John Dewar & Sons Ltd. is delighted to announce CRAIGELLACHIE 31 Years Old has been awarded the World’s Best Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards (WWA) 2017 presented by Whisky Magazine, the leading authority on the subject.

On March 30, the annual awards ceremony took place at the Waldorf Hotel in London. The WWA is one of leading award programmes in the whisky industry. An esteemed panel of internationally recognised whisky experts deemed CRAIGELLACHIE 31 Years Old as the best single malt whisky in the world, beating competition from hundreds of entries from across the world.

CRAIGELLACHIE Single Malt launched initially in September 2014 making this a highly notable accolade for a whisky which has only been available in market for less than three years.

“Since launching, CRAIGELLACHIE has built up a huge reputation in the on-trade and with whisky connoisseurs – it’s sought out and admired – and the accolade is true testimony to this,” says Georgie Bell, Global Malts Ambassador. “It shows how far the CRAIGELLACHIE brand has come in the last three years, and how from a production, maturation and blending perspective we really are second to none.”

Stephanie MacLeod, Malts Master and Master Blender for John Dewars & Sons, describes CRAIGELLACHIE 31 Years Old as being “beautifully balanced, smooth and rich, a swirl of smoke and sulphur accentuate the sumptuous fruits of kiwi and pineapple. The tang of old, leather bound books and tobacco emerge, with a hint of meatiness of a beef consommé.”

This prestigious award follows on from the outstanding success of CRAIGELLACHIE 23 Years Old being crowned as ‘Best in Show’ at the San Francisco World’s Spirits Competition in 2015, America’s most respected and influential international spirits event.

Timed perfectly for Cinco de Mayo, Tequila CAZADORES, the 100% blue agave premium tequila, launches the first installment of its new platform “Born in Los Altos De Jalisco.” The video and print mediums highlight the authentic and often unseen side of Mexico, bringing forward untold stories of the local characters behind the brand and from the region. The eight characters featured throughout the series embody the inherent sense of pride and personality that makes Arandas, the birthplace of Tequila CAZADORES, a magical place in Mexico worth celebrating.

“At CAZADORES we are exceptionally proud of our roots, which began, and continue to this day, in Arandas, Mexico.” says Lisa Pfenning, Vice President, Brand Managing Director, Tequila Portfolio for Bacardi in the US. “Storytelling has been a tradition in Mexico for generations and this new platform brings to life the vibrancy and the spirit of real people, with real voices, who echo our shared sense of pride for the Los Altos de Jalisco region.”

The first video in the series – launching on Cinco de Mayo – features Manny Hinojosa, tequila expert and CAZADORES brand ambassador, playfully describing the true meaning behind Cinco de Mayo. A total of forty videos, shot documentary style, will be released throughout the summer featuring eight characters who demonstrate how each plays a valued part in their community and showcase some specifically in their role in making sure Tequila CAZADORES is created with passion, pride and attention to detail. Whether it’s Jose Miranda, the Arandas town barber, Pancho, the museum owner with a passion for boxing, or Juan Martinez, a Tequila CAZADORES jimador who works alongside his son in the agave fields, each are linked by the pride in their hard work and dedication to their craft – the same way Tequila CAZADORES has been doing it for close to 100 years.

“We did not create an advertising campaign, but instead short documentaries about the liquid, the people, and the region, which showcase the deep pride that CAZADORES has for being a part of the Los Altos community,” says Zara Mirza, Head of Creative Excellence for Bacardi. “The content that was captured, which will be distributed through editorial and cultural platforms, is an inherent reflection of Tequila CAZADORES connecting to its roots and celebrating the subtleties of the everyday people and moments that link Los Altos and CAZADORES together.”

The series was directed by Santiago Fabregas, whose work is characterized by focusing on characters, stories and places and is always seeking to portray reality as it is, which is also the manner of style reflected by the “Born in Los Altos De Jalisco” photographer, Mark Alor Powell. Just like Tequila CAZADORES, the drive behind all their creative is to be made with and featuring real people with a commitment to authenticity. To view the unreleased “Why Do They Call You Coyote” video as part of the new “Born in Los Altos De Jalisco” series, please click here.

VIRTUE Worldwide, the creative agency by VICE, led by their Brooklyn office, conceptualized and brought to life the “Born in Los Altos De Jalisco” platform, focusing on true authentic characters and sharing their stories, capturing the effervescent spirit of Los Altos and Tequila CAZADORES. Consumers will find the new Tequila CAZADORES visuals in unexpected ways, in addition to social platforms, including wild postings, painted wall art, or with the videos hosted on the VICE Munchies partner page.

The Supervisory Board of Vinexpo SAS, which met last month, has appointed Christophe Navarre, Chief Executive Officer of Moët Hennessy, as its new President.

Having been appointed as a member of the Supervisory Board at the General Meeting of Shareholders on 5 April, Christophe Navarre takes over from Xavier de Eizaguirre, who has completed his term of office.

Christophe Navarre also becomes President of the Supervisory Board of Vinexpo Overseas, the group subsidiary that manages Vinexpo’s international operations.

Christophe Navarre’s arrival represents a key milestone in the company’s development in France and internationally. With his experience at the helm of Moët Hennessy since 2001 and his in-depth knowledge of the major global wine and spirits markets, Christophe Navarre brings a fresh impetus to Vinexpo as it faces the challenges ahead.

“For more than thirty years the Vinexpo brand has successfully promoted the wine and spirits sector in general – and French exports in particular. I’m delighted to contribute to its development, working alongside the Management Board,” stated Christophe Navarre.

Patrick Seguin, President of the Management Board, and Guillaume Deglise, Chief Executive Officer of Vinexpo, added: “Appointing a professional of Christophe Navarre’s calibre as President of the

Supervisory Board reflects Vinexpo’s ambitions to take its skills and expertise to ever higher levels.”

Two other leading figures from the wine and spirits sector are also joining Vinexpo’s Supervisory Board: Philippe Castéja, President of Borie-Manoux and of the Conseil des Crus Classés 1855, and Philippe Guigal from Rhône producer E. Guigal.

Registrations towards the forthcoming drinktec 2017 in Munich are now open. The forthcoming show will be held from September 11 – 15, 2017 at the Messe Muenchen, Germany.

Every four years the industry meets here to get new impetus for future business. What are tomorrow’s opportunities? What trends are conquering the market? Leading manufacturers and SMEs use drinktec to present their latest developments—live and in operation.

These include: Process technology; · Filling and packaging technology; Process automation, engineering, control and IT solutions; PETpoint (PET technology for beverages and liquid food); Containers, packing materials, equipment and closures; Raw materials, additives and agents; Energy systems, water and wastewater; Restaurant and catering supplies, mobile facilities, sales promotion and marketing

In 2017, SIMEI organized in Italy by the Unione Italiana Vini Società Cooperative (UIV), for the first time will be an integrated part of drinktec in Munich. SIMEI has taken place since 1963 in Milan and is considered to be the world’s leading wine technology show. In future, SIMEI will take place every four years in Munich with drinktec, the world’s leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry. SIMEI will retain its traditional two-year cycle, but from now on, it will alternate venues between Italy and Munich.

With the inclusion of SIMEI, the hall space occupied by the world´s leading trade fair drinktec will extend to more than 150,000 m2. The drinktec exhibition area is located in the A and B halls and the SIMEI@drinktec exhibition area will be located in at least two of the C halls (C1, C2 & C3).

Once again, the annual Bombay Sapphire Artisan Series arts competition embarked on a North American search for the next big name in visual arts; bringing 16 finalists to SCOPE Miami Beach to showcase their work in front of an esteemed panel of judges including Rush Philanthropic co-founder Danny Simmons; SCOPE Miami Beach Vice President Daria Brit Greene; Creative Time’s Executive Director Katie Hollander, and Artisan Series Canadian Ambassador/Painter Kim Dorland. As the Grand Prize Winner, Darius Frank will now move on to collaborate with New York based non-profit arts organisation, Creative Time, on a groundbreaking public arts project scheduled to be unveiled in Spring 2017 and win a solo exhibition at SCOPE Miami Beach.

The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi celebrates a journey of legacies at Varq

In a constant endeavour to provide unique and memorable experiences, The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi presented The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve Appreciation Series at Varq.

The bespoke experience began with an ode to Varq – the modern Indian dining destination at the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel.

Chef Arun Sundararaj, Executive Chef at the Hotel, and Sandeep Arora, Director, Spiritual Luxury Living, unravelled the tale of Varq and traced the journey of how it became the culinary leader it is today.

The evening saw the presence of the celebrated artist, Anjolie Ela Menon who recounted her fond memories at Varq that still houses the priceless mural created by her over three decades ago. Speaking on the occasion, she briefly traced the culinary journey from Haveli to Varq and emphasised on how the present day restaurant, her “second home”, has honed the concept of pre-plated food.

Varq is symbolic of preciousness which is reflected amply in the cuisine and the décor of the restaurant. The restaurant is a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary sophistication. Visually spectacular in every way, the restaurant is also one of the city’s finest examples of a marriage of fine dining and art. The spatial ambience comfortably engulfs the diner, immersing them into a lusciously rich experience surrounded by artefacts and treasures. One of the defining features of Varq is the mural wall created by celebrated artist Anjolie Ela Menon. Additionally, modern artworks complement the restaurant in the form of oil paintings, carvings, antiques and modern sculptures.

Speaking on the occasion, Satyajeet Krishnan, General Manager, The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi said, “For over three decades, the iconic Taj Mahal, New Delhi has offered its guests unique and meaningful experiences. It is therefore, the most preferred venue to host The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve Appreciation Series, an evening where we celebrated the culinary heritage and artistry of Varq amidst an exquisite dining experience.”

The engaging tête-à-tête was followed by a sumptuous four course dinner at Varq. Patrons indulged in signature Varq specialties including duet of subz gandheri and khurbani, smoked lamb, tomato and olive khofta, gongura lamb paired with the distinct, smooth and fruity taste of The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve that was first envisioned in 1824. While Sandeep Arora introduced the coveted character of The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, a classic single malt with a contemporary twist, Chef Arun spoke of the innovative yet authentic Indian flavours that Varq stands for.

Speaking on the occasion, Chef Arun Sundararaj, Executive Chef, The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi said, “Continuing our quest to offer enriching dining experiences, we are delighted to curate this exclusive celebration of legacies with a true expression of originality. Since 2008, Varq has offered authenticity of taste and artistic presentation to the people of Delhi. Each of the dishes on our menu is a craft in itself and combines the best of traditional Indian recipes with exotic ingredients to create a memorable experience.”