Laphroaig(R) Invites Whisky Fans to Experience a Taste of Scotland With a Flavor of Spain

Award-Winning Laphroaig(R) Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Hosts Its Fourth Annual Online Tasting "Distillery LIVE 2010"


DEERFIELD, IL--(Marketwire - September 16, 2010) -  Laphroaig Islay Single Malt Scotch, the most richly flavored of all Scotch whiskies, invites consumers of legal purchase age to discover what Southwestern Spain and the remote Scottish island of Islay have in common during its fourth annual LIVE Webcast on Thursday, September 23. Hosted by Laphroaig Distillery Manager John Campbell, Laphroaig U.S. Brand Ambassador Simon Brooking and Harveys Bristol Cream General Manager Jose Antonio Sauto, "Distillery LIVE 2010" will broadcast live from the Harveys' Bodegas in Jerez, Spain to celebrate the distinctive taste of Laphroaig expressions that have been matured in Sherry casks. 

"I am delighted to host 'Distillery LIVE 2010' in Spain with our friends at Harveys," said Campbell. "This year's tasting is one that Scotch and Sherry lovers alike can truly appreciate. Online tasting participants will be taken on a tasting journey they will find to be insightful and entertaining."

By introducing Laphroaig to Sherry casks for maturation, a uniquely rich flavor and hue is added to the whisky, delivering the unmistakable taste of Laphroaig with characteristics of the Sherry. A relatively rare process, industry estimates suggests that less than seven percent of whisky is matured in Sherry casks compared to Bourbon casks.

On September 23 (2:00 p.m. EDT), Campbell, Brooking and Sauto will conduct a 45-minute tasting from Harveys' Bodegas. International singer/songwriter and Friend of Laphroaig Diego Sandrin will also make a special appearance. The online tasting and educational seminar will provide a closer look into the 'marriage' between the Sherried oaky flavors derived from the Oloroso Sherry casks and the sweet flavors from oak bourbon barrels, comparing the flavors of each expression through its maturation process. Featured expressions will include Laphroaig Quarter Cask, newly released Laphroaig Triple Wood, Laphroaig 25 Year Old and a special exclusively Oloroso-matured expression that will also be tasted during the program. Harveys Fino and Oloroso Sherries will also be showcased during the live tasting.

Featured Expressions

  • Laphroaig Quarter Cask
    • Double-cask matured in American Oak barrels and newly created quarter casks, Laphroaig Quarter Cask is deep, complex and smoky with a surprising gentle sweetness.
  • Laphroaig Triple Wood
    • Enjoying a third maturation in Spanish Oak, Laphroaig Triple Wood brings a gentle mixture of sweet raisins and creamy apricots to the palate with just a trace of the dry peat smoke; the smoother nutty flavors combine all these flavors into one smooth, syrupy whole.
  • Laphroaig 25 Year Old
    • Matured in both Fino and Oloroso Sherry Butts during its maturation, Laphroaig 25 Year Old offers a rare combination of bold peat flavor spiced with sweet sherry notes and rich oaky undertones.
  • Harveys Fino
    • Matured in very seasoned American Oak Butts, Harveys Fino is a full-bodied dry sherry that features a subtle almond aroma and provides a balanced and round taste to the palate.
  • Harveys Oloroso
    • Deep and amber in color, Harveys Oloroso provides a round and velvety finish with an elegant after taste that's sure to please the palate.

Participants of legal purchase age can download tasting notes and guides and submit their questions in advance at Laphroaig.com. For more information, visit Laphroaig.com/live.

Program Viewing Information

To view "Distillery LIVE 2010" log onto http://live.laphroaig.tv.

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About Friends of Laphroaig

The Friends of Laphroaig began in 1994 as a way to communicate news about the distiller and connect with other Laphroaig lovers around the world. Today it has grown to more than 400,000 members from more than 150 countries. Each fan receives a lifetime lease on a square foot of land next to the distillery that they can visit, view online and collect a dram of 'rent' for, should they ever visit the island. The members-only section of Laphroaig.com boasts contests, e-cards, chat boards, photo albums, printable personalized business cards and more. Membership is free with proof of purchase of 10 Year Old, 15 Year Old, 18 Year Old, 25 Year Old, 30 Year Old, Quarter Cask or Cask Strength Laphroaig. New members can register at www.laphroaig.com/friends.

About Beam Global Spirits & Wine

Inspiring conversations around the world, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. is building brands people want to talk about. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Maker's Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Cruzan® Rum, EFFEN® Vodka, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, Teacher's® Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs and Knob Creek® Bourbon. Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE: FO), a leading consumer brands company. For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Laphroaig® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43%, 48% and 55.7% alc./vol.
©2010 Laphroaig Import Company, Deerfield, IL

Contact Information:

CONTACTS:
Lara Beauregard
Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc.
847.444.7073
Lara.Beauregard@beamglobal.com

Fabia J. Talhame
JSH&A Public Relations
630.916.3031
Fabia@jsha.com

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