Cutty Sark is introducing its first new whisky marque to the US since the original blend was smuggled into America over 80 years ago. Aptly named “Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition,” the new whisky salutes the rebellious spirit of Captain Bill McCoy, the man whose smuggling operation in the Prohibition era between 1920-1933 was so effective it gave rise to Cutty Sark’s reputation as “The Real McCoy.” At a time when spirits were scarce, and the market was saturated with watered-down knock-offs, McCoy became known for delivering Cutty Sark to Americans in its pure, unadulterated form, resulting in the brand’s nickname “The Real McCoy.”
Cutty Sark® Prohibition Edition Whisky Drops In The Us With A Line-Up Of Brooklyn’s FinestTo raise a glass to Bill’s legacy, Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition is bringing together a roll-call of Brooklyn-based artists and musicians who challenge the status quo in order to bring their creativity to the world.
Taking place tonight in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, the event will feature a live music set by Devonté “Dev” Hynes (also known as Blood Orange) and an original photography series by Tod Seelie. Dev and Tod live and work in Brooklyn, a borough of New York renowned for being a hotbed of trailblazers from the music, art and creative worlds:
Devonté “Dev” Hynes, the artist most recently known as Blood Orange, is a singer, composer, songwriter, producer and author. He has written and produced for artists such Solange and Sky Ferreira.
Tod Seelie is a Brooklyn-based photographer who has shot in more than 25 countries on five different continents, Tod has exhibited work in solo and group shows around the world. He was a founding member of The Miss Rockaway Armada and continued to travel by raft with both manifestations of the Swimming Cities.
Additional entertainment includes a DJ set from Brendan Fallis, boxing from Chris Algieri and Bellmore Kickboxing Academy, dancers from Lady Circus and customized zines from 8ball Zines Production. Food will be provided by Roberta’s and Crif Dogs and beverages by Jason Littrell of Critical Mass Events and Robert Krueger of Extra Fancy. All artists embody Captain McCoy’s crusading spirit incarnate. They are all driven by the pursuit of authenticity and creative excellence within their respective genres – much like McCoy and his Cutty Sark whisky.
Against the backdrop of Brooklyn-based artists and entertainers, guests will be among the first to taste the newly released Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition (coined “Cutty Pro” by early adopters), a 100 proof blended Scotch whisky whose liquid is akin to the type of spirit consumed during the Prohibition period. The black opaque bottle design and cork seal are inspired by the dark brown and green glass bottles that were popular during that time. Cutty Pro is hand crafted in Scotland in small batches from top quality grain and single malt whiskies. It is matured in American oak casks and bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof), giving off a flavor of black pepper and toffee notes with a subtle hint of vanilla and citrus fruits.
“Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition is a bold new whisky for those who break boundaries and create their own identity – just as Captain McCoy did for Cutty Sark 80 years ago,” said Jill Quady, Brand Manager of Cutty Sark. “Cutty Sark is excited to honor Captain McCoy’s iconic and rebellious spirit in Brooklyn tonight.”
The US unveiling of Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition is part of the Cutty Cargo series of events currently traveling around the world, beginning in London last fall and continuing in Greece later this year. Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition is available now in select markets, rolling out nationwide throughout 2014, with a recommended retail price of $29.99.
About Cutty Sark
Cutty Sark was introduced to the United States by Captain William McCoy, who gained notoriety when he began smuggling the whisky into speakeasies during the Prohibition era (1920 – 1933). His contraband was uncut and unadulterated, leading to the blend’s impeccable reputation after Prohibition ended. The Cutty Sark global brand portfolio includes Cutty Sark Blend, Cutty Sark Storm, Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition, Cutty Sark 12 Years Old, Cutty Sark 18 Years Old and limited edition Cutty Sark Tam O’Shanter. Cutty Sark Original Blend, Cutty Sark Prohibition Edition and Cutty Sark Tam O’Shanter are available in the United States. Cutty Sark Blended Scotch Whisky is owned by Edrington Distillers Ltd. and exclusively imported to the U.S. by Rémy Cointreau USA, inc.
For more information, please visit http://us.cutty-sark.com and http://holdfastsipsteady.com.
© 2014 Edrington Distillers Limited, Cutty Sark® Blended Scotch Whisky, 50% Alc./Vol., Imported by Edrington Americas, New York, NY. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.