JOHNNIE WALKER RED ADDS NEW ALCOHOL AND NUTRITION LABELLING

Diageo has today announced that its Johnnie Walker blended Scotch whisky, will be its first global brand to provide consumers with on-pack alcohol content and nutritional information.

Initially rolling out on bottles of Johnnie Walker Red Label, the new labels conform to the Diageo Consumer Information Standards, which come into force tomorrow and will apply to all Diageo brands.

Johnnie Walker Red Label with new alcohol and nutrition labelling

The Diageo Consumer Information Standards were developed and based on research of more than 1,500 consumers around the world, including participants from the UK, Spain, Mexico and North America.

The new label design reflects the way consumers want to receive and can understand information on alcohol content. Those surveyed said that when too much information is placed on the label it can be confusing and they may ignore it all.

The research also found that of all the information that could be included, their preference was for alcohol information; ABV, alcohol units, calories per serve, sugar content, allergens and brand facts, such as how a product is made and quality assurances.

Commenting on the news, Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive, Diageo said: "We believe people should have the best possible information to make informed choices about what they drink: this includes alcohol content and nutritional information per typical serve. Johnnie Walker is one of our largest global brands, which means these new labels will arm millions of people around the world with clear information about what's in their glass and in a way they can understand at a glance."

The new labels for Johnnie Walker Red Label, will go into production in the autumn and up to 30 million bottles of Johnnie Walker Red Label, with the new on-pack alcohol content and nutritional information, will be available globally by the end of the year.

Label updates to Johnnie Walker Black Label, Double Black, Gold Label Reserve, Platinum and Green Label are also planned for the first half of 2017.

Posted by Steve Rush

TOBERMORY LAUNCHES 42 YEAR OLD GLOBAL TRAVEL RETAIL EXCLUSIVE

Tobermory Distillery has announced the launch of a new limited edition 42 Year Old single malt scotch whisky, exclusive to global travel retail.

Tobermory 42 Year Old (48.1% ABV) is deep walnut in colour and is said to have an intense, heavily sherried nose with sooty smoke, liquorice and hints of black cherry, followed by flavours of bitter dark chocolate, coffee and oak.

Tobermory 42 Year Old

Limited to just 650 bottles, this latest release from the Isle of Mull based distillery, comes presented in a bespoke presentation box, which features an exclusive painting of Tobermory’s iconic colourful, waterfront cottages specially created by renowned island artist, Angus Stewart.

Commenting on the launch, Alison Gibb, Global Marketing Manager for Distell’s Malts Portfolio, said: “This limited edition release offers a unique opportunity for discerning whisky fans, collectors and connoisseurs to purchase a historic malt from the only distillery on the picturesque Hebridean Isle of Mull. Rich and luxurious, its nose, palate, finish and presentation, all reflect the craftsmanship and passion involved in creating such a special malt.”

Tobermory 42 Year Old, will be available next month, exclusively in global travel retail for a RRP of £2,500.

Posted by Steve Rush

FAMOUS GROUSE POP UP BAR RETURNS TO EDINBURGH WITH THE LAUNCH OF NEW HEADLINER COMPETITION

The Famous Grouse has announced that it will be returning to Edinburgh’s International Fringe Festival in August, with its Famous Grouse House pop up bar. 

Ahead of this years event, the blended Scotch whisky brand has launched a competition, giving four artists or bands the chance to win a headline slot at a major venue, during this year’s festival.


The Famous Grouse House in 2015

The Famous Grouse is inviting artists over the age of 25 to submit their video entries be emailing competitions@thefamousgrouse.com with a video link to one of their songs, alongside details of the band.

The winners will be joined by some of Scotland’s best up and coming music acts and musical fringe performances from all over the globe, as part of the eclectic festival programme at Venue 7, The New Town Theatre.

Commenting on the news, Johna Penman, Marketing Controller at The Famous Grouse said: “Last year we created the perfect place to enjoy Scotland’s No.1 selling Blended Scotch Whisky, The Famous Grouse, debuting The Famous Grouse House at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe. With live music every day and a variety of refreshing summer serves, we joined in the world’s largest arts festival for three exhilarating weeks and attracted the most talented performers to our stage for everyone to enjoy.  We are returning even bigger and better for a second year, this time with the exciting launch of ‘The Famous Friday’ Headliner competition, which will give the public the chance to vote for who they want to see on stage. We can’t wait to welcome visitors to our famous venue - there’s no better place to be this August!”

Returning for its second year, The Famous Grouse House pop up bar, will be celebrating Scotland’s number one best-selling blended Scotch whisky, and will run from the 3rd to the 27th of August, at its location on George Street in the Scottish capital.

For more information on The Famous Grouse House, Headliner competition, visit: thefamousegrouse.com

Posted by Steve Rush