DEWAR'S Joins Multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning Artist Juanes to Discover the Next Breakthrough Latin Music Star with its "DEWARISTAS" Band Competition

CORAL GABLES, Fla., April 18, 2013 /jm/ -- DEWAR'S® Blended Scotch whisky, the world's most awarded Blended Scotch whisky, is proud to announce its relationship with acclaimed GRAMMY® winning artist and activist Juanes for DEWARISTAS™, a live band competition which seeks to discover the next breakthrough talent in Latin music. DEWARISTAS focuses on showcasing artists who are on a journey to create an amazing new sound. Bands who aspire to become the next rising star in Latin music have the opportunity to participate in the DEWARISTAS competition by visiting: dewars.com/DEWARISTAS.

The winning band will get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to open for Juanes in September 2013 at the DEWARISTAS private event in Miami, Florida. The search for the next great Latin sound will feature live performance events in New York, Miami and San Antonio. Juanes and a panel of judges will judge the live performances by the top 3 bands at each regional showcase. The winning band from each region goes onto an online vote and the ultimate winner will be determined by the judges.

"The House of DEWAR'S is excited to collaborate with Juanes to provide visibility and an opportunity for new Latin talent whose voices represent the rich and influential Latin music culture," said Arvind Krishnan , Vice President Brand Managing Director, for the DEWAR'S brand. "Much like the rich and smooth nature of DEWAR'S 12, DEWARISTAS is the perfect catalyst to help us discover new, rich and smooth sounds in the current Latin music scene."

Juanes, commenting on his commitment to this unique program because it harnesses the power of music, said, "I am a firm believer in the power of music and its ability to influence important changes in the world. Through DEWARISTAS, I hope to share my inspiration with the upcoming artists who love music as much as I do."

The relationship is a natural one as the DEWAR'S brand and Juanes both have two characteristics in common: a tradition of blending and accolades. DEWAR'S 12 Year Old Blended Scotch whisky is a 12 year, double barrel aged favorite that blends up to 40 single malt and grain whiskies to create a smooth blend with a long lingering finish. Similarly, Juanes is a global influencer, activist and considered the single most important figure of the past decade in Latin music. Both are also highly acclaimed: DEWAR'S is heralded as the world's most awarded Blended Scotch whisky and Juanes has received several music accolades winning 19 Latin GRAMMY Awards and two GRAMMY Awards.

For more information on DEWARISTAS, please visit: dewars.com/DEWARISTAS.