CHIVAS Brothers is committed to promoting responsible drinking and one innovative employee has invented a Drivers Tasting Kit to ensure all distillery visitors can sample its world-revered Scotch whiskies.
The kits were the brainchild of Rikki Scott, visitor centre supervisor at Aberlour distillery, who conceived the idea after meeting many disappointed drivers, unable to take part in tastings.
Rikki said: “Our internationally-acclaimed distillery tours feature nosings and tastings of some of the most prestigious expressions of Aberlour, including priceless drams ordinarily not available to the public.
“I didn’t want anyone to miss out on this experience so I went about developing and designing the kit.”
The reusable kits are priced at £3 and contain six small bottles, a funnel and a handy carry bag. Drivers can take part in the nosing before dispensing the whisky into the bottles and enjoy them when they return home.
Rikki continued: “No-one should let the unique opportunity to sample some very special drams go by. The Drivers Tasting Kit means everyone who visits the Aberlour distillery can enjoy the experience but also be responsible.”
Caroline Mitchell, visitor centre manager, is delighted with the reception the kits are receiving. She said: “We have had calls from all over the region asking about the kits.
“We always promote responsible drinking and this is a pioneering way for us to include everyone in our distillery experience.
“We initially placed an order for 1,000 but they quickly sold out and we had to order another 6,000 kits. A real hit with our visitors and a great example of innovation from Rikki, we’re really proud of him.”
Highlands, Islands and Moray MSP, Shadow Transport Spokesperson for Transport and local road safety campaigner, David Stewart has welcomed the initiative.
He said: “As with all road safety, education is key in dealing with adverse driver behaviours.
“Educating drivers to take home samples after visiting distilleries is a win, win for all concerned.
“The driver of families, or groups visiting distilleries, can now enjoy and sample the iconic drinks once they are safely home. This innovative project is a perfect example of responsible drinking.”
Tony Schofield, director of public affairs at Chivas Brothers, commented: “Our employees are committed to promoting responsible drinking within their communities and the Drivers Tasting Kit is a clear demonstration of this.”
Superintendent George Macdonald, Police Scotland, who leads on road safety in Moray and Aberdeenshire, commented: “Road Safety is an area of significant focus for the Police and other partners in Moray and Aberdeenshire.
“Any approach which supports a responsible attitude to alcohol and ultimately driver behaviour is always welcomed.”
Chivas Brothers runs Aberlour, The Glenlivet and Strathisla Visitor Centres in Speyside and Scapa Distillery Visitor Centre in Orkney which are open until Friday 13 November for this season.
Aberlour, Strathisla and Scapa Visitor Centres will remain open Monday to Friday until 18th December 2015.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Chivas Brothers
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.1 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range.
The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.
About Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard is the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits with consolidated Sales of € 8,558 million in 2014/15. Created in 1975 by the merger of Ricard and Pernod, the Group has undergone sustained development, based on both organic growth and acquisitions: Seagram (2001), Allied Domecq (2005) and Vin&Sprit (2008). Pernod Ricard holds one of the most prestigious brand portfolios in the sector: Absolut Vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Kahlúa and Malibu liqueurs, Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes, as well Jacob’s Creek, Brancott Estate, Campo Viejo, Graffigna and Kenwood wines. Pernod Ricard employs a workforce of approximately 18,000 people and operates through a decentralised organisation, with six ‘Brand Companies’ and 80 ‘Market Companies’ established in each key market. Pernod Ricard is strongly committed to a sustainable development policy and encourages responsible consumption. Pernod Ricard’s strategy and ambition are based on three key values that guide its expansion: entrepreneurial spirit, mutual trust and a strong sense of ethics. Pernod Ricard is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI; ISIN code: FR0000120693) and is part of the CAC 40 index.
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Chivas Brothers/Richmond Towers contact details…
Contact: Paloma Salmeron Planells
Email: paloma@rt-com.com
