SAN FRANCISCO, CA (November 2, 2010) – Who says whiskies are just for men!?! In increasing numbers, women are finding and sharing their favorite single malts, blends, bourbons and rye, but all too often, they are ignored by whisk(e)y companies. Skyy Spirits, the wholly owned subsidiary of Gruppo Campari and eighth largest spirits company in the US, has recognized the trend and responded by launching “Skyy Spirits Women & Whiskies,” an interactive community managed by women for women who love the alluring spirit.  www.facebook.com/womenandwhiskies

“After nearly a decade of attending whisk(e)y events around the country, we began to see more and more women coming to the table asking great questions. As a result, we wanted to create a community of like-minded women and empower them with knowledge to feel confident when ordering or discussing whiskies,” said Ms. Randal Stewart, PR and Events Manager specializing in whiskies.

Women & Whiskies is supported by the extensive Skyy Spirits portfolio of world-class whiskies that include Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cutty Sark® Scotch Whisky, 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, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky.

“With such a deep portfolio of whiskies from nearly every category, we felt we were in a unique position to share our knowledge with a very enthusiastic audience who is looking to move beyond the Cosmo to spirits and cocktails with more flavor and character,” said Nathalie Phillips, The Glenrothes Brand Manager.

The program launched this month with a sold-out event in New York’s trendy Chelsea neighborhood. Professional, sophisticated women gathered to sample different whiskies from Scotland, the U.S. and Japan, find out the differences among the regions and sip delicious whisk(e)y cocktails, including the Glen Grant Zinger, The Glenrothes Rob Roy, and Hibiki Falling Leaves.

Hibiki Falling Leaves

1 ½ oz Hibiki 12 year

2 oz Apple Cider

¼ oz Cinnamon-infused Agave Syrup*

¼ oz fresh Lemon Juice

Shake and serve on the rocks in a rocks glass. Dust with nutmeg and garnish with a lemon wedge. *To make cinnamon-infused agave syrup, boil water with two cinnamon sticks, then combine with agave syrup in a one-to-one ratio.

Glen Grant Zinger

1 oz Glen Grant 10 year old

4 oz Sparkling Apple Cider Juice

Squeeze of Fresh Lime Juice

Serve over ice in a rocks glass and garnish with an apple slice.

The Glenrothes Rob Roy

2 ½ oz Glenrothes Select Reserve

1 tsp Sweet Vermouth

1 tsp Dry Vermouth

Serve in a Collins glass with ice. Garnish with a brandied cherry.

The group will host future events in other U.S. cities. The Women & Whiskies community builds on Facebook, where a lively group of fabulous women (and some supportive men) discuss the virtues of the mighty brown spirit.

Event and cocktail images available upon request.

About Skyy Spirits, LLC

Skyy Spirits, LLC is the US-based wholly owned subsidiary of Gruppo Campari (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM) and is the eighth-largest spirits company in the US.  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 SKYY® Vodka, SKYY90®, 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® and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®.  Skyy Spirits is also the exclusive US distributor of Cutty Sark® Scotch Whisky, 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, Carolans Irish Cream®, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Midori® Melon Liqueur, ZEN Green Tea Liqueur TM, 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.

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 and Continental Europe. The Group has an extensive portfolio that spans three business segments: spirits, wines and soft drinks. In the spirits segment its internationally renowned brands, such as Campari and SKYY Vodka, stand out. It also has leading regional brands including Aperol, Cabo Wabo, CampariSoda, Cynar, Glen Grant, Ouzo 12, Zedda Piras, X-Rated and the local Brazilian brands Dreher, Old Eight and Drury’s. Its wine segment boasts the global brand Cinzano, as well as important regional brands including Liebfraumilch, Mondoro, Odessa, Riccadonna, Sella & Mosca and Teruzzi & Puthod. The soft drinks segment comprises the non-alcoholic aperitif Crodino and Lemonsoda as well as its respective line extension dominating the Italian market. The Group employs over 2,000 people. The shares of the parent company, Davide Campari-Milano, are listed on the Italian Stock Exchange. www.camparigroup.com

SAN FRANCISCO, CA (April 1, 2008) – Skyy Spirits, the definitive marketer and distributor of super-premium and luxury spirits brands in North America, answers the call from a new generation of Scotch lovers and introduces Cutty Sark® Blended Malt Scotch Whisky in select U.S. markets.

The new Cutty Sark Blended Malt Whisky, from one of the most recognizable names in Scotch whisky, is 100 percent pure malted barley whisky made from a blend of the finest single malts. It offers a classic Speyside character with medium golden, clear and bright color; aromas of light floral, vanilla, with a hint of coconut; and a full flavor with the youthful Speyside sweetness. A clean and dry finish completes the rich and flavorful experience for the most discerning malt whisky drinkers. The new Cutty Sark Blended Malt Scotch Whisky retails for $29.99 for a 750ml bottle.

The true meter for determining the quality of blended malt Scotch is found in the art and skill of the master blender. John Ramsay, Malt Master for Cutty Sark, is recognized as one of the best in the world. He also serves as Malt Master for the original Cutty Sark Original Blended Scotch Whisky, Highland Park, The Glenrothes, and The McCallan.

“A great introduction to the Scotch category, Cutty Sark Blended Malt Scotch Whisky was created by a master blender for consumers who are ready to discover the joys of a pure malt whisky,” says Robin Gonci, Cutty Sark Brand Manager, Skyy Spirits. “With the category continuing to trend up, now is a great time to introduce a pure malt from Cutty Sark, one of the most respected names in Scotch whisky. We expect this new malt to do very well due to its exceptionally high quality compared to much more expensive competitors.”

Cutty Sark Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is currently being tested in Colorado and Georgia, with expansion plans slated for later this year.

In 1923 Francis Berry and Hugh Rudd challenged existing Scotch whisky standards by producing the ‘Original’ naturally-colored blended whisky, Cutty Sark Scotch Whisky. The market at the time was dominated by the heavier, coarser blends, but the Berry and Rudd created a smooth, softer blend based on the finest single malts from the Speyside region of Scotland. Cutty Sark is named after the 19th century tea clipper, which was the fastest sailing ship of her day. Today, Cutty Sark Original is one of the top 10 best-selling blended Scotch whiskies in the world.

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 SKYY® Vodka, SKYY90®, SKYY InfusionsTM, Campari®, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Skyy Spirits is also the exclusive US distributor of Cutty Sark® Scotch Whisky, 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, Carolans Irish Cream®, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Midori® Melon Liqueur, ZEN Green Tea Liqueur TM 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.

# # #

Contact:  pr@skyy.com