Noteworthy in the News: Interactive Ads, Accolades, Holidays & Campaigns-December 5, 2008
In review, Jameson Irish Whiskey goes interactive. Yesterday I posted the press release with a couple of ad photos I said may not be the correct ones. They were not, but Samantha at Brand Action Team sent me the correct one this morning. Thanks Samantha! With Jameson, now as we walk down the sidewalk the walls will talk to us. Well, not quite literally, but sort of. People are drawn in by illustrations, artwork and interaction. Jameson has paid attention. It will be interesting to see what kind of market impact this particular ad campaign has on sales. It’s a great whiskey by the way. If you haven’t tried it yet, don’t wait for an ad to reach out and grab you. Reach out and pick up a bottle off the shelf for yourself. Beam Global Spirits & Wine appointed a new marketing team to head up the management of newly acquired Cruzan Rum. Marketing veterans Peter Wijk and David Turo will take over this portfolio account. Keller Estate Winery now has a new winemaker, Ross Cobb, who is a self-confessed Pinot Noir fanatic.
Chivas Regal 25 year old has been named Scotch Blended Whisky of the Year by Jim Murray’s 2009 Whisky Bible Awards. Also gaining a mention is Ballantine’s Finest Scotch Standard Blended Whisky of the Year. Incidentally in another posting I found, Ardbeg also made mention as World Whisky of the year by Jim Murray as well. It just goes to show that sometimes one has to shop around to find more information and I’m sure I didn’t find even a wee bit of it. So, companies…if you would like your items mentioned, email me. Readers would love to read about all their favorites.
Pinky Vodka didn’t make mention by Jim Murray, but then again, it’s vodka. Pinky did however get the number two best-selling premium vodka in World Duty Free stores since its launch in November of 2007. That is considerable in this economic climate and competitive market. Christian Porta of Chivas Brothers remains positive about the economic future of his brands. This short article I found is just one optimistic insight into what some top figures in the liquor industry see for the future. It is not all glowing as he sheds light on the up and down, but clearly shows the market may slow, but never stall completely.
The holidays are ahead with parties around every corner. DeKuyper has some interesting Burst Bar Shots that are made specifically for the ease of entertaining. Being a host sometimes means being stuck behind the bar rather than mingling with guests. Burst Bar Shots are designed to help alleviate that problem while still adding a “burst” of flavor to the festivities. While I have not sampled them yet, they are on their way at this moment. My review of them will be up as soon as they arrive so you know what to expect for your holiday parties. If you have tried them, I would love to know what you think as well. Email me or send your comments.
Diageo released a statement saying, “Diageo believes that industry and government should work together to eradicate bad promotions, whether they are run in shops, supermarkets, clubs, bars or pubs. We do not believe there is a causal link between the price of alcohol and alcohol-related harm.” Diageo stressed “co-regulation” rather than total government regulation.
Be sure to scroll below the press release links today. There is an excerpt of an article that Pat Roberts of www.malts.com recommended on training our taste buds to enjoy whisky. I only selected a portion of the article, because I think it important that you go to the source to read the entire account and click on other links there relating to the subject.
Thanks for reading!
The Intoxicologist
December 5, 2008
In Review:
· Media Release: Jameson(R) Irish Whiskey Launches Interactive Outdoor Ads
· Media Release: BEAM GLOBAL SPIRITS & WINE APPOINTS CRUZAN® RUM MARKETING TEAM
· Media Release: Keller Estate Winery Names New Winemaker
Accolades & Rave Reviews:
· Ardbeg scoops top Whisky Bible accolade
· Perky performance from Pinky vodka
· Whisky boss upbeat over exports
Holiday:
· Don’t Let the Recession Crash Your Holiday Celebration: Tips for Memorable Parties on a Budget
Campaigns:
· Diageo backs government code plans
How to enjoy whisky: A beginner’s guide
To appreciate fully the flavour of a single malt, use a glass that has a bowl with an inward curve that narrows towards the top. This concentrates the bouquet to the nose and keeps the flavours in.
When nosing a single malt, make sure not to dive in too far because you will just get a hit from the alcohol rather than the whisky’s delicate aromas. Spinning the glass will help release its aroma.
Many whisky drinkers add water to their malt. This changes the composition of the spirit and unlocks more aromas. Watch the surface of the dram eddy and swirl as the water is poured in; this movement will release further aromas.
Adding ice to malt is not to everybody’s taste but it can make the drink more refreshing, as can refrigerating delicate malts to serve as aperitifs. However, the ice’s coldness can impair your ability to appreciate fully the drink’s subtler qualities.
The mixing of cola with a single malt is controversial among whisky purists. New flavours will cut through the cola. However, it will mask the full range of flavours in the malt.
Martin So, the bar manager of Bonds Restaurant & Bar, says the best time to taste whisky is 11am, when, apparently, on an empty stomach, your palate’s receptors are at their most sensitive. But remember to enjoy whisky responsibly and in moderation.
*Recommended reading by Pat Roberts. This is only a small portion of a fabulous read. For the entire article and more links with further information follow the link: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/get-into-the-spirit-train-your-tastebuds-and-learn-to-love-whisky-1050515.html
Email cocktail submissions to: str8upcocktails@gmail.com with Pinky Vodka: Mix Up Something Beautiful in the memo line ---------- Recipe must include: 1-1/2 ounce or more of Pinky Vodka -- 5 ingredients or less (including the garnish) -- No specialty ingredients -- Photo of cocktail -- Name, email address and mailing address -- Contest ends July 15, 2009
