Diversity & Inclusion

August 2019 - Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky has announced the release of Bowmore® 36-Year-Old Dragon Edition, a new expression from the world’s oldest Scotch maturation warehouse, the famous No.1 Vaults. 

Featuring the mythical Chinese dragon, the 36-year-old whisky pays homage to the iconic Bowmore 30-Year-Old Sea Dragon, which celebrated a famous myth of Islay. Renewing this tradition, the new expression celebrates the mythical creatures that live on in Chinese culture today. 

The first of a series of four, the 36-Year-Old liquid has been specially selected from the same parcel of sherry casks used to create the iconic Bowmore 30-Year-Old Sea Dragon, exclusively released to Asia in 2012. Born and shaped by time, the mythical dragon featured on the bottling ensures balance in everything – just like Bowmore’s master distiller. With only 888 bottles available, matched with the pedigree of the iconic 30-Year-Old Sea Dragon, this incredible expression will be highly prized and sought after from whisky enthusiasts across China. 

The 36-Year-Old Dragon Edition is an exquisite example of Bowmore’s rich fruit and smoke house style. With a rich dark natural colour, the whisky offers aromas of tropical fruit, toffee apple and caramelised orange with a hint of pine needle scent. It finishes with a floral and peppery tinge, balanced by oak spices and a touch of iodine. This carefully crafted single malt is best savoured neat or over ice.  

David Turner, Bowmore® Distillery Manager, comments: “This new expression is a homage to the 30-Year-Old Sea Dragon that’s been much loved and collected by Bowmore fans across China. Born from an island that is rich with heritage and legends, Bowmore is celebrating the legendary creatures of Chinese mythology that are the protectors of people – just as Bowmore has protected and matured this precious liquid for 36 years. We’ve taken this amazing legacy and renewed it for the next generation of whisky drinkers”.

John Lomas, Prestige Director Beam Suntory, stated: “Bowmore is an incredible single malt with an iconic legacy. Today it continues to create some of the finest whisky in the world. With this new release of Bowmore 36-Year-Old Dragon edition, we are renewing this story for the next generation. We believe the time we’ve invested in perfecting our craftmanship over the last 50 years is shown in the quality of our whisky producing, and we’re excited to share this.”

Bowmore® 36-Year-Old Dragon Edition will be exclusively available at Whisky L and through select outlets from August at $2000.

Tasting notes:

• Colour: (natural) Burnt Umber
• Nose: Scented wood, cedar, beeswax, tropical fruit, toffee apple, old leather, coconuts, rich Demerara sugar, cinnamon, a touch of aniseed, liquorice, caramelised orange peels and ginger.
• Palate: Dried fruits, sultanas, Corinth raisins, roasted coffee beans and dark chocolate.
• Finish: Floral, peppery with oak spices and iodine.
• Bottled at natural colour and strength

ABOUT BOWMORE®
Founded in 1779, Bowmore® is the oldest distillery on Islay, one of the Scottish isles which make up the region known as the 'Islands' in the lexicon of Whisky.  The other regions are the Highlands, Speyside and the Lowlands.  Islay malts are famous for their characteristic smokiness and Bowmore® is no exception; the malt is carefully smoked in a peat-fired kiln, using skills honed over two centuries to craft a perfectly balanced Single Malt.

Time is savoured at Bowmore® and the distillery’s adherence to traditional production methods helps to shape the character of its Single Malts. Today, it prides itself as one of the rare distilleries which still produces its own floor malted barley, hand-turned by a traditional wooden malt shovel and hand drawn machinery.  Water for the whiskies is specially drawn from the Laggan River, with its rich peaty overtones – the same Islay peat that fires the malt-drying kiln. 

Bowmore® Distillery's close proximity to the sea is also vital in determining the final character of its spirit. The legendary Bowmore® No. 1 Vaults is where most of the whiskies spend their long lives resting quietly in the cool, dark, damp cellars below sea level, oblivious to the waves thrashing the vault's sea-facing wall. 

They mature in oak casks, previously used for bourbon, sherry or claret, gradually developing rich and mellow flavours until the expertise of our whisky makers deems them ready for bottling.  It is this combination of peat, barley, sea breeze, water, wood, people and tradition that together create the perfectly balanced warm and smoky character of Bowmore® Single Malt Scotch Whiskies. Through peerless maturation expertise and sense of timing, Bowmore® is “Time, Savoured®” – a rich reward for those that appreciate the value of time and an exquisite whisky coveted the world over.

Awards:

• ISC 2018 | Gold for 15 Year Old (GTR)
• ISC 2018 | Gold for 18 Year Old
• IWSC 2018 | Gold for 15 Year Old
• IWSC 2018 | Gold for 18 Year Old
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018 | Gold for 12 Year Old
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018 | Super Gold for 18 Year Old
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2018 | Super Gold for 15 Year Old Darkest
• ISC 2017 | Gold for 12 Year Old
• ISC 2017 | Gold for 18 Year Old (GTR)
• San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017 | Gold for 18 Year Old
• International Spirits Challenge 2017 | Gold for 12 Year Old
• International Spirits Challenge 2017 | Gold for 18 Year Old (GTR)

Bowmore® supports www.drinkaware.co.uk

About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur. 

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

© 2019 Beam Suntory, Inc., Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60654

Chicago, Ill. (July 10, 2019) - Courvoisier®, the most awarded cognac house*, and UNINTERRUPTED, the athlete empowerment brand founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, are proud to join forces on a first-of-its-kind, live athlete storytelling partnership called “UNINTERRUPTED Live: The Day Ones.” As part of the collaboration, Courvoisier and UNINTERRUPTED are empowering athletes to toast to their “day ones,” the individuals who have played an instrumental role in their journey to success through a live storytelling event and content series. “UNINTERRUPTED Live: The Day Ones” empowers athletes to own their narrative and express their point of view to offer viewers and fans a deeper, more authentic understanding of the athletes they admire. Alongside host Jemele Hill, storytellers Jason Collins, Al Harrington, Sue Bird and Taylor Rooks took the stage to share first-person memories and experiences in front of a live audience.

We’re excited to partner with UNINTERRUPTED to launch this first-of-its-kind storytelling platform,” said Rashidi Hodari, Vice President of Marketing at Courvoisier. "Courvoisier was founded on the principle that we are a community, not a company. This collaboration is an incredible opportunity for us to encourage our fans to strive for their dreams while acknowledging those who helped them get there. 

“Athletes are natural storytellers and performers, and until now, our exposure to them as performers has been somewhat limited to what we see on the field or the court,” said Maverick Carter, CEO of UNINTERRUPTED. “Together with Courvoisier, we’re empowering these incredibly talented performers to be More Than An Athlete and own their stories in a wholly unique way, giving the audience a window into the lives and talents of some of the biggest athletes in the world.”

The partnership puts athletes center stage for a first-person performance that combines diverse storytelling techniques like theater, music, animation and video to create a one-of-a-kind experience for the athlete and fan that incorporates stories of mentorship, perseverance and shared success. These stories will live as an online content series that will be distributed across UNINTERRUPTED and Courvoisier social platforms including Instagram, Twitter and Facebook starting in August. 

“UNINTERRUPTED Live: The Day Ones” with Courvoisier is the first event for UNINTERRUPTED Live, a new event franchise that takes UNINTERRUPTED’s mission to empower athletes to be More Than An Athlete beyond content to live events and experiences. The partnership with UNINTERRUPTED supports Courvoisier’s “Honor Your Code” platform, which celebrates the influences, life lessons, convictions and ideas that guide life’s choices and inspires others to share their success with those who matter most.

About Courvoisier

The House of Courvoisier was founded by Louis Gallois and Emmanuel Courvoisier based on their belief in the power of the collective. It is this conviction that inspired Courvoisier to nurture close relationships with respected artisans and winegrowers to produce its high quality, award-winning Cognac since 1828.  Courvoisier Cognac has several expressions, which appeal to a variety of Cognac preferences and lifestyles, including VS, VSOP, Sherry Cask Finish, XO, Initiale Extra, and the ultimate expression of the House, L’Essence de Courvoisier.

To learn more about Courvoisier Cognac, visit www.courvoisier.com and follow us on Instagram.

*Based on top 25 US and UK spirits awards competitions from 2013 – 2018.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur. 

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

About UNINTERRUPTED

UNINTERRUPTED is an athlete empowerment brand founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter. The company is built upon the radical idea that all athletes should have a platform to express themselves without intermediaries. From this premise, a mission was born: to empower athletes from all walks of life to communicate in an unimpeded way and to be More Than an Athlete. UNINTERRUPTED is upending the world of sports media by working with athletes to tell unique, human stories from their point of view. Through content, merchandise, events, partnerships and educational opportunities, UNINTERRUPTED is changing the way athletes engage with the public and empowering them to be known and valued for more than the sport they play.

Courvoisier® Cognac, 40% alc./vol. Courvoisier Import Company, Chicago, IL USA, Courvoisier is a trademark of Courvoisier S.A.S. ©2019 Courvoisier S.A.S.

Chicago, Ill. (July 9, 2019) – Cruzan® Rum is proud to announce the addition of a limited-edition Cruzan® Watermelon Rum to its portfolio of premium, flavored rums. Available nationally, this refreshing new flavor is the perfect addition to anyone’s bar cart this summer, as it offers the mouthwatering taste of a juicy watermelon. 

“We are excited to release Cruzan Watermelon Rum, as this new expression demonstrates our dedication to producing high quality and innovative flavored rums,” said Gary Nelthropp, Cruzan Master Distiller. “This new expression truly captures the spirit of summer and the Island of St. Croix for all to enjoy at their next gathering.”

Cruzan Watermelon Rum takes the sweetness of a fresh cut, juicy watermelon, and balances that flavor with a hint of slightly tart watermelon rind for a clean finish. Like all Cruzan Rums, Cruzan Watermelon Rum was crafted by Master Distiller, Gary Nelthropp, whose family has been making rum on the island of St. Croix for generations. It is made from natural ingredients including cane molasses and tropical rainwater, using a unique five-column distillation process to create one of the cleanest-tasting, highest-quality rum on the market.

As part of Cruzan’s Island Spirit Fund, $1 from every case of Cruzan Watermelon Rum sold will go to Cruzan’s Island Spirit Fund, developed to provide relief following 2017’s devastating Hurricanes Maria and Irma. Introduced last year, the Island Spirit Fund supports short-and long-term disaster relief efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands and across the United States to help rebuild and reinvigorate communities impacted by storms of all kinds. To-date, the Fund has raised nearly $1.6 million, through individual donations, Cruzan’s case matching program, and case-matching donation commitments from distributor partners. This summer, Cruzan encourages its fans to celebrate the spirit of St. Croix with this new Watermelon Rum expression.

Not only does Cruzan Watermelon Rum mix perfectly with fruit juices and iced tea, but it also lends itself in your favorite summertime cocktail, including Cruzan’s Tropical Fizz. 

Cruzan® Tropical Fizz

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ part Cruzan® Watermelon Rum
• ¾ part Pineapple Juice
• ½ part Lemon Juice
• Soda water

Method: Combine all ingredients except soda water and serve over ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with frozen watermelon cubes.

Cruzan Watermelon Rum is now available with a suggested retail price of $11.99 per 750 mL bottle. It joins the Cruzan portfolio of rums that include  Cruzan® Single Barrel, Cruzan® Estate Diamond™ Aged Dark Rum, Cruzan® Hurricane Proof™ Aged Light Rum, Cruzan® Black Strap Rum, Cruzan® Aged Dark Rum, Cruzan® Aged Light Rum, and 16 flavored rums infused with natural flavors, such as peach, coconut, key lime and blueberry lemonade. 

For more information, please visit www.CruzanRum.com, www.YouTube.com/CruzanRum, like us on www.facebook.com/CruzanRum or follow us on Twitter @CruzanRum.

About Cruzan Rum Distillery

Named for the people of St. Croix (Crucians), Cruzan Rum Distillery is a quality spirit, crafted for consumers to embrace all of life’s flavors surrounded by quality people. Cruzan Rum, distilled by the Nelthropp family, who has called the island home for eight generations, is a better tasting rum due to its ingredients and a unique five-column distillation process. Cruzan touts one of the cleanest-tasting rums in the industry – a characteristic derived from crafting a spirit with low levels of fusel oils, a by-product of the fermentation process which, if not removed, can taint the smell and taste of the rum.

Cruzan Watermelon Rum joins Cruzan’s extensive portfolio of rums which includes Cruzan Hurricane Proof™ Rum, Cruzan Aged Dark Rum, Cruzan Aged Light Rum, as well as our Distiller’s Collection, which includes Cruzan Single Barrel Rum, Cruzan Estate Diamond™ Aged Dark Rum, Cruzan Estate Diamond™  Aged Light Rum, and Cruzan Black Strap Rum, in addition to more than 16 flavored rums infused with natural flavors, including: vanilla, coconut, black cherry, mango, key lime, and passion fruit.  Cruzan Single Barrel Rum and Cruzan Aged Dark Rum were most recently recognized with gold medals in the 2017 Rum Masters awards, a prestigious blind taste-testing competition that chooses the best among rums worldwide in the light, dark, extra-aged, super-premium, and flavor categories.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur. 

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com. 

Cruzan® Rum with natural watermelon flavors, 21% Alc./Vol. ©2019 CRUZAN International, Chicago, IL USA.

Chicago, Illinois, June 25, 2019 – Beam Suntory has named Jessica Spence to be the company’s first President of Brands. Spence will join Beam Suntory from Carlsberg Group, where she currently serves as Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer.

In this new role, Spence will have P&L responsibility for Beam Suntory’s largest global brands, and will work closely with the region presidents to lead the company’s global premiumization agenda. In addition to end-to-end global brand strategy, development and performance, Spence will lead global innovation and product R&D; emerging marketing technologies, tools and platforms; and integrated marketing communications and design.

“As we accelerate our path of premiumization and pursue our long-term ambitions, we will focus on building global premium brands of scale that consumers love,” said Albert Baladi, President & CEO of Beam Suntory. “Jessica is a true global enterprise leader with an impressive track record and the passion to match. With a powerful combination of brand-building leadership and commercial prowess, she is the perfect fit for this new role, for our strategic ambitions, and for our culture.”

Spence joined Carlsberg in 2012, and she currently leads Carlsberg’s global marketing, sales, insights, R&D and innovation functions. She previously served as Carlsberg’s Senior Vice President Commercial based in Copenhagen, and in senior commercial and marketing roles for Carlsberg Asia based in Hong Kong. Prior to joining Carlsberg in 2012, Spence held marketing roles of increasing responsibility for SABMiller in Russia, Slovakia and Poland, as well as in business development based in London. She also has prior experience with global advertising agencies Leo Burnett and J Walter Thompson. She is a graduate of Cambridge University, the London School of Economics & Political Science (post-graduate diploma), and INSEAD (MBA). 

Spence will join Beam Suntory in October and will report to Baladi.
 
About Beam Suntory Inc.
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur. 

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com. 

© 2019 Beam Suntory, Inc., Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60654

Schiedam (NL)/Frankfurt (DE), June 11, 2019 – De Kuyper Royal Distillers and Beam Suntory will extend their collaboration to the German market. Effective July 1, 2019, the two major spirits companies which already cooperate in The Netherlands, Austria and the United States, will pursue their shared sustainable growth strategy and combine their perfectly fitting premium portfolios to delight the German bar scene as well as off-trade outlets. Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, will distribute and market the following De Kuyper liqueur and spirits brands in Germany: De Kuyper cocktail liqueurs, Peachtree, Rutte Gins & Genever, Mandarine Napoléon, Bébo Cuban coffee liqueur, Kwai Feh lychee liqueur, De Kuyper Piña Colada, Fiorito Limoncello and Cherry Heering. 

“We are delighted to extend our collaboration with De Kuyper now as well to Germany," says Nicole Ehlen, Managing Director Beam Suntory Germany. "The De Kuyper products complement our portfolio very well and with Beam Suntory’s own global brands like Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark or Roku Gin, we can offer complete and innovative cocktail solutions to our German customers."

The Dutch spirits company is working to enable more people to enjoy the best taste by always mixing premium cocktails with De Kuyper products. 

“Our long-term international partnership is based on a considered growth strategy. We choose the best-positioned party for each market. For the German market, we are delighted to rely on Beam Suntory, which is well-positioned to successfully grow our brands due to its long-standing experience, successes and excellent network in the on- and off-trade,” says Mark de Witte, CEO of De Kuyper Royal Distillers, explaining the goal of the distribution agreement with Beam Suntory. “For us it is, moreover, a logical step to consistently follow our vision to ‘Own the Cocktail’.” 

“We also want to take this opportunity to thank BORCO and especially the Matthiesen family for our long and trusting cooperation. BORCO has mainly shaped our brands in Germany in recent years with its excellent brand building and distribution power in the German on- and off-trade and our success is to its credit. We are grateful for more than just a partnership that we built,” de Witte adds.

As the world’s largest premium cocktail liqueur brand with over 320 years of experience and operating in over 100 markets worldwide, De Kuyper makes a difference in producing the best-tasting liqueurs for every individual taste. The Dutch spirits company, one of the Netherlands’ 10 oldest family-owned businesses, is driven by an entrepreneurial passion for the distilled product. 

De Kuyper aims to be the best spirits partner for trade and bartenders worldwide. Focus brands are the De Kuyper cocktail liqueurs which represent the backbone of the business: Rutte Gin & Genever, botanical experts since 1872, Mandarine Napoléon, the original only mandarin-infused, cognac-based liqueur, and Peachtree, the only true peach liqueur in the world, as well as Kwai Feh Lychee Liqueur, Bebo Cuban Coffee Liqueur and Cherry Heering Liqueur, globally known as the original “Cherry Brandy”.

About Beam Suntory 

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur.  

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

About De Kuyper Royal Distillers 

De Kuyper Royal Distillers is a family-owned liqueur and premium juniper-base spirits company founded in 1695 by Petrus De Kuyper. The company, headquartered in Schiedam near Rotterdam (NL), owns the global market-leading brand in cocktail liqueurs and is both the owner and the producer of a number of world-famous liqueurs such as Peachtree, Cherry Heering, Mandarine Napoléon and the juniper-based spirits of the Rutte international range. Mark de Witte is the company’s global CEO. Media contact De Kuyper Royal Distillers: Yvonne Naber, Global PR, ynaber@dekuyper.nl 

Clermont, KY (June 4, 2019) – Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon, one of the fastest growing super-premium bourbons on the market, proudly announces the limited-time release of Basil Hayden’s Caribbean Reserve Rye™. Taking inspiration from the contrasting flavors of rye and rum, this blend of two Rye Whiskies finished with Black Strap Rum pushes category boundaries to offer whiskey fans an experience that is truly unique and perfect for warm, summer months.   

Crafted as an approachable whiskey expression, Basil Hayden’s Caribbean Reserve Rye features a blend of 8-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and 4-year-old Canadian Rye Whisky, which brings layers of distinct spice, toasted oak and vanilla notes. The blend is then finished with the addition of Black Strap Rum which adds sweet notes of brown sugar and molasses to the final taste profile. The resulting balance of sweet and spice, offered at an approachable 80 proof, makes Basil Hayden’s Caribbean Reserve Rye the perfect sip to enjoy whether you’re a tried and true fan or whiskey novice.

With the release of Caribbean Reserve Rye, we wanted to give our fans a fun whiskey expression that you can bring out and share during warmer weather occasions, whether that’s mixing it up at an outdoor barbeque or gifting it for a housewarming celebration,” said Rob Mason, Vice President Marketing, Whiskey at Beam Suntory. “As a brand that has always broken traditional whiskey expectations, we’re excited to help our fans discover new, interesting ways to enjoy the rye category, and Caribbean Reserve Rye does just that.

Best enjoyed sipped neat, on the rocks or in a modern, summer cocktail, Basil Hayden’s Caribbean Reserve Rye features the following characteristics:

• Proof: 80
• Color: Golden Honey
• Aroma: Rich caramel and brown sugar complemented by back notes of soft rye and vanilla
• Taste: A balanced blend of sumptuous rye and brown sweets with an ample woody accent 
• Finish: A pleasant, long lingering warmth

The launch of Basil Hayden’s Caribbean Reserve Rye builds on momentum set by two successful, previous limited-edition rye launches – Basil Hayden’s® Rye Whiskey and Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye® Whiskey - as well as the introduction of the brand’s permanent expression, Basil Hayden’s® Dark Rye. Each expression has pushed the limits of category convention to bring something unexpected to whiskey fans.

Basil Hayden’s Caribbean Reserve Rye is now available nationwide for a limited time with a suggested retail price of $44.99 for a 750mL bottle. Look for it packaged in a deep blue, hand-applied parchment bib and wrapped with the copper belt iconic to Basil Hayden’s.

For more information about this release, visit www.basilhaydens.com or contact beam@wearemultip.ly.

About Basil Hayden's®

Basil Hayden's is known for standing out in the crowd. The distinctive flavor of Basil Hayden’s Bourbon was originally inspired by the legend of a family recipe said to date back to 1796 when Master Distiller Basil Hayden Sr. broke 'the rules' by mixing the spiciness of rye with the smoothness of corn to create a light-bodied, mixable and smooth bourbon. Today, Basil Hayden's is crafting its own story by providing a welcoming, yet versatile sipping experience for whiskey drinkers of all taste levels to share with friends and family. Beyond its flagship Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, the brand has pushed the boundaries of innovation in recent years, specifically exploring the unique taste profile of rye. These intriguing offerings have included Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey, Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye, Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye and Basil Hayden’s 10 Year Old Bourbon.

About Beam Suntory Inc.

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and Midori liqueur. 

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Basil Hayden’s Caribbean Reserve Rye™, Kentucky Rye Whiskey blended with Canadian Rye Whisky and Black Strap Rum, 40% Alc./Vol. ©2019 Kentucky Springs Distilling Co., Clermont, KY

(CHICAGO) June 5, 2019 – When considering a bottle of bourbon for an upcoming Father’s Day gift, recent survey results prove that taste means more than hype. American whiskey drinkers prefer Jim Beam Black®, which retails for $23, over one of the most expensive and rare bourbons in the world. Today, Jim Beam® Bourbon announced results from an independent nationwide blind taste test that show drinkers of American whiskey prefer the taste of Jim Beam Black® over one of the most iconic bourbons that can cost up to $3,000; respondents also said Jim Beam Black tasted smoother.

The Beverage Testing Institute (BTI), an independent, third-party alcohol beverage research firm, conducted the blind taste test in multiple markets across the country. Participants tasted two samples: one being a $23 bottle of Jim Beam Black and the other an iconic bourbon with a limited production that can cost up to $3,000.

For 224 years, my family has focused on making great bourbon, so people can enjoy quality time with their loved ones, especially on a day like Father’s Day,” said Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh-generation master distiller. “We like to let our bourbon speak for itself, so we’re not really surprised by the results of this taste test, which proves that bourbon can be really special and affordable at the same time. 

Jim Beam Black is a premium bourbon with a flavorful character made to be sipped and savored and was rated the No. 1 bourbon in the world after winning the Bourbon Trophy, the highest accolade awarded in the bourbon category at the 2016 International Wine & Spirits Competition. The extra time Jim Beam Black spends in rackhouses results in a perfectly aged liquid containing a full-bodied flavor with smooth caramel and warm oak notes. 

Not only is Jim Beam Black the preferred choice, but it also has a suggested retail price of $22.99, making it a more accessible option for fathers to enjoy this Father’s Day. Gift-givers can also complement their bottle purchase with Jim Beam Black swag, which can be purchased on the e-store at Store.JimBeam.com.

Jim Beam Black is available at select retailers nationwide and can be purchased online at Drizly.com or through the Drizly app.

For more information about Jim Beam Black, follow Jim Beam on Twitter (@jimbeam) and Instagram (@jimbeamofficial) or visit http://www.jimbeam.com. 

About Jim Beam® Bourbon

Jim Beam is the world’s best-selling bourbon, crafted by seven generations of family distillers since 1795. Elegant. Smooth. Refined. That’s what years of aging in new charred oak barrels does to our Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s seventh generation master distiller, has stayed true to the family recipe that’s been passed down through generations. The Jim Beam portfolio of products includes Jim Beam Bourbon, Jim Beam Black, Jim Beam Double Oak, Jim Beam Devil’s Cut, Jim Beam Bonded, Jim Beam Rye, Jim Beam Distiller’s Masterpiece, Jim Beam Vanilla, Jim Beam Apple, Jim Beam Honey and Jim Beam Kentucky Fire among other offerings.

About the Beverage Testing Institute

The Beverage Testing Institute is the oldest alcohol beverage research firm in the United States. Since 1981 they’ve been helping beverage companies make smart production and marketing decisions using expert test design, their proprietary data-driven methodology, and industry-leading consumer research.

They conduct year-round, professional evaluations of wines, beers, and spirits in their dedicated tasting lab several days a week to produce the ratings and reviews for their numerous competitions, reviews, and projects. Their blind tasting panels include highly experienced, professional tasters and tastemakers that are industry buyers and experts such as beverage directors, educators, retailers, restaurateurs, mixologists, and prominent beverage writers. For more information about BTI, visit their website: http://www.tastings.com.