PRESS RELEASE: 9 December 2008
HIGHLAND PARK BRAND AMBASSADOR RECIEVES US ACCOLADE
Martin Daraz, the official Brand Ambassador for Highland Park in the US has been named ‘Ambassador of the Year Award’ in The Whisky Life Magazine’s Golden Guild Awards. The award is a true accolade to his dedication and work with Highland Park over the last two years.
From New York to LA, as US Brand Ambassador, Martin travels across America to promote the Orcadian heritage and craftsmanship of Highland Park by showcasing the brand, glass by glass. Whilst spreading the word of this award-winning single malt, he imparts his expertise and knowledge around the country.
Martin Daraz, Highland Park US Brand Ambassador, commented: “The Americans are just so fascinated by the history of Highland Park, which dates back to 1798, and I am so proud to be able to share the story with them.
”Sharing this knowledge is such an intimate process. Watching people taste each expression is truly incredible because their initial reaction to the whisky, as it touches their lips, never lies!”
Highland Park appointed Martin Daraz as official Brand Ambassador to the United States in September 2006. As a keen storyteller from a young age and with a strong background in both visual and performing arts, he was uniquely placed to share the heritage of Highland Park and the lore of Orkney with a nation.
Upon receiving the award, Martin Daraz, Highland Park US Brand Ambassador, commented: "I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of everyone that works for Highland Park. It is an honour to be recognised for our efforts, both by the industry and the general public, especially since we now have an excuse to open up a bottle of Highland Park 40 year old to celebrate with! "
Highland Park sales are continuing to do very well in America. The recent edition of Highland Park 40 year old single malt has been a great success with allocated stock for America predicted to sell out within the next few months.
Highland Park 25 year old single malt also received a gold award in the over $100 category.
As one of the most respected single malts in the world, Highland Park’s resounding success is due to the quality of production and flawless attention to detail. The Orcadian hallmarks of production manifest themselves in the distinctive, aromatic, full-bodied floral sweetness of the whisky found in every glass.
Simon Brooking, Brand Ambassador for Laphroaig, shared this joint honour with Martin. The full list of awards including ‘Ambassador of the Year Award’ will appear in The Whisky Life Magazine this week. The magazine is published by Jeffrey Karlovich, founder of The Whisky Guild.
For further information please visit www.highlandpark.co.uk
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Issued by The BIG Partnership on behalf of Highland Park
For further information or photography, please contact:
Linda Edstrand / Pamela Wils, The BIG Partnership
Tel: 0131 555 5522
Email: Linda.edstrand@bigpartnership.co.uk / Pamela.wils@bigpartnership.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Established in 1798 on Orkney, it is one of the most northerly Scotch whisky distilleries in the world. At the heart of this single malt lies its remote island location and exposure to the elements. For over 200 years, the distillery has combined time old tradition and the very best craftsmanship to achieve perfection and produce a single malt range that is consistently lauded by experts.