PR Q&A

1. PR Q&A

2. Tasting Notes Colour Deep and intense Nose Rich; Bursting with flavours of ripe pears in syrup, intermingled with rich fruitcake; A hint of cinnamon and root ginger in the background Taste Incredible depth; Exceptional multi-layered flavours of rich toffee and sweet soft red apple Finish Delightful finish that last an incredibly long, blissful time. An exceptional Scotch whisky. Incredible depth; Complex and fruity in the extreme; Perfectly balanced. A true reflection of the devoted skills and dedicated craftsmanship focused on its creation for over 40 years. 1

3. Product Specification Price recommendation : US$7,000 Availability: Only 100 bottles are to be released globally each year. Every bottle is etched with the year of release and an individual number between 1-100 Outlets: Selected travel retail, high end department stores and prestigious on-trade outlets ABV: 43% Size: 70cl / 700ml 1

4. The Product What is so significant about the launch of Ballantine’s 40 Year Old? The launch is extremely special because it is the realisation of founder George Ballantine’s ultimate aspiration: to create an exquisite and exceptional whisky that would carry his family’s name and continue his legacy. However, George set his sights very high and it became clear that it was unlikely that this would be achieved within his lifetime, so his aspiration also became his legacy to the business. One important element of that legacy is the tradition, established by George Ballantine, of consistently laying down stocks of whisky to mature for extended periods and to pay the closest attention to the maturation process and its contribution to producing exceptional whiskies. With the launch of Ballantine’s 40 Year Old, this aspiration has finally been realised by today’s Ballantine’s Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop. Ballantine’s 40 Year Old is a Scotch whisky of superb quality and a testament to brilliant craftsmanship which emanates understated luxury whilst staying true to Ballantine’s signature style - soft, sweet, elegant and balanced. 1

5. The Product • Why have Ballantine’s waited until now to launch this whisky? • Ballantine’s 40 Year Old is not the result of one man’s legacy, or one man’s modern achievement – it is the product of generations of Master Blenders. The stocks for this whisky were originally laid down by the 3rd Master Blender of the time, Jack Goudy, over 40 years ago. • These precious whiskies were closely monitored by his successors, amongst them a young apprentice, Sandy Hyslop. When Sandy became Master Blender himself, the whiskies were well over 35 years old already and, with a potential loss od 2% a year, they were becoming rarer by the minute. • During his apprenticeship, Sandy also received clear instructions from Jack Goudy: Don’t be frightened of waiting. Be 100% sure. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so only do it if the time is absolutely right. • Sandy Hyslop has judged that that time has now arrived. 1

6. The Product • How many whiskies are there in the Ballantine’s 40 Year Old blend? • The exact number of whiskies in the blend is known only to Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop who draws from an exceptional portfolio of whiskies exclusive to Ballantine’s. Ballantine’s position as world leading producer of aspirational whiskies is demonstrated by the long-term curation of rare and aged whiskies that their Master Blenders can select from: An opportunity that few people in the industry are privy to. • How old are the whiskies in Ballantine’s 40 Year Old? • Every single drop of whisky blended in Ballantine’s 40 Year Old has a minimum age of 40 years, making it one of the rarest and most aged, permanent, Scotch whisky expressions in the world. It is worth noting that each cask potentially lose up to 2% of liquid a year to evaporation resulting is a significant loss at 40 years old. • The chance to create a 40 Year Old blended Scotch whisky is extremely rare due to the limited availability of premium, aged whisky. However, Ballantine’s is in the minority of Scotch whiskies brands in that it preserves an inventory of very old, high quality whiskies geared to produce outstanding aspirational products. 1

7. The Product • Why are there only 100 bottles available this year? • Rarity: Scotch whiskies of 40 Year Old are extremely rare, so their release is limited. • Quality: Ballantine’s 40 Year Old is not only an aged whisky, but also represents the blending skill and high quality of each individual whisky within. • Style: It has to be Ballantine’s: and only a whisky that matches the smooth and elegant Ballantine’s house style can be called Ballantine’s 40 Year Old • Aspiration: Ballantine’s 40 Year Old is not a special edition, it is a permanent product. Therefore stocks have to managed from year to year – however the Ballantine’s inventory means it is in the privileged position to produce a 100 bottles a year. • What is so special about high aged whiskies like Ballantine’s 40 Year Old? • Whisky draws its flavour and texture from the oak casks in which it rests . Over time the whisky develops an increasingly complex flavour, stronger aroma , deeper colour and smoother finish. However, the liquid evaporates naturally at a rate of around two per cent per year. This is known as ‘The Angel’s Share’ and means that the older a whisky is, the rarer a whisky is. Within a cask of 40 Year Old, only a small proportion of whisky remains. 1

8. The Price Why is Ballantine’s 40 Year Old US$7,000 in price when many other high-aged whisky brands are more affordable? Firstly, rarity: All whiskies used in the final creation of Ballantine’s 40 Year Old are extremely rare. And from these, only the most outstanding and perfect complements can be selected to create Ballantine’s signature style. Therefore, such tiny quantities means that only 100 bottles can be crafted at a time. Secondly, ultimate craftsmanship : Unlike many other high-aged products, every whisky of Ballantine’s 40 Year Old is hand crafted from start to finish and managed in person. Firstly, small amounts from each cask are withdrawn by hand, following personal instructions from the Master Blender, leaving some precious stocks for the future. Then, they are hand-blended by the Master Blender who tastes and hones the whisky in the blending room. When perfection has been achieved during this precision exercise, each bottle is hand-filled and hand-packed in its exquisite and kept under lock and key personally by the Master Blender until it is ready for release. In addition, each unique bottle has been and crafted and hand-finished by the internationally renowned British silversmith, Richard Fox meaning not one but two craftsmen have left their mark on this unique bottle, significantly setting it apart from other products. 1

9. The Packaging What is significant about the Ballantine’s 40 Year Old packaging? The bespoke bottle has been created for Ballantine’s 40 Year Old by world class silversmith, Richard Fox. The Ballantine’s crest is expertly etched into the glass to provide a delicate beauty and subtle elegance to the face and the bottle includes five sterling silver elements: stopper, collar, seal, label and base cup. The London Assay Office, a mark of silver quality for over 700 years, individually hallmarks each piece. Every element is then expertly polished and finished before being carefully hand-assembled with the bottle. As a final touch of exclusivity, each bottle is engraved with a unique number, marking it as one-of-a-kind. Every bottle is then meticulously inspected, and when it reaches the exacting standards of Ballantine’s craftsmen, the time is right to fill it with Ballantine’s 40 Year Old. Finally, every bottle is set in a wooden cabinet: a carefully crafted cabinet in rich, dark wood which reflects - and protects - the exquisite bottle design. 1

10. The Product Range What are the similarities and difference between Ballantine’s 40 Year Old and other whiskies in the Ballantine’s range? For every whisky in the Ballantine’s range Master Blender, Sandy Hyslop, sources malt and grain whiskies from across Scotland to create superbly harmonious whiskies that demonstrate the soft, sweet, elegant and balanced signature style of Ballantine’s. Ballantine’s 40 Year Old is the ultimate expression from Ballantine’s and therefore emulates Ballantine’s balanced character and qualities significantly. These superb attributes are further enhanced by the extreme depth and complexity that comes with additional ageing whilst maintaining the famous Ballantine’s elegance and avoiding any overpowering oak or heavy flavours. Ballantine’s 40 Year Old reflects the dedicated craftsmanship in its creation as well as the exceptional quality of the 40 year old whiskies of which it’s composed. The resulting whisky leaves an incredibly long, round finish; a finish that promises to linger on the tongue for as long as it’s taken to mature… 1