Victoria Distillers of British Columbia, Canada Collaborates with the Fairmont Empress Hotel in the Upcoming Release of a Unique Spirit

VICTORIA, British Columbia, April 18, 2017 Victoria Distillers announces an upcoming release of a new spirit, inspired by the renowned tea and cocktail programs of the Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria. The companies share similar philosophies, exemplified in the commitment to exceptional products and experiences, a desire to blend the traditional and contemporary and a commitment to sustainable operations.

Established in 2008, Victoria Distillers recently collaborated with the iconic Fairmont Empress to create a premium cocktail spirit that reflects a sense of place. Well known in British Columbia as the producer of Canada's first premium gin, Victoria Distillers' creative efforts are rooted in Canada's West Coast culture and history.

In 1908, the historic Empress Hotel opened its doors in one of the busiest trading outposts in the Pacific Northwest – Victoria, BC. Today, the newly restored Empress is heralded for its tea program and cocktail culture reflecting British sensibilities, ranking among the gems of iconic hotels. It is also a recipient of the 5 Green Key award through the Green Key Eco-Rating Program. The 5 Green Key rating exemplifies the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility throughout all areas of operations. The hotel embraces local and sustainably sourced cuisine, as well as green policies, and programs that set the international standard for sustainable hotel operations.

With a commitment to green technology and sustainability, the Victoria Distillers' still runs on ocean based geothermal energy for cooling. This unique system provides over one billion BTUs of heating to the local neighborhood while saving almost one million liters of water each year.

"It is an exciting time for all of us in the craft spirits sector as we have the ability to create innovative products that captivate consumers around the world," stated President of Victoria Distillers, Peter Hunt. "With our commitment to excellence in product development as well as operations, we found great inspiration in our relationship with the Fairmont Empress, and look forward to bringing our new brand to the global marketplace."

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Jim Beam and Mila Kunis Kick Off Historic Chicago Cubs Partnership with Limited Edition Jim Beam® "Game 7 Batch"

CHICAGO, April 16, 2017 - Kicking off their first season as Official Bourbon of the Chicago Cubs, Jim Beam® Bourbon is releasing Jim Beam® "Game 7 Batch," a limited edition expression and commemorative label featuring bourbon t

hat completed its 4 years of barrel maturation the history-making date of the Cubs' Game 7 World Championship game last fall and set aside for release in the 2017 season.

To celebrate this first-ever release of a unique batch of Jim Beam's 4-year Kentucky Straight Bourbon, global partner Mila Kunis visited Wrigley Field on Saturday, April 15, to throw out the game's ceremonial first pitch before surprising bar goers with a preview of the product, which will be available in limited quantities at select Chicagoland retailers starting in June 2017.

With appearances at three of the neighborhood's most iconic Wrigleyville bars, Kunis gave unsuspecting Cubs fans a sneak peek at the limited edition Jim Beam® "Game 7 Batch" bottle and toasted the crowd to another historic season.

"We're proud to call the Chicago Cubs part of our growing family, so in celebration of the Cubs' history-making victory, we wanted to release a history-making bourbon for the occasion," said Jim Beam's 7^th Generation Master Distiller Fred Noe. "This exclusive Jim Beam® 'Game 7 Batch' is our gift to the fans in Chicago from our home in Kentucky."

"We love to see passion between our team and our Legacy Partners, and Jim Beam's 'Game 7 Batch' is a perfect example of two historic brands coming together in the spirit of celebration," said Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations, Crane Kenney.

Jim Beam "Game 7 Batch," created with a hint of victory, is aged 4 years; however, this hand-selected batch features liquid that was completed its barrel maturation on the exact day the Cubs won the World Championship, delivering an oak vanilla aroma and a sweet finish that mirrors the ending of last year's historic season. The product, packaged with a commemorative blue cap, batch sticker and specialty label to celebrate Cubs heritage, has a suggested retail price of $17.99 for 750mL and will be available for purchase in the Chicagoland area this June.==

To learn more about Jim Beam's "Game 7 Batch," visit www.JimBeam.com, and keep up with Jim Beam news throughout the year on Twitter @JimBeam, Instagram @jimbeamofficial and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/JimBeam.

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The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Capsule Series by Tom Dixon Unveiled at Milan Design Week 2017

Acclaimed British designer Tom Dixon OBE has created The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Capsule Series, which will be previewed at the elegant Teatro Manzoni theatre as part of Dixon's exhibition at Milan Design Week this week.

Inspired by the rarity, craft and heritage of the luxury Scotch Whisky, the exclusive Johnnie Walker Blue Label Capsule Series by Tom Dixon encompasses a bespoke bottle design, ice bucket, coaster and bottle cap. The copper accents in the Limited Edition Design are characteristic of Dixon's contemporary designs and are also a deliberate nod to the art of whisky-making, the copper theme evoking the pot stills used during whisky distillation.

Speaking about his collaboration with Johnnie Walker at Milan Design Week, Tom Dixon said: "The parallels between Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge and a designer might seem tenuous but when you think of it in terms of taking excellent raw materials and using patience and experimentation to extract a product with real resonance, then you can start to see the similarities.

"I also believe it is important not to remain static - like the Striding Man logo - with all its historic references it still looks contemporary and represents progressing forward and looking to the future. The copper stills, the oak barrels, the supreme expertise needed to produce a classic product - this was all instrumental to my thinking."

This is the second year that the two pioneers of craft and luxury have partnered at Milan Design Week, following a collaboration in 2016 that saw Dixon create a one-of-a-kind Johnnie Walker Blue Label bottle art installation.

Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge said: "What Tom and I each do in our work starts with an idea and an urge to create something meaningful. The 'ideas' part is easy, the real challenge is in the trying and the relentless experimentation before, eventually, things begin to come together.

"For me, it is our experience and dedication to our craft that make Johnnie Walker Blue Label and Tom Dixon feel like a really natural fit, and Milan Design Week is a great moment to announce this latest collaboration."

Nearly half a million people descend on Milan every year to experience the latest in interior furnishings at the largest fair of its kind in the world. Exhibitions pop-up all across the city and attendees can spend five days appreciating the work of the world's most important contemporary designers.

As part of this year's collaboration, Johnnie Walker is also hosting mentoring sessions at Teatro Manzoni. Global Brand Ambassador Tom Jones will walk VIPs through the diverse flavours that define the Scotch Whisky and guests will be invited to enjoy a Johnnie Walker cocktail serve at the bar.

Johnnie Walker Global Brand Director Guy Escolme said: "Tom's expertise and artistic vision make him the perfect person to put his mark on this new design for our pinnacle blend. This collaboration expresses the creativity and passion behind two world-famous luxury brands. It will be available to whisky lovers later in the year."

The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Capsule Series by Tom Dixon will be available to purchase from October 2017 in selected markets across Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa, making it the perfect, rare and luxurious gift to give to discerning whisky lovers during the festive season with an RRP from GBP £180.

For more information on The Johnnie Walker Blue Label Capsule Series by Tom Dixon go to  https://secure.johnniewalker.com/en/our-whisky/limited-edition-whiskies/blue-label-limited-edition/ or visit www.instagram.com/johnniewalker .

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Woodford Reserve® Celebrates History and Heritage in 2017 Kentucky Derby® $1,000 Mint Julep Cup

LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 10, 2017 Woodford Reserve today reveals its $1,000 Mint Julep Cup available at the Kentucky Derby^® benefiting the Kentucky Derby Museum. Now in its 12^th year, the 2017 Cup pays tribute to the British-inspired Kentucky Derby offering a quintessential julep crafted by Woodford Reserve Global Ambassador, Tom Vernon. This year's cup, recipe and experience is presented under the theme: The Sport of Kings… and Queen(s).

In 1872, Churchill Downs founder Meriwether Lewis Clark traveled to England to attend the Epsom Derby - a popular horse race attended by British royalty and high society. Upon returning to the states, he modeled the Kentucky Derby after the Epsom Derby elevating horse racing to a more sophisticated affair. Inspired by this history, this one-of a kind julep features traditional British ingredients with a unique garnish of mint, baby's breath and edible, dehydrated blue cornflowers representative of both sides of the Atlantic.

Woodford Reserve^® 2017 Kentucky Derby^® Mint Julep 

1.5 oz Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon
1/4 oz Pimm's Liqueur®
1/2 oz Elderflower Cordial
1/4 oz Woodford Reserve®Mint Julep Simple Syrup
1 dash Earl Grey bitters
Handful of mint

Rub mint around the julep cup, expressing the essential oils. Add remaining ingredients and top with crushed ice. Churn ingredients with a bar spoon distributing the flavor. Top with additional crushed ice. Garnish with a bundle of baby's breath and mint. Sprinkle with dehydrated edible blue cornflowers.

"Woodford Reserve is honored to bring together two of Kentucky's greatest traditions once again through our $1,000 Mint Julep Cup program," said Mark Bacon, Woodford Reserve Global Brand Director. "We're proud to honor the rich history of the Kentucky Derby with a premium celebration through our  $1,000 Mint Julep Cup experience."

The cups are handcrafted by Louisville-based jeweler From the Vault. Each cup is adorned with embellishments representative of this year's theme. Three horses in stride adorn the cup, inspired by British photographer Eadweard Muybridge's famous "The Horse in Motion" filmstrip which was the first proof that all four hooves leave the ground at a gallop.

"In addition to the horses, the cups also feature three additional sterling silver embellishments," said Graham Newton, From the Vault Jeweler. "A crown representing the rich history of the British inspired Derby; a rose as an ode to the "Run for the Roses™" and a horseshoe providing each cup buyer with an extra stroke of luck. Together, these details create a trilogy of flight around the cup as horse and jockey pass a crown, rose, and horseshoe on the way."

This history is brought to life through individually hand casted applications in rich sterling silver. The $1,000 cups feature 18 karat yellow gold over the sterling silver horse and riders, the crown, rose and horseshoe. The $2,500 cups are gold-plated sterling silver with a 24 karat heavy reliquary quality gold plating, with a striking contrast of high polished sterling silver detail.

Each Cup will be presented in a silk "purse" inspired by the "purse" of winnings given to the victors of a horse race.

Each year, Woodford Reserve selects a charitable organization to receive the net proceeds from the $1,000 Mint Julep Cup sales with more than $450,000 raised for equine and racing charities to-date. This year's receiving charity is not-for-profit Kentucky Derby Museum supporting the mission to preserve the rich history, tradition, hospitality and pride of the world-renowned event that is the Kentucky Derby.

"The Kentucky Derby Museum is honored by the support from Woodford Reserve and the $1,000 Mint Julep Cup program. At the heart of our mission, we are dedicated to celebrating the long-standing history and tradition of the Kentucky Derby, just as this year's special cup design exemplifies," said Patrick Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum President and CEO.

How to Purchase a Cup
Beginning April 10, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. E.T., consumers ages 21 years and older can log on to www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com to purchase one of the Noble Cups or Royal Cups. The sale closes on May 5, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. E.T.

Any unsold cups will be available for purchase at Churchill Downs^® on Kentucky Derby Day.  Purchase of cup does not include admission to Churchill Downs. Purchased cups must be claimed by buyer or his or her proxy at Churchill Downs on Derby Day. For complete terms and conditions, please visit www.woodfordreservemintjulep.com.

Noble Cups
90 Noble Cups are available for purchase online for $1,000 on a first come, first buy basis from April 10-May 6. These individually numbered cups feature artwork inspired by Eadweard Muybridge's revolutionary "horse in motion" film strip, along with rose, crown and horseshoe embellishments, the 2017 Kentucky Derby date and Woodford Reserve logo. The Cup is accompanied by a gold-plated sipping straw.

Royal Cups
In addition to the 90 $1,000 Noble Cups, there are 15 gold-plated Royal Cups available for purchase online for $2,500 on a first come, first buy basis from April 10-May 6. These individually numbered cups feature artwork inspired by Eadweard Muybridge's revolutionary "horse in motion" film strip, along with rose, crown and horseshoe embellishments, the 2017 Kentucky Derby date and Woodford Reserve logo. The Cup is accompanied by a silver sipping straw.

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Jameson First Shot 2017 to feature Dominic West

NEW YORK, April 4, 2017 For the sixth year of Jameson First Shot, three undiscovered filmmakers will be provided with the opportunity to direct award-winning British actor and director Dominic West in a short film that they will write and direct.

The Jameson First Shot film competition is all about giving talented filmmakers the opportunity of a lifetime -  a first step in an industry that can be notoriously difficult to break into. It's a platform that celebrates talented individuals that have incredible stories to tell but who, as yet, haven't had the opportunity to realize their ambition and potential.

At the heart of the Jameson brand is the motto Sine Metu, meaning 'without fear'. It's a motto that exists to encourage people to be open to new people and new experiences – to being themselves and taking the road less travelled. Jameson's commitment to supporting aspiring filmmakers is rooted in this philosophy, as it believes in giving a chance to those that fearlessly pursue a dream, confront the unknown and share their personal stories with the world.

Dominic West is an actor who shares this belief, as it closely mirrors his own experiences. At the age of 13 Dominic had to conquer social fears when he moved from Sheffield to study at Eton. After Eton Dominic studied at Trinity College in Dublin and then the Guildhall School of Music and Drama before moving into professional acting.  Before landing the role of Jimmy McNulty in HBO's highly acclaimed series 'The Wire' Dominic appeared in a number of US films and TV shows that failed to deliver the creative satisfaction that he was looking for, as Dominic's roles were frequently characterized by stereotyped rom-com roles and scripts that he struggled to be emotionally and creatively invested in.

Just when Dominic was about to turn his back on the US he heard about an audition for the role of a tough Baltimore cop – he put himself forward and recorded an audition at home despite never having practiced the accent before. The rest is history, and Dominic is now part of one of TVs most critically revered shows.  Dominic's role as McNulty allowed him to push his boundaries and take a step into the unknown. Over time this role also enabled Dominic to express his vision for the show's characters, showing fearless self-belief when he directed an episode in the final season – this was the first time that Dominic had sat is the director's chair.

The Jameson First Shot film competition asks aspiring filmmakers to be equally brave, forthright and committed; to write about what matters to them, tell the stories that they want to tell and, ultimately, make the film they want to make

.

In addition to directing a Hollywood great and having the support of a highly experienced film crew, the Jameson First Shot winners will also have the help of a world-class producer and access to the wider film community. Dana Brunetti, who has produced multiple award-winning movies for film and television, will sit alongside each the winners on set, providing them with support, guidance and input when needed to ensure that they make the most of this incredible opportunity.

For its sixth year, Jameson is expanding its catchment area to give more undiscovered talent the chance to enter their work. Entrants living in the following countries are all eligible: US, UK, Ireland, Canada, South Africa, Bulgaria, Australia and Israel.

The competition is open to entries on 3^rd of April 2017 and the rules, including length and theme, can be found at http://www.jamesonfirstshot.com/.

Jameson Irish Whiskey is the world's No 1 selling Irish whiskey. The success of the Irish brand is down to its great quality and smooth taste, coupled with a fantastic heritage, established in 1780 by the legendary John Jameson. Having played a part in film since 1998, Jameson First Shot supports aspiring filmmakers and gives them their 'first shot' in the film industry by giving them the chance to direct an A-list star in their short film. Jameson First Shot is all about giving something back to a community of film craftsmen, encouraging and supporting up-and-coming film talent.

DANA BRUNETTI Feature film and TV producer, producing multiple award-winning movies for film and television, including the Golden Globe® and Academy Award® nominated "Captain Phillips," starring Tom Hanks, and "The Social Network," which won a Golden Globe® for Best Picture and received multiple Academy Award® nominations and wins.  Other credits include, 21, Fanboys, and the Emmy nominated Bernard and Doris, and Casino Jack.  Architect of several ground-breaking deals, Dana helped secure the mega-deal with Netflix as part of their new slate of original programming for TV political thriller House of Cards. The show debuted in 2013 and became an instant success garnering multiple Emmy nominations and wins across its first three seasons.

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Stillhouse Whiskey Redefines "Travel Size" with Release of New 375 mL "Roadie"

LOS ANGELES, April 3, 2017 / Stillhouse Spirits Co. today introduced a new 375 mL version of the brand's award-winning Stillhouse whiskey. Filled with America's Finest clear corn whiskey, this flask-sized version of Stillhouse's unbreakable, daring red, 100% stainless steel can is an industry first. Stillhouse is redefining "travel size" with a can that swiftly slides into your back pocket and enables its signature whiskey to more easily travel where glass can't go.

"We're extremely proud to launch Stillhouse's 375 mL 'Roadie'," said Brad Beckerman, Founder & CEO of Stillhouse Spirits Co. "As a young brand, the launch of our 375 complements our consumers' lifestyles. We can't wait to see where Stillhouse fans take our whiskey while they're on-the-go."

Like Stillhouse's 750 mL, the new pocket-size can extends celebrations beyond typical bar settings and goes where glass can't to places like backyard barbecues, tailgates, beach bonfires and more. The even more portable and lightweight nature of Stillhouse's 375 mL can is also perfect for festival season, adventure travels, concerts, and camping. Simply toss the shatterproof can in your bag, backpack or cooler without worry and enjoy once you arrive where you're headed.

Every Stillhouse expression is all-natural, gluten-free and available in the new, portable 375 mL, including Stillhouse's 80-proof (40% ABV) Original whiskey as well as 69-proof (34.5% ABV) Apple Crisp, Peach Tea, Coconut, Mint Chip and Red Hot whiskeys. Suggested retail price is $15.99.---

Slide the #Stillhouse in your back pocket and let us know where you end up @StillhouseUSA.

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