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

Make this Father’s Day one to remember

With Father’s Day rapidly approaching, the hunt begins for the ideal gift for the deserving Dad. The Ultimate Single Malt Whisky Experience could just be what you’re looking for.

This year help is at hand, for the first time, The Classic Malts Selection is offering the perfect solution. Buy a bottle of either THE SINGLETON® OF DUFFTOWN 12 year old single malt scotch whisky, TALISKER® 10 year old single malt scotch whisky or DALWHINNIE® 15 year old single malt scotch whisky, and receive two complimentary V.I.P invitations to a whisky master class. The Classic Malts team of whisky ambassadors will be hosting masterclasses in 17 major cities nationwide.
 
Research shows that over a third of alcohol gifts bought for Father’s Day are single malt whiskies. So why not take it a step further this year, at no extra cost, present your dad with two tickets to a malt masterclass where he will try four different Scotch malt whiskies in the company of an experienced ambassador, who knows, he might just invite you to go with him!

The complimentary whisky master class, hosted by a single malt whisky
ambassador, will guide you through the world of single malt whisky using THE SINGLE MALT WHISKY FLAVOUR MAP™. With so many ages, regions and distilleries out there, there’s a diverse and exciting world of flavour for your father to explore. With the aid of the Single Malt Whisky Flavour Map, which has been created by experts, you/he can pin-point each flavour and identify what type of whisky suits your taste.

Your whisky ambassador will provide a selection of four Single Malt Scotch
Whiskies for you to experience and savour, after the tasting they will leave
you with your very own flavour map and some serving suggestions to inspire your newly acquired whisky knowledge.

For the perfect original gift this Father’s Day, choose either the ‘Perfectly balanced, naturally rich and smooth’ The Singleton of Dufftown 12 year old, the ‘characterful and smoky’ Talisker 10 year old, or the ‘mellow, soft and fruity’ Dalwhinnie®  15 year old, available at all major retailers. Don’t forget you’ll also receive two invitations to this exclusive whisky master class.

Notes

THE SINGLETON and TALISKER words and associated logos are trade marks.

About Diageo

Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks business with an outstanding
collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines, and beer
categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B,
Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at Diageo.com. Visit www.drinkaware.co.uk and our global resource www.DRINKiQ.com for information and guidance on responsible drinking. In Great Britain, Diageo is a member of The Portman Group and supports The Drinkaware Trust.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere

Whisky tasting locations:

Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle, York, Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham,
Shrewsbury, Cambridge, Norwich, Oxford, Cardiff, Bristol, South London,
North London, Chichester, Exeter

Terms & Conditions

1. Offer open to all Great Britain residents aged 18 and over, except
employees and their families, the Promoter and its affiliate companies and
anyone professionally connected with the promotion.
2. Buy a 70cl bottle of TALISKER®, THE SINGLETON OF DUFFTOWN® or
DALWHINNE® Single Malt Whisky from participating outlets (Tesco,
Morrison’s & Oddbins) starting June 1st 2010, while stocks last, and
receive attendance for two people to a complimentary whisky tasting session. Attendance to one tasting session can be claimed per purchase, limited to one per person(including guests)
3. All those who participate in the tasting session must be aged 18 years
and over.
4. To register for your free tasting session log onto
www.fathersdaytasting.co.uk enter the barcode from your bottle of TALISKER® or THE SINGLETON OF DUFFTOWN®, or DALWHINNE® Single Malt Whisky and choose a location nearest to you on a date that’s most convenient.  The tastings will be held between July – October. All tasting sessions which are arranged by the Promoter will not be held before midday (12pm) or after 10pm.
5. The promoter and their agents accept no responsibility for difficulties
experienced in submitting an entry to this promotion.
6. Tastings are available at a 17 locations on a number of dates please
visit www.fathersdaytasting.co.uk for exact locations, dates and times.
Whilst the promoter will endeavour to cater for all those wishing to attend
a tasting it is not possible to host a tasting in every part of the country.
If the consumer is not prepared to travel to one of the 17 chosen cities,
the promoter reserves the right not to redeem the offer to that consumer.
7. Participants attending the tasting will be given the chance to try 4
malt whiskies and will be introduced to the malt whisky flavour map by a
Diageo malt whisky ambassador .
8. The Diageo/Ambassador reserves the right to refuse alcohol to either the
entrants or guests who appear to be intoxicated. Each participant will be
limited to a maximum of three units of alcohol for the entire tasting
session.
9. The promoter encourages all attendees of the tasting session to think
about how you’re going to get home – if you are drinking alcohol order a
cab or designate a driver.
10. Should you have any queries regarding the tasting sessions please email
info@fathersdaytasting.co.uk or call TRO on +44 (0) 161 484 2473. .
11. The tasting session will be held in accordance with Diageo Great
Britain Marketing Code principles, these can be found at www.Diageo.com.
12. The tasting sessions are non-transferable and there is no cash
alternative.
13. Tasting sessions are subject to availability, on a first come first
serve basis.
14. The Promoter reserves the right to exclude any claims that it
reasonably believes to be fraudulent or based on misconduct.
15. The Promoter reserves the right to withdraw, amend or temporarily
suspend this promotion, in its absolute discretion, provided that it shall
not exercise this right unreasonably.  
16. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Diageo shall not be liable for
any loss and/or personal injury suffered by or to those participating in a
tasting session.
17. This promotion and these terms are governed by English law and subject
to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.
18. A participants personal data will only be held for the purpose of this
promotion and shall not be used for any other purpose whatsoever without
their prior consent.
19. Participants are deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions by
participating in this promotion.
 Promoter: Diageo Great Britain Limited, Lakeside Drive, Park Royal, London
NW10 7HQ.

BEAM GLOBAL SPIRITS & WINE BEGINS EXPANSION OF
PLANT IN FRANKFORT, KY.

Initiative to Increase Operations, Add 120 New Jobs in Kentucky
 
Frankfort, Ky. –  Beam Global Spirits & Wine, the premium spirits business of Fortune Brands (NYSE: FO) and maker of the world’s number one-selling Bourbon whiskey Jim Beam®, today unveiled plans for its continued growth in Kentucky, including a comprehensive expansion of its Frankfort facility. When completed in the fall of 2011, the expansion will double the facility’s production size and capacity and bring 120 new jobs to the area.
 
Governor Steven L. Beshear joined Beam Global President and Chief Executive Officer Matthew J. Shattock in getting the project officially underway today in a ceremony themed “Growing for the Future.” The expansion project further builds on the company’s heritage and long-standing commitment to the Commonwealth.
 
“Beam Global is one of our signature companies in Kentucky that has shown its commitment to our state time and time again,” said Governor Beshear. “The expansion of the Beam Global plant in Frankfort will provide a lasting, positive economic impact in the community. Seeing such growth in our Commonwealth is very rewarding.”
 
Under the expansion plans, the Frankfort plant will produce 160 products at this plant and have an annual capacity of 10 million cases, representing an increase from 24 percent to 32 percent of Beam Global’s total worldwide case volume. The project, which includes the addition of four new bottling lines and approximately 65 new tanks, will assume production and bottling of DeKuyper® cordials from Beam Global’s existing facility in Cincinnati. Additional brands bottled at the facility include Sauza®, the world’s number two-selling Tequila, and Canadian Club®, one of the world’s leading Canadian whiskies.

 
“Our roots in our home state of Kentucky run deep starting with the founding of Jim Beam, dating back more than two centuries,” Shattock said. “As our business and brands have grown over the years, so too has our commitment here in our home state. We thank Governor Beshear, the Economic Development Cabinet and KEDFA board for their valued support of our expansion in Frankfort and look forward to continuing to grow for the future.”
 
Construction of the expansion is scheduled to begin immediately. When completed, a total of 365 employees are expected to be employed at the facility and nearly 3 million additional cases will be produced. Products bottled at the Frankfort facility are shipped throughout the United States and 43 countries globally.

About Beam Global Spirits & Wine

Inspiring conversations around the world, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. is building brands people want to talk about. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Cruzan® Rum, EFFEN® Vodka, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, Teacher’s® Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs and Knob Creek® Bourbon. Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company. For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

MCLEANSCOTLAND the number one whisky tour operator in Scotland, have just returned from Northern Ireland, taking time to visit Bushmills.  As guests of the Irish Tourist Board, MCLEANSCOTLAND enjoyed a travel workshop in Belfast on the Thursday, followed by a civic reception and wee party! Friday saw them travelling north along the coast of Antrim in company with other travel agents from Europe and Australia.  As a special visit  Paul and Liz enjoyed their time at Bushmills guide by Niall, who was excellent.  Leaving with a much better understanding of Bushmills, a shirt and two bottles of the famous 1608 – distilled to commemorate 400 years of whiskey at the site!

 And ooo, what a dram it is, special indeed.

Notes of almond, saddle leather. Rich flavors of caramel cocoa and malted barley, honey and cream. Finish; malty butter and absolutely nice.”  Its a blend of three different whiskies – malt, grain whiskey and a third said to be a malt produced from crystal malt. 46% ABV  I am keeping the bottle for myself, sorry!  While at the distillery, they chatted to staff about tours coming in and what special treats and special tours could be arranged. So if you are looking for an Irish whiskey tour that includes the Bushmills range, with a special tasting, then contact Paul at info@mcleanscotland.com

Taste of Gold for Smokehead

Edinburgh, 02 June 2010: SMOKEHEAD, Ian Macleod Distillers’ Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, has been awarded an International Review of Spirits’ Gold Medal by the highly respected Beverage Testing Institute (BTI).

Judged by an expert panel from BTI in the institution’s Chicago Tasting Room, Smokehead was awarded an ‘Exceptional’ rating of 91/100 for its explosive, peaty flavours. With the appearance of ‘bright old gold’, the panel commented on the Single Malt’s ‘aromas of honeyed raisin scone, dried peaches and medical tinctures with a hint of cedar and mesquite-like smokiness’. The BTI also enjoyed Smokehead’s ‘good depth and lingering body’ with ‘subtly complex and earthy smoked wood, leather and a prairie grass driven finish’.

Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, commented; “We are delighted that Smokehead’s boisterous and peaty taste has been recognised by such an internationally respected institution as the BTI. Combining its high quality and unique flavours with the product’s standout designer packaging, Smokehead has proved a great success, especially in attracting the discerning and adventurous ‘modern drinker’.” 

The International Review of Spirits’ Gold Medal for Smokehead’s rich and complex flavours, follows two Gold Medals from BTI in the 2009 International Review of Spirits Packaging Competition. These recognised the brand’s innovative, bold and modern packaging in the Creativity and Graphic Design categories. 

Since launching in 2006, Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky has won a number of awards for both its eye-catching packaging and balanced, seaweedy flavours, including the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge Gold Medal and Wine & Spirits Design Awards for Best Dark Spirit and the overall Trophy for Design of the Year.

Other products in the range include the Smokehead Extra Rare 1 litre bottle (Travel Retail Exclusive) and the premium 18 Years Old Smokehead Extra Black.

Founded in 1981, the BTI is one of the world’s foremost authorities on alcoholic beverages, independently reviewing thousands of wines, beers and spirits every year. With a mission to create fair and reliable reviews for consumers, its buying guides have appeared in many publications including The New Yorker Magazine, Wine & Spirits International, CNBC, BBC Radio International and The Chicago Tribune. 

Described as being like a cannonball, Smokehead is an explosive combination of peat, smoke and spice with some delicate sweetness. The single malt flavour is described as fresh, fruity and immense, with notes of sherry, iodine, toffee, smoke and sea salt.  The taste hits the palate at once with cocoa, peat and some honey sweetness, before exploding with peppery spice and more earthy peat.

Smokehead is available in the USA, Canada and worldwide. Details of some global stockists can be found on the website www.smokehead.co.uk

 Curious to discover more, visit www.smokehead.co.uk or visit www.tastings.com

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky encourages responsible drinking

www.drinkaware.co.uk www.scotch-whisky.org.uk
www.impexbev.com  for inquiries in the U.S

Notes
 
Tasting notes:

Nose:
Heavy smoke and peat.   Amazing richness.   Lemon, fresh ginger, plum jam.   Salty and spicy.  
 
Body:
Like a cannonball – hits the palate at once with cocoa, peat and some honey sweetness then explodes with peppery spice and more earthy peat.   Spreads to all the areas of your mouth with more peat and light sweetness.
 
Finish:
Even more peat, spice, mandarin – then dries up.   When you think it’s all over the peat comes back to hit you again.
 
Impression:
A rollercoaster of peat and spice with some delicate sweetness.