Beam Suntory contributes more than £400,000 funding for four-year project with RSPB Scotland to restore 160 hectares of peatland at Airds Moss Reserve in East Ayrshire

SCOTLAND, UK (7 November 2022) – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, today announces a new partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) for the restoration of peatland in Scotland, promoting carbon sequestration and protecting invaluable biodiversity. This marks the start of the second phase of the Peatland Water Sanctuary™ (PWS™) initiative, a joint $4 million conservation project launched in 2021 by Beam Suntory and its parent company, Suntory Holdings.  

Beam Suntory will contribute more than £400,000 to restore and regenerate approximately 160 hectares of peatland at the Airds Moss reserve in East Ayrshire, Scotland which is owned by RSPB Scotland. Restoration will take place over four years and the partners will provide annual updates on the impact of the project. 

The first year will involve extensive fieldwork; completing surveys and analysis to design a restoration plan. Physical work is expected for winter 2023, at which point work will be carried out to re-establish original peatland vegetation to promote the regeneration of peat. 

This restoration builds on the success of the first stage of the PWS initiative, which began with work to restore and conserve peatland near the Ardmore distillery in November 2021. Since then, approximately 13 hectares of peatland have been successfully restored in partnership with the James Hutton Institute and Forestry and Land Scotland.  An expansion of the Ardmore PWS™ project is currently being scoped.

Beam Suntory is also keen to improve education and awareness about the importance of peat and biodiversity and recently ran a peatland restoration training event at its Laphroaig Distillery on Islay. The company is planning to replicate the event at further sites across Scotland. 

Alistair Longwell, Head of Distillation & Environment, Beam Suntory comments: We’re now a year in since launching our PWS™ initiative and it’s rewarding to be using our accumulating knowledge and expertise to make a significant impact to Scotland’s ecosystems. Working across the Airds Moss Reserve in partnership with RSPB Scotland represents a great step forward in our goal to restore 1,300 hectares of peatland by 2030. 

Anne McCall, Director for RSPB Scotland adds: We are delighted to be working in partnership with Beam Suntory to restore peatland at our Airds Moss nature reserve. Peatlands are incredibly special and fragile habitats, with an enormous importance in the fight against climate change. RSPB Scotland Airds Moss is of international importance for its blanket bog habitat and supports some wonderful species, including hen harrier, golden plover, fantastic carnivorous sundews and large heath butterfly. 

Robbie Millar, Managing Director Scotch & Irish, Beam Suntory adds: As the home of our iconic Scotch whiskies including Bowmore, Laphroaig and Auchentoshan, we are committed to helping to build a prosperous future for Scotland. This means working both within and beyond our own distillery sites, partnering with local communities and organizations like RSPB Scotland to drive initiatives like Peatland Water Sanctuary™ and set higher targets to protect our natural environments. 

Harumichi Seta, General Manager, Sustainability Management Division, Suntory Holdings comments: A year ago, we launched the PWS™ initiative to contribute to sustaining healthy peatlands essential to the production of quality Scotch whisky and to protect Scotland’s ecosystems. Today, we are excited to see tangible progress and expansion of our PWS™ initiative - we are determined to fulfil our responsibility as a company that relies on the blessings of nature and water and continue our journey to give back more peat than we use in the production of our whiskies.

Alan Brown, Member of Parliament for Kilmarnock, Scotland said: Peatlands and heather are what makes Scotland’s landscape so special, particularly within my constituency of Kilmarnock and Loudoun where the restoration and protection of this land is taking place. The environmental benefits of peatland as a carbon store are well known so this helps combat climate change. It’s great to see Beam Suntory spearhead this work within our community alongside RSPB Scotland.

Through PWS™, Beam Suntory and Suntory Holdings have committed to invest more than $4 million in the restoration and conservation of 1,300 hectares of peatlands by 2030, enough to produce the same amount of peat that Beam Suntory uses every year in making its Scotch whiskies on an ongoing basis. Beyond this, there is a longer-term aim to restore sufficient peatlands by 2040 to equate twice the volume of peat that Beam Suntory uses.

The PWS™ initiative aligns with the Suntory Group Sustainability Vision and Beam Suntory’s ambitious Proof Positive sustainability strategy, as well as the Scotch Whisky Association’s environmental commitments. In addition to the long-term positive impact of peatland and watershed restoration and conservation on water retention and quality, the work will also support carbon sequestration and biodiversity in the local area, helping to maintain and protect the important role of peatland ecosystems in Scotland’s natural environment.

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About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. 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 Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks® Premium Cocktails.

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 vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in New York City, 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. 

About RSPB 
RSPB Scotland is part of the RSPB, the UK’s largest nature conservation charity. Protecting habitats, saving species and helping to end the nature and climate emergency. Nature is in crisis. Together we can save it.
 

“Dance has always been a passion of mine. It’s something that I’ve been doing since I was five years old and it’s one of the things that brings me true joy in life. Through dancing, I’m able to focus, shift my mood and gain a more positive attitude when I’m feeling down. I am trained in Bharatanatyam, which is the oldest classical dance form in India that’s recognized for its unique footwork and a sophisticated vocabulary of sign language based on gestures of hands, eyes, and face muscles. I trained for eight years, perfecting my skills, even going on to perform with a stage company during my school days. I didn’t dance as much after college, but over the last few years, I’ve been getting back into it. 

Dancing requires a lot of hard work and patience. Some of the Bharatanatyam programs run for as long as four hours. All the training and practicing has been a huge benefit to my time management and team building skills, which I use daily in my work.

Originally, I’m from India’s southern-most state of Kerala. Over the years I have worked in different parts of India and now I am based at Hyderabad, Telangana which is India’s biggest whisky market. 

As I continue to grow and explore my role, I rely a lot on my time management and team building skills that I developed through dance. It’s important that my team is as diverse as the markets we are in. I’m recruiting from different states, cultures, and backgrounds, as well as bringing more women into the sales team, which is typically a male dominated function in India.

Just like dance, I am passionate about my work. Part of my job requires that I go into markets and conduct customer & consumer research. I enjoy learning why consumers buy certain products and what they want more of. My curiosity and a constant urge to learn help me understand our customers better and thereby help service them better. As a result, I have been able to help premiumize our portfolio in certain markets. 

I always strive to leave things a little better than they were before, I believe that is one of my purposes in life.” 

-    Deepti Divakaran, Zonal Sales Manager, India 
 

State-of-the-art space expands Suntory’s global footprint and will serve as Beam Suntory’s worldwide headquarters, completing relocation to center of consumer and luxury trends
 
New York, October 6 – Suntory, a global leader in the beverage industry, and subsidiary company Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits with iconic brands such as Jim Beam®, Maker’s Mark®, Yamazaki and Hibiki, celebrated the grand opening of their New York City office today. The location now serves as the New York office of Suntory and global headquarters of Beam Suntory, where more than 150 employees will be located. The opening signals an important milestone in advancing Suntory’s global footprint, Beam Suntory’s premiumization journey, and the realization of the companies’ shared East-meets-West competitive advantage. 
 
“Today marks an historic moment for Suntory as we realize our ambition as a truly global company, opening a major office in one of the world’s biggest and most influential cities,” said Tak Niinami, CEO of Suntory Holdings.  “By keeping ahead of consumer trends and exceeding expectations, we add value to our brands. My vision for Suntory is to deliver new, exciting, premium brand experiences to the world, from here in New York. This new co-office for Suntory and Beam Suntory will also represent a unique opportunity to fully realize our East-meets-West advantage and take our ambitions to the next level.”
 
“New York is one of the world’s most exciting and ever-evolving cities, enabling our people to be close to consumer trends and ‘where things happen’ -- what we call the Gemba.  That’s why we chose to relocate Beam Suntory’s global headquarters here, and why we’ve created an office that will harness the power of in-person collaboration as we return to more office-based work,” said Albert Baladi, President & CEO of Beam Suntory. “We look forward to amplifying the creative energy of New York as we accelerate the premiumization of our brands and pursue our ambitious growth goals.”

“The opening of Beam Suntory’s new global headquarters is yet another sign of New York City’s economic recovery,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Not only will it provide 150 jobs here in our city, it also demonstrates that global brands like Suntory Group recognize that this is the best place in the world to grow a global business. We’re excited to partner with them as we continue to invest in our city’s vibrant hospitality and nightlife industry.”
  
The state-of-the-art office comprises an entire floor of 11 Madison Avenue, located in the heart of the Flatiron district, with views of the New York City skyline and Madison Square Park.

The design and furnishings of the new office represent the company’s East-meets-West aesthetic, while operating as one of the first office spaces to integrate learnings from the pandemic to suit both in-person and hybrid collaboration. 
 
With two bar areas, a tasting room, unique interactive conference rooms, and flexible workstations, the new office is unlike traditional workspaces. These furnishings are elevated further by a digital art exhibit from the Suntory Museum of Art, based in Tokyo, which will be curated on an ongoing basis.
 
Following the relocation of its global headquarters from Chicago, IL, 11 Madison Avenue is now the home of Beam Suntory’s global Brand House organization, select global corporate function roles, and the majority of Executive Leadership Team positions. Chicago will remain the headquarters for the company’s North America region, alongside the company’s significant presence in Tokyo and offices in Delhi, Frankfurt, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.
 
The companies’ key partners in establishing this new office include CBRE Group, SL Green Realty, Gardiner & Theobald, Eight Inc, and JRM Construction Management. Additional partners include AMA Group, TMT Technology, LB Architects, Lighting Workshop, Eremos, Blondies Treehouse Inc, Thornton Tomasetti, Davella Studios, Rizzo Group, Envoy, Interior Investments LLC and AVI-SPL. 
 
About Suntory Group
As a global leader in the beverage industry, Suntory Group offers a uniquely diverse portfolio of products from premium spirits, beer and wine to brewed teas, bottled water, carbonated soft drinks, ready-to-drink coffee and energy drinks, along with health and wellness products. Suntory is home to award-winning Japanese whiskies Yamazaki, Hibiki and Hakushu as well as iconic American spirits Jim Beam and Maker's Mark. Suntory also fascinates the taste buds with The Premium Malt's beer and also owns the exceptional Japanese wine Tomi and the world famous Château Lagrange. Its brand collection also includes Sauza Tequila, non-alcoholic favorites Orangina, Lucozade, Ribena, BOSS coffee, Iyemon green tea, Suntory Tennensui water, TEA+ Oolong Tea, V and BRAND’S, as well as popular health and wellness product Sesamin EX.
 
Founded as a family-owned business in 1899 in Osaka, Japan, Suntory Group has grown into a global company operating throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania with an annual revenue (excluding excise taxes) of $19.8 billion in 2021. Suntory is driven by Yatte Minahare - the spirit of bold ambition - and our 40,275 employees worldwide draw upon our unique blend of Japanese artisanship and global tastes to explore new product categories and markets.
 
As a company that delivers blessings of water and nature to our customers, Suntory is committed to its mission to create harmony with people and nature. Always aspiring to grow for good, Suntory is devoted to giving back to society through protecting water resources, nurturing its communities and fostering the arts.
 
Learn more about Suntory Group, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility at www.suntory.com, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
 
About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails. 
 
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 vision of Growing for Good. Headquartered in New York City, 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.
 
Media Contact 
 
Zsoka McDonald 
Chief Communications Officer, Beam Suntory
Zsoka.McDonald@Beamsuntory.com
 
Olivia Sanford 
Associate Director, FGS Global 
Olivia.Sanford@fgsglobal.com 
 
# # #

©2022 Beam Suntory, Inc. New York.

The 2022 Hibiki® Blossom Harmony™ is a limited-edition blend made with whiskies finished in Sakura (cherry blossom) casks, an innovation that pays tribute to a traditional Japanese moment of celebration.  

CHICAGO, IL (October 3, 2022) – The House of Suntory, the founding House of Japanese Whisky, announces the release of Hibiki® Blossom Harmony™, a limited-edition blend featuring whiskies finished in Sakura casks.

The Sakura Blossom season in early spring has always been an occasion for celebration in Japan, with many gathering around the beautiful flowering Sakura trees that inspire the Japanese to appreciate life as it blooms. Hibiki Blossom Harmony captures this joyful spirit by blending a rare selection of whiskies finished in Sakura wood casks with diverse matured malt and grain whiskies to create this particular Hibiki.  

This limited-edition bottle will be available beginning in October in select global markets including in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Austria, United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Italy, Turkey, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. The expression is bottled at 43 percent ABV and has a suggested retail price of $160 USD.  

Inspired by Sakura
Hibiki is a harmonious blend of various malt and grain whiskies from Suntory’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. Constantly pushing the boundaries of what Japanese Whisky can be, the House of Suntory continues to explore and experiment with various wood types. The Sakura cask was one that intrigued Fifth Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo. 

“I have been mesmerized by the Sakura cask for the last five years now due to its symbolism, but also because of its distinctive, subtly floral and spicy aroma and flavor notes,” says Fukuyo. “There have been many experiments with malt and grain whisky components, and we found that there was a special alchemy between the grain whiskies and the Sakura cask. It is this special relationship – harmony – that inspired me to create this blend.” 

Achieving the right balance and orchestration proved to be a great challenge from the start since the Sakura cask is one with strong character that can easily become overbearing. After a period of trial and error, Fukuyo found that the grain whiskies finished in the Sakura cask best elevated the overall balance, and the end result is a particularly distinctive expression of Hibiki. It begins with an enticing floral bouquet, followed by the signature Hibiki depth and complexity of honey, candied orange peel, jasmine and chocolatey decadence. The finish features surprising bittersweet spicy notes. 

Revealing a different kind of Harmony  
Meaning “Resonance” in Japanese, Hibiki embodies the Suntory philosophy To Create Harmony with People and Nature. As a House of Master Blenders, the House of Suntory has gone to great lengths to explore the breadth and depth of what Harmony can mean for a blend. Hibiki Blossom Harmony celebrates a particular kind of Harmony. 

“As a limited edition, I wanted our Hibiki aficionados to enjoy a Hibiki they had never experienced before - something unexpected, something surprising,” says Fukuyo. “This is a Hibiki that celebrates a particular moment in your life, a harmony that blossoms. It would mean so much to me if you could enjoy it with someone special, someone who makes you blossom.”

TASTING NOTES: HIBIKI BLOSSOM HARMONY – 43% ABV
Color: Amber
Nose: Wafting floral scents, sakura, fragrant olive
Palate: Smooth mouthfeel, expanding fragrance, acacia honey, French pear and a refined sweetness suggestive of sakura mochi
Finish: Long-lasting rich and brilliant aftertaste

ABOUT HIBIKI
The Hibiki brand was introduced to the world in 1989 and since then has been embraced as the paragon of The Art of Japanese Whisky, the very product of Japanese nature and people. It is not only Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky, but also among the most prestigious and honored whiskies in the world. Hibiki is a harmonious blend of various malt and grain whiskies from House of Suntory Whisky’s Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries. This delicate blend creates a oneness unfolding a full orchestra of flavors and aromas. Today Hibiki is one of the most awarded blends in the world. For more information on Hibiki brand, visit https://whisky.suntory.com/en/na/products/hibiki. 

ABOUT HOUSE OF SUNTORY
Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the pioneer of Japanese Whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. Founder Shinjiro Torii built Japan’s first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii’s son and Suntory’s second Master Blender, Keizo Saji, who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu distillery. As the generations of Suntory’s master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014). Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes two single malt whiskies: Yamazaki—Japan’s number one single malt, multi-layered and profound, and Hakushu—verdant, fresh, and delicately smoky; and two blends: the noble blend, Hibiki—Japan’s most highly awarded blended whisky and Suntory Whisky Toki. The House of Suntory portfolio also offers Roku Japanese Gin and Haku Japanese Vodka. Created from Japanese ingredients by the master artisans at the House of Suntory, Roku Gin and Haku Vodka represent the nature and spirit of Japan.

whisky.suntory.com        #SuntoryWhisky        @SuntoryWhisky

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY INC.
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company’s brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails.

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 vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, 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.

Media Contact
Manuela Savona, Savona Communications
manuela@savonacommunications.com
Ashley Lawless, Beam Suntory
Ashley.Lawless@BeamSuntory.com

ENJOY RESPONSIBLY.
Hibiki® Blossom Harmony™ Japanese Whisky, 43% Alc./Vol. ©2022 Beam Suntory Import Co., Chicago, IL.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owner
 

This limited-edition bourbon honors Booker Noe's legacy as the brand's most mature release to-date

CLERMONT, K.Y., Oct. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Knob Creek® Bourbon, a leader in the Small Batch Bourbon category, is excited to announce the addition of a new, limited-edition bourbon to its award-winning* portfolio: Knob Creek® 18 Year Old. This latest release marks the oldest expression from Knob Creek to-date, and its introduction comes just in time to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Knob Creek and the Small Batch Bourbon Collection.

Aged twice as long as its flagship bourbon and bottled at 100 proof, Knob Creek 18 Year Old offers a complex, yet balanced, liquid due to its mature age. Extensive aging in Kentucky rackhouses give this bourbon its rich copper color and unique flavor profile, delivering notes of caramelized oak and sweet vanilla with a warm finish; further demonstrating how great things take time and patience - yielding remarkable results.

Three decades ago, Booker Noe, grandson of Jim Beam and Sixth Generation Master Distiller, set out to define the standards for pre-prohibition style bourbon by introducing Knob Creek to the world. Today, Knob Creek continues to honor his legacy by pushing the boundaries of the bourbon category, and this new, extra-aged and full-flavored liquid reinforces the brand's ongoing dedication and commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.

"As we celebrate 30 years of Knob Creek, it's clear to me that Dad was ahead of his time in creating innovative expressions with big, bold flavors that defined pre-prohibition whiskey," said Fred Noe, Booker Noe's son and Seventh Generation Master Distiller. "This new 18 Year Old liquid is a nod to his vision and commitment to quality and craftsmanship, and I know this is a whiskey he'd be proud to serve. I'm honored to further his legacy with Knob Creek's oldest and boldest expression yet."

Knob Creek 18 Year Old is bottled with the following characteristics:

Proof: 100
Color: Rich copper tones with auburn hues
Aroma: Brown sugar and aged oak, with notes of char and caramel
Taste: Full-bodied with notes of caramelized oak and hints of sweet vanilla and baking spices
Finish: Warm finished with spice and slight floral and fruit notes

Knob Creek 18 Year Old is now available nationwide in limited quantities with a suggested retail price of $169.99 for a 750mL bottle. For more information about Knob Creek 18 Year Old and Knob Creek's award-winning bourbon and rye portfolios, please visit www.KnobCreek.com or visit us on Instagram @KnobCreek.

About Knob Creek® Bourbon
Knob Creek has set the standard for super-premium whiskey for three decades by crafting extraordinary full- flavored bourbon with a rich taste. Knob Creek bourbons and ryes are patiently aged to perfection in new, maximum charred American Oak barrels to impart the biggest and fullest flavor on our whiskey. No matter the expression, Knob Creek is crafted without shortcuts and embodies the pre-prohibition style that founding distiller Booker Noe created in 1992. Since then, Knob Creek has lived up to such standards with the introduction of Knob Creek® Straight Rye Whiskey in 2012. In recent years, Knob Creek has expanded its rye portfolio, introducing Knob Creek® Single Barrel Select Rye Whiskey (115 proof). In 2020, Knob Creek expanded its bourbon portfolio with the introduction of Knob Creek 12 Year Old Bourbon (100 proof), and a limited time release of Knob Creek 15 Year Old Bourbon (100 proof).

About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. 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 Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher's, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks® Premium Cocktails.

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 vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in New York City, 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.

©2022 Beam Suntory, Inc. New York.

*Further information on Knob Creek awards can be found at www.knobcreek.com
Knob Creek® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 50% Alc./vol. ©2022 James B Beam Distilling Company, Clermont KY.

"My mother taught me that cooking is a way to show your love for friends, family, and neighbors. Cruzan® Rum has always been a staple in my household for this reason. We use it for baking rum cake and cooking various recipes we enjoy together. When he was alive, my father loved Cruzan. You could always find a bottle prominent on the table when we had parties or get-togethers. His love for the brand is one of the reasons why I am so passionate about the spirit—it was like an extended family member. It's a big part of the culture here on St. Croix. Being the Quality Manager at Cruzan signifies coming around full circle. Growing up around the brand and now being a valuable member of the team that ensures that the liquid quality meets the world-renowned Cruzan traditions is exciting! 

Both family and friends are important to me, and it translates into my work and in the culture at Cruzan. Food is a great way to bond as a team and invite new people into our world.

As with my children, I give my team the freedom and support to succeed. As a manager, I encourage them to step out of their comfort zone so they can grow and learn new skills. I deeply support my team's continuing education activities and encourage them to reach for the stars. I am very passionate about education because I know that it's something that no one can take away from you and it is a way to ensure business sustainability.  While working towards my MBA, I am taking every opportunity to encourage others to keep moving toward their goals.

My mother heavily influenced my work ethic; she taught my sisters and me many lessons. One main lesson she demonstrated by her words and actions is that you are responsible for your growth and development. No one will do it for you. Don't ever wait for anybody to do it for you, which is especially true for a black woman. You must drive forward for what you want to achieve."

- Lorina Pickering Dyer, Quality Manager, Liquid Excellence, St. Croix
 

World-leading bourbon brand is the third shifted to the agency this year

CHICAGO, IL [SEPTEMBER 21, 2022] –Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, has named Leo Burnett, a leading advertising agency within Publicis Groupe, its global creative agency of record for Jim Beam®, the world’s #1-selling bourbon. The agency will develop a new global positioning and creative platform for the iconic bourbon. 

“As our flagship Jim Beam looks to the next 225 years of its history, we needed an agency partner that could truly dig into the brand’s DNA and truly drive relevance in a way that connects with both loyal and curious consumers through rich, immersive storytelling,” said Veronique Mura, Vice President, Marketing – Jim Beam. “We believe that Jim Beam has the right to lead in American Whisky globally, and we can’t wait to partner with Leo on creative that will support the continued growth of this incredible brand.”

This is the latest and largest new business win for Leo Burnett with Beam Suntory this year. This summer, following a competitive pitch, Leo Burnett was appointed agency of record for Legent™, a Kentucky whiskey crafted in the traditional Japanese technique. Work is underway to tell the emotive story of the quality, distinct flavor, and uniqueness of its bourbon experience.  Leo Burnett earlier won a pitch to launch a new ready-to-drink product within Beam Suntory’s portfolio in 2023.Work is currently in-market for Knob Creek® and Basil Hayden®, including a new brand platform for Basil Hayden – Light the Way.

“Crafting the next chapter of an iconic brand like Jim Beam is a responsibility we don’t take lightly,” said Britt Nolan, Leo Burnett Chicago’s President and Chief Creative Officer. “We’ve been proud to deliver strong results for Beam Suntory’s small batch portfolio and couldn’t be more excited about this next stage of our partnership.”

The upcoming campaign will be Beam Suntory’s latest investment in Jim Beam. The company recently completed a $60 million reinvention the brand’s homeplace in Clermont, KY, uniting its family of brands, elevating its visitor experience, and establishing the Fred B. Noe Distillery, where 8th Generation Beam Distiller Freddie Noe will craft the Beam whiskies of the future. Earlier this month, Beam Suntory announced a $400 million investment to expand capacity for Jim Beam leveraging renewable energy at its Booker Noe Distillery in Boston, KY. 

In the first half of 2022, Beam Suntory reported net sales up 13% versus the year-earlier period, and a 25% increase from the pre-pandemic period in 2019. The company will complete the relocation of its global headquarters to New York City next month.

Leo Burnett launched the “6ourbon 7ime” campaign for Beam Suntory in January 2021, encouraging audiences to reclaim their happiest hour from 6-7PM at the height of the pandemic. This campaign won for Craft at the ANDY Awards, a Bronze Cube and Merit Award at the ADC Awards, two Merit Awards at The One Show, five Silver at the ADDY Awards, and one Bronze at the CLIO Awards.

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About Leo Burnett
Leo Burnett is a creative solutions company founded on the idea that "what helps people helps business." By solving human problems with the power of creativity, Leo Burnett delivers value for people and prosperity for brands. To learn more about Leo Burnett and its rich, 87-year history, visit LeoBurnett.com.

About Beam Suntory 
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. 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 Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks® Premium Cocktails.

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 vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in Chicago, 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. 
 

©2022 Beam Suntory, Inc. Chicago, IL.

Report outlines progress since the company launched its Proof Positive strategy in 2021

CHICAGO, Sept. 15, 2022 – Beam Suntory, a world leader in premium spirits, and producer of iconic brands like Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, published its inaugural sustainability report outlining its progress against its Proof Positive strategy, which was launched in 2021. 

“As we progress against our Proof Positive goals to combat climate change, reduce harmful drinking, and give back to our communities, our sustainability report is an important way we will share our progress and increase transparency,” said Albert Baladi, Beam Suntory President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud of the actions and achievements detailed in the 2021 report in what we consider a foundational year. 

“It’s inspiring to see how our people have embraced Proof Positive and contributed to our progress in so many meaningful ways,” continued Baladi, “We’re now mid-way through 2022 and we continue to make investments to advance our sustainability strategy.”  

With a commitment to achieving a net positive impact on the environment, with consumers, within its communities, and with its employees, Beam Suntory is advancing ambitious long-term sustainability goals. Across Proof Positive’s three pillars, Beam Suntory’s FY21 sustainability highlights include:

Nature Positive

• Joined the Race to Zero campaign and increased use of renewable energy with nearly 100% of our global sites purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates and/or generating renewable power onsite.
   
• Installed closed-loop cooling at the Jim Beam Clermont facility in Kentucky, reducing the average volume of water the facility recirculated from the lake for cooling by over 35 million gallons per month.
   
• Supported restoration and protection of a sub-basin of the Lerma–Santiago river basin in Mexico through the Charco Bendito Project’s reforestation, soil conservation and aquifer recharging efforts.
   
• Established the first Peatland Water Sanctuary in Scotland, investing more than $4 million to restore and conserve 1,300 hectares of peatland by 2030.

Consumer Positive

• Began applying macro-nutritional labeling to key brands across Europe and the US as part of our voluntary global commitments to increase information available to consumers.
   
• Increased options for lower and no alcohol by volume drinks with Sipsmith®’s FreeGlider in the UK and Lemon Sour Zero in Japan.

Community Positive

• Increased percentage of female new hires to 50% (+6%) and percentage of women in leadership roles by 3%. Increased the percentage of racially and ethnically diverse employees in the US by 4%, at both the mid- and senior-manager levels.
   
• Scored 100% on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index in the US, and named a Great Place to Work® Certified™ company in the US, Canada, Spain, Singapore, Korea, China, India, Mexico and Germany, and one of the Best Workplaces for Women™ in Mexico.
   
• Supported the global growth and sustainability of the American whiskey industry through the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits at the University of Kentucky.
   
• Donated 3,248 volunteer hours to local communities during the company’s annual service event, Together for Good.
   
• Helped increase access to medical care in India’s hardest-hit areas from COVID-19 through a joint $600,000 donation with Suntory Holdings.

More information on the company and Proof Positive can be found at https://www.beamsuntory.com/en/proof-positive.

About Beam Suntory
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. 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 Courvoisier® cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Basil Hayden®, Knob Creek®, and Legent™ bourbon; Yamazaki®, Hakushu®, Hibiki® and Toki™ Japanese whisky; Teacher’s, Laphroaig® and Bowmore® Scotch whisky; Canadian Club® whisky; Hornitos® and Sauza® tequila; EFFEN®, Haku® and Pinnacle® vodka; Sipsmith® and Roku™ gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails. 

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 vision of Growing for Good, which now includes its transformative sustainability strategy, Proof Positive. Headquartered in Chicago, 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. 

©2022 Beam Suntory, Inc. Chicago, IL.