Beauty set for Louis X111
Les Lumières de Louis XIII collection of “beautiful objects” has been designed by Christophe Pillet for Rémy Martin Louis XIII Cognac – a blend of eaux-de-vies with up to a hundred years aging. Selected outlets only.
Ballantine’s global ontrade programme
Dragon Rouge, the design agency which redesigned the packaging for Ballantine’s 12 year old, has now been commissioned to create "one big idea" for an on trade programme for the brand this autumn. "The campaign will be an unforgettable experience for bartenders and consumers alike," say Chris Barber and David Beare, creative directors at Dragon Rouge.
Tree house bar designed for Monkey Shoulder
Monkey Shoulder triple malt Scotch whisky has had a tree house bar designed and built by Cheeky Tiki, the conceptual designers behind Mahiki. The bar, which holds up to 40 guests inside and also offers outdoor seating, will be launched at the Big Chill festival in August before arriving at London’s Truman Brewery in September.
Ballantine's sponsors Scottish golf championship
Ballantine’s the blended Scotch whisky is reinforcing its Scottish roots this week as an official sponsor of The Barclays Scottish Open for the third consecutive year. Taking place from 9-12 July 2009 at Loch Lomond Golf Club, the international tournament offers the brand plenty of exposure through a range of activities, including the ‘Leave an Impression’ public bar, VIP hospitality, private whisky education seminars and the Ballantine’s 12 birdie hole – all of which will help continue to build Ballantine’s relationships with international golf players.
|
Brown Spirits | Archived News May-Dec 2009
|
 |
Ballantine’s launches gift pack to celebrate signature 17th hole
Ballantine’s super premium 17 Year Old blend is being presented in a limited edition golf pack to tie in with the Pernod Ricard Scotch whisky brand’s growing commitment to the sport.
The new pack, available from January 2010 in key Asian markets, tells the unique story of the 17th hole birdie challenge at The Ballantine’s Championship.
• Read the report |
Illuminating back bar presence
Ballantine’s Finest blended Scotch whisky is set to light-up the on-trade environment with a self-illuminating bottle.
Created by London-based packaging agency The Core, the bottle, which has been launched in the on-trade in Germany, reflects a graphic equaliser. The dark blue spray coated bottle on a moulded plastic base appears to react to the tonal quality of audio passing through it by lighting up intermittently.
Powered by batteries or mains, 20,000 units have been made available, along with a range of additional electroluminescent POS materials including posters and t-shirts for staff.
The ‘Listen to Your Beat’ initiative, which will be rolled out across bars and nightclubs in 35 key markets. |
 |
Trio of mini malts
To introduce its single malts to a wider audience, GlenDronach has launched a gift pack of miniatures for its three classic malts – the 12, 15 and 18 year olds - presented in an eye-catching triangular box.
Described as "a try before you buy" initiative, it aims to encourage purchases of the 75cl bottles.
|
|
Bowmore 1964 trilogy sold for US$21,600
The Bowmore 1964 Trilogy (Black, White and Gold Bowmore) sold for US$21,600 at a Christie’s auction in New York on Saturday - above the asking price of US$18k.
The three-bottle lot included the newly-released Gold Bowmore, White Bowmore (released in 2008) and Black Bowmore (released in 2007).
• Read the report
Dewar's promotion boosts sales by up to 1700%
A brand awareness initiative by Bacardi GTR division for Dewar’s 12 Scotch whisky has already seen sales indexes of plus 130%, 288%, 1211%, and 1700% in Bahrain, Oman, Dubai, and Qatar duty-free outlets.
Through brand ambassadors on the shop floor, consumers are invited to buy three bottles of the whisky, upon which they receive a scratch-to-win card for an instant prize of either a gold iPod Touch, a gold coin (valued at 30 USD), or a Dewar’s 12 37.5 cl. Post-purchase, consumers are entered to win a bar of gold.
“This 360 degree brand experience engages, educates, and converts consumers to Dewar’s 12,” says Erwin van Outheusden, Bacardi GTRD regional manager. “Offering customers instant wins brings tactile brand interactivity to the shop floor and increases category footfall.”
Dewar’s Gold Rush will continue in Bahrain, Q
atar, and Oman through November; Dubai will end mid-November; Abu Dhabi began in November and will continue through December. |
 |
Grant's launches 25YO travel retail exclusive
William Grant & Sons presence at TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes this year is a clear testament to the five generation family business' commitment and long heritage in taking risks, trialing new products and exclusives, without sacrificing quality.
The popularity of Grant’s Family Reserve worldwide is undisputed but the 110 year old family owned distillery felt it "time to raise the bar" – and where better to preview a very special new liquid? Grant’s 25 Year Old will initially be available exclusively to travel retail from June 2010 at a RRP of £145.
• Read the report |
Royal Salute supports sport of kings
Royal Salute Scotch whisky from Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, is extending its collaboration with the ‘sport of kings’ with the signing of a polo sponsorship deal in India.
The Royal Salute Maharaja of Jodhpur Golden Jubilee Cup held in India will build on the success of the Royal Salute Gold Cup, held in Shanghai, China. The brand is also looking into further international polo match sponsorships.
Neil Macdonald, brand director, explains: “There is a strong affinity between the world’s leading luxury whisky and this regal sport. As part of Royal Salute’s growing international appeal, we are building links with distinctive and luxurious polo gatherings around the world. India is one of our most important potential markets and we’re honoured to be working with the Maharaja of Jodhpur and his team on such an important event.” |
 |
 |
Yin-Yang bottle for Chabot Extra re-design
Chabot Extra had been on the market for quite a number of years and there was a need to update its presentation to meet customer demand and to attract new clients from target groups of affluent and well-off Asian, Middle Eastern and Russian consumers. (Old design pictured on the right)
The new design (left) combines the traditional image of Armagnac in a modern and attractive presentation. The design selected was an S shape Yin-Yang bottle with a pure and minimalist décor. The new bottle mould and stopper were a technical challenge to the bottle producers but the result was exactly as the company had hoped.
“The perfect association of our most exceptional Armagnacs, some of which are aged up to 50 years old presented in a unique, elegant and innovative decanter. The yin-yang decanter giving a feel of harmony in choice and perfection,” the company says.
|
Bacardi and WDF unite in single cask exclusive
In a retail partnership initiative between Bacardi Global Travel Retail Division and World Duty Free (WDF), the first single cask single malt Scotch whisky from Aberfeldy distillery was hand selected by WDF’s Mark Riches and Nigel Sandles with Dewar’s master blender, Stephanie Macleod.
Only 260 bottles were produced from the cask in which the Scotch has matured for 18 years.
The limited edition Aberfeldy Single Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 59.6%abv is available at London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5, retailing at RRP £250, and WDF’s remodeled shop in Edinburgh International Airport. |
 |
 |
Easygoing for Jameson
Pernod Ricard UK's humorous new commercial for Jameson Irish whiskey is set in 1780, in treacherous weather conditionsand features four friends telling each other tales and putting a distinctly easygoing spin on harsh times as only the Irish can do. The commercial is summed up by the end line "easygoing Irish" to underscore the brand's provenance and outlook. |
Redesign to reflect quality
Three Barrels brandy is repackaging its flagship XO, aged 15 years. The age statement will feature more prominently to reinforce its top-end credentials, and the carton redesigned to better reflect the variant’s quality, give it greater on-shelf standout and raise its profile within the gifting market. |
 |
 |
Tequila Corralejo launches limited edition
Available for the first time in the US from Infinium Spirits, and launched internationally to the Travel Retail sector in October, Gran Corralejo is a limited production Reserve Añejo tequila which was initially commissioned by the president of Mexico for release on the eve of the new millennium.
Gran Corralejo is harvested from 100% blue agave plants and aged for two years in French Limousine oak casks.
The tequila bottle is modelled on an 18th century Spanish royal crown and is presented in in a wooden case. RRP US$99. |
 |
 |
Chivas Brothers reveals seasonal gift packs
Chivas Brothers has produced some eye-catching seasonal gift packs for its premium brands Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, The Glenlivet and Aberlour.
Eric Benoist, international marketing director, Chivas Brothers says: “These creative and contemporary gift offerings will ensure maximum shelf stand out during this key sales period around the world."
• Read the report |
Glengoyne exclusive offering
Ian Macleod Distillers introduced a new travel retail exclusive – a one litre Glengoyne 12 Years Old Cask Strength (57.2% abv) single malt.
Presented in a black matte tube with glossed embossing and gold foiling, additional exclusive luxury cues for the travel retail market include greater emphasis on the terms ‘Cask Strength’ and ‘Natural Colour’ and a tasting notes neck-tag booklet.
Iain Weir, marketing director for Ian Macleod Distillers commented: “Such is the quality and success of the malt domestically, we feel a luxury litre version has a deserving place in the exclusive travel retail market.”
TR RSP £36.00/€39.50/US$60.00 |
 |
 |
Héritage du Prince: a jewel of a Cognac
The cellar master of Prince Hubert de Polignac signs his new creation Héritage du Prince.
“My real happiness does not result solely from the creation of this outstanding elixir, symbol of the upper range of Prince Hubert de Polignac: it is enhanced by the sharing of emotions inherited from a long and rich experience,“ he said.
The contemporary crystal decanter nestles in a refined gift case resembling a jewellery box. When opened, the warm colours of the interior enhance the mahogany hues of the Cognac. |
Glen Grant launches limited edition 1992 Cellar Reserve
Gruppo Campari-owned Glen Grant has introduced a 16 year-old expression to its range of Speyside single malts. Launched under the range name Cellar Reserve, the Glen Grant 1992 is the first of a new line of limited edition vintage malts which will see further expressions in coming years.
The 1992 malt has been aged in bourbon and oloroso sherry casks, non chill filtered, and bottled in 2008 at 46% abv. It is available in a limited edition of 13,542 bottles worldwide.
Glen Grant is distributed by Cellar Trends. Prices: Cellar Reserve 1992, £50; Glen Grant 10 YO, £23-£25; Glen Grant Unaged, £17-18.
|
 |
 |
Chivalry from Chivas
Pernod Ricard UK is supporting its Chivas Regal Scotch whisky brand with a new cinema and print advertising campaign entitled ‘Live with Chivalry’.
The campaign, targeted at 25-34 year old males, celebrates the concepts of brotherhood, honour, class and sophistication. It includes 30 second cinema adverts, which will be shown until late November, alongside print advertising in men’s magazines and national newspapers with links to special events at Selfridges stores |
Gold completes Bowmore trilogy
The launch of Gold Bowmore, a 44-year-old single malt whisky, completes a trilogy of highly collectable rare vintage Scotch whiskies.
Just 701 bottles have been released, hand-numbered and encased in a Burr Elm box. It is the oldest release from this Islay distillery.
Gold Bowmore (42.4%, rrp £3,000) has been created from the same spirit as the first two in the trilogy – Bowmore White and Bowmore Black – with the taste of each influenced by the different casks they were matured in. Gold Bowmore is matured in three Bourbon casks and a single Oloroso cask.
• Read the report
|
 |
 |
Appleton Estate tour exclusive
Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum has introduced a luxury rum that will only be available to visitors to the estate's Rum Tour. Appleton Estate Exclusive is a blend of rums created to celebrate the terroir of the Nassau Valley where the Appleton Estate is located. It is presented in a proprietary bottle inspired by Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum’s signature bottle, with a cork finish and wooden gift box. It will be sold for US$250.00. |
'H' gets festive in contempory new pack
Hine Vintage Cognacs have developed a contemporary new gift box for “H” by Hine this Christmas. Rrp £21.99.
The rich red box is printed on thick foil board with an embossed letter “H” to give depth and texture and to reflect the light.
The eaux-de-vie for the “H”, a young style of VSOP Cognac, are sourced from the Petite Champagne district and matured for over 4 years. The Cognac was awarded a gold medal by the IWSC in 2008. |
 |
 |
New coffret for Louis XIII de Rémy Martin
Rémy Cointreau Global Travel Retail has a new presentation for its Louis XIII de Rémy Martin.
A baroque crystal decanter with a fleur-de-lys stopper is presented in a coffret featuring a hand-crafted red imitation leather and dark wood case, with a multi-faceted mirror inside that reflects the luminosity of the Cognac.
The new coffret is being released to global travel retail and international markets from October.
On show at TFWA World Exhibition
Marine Village, Foyer 1A |
Charity Cognac auction breaks all records
Attended by an international audience of over 500 people, the ‘Part des Anges’ Cognac Auction, organised by the BNIC and held on on Sptember 17, raised 49,800 euros through the sale of 23 lots of rare and unique bottles.
BNIC head of marketing and communications Jérôme Durand said: “This, the fourth la Part des Anges Auction, has exceeded expectations. In under an hour we raised just under 50,000 euros – nearly double that of 2007. The event has gone from strength to strength, attracting more bidders and superb quality lots. Its success is due to the generosity of the Cognac houses and the obvious attraction for collectors today of fine Cognac.”
The proceeds from this year’s auction will go to the Institut de France to help finance the renovation of works of art, notably in the Château de Chantilly.
• Lots and sale prices |
 |
 |
Scotland's newest single malt whisky released
Kilchoman Distillery, the first built on Islay for nearly 100 years, released its inaugural single malt whisky at a private party on September 9, which saw the great and good of the whisky world come together for the historic occasion.
Anticipation of the release had been growing since a bottle from the first cask filled at the distillery fetched £5,400 at an auction in May 2009.
Bottled at 46% ABV. RRP £37
• Read the report |
Bowmore Tempest – a malt to reflect Islay's rugged sea qualities
Bowmore has releases Bowmore Tempest, a limited edition single malt.
Named after the stormy seas and weather that beats the Islay distillery, Tempest is a small batch release of only 2,000 cases. Aged for 10 years in first fill Bourbon casks which have lain in vaults just inches from the battering waves of Loch Indaal, the result is a whisky "engulfed by earthy smoke and a sea salt brine". A little water brings out notes of crème brulée with orange blossom and butter cream.
Bottled at 55.3% abv (cask strength). RRP £39.99. Distributed in the UK by Cellar Trends. |
 |
 |
Redesign for Glenfiddich
William Grant & Sons has unveiled new packaging designs for its Glenfiddich 12, 15 and 18 year old single malt Scotch whiskies in time for the Christmas season.
Subtle new details include the use of gold foil for borders and intricate filigree designs on the labels and cartons, which add a quality crafted feel and reflect the individual qualities of the three expressions.
|
 |
| Andy Robinson of Robinson Associates Design Consultants designed the packaging for the new-look Glenfiddich, the labels are printed by John Watson & Co, the 70cl-1litre tubes for the 18YO produced by McLaren Packaging and all other tubes by Chesapeake. |
 |
First organic Islay malt from Bruichladdich
The first organic Islay single malt whisky certified by the BioDynamic Agricultural Association has been released to coincide with the opening of a new island barley facility for farmers and Bruichladdich Distillery. The whisky is released as the Hebridean island’s first grain facility opens – in time for this year’s barley harvest.
Bruichladdich describes its organic whisky as “the ultimate ‘single’, single malt (single farm, harvest, variety and vintage) distilled from Chalice barley grown by William Rose at Culblair in 2003.
• Read the report |
PC8 is the Spirit of Whisky Fringe
The annual Whisky Fringe tasting, organised by Royal Mile Whiskies, takes place during the Edinburgh Festival and visitors to the festival can vote for their favourite whisky from the 200 or so made available for tasting. This year, a heavily peated 8 year old Islay whisky bottled at 60.5%abv – Bruichladdich PC8 – was voted by the general public as the Spirit of Whisky Fringe 2009, and awarded the trophy. In the last three years, Bruichladdich has won this trophy twice and came second once. |
 |
 |
Tomintoul 33YO malt released
Tomintoul Distillery has released its oldest single malt – a 33 year old special reserve.
“This Speyside Glenlivet whisky has a wonderful nose with hints of rum and cedar wood tones with a touch of fruity maltiness. The palate is round and soft with some sweetness and a suggestion of cinnamon and vanilla,” says Duncan Baldwin, brand development director.
Bottled at 43% abv and supplied in cases of 6 x 70cl bottles, each is presented in a deluxe gift box at RRP£125 or €150.
The Tomintoul range consists of seven expressions: Peaty Tang; 10 and 16 year old; 12 year old finished in Oloroso Sherry casks; 14 year old at high strength; 1976 Vintage and 33 year old. |
Different kind of Cognac
Coeur de Cognac is Remy Martin’s latest creation – a Cognac without an age statement intended to appeal to the non connoisseur.
A vibrant gold Cognac described as having a smooth taste and notes of apricot, vanilla and honey – “like biting into a ripe juicy peach”, which can be served neat or over ice.
Blended for flavour rather than age, it is said to be perfect served alongside desserts such as apricot tart or even vanilla ice cream.
Available in the UK at Tesco and Sainsbury’s at RRP £37.99. |
 |
 |
Chivas gets pack update
The new packaging for Chivas Regal 12YO, which will be available from September, sees the bottle and gift carton refined and re-crafted to further enhance the brand’s luxury image and on-shelf presence.
Changes include:
• more contemporary embossing on the bottle and a textured label partly recessed into the bottle
• a brighter capsule with a handcrafted texture
• the engraved brushed metal effect carton has more contemporary looking embossed heraldic symbols plus a gold band and deep red interior for a touch of luxury. |
Cognac brand rehomed at Chateau Bisquit
Distell, the world’s fourth largest producer of brandies, has bought a 19th-century chateau in the heart of Cognac to serve as the home for its recently acquired Bisquit Cognac brand. The site, which forms part of the former Raynal & Cie site that previously belonged to William Grant & Sons, will be renamed Chateau Bisquit.
The company, which purchased the Bisquit brand and associated inventories from Pernod Ricard in March, will relocate the production of the Cognac to Chateau Bisquit.
• Read the report |
 |
When is a whisky not a whisky? When it is alcohol-free?
An "alcohol-free whisky" was launched recently by Panama company Scottish Spirits and is now ready to be shipped.
”Being Halal approved, this product is perfect for markets such as Middle Eastern countries, Pakistan, Indonesia, Nigeria and any other country where there is a large Muslim population, which represents a market of around 1.3 billion people,” says Kevin Grattagliano Katz owner of Scottish Spirits.
“It looks and tastes exactly like traditional Scotch whisky,” he says.
"whisky" is made from natural ingredients, plus artificial flavours and natural malt extracts – but without alcohol, which some would say makes it not a whisky at all and should not be marketed as such.
Rrp US$20.00 per 70cl bottle.
 Email
the editor with your views |
 |
Glengoyne Distillery has bottled its oldest Scotch whisky, a 40 year old Highland single malt, in a hand-blown crystal decanter with gold engraving by Glencairn Crystal that makes a feature of the malt’s dark copper colour. The number of each bottle is engraved on the base, along with an etching of the distillery that reflects up through the malt.
The 11 times lacquered piano-finished solid oak wood presentation box, complete with gold plates on the front and hand-stitched cream leather interior, reinforces the quality and showcases the rich, natural colour of the malt.
An accompanying cream leather and gold foil traditionally bound book, personally signed by distillery manager, Robbie Hughes, provides tasting notes and detailed background on Glengoyne’s history as an independent distillery since 1833 |
 |
The hand-crafted presentation of the Chieftain’s Springbank 40 Years Old reflects the quality and rarity of the malt. Sleek and masculine, the bottle rests in a silver leather lined, piano finished, solid oak box which has been stained black and lacquered 11 times.
Two silver plaques on the front of the box display all the individual bottle details, as does the certificate of authenticity scroll, signed by Antony McCallum-Caron, Chieftain’s rare malt manager.
• Read the full report |
 |
Modern approach for age-old spirit.
•
Read the report
Cognac cocktails on-line
Over the past couple of years, mixologists around the world have
been rediscovering Cognac in cocktails. Now, an interactive website www.cognacsummit.com has
been launched to demonstratehow easy it is to make Cognac cocktails
at home |
Cognac
houses embrace modern looks and tastes
One common denominator across all the Cognac
houses is their acceptance of modernity – regardless of the age of
the liquor or the house itself, they have embraced contemporary packaging
design and produced some modernistic decanter style bottles which
without doubt enhance the value of the product inside.
This fresh, contemporary approach to an historic spirit that, until
recently, had a very old-fashioned image, marries well with the
cocktail culture of today that is fueling the growth of the spirit,
especially in the US markets. Over 70 per cent of the global consumers
of Cognac take it as a long drink, on ice or with sparkling water.
•
Read the report
Learn about Cognac
A new interactive training CD in English, French and German has
been produced by Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac
(BNIC).
•
Read more |
Green award for groundbreaking whisky strategy The Scotch Whisky Association has been presented with a Scottish Council (Development & Industry) Award for Excellence in Environmental Sustainability for its environmental strategy. The whisky industry aims to cut its use of fossil fuels by 80 per cent by 2050 as well as reduce significantly the average weight of packaging used, eliminate sending waste to landfill sites, source future whisky casks only from sustainable oak forests and to maintain the highest standards of water management.
Largest sponsorship deal by Pernod Ricard
Ballantine’s Scotch whisky has strengthened its global commitment to the world of golf by securing a three year extension to the brand’s hugely successful Korean sponsorship – the Ballantine’s Championship. The Ballantine’s Championship is Asia’s fourth biggest golf tournament and the largest sporting event in Korea. It is now an established platform which will drive Ballantine’s long-term relationship with the sport. Worth €12m annually, the deal is the largest ever sponsorship investment made by Pernod Ricard Group.
Benromach releases 10 Years Old malt
Speyside’s smallest distillery, Benromach, in Forres, has launched Benromach 10 Years Old, a golden malt with rich fruit, sweet chocolate and delicate spicy aromas. The distillery employs just two experienced distillers and is owned by Elgin-based whisky specialist Gordon & MacPhail.
Benromach 10 Years Old will have an RRP of £27.99 but will be released with a special introductory price of £24.99 in the UK. |
Grant’s invests in Classic FM sponsorship deal
Grant’s, distributed in the UK by First Drinks, is to be the main sponsor of Classic FM Live on September 24 at the Royal Albert Hall, London. The sponsorship package will expose the blended whisky brand to an audience of 9 million, through consumer PR, CRM, an online campaign, sampling and a daily radio broadcast on Classic FM in the run up to the event. The successful Grant’s Garden After Hours activity will also bring sampling to the Royal Albert Hall, promoting its popular on-going marketing campaign. |
 |
GlenDronach releases single casks
The GlenDronach Distillery has selected five vintages (1971, 1972, 1992, 1993 and 1996) for its first series of single cask bottlings since the distillery came under new ownership last year.
All five are richly sherried, from Oloroso sherry butts and are being bottled this month (July). Batch one is being marketed in 15 countries with shipments to the UK, Europe, South Africa, Asia and New Zealand scheduled for the first week of August |
 |
All hands on deck with Sailor Jerry
Sailor Jerry, the spiced rum brand distributed by First Drinks and targeted at 21 to 25 year olds, is to sponsor the Big Chill Festival in the UK this August. It also has a new website and online campaign to promote Sailor Jerry and the story of the man behind the brand, Norman Collins.
The UK on and off-trade will also be supported with a promotion entitled “All Hands on Deck” which will give consumers the chance to collect a pack of branded playing cards, and play Norman Collins online at Black Jack to win a holiday to California, his birthplace. |
Pusser’s rum supports navy fund
On July 30 (the eve of Black Tot Day) aboard the HMS Victory, Charles Tobias, owner of Pusser’s Rum will present a cheque to navy charities.
The donation has taken place every year since 1980 when the Admiralty gave permission to Pusser's to market the original navy rum. Since then over £1 million has been donated from Pusser’s to the Royal Navy Sailors Fund. Pusser’s pays a royalty to the Fund for every bottle sold.
This old photo depicts the last tot being served on Black Tot Day on HMS Forth. |
 |
Visitor centre gets cutting edge interactive show
The Famous Grouse Experience, Scotland’s most visited distillery, has invested £500,000 in a new interactive 3-D show.
The brand’s first show, which opened seven years ago, was awarded a BAFTA for Best Interactive Entertainment in 2002.
Using cutting edge ‘gesture technology’, the new show provides a higher level of interaction with the grouse directly responding to movements and gestures made by the guide and show participants. It is a global first time for this type of technology.
On entering the show visitors are introduced to The Famous Grouse before embarking on a flight across Scotland taking in some of the country’s most famous landmarks. Visitors can also fly the grouse themselves and by mimicking the grouse in flight they can guide it through a glen picking up musical notes along the way to create the grouse tune. |
 |
Red Stag for rock ‘n rebel drinkers
Jim Beam is supporting its launch of Red Stag, a cherry-infused Bourbon, by partnering US rock star Kid Rock as the headline sponsor of his Rock N' Rebels tour that hits 25 US cities this summer. Fifty cents from every ticket sold will be donated to Operation Homefront in aid of US military veterans.
Kid Rock will kick off the promotion by serving as a Grand Marshal of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series LifeLock 400 race at Michigan International Speedway. |
 |
Cognac reinvents the aroma wheel
Cognac now has an Aroma Wheel – the result of tasting and discussion by 50 top international sommeliers, Cognac cellar masters and spirits specialists.
The format of the differs from other versions in that it categorises aromas by the four seasons – spring summer, autumn and winter. |
| As Jérôme Durand, director of marketing and communications at the BNIC, explains, “Not only do Cognac styles can range from fresh and light to rich and deep, one’s appreciation of any Cognac will be different in different circumstances. It seemed to us that as the Aroma Wheel is designed to help consumers better understand and appreciate Cognac’s complex flavours and aromas, and help professional such as sommeliers and educators guide the public in this, it would be a good idea to link it to something like the seasons, which everybody can relate to.” |
The Glenrothes targets Taiwan
As The Glenrothes 1985 and 1987 vintages are becoming extinct, Berry Bros & Rudd Spirits has released two new vintage malts – 1988 and 1998 – to meet growing demand from emerging Eastern markets.
The Glenrothes 1988 (43% abv) will be launched in Taiwan at a super-premium price point of NT$5,500. And The Glenrorthes 1998 (43% abv) will be distributed in domestic markets as the core vintage in Taiwan, Singapore and China priced at NT$1500.
Following malt master John Ramsay’s imminent retirement, the signature of his replacement, Gordon Motion, will appear for the first time on the label of the 1998 vintage.
|
 |
Talisker supports Cowes Week 2009
The world's largest sailing regatta held on the Isle of Wight in the UK, has a new supporting sponsor, Talisker Single Malt Scotch whisky, which make it the first official whisky of Cowes Week. As part of the investment, it will be sampled throughout the week by sailors and visitors. Michelle Warner, sales and marketing director of Cowes Week comments: "Talisker has a long-standing association with sailing, making it the perfect partner for our regatta.”
High Strength Scotch made more widely available
William Grant has released its Glenfiddich 15 Year Old 51% ABV Distillery Edition single malt, previously only available at selected airports, in a selection of domestic markets. This newly packaged edition retails at £37.99 per 70cl bottle.
Revamp scheduled for Bushmills whiskey
Bushmills, Ireland's oldest whiskey distillery, is celebrating its 400th anniversary. Since Diageo bought the distillery in 2005, production has trebled. Diageo now says its global vision is to double its current annual sales from 500,00 cases to 1 million.
As part of these plans, Bushmills is being given a new look which is expected to be launched this Autumn. |
 |
Armagnac launch at LIWF
Château du Tariquet, independent Bas Armagnac producer since 1912, known for its stylish label and packaging designs has just released a new ultra modern 'Carrement VSOP' Bas Armagnac carafe for its VSOP blend, just in time for the London International Wine Fair.
• Read the report
The gardener's Scotch
Grant’s blended Scotch whisky is pushing ahead with the second phase of its ‘Grant’s Garden After Hours’ marketing campaign with TV gardeing presenter Chris Beardshaw. This year the promotion aims to highlight the social aspect of the garden. |
|
Hardys Cellar Collection: an on-trade exclusive
A new range of Hardys label wines has been made available exclusively to the UK on-trade by Constellation Europe. The Hardys Cellar Collection is designed to appeal to the key on-trade market of young professionals who look for familiarity on a wine list through recognisable brands and grape varieties. The range comprises well-known, food-friendly varietals with Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot as the launch varietals and a rosé to follow later in the year.
|
|
|
Old rum new presentation
Mount Gay Rum, from the Caribbean island of Barbados and thought to be one of the world’s oldest rums, this summer unveils a new presentation its Extra Old bottling.
Brand owner Rémy Cointreau Global Travel Retail revealed the new packaging at the IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas. The US accounts for 35% of global sales of rum with other countries in the Americas adding up to a further 20%.
The new bottle is embossed with the company crest and a refined black coloured label as befits the quality of the blend.
Mount Gay Rum has always had strong links with the yachting world and sponsors 120 regattas.
|
|
email
the editor with your comments
Subscribe
to our FREE fortnightly emailed newsletter
RSS feeds
Click on the links below to receive topic-specific news alerts
Packaging News
Business News
Wine News
Spirits News
Mix & Match
• Liqueurs
• Cocktails
• Food and drink
|
