Bulgarian Lifeguard Lifts Whiskey Lovers' Ultimate Dream Prize in Global Competition

BUSHMILLS VILLAGE, Ireland, August 27, 2010 - Ivan Ivanov, a 28-year old lifeguard from Svishtov Bulgaria, has won a
global Bushmills Irish Whiskey(R) competition with a prize described as
'the whiskey lover's ultimate dream'.

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Ivan was chosen from finalists from nine countries as the winner of the
Make it at Bushmills challenge at a gala dinner this evening (Thursday) in
the village of Bushmills on Ireland's north coast. The historic area has a
history of whiskey production stretching back more than 400 years.

He will now spend 30 days working alongside Bushmills' Master Distiller
Colum Egan with the aim of becoming the first ever person outside the
distillery to create their own blend of one of the world's best-loved Irish
whiskeys. Their prize also includes a month's luxury penthouse accommodation
in Ireland and GBP5,000 spending money.

Make it at Bushmills has attracted interest from around the globe since
its launch in the New York Stock Exchange on St Patrick's day on March 17.
The nine finalists from Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States,
Northern Ireland, South Africa, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Bulgaria
were chosen by public vote to represent their countries in this week's
two-day 'Bushcamp' finale, set by Bushmills' Master Distiller, Colum Egan.

The contestants included a head sommelier from a French three-star
Michelin restaurant, a former Wall Street broker and a drumming world record
holder.

Following a series of mental, physical and skills-based challenges, the
performance of the individual contenders was assessed by a judging panel that
included Irish rugby legend, Keith Wood, Foy Vance, one of Ireland's most
respected singer-songwriters and Joel Harrison, a regular contributor to a
number of leading whiskey publications.

Ivan said: "Winning the public vote to represent Bulgaria in the final
phase of the competition was a real honour. But to be the overall winner is
just incredible - I still can't believe I'll spend a month making whiskey
with the world's best. It's the whiskey lover's ultimate dream."

Colum Egan said: "Throughout the competition, Ivan has shown that he has
the passion and personality to Make it at Bushmills. This is a fantastic
opportunity for him to learn how great whiskey is made and I know he'll grasp
this opportunity with both hands."

Follow Ivan's progress at the Old Bushmills Distillery on
facebook.com/bushmills1608.

    Contact:

    Pippa Arlow
    Tel: +44(0)28-9039-5500
    Mob: +44(0)7850-203864
    Email: pippa.arlow@smarts.co.uk 

    Colin Corbridge
    Tel: +44(0)28-9039-5506
    Mob: +44(0)7515-881079
    Email: colin.corbridge@smarts.co.uk

Video:
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Notes to editors: To access media materials including video, photography, B-Roll and press
release go to www.quitefranklyvideo.co.uk Username: MIABushmills, Password: MIABushmills. Contact: Pippa Arlow, Tel: +44(0)28-9039-5500, Mob: +44(0)7850-203864, Email: pippa.arlow at smarts.co.uk; Colin Corbridge, Tel: +44(0)28-9039-5506, Mob: +44(0)7515-881079, Email: colin.corbridge at smarts.co.uk