Two Lucky Bartenders “SWITCH” Places and Travel Across The Pond For A Working Stint At A Top Bar in London and New York City 

A Once-In-A-Lifetime Chance To Experience Each Other’s Cocktail Culture Firsthand 

Glasgow, Scotland (July 2011) - Have you ever dreamt about switching jobs for a week? Taking a spot behind the rail of a legendary bar an ocean away and immersing yourself in its culture? Perhaps you can, if you are a bartender in the US or the UK. Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, the only triple-distilled Scottish single malt, has launched a bartender talent search like no other to find two outstanding barkeeps in the US and the UK ready to switch places and switch countries for two weeks. Presenting The Auchentoshan Switch.

The road to get there will be exactly the same in each country – first, contestants must enter a video of themselves making a homemade lemonade and an Old Fashioned cocktail with Auchentoshan Three Wood. Next, 20 semi-finalists will travel to Las Vegas (and London in the UK) to enter the showdown hosted by the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) where the top bartender will be named. Auchentoshan has partnered with two of the most outstanding bars in each country to act as the host venues for the final two bartenders in New York and London. The Auchentoshan Switch is open to all licensed bartenders in the US and UK (see terms & conditions for complete information). 

Bartenders can enter their videos from July 1 to August 31 at www.auchentoshan.com/switch.  The Las Vegas and London showdown will take place in October 2011 and the actual switch will take place in early 2012.

VIDEO ENTRY. Entering the Auchentoshan Switch requires a video and two drinks, specifically a lemonade and an Old Fashioned made with Auchentoshan Three Wood, a liquid of unique complexity that has rested in three different types of casks – first in American Bourbon then to Spanish Oloroso Sherry and finally in Pedro Ximenez Sherry – before being bottled, giving it a unique complexity.  Bartenders who wish to enter must film themselves (no need for Oscar level movies here, a smart phone will do) making these two drinks (p.s., the lemonade will show their knowledge of the sweet/sour balance). Contestants should be as engaging as they dare to captivate the judges’ attention.  Videos can be no longer than four minutes and must be received by August 31, 2011 via www.auchentoshan.com/switch. 

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT. Once the entry period is over, judges in both countries will meticulously review all videos and choose their top 20 semi-finalists.  These bartenders will be invited to attend a one-day final round hosted by USBG in Las Vegas in October 2011 where the top bartender will be determined. 

THE SWITCH. The Switch takes place in early 2012 when the winning American bartender will spend two weeks at the famed London bar 69 Colebrooke Row, while the winning British barkeep will get to spend his or her two weeks at a well known bar in New York City. 69 Colebrooke Row is home to the Drinks Factory, one of the only bar-related drinks labs in the world.  There they will become incorporated into the daily bar procedures as well as visiting producers and sourcing quality ingredients. In NYC, the UK bartender will work at one of the hottest cocktail bars in Gotham’s underground scene. We’re not revealing the name of the bar just yet, but with no menus here, bartenders cook up individually prescribed concoctions according to their customer’s mood. Here the presentation of the cocktail is as dramatic as the cocktail itself. The winner will be part of both a theater of performance and a chemistry lab at the same time. And yes, there will also be some time for sightseeing as well. 

“As Auchentoshan Three Wood continues to grow in popularity with bartenders, it’s great to be able to give something back to this community,” says Hannah Fisher, brand manager for Auchentoshan. “This once in a lifetime experience is a first and we’re excited to see the results and proud to be working with two of the best bars in the world.” 

For more information, terms and conditions and to enter Auchentoshan Switch, please visit www.auchentoshan.com/switch.  May the videotaping begin! 

The Auchentoshan Distillery
The Auchentoshan distillery was founded in 1823 on the Auchentoshan Estate at the foot of the Kilpatrick Hills overlooking the River Clyde. In 1934, as the city built up around the distillery, the staff celebrated the launches of the RMS Queen Mary and the RMS Queen Elizabeth ocean liners, with Auchentoshan as the toasting dram. Years later, in the course of two terrible nights in March 1941, Clydebank was systematically destroyed by enemy action during World War II. Miraculously, Auchentoshan distillery was one of the seven properties in the area that remained unharmed, however more than 1 million liters of whisky were lost. A bomb crater behind the distillery now forms the pond for the cooling water. Today, Auchentoshan is one of only three distilleries still operating in the Lowlands and produces the same unpeated style Scotch as it did back in 1823. Auchentoshan is the only distillery in Scotland dedicated to triple distillation, offering consumers an accessible single malt that’s smooth and easy to drink.  Its fusion of Lowland heritage and modern sensibility makes this versatile whisky an international award winner.

ABOUT UNITED STATES BARTENDERS’ GUILD (USBG) (www.usbg.org)
The United States Bartenders’ Guild is an organization of beverage professionals dedicated to the continued refinement of our craft. Such refinement is achieved through advanced product education; original hand crafted cocktail competitions; and aggressive involvement with other professionals in the beverage industry throughout the country and internationally. It is our intention, desire and main focus to become the most skilled, knowledgeable and professional group of bartenders in the industry. With the resurgence and ever increasing popularity of the cocktail, there is a high demand for creative and professional bartenders. As an industry leader the USBG is responsible for raising the bar and creating new trends to keep our competitive edge. The USBG is currently in the following locations: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Denver, Hawaii, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, New Orleans, New York, North Texas, Northern California, Oregon, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Rhode Island, San Diego, St. Louis, Tampa Bay.

ABOUT 69 COLEBROOKE ROW – LONDON (www.69Colebrookerow.com)
Tucked away off the Islington Green end of Essex Road, 69 Colebrookee Row bears an impressive pedigree. Opened in mid 2009, it’s the brainchild of Tony Conigliaro, widely acknowledged as one of the UK’s pioneering drinks creators.  The tiny space, with a capacity of only 40 people, is identifiable only by a lantern and has no name at all. Entry is via video entryphone, booking by phone, text or email only. When you step inside, the interior blends 1950s Italian café style with a film noir feel: large ceramic sinks behind a wooden bar add a touch of old Berlin. 

ABOUT AUCHENTOSHAN SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
The award winning Auchentoshan portfolio includes Auchentoshan Classic, 12 Year Old, Three Wood, 18 Year Old and the limited release 21 Year Old, in addition to select vintage, limited edition releases.  Auchentoshan is available nationwide in the U.S and in more than 45 countries worldwide. The Auchentoshan portfolio is imported to the U.S. by Skyy Spirits, LLC. Auchentoshan recently relaunched its website at www.auchentoshan.com. Join the Auchentoshan conversation on Facebook. 

ABOUT SKYY SPIRITS, LLC
The eighth-largest spirits company in the US, Skyy Spirits, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM), together with its affiliates Gruppo Campari.  Launched in 1992 with the introduction of its flagship brand, SKYY® Vodka, Skyy Spirits has grown exponentially, building a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers.  Skyy Spirits manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY90®, All Natural SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®.  Skyy Spirits is also the exclusive US distributor of The Glenrothes® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Midori® Melon Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky. Skyy Spirits was founded and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.  More information on the company can be found at www.skyyspirits.com, www.facebook.com/skyyspirits, Twitter: @SkyySpirits and www.camparigroup.com.  Please enjoy Skyy Spirits brands responsibly and in moderation.

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Contact:  pr@skyy.com

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (November 15, 2007) -Skyy Spirits, a Gruppo Campari company and the definitive marketer and distributor of super-premium and luxury spirits brands in North America, today announced it will be expanding its portfolio with the addition of award-winning brands from Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd and Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua. Beginning January 1, 2008, Skyy Spirits will serve as the sole US importer, distributor and marketer for Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky and all Flor de Caña Rum products.

“Both Morrison Bowmore Distillers and Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua are known worldwide for producing the finest quality products, rich in heritage and exceptional craftsmanship,” said Gerry Ruvo, president and CEO of Skyy Spirits. “Their products fit perfectly into our portfolio of super-premium and luxury brands. These partnerships clearly demonstrate our strategic growth strategy, building our business through four key pillars: smart acquisitions, innovation, brand extension and mutually-beneficial partnerships.”

Morrison Bowmore Distillers Portfolio
With a Scotch whisky heritage dating back to 1779, Morrison Bowmore Distillers is the owner of three of the most honored distilleries in all of Scotland. The company’s portfolio consists of three marquee brands: Bowmore Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky is crafted in the country’s first Islay distillery and the second oldest in all of Scotland. With expressions ranging from Bowmore 12 Year Old to the pinnacle of Scotch whisky distinction, Bowmore 25 Year Old, the Bowmore brand is the world’s most highly awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The smooth, accessible Auchentoshan is one of the few remaining Single Lowland Malts and is the only fully triple distilled malt in all of Scotland. And finally, from the most Easterly distillery in all of Scotland comes Glen Garioch Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, a traditional small batch single malt dating back over 200 years to 1797.

“We are very pleased to add our award-winning portfolio of Islay, Highland and Lowland single malts to Skyy Spirits’ impressive whisky line up,” said Mike Keiller, CEO of Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd. “The team at Skyy Spirits has demonstrated their dedication to nurturing, hands-on brand stewardship in the super-premium categories and we feel there couldn’t be a better match to build on our existing success in the US market.”

Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua Portfolio
The Flor de Caña Rums of Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua are often referred to as the single malts of the rum category and add even more depth to Skyy Spirits’ rapidly expanding portfolio. The fastest growing brand in the rum category and the most awarded, Flor de Caña Rums are handcrafted using only the finest ingredients and a proprietary, natural Slow Aged® method. They are divided into two distinct brand groups: Flor de Caña Rums of 4, 5, and 7 Years make up the Slow-Aged Collection. The aging process makes each of them incredibly rich in flavor and smooth tasting. The Flor de Caña Rums of 12, 15 and 18 Years make up The Centenario Collection. These are the finest rums in the world and best savored neat or on the rocks.

Carlos Pellas, president and CEO of Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua, stated, “We look forward to our partnership with Skyy Spirits. We are confident our collective marketing efforts will enhance the presence of Flor de Caña Rums in the US, introducing even more consumers to the world’s best aged rums.”

Skyy Spirits’ appointment by Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua and Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd, a subsidiary of the Suntory Group, is part of its strategic expansion strategy to broaden its offering of super-premium and luxury brands in the highest-growth spirits categories. The company’s goal is to not only provide consumers with the widest selection of quality products available, but to also create long-term value and profitability for all of our distributors, retailers and distribution partners.

Skyy Spirits currently holds distribution agreements with Suntory International (Midori Melon Liqueur, ZEN Green Tea Liqueur, The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky), Berry Brothers & Rudd (Cutty Sark & The Glenrothes), Jose Cuervo International (1800 & Gran Centenario Tequilas), Ron Matusalem & Company (Matusalem Rums), Reformed Spirits (Martin Miller’s Gin) and C&C International (Carolans Irish Cream, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Irish Mist).
About Skyy Spirits, LLC
Skyy Spirits, LLC is the US-based wholly owned subsidiary of Gruppo Campari and the definitive marketer and distributor of super-premium and luxury spirits brands in North America. Launched in 1992 with the introduction of its flagship brand, SKYY Vodka, Skyy Spirits has grown exponentially, building a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Skyy Spirits manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US of such leading brands as SKYY90, SKYY Vodka, SKYY Flavors, Campari, Cinzano Vermouths, Ouzo 12, Aperol, Old Smuggler Scotch Whisky, X-Rated Fusion Liqueur and Jean-Marc XO Vodka. Skyy Spirits is also the exclusive US distributor of Cutty Sark Scotch Whisky, 1800 and Gran Centenario tequilas, The Glenrothes Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Matusalem Rums, Martin Miller’s Gins, Carolans Irish Cream, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey, Irish Mist Liqueur, Midori Melon Liqueur, ZEN Green Tea Liqueur and The Yamazaki Single Malt Whisky.

Skyy Spirits was founded and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Please enjoy Skyy Spirits brands responsibly and in moderation.

About Gruppo Campari
Gruppo Campari is a major player in the global beverage sector, trading in over 190 nations around the world with a leading position in the Italian and Brazilian markets and a strong presence in the US, Germany and Switzerland. The Group has an extensive portfolio that spans three business segments: spirits, wines and soft drinks. In the spirits segment stand out internationally renowned brands, such as Campari, SKYY Vodka and Cynar together with leading local brands, such as Aperol, Cabo Wabo, CampariSoda, Glen Grant, Ouzo 12, Zedda Piras, X-Rated and the Brazilian brands Dreher, Old Eight, Drury’s. In the wine segment together with Cinzano, known world-wide, are Liebfraumilch, Mondoro, Riccadonna, Sella & Mosca and Teruzzi & Puthod all respected wines in their category. In the soft drinks segment are Crodino, Lemonsoda and its respective line extension dominating the Italian market. The Group has over 1,500 employees. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano, are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange.

Morrison Bowmore Distillers Ltd
Morrison Bowmore Distillers takes its time. The company produces Auchentoshan, Bowmore, and Glen Garioch whiskies, all aged to perfection. The company’s other key brand is the McClelland’s Single Malt Range. Morrison Bowmore’s products are distributed in retail and wholesale outlets in countries throughout the world. Morrison Bowmore has three distilleries in Scotland and it guarantees only using Scottish-grown barley. The company is a subsidiary of the Suntory Group.

Morrison Bowmore Distillers is recognized as producing whiskies of the very highest quality. Bowmore is the only distillery to be inducted into the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition Hall of Fame, and Bowmore 18 Y.O. won the accolade of 2007 “Best of Show” for all whiskies at the same competition (www.sfspirits.com) scoring ahead of the world’s most famous whiskies.

Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua
Founded in 1890 and headquartered in Managua, Nicaragua, Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua (CLDN) is a recognized leader in the production of the finest sugarcane-based spirits in the world, including nine types of rum, four aguardientes, neutral spirits and aged alcohol. The crown jewel in the CLDN collection is the comprehensive line of Flor de Caña rums, one of the most-awarded rum portfolios in the world. Flor de Caña aged rums have been awarded Best in Class, Double Gold and Gold Medals by the International Wine and Spirits Competition, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the Beverage Tasting Institute. In the past five years, this acclaimed brand has been awarded more than 80 medals for excellence.

Compañía Licorera de Nicaragua is a member of Grupo Pellas, a leading Central American group of companies. Attesting to the high quality of its products, CLDN was the first rum producer worldwide to obtain ISO 9001 certification, as well as the environmentally friendly ISO 14001, HCAAP and Kosher certifications.

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Contact: pr@skyy.com