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Chicago, IL (October 2, 2018) – Beam Suntory announces the introduction of Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka to the United States. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at the House of Suntory, the Founding House of Japanese Whisky, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan. These premium spirits embody Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii’s philosophy of monozukuri craftsmanship: a relentless pursuit of perfection, meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality.
“We are thrilled to release Roku Gin and Haku Vodka in the U.S. as part of the House of Suntory,” says Claire Richards, Senior Director of the House of Suntory at Beam Suntory. “The launch of these two brands creates great opportunity for craft spirits enthusiasts to discover new tastes and experiences that further embody Shinjiro Torii’s vision of a challenge and quest for excellence.”
ROKU JAPANESE GIN
Roku Gin, which launches in the U.S. this month at a suggested retail price of $27.99, will be available in a 750ml bottle at 43% ABV. It is currently available in Japan and other Asian countries, as well as major Gin markets such as UK, Germany, and Australia. Roku, which translates as “six” in Japanese, is made with six traditional Japanese botanicals that are infused, distilled and blended by the Japanese artisans of Suntory Spirits in Osaka, Japan.
The premium craft gin’s flavor profile is achieved by balancing six unique Japanese botanicals with eight traditional gin botanicals. The Japanese botanicals – Sakura flower, Sakura leaf, Yuzu peel, Sencha tea, Gyokuro tea and Sansho pepper – are harvested in accordance with ‘shun’, the tradition of enjoying each ingredient at its best by only harvesting at its peak of flavor and perfection. It is then distilled using a selection of different pot stills, each chosen to ensure the best flavor is extracted from each botanical. The result is a complex yet harmonious gin with a smooth and silky texture.
Its bottle and label have been carefully designed to appeal to the Japanese sense of aesthetics and beauty. Roku’s bottle is cast in a hexagonal shape, representing each of the six uniquely Japanese botanicals inside, and is finished with delicate embossing. The Japanese kanji symbol for six is printed on the label, which is made of traditional washi paper.
Roku can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in the Roku Rickey, a Japanese twist on a classic cocktail. The pairing of chilled soda water with Roku enhances the gin’s aromatic and floral notes from the botanicals.
ROKU | TASTING NOTES
“For the House of Suntory, craftsmanship has always translated to sourcing the best ingredients, and elaborating on complex and innovative techniques to create unrivaled quality spirits,” said Kazuyuki Torii, Suntory Specialist for Gin and Spirits. “These unique liquids were developed from a vision to create truly authentic Japanese products that meet the demand for a meticulously crafted gin and vodka with a distinct and balanced taste.”
HAKU JAPANESE VODKA
Haku Vodka, launching exclusively in the U.S. this month at a suggested retail price of $27.99 in a 750ml bottle at 40% ABV. Although Haku literally means “white,” the subtlety of the Japanese language often gives kanji (Japanese characters) several meanings. While “Haku” is rooted in the word “Hakumai,” translated as Japanese white rice, its nuanced meaning can also be elevated to evoke “Junpaku,” which connotes an untainted brilliance. This is a tribute to the craft of mastering a clear, clean and luminous vodka.
This premium craft vodka is made from 100 percent Japanese white rice. The meticulous process required to mill and polish the rice attributes to its mild and subtly sweet flavor. As an iconic symbol, pure white Japanese rice conveys the House of Suntory’s commitment to working with the best and most indigenous ingredients from Japan.
In Kagoshima, Kyushu, a region historically famous for its rice spirit making, the process begins with white rice fermented with koji rice to create a mash. The mash is then distilled through pot stills to create a rice spirit. It is then distilled for a second time through two different processes in a pot still and column still to create a uniquely flavored liquid. This liquid is then blended and filtered through bamboo charcoal in Osaka, Japan. This process, unique to Suntory, preserves and enhances the rice’s delicately sweet and subtle flavors. The delicate craftsmanship that goes into this liquid is complemented by its beautiful bottle. The curved lines on the Haku bottle represent the streams glistening through nature in Japan as they run through the four seasons. The label design consists of Junpaku (pure-white) washi paper – representing the beauty of Japanese white rice, the soul of this vodka – and Kanji calligraphy with sumi ink.
Haku can be served neat, on the rocks or in the Haku-Hi. The liquid’s smooth and round taste suits it for many types of cocktails, but the simplicity of the Haku-Hi with chilled soda water and lemon peel particularly enhances the soft and subtly sweet flavors of the vodka.
HAKU | TASTING NOTES
Nose: A soft aroma played up by the sweet, delicate floral aroma of rice.
Taste: A rich taste that gradually envelops the mouth with the natural sweetness and complex flavor of the rice.
Finish: A smooth finish with a sophisticated, pleasantly lingering sweetness thanks to the bamboo charcoal
filtration process.
ABOUT SUNTORY
Suntory was established in 1899 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Since 1923, as the pioneer of Japanese> whisky, Suntory Whisky has been renowned for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. The founding father of Japanese whisky, Shinjiro Torii, built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki. Nestled in the outskirts of Kyoto, this region was the birthplace of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and is known for the purity of its waters. Torii dreamt of creating an authentically Japanese whisky by choosing a terrain and climate completely different to that of Scotland, thereby cultivating unique conditions for maturation. In 1972, Torii’s son Keizo Saji, Suntory’s second master blender, built the Chita grain distillery near Nagoya to produce more of their own high-quality grain whiskies. In 1973, Saji founded the Hakushu distillery amidst the deep forests of Mt. Kaikomagatake in the Japanese Southern Alps with the goal of producing malt whiskies distinct from those made at Yamazaki. Its high altitude and lush environment are what differentiates Hakush from other distilleries.
At each of these distilleries, a diverse array of whiskies are produced through various fermentation techniques, shapes and sizes of giant copper pot stills, and the wide variety of cask types used. Today, roughly 1,200,000 casks of whisky are quietly maturation in Suntory’s aging cellars. This tsukuriwake—variety in the making— allows for the blending opportunities that are essential to achieving the subtle, refined yet complex taste signature to Suntory Whiskies.
With respect to heritage and a commitment to innovation, third generation master Blender Shingo Torii, and grandson of Shinjiro, now leads this most highly awarded house of Japanese Whisky. The House of Suntory Whisky has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014).
The House of Suntory portfolio includes two single malt whiskies: Yamazaki – the pioneer of Japanese Single Malts, multi-layered and profound, and Hakushu – verdant, fresh, and delicately smoky; a single grain whisky: Chita—sublimely smooth, versatile and complex; and two blends: the noble blend, Hibiki – Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky, and Suntory Whisky Toki – ideal for Japanese highballs.
The introduction of Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka adds two premium white spirits created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at the House of Suntory to the collection. Roku Gin and Haku Vodka embody Suntory founder Shinjiro Torii’s philosophy of monozukuri craftsmanship: a relentless pursuit of perfection, meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality. Visit www.house.suntory.com for more information.
Deerfield, Illinois, September 1 – Beam Suntory today announced that Brett Hale will join the company as Vice President, Global Public Affairs. Hale comes to Beam Suntory from Yum! Brands, where he is currently Vice President – Global Government Relations.
“Brett brings to Beam Suntory an impressive career of public policy engagement with lawmakers, regulators and coalitions in regulated industry environments,” said Clarkson Hine, Senior Vice President – Corporate Communications & Public Affairs at Beam Suntory. “With his experience in Kentucky, Washington and globally, Brett will be a key leader for us as we confront our public affairs challenges and opportunities as a company and as an industry.”
At Yum!, Hale has been responsible for conducting global government relations on behalf of the company’s three major brands: KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. Prior to joining Yum! in January of 2014, Hale spent four years as Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs at Churchill Downs Incorporated, the publicly traded racing, gaming and entertainment company, and eight years as Vice President, Government Relations at the American Gaming Association in Washington. Hale began his career on Capitol Hill, where his positions included legislative support roles for Senators Mitch McConnell and Slade Gorton, and chief of staff to Congressman Ed Whitfield of Kentucky.
Hale will be based at Beam Suntory’s offices in Louisville, Kentucky and will report to Hine. Reporting to Hale will be Aoife Clarke, Sr. Director, Public Affairs – International, based in Dublin, Ireland, and Terry McNaughton, Sr. Director, Public Affairs, based in Washington, DC. Hale will join Beam Suntory effective September 12th.
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About Beam Suntory Inc.
As the world’s third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits Brands that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands and Suntory whisky Kakubin, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek bourbon, Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher’s, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur.
Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and commitment to Growing for Good. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.
©2016 Beam Suntory Inc., 510 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield, IL 60015
Chicago, Oct. 4, 2018 – Beam Suntory Chairman & CEO Matt Shattock today announced that he will transition CEO responsibilities effective April 2019 to Albert Baladi, the company’s current Chief Operating Officer & President – North America. Under this succession plan, Shattock will remain a member of the Beam Suntory Board as non-executive Chairman and a member of the Suntory Holdings Board.
As of April 2019, Shattock will have served as leader of the company for ten years, including five years since the Beam Suntory merger. Annual sales have grown to $4.3 billion from $2.0 billion thus far during his tenure.
“I couldn’t be prouder of what our team has accomplished over the past decade, and especially since the creation of Beam Suntory,” said Shattock. “Our business is outperforming globally, we’ve established robust long-term strategic growth platforms, and Beam Suntory’s prospects have never been stronger. I made the decision a while back that when these leadership milestones come next April – 10 years leading the company and five since the creation of Beam Suntory – it will be the right time to transition chief executive leadership to Albert. He’s been a key partner for the past seven years, he’s ideally suited to be our next CEO, and our succession plan to ensure continuity and a smooth transition will enable him to hit the ground running.”
“After seeing Albert in action over the past several years, I have complete trust in his capabilities to lead Beam Suntory successfully,” said Tak Niinami, CEO of Suntory Holdings and Lead Director of Beam Suntory. “Suntory Holdings is grateful for Matt’s outstanding leadership, including how the company sustained its momentum during the acquisition and integration, and how it has outperformed the global spirits market each year as Beam Suntory. I look forward to working with Matt and Albert as we build on this legacy of success at Beam Suntory. Furthermore, Suntory Holdings counts on the continuous contribution of Matt’s knowledge and expertise for the advancement of our businesses.”
Shattock has led the company through value-creating structural and cultural transformations, including as a subsidiary of Fortune Brands and completion of the integration of the Allied Domecq acquisition, during its successful phase as a publicly traded spirits company, and through its acquisition by Suntory Holdings, helping expand Suntory’s global presence through the subsequent successful integration of Beam with Suntory’s spirits business.
Albert Baladi has served as Beam Suntory’s Chief Operating Officer and President – North America since late 2017. Previously, he led the company’s International region. He joined Beam Suntory from Yum! Brands in 2011 as President of EMEA, before becoming President – International in 2015 when the company combined management of its EMEA and Asia Pacific businesses. Baladi has held positions of increasing responsibility throughout his 30-year career, including at Yum! Brands, PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble. Baladi earned his preparatory degree from the Ecole Polytechnique Lausanne and received his business degree from HEC Lausanne, both located in Switzerland.
“I’m looking forward to building on the track record of sustainable, profitable growth established under Matt’s inspiring leadership,” said Baladi. “Our Vision Into Action growth strategy will remain our roadmap to the future as we pursue our objective of being the world’s fastest growing and most admired premium spirits company. Like Matt, I see it as my role to be a custodian of our extraordinary brand legacies, and I will consider it an honor and a privilege to lead our outstanding global team.”
“Having led both the North America and International regions, Albert is uniquely qualified to be our next CEO,” said Shattock. “Albert is a thoughtful, strategic and consumer-oriented leader who has inspired high performance from his teams to deliver market-beating results across mature and emerging markets, led the development of successful global activation platforms, and managed a variety of highly-valued distributor partnerships. Looking ahead, I couldn’t be more confident in the people of Beam Suntory and what they can achieve under Albert’s leadership in the future.”
Beam Suntory will identify Baladi’s successor as President – North America in the coming months.
Media contacts:
Clarkson Hine
clarkson.hine@beamsuntory.com
+1 (312) 871-4939
Emily York
emily.york@beamsuntory.com
+1(224)279-5728
Deerfield, Illinois, October 12 – Beam Suntory Inc. today announced an investment in Bartesian, the creator of innovative at-home cocktail technology to be launched in 2017. The Bartesian at-home cocktail machine creates premium cocktails on demand, combining spirits with pre-mixed cocktail ingredient capsules to deliver consistently great cocktails with ease.
Beam Suntory is the platform’s exclusive spirits partner, and Bartesian’s cocktail ingredients capsules will feature numerous Beam Suntory brands.
“Bartesian’s innovative technology and Beam Suntory’s brands are a great combination,” said Steve Fechheimer, Chief Strategy Officer at Beam Suntory. “At-home cocktailing is a multi-billion dollar market, and we’ve been exploring innovation in this space for quite some time. Making great tasting cocktails yourself can take time, experience and often a lot of ingredients. We believe Bartesian will make it easier than ever for consumers to make their favorite cocktails perfectly every time. We see the Bartesian solution as unique and superior to other products in the marketplace, and we look forward to supporting them on the path to commercialization in 2017.”
“As cocktail culture continues to grow and evolve, Bartesian is leading the way to simplify the craft, without sacrificing taste or shared experience,” said Ryan Close, Co-Founder of Bartesian. “Beam Suntory shares our love of premium cocktails and our passion for delivering excellence to the consumer. We’re fortunate to have such strong brands represent our products and look forward to disrupting the cocktail industry with Beam Suntory as our strategic partner.”
The value of Beam Suntory’s investment in Ontario, Canada-based Bartesian was not disclosed.
CHICAGO, NOVEMBER 2 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, has been named among the Chicago Tribune’s “Top Workplaces.” Beam Suntory was the only food and beverage company to receive this award.
Earlier this year, the maker of Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Yamazaki, Hornitos and Laphroaig was named to Forbes magazine’s list of “America’s Best Mid-Size Employers” for the third consecutive year, and one of Chicago’s “Coolest Offices” by Crain’s Chicago Business. “At Beam Suntory, our people are our winning competitive edge,” said Paula Erickson, Chief Human Resources Officer. “This award is a testament to the collaborative and inclusive culture we’ve built together, as a company of integrity, longstanding legacy, and world-renowned brands.”
The Top Workplaces list is determined by a third-party survey of employees, and considers the foundation of an employee’s job, including pay and benefits, as well as an organization’s core fundamentals, including values, mission, and culture.
Beam Suntory has been named among of Germany’s “Best Places to Work,” for three consecutive years, and among the “Best Places to Work” in Mexico for six consecutive years, including a No. 2 ranking in the most recent survey. More broadly, Beam Suntory’s parent company, Suntory Holdings, was recognized earlier this year on Fortune magazine’s list of the “World’s Most Admired Companies.”
In June 2017, Beam Suntory completed the relocation of its global headquarters to the historic Merchandise Mart in downtown Chicago.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners to the press release.
Media contact:
Emily York
Beam Suntory
emily.york@beamsuntory.com
(224) 279-5728
Frankfort, KY, November 4 – Beam Suntory will open a new barrel warehouse in Frankfort, KY today. The seven-story building is a testament not only to surging demand for bourbon globally, but Beam Suntory’s commitment to and investment in Kentucky, the heartland of its business.
“The need for this incredible new Rackhouse really underscores the global thirst for bourbon,” said David Hunter, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Beam Suntory. “I’m so proud of the team here in Frankfort, and all of our operations in Kentucky, who have been working so hard to keep up with the pace of demand for bourbon around the world.”
This new structure spans more than 275,000 square feet, and is the largest of Beam Suntory’s 112 Rackhouses in Kentucky, with room for more than 59,000 barrels, 17% more than its next-largest warehouse. It is the largest Rackhouse that can currently be built under current Kentucky state law and is Beam Suntory’s first new Rackhouse in Frankfort since 1968.
“The opening of this new barrelhouse reflects the importance of the bourbon industry and the commitment of Beam Suntory to central Kentucky," said U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, R-Lexington. "Each of those barrels represents good paying jobs made possible by global demand for Kentucky’s native spirit.”
Beam Suntory plans to invest more than $1 billion to make bourbon in Kentucky over the next five years, including grains, barrels, payroll and capital expenditures.
“This is a big moment for our entire campus here at Frankfort,” said Alan Mitchell, General Manager, Frankfort. “Not only will this new facility give us ample space for aging our incredible products, but its close proximity to the bottling lines will make transfer efficient.”
Chicago, IL (October 18, 2018) – Today, the Kilbeggan Distilling Company celebrates the limited-edition release of Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye, the only modern Irish whiskey of record to feature such a high quantity of rye within its mash. It is the first whiskey 100% distilled and matured at the Kilbeggan Distillery to be released since its restoration was completed in 2010. Each bottle is a testament to the spirit of the Kilbeggan community, whose unwavering dedication and perseverance have kept the distillery alive for more than 260 years.
“Following the restoration of the Kilbeggan Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in Ireland, our team was inspired to create this remarkable whiskey rooted in Irish distilling heritage,” says John Cashman, Beam Suntory Global Brand Ambassador, Irish Whiskey. “It is a truly unique spirit, featuring a rare mash that has produced a flavor unlike anything available today.”
Featuring a mash of malt, barley, and approximately 30% rye, this whiskey hearkens back to the late-1800s, when many large Irish distillers used rye in their mashes. However, this spicy grain virtually disappeared from the Irish Whiskey category around the time of Prohibition and the Irish War of Independence.
Double distilled to 86 proof in Kilbeggan’s copper pot stills – one of which is the oldest working whiskey pot still in the world today – Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye is the first of its kind in today’s market. Due to the nature of its mash, the flavor profile of Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye is notably softer than familiar American rye whiskies. The combination of rye, malt and barley produces an oily, viscous, creamy whiskey, bristling with rye and barley spice. As both Irish whiskey and rye whiskey enjoy a resurgence, Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye is a true innovation within both categories, with a smooth, spicy flavor profile sure to excite whiskey drinkers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Due to its mellow and spicy character, Kilbeggan® Small Batch Rye is best enjoyed neat. If using this whiskey in a cocktail, we recommend an Old Fashioned: 2 parts Kilbeggan® Rye, 2 dashes aromatic bitters, and a bar spoon of simple syrup or cinnamon syrup. Combine ingredients in a mixing glass, add ice, and stir briefly. Serve over a large ice cube and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Kilbeggan Small Batch Rye, 43% alc./Vol. ©2018 Beam Import Co., Chicago, IL
This limited-edition Irish whiskey will be available in the United States in mid-November 2018 with a suggested retail price of $34.99 (750ml). It joins the U.S. portfolio alongside permanent expressions Kilbeggan® Blended Irish Whiskey (40% ABV) and Kilbeggan® Single Grain Irish Whiskey (43% ABV).
KILBEGGAN® SMALL BATCH RYE | 43% ABV
AROMA Soft green fruits combine with a rich creamy aroma and give way to white pepper, citrus, and soft ginger spices
TASTE Beautiful warming mouthfeel of textured vanilla cream, floral spice, clove, and forest sorrel, building to a crescendo of warm spice and biscuit dryness
FINISH Immensely long and nuanced, thick buttery coating with a return to the vanilla and a spicy, oily coating that remains long after the finish
Deerfield, Illinois, November 7 - Beam Suntory has appointed David Campbell to the new role of Vice President, Integrated Marketing Communications. He will oversee the creation of an integrated marketing discipline which includes content creation, connections planning, the digital landscape, brand education and the company's in-house creative agency.
"We couldn't be happier to be bringing David on board to complement our incredibly talented team," said Rebecca Messina, global chief marketing officer, Beam Suntory. "He’ll play an integral role in our marketing and innovation journey focused on brand building in a data-driven, digitally enabled world.”
Campbell comes to Beam Suntory after eleven years at The Coca-Cola Company. He has held roles of increasing responsibility, most recently as Marketing Director of the Venturing and Emerging Brands (VEB) portfolio, responsible for marketing strategy and communications for the company’s youngest up-and-coming brands. He previously served in the global marketing organization, delivering integrated Coca-Cola campaigns for the 2012 London Olympics and the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
He will be based in Chicago and report to Rebecca Messina, with his appointment effective December 5. David holds a bachelor’s degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta and a master’s from Columbia University in New York City. He has a passion for art education, currently maintaining a board seat at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
London and Chicago, December 16– Sipsmith Gin today announced that they have partnered with Beam Suntory to accelerate the global growth of Sipsmith and its authentic super-premium London Dry Gin.
Sipsmith will continue to be operated by its founders, Sam Galsworthy and Fairfax Hall, and the operations will remain in London, where the business opened the city’s first gin distillery in nearly 200 years. Sipsmith’s award winning London Dry Gin will continue to be made in the traditional way, hand-crafted in small batches. Beam Suntory has a long track record of sustaining the heritage, culture and craftsmanship of businesses in which it invests.
The Companies aim to pursue ambitious export plans for Sipsmith by leveraging Beam Suntory’s strong global routes to market. Super-premium gin is the fastest growing segment of the attractive and growing global gin category.
“This is a momentous occasion for Sipsmith,” said Sam Galsworthy, Sipsmith Co-Founder. “As leaders of the gin renaissance in the UK, we have worked tirelessly to share our gin of the highest quality with discerning sippers. In this new chapter, we have found the perfect partners to take Sipsmith to all four corners of the globe, and do so whilst retaining our quality gin, astonishing team and Chiswick distillery in London. The team at Beam Suntory shares our values and pursuit of excellence. Fairfax and I will remain fully involved in the business, working harder than ever to achieve our vision of a gin that will stand the test of time and be sipped around the world.”
“With incredible skill and passion, Sam and Fairfax have built an extraordinary super-premium gin that is synonymous with London and the utmost craftsmanship,” said Matt Shattock, chairman and CEO of Beam Suntory. “We’re thrilled that Sam and Fairfax will continue to lead the business and make their gin true to their brand vision. We really admire what they’ve accomplished, and we’re very excited to team up with them to maximize the global potential of Sipsmith. Sipsmith’s pioneering spirit and Beam Suntory’s strong routes to market around the world are a winning combination.”
Sipsmith has generated strong growth since its founding in 2009, and more than two-thirds of its current sales are in the United Kingdom. Sipsmith employs traditional copper pot distillation to make its authentic, award-winning flagship London Dry Gin, as well as innovations such as V.J.O.P. (Very Junipery Over Proof Gin) and Sloe Gin.
The transaction, which is structured to give Beam Suntory a controlling interest in the business, is expected to be completed in January. Specific terms were not disclosed.
For further information, please email Hannah Kamelmacher at Story PR at hannah@storypr.co.uk
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