On August 1, Karin Dalgaard experienced something reserved for the few. 50 years at the same company. Recently celebrated at the Carlsberg Museum where Karin’s anniversary was crowned with a handpainted portrait.

“I didn’t walk through the doors at Carlsberg at the age of 16 and think this is where I would spend the rest of my life. But after my time as a trainee, where I was moved around in eight different departments, I got a job in our export department. I enjoyed it there and so the years passed by one by one,” says Karin.

One year has over time turned into 50, and so Carlsberg celebrated Karin with a reception at the Carlsberg museum. Carlsberg has a long-standing tradition of honouring jubilees who celebrate 50 years at Carlsberg by hanging their portrait in the museum. Yesterday, Karin’s portrait, painted by Danish artist Mikael Melbye, was unveiled as friends, family and, last but not least, colleagues gathered at the Carlsberg museum to toast to and congratulate Karin.

Speaking at the ceremony in Copenhagen, Karin said, “I’m honoured, overwhelmed and humbled by today’s celebration and the recognition from Carlsberg and my colleagues. For the 50 years I have been looking at these portraits, I never imagined that my face would one day join them. They’ve always been special to me, so to see myself on the wall feels almost surreal.”

The tradition itself started with Carl Jacobsen, son of brewer J.C. Jacobsen, who ordered paintings of those retiring employees that he especially valued. Characterising these employees was the fact that they had been employed by him most of their working life. Altogether, Carl Jacobsen had 5 paintings of former employees done.

The tradition was brought up again in 1928, but this time the paintings were ordered to honour jubilees, who could celebrate 50 years with Carlsberg. The majority of jubilees are men, with all sorts of professions. Karin is the 4th woman in Carlsberg’s 171 years history that reach the 50 years jubilee, and the last time we had a 50 years jubilee was back in 2009.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen is the second in a series of special editions crafted using irreplaceable ‘ghost’ whiskies and other incredibly rare whiskies from the Johnnie Walker Blue Label reserves used to create the award-winning Johnnie Walker Blue Label. At the heart of this limited edition lies the highly sought-after Islay single malt, Port Ellen – a ‘ghost’ distillery that shut its doors in 1983.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen follows the exciting release of Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Brora last year. Each edition in the series offers a fleeting opportunity to savour the depth of character of whiskies from distilleries whose spirit lives on in their dwindling stocks.

For Johnnie Walker Master Blender Jim Beveridge and his small team of expert blenders the Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare series is an exciting exploration of flavour. Jim says, “These whiskies deliver a fascinating glimpse into another world, exploring the unique, inimitable character of whiskies from a small number of iconic, closed distillieries that lend something very special to every drop of Johnnie Walker Blue Label. It’s really interesting to be able to put a spotlight on the character of these whiskies.”

Even though the Port Ellen distillery is now silent, Jim is excited to recapture the memory of the precious cargo of smoky Island single malts that was once carried on ships sailing from this famous distillery by balancing its unique character with other incredibly rare whiskies. Jim explains, “‘Ghost’ whiskies from Caledonian and Carsebridge add layers of creamy, vanilla sweetness whilst rare malts from Mortlach, Dailuaine, Cragganmore, Blair Athol and Oban deliver rolling waves of waxy citrus, rich malt and tropical fruit flavours – all perfectly balanced by the distinctive maritime smokiness of Port Ellen that lingers in the long and warming finish.”

Johnnie Walker Blue Label Ghost and Rare Port Ellen is bottled at an ABV of 43.8% and will be available globally in October with an RRP of 275 GBP for a 70cl bottle.

Chivas is shaking up the Scotch whisky category with the launch of Chivas XV – a 15 year old blend that challenges conventions around how and when to enjoy Scotch whisky. Created to be enjoyed as part of a high-energy, celebratory moment, Chivas XV proves that a serious whisky doesn’t need a serious setting to be enjoyed.

Continuing Chivas’ tradition for expert blending, Chivas XV is aged for a minimum of 15 years and selectively finished in Grande Champagne Cognac casks, bringing together two of the world’s most prestigious spirits to seamlessly blend tradition and innovation. The use of Grande Champagne Cognac casks delivers a rich, refined and velvety interpretation of the traditional Chivas house style.

This combination provides the perfect taste profile for a wide range of contemporary serving styles, encouraging whisky fans to enjoy their favourite spirit in a whole new way – from Chivas XV shots to cocktails designed to emphasise the quality and rich flavour of the whisky during high-energy celebrations.

Chivas XV, named in a nod to both the age statement and the style of traditional Cognac classification, features a contemporary new look, while also sharing the same iconic bottle shape that helps to make Chivas whiskies so recognisable around the world. Chivas XV is available in two formats to cater for different occasions: an eye-catching gold bottle stands out from the crowd during moments of celebration, while a clear bottle with a sophisticated gold outer carton makes the perfect celebratory purchase or gift.

Richard Black, Global Marketing Director at Chivas Regal, explains, “We know that Scotch whisky fans love Chivas’ generous house style, but are also looking to experiment with new tastes, and find new ways in which to enjoy their favourite spirit. Enter Chivas XV – the perfect expression for those who want to celebrate life with a truly luxurious and unique spirit that has been designed specifically with the energy of the consumption occasion in mind. A disruptive move for the category, Chivas XV presents a more contemporary side to Scotch, and encourages whisky drinkers to create memorable experiences that live on long after the celebration.” Chivas XV will be on sale exclusively in Global Travel Retail from 1st July, 2018 at an RRP of $69 for 1L and rolled out globally from 1st October, 2018.

Sula has announced the appointment of Nick Pringle as the company’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. In his capacity as the COO of India’s leading wine company and fastest growing alcobev company, Nick will work closely with Rajeev Samant, Founder and CEO, Sula Vineyards, while overlooking the company’s strategy and operations.

Rajeev Samant commented, “I am delighted that Nick Pringle is joining Sula as COO. Nick brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Accolade Wines and AB InBev and is the right person to help steer Sula Vineyards, one of Asia’s fastest growing wine and alcobev companies, to even greater heights!”

Nick has over 20 years of experience in the wine and spirits industry. He has worked extensively in international markets to create a significant category across emerging markets for wine and spirits consumption and he strongly believes that numerous opportunities lie in the Indian alcobev industry.

Nick Pringle stated, “India is a very young and dynamic market. It has immense potential to grow in the wine sector and the enthusiasm, with great people that Sula possesses is infectious! Despite barriers, Sula entered the wine industry here in India and carved a niche for itself as both, the best and leading wine company. Sula recognised the changing industry trends and launched Sula Selections and Artisan Spirits to diversify itself, becoming a genuine front runner in the industry. I am proud to be associated with a brand that has turned things around for the industry altogether and look forward to creating more milestones for us to achieve together.”

Prior to this, Nick worked at AB InBev for 12 years. He later joined Constellation to assume a variety of roles and eventually joined Accolade Wines to strengthen Hardys globally in 2011.

At Accolade Wines, Nick was in charge of emerging markets and responsible for travel retail relationships across regions spanning Africa, the Middle East, South and Central America, Asia Sub-Continent and Southern Europe. Key markets for growth from his regions were Central and South America, Africa and India, which became a passion for him, while in India an increasing number of consumers were experimenting and progressing from beer and spirits to the wine category, during this time he was working in partnership with Sula. In 2016, Nick was appointed as Head of Accolade Wines for China, a significantly growing market for the company, before being given this amazing opportunity with Sula.

Before working in the wine and spirits industry, Nick was a professional cricketer and played for his home county – Somerset, from 1986 to 1991. Now he loves to see his son, Mathew play cricket and enjoys playing with him too. A thorough sportsman, he also used to play rugby and he loves watching football. Nick is a fitness enthusiast and also takes keen interest in music and travelling.

© Chiefs of Content / www.chiefsofcontent.nl

“There is no one better qualified than Francis to take on this important regional role for the company,” says Michael J. Dolan, Chief Executive Officer of Bacardi Limited. “Francis has enjoyed a long and successful career at Bacardi and is a great example of how we nurture top talent. Over 23 years, Francis has repeatedly proven his ability to lead teams to success in the marketplace, most recently as VP & Managing Director for Northern Europe. Francis’ experience and expertise partnered with his drive and passion are the perfect mix to ensure that our iconic portfolio of brands continues to grow throughout Europe.”

Debeuckelaere succeeds Mahesh Madhavan, who in March 2017 was named the successor to Dolan when he retires as CEO. Madhavan will spend the next several months working with different regions and markets as he prepares to assume the CEO role in 2018.

Commenting on his appointment as Regional President, Debeuckelaere says: “I love the company and this business, so naturally it is a great honor to be given this fantastic opportunity. These are exciting times for Europe and for Bacardi. We have an enviable portfolio of brands and an extraordinarily talented team. Add to this powerful combination, the freedom we enjoy as a family-owned company to respond quickly to rapidly changing market trends and we have a winning formula in Europe.”

In his career at Bacardi, Debeuckelaere has led a number of European markets to great success. Under him, the size of Bacardi in Belgium more than doubled, going from the number three spirits company to number one. Similarly, the size of Bacardi in the Netherlands grew by more than 50 percent, from number three in the market to number two, and after he helped establish the company in Switzerland in 2004, Bacardi grew into the country’s number three spirits company. Prior to joining Bacardi, Debeuckelaere held marketing positions with Nestlé and brewer Alken-Maes.

Debeuckelaere has a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy, a Master’s Degree in Roman languages, and an MBA from the University of Leuven in Belgium. He is fluent in Dutch, English, French, German, and Spanish.

Debeuckelaere will be based in Geneva, Switzerland (subject to permit approval), and a member of the Global Leadership Team.