Maker’s Mark® Unveils Exclusive Art Exhibition By Celebrated Artist Dale Chihuly

(Loretto, Ky.) June 29, 2017 – Two American icons are coming together once again to create an experience that captures the imagination and dazzles the senses. Maker’s Mark®, the pioneer of premium bourbon, is proud to celebrate the work of world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly with the unveiling of Chihuly at Maker’s.

Inspired by the distillery’s light-filled Burke House Welcome Center and surrounding lush campus grounds, Chihuly at Maker’s is a temporary, site-specific exhibition and the second installation commissioned for Maker’s Mark by Chihuly. His first celebrated permanent installation, The Spirit of the Maker, was unveiled in 2014 as a tribute to Maker’s tradition of bourbon making in Kentucky.

“I had the privilege to visit the landmark Maker’s Mark Distillery in 2014 when we worked together to install The Spirit of the Maker,” said artist Dale Chihuly.  “I was inspired then by its unique landscape and architecture and am excited to share my work from the perspective of its special surroundings.”

Chihuly at Maker’s is comprised of six large-scale art installations sited throughout the distillery grounds.  From July through October of this year, the Maker’s Mark Distillery will be transformed by Chihuly’s dramatic works of art purposefully set throughout the historic landmark campus to complement the distillery’s landscape and architecture. Included in the exhibition is: Summer Sun, a 12-foot tall blown glass and steel sculpture; a collection of five fiery-red Baskets; and an 18-foot wide Crimson and Chestnut Fiori Boat, which combines a range of forms massed together in a traditional wooden boat.

The Sapphire and Platinum Waterdrop Tower, which stands at approximately 12-feet, is a classic demonstration of Chihuly’s desire to mass color on a steel armature for dramatic effect. For centuries, blown glass pieces were small, intricately designed and admired from atop a table. In contrast, Chihuly’s Towers rise from the ground like huge stalagmites and have been an iconic aesthetic of installations in art museums and botanical gardens worldwide. Like all Chihuly sculptures, the Sapphire and Platinum Waterdrop Tower was designed specifically for its location, in this case, in front of the distillery’s cellar and natural water source.

“Just as my grandparents, the founders of Maker’s Mark, first envisioned, we’re committed to enhancing our visitor experience with culturally immersive opportunities unlike any other distillery in the world,” said Rob Samuels, the eighth-generation whisky maker and Chief Operating Officer of Maker’s Mark. “Creating our handmade bourbon isn’t a job – it’s an art form. It’s an honor to have formed such a lasting relationship with world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly.”

Chihuly at Maker’s is one of several site-specific installations from Chihuly that have been featured at high-profile locations around the country, including recent exhibits at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the New York Botanical Garden and the Catalina Island Museum in Avalon, California.

The official Grand Opening of Chihuly at Maker’s will take place Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 6:30 p.m., with a viewing picnic at the Maker’s Mark distillery. Admission is $50 and includes a meal and two drinks from the distillery’s new fast-casual restaurant, Star Hill Provisions™. From July 1 – Oct. 31, admission to Chihuly at Maker’s is included as part of the tour ticket cost ($12) during the distillery’s daytime operating hours, Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

In addition, on Saturday nights from July 22-Oct. 7, visitors will be able to enjoy the remarkable art of Dale Chihuly in a new way with “Chihuly Nights,” an exclusive and stunning look at the exhibition after dark. As the sun sets, guests will experience the enchanting glass sculptures glowing with light against the dark Kentucky sky. Maker’s Mark Bourbon and cocktails alongside fine Kentucky fare from the distillery’s resident chef, Newman Miller of Star Hill Provisions, will be included. Admission to Chihuly Nights is $20 and includes admission to the distillery grounds for self-guided tours. Separate tickets are required for day and night.

For additional information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.makersmark.com/chihuly or contact the distillery Visitor Center at 270-865-2099.

AUCTION ENDS SOON! FROM 8PM ON SUNDAY 23^RD

View over 1,500 lots online at www.just-whisky.co.uk

Don’t leave bids too late!

Jim Beam Black® Announces First-Ever Barbershop Experience at Iconic Clermont Distillery

This article is published today as a ‘catch~up’ article – WI

Chicago – (2017) – In anticipation of Kentucky’s annual Derby season, Jim Beam Black® is helping fans elevate their style with a limited-time barbershop pop-up at the Jim Beam® American Stillhouse. Visitors will be offered complimentary hair cuts and men’s beard trims from 5^th generation Philadelphia-based barbershop, The Duke, from 9-5 p.m. on May 4 and 5.

With more than 12 combined generations of experience in both bourbon and barbering, Jim Beam and The Duke are providing an experience that combines both heritage and tradition for the city’s most historic event. To ensure that guests are looking and feeling their best for the big race, services will be available to anyone of legal-drinking age.

The Jim Beam Black barbershop pop-up is the first of a series of nationwide events taking place throughout the summer of 2017. The world’s highest-rated bourbon according to the 2016 International Wine & Spirits Competition* is partnering with well-known barbershops in nine cities across the country to host events centered around elevating your style, through grooming and through your cocktail choice.

“We’re traveling across the country, starting right here in Kentucky, to show our fans that it doesn’t take much to elevate your taste and style,” said Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s 7th Generation Master Distiller. “Jim Beam Black, one of my personal favorites, is a delicious extra-aged bourbon to sip on if you’re looking for a more flavorful drink choice for the big race.”

In addition to complimentary hair cuts and beard trims, the barbers at the Jim Beam Black barbershop experience will provide hair curling and makeup touch-ups to women visiting the distillery as well. Services for both men and women will be offered on a first-come first-served basis throughout the course of the two-day experience.

Jim Beam Black is a premium Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with a more flavorful character made to be sipped and savored. At 86 proof, this bourbon is aged longer than original Jim Beam Bourbon in the same white oak barrels, giving it a full-bodied flavor with smooth caramel and warm oak notes.

Tours of the Jim Beam American Stillhouse will also be available to visitors throughout the week. A variety of tour options that allow guests to participate in the full bourbon production process – from mixing grains to bottling your own Jim Beam product – are available at www.JimBeam.com.

*Awarded International Wine & Spirits Competition’s Bourbon Trophy. All trademarks are the property of their respective owner

About The Duke

The Duke is the modern man’s answer to a classic barbershop venue. Established by 5^th generation owner and Master Barber, William Brown, the barbershop was created in response to the growing demand for upscale grooming services in the Philadelphia area. The Duke specializes in traditional shaves with hot lather, trims, haircuts and more and is home to several of Philadelphia’s most talented men’s barbers.

About the Jim Beam American Stillhouse

Nestled in the rolling foothills of Clermont, Kentucky, the Jim Beam American Stillhouse provides an intimate look at the world’s No. 1 bourbon. Visitors are immersed in more than 220 years of Beam family heritage through a series of educational bourbon tastings and in-depth guided tours. For those looking to enjoy Jim Beam whiskies in a whole new way, the new Jim Beam® Bourbon Bar located on Beam Hill delivers a best-in-class cocktail experience. Guests can also enjoy bourbon-inspired Kentucky fare at Fred’s Smokehouse, which is named after seventh generation master distiller and great-grandson of Jim Beam, Fred Noe. Monthly “Distillery Days” offer everything from blue grass concerts to cocktail classes, offering guests even more reason to come as friends and leave as family.

The Jim Beam American Stillhouse is open Monday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Closed on New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

For more information or to reserve your tour tickets online, visit the Jim Beam American Stillhouse online at JimBeam.com. Or, like Jim Beam American Stillhouse on Facebook and follow @JimBeam on Twitter.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World.  Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Hornitos and Sauza tequila, EFFEN and Pinnacle vodka, Sipsmith gin, and Midori liqueur.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com/ and www.drinksmart.com.

About

We’ve just released two sensational sherry casks to our July Outturn selection. Taste and explore the bold character of these new whiskies, from the spicy and sweet 11.34 Magical Mystery to the deep, rich and dried flavours of 73.85 Opening Granma’s cake tine. Both whiskies would be great for outdoor adventures, bringing a warm golden glow.

SPICY & SWEET

CASK No. 11.34

Magical Mystery

16 Years

£61.00

TASTING NOTES

The nose neat got us all on the edge of our seats. We opened a deluxe chocolate box with an overwhelming assortment and nothing to explain each individual item. So we had to dip in; spiced ginger ganache, dark chocolate walnut pralines, orange & macadamia truffles and the list could go on but we stopped ourselves and added a drop of water. Now the appearance of a spiced prune, Armagnac and almond tart with a glass of Oloroso Abocado (sweetened dry Sherry) made this mystery experience complete.  At 15 years old, we transferred this whisky from an Oloroso butt to a 1st fill Spanish oak PX hogshead for the remainder of its maturation.

DEEP, RICH & DRIED FRUITS

CASK No. 73.85

Opening grandma’s cake tin

15 Years

£69.00

TASTING NOTES

It was immediately engaging as the saffron gold hue introduced a nose of butterscotch, honeycomb and dried apple rings. A lifted wine note came through that ranged between the oily quality of riesling dessert wine and the rich viscosity of sweet sherry and marsala. As if we opened a cake tin a delicious spiciness was released as cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger combined with dried apricots, figs and fresh strawberries. The cake was topped with sweet icing and chocolate sprinkles for good measure. The palate progressed the theme with chocolate mousse and sugared almonds but with the addition of vanilla ice cream, crème brulee and cream soda. The finish was warm and drier like red vermouth with orange skin and raisons.

VIEW ALL WHISKIES

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, The Vaults, 87 Giles Street, Leith EH6 6BZ

Contact: sales@smws.com or call 0131 555 2929 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.45pm). Visit the Society at here for membership information

This is your chance to join and to take advantage of their great offers!

Spot the SMWS bottles in this amusing You Tube video

RALFY helps to solve the problem of an awkward malt with Ralfy Review 668 – Highland Park 2007 9yo @ 59.2%vol (G&MacP)

The Chivas Venture 2017 winners announcement

HALLE BERRY RAISES A GLASS TO STARTUPS

WHO WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD

Thailand’s Siam Organic announced as standout winner

of the $1m Chivas Venture competition

July 2017: Oscar-winning actress, philanthropist and businesswoman Halle Berry was in Los Angeles tonight to crown the winners of the Chivas Venture – Chivas Regal’s $1 million global search to find and support the next generation of startups that want to succeed while creating a better future for society. The winners were announced after five innovative entrepreneurs pitched in front of a star-studded live audience including Hollywood sensations Javier Bardem and Don Cheadle.  Thailand’s Siam Organic, which aims to end small-scale farmers’ poverty, walked away with the largest contribution from the Chivas Venture fund, receiving $400,000.

The event – hosted by actor and comedian Josh Gad and held at LADC Studios in Los Angeles – was the culmination of the third year of the Chivas Venture, which has seen 30 finalists from 6 continents compete for a share of the total $1 million fund. The judging panel – which comprised Halle Berry; founding Executive Director of the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University, Sonal Shah; founder of MissionU, Pencils of Promise and best-selling author of The Promise of a Pencil, Adam Braun; and Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard, which owns Chivas Regal, Alexandre Ricard – assessed each business based on their ability to create sustainable change through a viable business model and potential to scale.

The additional finalists to receive funding and recognition were: Nigeria’s Recycle Points ($200,000) – which helps consumers to create value from their everyday waste; Colombia’s Bioestibas ($50,000) – which produces ecological stowage from flower waste that would otherwise pollute the environment; South Africa’s iDrop Water ($50,000), which aims to change the way water is consumed and sold in Africa, through vending units that purify and dispense water in-store; and Israel’s Intendu ($50,000), which aids brain rehabilitation through the use of video games.

Reacting to his win, overall winner Peetachai (Neil) Dejkraisak from Siam Organic said:

“I am so happy and grateful – this will have a massive impact. We have extremely limited resources, so to have funding like this from the Chivas Venture is just incredible. It will fast-track our project by 3 or 4 years – and save me a lot of grey hair and sleepless nights!”

When asked by host Josh Gad if social entrepreneurs are today’s superheroes, X-Men star and judge Halle Berry commented:

“All of the finalists here tonight are our modern-day heroes. They are all fighting to make a change and have a positive impact on the world.” 

Pernod Ricard Chairman and CEO Alexandre Ricard added:

“The calibre of finalists this evening was extremely high. To see Neil and the other finalists succeed will be the ultimate fulfilment for us as judges. We wish them all the very best.”

Now in its third year, the Chivas Venture has to date received almost 6,000 applications from startups that are striving to use innovation and enterprise to make the world a better place. The $2 million given away over the past two years has been used to support startups that now have over 300,000 beneficiaries in more than 40 countries across the globe. The vision of the future as imagined by this year’s 30 finalists is a place where protein bars are made from crickets and shoes made from garbage; where walls of moss clean city air and human waste is turned into affordable cooking fuel.

Continuing Chivas’ commitment to inspire and support future generations of entrepreneurs, social enterprises from across the world are invited to apply for the chance to win a share of $1 million in funding as entries for the Chivas Venture 2018 open on 4th September 2017. Visit the Chivas Venture website for further details.

Notes:

For more information please contact:

Louisa Humm – Chivas Regal – Louisa.Humm@Pernod-Ricard.com

Alex Andrew – Pangolin PR – Alex@PangolinPR.com

The Chivas Venture

The Chivas Venture is a global search to find and support the next generation of startups that want to succeed while creating a better future for society. Since the Chivas Venture first launched in 2014, almost 6,000 social enterprises have applied for the chance to receive a share of the annual $1 million fund. This year, over 30 countries across 6 continents are taking part in the Chivas Venture.

Last year in New York, global judge Eva Longoria and host Trevor Noah announced the winners of the $1 million fund. Social startup Conceptos Plasticos from Colombia was awarded the largest share of the fund, receiving $300,000.

About Chivas Regal            

Launched in 1909, Chivas Regal is the world’s first luxury whisky and is considered to be a timeless classic, renowned for its benchmark quality and taste, style, substance and exclusivity. A truly global brand, Chivas Regal has been integral to the growth of the Scotch whisky category worldwide and today sells 4.5 million 9L cases annually in more than 150 countries across the globe. With generosity, entrepreneurship and integrity at the heart of Chivas Regal, the brand launched its successful Win the Right Way campaign in 2014, which aims to inspire a new generation whilst making a positive impact on the lives of others. The Chivas Regal range includes: Chivas 12, Chivas Extra, Chivas 18, Chivas 25, ultra-prestige blend and pinnacle of the range Chivas Regal The Icon, and the Global Travel Retail exclusive Chivas Brothers Blend. Launched in October 2016, Chivas Regal Ultis is the first blended malt Scotch whisky from the House of Chivas and represents the true essence of Chivas Regal.

www.chivas.com

JULY AUCTION NOW LIVE (ends Sunday 30^th July)

…place your bids at www.whiskyhammer.co.uk

With an incredible selection of whiskies and other fine spirits there is certainly something for everyone – whether you are looking to collect, invest, enjoy!

New to Market

Sometimes we receive bottles to store that are too good to miss. As Newsletter subscribers, we figured you would like to hear about them first.

Take a look through our selection of Whiskies from the Distell Brand.

LEDAIG 10 YEAR OLD, 46.3%

BUNNAHABHAIN STIUREADAIR 46.3%

DEANSTON 12 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT, 46.3%

DEANSTON 18 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT, 46.3%

Buy Whisky at the Milroys Web Store

Mark’s Whisky Ramblings 167: Michter’s Small Batch Bourbon

Mark Dermul, Belgian whisky blogger, tries another bourbon. Michter’s creates whiskey and bourbon that really stands out. They toast their casks before charring, they put their spirit in cask at higher proof, they create artificial heat cycles during maturation and they have a secret non-chill filtering process. Mark finds out what that does with their Small Batch Bourbon.

https://youtu.be/mNmPVEMD9FE

30 SEPTEMBER – 1 OCTOBER 2017, 11.30AM 6.30PM
OLD BILLINGSGATE, LONDON

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

MASTERCLASSES TICKETS ON SALE

Tickets to the first two classes at The Whisky Show 2017 are now on sale. We will be announcing the rest of the masterclass programme over the coming weeks – keep an eye on your emails as we don’t expect tickets to last for long.

SEE ALL MASTERCLASSES