News 293
LAPHROAIG® CELEBRATES
THE GOOD, BAD AND UNUSUAL OPINIONS OF WHISKY DRINKERS ACROSS THE WORLD WITH A LIVE TWITTER PROJECTION ONTO DISTILLERY WALL
FOR ONE WEEK ONLY, BIG OPINIONS WILL PROUDLY DISPLAY TWEETS DIRECTLY ONTO THE ICONIC WHITE DISTILLERY WALL ON THE SHORES OF ISLAY AS PART OF LAPHROAIG’S AWARD-WINNING #OPINIONSWELCOME™ CAMPAIGN
1 September 2016: Whether it’s “heavenly golden drops collected in one smokin’ bottle” or
“as if a merman washed his codpiece in antiseptic and dried it by the fire”, Laphroaig® is
celebrating the wild and wonderful descriptions of its award-winning liquid by asking the
public to share their opinions of the single malt Scotch whisky – in 140 characters or less.
Big Opinions will be live for one week only, 11 – 15 October 2016. Showcasing the divided opinions of
whisky fans from all corners of the globe, a real-time Twitter feed of the most outrageous and insightful
opinions will be projected onto the over 200 year old iconic white wall of the Laphroaig® distillery, Warehouse
No.1. Every opinion will be selected for display by Distillery Manager, John Campbell and will be presented
alongside the author’s Twitter handle, capturing their individual impression of Laphroaig’s distinctive and
widely divisive flavour profile.
BIG OPINIONS
The latest activation from the award-winning #OpinionsWelcome™ campaign, Big Opinions, asks whisky
lovers – and haters – to put their impression of Laphroaig® into words using the hashtag #OpinionsWelcome;
no easy feat. The Big Opinions campaign showcases the vivid descriptions of the International whisky
community and brings Laphroaig’s valued customers across the world closer to the distillery, in true
#OpinionsWelcome™ style.
The spectacle can be watched live at www.laphroaig.com/opinions, which will capture every imaginative post
throughout the 5-day event. Those selected to feature in the Big Opinions projection will receive photography
and a video of their own opinion up in lights on the distillery wall for the world to see, to share with their
fellow whisky drinkers.
THE DIVISIVE SINGLE MALT
Of all the Islay peated malts, it is Laphroaig® that gets the most extreme reactions. It’s a complex beast, and as
such has always divided opinion. You love it or you hate it – you are rarely indifferent. With its pungent,
earthy aroma of peat smoke, the sweet nuttiness of the barley and the heathery perfume of the Kilbride stream,
GLOBAL TRADE PRESS RELEASE SEPTEMBER 2016
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Laphroaig® is an unapologetically bold, rich and heavily peated single malt. It’s this complex flavour profile that
has garnered an impressively loyal and passionate following of whisky enthusiasts from around the world.
The iconic white wall of Warehouse No.1 with the bold Laphroaig® logo painted along its side is an instantly
recognisable symbol of the Scotch whisky’s long and illustrious heritage on Islay, whether you’re arriving at the
port from boat, plane or by foot.
#OpinionsWelcome™ is an open-armed invitation for all to express their feelings on this divisive whisky. Big
Opinions gives the public the chance to voice their opinions to the world. Be candid. Be real. Let creativity run
riot.
Remaining true to its word, your opinion of Laphroaig® truly is welcome.
Find out more about sharing your opinion at www.laphroaig.com/opinions
Laphroaig® press information:
For more information or images contact the Laphroaig® press office:
Laphroaig@ldrlondon.com | +44 207 851 6629
THE MACALLAN SINGLE MALT WHISKY
CELEBRATES COMMITMENT TO WOOD
The Macallan single malt whisky has unveiled a new premium gifting series, inspired by the brand’s commitment to exceptional oak casks, featuring a range of whiskies in the current portfolio. This celebration of wood highlights the oak casks which deliver 100% natural colour and account for up to 80% of the character of The Macallan.
The Macallan’s commitment to wood is unrivalled in the industry. From each acorn and individual tree, through to the selection of the sherry bodega that seasons the cask to their specifications, this obsession ensures The Macallan produces exceptional whiskies with rich colour and flavour delivered from the casks.
This new series, which features three distinct designs, is to be released sequentially over the next three years, beginning with Oak Forests.
The limited edition Oak Forests value added gift packs include The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Carton, The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Tin, The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Glass Pack and The Macallan Amber Glass & Water Jug Pack.
Available for a limited time only, this gifting series makes for the ideal gift or a collectable for any Macallan whisky enthusiast and has real standout appeal. The use of stunning photography showcased on these limited edition packs will appeal to those who love The Macallan and those looking for that special gift.
The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Carton
This single footprint carton box has a striking image which explores the journey of wood throughout the pack. The photography features on the limited edition label to help drive collectability and shelf-standout. The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Carton will be available from Sainsbury’s and Asda from September 2016.
The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Tin
A single footprint limited edition presentation pack made of tin with striking imagery reflecting an exploration of the journey of wood theme throughout the pack. The outer packaging will be collectable with the option of use by the consumer after purchase. The photography on the limited edition label will help drive collectability. The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Tin will be available from Waitrose and Tesco from September 2016.
The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Glass Pack
This double footprint limited edition rigid box has striking imagery which explores the journey of wood throughout the pack. The pack contains two etched whisky glasses inspired by the oak used to craft The Macallan’s exceptional casks. Distinctive glasses will be released annually to drive collectability. The Macallan Gold Limited Edition Glass Pack will be available from specialist and luxury whisky retailers from November 2016.
The Macallan Amber Glass & Water Jug Pack
This double footprint limited edition rigid box has striking imagery which explores the journey of wood throughout the pack. The glassware is bespoke to this limited edition, with wood etching featured on both The Macallan glass and water jug. Distinctive glasses will be released annually to encourage consumers to collect the series. The Macallan Amber Glass & Water Jug Pack will be available from specialist and luxury whisky retailers from November 2016.
The Macallan Gold value added gifting packs are available for an RRP of £38. The Macallan Amber value added gift pack is available for an RRP of £48.95.
Issued by BIG Partnership on behalf of Maxxium UK, for further information, please contact:
The Highly Anticipated Maker’s 46 Luxury Launch
Maxxium UK Is Extending Its Bourbon Portfolio With The Launch Of Maker’s 46
The much anticipated Maker’s Mark variant is targeted at premium on trade and luxury retail outlets and will be available from September following a preview in Harrods from 24th August.
Maker’s 46 is created by removing fully matured Maker’s Mark bourbon from its barrel, affixing ten seared French oak staves to the inside of the original barrel, then putting the Maker’s Mark back in and aging it several more months. This second maturation is carried out in the coolest part of the warehouse, resulting in a complex and delicious flavour profile of caramel, vanilla and spice. This rich liquid is bigger and bolder but with the drinkability that is synonymous with Maker’s Mark. The number 46 refers to the 46th recipe Bill Samuel’s Sr created before finally identifying the sought after unique stave profile used to deliver its distinctive taste.
Created to be sipped neat or over ice, Maker’s 46 has been carefully crafted using the traditional Maker’s Mark ingredients, including red winter wheat for its gentle, smooth taste.
The elongated 700ml bottle is premium and elegant, with the Maker’s 46 logo etched on the glass. The iconic Maker’s Mark hand-dipped red wax finishes the look.
The launch is being supported by an interactive bartender event at Dandelyan on 24th August and consumer activity in Harrods from 26th August, including tutored tastings and a caricaturist who will create bespoke gifts.
Maxxium UK’s Marketing Controller for Imported Whiskey, Janice McIntosh, says: “Maker’s 46 is uniquely crafted to deliver an exceptional flavour that is bigger and bolder while maintaining the smoothness of Maker’s Mark. Bartenders and bourbon aficionados will be keen to welcome this premium expression as it meets the growing appetite for quality bourbons and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce it to the UK”
Maker’s 46 is bottled at 47% ABV, 2% higher than Maker’s Mark and has an RRP of £39.99(700ml).
LONDON’S BEST NEW WHISKEY AFFAIR RETURNS
An Exciting Event For Any Casual or Serious Fans of Scotch and Bourbon
The Whiskey Affair continues it’s nationwide tour by returning to Reading on the 22nd October! Coming on the back of their hugely successful Guildford event, it’s a lively and fun night out for any fans of whiskey where they can discover new brands and blends – with the event split into four sections – scotch, bourbon, whiskey and whiskey cocktails – there’s something for all levels of knowledge from beginners right through to connoisseurs.
The event takes place at The Great Hall, London Rd, Reading, RG1 5QA and has two sessions. The afternoon session is 1pm-5pm and the evening 7pm-11pm. Tickets are £8 each and available here now. This new festival started in London last year and has moved nationwide in 2016. It originated from a simple idea: to allow people to comprehensively explore the world of whiskey against a backdrop of For the Whiskey Affair Reading, they’ve stepped it up another gear. Alongside live music and representatives from the brands, they’ve got tasting sessions, free samples from a number of new brands, an array of spectacular moonshines from the guys at Shine London (warning: it packs a punch!) All these factors and more mean you’re in for a great night and even friends and partners with no interest in whiskey can sample the cocktail menu and still enjoy the night. And who knows – with a variety of whiskeys ranging from smooth bourbons to spiced whiskies, you may even be able to change their minds…
Organiser Catherine Jackson is keen to evangelise about the whiskey possibilities and share her enthusiasm with a wide audience:
“Back when I started my affair with whiskey, I had so many friends who were knowledgeable about different whiskeys and I was often lost as to where to start. I wanted to dip my toe into the differences and similarities within the brands and learn how to judge which finishes and ages suited my tastes more but I wanted to do so with friends and have a good night out at the same time.
There are some wonderful, smaller independent distillers involved next to household names so there is a true mix of
brands to sample. We’ll have wonderful live music from Becki Short and speakers to provide our entertainment
for the evening and a photo booth will allow a permanent (and occasionally risqué!) memory of the night. It’s
going to be great fun and we can’t wait to share it!”
Email:info@thewhiskeyaffair.co.uk
THE FAMOUS GROUSE ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF…
THE ‘FAMOUS FRIDAYS’ HEADLINER COMPETITION
The Famous Grouse has released the winners of its ‘Famous Fridays’ headliner competition.
The competition which launched at the beginning of July by Scotland’s favourite whisky gave four talented artists or bands the chance to win a headline slot like no other and earn the right to say they have played on stage at The Famous Grouse House this Edinburgh Festival!
The winners; Edinburgh based electronic pop rock band DMS will be joined by psychedelic pop band The Mink Stoles, Livingston born Adriana Spina, who will perform her unique brand of alternative acoustic Americana – some of which has enjoyed immediate critical acclaim including being listed as “Single of the Week” on BBC Radio Scotland, as well as folky indie pop singer-songwriter Lou Mclean, who combines her exceptional voice with original acoustic guitar – providing an array of musical talent to the famous venue.
Scottish entertainer and Forth 1 radio presenter Grant Scott was joined by Edinburgh born musical director, writer and producer David Whitmey, who has worked with the likes of The Wanted, Mika and The Saturdays, to lend their ears and help The Famous Grouse team to help choose the lucky shortlist before the going through to the next stage – the public vote via The Famous Grouse Facebook page.
David Whitmey, who is currently working with Gary Barlow and Sony Records projects, said : “This was an amazing chance for unsigned bands and artists to win a prime slot to headline on one of the most coveted stages at the Edinburgh Festival this August. The quality of entries was exceptional and it was a tough call when it came to selecting the shortlist. The winners all have huge potential and we can’t wait to have them perform on the stage. They will be joined by some of Scotland’s best up and coming bands and breaking acts from all over the globe”
The competition was launched to celebrate the return of The Famous Grouse House for its second consecutive year to Scotland’s Capital and Edinburgh’s International Festival Fringe this August (Wednesday 3rd August – Saturday 27th August 2016)
The winners will be joined by some of Scotland’s best music acts and musical fringe performances from all over the globe, as part of the eclectic festival programme at The New Town Theatre. Located just outside this popular festival venue, on a pedestrian friendly section of George Street, The Famous Grouse House will be open daily from 11:00am to midnight and include performances from the hugely popular Posable Action Figures, Glasgow based indie rock band Kelvin and the hugely admired solo artist Luke Carey taking to the stage. With critically acclaimed new music, a festival vibe and a fresh sense of fun, The Famous Grouse House is going to be the perfect place to soak up the best of the festival.
Johna Penman, Marketing Controller, The Famous Grouse commented: “Congratulations to our four winners! The Famous Grouse House made its name at the festival last year with a combination of great live music every day and a variety of refreshing summer serves. We can’t wait to welcome DMS, The Mink Stoles, Lou McLean and Adriana Spina to our famous venue – there’s no better place to be this August.”
The Famous Grouse House will be open daily from the 3rd to the 27th August, from 11am until midnight, with live music every day, situated outside New Town Theatre, 96 George Street.
Please enjoy our whisky responsibly www.drinkaware.co.uk
For more information visit www.famousgrouse.com. For the latest news follow on twitter @TheFamousGrouse or Facebook at: TheFamousGrouseUK #famousgrousehouse #famousfridays
