening we held a “Ceildh” (Party) in our barrel filling store. We shot a small film of it if you would like to get a flavour of the event: http://www.laphroaig.com/tv/channel2_prog8.asp.

A parallel “Gathering” was also held in Korea! Indeed so popular was it that I have had many requests for regional “Gatherings” to be organised. We will now be holding one in New York later in the year – more to come soon!

Two days later was our “Open Day” which was our biggest and best yet, with special tastings, games, cooking with Laphroaig demonstrations, boat trips and much more. We were also privileged to have two musical friends play in our courtyard Bridgid and Butch from America who entertained us with some beautiful “Blue Grass” music. Again we filmed all the activities, so if you would like to see what went on and hear the music you can watch it on Laphroaig TV.

I blogged live during the event with some fun competitions on our new Facebook site www.facebook.com/laphroaig. We now have over 24,000 members on our page making it very active, so if you have a Facebook account and have not joined our Laphroaig page yet I would love to meet you there. It does allow you to keep up with everything that’s going on.

As you may know we do film local islanders who have a special connection with Laphroaig and we have two new ones to show you. The RNLI is the UK’s Lifeboat rescue operation which of course is so important to us as islanders, and a strong fishing community. The RNLI is extraordinary as it is entirely run via charitable donations from the public. Indeed it is our permanent Friends of Laphroaig charity. As such I thought you would like to meet the skipper and his boat. Simon Brooking (our US Ambassador) took time off from his open day duties to meet him and his beautiful boat. Again, you can view it on Laphroaig TV.

And keeping with our nautical theme we also interviewed our local Lobster fisherman Kevin Campbell – notice his surname – yes it’s my younger brother! Of course there are some fantastic sauces that go with our local dishes of Scallops, crabs and Lobster so as you can guess Kevin and I have has some wonderful meals in the past. If you would like to meet Kevin and watch as I going lobster fishing on film then you can see us on Laphroaig TV.

I will write to you in a month or so to tell you about this year’s Laphroaig Live event. But for now I am going to keep it a secret!

Sláinte,

John Campbell

Visit Laphroaig Distillery at www.laphroaig.com

EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON BUILDS ON SALES GROWTH WITH NEW MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR MARKETING CAMPAIGN

World’s Second Leading Selling Bourbon Reaches Target Audience Through Advertising, POS and Sponsorships with Buzz-Generating Creative

BARDSTOWN, KY—Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the second best selling and fastest growing Bourbon in America, has launched a new multi-million dollar marketing campaign around the creative theme “Secrets Worth Sharing”.  Evan Williams, which according to A.C. Nielsen Scantrack 2010 data is the fastest growing top volume Domestic Whiskey with growth at 12.4% versus .1% for the category, is basing its new creative approach on an “inner circle” strategy.  According to national qualitative research conducted by Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., producers of Evan Williams, loyal consumers feel like they are “in the know” about the best Bourbon brand, that Evan Williams is the best kept secret in the category.  To bring this process of discovery to a new audience, the creative for the new Evan Williams campaign calls out some of the best kept secrets—such as the “Best Damn Blues Joint in the US” (Rosa’s Lounge in Chicago), the “Best Lake for Prized Largemouth” (Lake Bienville in Florida) or the “Best Fried Chicken in the World” (Stroud’s Restaurant in Kansas City)—and pays off the assertion with “Some Secrets are Worth Sharing”, and the new Evan Williams tag line “Smooth Bourbon.  Priced Right.  Spread the Word.”

The new campaign will utilize print advertising, point of sale displays, internet marketing, sponsorships, radio advertising—and for the first time, cable TV spots—all executed under the “Secrets Worth Sharing” creative approach.  The national four color, full-page print advertisements will generate millions of impressions among the Bourbon-consuming demographic by running in key, male oriented publications such as Sports Illustrated, Field & Stream, Maxim, and Rolling Stone. Evan Williams Bourbon has also become a national sponsor of the popular “The Big Show” on the John Boy and Billy radio network.  And through national sponsorships of the Bassmaster Elite Series, the Bassmaster Federation Nation, and beginning this year, Championship Bull Riding, Evan Williams Bourbon will also gain exposure to millions of Bourbon drinkers, leveraging national cable TV presence on ESPN 2 and Great American Country (GAC) network. 

“The ‘Secrets Worth Sharing’ positioning and creative is a direct reflection of the attitudes of our loyal Evan Williams consumers,” commented Susan Wahl, Brand Manager for Evan Williams at Heaven Hill Distilleries.  “We have found through extensive research and testing that our buyers feel that they are more in the know, that they feel like Evan Williams is the best Bourbon for the money and they are part of a wise ‘inner circle’ that loyally purchase the brand.  So we developed a campaign around the idea of the best kept secrets, and used examples like the best fried chicken or the best blues joint to bring the idea to life.  Additionally, we have developed customizable versions of posters, banners and table tents so the ‘best bar’ or the ‘best barbeque’ can be tailored for a local market.  We feel that ‘Secrets Worth Sharing’ is a powerful and inclusive new positioning for Evan Williams and one which will resound with customers and competitive users as well, helping drive further growth for the Bourbon category’s fastest growing brand.”

Evan Williams is the second best-selling Kentucky Bourbon in the United States and the world, and is named after Kentucky’s first distiller of 1783.   A past Gold Medal Winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and a past winner of “Best Buy Whiskey of the Year” from Malt Advocate magazine, Evan Williams is produced according to a traditional 200 year old recipe by Heaven Hill’s father and son Master Distillers, Parker and Craig Beam.  Bottled at 86 proof (or 43% alcohol by volume), Evan Williams is available in 1.75 liter, 1.0 liter, 750ml, 375ml, 200ml, 100ml and 50ml sizes. 

About Evan Williams

Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (http://www.evanwilliams.com/) is the world’s second-largest selling Bourbon, named after Kentucky’s first distiller from 1783.  It is produced by Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (http://www.heaven-hill.com/) and made under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s father and son Master Distillers, Parker and Craig Beam, who represent the sixth and seventh generations, respectively, of the most famous family in American Whiskey.  Along with Evan Williams, Heaven Hill has a diversified portfolio of brands that includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whisky; 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.”

ISLE OF ARRAN WHISKY CELEBRATES WITH SPECIAL BOTTLING

June 29th will mark the 15th Anniversary of award-winning single malt Scotch whisky producer the Isle of Arran Distillery.

To mark the occasion, the distillery is to release a commemorative bottling – a 1999 vintage which has been finished for two years in Amontillado Sherry casks. This has given the Arran Malt a rich nutty character with a complex sweet-spicy finish.
Arran’s Master Distiller, James MacTaggart said: “The quality of these casks from the famous house of Valdespino is second to none and we are delighted with the end result –this is the perfect whisky for toasting our 15th anniversary.

“Bottled at natural cask strength of 54.6% and limited to 5,640 bottles worldwide, demand for this release is sure to outstrip supply.”
No artificial colouring has been added and the whisky has not been subjected to chill-filtration at the bottling stage resulting in a more complex and full-bodied character.

Pale gold in colour, it has an intriguing aroma of hazelnuts, cloves and Parma-violets. This gives it a crisp, briny and lingering spice with a citrus note on the finish.

The whisky has been packaged in a striking design with the wings of a golden-eagle, the symbol of the Isle of Arran Distillery, emblazoned on both the bottle and the bold orange gift box.

Managing Director Euan Mitchell said: “We have come so far in 15 years that it was only fitting we mark the occasion with such a unique bottling of The Arran Malt.

“With this release we mark the past and look forward to great things in the future.”

The 15th Anniversary bottling will be available in 15 markets around the world including the UK, USA, France, Germany, Japan and Taiwan

In the UK, the 15th Anniversary will have a recommended retail price of £55.00 available from leading independent whisky retailers.

The Isle of Arran Distillery will be opening its doors on the 3rd of July and hosting a series of masterclasses finishing the day with a traditional Scottish ‘ceilidh’ with music by the renowned Skerryvore.

Visit Isle of Arran Distillery at www.arranwhisky.com

Blooming Marvellous Mystery Malts
Cask Ends Sale: Ends Thu 24 June

There’s only 1 day to go before our Cask Ends Sale is over and we wave goodbye to some outstanding single cask malts.  Altho’ the way you’ve been snapping up our Mystery Malts we may run out even sooner. 

If you haven’t got your Cask Ends Parcel, now is the time.  Parcels B & D are still available at £89.50 and we have a new alternative bottle at £29.40.  Buy limited edition 28.22Tongue-tingling wasabi wipe-out
at this very special price with any Cask Ends Parcel.

Parcel B
Highland, Speyside & Grain
£89.50 inc. Free P&P

Parcel D
1 x Highland & 2 Speyside
£89.50 inc. Free P&P

 28.22 Tongue-tingling wasabi wipe-out
Highland Southern
£29.40* inc. Free P&P (*with ANY Cask Ends Parcel)
The unreduced palate drew gasps with its tongue-tingling wasabi wipe-out. It had charred BBQ ribs, salty honey crunch and a big charcoal finish….  Age: 19 years    Cask: Refill ex-sherry butt

SMWS Whisky Tasting & Events
Wokingham Preview Sensory Tasting – Cantley House, Thu 24 Jun
Dundee Preview Tasting – Hilton Hotel, Fri 25 Jun
Inverness Preview Tasting – Kingsmills Hotel, Fri 25 Jun
Pan-Asian Curry Experience – London, Sat 26 Jun
A night with Richard Paterson – London, Mon 28 Jun
Glenmorangie Tasting – Queen Street, Thu 1 July
World Cup Quarter Final Viewing – Queen Street, Fri 2 July
World Cup Quarter Final Viewing – Queen Street, Sat 3 July
Williams Bros Beer Tasting – The Vaults, Sat 3 July
New Outturn Open Tasting – London, Sat 3 July
New Outturn & Sunday Roast Tasting – The Vaults, Sun 4 July
New Outturn Open Tasting – London, Mon 5 July
World Cup Semi Final Viewing – Queen Street, Tue 6 July

Join the Society at www.smws.co.uk TODAY!

NEW BRAND CONTROLLER FOR HIGHLAND PARK
 
The Edrington Group announced today (June 21, 2010) that Matthew Turner has been appointed brand controller for Highland Park.

Matthew, previously marketing controller with The Macallan single malt Scotch whisky, joined The Edrington Group in 2002 having held marketing positions working with Imperial Tobacco, the BBC and Bass.

Commenting on his new appointment, Matthew Turner, said: “I am immensely proud to be working on Highland Park – a brand whose heritage, history, whisky quality and reputation amongst whisky lovers and connoisseurs alike is unmatched.

“My vision for Highland Park is to build on the existing success of the brand and to further establish Highland Park as the world’s most respected single malt whisky. To achieve this ambition will require teamwork, courage and innovation and I am looking forward to the challenge.”

Ken Grier, Director of Malts at The Edrington Group, said: “I wish Matthew every success in his new position as brand controller for Highland Park. The brand has had impressive growth since we set out on an ambitious £18 million master plan for the spirit in 2005. 

“Sales have soared in the past five years, catapulting Highland Park into the world’s top 10 single malt Scotch whiskies for the first time in the distillery’s 212-year history. I look forward to Highland Park’s continued growth with The Edrington Group.”

The Highland Park portfolio is distributed globally with key markets being the UK, USA, Global Travel Retail and the Nordics.

Notes

Highland Park:

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

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

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

Highland Park 18 year old single malt Scotch whisky was named the No. 1 Spirit in the World by US author/journalist/critic F. Paul Pacult in the Top 115 Spirits in the World for 2009 in the June 2009 issue of F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal, his advertising-free, subscription-only quarterly newsletter. In 2010 Highland Park 18 year old single malt ranked number one Scotch. 

Upcoming Events

Black Bull at the Royal Highland Show 2010
 
The very best of pedigree Highlanders will be line up at Royal Highland Show, Ingliston, 24-27 June, in a bid to win the most coveted trophy and Black Bull 12yo will be present at the awards’  ceremony.

Black Bull 12yo will also be available at the Stockman’s Marquee Bar by the dram and it will be on sale at Great Grog, stand H in the centre of the Food hall. For those who know a champion, we hope to see you there.
 
Recent Events

Shanghai and Hong Kong

In May Lin  spent most of her time in Asia.  After a jittery start,  her first trip to Taiwan being delayed (due to the volcano erupting  in April), she set off again. Lin had a great tasting event with loyal Duncan Taylor supporters in Taiwan and visited many stockists. Black Bull had a good start in Taiwan with the first shipment  having just arrived in stores.

On the way back to Europe, Lin got stuck in Amsterdam due to volcanic ash again!  So when the flight resumed, she went directly to Shanghai for Whisky Live Shanghai in case the ash wanted to keep pouring! 

Whisky Live Shanghai however proved its weight in gold after all that hard core travelling. Audiences were stunned by Black Bull and Peerless Glenrothes 40YO. Quality speaks!  Duncan Taylor  confirmed their spot as a highlight at the show  and were able to meet up with many old friends and meet loads of new fans.  Euan was invited to host a master class for local whisky fans. 

Once Whisky Live Shanghai finished, Euan and Lin went to Vinexpo Asia in Hong Kong to explore one of the biggest wine and spirits show in Asia. As a lot of people in the industry went to the show, Euan and Lin were able to have a few meetings and catch up’s with existing and potential customers of Duncan Taylor.  Asia is certainly up and coming in their thirst for whisky and knowledge!
 

Whisky Live Singapore
 
Mark had a busy time at Whisky Live Singapore at the end of May. This was the first Whisky Live to be held in Singapore, so it was a great delight for Duncan Taylor to be involved.

Black Bull 12 and 40 made their debut in Singapore, with both going down a storm.

 
New Bottlings

NC2 Craigellachie 1999 10yo Cask Strength 57.1%
 
Nose: Smokey, Orange, Almonds, Marshmallow, Ice Cream Soda, Petrol Mowers Cutting grass
Nose Reduced: Odd-fellows, Perfumed, Smokey grass, Lemons
Taste: Big peat, Ashtray, Lemons, Old Leather, Dry Ash, Salty.
Pallet Reduced: Softer Ash, Sweeter, Bitter Oranges
Finish: Long, Very long!!
Comment: Superb Dram
 
OC Tomatin 1976 33yo 48.2%
Before: Orange, mint, hot spices, dry, chocolate
After: Lime, mint, caramel waffles, pinewood, spiced melon
 
OC Glenrothes 1969 40yo 45.8%
Before: Sweet, Vinilla, Fruity, dry, Creamy, Grassys
After: Fresh, Raisins, Caramel, Cherry cola, long sweet finish.
 
OC Royal Lochnagar 1986 23yo C.571099 51.9%
Before: Light, Citrus, dry, Grassy, Herbal
After: Almond, Peaches, Orange, Raisins, sherry
 
OC Glen Grant 1972 37yo C.444486 51.8%
Before: Dry, Pears, Dusty, lemons, Grassy
After: Stewed fruit, nutty, olives, grassy, toffee
 
To view more tasting notes, please follow this link:
http://www.duncantaylor.com/products/new_bottlings.html

BALLANTINE’S LEAVES AN IMPRESSION WITH NEW LOOK PRESTIGE RANGE

Ballantine’s, the world’s No 2 range of blended Scotch whiskies, is set to leave an impression with the unveiling of new packaging for its multi-award winning prestige range. The new look, while inspired by the authentic, timeless style that epitomises the brand, embraces a unique combination of luxury design elements, in a move to increase on-shelf impact and consumer appeal. 

The revised prestige range, which will appear on shelf first in Asia Duty Free, includes Ballantine’s 17 Year Old, Ballantine’s 21 Year Old and Ballantine’s 30 Year Old. As the clear No 1 ultra-premium/prestige Scotch whisky range in Global Travel Retail with 33% market share**, Ballantine’s has firmly established itself as the benchmark of quality and taste.

The prestigious new look for Ballantine’s 17 Year Old and Ballantine’s 21 Year Old features an embossed George Ballantine seal and signature, for a more personalised effect. Parchment style labelling reinforces the brand’s authenticity, while champagne foiled slip labels add an element of modernity and uniqueness. The double thickness carton in which the bottle is presented features cleaner, clearer print as well as more super premium cues such as dual tone gold effects and textured embossing to ensure enhanced brand stand out.

The new presentation of the pinnacle of the range, Ballantine’s 30 Year Old perfectly reflects the expression’s position as one of the world’s most exquisite and expensive blends. The newly shaped bottle, which is taller and tapered, is elegantly embellished with an eye-catching copper plaque to reflect the traditional distillation stills used in the whisky making process, while a heavier base, embossed branding and a cork stopper reinforce the ultra premium status of the expression. The wooden case in which the bottle is presented mirrors the barrels used in the ageing process while a copper plaque further demonstrates the importance of high quality materials in creating this luxurious new pack.

Peter Moore, Global Brand Director, Ballantine’s comments: “With a proud heritage that dates back to 1827, it was very important for us to create a new look for Ballantine’s prestige range that not only increases its luxury credentials, but also maintains the authenticity and flair that has historically underpinned the brand. The new look, which we are proud to be rolling out to our key markets from June, starting with Asia Duty Free, perfectly reflects both these elements, and we are confident that our consumers around the world will be inspired by it”.

Notes

*Ballantine’s is an official sponsor of the Barclay’s Scottish Open, held every July at the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club

** IWSR 2009

About Ballantine’s:

Ballantine’s, the world’s No 2 range of blended Scotch whisky, has won over 60 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 extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of master blenders that dates back to 1827.

• Ballantine’s is an official sponsor of the Barclay’s Scottish Open, held every July at the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club

• Ballantine’s has been title sponsor of the Ballantine’s Championship since 2008 and has committed to the event until 2013

• Ballantine’s was also sponsor of The Omega Mission Hills World Cup, held in China in 2009

• The first Ballantine’s sponsored golf tournament was played in 1960 at Wentworth Golf Club, England

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.

DISCOVER SCOTLAND, DISCOVER GLENDRONACH MALT WHISKY
 
SCOTLAND – a land bursting with culture, history, mist-covered mountains, secluded lochs, friendly people…and of course superb malt whisky.
 
And the best place to start discovering Scotland’s extraordinary liquor is at the remarkable GlenDronach Distillery in Aberdeenshire.
 
For visitors from Scandinavia to Japan, China, India, Australia and the USA, the distillery’s Visitor Centre is a real treasure-trove of phenomenal GlenDronach expressions, branded clothing and whisky-related items to enjoy this summer.
 
From its hillside home in the Scottish Highlands, The GlenDronach Distillery has been creating the finest richly sherried single malts for nearly 200 years – which makes it one of Scotland’s oldest and most venerable distilleries.
 
Visitors can join the fascinating daily tours to gain first-hand experience of the workings of a traditional Highland malt distillery.
 
Pride of place in the Visitor Centre goes to the classic hand-crafted 12, 15 and 18 year-old malts.
 
Marketing Manager Kerry White enthused: “The twelve-year-old is rich, creamy and silky-smooth tasting of raisins and soft fruits. The fifteen-year-old  – voted Best Single Malt Whisky of the year at the Dutch Whisky awards and elsewhere – has an incredible concentration of aromas, notably treacle toffee and chocolate orange. And the eighteen-year-old is absolutely amazing – fudge, muscovado sugar, fruit compote and glacier morello cherries!
 
“These are classic Scottish malts that are rich, creamy, silky-smooth with warm, rich oak and sherry sweetness. All are available for tasting and purchase at the Visitor Centre.
 
“In addition, for our discerning visitors who want something really special this summer, we have some extraordinary expressions.
 
14 year-old Exclusive Visitor Centre single cask bottling, Cask 197
 
14 year-old Sauternes Finish
 
14 year-old Virgin Oak Matured
 
15 year-old Moscatel Finish
 
20 year-old Tawny Port Finish
 
5 x single cask bottlings, Batch 2
 
“There are guided tours of the distillery – daily at 10.00am, 11.00am, 1.00pm, 2.00pm and 3.00pm. They cost just £3 and all visitors receive a generous dram of the GlenDronach twelve-year-old at the end.”
 
The drama and infinite variety of Scotland’s natural features always inspires and impresses visitors. The rolling hills of the Borders and the awesome peaks of the Highlands are absolutely stunning…as are its glorious malt whiskies.
 
Discover Scotland…and re-discover GlenDronach single malt whisky at our Visitor Centre this summer.
 
GlenDronach Distillery, Forgue, By Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland AB54 6DB
 
www.glendronachdistillery.com