Glenmorangie Named "World's Best Distiller"

NEW YORK, Nov. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/jm/ -- Glenmorangie, Scotland's favorite single malt Scotch whisky, continues to thrive in the US after being awarded 2012 Distiller of the Year by the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). Glenmorangie emerged not only with the biggest prize of the night but was also awarded UK Spirits Producer of the Year as well as Best Single Malt over 15 Years Old with Glenmorangie Quarter Century 25 Years Old.

Glenmorangie's stunning success comes a few weeks after emerging as the Best Awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky at the IWSC. Following a meticulous judging process that incorporated both technical analysis and professional blind tastings, the brand garnered more Gold Best in Class and Outstanding medals than any other single malt Scotch whisky over the past six years.

Adding to these accolades, Glenmorangie was also recognized as an Impact "Hot Prospects" brand earlier this year. Impact, a source for global news and research for the drinks executive, creates an annual list of "Hot Prospects" brands. Brands must reach depletions of at least 50,000 nine-liter cases but not over 200,000 in 2011, in addition to a minimum of 15% growth in 2011, and have consistent solid growth the two previous years to join this prestigious list. A "Hot Prospects" feature story appeared in the October issue of Market Watch. Glenmorangie joins other promising brands that, while varying in size and scale, share a common goal of expanding on their success to take them to the next level.

"The superior quality of our whisky is due to the great yet unseen lengths that we go to in crafting our precious spirit. It is this commitment to quality that has made Glenmorangie the fastest growing single malt in the US and an Impact 'Hot Prospects' brand. To see that standard shine through every year is a tremendous honor," said Brian Cox, Vice President of Glenmorangie US.

Doctor Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie's Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks said, "Glenmorangie is constantly refining the way whisky is made with one goal in mind: perfection. To be recognized as Distiller of the Year speaks of our commitment to pursuing perfection. Our craft has been refined over the ages and only continues to get better and better. I'm elated, again, to see the judges choose Glenmorangie to receive such prestigious awards."

About Glenmorangie

Scotland's favorite single malt, Glenmorangie is one of the most famous in the world. It originates from the far north of Scotland in the Highlands where, at the Glenmorangie Distillery, it is distilled in the tallest malt whisky stills, expertly matured in the finest oak casks, and perfected by the Men of Tain. The Distillery was founded in 1843 and is renowned as a pioneer in its field for uniting tradition with innovation. In 2011 Glenmorangie was named Distiller of the Year by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.

About The Glenmorangie Company

The Company is one of the most renowned and innovative distillers and marketers of Scotch whisky brands worldwide and is part of Moet Hennessy, the wine and spirits division of Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH). Headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland, The Company produces two main single malt brands – Glenmorangie Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky and Ardbeg Single Islay Malt Whisky.

About Impact

Readers of Impact are top executives who control the distribution and sales of spirits, wine and beer throughout the world, covering both duty-paid and duty-free markets. Read in more than 50 countries, Impact boasts a subscription base of about 15,000 readers. Impact is published 16 times per year and is written for the top decision-makers, who turn to this publication as the number one source for all the information they need to manage their business.

About the International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC)

The International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world's best wines, spirits and liqueurs. The IWSC Awards mark out of a possible 100, with Gold medals going to spirits within the top ten percentile. Gold Best in Class is bestowed upon the top whisky within the top ten percentile. Silver medals are given to spirits ranging within 8.0 – 89.9 and bronze medals are appointed to produce between 75 – 79.9 marks.

IWSC 2012 Best in Class Wins

Glenmorangie 25 Years Old — Gold Outstanding

Glenmorangie Signet — Gold Outstanding

Glenmorangie Astar — Silver Outstanding

Glenmorangie Original — Silver Outstanding

Glenmorangie Lasanta — Silver Outstanding

Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban — Silver Outstanding

Glenmorangie Artein — Silver Outstanding

Responsible Drinking

The Glenmorangie Company advocates responsible drinking and suggests that drinkers savor Glenmorangie whiskies in moderation and in line with recommended daily guidelines for alcohol consumption.

SOURCE Glenmorangie

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Johnnie Walker Launches The Spice Road Explorer’s Club Collection

LONDON, November 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/jm/ --

Johnnie Walker today unveiled the first of a portfolio of whiskies that take their inspiration from the travelling heritage of John Walker & Sons. Available only in duty free stores, Johnnie Walker The Spice Road pays a unique homage to the global travellers of today.

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The whisky of intriguing complexity, rich flavour and exceptional smoothness takes the John Walker & Sons tradition of blending for big, bold flavour inspired by influences from all over the world, into the 21st Century.

From the four corners of Scotland to the four corners of the world, Johnnie Walker has always pushed boundaries to discover new horizons.

From 1820, the Walker family and their agents travelled the world, navigating their way down the famous trade routes: the Spice Road of Europe and Asia; the Royal Route from Europe to Persia; and the Gold Route of the Americas and the Caribbean, in pursuit of adventures bringing both new business and rich experiences.

Their efforts ensured that, by the 1920s, Johnnie Walker had arrived in 120 countries and was being enjoyed on the great railways, luxury ocean liners and early transatlantic flights. Meanwhile, the striking image of the Johnnie Walker Striding Man was becoming an icon all over the world.

Back in London, close to the shipping houses and docks from which the Johnnie Walker agents travelled the world, Alexander Walker established the Travellers' Room where his agents would convene to rest, talk strategy and exchange stories and samples from their travels. These colourful tales of exploration influenced the Johnnie Walker Master Blenders, who began to create different styles of whisky to reflect these exotic stories.

Today, this tradition continues as Johnnie Walker launches a range of whiskies made exclusively for travellers - the Johnnie Walker Explorers' Club Collection.

The first three blends in the collection, collectively known as the Trade Routes Series, are inspired by the richness that could be found along the great trade routes.

The first release, Johnnie Walker The Spice Road is an evocative expression of the vibrancy, aromas and spices that the Johnnie Walker agents would have discovered in the thriving markets around Asia. It is a whisky of exceptional smoothness and rich flavour, matured in old oak casks for an intense finish inspired by spice markets, but still true to the Johnnie Walker signature style.

"We specially selected whiskies to create a bold blend of intriguing complexity inspired by the richness of this part of the world: there is a spicy zestiness on the nose, balanced by fresh citrus. The smooth, rich and honeyed flavours on the palate, warmed by cloves, ginger and vanilla sweetness, give way to a smouldering finish of the Johnnie Walker signature smoke," commented Master Blender Jim Beveridge.

Steve White, Marketing Director of Diageo Global Travel and Middle East, said: "Travel is in the DNA of Johnnie Walker and it is these credentials that we feel will resonate with today's travellers who are undertaking bold journeys of their own.

"This travel heritage and pioneering spirit of adventure makes Johnnie Walker the perfect companion for today's travellers."

With a recommended retail price of $43 / €36.90 / £26, Johnnie Walker The Spice Road will be available in duty free stores in Europe, the Middle East and Australia in December. It will be available in duty free stores globally from January 2013.

The second and third releases in the Trade Routes Series - Johnnie Walker The Gold Route and Johnnie Walker The Royal Route will be available in duty free stores in 2013.

Enjoy Johnnie Walker Responsibly
http://www.DRINKiQ.com

The Johnnie Walker, Explorers' Club Collection, The Spice Road, The Gold Route and The Royal Route words, the Striding Figure device and associated words and logos are trademarks © John Walker & Sons 2012.

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Charbay Creates R5 Hop-Flavored Whiskey Distilled From Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA

 
From SeriousEats:

All whiskey is essentially distilled beer, but you wouldn't want to drink the majority of brews that end up in your whiskey bottle. The new Charbay R5 Hop-Flavored Whiskey is a bit of a different beast—the whiskey is distilled from Bear Republic's Racer 5 IPA.

Charbay has selected a very hop-forward IPA for a whiskey profile unlike any other. The Racer 5 IPA gets double distilled in copper pot stills—it takes about 10 gallons of handcrafted suds to produce a gallon of finished whiskey. The aged version then mellows in French oak casks for 22 months, which the clear is bottled straight from the tap. (Yes, those pricey ingredients make for a pricey final product: the aged goes for $75 and clear sells for $54.)
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Jimmy Junior, Wild Turkey® Bourbon's Football-Picking Turkey, Predicts Detroit, Dallas, And New England To Win Thanksgiving Day Professional Football Games

NEW YORK, Nov. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/jm/ -- On Tuesday, November 20, Jimmy Junior, Wild Turkey® Bourbon's real, live wild turkey, and resident feathered sports forecaster, debuted his predicting prowess by selecting the winners of the three 2012 Thanksgiving pro football games. With his selections of Detroit over Houston; Dallas over Washington and New England over New York, Jimmy Junior's picks reverberated throughout the sports world as he looks to join the annals of great animal prognosticators, such as Paul the Octopus and Punxsutawney Phil following Thursday's Thanksgiving Day games.

Hosted by former Professional Football Legend Vinny Testaverde and famed ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr., Jimmy Junior's professional debut at the Times Center in NYC was witnessed by national media and football fans. His selections can be viewed at Wild Turkey's YouTube channel.

"Jimmy Junior made his picks with the same confidence that he's exhibited since I began training with him," said training partner and event co-host, former pro football legend, Vinny Testaverde. "I've been around football for a long time and I've never seen anything like Jimmy Junior in my life. If I was a fan in Detroit, Dallas and New England, I'd be very nervous right now."

Jimmy Junior was presented with helmets of feed signifying the six teams playing on one of football's biggest days. Following months of studying the latest football stats and speaking to the best football minds in the business, he ate from the helmet representing the team he thought would win each Thanksgiving match-up.

Named in honor of long-time Wild Turkey Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, Jimmy Junior began his humble roots on a farm in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, home of the legendary Wild Turkey Distillery. As a chick, Jimmy Junior began showing an affinity for predicting local football games. Now, he is focusing his skills on the professional leagues.

"We stand behind Jimmy Junior and put a lot of stock in his picks," said Wild Turkey Master Distiller Jimmy Russell. "He's a hard-working bird and did a lot of homework. We can't wait to watch Thanksgiving Day football and cheer on Jimmy Junior's picks – and make this tradition part of the Thanksgiving season for years to come"

Football and bourbon fans nationwide have the opportunity to compete against Jimmy Junior to win great prizes, such as a branded turkey fryer, through Wild Turkey's Facebook page under the "Pick 'Em and Win" tab. Additional rules and details can be found by liking the Wild Turkey Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/WildTurkey).

Uncompromising since 1855, Wild Turkey is the Real Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a true American icon crafted by legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russell and his son, Associate Distiller Eddie Russell. Besides the classic Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, other expressions now include Wild Turkey 81, Rare Breed®, Kentucky Spirit®, Wild Turkey 81 Rye and Russell's Reserve®.

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Panache Beverage Launches Alibi American Whiskey

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Nov 21, 2012) - Panache Beverage, Inc. (OTCQB: WDKA), an alcoholic beverage company specializing in the development, global sales and marketing of spirits brands, has announced the launch of Alibi American Whiskey, now debuting at a suggested retail price of $23.99 per 750ml bottle. A counterpoint to current mainstream bourbon market trends, Alibi has set out to demystify the category by offering a more accessible product as a return to the true American whiskey-drinking tradition, free of pretension.

"This is not for the aficionado that adds a dropper of mineral water to his whiskey glass and swirls. Alibi is a blended whiskey that does not require elaborate tasting notes or a half-day tasting seminar on its production," noted Stephen W. Yorsz, Blend Master for Alibi. "This is more in the spirit of how whiskey was originally served in this country -- in a shot glass or flask."

Alibi is a corn-based whiskey that contains elements of rye and malted barley aged in first-fill American oak casks, distilled in Indiana and bottled and blended in Florida.

Advertising creative notes, "Alibi is an elixir for the flawed human spirit in all of us... Alibi is for real people, real drinkers and believes that at one time or another, everybody needs an alibi."

Alibi American Whiskey will be available in New York, Florida and New Jersey by the Thanksgiving holiday and will be widely available nationally in 2013, including at retail and on-premise in Georgia, Illinois, Washington, Texas, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Arizona and Nevada.

This is the first foray into the brown spirits category for Panache, which markets and distributes Wódka Vodka. Considered a game-changer in the spirits industry, Wódka became the first super-premium vodka offered at a fraction of the cost of so-called "luxury" brand vodkas that have kept prices in the category artificially high through packaging, celebrity-oriented marketing and imposing triple-markup price tags.

About Panache Beverage, Inc.

Panache Beverage, Inc. (OTCQB: WDKA) based in New York, NY is an alcoholic beverage company specializing in the development, global sales and marketing of spirits brands. The Company's expertise lies in the strategic development and aggressive early growth of its brands establishing its assets as viable and attractive acquisition candidates for the major global spirits companies. Panache intends to build its brands as individual acquisition candidates while continuing to develop its pipeline of new brands in to the Panache portfolio. Panache's existing portfolio contains three brands: Wódka Vodka (www.welovewodka.com), Alchemia Infused Vodka (www.alchemiainfused.com) and Alibi American Whiskey (www.alibiamerica.com).

For more information visit: http://www.panachespirits.com

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Glenfiddich Partners With The World Resources Institute For Final Auction Of The 55-Year Old Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve

NEW YORK, Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 11, 2012, Glenfiddich, the world's most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, will partner with The World Resources Institute (WRI), for the final global auction of the 55 Year Old Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve. The last bottle will be the centerpiece of an exclusive event in Los Angeles with all proceeds benefitting WRI, a global environment and economic development think tank that goes beyond research to put ideas into action.

In celebration of the distillery's milestone 125th anniversary year, Glenfiddich is conducting rare whisky auctions around the globe including the UK, India, Taiwan, Russia, Canada and China. This extraordinary 55 year-old whisky was created to commemorate the 110th birthday of the late Mrs. Janet Sheed Roberts, granddaughter of Glenfiddich founder William Grant. Only 11 bottles of this limited edition expression were bottled, one for every decade of her life, and fetched as high as $94,000 at auction, breaking the world record for the most expensive bottle of whisky ever sold at auction.

"The warehouses of Glenfiddich have the most expensive stocks of rare whiskies available in the world and 55 Year Old Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve is a beautiful example of an elegant vintage Glenfiddich," said Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich Malt Master. "Mrs. Janet Roberts was 54 when the cask was filled on New Year's Eve 1955. Since then, it has spent the last 55 years maturing in the darkness of Warehouse 29. The whisky is a perfect harmony of fruit and floral aromas and has a surprising light touch of oak, incredible for a whisky that has spent so long in European wood. The rarity and quality of the liquid, the exquisite bespoke packaging and the story behind its creation makes this a collectible that is hard to value."

"Glenfiddich began its history 125 years ago when our founder William Grant cashed in his life savings to pursue his dream of creating the 'best dram in the valley'," said Peter Gordon, Great Grandson of William Grant. "With the help of his nine children, he built the Glenfiddich Distillery and the first drop of spirit flowed from the stills in 1887. We are proud to be one of the only distilleries that remains independently owned and our independence gives us the rare opportunity to lead the industry by testing our innovative ideas. We could think of no better tribute to the unmistakable vision of William Grant, than the auction of one of our most prized heirlooms. We are privileged to partner with WRI that focuses on the intersection of the environment and economic development to improve people's lives."

William Grant & Sons is fully committed to the environment and sustainability both in its own operations at the Glenfiddich distillery and throughout the supply chain.

"Everyone knows that high-quality water is essential for fine whisky. That's why we are very pleased to be partnering with Glenfiddich, a company that recognizes the importance of protecting natural resources for the environment and for business," said Dr. Andrew Steer, President, World Resources Institute. "We're looking forward to an exciting and entertaining evening. What a great way to raise awareness of the role we all play in creating a more sustainable planet."

Proceeds from the auction will benefit WRI's work on leading environmental and sustainability issues that will protect the planet and improve people's lives. WRI works with governments, companies, and civil societies to build solutions to urgent environmental and human development challenges, and celebrates its 30^th anniversary this year.

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The Whiskey Place Spotlights Its Selection of Johnnie Walker and Templeton for Customers Who Wish to Buy Whiskey

The Whiskey Place Spotlights Its Selection of Johnnie Walker and Templeton for Customers Who Wish to Buy Whiskey (via PR Newswire)

NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Whiskey Place, known for its collection of Glenlivet scotch, is currently highlighting its selection of Johnnie Walker Blue and Templeton Small Batch Rye. The retailer, available online at http://www.TheWhiskeyPlace.com, offers customers a variety of liquors…

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Wild Turkey® Bourbon Invites President Obama to Give 'em the Bird

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky., Nov. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/jm/ -- Job creation has been an integral part of President Obama's platform throughout this election year and now Wild Turkey® is offering to help the Commander-in-Chief with his economy-boosting efforts by providing a guaranteed gig for this year's Presidentially-pardoned Thanksgiving turkey.

Each November, the National Turkey Federation donates a live turkey to the President of the United States, which America's Chief Executive promptly pardons from the dreaded, yet delicious, destination that awaits its feathered friends – the dinner table. Previous blessed birds have gone on to live out their post-pardon life roaming George Washington's Mount Vernon estate in Virginia, while others have served as honorary grand marshals of the Thanksgiving Day Parade at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

This year, Wild Turkey hopes to give this one fortunate fowl a prominent position as official "spokesbird" at its bourbon distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The Wild Turkey Distillery, where this pardoned turkey would reside full-time, has recently undergone a $50 million expansion, making the 134,000 square-foot facility one of the largest whiskey distilleries in North America, and an ideal home for this feathered friend.

"In our humble opinion, there is no better place for this year's Presidentially-pardoned bird to live out its golden years than the Wild Turkey Distillery grounds in central Kentucky," said Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller, Wild Turkey Bourbon. "There really is no bird more undeniably American than the turkey. After all, it was the great Benjamin Franklin who called for it to be named our national bird."

"So Mr. President, this Thanksgiving, please – Give Us The Bird," added Russell.

As part of the company's request, Russell has sent a personal letter to President Obama making a formal plea to receive the pardoned turkey. A reception committee is at the ready on Wild Turkey Hill prepared to welcome the famous bird into the family and properly install him as the company's official spokesbird.

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Bourbon’s Growth Accelerates, Fueled By Innovation

From Shanken:

Top Bourbon marketers are fueling category growth both in the U.S. and globally, with major investments in new product development, line extensions and marketing campaigns. Three of the top five Bourbon brands worldwide grew volume at double-digit rates last year: second-ranked Jim Beam (+10.4%), fourth-ranked Maker’s Mark (+17%) and fifth-ranked Wild Turkey (+11.1%). Top-ranked Jack Daniel’s (+6.4%) and third-ranked Evan Williams (+5.1%) also posted solid growth, according to Impact Databank. “We attribute the latest Bourbon surge to innovation, premiumization and authenticity,” says Chris Bauder, general manager U.S. Whiskies at Beam Inc. “Innovation is helping to welcome new consumers into the category.”

Over the past few years, Bourbon makers have developed a wide array of new offerings to raise the category’s profile and drive volume. “This new product activity has helped expand the entire category, and the advent of flavors has drawn in a range of new consumers, including a number of female consumers,” observes Max Shapira, president, Heaven Hill Distilleries.

From a large base, Bourbon growth in the U.S. (which accounts for more than 60% of global category consumption) accelerated from 2% in 2010 to 3% last year, and that momentum has carried over into 2012. Bauder notes the entire U.S. Bourbon category is up 11.9% by dollar value in Nielsen channels for the latest 52 weeks. “Bourbon is the fastest growing of the five biggest spirits categories in the U.S.,” he says, adding that Beam-owned Maker’s Mark is up 21.8% and stablemate Red Stag is up 39.2% in dollar value during the time period.

Maura McGinn, global head of spirits at Campari America, credits a renaissance in masculinity as a key trend fueling category demand. “American men have been inspired by Don Draper of Mad Men and the Hollywood set who don’t subscribe to all things metrosexual. As a result, men are moving toward brown spirits with a bit more complexity,” she observes. Campari has committed significant investment behind Wild Turkey, which was up 0.9% to 555,000 cases in its domestic market in 2012. The company also recently developed Wild Turkey’s first U.S. television ad campaign, with the tagline “Give ‘em the Bird.”

Major Bourbon producers are also making significant investments in industry hospitality. In October, Beam Inc. unveiled The Jim Beam American Stillhouse—a visitors’ center that’s expected to attract some 200,000 visitors per year to Clermont, Kentucky—and the company’s new Global Innovation Center, a 57,000-square-foot facility dedicated to researching and developing new products. In Louisville, Heaven Hill plans to open The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, a $10 million project, in September 2013 in the downtown area of Louisville in what was once called “Whiskey Row,” not too far from where Evan Williams had his first commercial distillery in Kentucky. Elsewhere, more than 120,000 people a year visit the Woodford Reserve Distillery. “This is a critical element of our marketing, as there is no better way to interact with the consumer than on our home turf,” says Jay Finnigan, vice president, portfolio director, North American whiskey brands, Brown-Forman.

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Dark Corner Distillery Ups The Ante With Bourbon Whiskey: Lewis Redmond Carolina Bourbon

The first of its kind in the history of South Carolina

With the recent release of multiple heritage-minded spirits, including gin and even absinthe, it should come as no surprise to spirits connoisseurs that Dark Corner Distillery will soon offer their first barrel-aged spirit, Lewis Redmond Carolina Bourbon Whiskey beginning this upcoming weekend.

Lewis Redmond represents a lost breed of aged whiskey dating back to the late nineteenth century in Walhalla, SC. It was there Redmond, a native of the region and legendary outlaw and bootlegger -- often considered America’s Robin Hood -- produced his acclaimed "hand mash" for a government distillery. 

LEWIS REDMOND CAROLINA BOURBON WHISKEY debuts this Saturday, Nov. 17th, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the distillery’s downtown Greenville location.

Distilled from corn, red wheat, barley and rye, Dark Corner Carolina Bourbon Whiskey has been aged since October 2011 in charred American Oak barrels.

“By utilizing smaller five and 15 gallon barrels, we allow for increased surface exposure of wood to whiskey and have significantly lowered the aging time for the spirit” says head distiller John Wilcox. 

Dark Corner also engineered dramatic temperature swings in its aging cellar (a small, moist basement) to cause the barrels to expand and contract more often, forcing whiskey in and out of the porous hard wood. The refined process results in more flavor in the form of vanilla and tannins.

“Beginning at 125 proof and aged to mellow perfection, we feel that now is the ideal time to pull our extremely small batch of whiskey from the barrels for bottling”, says distillery co-founder Joe Fenten. “Bourbon can be produced in any of the 50 states, but ours is made right here in the hills of Carolina.”

Founded in 2011, Dark Corner Distillery is a Greenville, SC based microdistillery which produces high-quality distilled spirits for those with discerning taste. Defined by heritage, the state’s first whiskey distillery since Prohibition offers its visitors a unique experience including product tastings, distillery tours and distiller training courses.
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Chivas Regal® Partners w/Actor Adam Rodriguez In The Spirit of Brotherhood

NEW YORK, NY (November 13, 2012) /PRNewswire/ — Chivas Regal®, the leader in blended Scotch whisky, announces its partnership with actor Adam Rodriguez (CSI: Miami, Magic Mike) in an online and events campaign celebrating the brand’s core values of brotherhood, honor and success. Rodriguez’s first appearances will be at Chivas Regal’s 1801 Club in New York City on the evening of Monday, November 19, and in Miami on Wednesday, December 12. Now in its second year, the 1801 Club is a pop-up club that will host tastings and lifestyle events in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas and Houston through March 2013. Honorable guests can become part of the Chivas Brotherhood and register for event invitations through www.chivasbrotherhood.com.

“Adam Rodriguez exemplifies the core characteristics of what it means to live with chivalry—honor, success and respect for brotherhood,” said JC Iglesias, Director of Marketing for Pernod Ricard USA’s Scotch Whisky and Cognac. “Through Adam and ChivasBrotherhood.com, we look forward to engaging and inspiring men today in thoughtful exploration of a code that Chivas Regal has stood for since John and James Chivas began crafting the brand and their personal legacy in 1801.”

"I’ve always placed a high value on substance—people and things that stand the test of time because they embody the pursuit of excellence. In business, pleasure, friendship—or any other aspect of life—the commitment to that pursuit is what inspires me to work harder, go further and make my own mark on the world,” said Rodriguez. “After two centuries, Chivas remains a symbol of this kind of excellence. That’s the kind of company I want to keep, and the kind of legacy I want to leave behind."

New York City’s 1801 Club is open Wednesday, November 14 through Thursday, November 29 (closed for Thanksgiving on November 21 through 25). During a two-week span within each city, Chivas Regal will collaborate with professional organizations and media partners to present programs that create an inviting atmosphere for guests to connect, unwind and enjoy high-end services, from fittings for custom suits to cigar rolling, at their local 1801 Club. In each city, Chivas Regal will introduce a Board of Brotherhood, a diverse group of respected and successful men who embody the brand’s core tenets of brotherhood, honor and success. The Board members will conduct special events and seminars at the 1801 Clubs as well as share their own thoughts and tips for success online. In addition to tastings led by expert brand ambassadors, the 1801 Club will feature signature cocktails such as the Regal Roy and Modern Oxford created by Global Brand Ambassador Max Warner.

Chivas Regal’s online hub ChivasBrotherhood.com features forums for guests to share their own “epic adventures in friendship” and get expert advice and inspiration on a number of topics from career and style to fitness and dating. It also features a custom label maker for Chivas Regal bottles, tasting notes, recipes for perfectly balanced cocktails and a searchable library of toasts created by consumers themselves to commemorate any occasion. Members can also sign up to share invitations to their local 1801 Club with friends and receive special offers, from styling to travel and leisure and follow Chivas Regal on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ChivasRegal.

Please enjoy Chivas responsibly
CHIVAS REGAL® 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky. 40% Alc./Vol. (80 Proof).
©2012 Imported by Chivas Bros. Import Co., Purchase, NY

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 Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport. In July 2010 Chivas Brothers launched The Age Matters campaign to help consumers understand the importance of Scotch whisky age statements.

About Adam Rodriguez
Born and raised in New York, actor and director Adam Rodriguez is best known for his long running role as Eric Delko on the internationally acclaimed CBS hit drama CSI: Miami. His movie appearances include Magic Mike and I Can Do Bad All By Myself, as well as the upcoming Lovesick and About Last Night. Rodriguez, who is of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent, was featured in People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” issue and People En Español magazine’s “25 Most Beautiful People.” Prior to becoming a full-time actor, he worked as a stockbroker. He currently divides his time between Los Angeles and New York.

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Bushmills Irish Whiskey® Partners With Lowden® to Create Handcrafted Whiskey Barrel Oak Guitars

BUSHMILLS, Northern Ireland, November 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/jm/ --

Bushmills Irish Whiskey, which has been handcrafted on the North Coast of Ireland for centuries, has partnered with world famous luthier, George Lowden, to create three special-edition guitars, handmade from barrel-oak used in the whiskey making process.

Bushmills Irish Whiskey and George Lowden Guitars are both world-renowned brands from Northern Ireland. George and his team have handmade guitars for some of most famous names in music, including Eric Clapton, Van Morrison and The Edge.

The guitars were presented to singer-songwriter Foy Vance and other artists as a thank-you for their participation in Bushmills Live, the handcrafted whiskey and music festival which took place at the Old Bushmills Distillery in June 2012, headlined by Snow Patrol.

The guitar-making process took more than three months. Each barrel stave had to be carefully sanded by hand then painstakingly glued together to create panels which were then hand-cut by George Lowden to guitar templates he has been using for almost 40 years.

Finally, the team at Lowden assembled the guitars, incorporating the whiskey barrel oak into traditional Lowden body designs.

George Lowden said: "Making any guitar by hand is highly challenging but it was an enormous privilege to work with such special wood and it took us a considerable amount of time to create them. However, what we have managed to do is create something quite special. We were delighted that the musicians were so pleased with them."

Bushmills Master Distiller, Colum Egan, said: "To see barrels that have housed our whiskey being used in this way is remarkable. Their creation celebrates the handcrafted qualities at the heart of both Bushmills and Lowden Guitars and I want to thank George and his team for making them."

To download a full gallery of the 'making-of' the guitars, click on this link: https://www.yousendit.com/download/WUJacHBFNXZrUm5xYk1UQw

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The BUSHMILLS words, BLACK BUSH, 1608, the Pot Still device and associated logos are trademarks ©The 'Old Bushmills Distillery' Co. Limited 2012.

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