Share a Chevelier Sangaree this Summer

With summer on the horizon, long sunny days and lingering dusky nights, it is the perfect time to open the drinks cabinet and shake up a refreshing cocktail to share with friends. The Chevelier Sangaree, inspired by Dean Evans of Blythwood Square Hotel, Glasgow – at The Glenrothes Ultimate Gentleman’s Cocktail Competition – is a long refreshing tipple combining the fruity notes of The Glenrothes with the warmth of an almond finish.

To make the Chevelier Sangaree take a Toddy glass and cool down with ice while you are preparing the rest of the ingredients. Pour 35ml The Glenrothes Select Reserve, 5ml Luxardo amaretto liqueur, 5ml Crème de poire, 5ml Cinzano Bianco and 5ml Simple Syrup (1 sugar to 1 water) into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake all of the ingredients. Strain the ingredients into the glass filled with ice and then garnish with a mint sprig and grated nutmeg.

The Glenrothes Select Reserve is a versatile yet unique malt laced with notes of ripe fruits, juicy citrus, creamy vanilla and hints of spice – making it the perfect liquid to partner with cocktails.

A vatting of casks distilled in different years, The Glenrothes Select Reserve typifies the Speyside distillery house style. It is presented in the iconic Glenrothes bottle and is the very essence of The Glenrothes range. RRP £33.45, available at Sainsbury’s, Oddbins, House of Fraser, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Wine Rack, specialist whisky retailers or online at www.theglenrothes.com.

Additional cocktails to try:

Monol of the Glen

Matty Hutchinson, Ricks, Edinburgh

Glass: Coupette

Garnish: Orange zest twist

Method: STIR all ingredients with ice and strain into chilled glass.

50ml The Glenrothes Select Reserve
20ml Cointreau triple sec
5ml Antica Formula
2 dashes Chocolate bitters

Fantastic Mr. Fudge

Sheverne Shahbazkhani, Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh

Glass: Old-fashioned

Garnish: Half passion fruit

Method: SHAKE all ingredients and fine strain into ice-filled glass.

2 shots The Glenrothes Select Reserve
2 wedges Freshly squeezed lime
1 shot Fudge reduction (homemade)
½ shot Passion fruit juice
½ shot Inness & Gunn

Sweet N Sour Spicy

Matthew Law, Bind Pig, Glasgow

Glass: Old-fashioned

Garnish: Rinse glass with Ricard

Method: SHAKE ingredients with ice and strain into ice-filled glass.

50ml The Glenrothes Select Reserve
25ml Freshly squeezed lemon juice
25ml Simple syrup (2 sugar to 1 water)
½ fresh Egg white
15 dried Cloves
1 dash Runny honey

Notes

About The Glenrothes

 ·         All cocktail recipes were created for The Glenrothes Ultimate Gentleman’s Cocktail Contest which took place in The Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh on Monday 30th November 2009.

·         The Glenrothes was founded in 1879

·         Little more than 2% of the distillery capacity is bottled as Single Malt to ensure exceptional quality

·         Of the 16 Vintages released to date, 12 have entirely sold out

·         It is matured in a combination of Spanish and American oak casks – the best of both worlds

·         The Glenrothes Select Reserve was voted Best in Class at the World Whiskies Awards 2008 and won two Double Golds at The San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2007

For further information please visit www.theglenrothes.com

Smokehead has been named the official whisky sponsor of Classic Rock Magazine. To celebrate, a new edgy advertising campaign has been revealed, playing on the brand’s growing rock credentials and rising popularity.

Smokehead’s new, attention grabbing advertisement, will feature heavily in Classic Rock and its sister publication, Prog Rock, throughout 2010. Designed by creative agency Robertson Darby Advertising, the new campaign takes its lead from Smokehead’s award-winning packaging, cocooning a skull, the time-honoured symbol of rock, with adjectives capturing the Single Malt’s boisterous, outrageous, and deep peaty flavours.

As the Whisky of Choice for Classic Rock magazine, Smokehead will command a high presence in the monthly music publication and its website, through an extensive advertising campaign and sponsorship elements such as the Readers’ Letters page and regular promotions.

Smokehead is also now an official VIP sponsor for one of this year’s biggest rock events, London’s High Voltage Festival (24-25 July) and the hugely popular Classic Rock Roll of Honour 2010 Awards in November, attended by, and celebrating, rocks greatest icons.

Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers commented:

“Combining its adventurous and modern packaging, with a rich rollercoaster of challenging flavours, Smokehead defies conformity and what people would traditionally expect from an award-winning Single Malt Whisky. Smokehead is powerful, intense and not for the faint hearted. The perfect match for a Classic Rock lover.”

Angus Robertson, Managing Director of Roberston Darby Advertising commented:

“Our latest treatment for the Smokehead brand was created with Classic Rock Magazine very much in mind. Inspired by the powerful imagery of rock album covers, it uses Smokehead’s stunning typographical packaging to deliver a haunting and lasting impact.”

Taking place at London’s Victoria Park, High Voltage will be attended by thousands of hard core rockers, with the perfect combination of  “Smoke and Coke” over ice, being served to VIP ticket holders and headline acts such as Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Wishbone Ash and ZZ Top.

2010 will be the second year Smokehead has sponsored the Classic Rock Roll of Honour. Attended last year by the likes of Brian May, Slash, Billy Gibbons and Jeff Beck, the 2010 awards are already shaping up to be even bigger. Smokehead will once again be served to rock royalty, with special bottle presentations of the award-winning 18 Years Old Smokehead Extra Black to the evening’s winners.

Visit the Smokehead website for Smokehead drinking suggestions, Screensavers and to find out more about Smokehead. www.smokehead.co.uk

 
WORLD CUP MEMORIES KICK OFF AS GLENDRONACH RELEASES NEW SINGLE CASK BOTTLINGS
 
WITH WORLDWIDE football fever coming to the boil in the next twenty-four hours, there’s a strong World Cup link to the seven vintages comprising the second batch of GlenDronach’s single cask bottlings released this month.
 
Amongst the seven single malt vintages from the Aberdeenshire distillery, there are two notorious World Cup years – 1978 and 1990.
 
GlenDronach’s Regional Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “If you’re a Scot, you shudder at the memory of 1978…and then laugh uncontrollably at the absurdity of the campaign. It’s synonymous with euphoria, despair, brilliance, incompetence, bad haircuts and mad optimism.
 
“Argentina were the hosts, Scotland was the only home nation represented and the squad left these shores with overblown expectations. The effervescent manager Ally McLeod said we were going to win the World Cup.
 
“And then disaster ensued, followed by near-redemption – humiliation at the hands of Peru and Iran followed by Archie Gemmell’s wonder goal against Holland in the final game.
 
“Fast forward to 1990 when Italy were the hosts and Scotland were back in the competition. It was the year of Toto Schilachi, Pavarotti, Gazza’s tears in the semi-final, Roger Milla, and Scotland’s further humiliation at the hands of Costa Rica followed by an amazing victory over Sweden.”
 
Alistair quipped: “But there is some good news; Scottish fans of GlenDronach will be relieved to know we were unable to find a 1966 vintage!
 
“And in retrospect, maybe it was a mistake not to release a 1986 vintage in honour of Maradona’s “Hand of God” or finding a 1982 to celebrate Dave Narey’s 25-yard toe-poke against Brazil!
 
“The truth is we Scots have yet to realise our true potential in footballing terms, but we’re pretty good at producing single malts like GlenDronach. We hope that as our customers raise a glass from this batch to their lips, they’ll recall some of the World Cup memories we’ve highlighted…and it might help them forget some of the tragedies!”

NOTES 
 
This is the second batch of single cask bottlings to be released by GlenDronach since the distillery changed ownership in 2008.
 
The seven vintages are 1971, 1972, 1978, 1989, 1990, 1991 and 1993. 
 
71, 72, 90 and 93 were matured in Oloroso sherry butts, 78 in an Oloroso sherry puncheon and 89 and 91 in Pedro Ximinez sherry puncheons.
 
On the nose, they range from “a fruit-laden basket containing brambles, apples and candied orange peel” to “bitter chocolate orange with balanced earthy notes”.
 
And on the palate, the taste sensations range from “liquorice and cloves” to “walnut, baked apples and sweet prunes”.
 
For more information, go to www.glendronachdistillery.com
 
Ends                         10 June 2010
 
INFORMATION – Alistair Walker, 01324 682220

2010 GLENFIDDICH VINTAGE RESERVE

Each year, Glenfiddich releases a strictly limited edition single malt Scotch whisky – the Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve. An auspicious panel of whisky experts and enthusiasts is invited by the Glenfiddich Malt Master to join him in choosing their favourite whisky from a few casks that he has pre-selected. The panel’s choice becomes the year’s Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve.

This year, our new Malt Master – Brian Kinsman – will be joined online by an influential group of whisky bloggers and journalists from around the world. They will meet on Twitter, on Wednesday 9th June 2010, at 12 noon British Summer Time (GMT+1 hour). You can follow this pioneering virtual Vintage Reserve selection live, as it happens, with us here. (Obviously this has already occurred.)

MEET THE PANEL

Introducing the truly global 2010 Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve selection panel. Wherever they are in the world, each of member of the online panel will be nosing and tasting a sample of single malt, from the same cask, at the same time. You’ll be able to read their thoughts and impressions of each cask via their Twitter handle as they add their comments during the event.

Ho-Cheng Yao
Taiwan

Twitter: @kingfishertw
Blog:Single Malt Lover!

Lucas Dynowiak
UK

Twitter: @EdinburghWhisky
Blog:Edinburgh Whisky Blog

Noah Rothbaum
USA

Twitter: @liquordotcom
Blog:Liquor.com

Rick McGinnis
Canada

Twitter: @rickmcginnis
Blog:Rick McGinnis

Hans-Henrik Hansen
Denmark

Twitter: @hhhglenfiddich

Anish Trivedi
India

Twitter: @anish_trivedi
Blog:Raw Spirit

Jerry Lindahl
Sweden

Twitter: @avecprovning
Blog:blog.livetsgoda.se &
Herr J. Lindahls avecprovning

Ilya Krasilshchik
Russia

Twitter: @maliar
Blog:twitter.com/maliar

Cask Number: 28121

Cask Type: American oak hogshead

Date Filled: September 25th 1978

Characteristics: Beautiful deep amber colour with typical American oak notes of sweet vanilla

Cask Number: 28122

Cask Type: American oak hogshead

Date Filled: September 25th 1978

Characteristics: A richer deeper amber colour with complex and powerful notes of oak.

Cask Number: 28145

Cask Type: American oak hogshead

Date Filled: September 25th 1978

Characteristics: A golden amber colour with deeper notes of citrus, like orange.

Cask Number: 28152

Cask Type: American oak hogshead

Date Filled: September 25th 1978

Characteristics: Much paler straw-like colour with classic Glenfiddich fruit characteristics on the nose

THE TASTING

Malt Master, Brian Kinsman will lead the global panel in nosing and tasting samples from the four pre-selected casks, which were all filled from the same batch, on the same day, 25th September 1978. Despite being filled with identical spirit, each unique American oak hogshead cask has spent over thirty years imbuing its contents with its own distinctive personality and characteristics – so which cask will be chosen to be bottled as this year’s Glenfiddich Vintage Reserve?

With the hallmark Glenfiddich distillery character – classic fruit and pear – the winner is cask 28152

http://www.glenfiddichvintagereserve.com/

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales Opens £10m Expansion
at The Glenlivet Distillery

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales opened a new expansion to The Glenlivet Distillery on Friday 4 June during a visit to Speyside, Scotland.

Completed earlier this year, the new facility will deliver a 75% increase in production capacity to satisfy future global demand in the buoyant market for single malt Scotch whisky.  Costing £10 million, the expansion will supporting The Glenlivet’s long term ambition to become the World’s No 1 single malt.

During the visit, Patrick Ricard, Chairman of the Board of Pernod Ricard, and Christian Porta, CEO of Chivas Brothers, invited His Royal Highness to tour the distillery’s facilities, meet key members of staff and unveil a commemorative sculpture.

The construction of the new building was also the first major duty of newly appointed Master Distiller Alan Winchester, a lifelong resident of Speyside who has been a leading light in the industry for 34 years.  Alan commented: “The opening was a momentous occasion in the long and proud history of The Glenlivet Distillery. It was a privilege to be involved with the new building and we are honoured to have such distinguished company to mark the occasion.”

Notes:

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

The Glenlivet is ‘the single malt that started it all’. It was the first licensed distillery in the remote Livet Valley. Created by George Smith, The Glenlivet in turn defined the Speyside style of whisky which became the heartland of Scotch malt whisky production.

From its pioneering Scottish roots, The Glenlivet was the first malt to be promoted in the US, as soon as Prohibition was lifted. Today, it is the USA’s No1 single malt and the world’s No2, and one of only two malts ever to sell more than 600,000 nine litre cases.

His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales with Patrick Ricard, Chairman of the Board of Pernod Ricard (right) and Christian Porta, CEO of Chivas Bothers at the opening today of a £10 million expansion to The Glenlivet Distillery in Speyside, Scotland. The new facility will help increase production by 75% as part of Chivas Brothers’ long term ambition for the brand to become the World’s No 1 single malt Scotch whisky.

CHIVAS REGAL HOSTS THE GALLANT AND GLAMOROUS AT 2010 CANNES FILM FESTIVAL

 
Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky, was Official Partner at the glamorous 63rd Festival de Cannes (12-23 May 2010) for the second consecutive year. Throughout the prestigious two-week event, Chivas Regal hosted more than 170 international VIP and media guests, treating them to a special 24 hours of glamour.
 
Guests mixed with stars including Diane Kruger, Benicio Del Torro, Gael Garcia, Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem in the Chivas bars at both the hotel Martinez and at the Chérie Chéri Club on the famous croisette. A Michelin-starred dinner at the Palme D’or was then followed by a red carpet screening of a world premiere. The next day, a private helicopter transfer to the airport was laid on for guests to finish their Cannes experience on a high.

The Chivas Regal ‘Live with Chivalry’ movement had a starring role during the two-week festival, most notably through the presence of ‘Chivalry Expert’ Olivier Bassil, an international lifestyle authority who led a campaign aiming to prove that “Chivalry is back in Cannes, thanks to Chivas”. Chérie Chéri played host to a Chivalry Round Table led by Bassil, where real-life moments of chivalry were discussed, along with a debate about modern-day gallantry, brotherhood and honour.
 
Bassil also aimed to highlight and report on the chivalrous moments of the Cannes Film Festival. He generated an online buzz before, during and after the event via daily Chivalry Alerts and the dedicated Twitter account www.twitter.com/chivalrycannes. He also uploaded in-depth editorials, real-life testimonials and luxurious and innovative digital content through his blog, http://blog.squa.re/.
 
Bassil said: “My global audience of online luxury connoisseurs often tell me that chivalrous values such as honour and passion really matter in their everyday lives, and I was delighted to share with them a wide array of content revealing Chivas as an ambassador of chivalry in Cannes.”
 
At both the Hotel Martinez and the Chérie Chéri Club, VIP guests including Indian actress Deepika Padukone were served luxurious Chivas Regal cocktails, such as the topical Rob ‘n’ Hood and Chivas Chéri Chéri, created by Chivas Regal Brand Ambassador Max Warner.
 
Chivas Regal has historically played a star role at some of the world’s most prestigious events, such as the BAFTA Nominees’ Party and the Césars in France. 
 
Notes:

Cocktails served to guests at Cannes:
Velvet Spritz
Cannes Cosmo
Summer Wind
Gallantry
Rob ‘n’ Hood
Chivas Chéri Chéri
 
About Chivas Regal:

Chivas Regal is a truly global brand, selling 4.2 million 9L cases annually in more than 200 countries (more than a bottle sold every second). Chivas Regal has achieved a strong global performance – No 1 in Europe and Asia, with dynamic growth in Eastern Europe, South America and most emerging markets. The Chivas Regal range is the epitome of style, substance and exclusivity and includes Chivas Regal 12, 18 and 25 Year Old.
 
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 with a portfolio that includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

www.chivasbrothers.com

WOODFORD RESERVE® NAMED OFFICIAL BOURBON OF THE BELMONT STAKES

Louisville, KY – Woodford Reserve®, one of America’s fastest growing bourbons, is proud to return as a sponsor of the 142nd running of the Belmont Stakes® on Saturday, June 5 at Belmont Park® in Elmont, NY. Woodford Reserve will serve as the “Official Bourbon of the Belmont Stakes” for 2010.

Woodford Reserve will also sponsor the race immediately preceding the running of the Belmont Stakes. Named the Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap, the 1 1/4th mile turf race carries a purse of $400,000 and is for three-year-olds and up.  The Manhattan Handicap was inaugurated at Jerome Park in 1872 and is named after the principal borough of New York City.

 “Woodford Reserve is proud to partner with Belmont Park and a distinguished race such as the Manhattan Handicap,” said Wayne Rose brand director for Woodford Reserve.  “As the only bourbon distillery to have its own stable of race horses, we are proud to be associated with another superior group of Thoroughbreds.”

Woodford Reserve will also toast race day with the Belmont Breeze, the Official Drink of Belmont Park and the Belmont Stakes.

 Woodford Reserve Belmont Breeze

Official Cocktail of the Belmont Stakes

 1 ½ oz. Woodford Reserve

2 oz.  Lemonade

1 oz.  Pomegranate juice

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain over ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge or cherry.

Fans will be able to purchase a Woodford Reserve Belmont Breeze at the Food Festival Spirits Tent located in the backyard, the 2nd and 3rd floor clubhouse as well as the 2nd floor grandstand.

Hal Handel, NYRA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, said, “Woodford Reserve is a premium brand with strong commitment to the thoroughbred industry. This partnership is a perfect fit. We are very pleased to be able to offer our patrons access to Woodford Reserve’s first-class bourbon.”

Belmont Park

Belmont Park in Elmont, New York, is the home of the third leg of horse racing’s storied Triple Crown and one of three racetracks operated by The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA). NYRA also operates Aqueduct Racetrack and Saratoga Race Course. Founded in 1955, and franchised to run thoroughbred racing at New York’s three major tracks through 2033, NYRA boasts a lineage that actually stretches back almost 150 years. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of the state’s thoroughbred business which contributes more than $2 billion annually to New York State’s urban, suburban and rural economy. In 2009, more than 1.6 million people attended the live races at NYRA tracks. Factoring nationwide off-track wagering, the average daily betting handle on NYRA races alone totals more than $9.3 million every race day. NYRA has a vast network of websites, including www.nyra.com, www.belmontstakes.com, and www.nyragroupsales.com.

About Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve, the “Official Bourbon of the Belmont Stakes”, is crafted at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles, Kentucky – the heart of thoroughbred country.

Woodford Reserve is one of the fine spirits produced and marketed by the Brown-Forman Corporation. For 140 years, Brown-Forman has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands. The company’s brands are supported by nearly 4,000 employees and sold in approximately 135 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit http://www.brown-forman.com, and for more information on Woodford Reserve visit www.WoodfordReserve.com. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly.

 Woodford Reserve Distiller’s Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 45.2% Alc. by Vol., The Woodford Reserve Distillery, Versailles, KY ©2010

(From Stuart at Glenglassaugh Distillery)

The good weather has arrived at the distillery and as with it the promise of change and things a fresh.

We have moved our offices to slightly more spacious accommodation at the distillery and also one that provides a nicer and improved environment for working. We aim to develop the two older cottages which we had been using as offices for use as on-site accommodation.

Kyle Mackinnon has joined us a temporary member of the team for the summer and is already showing that he is a quick learner who can turn his hand to most things. The rate at which the grass is growing means that he spends a lot of time just keeping that down.

We have been sampling some casks which have been maturing for around a year and were so excited by them we shared them with some of our visitors who in turn thought that they were great so we decided therefore to release another spirit drink ( cannot call it the W word as it has not matured for the requisite 36 months). This new spirit drink is called “Glenglassaugh Spirit Drink – Fledgling XB” and is the result of maturing for 12 months in an ex first-fill bourbon barrel. If you like rich vanilla and buttery flavours then you will not be disappointed.

We are also ready to share our new-make spirit made from peated malted barley and are very sure that you will be very surprised and impressed by the result . The peat is not overwhelming on the nose but the smokiness in the taste just grabs you. Great drink in its own right and a sign of things to come. “Glenglassaugh Spirit Drink – Peated”

There are some changes to our existing spirit drinks and all 4 of these will be available in 200ml bottles shortly. We will send out more information on all of these products shortly.

We have also created a sloe berry liqueur which will be available only through our web site or by visiting the distillery. This sweet distinctive drink is just right for summer and will retail for £18.00 for a 500ml bottle and is produced at 26% abv, it will be available within a couple of weeks.

Our new triple pack of aged rare whiskies will also shortly be available and consists of 3 by 200ml bottles, one with our 26 year old release, one containing a 37 year old whisky and one with a 43 year old whisky which are packaged in a leather clad box and come complete with tasting notes. This will retail in the UK for £299.00 and will be available shortly.

That is all for the moment but we are working on other products and will update you as soon as they come to fruition.

Slange

Stuart

Visit Glenglassaugh Distillery at http://www.glenglassaugh.com

£10 MILLION DISTILLERY EXPANSION SIGNALS THE GLENLIVET’S BID FOR GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY

Chivas Brothers today revealed a new £10 million expansion at The Glenlivet Distillery in Speyside, supporting its long term ambition to become the World’s No 1 single malt and guaranteeing supply for the future.

The distillery extension, which houses a new mash tun, eight traditional oregon pine washbacks and six expertly crafted copper stills, represents a 75% increase in production capacity allowing the brand to capitalise on buoyant international markets.

Earlier this year, the Scotch Whisky Association reported that an impressive performance in the second half of 2009 had contributed to record-breaking levels of global exports for Scotch whisky at the end of 2009. Exports have risen by £977 million in shipment value over the last ten years, representing a 45% increase.*

Christian Porta, Chivas Brothers Chairman and CEO, reiterated the importance of this investment to the future success of The Glenlivet: “Today’s opening represents the latest milestone in a period of sustained investment and strong growth in The Glenlivet. Since 2002, we have taken the brand from No 3 to No 2 globally with investment in packaging, marketing and new product development.

“The stunning new extension not only gives us the production potential to meet the buoyant demands of global markets and, one day take the No 1 spot, it is also a sympathetic and aesthetically enduring legacy for generations to come to admire.

“We are already leading from the front in the US, the world’s most valuable Scotch whisky market and No1 single malt market, and we are now well-positioned to replicate this success internationally.”

The investment has already brought real benefits to the local business community with a team of local contractors involved in the expansion. Overall design was by architects LDN of Forres whilst the principle contractor was A.D. Walker of Banff. Subcontractors included Simmers of Keith who built the steel structure, specialist vat builders Joseph Brown of Dufftown who installed 8 new traditional wooden washbacks, and coppersmiths Forsyths of Rothes who built 6 new stills exactly replicating the distillery’s famous tall, wide still shape.

The new building was designed to sit sympathetically alongside other Grade II* listed distillery buildings whilst also delivering a first class modern production facility that incorporates the latest heat recovery technology to aid efficiency. The open plan design will also enhance the distillery’s visitor experience which already holds 5 stars from the Scottish Tourist Board. The distillery’s 45,000 annual visitors will be able to see most of the production process in one building and also connect with the surrounding landscape via the expansive use of glass in the building.

This year’s opening coincides with the recent appointment of new Master Distiller Alan Winchester, a lifelong resident of Speyside who has been a leading light in the industry for 34 years.

Alan commented: “Scotch whisky is the beating heart of Speyside and The Glenlivet has been at the heart of the industry since 1824. This is an historic occasion that leaves a profound legacy for tomorrow’s distillers and future guardians of this Scotch whisky legend. It has been a privilege to be involved.”

To celebrate the opening, a specially created bottling, The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, will be released in a limited quantity of 1824 bottles to reflect the year of the distillery’s foundation. Selected from some of The Glenlivet’s most precious casks, the exceptional 21 year old non-chill filtered Scotch whisky will be available from the The Glenlivet Visitor Centre while stocks last.

*HM Revenue and Customs data

Notes:

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.

The Glenlivet is ‘the single malt that started it all’. It was the first licensed distillery in the remote Livet Valley. Created by George Smith, The Glenlivet in turn defined the Speyside style of whisky which became the heartland of Scotch malt whisky production.

From its pioneering Scottish roots, The Glenlivet was the first malt to be promoted in the US, as soon as Prohibition was lifted. Today, it is the USA’s No 1 single malt and the world’s No 2, and one of only two malts ever to sell more than 600,000 nine litre cases per year.

The new stills installed in The Glenlivet are traditionally hand-built in copper and have been fitted with advanced heat-recovery technology (used to pre-heat liquids elsewhere in the distillery) thus reducing overall energy use. The Glenlivet’s tradition of wooden washbacks (fermenters) was maintained, assembled on-site by hand. By-products of the distilling process (spent draff, grain and pot ale) will be recycled in the form of animal feed for the local farming community.

Following The Macallan’s announcement a couple of weeks ago (see below) of the second instalment of the Masters of Photography series featuring the legendary Albert Watson, art and whisky lovers can now track the shoot by visiting www.blog.themacallan.com.

The Macallan Director of Malts, Ken Grier, is currently on the road with Albert Watson, in Spanish and Scottish locations, doing interviews and gathering exclusive behind the scenes content from the shoot.

Ken is using Audio boo, a GPS aware audio blogging iPhone application that enables on-the-spot recordings and map-tracking.  Followers can listen to the interviews and view images on The Macallan blog and by commenting on the blog posts, they can ask the legendary photographer their own questions.

The Macallan Masters of Photography II will be in an entirely different style to the first edition in the series, shot by Rankin.  The subject of the project must be kept under wraps, for the moment, until shooting is complete but the key ingredients include: a dramatic and yet romantic ‘art noir’ voyage; a stylish couple and the key secret behind The Macallan. The final result will be revealed by The Macallan at a series of events later in the year.  Further details will be revealed in the months to come.

Please enjoy The Macallan responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk.

ANNOUNCING MASTERS OF PHOTOGRAPHY II INTRODUCING ALBERT WATSON

Today, The Macallan single malt whisky announced that the next photography partnership in their Masters of Photography series is going to be with the legendary Albert Watson.

Scots born, Watson is famous worldwide for his celebrity, fashion and art photography. Photo District News named him one of the 20 most influential photographers of all time. He has shot posters for major Hollywood movies such as ‘Kill Bill’, ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’, ‘The Da Vinci Code’, as well as shooting over 200 covers for Vogue and Rolling Stone magazine. In fact, in 2007 one large-format print of his sold for $108,000 at auction. He is also an acclaimed director with over 500 TV commercials to his name.

The Macallan Masters of Photography II will be in an entirely different style to the first edition in the series, shot by Rankin.

The subject of the project must be kept under wraps, for the moment, until shooting is complete but the key ingredients include: a dramatic and yet romantic ‘art noir’ voyage; a stylish couple and the key secret behind The Macallan.

Ken Grier, Director of Malts, The Edrington Group, said: “I am extremely excited about working with the hugely talented and influential Albert Watson. His creativity is fabulous, but not only that, he exudes an aura of charm and quiet confidence that is very much in keeping with The Macallan  

“As part of this unique project, art and whisky lovers alike can follow The Macallan shoot with Albert Watson by following my daily blog.  The blog posts will start from 31st May at www.blog.themacallan.com.

Albert Watson, added: “I am looking forward to working with The Macallan on such a prestigious project. The partnership with a premium, Scottish iconic brand will give me a once in a lifetime photographic opportunity to create a lasting legacy as part of The Macallan Masters of Photography series.”

The final result will be revealed by The Macallan at a series of glittering events later in the year.  Further details will be revealed in the months to come.

-Ends-
Please enjoy our brands responsibly.  www.drinkaware.co.uk

Notes to editors

1. The first Macallan Masters of Photography was launched in 2008 with Scots photographer 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.

2. 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

Albert Watson portrait by Gloria Rodriguez