FANS ENCOURAGED TO SHARE THEIR FAVOURITE SONGS WITH LAUNCH OF BALLANTINE’S SOUNDTRACK OF YOU COMPETITION 

In celebration of its new Finest bottle Ballantine’s, the No. 1 whisky in Europe, has partnered with legendary British DJ Pete Tong to launch Ballantine’s Soundtrack of You; a global competition inviting people around the world to tell their life stories through music, submitting and sharing a soundtrack of their lives.

The new Ballantine’s Finest bottle reflects the essence, personality and life story of its founder, George Ballantine. Recognising that music is a universal passion and that the music we make, listen to and share is the ultimate expression of who we are as individuals, Ballantine’s is asking people around the world to share a playlist of five songs best representing their own personality and life story.

The competition, which launches today [5^th August 2013] and runs until 13^th September 2013, invites participants to submit their personal soundtracks at http://apps.facebook.com/soundtrackofyou . The people with the most popular playlists, as voted for by Facebook fans, will win the chance to see Pete Tong perform live at an exclusive, one-off Ballantine’s event in Edinburgh, Scotland this October.

The search for people’s favourite soundtracks begins with a teaser film featuring Pete Tong detailing the songs which feature in his own personal soundtrack, which includes surprising song choices from the likes of James Brown and Led Zeppelin. His number one song is a unique choice and is revealed only by following a link at the end of the film, which then allows the song to be displayed.

You can view the film of Pete Tong discussing the soundtrack of his life here: http://youtu.be/w322QvEOQIQ

Ballantine’s Master Blender Sandy Hyslop has also created his own playlist, featuring some unexpected choices. Sandy’s own playlist will be revealed during the course of the competition, so visit the competition page or Ballantine’s global Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ballantines, to find out more.

Jenny Shipton, Ballantine’s Global Senior Marketing Manager, comments: “Ballantine’s Soundtrack of You celebrates the profound effect that music has on people’s lives and allows our fans to leave an impression by sharing their very own life soundtrack. We are very fortunate to be working with such an established DJ as Pete Tong for the competition, who really enjoyed going through his record collection to find the five songs that he felt best represented who he is. We’re now looking forward to seeing which songs feature in the playlists submitted by our fans from around the world.”

Pete Tong comments: “Music is the ultimate form of self-expression for most people and no matter where I am in the world, I love to see how passionate people are about music. It’s been a real challenge to come up with just five songs that make up the soundtrack of my life, but also a really incredible opportunity to go back through my records and listen to songs that evoke memories from key moments throughout the years.”

“My choice of songs may be slightly surprising to some, but it shows how diverse my inspirations have been. I’m looking forward to seeing what people choose as their own personal soundtracks and to celebrating the climax of this competition at the Ballantine’s event in Edinburgh.”

To further inspire fans and appeal to customers in Latin America, Ballantine’s has also enlisted the help of global rising star DJ and Producer duo, Heatbeat, who are from Argentina. Heatbeat will join the line up in Edinburgh and have also created a film talking about the eclectic song choices which best represents them. Fans are being urged to enter their playlists via Facebook and to enjoy and share their favourite playlists with their friends, so as to be in with the chance to see Pete Tong and Heatbeat perform live in October.

You can view watch the video of Heatbeat here: http://youtu.be/at2whwTUX-o

Ballantine’s Soundtrack of You is the latest consumer activation under the brand’s hugely successful global marketing platform, ‘Leave an Impression’, which launched in 2007. Create and share your own playlist by visiting http://apps.facebook.com/soundtrackofyou. 

Notes: 

The Ballantine’s Soundtrack of You competition opens on 5 August 2013 and closes on 13 September 2013. Entrants will be asked to submit a playlist consisting of five songs via a Facebook App, which can be found at apps.facebook.com/soundtrackofyou. Each playlist will be subject to a public vote, with the winner declared as the person with the highest number of votes for a single playlist at the end of the competition.

The prize includes flights and two nights’ accommodation for one winner and a friend to travel to Edinburgh, Scotland, and to attend the Ballantine’s Soundtrack of You event on 16 October 2013, at which Pete Tong and Heatbeat will be playing.*

 * Full Terms and Conditions apply; please see the competition for further details.  

About Ballantine’s

Ballantine’s is the No 2 ultra-premium Scotch whisky in Asia, No 1 Scotch whisky in Europe and the range sells over 70 million bottles a year worldwide. Ballantine’s has won more than 120 trophies and medals at international competitions in the past 10 years for quality, as a result of its unique richness of character and perfect balance. The range, from Ballantine’s Finest to the exclusive 40 Year Old, is the most extensive in the world of Scotch and is maintained by the latest in a tradition of Master Blenders that dates back to 1827. 

About Chivas Brothers

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

In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements. 

For further information please visit www.chivasbrothers.com

Smoke, brazil nuts, and tropical fruits. A truly lovely and mouth coating whisky. It was distilled July 8,1991 and bottled for us June 20 2013. Bottled at cask strength 49.7% ABV from a Bourbon Hogshead yielding only 263 bottles. Hurry, don’t delay get your bottle today!

Pre-Arrival Price.

$325.00

Isle of Arran 18th Birthday Tasting

[This time we hand you over to Enrico, our shop’s Japanese whisky expert and resident Italian. He really likes whisky from Arran…] We decided to host this tasting to celebrate the 18th Anniversary of the Isle of Arran distillery, a … Continue reading >>

Hi folks. Unless previously notified to us, bottles which arrive after Saturday, August 10, will be held for the 30th auction.

Kind Regards from Glasgow

The SWA Team

Scotch Whisky Auctions

www.ralfy.com heads south of Scotland with Whisky Review 383 – Glann Ar Mor Kornog Malt Whisky

THE MACALLAN TEES UP FOR RWBO GOLF SPONSORSHIP

Luxury single malt whisky brand The Macallan, distributed by Maxxium UK, is teeing up for its summer partnership with one of the country’s top sporting highlights of 2013, the Ricoh Women’s British Open.

The Macallan has invested in a bespoke sponsorship package at the event which is one of the world’s four major ladies’ golf tournaments.  The brand’s presence at the Open will include on screen advertising, branding throughout the course and in the official program.

This year the RWBO will be held for four days from 1 – 4 August at St Andrew’s legendary Old Course and will welcome top golfers from around the world.

Marketing Director at Maxxium UK, Peter Sandstrom commented: “This is the first time The Macallan has sponsored the Ricoh Women’s British Open. As a sponsorship partner we are able to engage both with fans of malt whisky and newcomers alike.  This also gives us the opportunity to introduce our exciting new range The Macallan 1824 Series, comprising of Gold, Amber, Sienna and Ruby, which is being introduced in a number of bars in and around the St Andrew’s area for consumers to trial.

“The event has grown in stature year on year and we are very much looking forward to being part of what is set to be an exciting Open, here in Scotland. “

Ross Hallett, IMG Tournament Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome The Macallan as a new tournament partner here at St Andrews. Like the Ricoh Women’s British Open, The Macallan brand is steeped in history and relished by the discerning connoisseur. We think it will be a very successful relationship for all concerned.”

ABOUT THE MACALLAN

Founded in 1824 in the heart of Speyside, The Macallan was one of the first distilleries in Scotland to be legally licensed. Since then it has built a reputation as one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies.  The creation of The Macallan draws on the vital contributing influences of Spain, North America and Scotland, and of their respective natural raw materials, combined with traditional methods and craftsmanship. From its founding, through the subsequent owners of The Macallan distillery in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and into the present century, The Macallan has been recognised for its outstanding quality above all else. Today this remains the foundation for the worldwide fame of The Macallan and is such that it is truly “The Last Word” in luxury and at the heart of those special moments brought alive over a glass of The Macallan.

ABOUT THE RICOH WOMEN’S BRITISH OPEN

The Ricoh Women’s British Open was founded by the Ladies’ Golf Union in 1976 and is staged in conjunction with IMG, the world’s largest sports marketing company. The event has been co-sanctioned by the LPGA and LET since 1994 and gained Major status in 2001.

LIQUID GOLD GATHERING AT THE LOOP

Limited edition celebratory bottling of Single Malt Irish Whiskey from the Teeling Whiskey Company marks the year of the Gathering

Since 1782 the Teeling family has been crafting Irish whiskey and for the past eleven years must have been anticipating 2013, the year of the Gathering for today the first consignment of The Gathering, a celebratory bottling of Single Malt Irish whiskey was delivered to The Irish Whiskey Collection at The Loop, Dublin and Cork airports.

The Gathering is a year-long celebration of Ireland, its people and all that is great about its connections, both home and abroad. This unique bottling of 11 Year Old Single Malt Irish whiskey has been produced exclusively for the Irish Whiskey Collection to commemorate this special, year-long event. A handcrafted, small batch release of just 1,000 bottles, The Gathering creates a tangible memento for Irish whiskey lovers and benefactors alike.

Available in 70cl bottles and priced at €69.95, The Gathering is bottled from hand-selected casks of rare Irish Single Malt, aged for over eleven years in Bourbon casks then bottled at 46%, with no chill filtration, producing an Irish Whiskey of true character. It is anticipated that this limited edition bottling of Single Malt Irish whiskey, which is exclusive to The Loop, will be snapped up by passengers visiting friends and family in Ireland during the year of the Gathering or collectors, who will purchase for a special occasion.

The Teeling Whiskey Company is one of the country’s leading Independent Irish whiskey companies, established with the objective of producing small batch whiskeys with greater personality and character traits than many mass market brands.

Jean Ann Taylor, Head of Retail, The Loop, said, “The Irish Whiskey Collection has become a real talking point amongst visitors to The Loop and we are confident that the launch of The Gathering is going to generate real excitement, both in Ireland and overseas.

“The Loop has been involved in many Gathering events this year and it’s fitting that we now have a legacy product to commemorate 2013. The Gathering Irish Whiskey allows us to offer an impressive gift or collectable that will take pride of place in any collection, if it lasts that long.”

Jack Teeling, founder of the Teeling Whiskey Company, said, “We are delighted that we have been able to work with The Irish Whiskey Collection to craft this very special whiskey to commemorate the Gathering.  From its robust fruity nose to its layered flavour profile The Gathering bottling is a celebration of everything good about Irish whiskey.”

The Gathering Single Malt Irish whiskey is bottled at 46% ABV without colouring or chill filtration to preserve mouthfeel and flavour.  It will be available from August 1^st at The Irish Whiskey Collection at The Loop and is available to order online at www.theloop.ie.

For those wishing to make a purchase but not carry the whiskey with them on their journey, they can use The Loop’s Shop & Collect service, which allows passengers to buy online or at the airport and collect their goods on the return journey.

They are stored free of charge at the airport and passengers will receive a reminder text to pick up their purchases on landing at Dublin or Cork airport.

For further information or to place an order – www.theloop.ie

From humble beginnings in Tain, Glenmorangie has grown to become a global brand, synonymous with luxury.

Fancy progressing your career in an international market? We have a fantastic opportunity for two brand professionals to join one of the world’s premium drinks companies and become an advocate of their product in the USA.

Glenmorangie is one of the most respected single malt whisky brands in the world. Headquartered in Scotland, the business has sustained international growth and is looking to add to its international brand team.

This role requires a well-seasoned Scotch Whisky professional, with detailed knowledge of the whisky creation process. As a regional ambassadorial role, candidates should possess exquisite communication skills, gravitas coupled with drive, determination and the ability to work under their own initiative.

Fully embracing brand ambassadorial duties, you will inspire, educate and enhance the Glenmorangie and Ardbeg brands in the USA. Encompassing all aspects of the full branding mix, you will reach out of trade, consumer and media audiences to increase brand awareness to this rapidly growing market.

Are you charismatic, passionate and a natural presenter? You’ll relish in the opportunity to talk with editors, journalists and industry influencers to expand Glenmorangie’s market share in the USA. You will host consumer events, such as tasting events, seminars and master classes.

These roles will be based in based in California and Chicago respectively. Both regional positions report into the Glenmorangie USA Brand Director, who is based in New York.

This is an exciting opportunity for a brand professional to relocate and work in the USA. The successful candidate will receive a generous salary, as well as a full relocation package.

For more information and to apply, please visit http://www.edenscott.com/glenmorangie

Eden Scott is the recruitment partner to Glenmorangie, recruiting professional and technical roles across Scotland, UK and Europe.

Macallan 1970 Speymalt / First Fill Sherry Butt

A stunning whisky distilled in 1970 at The Macallan distillery. Matured in a first fill sherry butt, bottled by Gordon MacPhail in 2013 as part of the Speymalt series.

The Speymalt from Macallan distillery range includes a series of exceptional single malts, each matured in the highest quality casks selected by Gordon & MacPhail.

£388.00 (£323.33 ex vat)

Click here to buy Macallan 1970 Speymalt

GlenDronach 12 Year Old / 4.5 Litre Bottle

Not just your average bottle of GlenDronach 12 year old matured in a combination of the finest Pedro Ximenez and oloroso sherry casks..! It’s a gigantic, 4.5L bottle…

Please note – The vintage 94 pictured alongside is not included, it’s for display purposes only!

£242.50 (£202.08 ex vat)

Click here to buy GlenDronach 12 Year Old 4.5 litre bottle

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof / 12 Year Old / 67.1%

A limited edition release of Elijah Craig 12 year old, bottled straight from the barrel (Barrel Proof). Made in the same traditional method as other Elijah Craig bottlings, but this small batch release has been bottled at a staggering 67.1% vol (134.2 proof)!

Barrel proof aka cask strength is a term used to describe the level of alcohol by volume (abv) strength that is used for storing whisky (whiskey) during cask maturation. By bottling this way it really gives you the opportunity to add your own water, ice or mixer to reduce the proof to your own liking.

£64.95 (£54.13 ex vat)

Click here to buy Elijah Craig Barrel Proof / 12 Year Old

UK vlogger Joe Ellis a.k.a Whisky Wednesday reviews High West Double Rye

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