DAVID BECKHAM LAUNCHES HAIG CLUB SHANGHAI

Diageo’s Haig Club Single Grain Scotch whisky, officially launched its Shanghai residency last night, in an event hosted by Haig Club brand partners David Beckham and Simon Fuller.

Haig Club Shanghai is the third in a series of events that have taken place in iconic cities, handpicked for their unique style, nightlife and culture. Set across two floors of a building near the famous Bund area, Haig Club Shanghai guests enjoyed signature serves and unique concoctions designed by Global Haig Club Brand Ambassador, Ewan Gunn.

David Beckham launches Haig Club Shanghai

Guests were also treated to a fleet of dishes from one of China's forerunning chefs Steven Liu, with the evening culminating in the event's Skyline Bar with its stunning views of the city lights. 

Commenting on the launch, David Beckham commented: "It's amazing to see our shared vision of bringing a modern and stylish new Scotch whisky to people all over the world. To be able to return to Shanghai since I launched Haig Club here in China a little over a year ago is incredible."

For the first time, Haig Club fans around the world were able to secure a front row virtual seat for an exclusive look into the event through live streaming app MyEye, The content offered fans updates from the event live through the eyes of Haig Club brand partner David Beckham and the Haig Club MyEye channel. 

Posted by Steve Rush

YAMAZAKI ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF ITS 2016 SHERRY CASK BOTTLING

Beam Suntory has announced the launch of the 2016 edition of its Yamazaki Sherry Cask single malt whisky.

Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016 (48% ABV) 2016 leverages many of the same whiskies that were used in its 2013 bottling, which was named "World Whisky of the Year" in Jim Murray's 2015 Whisky Bible.

Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016

In this latest release, Suntory's Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo, has also added various rare sherry cask single malt whiskies, some of which are more than 25 years old, creating a whisky that is said to have a deep richness, mellowness and complexity of flavours.

Over its 92 year history, Suntory has managed numerous sherry casks and sherry malts. Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo, makes a point of visiting the Northern region of Spain himself, and selects only those casks in which the delicate balance of chemistry between the Yamazaki malt and sherry cask can be achieved.

Fukuyo carefully oversees this entire process, from the selection of the casks, to the charring and the aging of the sherry. After three years of aging, the sherry casks are sent back to Suntory's Yamazaki distillery, ready to receive what becomes Yamazaki Sherry Cask whisky.

Limited to 5,000 bottles, Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2016, will be available through specialist retailers from February 1st, for a RRP of $300.00

Posted by Steve Rush

CONSTELLATION BRANDS ACQUIRES MINORITY STAKE IN NELSON’S GREEN BRIER DISTILLERY

US based drinks producer and marketer Constellation Brands, has announced that it has acquired a minority stake in Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery.

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery will continue to operate independently to produce, market and sell its range of craft whiskies, which include its Belle Meade Bourbon and Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee White Whiskey brands.


Andy and Charlie Nelson - reopened Nelson Green Bar Distillery in 2014
following its closure in 1909

The investment is the second for Constellation Ventures, the company’s corporate venture capital arm, which focuses on identifying small scale investment opportunities related to innovative concepts and emerging categories within alcoholic beverage sector.

Constellation Ventures made its inaugural minority stake investment in August 2015 with Crafthouse Cocktails, a producer of authentic, ready-to-drink, super-premium spirit-based cocktails created by the well-known Chicago mixologist, Charles Joly.

Commenting on the news, Bill Newlands, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at Constellation Brands, said: “Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery brings together two of today’s hottest trends in spirits – whiskey and craft. The entrepreneurial spirit that made Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery great nearly 150 years ago is winning accolades and enthusiasts again today. Constellation Brands’ support of this entrepreneurial spirit will help Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery accelerate growth as they continue to re-introduce these unique whiskies.”

Founded in 1860 by German immigrant Charles Nelson, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery was one of the largest whiskey producers in the US, before state-wide Prohibition closed the distillery’s doors in 1909. Charles’ great-great-great grandsons, Andy and Charlie Nelson, reopened the distillery in 2014, using the original family recipe for their Tennessee whiskey.

Posted by Steve Rush