Edinburgh, 04 March 2010: SMOKEHEAD, Ian Macleod Distiller’s Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, has been awarded two Gold Medals in the highly respected Beverage Testing Institutes’ (BTI) 2009 International Review of Spirits Packaging Competition in the USA.

Chosen by a prestigious judging panel of top design artists, spirits writers, retail and on-premise buyers, Smokehead was selected from over 100 entries to win Gold Medals in the Creativity and Graphic Design categories.

Created by London-based design group Navyblue, the strong upbeat design and packaging uses a variety of adjectives such as Robust, Monstrous and Boisterous to allude and celebrate the explosively smoky and peaty flavours of this powerful Islay Single Malt.

The Smokehead bottle also received a Bronze Medal in the Style category and was named overall Best Bottle Runner-up, while its innovative embossed and debossed presentation tin received a Silver Medal in the Graphic Design category.

Iain Weir, Marketing Director for Ian Macleod Distillers, commented; “We are delighted that Smokehead’s standout design has been recognised by such an internationally respected institution as the BTI. We are very proud of Smokehead’s bold, contemporary and exciting style, which commands attention and appeals directly to the discerning and adventurous ‘modern drinker’.” 

Since its launch in 2006, the quality of both Smokehead’s design and taste has received a number of prestigious accolades, including gold medals in the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge and the Wine and Spirit Design Awards, as well as the overall trophy for Design of the Year 2006/07. Other products in the Smokehead range include the one litre bottle, Smokehead Extra Rare (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. 

A full list of winners the International Review of Spirits Packaging Competition 2009 can be viewed www.tastings.com

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 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

Smokehead Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky encourages responsible drinking

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

-ends-

Contacts:                                                                  

For high res images and further information on Smokehead contact:

Alison Liddy / Laura Campbell                              

Profile Plus

T: 0131 554 6111

E: al@profileplus.co.uk / lc@profileplus.co.uk
 Iain Weir, Director of Marketing                     

Ian Macleod Distillers Ltd                               

T: 01506 852205                                            

E: iain@ianmacleod.com 

http://www.impexbev.com/

Notes to Editors

·           Smokehead is an award winning Islay single malt including, the Scottish Field Whisky Challenge Gold 2007 and the Wine and Spirit Design Awards Gold, Best Dark Spirit Trophy and overall Trophy for Design of the Year 2007.

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.
 
Alison Liddy

Senior Account Manager

Profile Plus

78 The Shore

Edinburgh EH6 6RG

dd. 0131 554 8270

m. 07968 023 141

www.profileplus.co.uk

www.twitter.com/profileplus

Communication solutions for the leisure & lifestyle industry

Immediate  Release                                                                                                                                             FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Svend Jansen, Brown-Forman                                                                                     502-774-7825

svend_jansen@b-f.com

Woodford Reserve Bourbon honored by Whisky Magazine

Named top brand innovator in the world

March 1, 2010, Louisville, Ky. – Woodford Reserve Bourbon has been voted “Whisky Brand Innovator of the Year” for the entire world at this year’s Icons of Whisky Awards, held by Whisky Magazine.

 Woodford Reserve was recognized for its acclaimed Master’s Collection for its great innovation. The Master’s Collection has included four expressions since its inception; Four Grain, Sonoma-Cutrer Finish, Sweet Mash and Seasoned Oak Finish.

The award recognizes the company that has pushed the envelope during the year as the most innovative in the entire whiskey industry. It marks the second time Woodford Reserve has received the award.

“It’s a great honor to receive this award for a second time from Whisky Magazine,” said Chris Morris, Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve. “This top accolade is a strong endorsement of the constant innovation Woodford Reserve prides itself in. It shows the true passion everyone at the Woodford Reserve Distillery has for crafting the best bourbon in the world.”

The Icons of Whisky Awards celebrate the people and places behind the greatest whiskies in the world, with the judging process taking place in regional heats including the United States, Canada, Ireland, Japan, Scotland and India. Woodford Reserve was named Brand Innovator of the Year for the United States in early November and then went on to the world finals held in London. The winners were announced at a ceremony held on the eve of Whisky Live London on Feb 25.

Woodford Reserve is one of the fine spirits produced and marketed by Brown-Forman Corporation, a producer and marketer of fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel’s, Southern Comfort, Finlandia, Fetzer, Korbel, Tequila Herradura, Sonoma-Cutrer, Chambord, Tuaca, and Bonterra. Please enjoy your bourbon responsibly. For more information on Woodford Reserve, visit www.woodfordreserve.com.

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

 Svend Jansen

PR Manager – Woodford Reserve, Canadian Mist, Early Times & Old Forester

Brown-Forman

850 Dixie Highway

Louisville, KY 40210

Office, (502) 774-7825

Mobile, (502) 744-0462

svend_jansen@b-f.com

 In this March newsletter, we announce the arrival of not one, not two, but three new Milroy’s of Soho single cask bottlings.  Mailing list members are entitled to an exclusive 10% discount for pre-orders placed before March 15.  Read on for more details.   We also feature new releases from Campbeltown’s Springbank distillery, including the Springbank 18 year old.

NEW ARRIVALS – MILROY’S OF SOHO SINGLE CASK BOTTLINGS

As alluded to in the prelude, we are delighted to welcome three new Milroy’s of Soho single cask bottlings; a Single Malt, a Single Grain and our first Rum, sourced from the Four Square distillery in Barbados.  These new releases are due to land early-mid March.  

MILROY’S OF SOHO SINGLE CASK ABERLOUR 1991 18 YEAR OLD (314 bottles, 46% ABV)

Aberlour distillery has a legion of fans for its range of full bodied malts that see varying levels of maturation in Oloroso Sherry casks.  Drawn from a single ex-Bourbon cask, this Milroy’s of Soho bottling is an elegant expression of Aberlour.  Medium to full bodied and voluptuous in texture, it literally envelops the mouth with pleasure inducing flavours of nougat, crème Anglaise, milk chocolate and subtle spice (clove, cinnamon). 

£39 per bottle

Exclusive mailing list offer – order now save 10%

MILROY’S OF SOHO SINGLE CASK SINGLE GRAIN GIRVAN 1988 21 YEAR OLD (309 bottles, 46% ABV)

This mature single grain whisky was sourced from Ayrshire’s Girvan distillery.  The vast majority of spirit produced at this William Grant-owned distillery is used to fill out Grant’s blend or is sold to other blending houses.   Only a tiny quantity sees more than 10 years maturation in wood.  This 21 year old single grain whisky is therefore something of a rarity.   Bright golden amber in colour, it possesses an alluring nose of grilled hazelnuts and vanilla.  The palate is at one seamless and elegant, showing a nutty sweetness intermingled with toffee and crème caramel.  Although brilliant enjoyed as a digestif, it is irresistible with anything chocolate related, or perhaps, sticky toffee pudding!

£49 per bottle

Exclusive mailing offer – order now save 10%

MILROY’S OF SOHO SINGLE CASK 1998 BARBADOS RUM, FOUR SQUARE DISTILLERY (336 bottles, 43% ABV)

We have sourced our first ever single cask rum from the Four Square distillery in Barbados.  This fine Caribbean rum was, distilled in 1998, was matured in a single ex-Bourbon cask.  Bright golden amber in colour, it is a wonderfully elegant and fruity rum, gently sweet with well integrated oak.  Although a premium rum like this is intended to be taken neat, it would make a truly luxurious base to a rum cocktail!

£35 per bottle

Exclusive mailing offer – order now save 10%

SPRINGBANK DISTILLERY – 2010 RELEASES

Much loved Springbank distillery brings us a catalogue of interesting limited edition bottlings and new releases this year, including the second edition Springbank 18 year old and Hazelburn 12 year old.  Both of these exceptional whiskies sold out quickly last year, so do act quickly to reserve your allocation.

SPRINGBANK CV

A vatting of younger Springbank vintages, bottled without an age statement.

£28.95 per bottle

SPRINGBANK 18 YEAR OLD

The eagerly awaited second edition of Springbank 18 year old.  Last year’s release was well received.  Anyone who has drunk mature Springbank knows just how good it can be – don’t miss out!

£65 per bottle

SPRINGBANK 12 YEAR OLD CLARET FINISH

The latest of the Springbank “Wood Expressions” series was finished in red wine casks from Bordeaux.  Bottled at cask strength.  With an out-turn of less than 10,000 bottles this bottling is unlikely to be around for long.

£39.00 per bottle

SPRINGBANK 12 YEAR OLD CASK STRENGTH

This new 12 year old cask strength release will replace the Springbank 10 year old 100 Proof.

£40.00 per bottle – available soon – pre-order now!

Still to come from Springbank distillery:

 May 2010                               Kilkerran Work in Progress 2

August 2010                          Hazelburn 12 year old

Until next month, slàinte!

Best regards

Philip

Philip Shorten

Milroy’s of Soho

3 Greek Street

London, W1D 4NX

 T: 020 7437 2385

F: 020 7437 1345

E: philip.shorten@milroys.co.uk

W: www.milroys.co.uk

For immediate release                                                 26th February 2010
World’s Best Whiskies Honoured

Seven whiskies have scooped the titles of ‘World’s Best’ in the final round of Whisky Magazine’s World Whiskies Awards 2010.

The competition, open to proprietary bottlings only, is chaired by Dave Broom, international whisky expert and exists to inform and educate consumers throughout the world about the very whisky. Winners progressed through three rounds of blind tastings to emerge as the victors in their categories, with the World’s Best New Release being chosen from the magazine’s tastings section and tasted during the final round.

Categories are based upon the commonly held whisky groupings which define the style and process of whisky/whiskey production; malt whisky, blended whisky, blended malt whisky, American whiskey and whisky liqueurs.

The 2010 winners are:

World’s Best Single Malt Whisky Ardbeg Corryvreckan
World’s Best Blended Whisky Hibiki 21 Years Old
World’s Best Blended Malt Whisky  Taketsuru 21 Years Old
World’s Best American Whiskey Rittenhouse Straight Rye 100 proof
World’s Best Whisky Liqueur Wild Turkey American Honey
World’s Best Grain Whisky Greenore 15 Years Old
World’s Best New Release Parker’s Heritage Collection Golden Anniversary

The final “World’s Best” trophy winners were presented at the World Whiskies Awards presentation in London on Thursday 25th February 2010.

For more information
Contact Whisky Magazine Editor, Rob Allanson, on +44 1603 633 808 or +44 7595 936766. Full results at www.whiskymag.com
 
Category and sub-category winners follow on the next pages
 
Full World Whiskies Results 2010
SINGLE MALT WHISKY
Category winners
Best Campbeltown Single Malt Whisky  Springbank 18 Years Old
Best Islay Single Malt Whisky  Ardbeg Corryvreckan
Best Island Non Islay Single Malt Whisky  Highland Park Earl Magnus
Best Speyside Single Malt Whisky Tomintoul 33 years old
Best Irish Single Malt Whiskey Bushmills 21 Years Old Maderia finish
Best Japanese Single Malt Whisky  Yamazaki Sherry Cask
Best Rest of the World Single Malt Whisky  Solist
Best Highland Single Malt Whisky Balblair 1975
Sub-category winners
Highland no age Ardmore Traditional Cask
Highland 12 and under Old Pulteney 12 Years Old
Highland 13-20 Glenmorangie 18 Years Old
Highland 21 and over Balblair 1975, 32 Years Old

Campbeltown no age Longrow CV
Campbeltown 12 and under Springbank 10 YO
Campbeltown 13-20 Springbank 18 Years Old

Island Non Islay no age  Talisker 57° North
Island Non Islay 12 and under Highland Park, Hjarta, 12 Years Old
Island Non Islay 13-20 Highland Park, Earl Magnus Edition 1, 15 Years Old
Island Non Islay 21 and cover  Highland Park, Vintage 1964, 45 Years Old

Islay no age Ardbeg Corryvreckan
Islay 12 and under Bunnahabhain 12 Years Old
Islay 13-20  Laphroaig 18 Years Old
Islay 21 and over Bunnahabhain 25 Years Old

Speyside no age The Glenrothes, Alba Reserve
Speyside 12 and under BenRiach Sherry Matured, 12 Years Old
Speyside 13-20 The Balvenie 15 Years Old Single Barrel
Speyside 21 and over Tomintoul, Speyside Glenlivet Single Malt, 33 YO

Irish no age Connemara Cask Strength
Irish 12 and under Tyrconnell Single Malt Sherry Finish, 10 Years Old
Irish 13-20 Bushmills 16 Years Old
Irish 21 and over Bushmills 21 Years Old Madeira Finish

Japanese no age Yamazaki Sherry Cask
Japanese 12 and under Ichiro’s Malt, Six of Clubs, 10 Years Old
Japanese 13-20 Nikka, Yoichi 1989, 20 Years Old
Japanese 21 and over Ichiro’s Malt, Card King of Hearts, 23 Years Old

Rest of the World no age Solist
Rest of the World 12 Years and under Chapter 6 3 years Old

BLENDED MALT WHISKY
Category winners
Best Scotch Blended malt whisky Big Peat from Douglas Laing and Co
Best Non-Scotch Blended Malt no age  Ichiro’s Malt Mizunara Wood Reserve
Best Non-Scotch Blended Malt 12 and Under  Nikka – Taketsuru 12 Years Old
Best Non-Scotch blended malt 21 years and over
 Taketsuru 21 Years Old
BLENDED WHISKY
Category winners
Best Scotch Blended Whisky   Whyte and Mackay 40 Years old
Best Japanese Blended Whisky   Hibiki 21 Years Old
Best Irish Blended Whiskey  Kilbeggan 15 Years Old
Best Canadian Blended Whiskey  Crown Royal Limited Edition

Sub-category winners:
Scotch Blended 12 and under    Black Dog 12 years old
Scotch Blended 13-20  Label 5 18 Years Old
Scotch Blended 21 and Over   Whyte and Mackay 40 years old
Scotch Blended no age   Black Bottle and Dewar’s signature

Japanese Blended no age   Nikka from the barrel
Japanese Blended 12 and under  Hibiki 12 Years Old
Japanese Blended 13-20  Hibiki 17 Years Old
Japanese Blended 21 and Over  Hibiki 21 Years Old
Irish Blended 12 and under  Redbreast 12 Years Old

Irish Blended 13-20  Kilbeggan 15 Years Old
Irish Blended no age  Bushmills Black Bush

AMERICAN WHISKEY
Category winners
Best American Whiskey – Bourbon  George T Stagg
Best American Whiskey – Non Bourbon  Rittenhouse Straight Rye 100 proof

Sub category winners
Bourbon no age  William Larue Weller
Bourbon 7 Years and under  Four Roses Yellow label
Bourbon 8 Years and over  George T Stagg

I can now announce the provisional schedule for the 2010 World Whiskies Conference – and it’s great!  We have one of our very best line-up of speakers ever, with some highly provocative, engaging and relevant presentations.

This year, as worldwide whisky sales emerge from challenging economic conditions, we’ll hear from industry veterans who seen it all before and learn from some new and innovative approaches to social media, luxury and running your own business.

The Conference will be opened by Alexander Ricard, Chairman & CEO of Irish Distillers (part of Pernod Ricard).  On day 1 you’ll hear from Barrie Jackson, looking back over 25 years of whisky and 25 years into the future; Phil Parnell, with insights from the true insider story of rebuilding Drambuie; leading blogger and consumer commentator Mark Gillespie (whiskycast.com) getting into the mind of the enthusiast consumer and, from New York, experiential guru David Polinchock sharing the emerging tools that will drive social media.  We’ll round off the day with a fascinating presentation on the US whisk(e)y market from DISCUS’ Chief Economist David Ozgo that will take us into the Drinks Reception, where we’ll enjoy great Dewar’s whisky cocktails.

On day 2, James Espey (past Chairman of Chivas Brothers and marketer extraordinaire) offers lessons from more than 40 years in the drinks industry and takes your questions on spirits branding; Mark Izatt of Vertu looks at the challenges of the luxury market and the team from IWSR and Just-Drinks.com will offer exclusive new research findings on whisky.  Richard Williams of top London designers Williams Murray Hamm has some radical thoughts on creative disruption and we close with renegade whisky maker Alex Nicol who shares his life outside the corporate comfort blanket marketing Sheep Dip (it’s a whisky apparently).  

And there will be more to follow…so mark these dates in your 2010 schedule: the 2010 World Whiskies Conference (the 5th) will be held on Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st April 2010 when we return to Glasgow’s Radisson Hotel and Conference Centre.  Both days’ sessions will begin from 9.30am allowing you time to travel for a convenient start.

The 5th World Whiskies Conference will be the most hands-on yet as we deliver relevant business information and find the solutions to today’s market with speakers of real expertise and authority.

I look forward to meeting you at the growing global whisky business summit.  Meanwhile make a note of those dates – 20-21 April 2010 – and take advantage of our ‘early bird’ delegate rates (held from 2009) at www.whiskyconference.com

Kind regards,

Ian Buxton
Conference Director

PS: We’ve held delegate ticket prices for the 3rd year in a row – and our ‘early bird’ booking offers great value.

PPS: More about the programme in our next email or check back soon and book online at www.whiskyconference.com

An Update (as promised)

SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED FOR 5TH WORLD WHISKIES CONFERENCE

The World Whiskies Conference has announced its outline programme and, claims Conference Director Ian Buxton “We have our very best line-up ever, with highly provocative, engaging and relevant presentations.”

The Conference opens with Alexander Ricard, Chairman & CEO of Irish Distillers.  First day speakers include InterBev’s Barrie Jackson, looking 25 years into the future; Phil Parnell, with the true insider story of rebuilding Drambuie; leading blogger Mark Gillespie (whiskycast.com) getting into the mind of the enthusiast consumer and, from New York, experiential guru David Polinchock sharing the emerging tools that drive social media.  The day concludes with DISCUS’ Chief Economist David Ozgo on trends in the US whisk(e)y market followed by the Dewar’s Drinks Reception.

On day 2, James Espey (past Chairman of Chivas Brothers; marketer extraordinaire) offers lessons from more than 40 years in the industry; Mark Izatt of Vertu looks at the challenges of the luxury market and the team from IWSR and Just-Drinks.com will provide exclusive new whisky research findings.  Richard Williams of top designers Williams Murray Hamm has some radical thoughts on creative disruption.  Further speakers will be announced shortly.

“We’re seeing a more confident industry emerge from the recession,” claims Buxton “and the conference will address recovery strategies for global growth.”

The 2010 World Whiskies Conference (the 5th) will be held on Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st April 2010 in Glasgow’s Radisson Hotel and Conference Centre.  Details and on-line booking at www.whiskyconference.com

The 16th annual Malt Advocate Whisky Awards were recently announced on Malt Advocate magazine Publisher John Hansell’s blog, What Does John Know?
 
The categories and award winners are:
 

Best Buy Whisk(e)y of the Year:
The MacPhail’s Collection (Tamdhu 8 year old,
Glenrothes 8 year old, Highland Park 8 year old)

Artisan Whiskey of the Year (operating 10 years or less):
Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey (Batch #49)

American Whiskey of the Year:
Parker’s Heritage Collection “Golden Anniversary”

Canadian Whisky of the Year:
Crown Royal Cask No. 16

Irish Whiskey of the Year:
Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve (2009 release)

Scotch Whisky: Blend of the Year:
Compass Box, “The Peat Monster”

Scotch Whisky: Single Malt of the Year:
Ardbeg Corryvreckan

Industry Leader of the Year:
Mark Brown, President and CEO of Buffalo Trace Distillery

Distillery of the Year:
Cooley

Pioneer of the Year:
Whisky bloggers

Lifetime Achievement Award:
John Ramsay & Robert Hicks

Also announced were the Top Ten New Whiskies for 2009
(listed alphabetically):
Ardbeg Corryvreckan
Brora 30 year old (2009 Release)
Dalmore 50 year old
Gold Bowmore, 1964 Vintage
Jameson Rarest Vintage Reserve (2009 Release)
Laphroaig 25 year old
Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve (Bottle B1986)
Parker’s Heritage Selection Golden Anniversary
Rittenhouse Rye 25 year old (Barrel #1)
William Larue Weller (2009 Release)

The Malt Advocate Whisky Awards exist to recognize excellence in the world of whisky. Now in their sixteenth year, these awards are the oldest and longest-running annual whisky awards program. They honor the world’s greatest whiskies and distilleries, and the individuals who make and promote them. To be eligible for this year’s awards, products must have been sold in the U.S. during the 2009 calendar year.

A complete write up of each award winner will be published in the Spring issue of Malt Advocate magazine, out March 1st. You can see this in advance, with a lively discussion about each winner, on John’s blog (www.whatdoesjohnknow.com).

The 16th St Liquor Store in West Vancouver has just ordered a double vertical (52-94) of the Glenfarclas Family Cask series.  Chris Funnell, the Manager, will have amassed the entire collection from Glenfarclas when it arrives . The store actually has a substantial collection of whisky overall.

The Purchase Order is only just being processed now with delivery expected in May, fingers crossed. The store currently has a decent range of Glenfarclas as well as an extensive collection of other whiskies. Enough to get the collecting bug going every time! 

Chris Funnell, Manager
16th St Liquor Store
220 16th St
West Vancouver, BC
V7V 3R5
Ph 604 926-1339
Fax 778 279-4630

Ok, time is short, so I’ll keep this brief! Here is your last chance to win a Winter White trip to Edinburgh.

We have teamed up with VisitScotland as part of their Winter White Campaign, created to showcase the many wonderful Winter White things to see and do in Scotland. Enter now to discover Scotland’s enchanting capital with a two-night stay for two at the 5-star boutique hotel, The Glasshouse. Then perhaps relax with a glass of Highland Park in the luxurious surroundings of an award-winning suite and take in the view of the bright white lights of this captivating city.

You can indulge your whisky enthusiasm by studying the world’s largest collection of Scotch whiskies, visiting The Scotch Whisky Experience (with a dram of 21-year-old whisky), enjoying a barrel ride through whisky production and you’ll receive a gift-boxed whisky glass and miniature. The prize includes £250 spending money so you can go shopping for a Highland Park 30 year old and an 18 year old.

The lucky winner will also receive two Winter White Explorer Passes which offer discounts on some of the country’s top attractions. Explore the white sights of the capital, including the magnificent snow-dusted Edinburgh Castle, which houses the Crown Jewels and The Stone of Destiny.

Round-off your trip at Edinburgh’s most stylish restaurant, The Living Room on George Street, where you can linger over a glass of sparkling-white champagne before a delightful three-course meal.

Enter now at: www.visitscotland.com/whitehighlandpark

For more information on the Best Spirit in the World visit www.highlandpark.co.uk

 
Gerry
Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year, 2010

TRY THE NEW AND IMPROVED WHISKY SHELF

Whilst the snow has kept us all indoors here in the UK, we’ve been busy behind the doors of Warehouse 24 improving the Whisky Shelf. We have made significant improvements to how well it works, while making sure to keep the essence of what made the original so popular.

EASIER AND QUICKER TO USE

It’s now much easier to add malts, rate malts and apply your own notes and comments. You should also find it easier to search for malts and see what others have said about them.

If you’re just in for a quick visit you can now add a number of malts to your shelf at one time without needing to rate them immediately. When you do come to appraise them for your records, we have made the Sensory Evaluation section easier and quicker to use – so you can now enjoy fuller details on your malts and learn a bit about nosing and tasting too.

Remember you can also create a wish list of malts you want to try, and share it with your friends by email… very handy as your birthday approaches 😉

MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN

Among the new features is the ability to create some on-screen profile text about yourself and upload a picture to represent you. To do this, login to Warehouse 24 and click on My Details: remember to click UPDATE PROFILE in the bottom right-hand corner when you’re finished.

The Whisky Shelf is a great companion for your malt whisky journey, and it just got even better… why not try it now?

Slainte

David Mair
The Balvenie Ambassador

Cooley Named Distillery of the Year by Malt Advocate

Cooley Distillery honoured as 2010 Distillery of the Year by Leading US Publication

Cooley Distillery, Ireland’s only independent whiskey distiller, has been named Distillery of the Year at the 16th Annual Malt Advocate Whisky Awards.

The Whisky Awards run by the Malt Advocate, North America’s leading whisky magazine, recognise excellence in the world of whisky. Now in their sixteenth year, these awards are the oldest and longest-running annual whisky awards program. They honour the world’s greatest whiskies and distilleries, and the individuals who make and promote whisky around the world.

John Hansell, Editor of the Malt Advocate, commented, “The most compelling justification for selecting Cooley for this award isn’t just the variety of the whiskeys they make. It’s the quality. They are now putting out the best whiskey they have ever produced. In an era where hundreds of small distilleries are starting up across the globe, Cooley can be an inspiration to them all.”

Cooley has now made a clean sweep of all major whisky awards.  The 2010 trophy sits beside World Distiller of the Year 2008 (IWSC), European Distiller of the Year 2008, 2009 (IWSC), Irish Distiller of the Year 2007 (Icons of Whisky), and World Best Whiskey 2009 (IWSC). 

The award confirms Cooley’s role and reputation as a world class whiskey distiller. 

Jack Teeling, Managing Director of Cooley, commented,

“The US is now the biggest market for Irish whiskey. Being honoured as Distillery of the Year by the Malt Advocate will elevate the profile of our portfolio of whiskeys right across the US.  This prestigious award is testament to the skill, dedication and hard work of the entire Cooley team.  We will continue to build Cooley’s reputation for being the world’s best distiller of Irish whiskey.”

ENDS

Additional Information:

The Malt Advocate Whisky Awards

The Malt Advocate Whisky Awards exist to recognize excellence in the world of whisky. Now in their sixteenth year, these awards are the oldest and longest-running annual whisky awards program. They honour the world’s greatest whiskies and distilleries, and the individuals who make and promote them. Malt Advocate magazine is America’s leading whisky magazine. It’s the number one source for whisky information, education and entertainment for whisky enthusiasts.

For Additional Information:

 Jack Teeling, Managing Director, Cooley Distillery  

Tel: +3531 8332833

 David O’Siochain, Pembroke Communications

Tel: +3531 649 6322