Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky Announces Partnership with Billion Oyster Project to Help Bring One Billion Oysters Back to New York City's Shoreline

NEW YORK, July 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ahead of National Oyster Day on August 5th, Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky announces their partnership with Billion Oyster Project – the New York City-based oyster reef restoration and public education nonprofit organization. Through the partnership, which began in January 2020, Talisker supports the Billion Oyster Project's signature Shell Collection Program, along with funding and sponsorship of community events. The Shell Collection Program was temporarily suspended in March following COVID-19 related restaurant closures, but will relaunch this August. In a typical year, the shell collection program diverts more than 400,000 pounds of oyster shell collected from 75+ NYC restaurants from landfills to be reused to build oyster reef habitat. This year, the shell collection program plans to divert approximately 200,000 pounds of oyster shells.

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Made by the sea on Scotland's strikingly beautiful Isle of Skye, the Talisker distillery is battered by wind and waves on the rugged coastline where oysters are locally farmed & enjoyed. The waters from the nearby sea create the Single Malt's signature maritime and briny notes – making Talisker and oyster pairings a local favorite. As an homage to the Single Malt's home by the sea and deep-rooted love for oysters, Talisker is proud to play an active role in helping Billion Oyster Project restore one billion oysters to New York City waters.

The Shell Collection Program is a cornerstone of Billion Oyster Project's work. Oyster shells provide the base material for oyster reefs, which provide a home for young oysters and hundreds of species in New York Harbor. As restaurants adapt to socially-distanced operations and invite diners back into their spaces, Talisker's sponsorship of the Shell Collection program will allow the recycling process of this necessary resource to resume. Together, Talisker and Billion Oyster Project will continue to make an impact on New York City's oyster restoration efforts.

To date, Billion Oyster Project's Shell Collection Program has:

• Collected over 1,600,000 pounds of used oyster shells
• Planted more than 45,000,000 oysters in New York City waters
• Hosted more than 10,000 volunteers across various community projects
• Installed 14 oyster reefs across more than 7 acres
• This summer, Billion Oyster Project will deploy over 500,000 pounds of oyster shells and 30 million oysters set on shells within 200 gabion reef structures at the mouth of the Bronx River in Soundview. This project alone has more than doubled their restoration impact in New York Harbor.

"We are so thankful to have Talisker's support of the Billion Oyster Project's Shell Collection Program," says Madeline Wachtel, Deputy Director at Billion Oyster Project. "Not only are they helping us collect valuable would-be discarded shells to grow our reefs, but Talisker is also working with us to educate the public on why it's so important to steward our local waterways."    

This National Oyster Day (8/5), bivalve fans can celebrate and show support at a virtual event hosted by Billion Oyster Project and Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky - as part of the beloved Oyster Social series. These now-online events provide simple instructions on how to shuck, cook and serve oysters and Talisker at home while spotlighting local NYC restaurants and the importance of stewarding your local waterway. The socials are open to those 21+ across the country. To purchase tickets to an online social, please click here.

"For Talisker, the sea is at the heart of what we do, from the flavors of our whisky to the place we call home," says Jamie Young, Director of Single Malts for Diageo North America. "We are thrilled to be a small part of the great work Billion Oyster Project is doing to protect this important resource and restore the rich ecosystem of New York Harbor for the next generation."

Founded in 1830, Talisker is the oldest distillery on the Isle of Skye. Talisker's signature maritime and briny notes are like a warm welcome from a wild sea and is known for its core expressions: Talisker 10 Year Old and Talisker Storm. This National Oyster Day, please remember to enjoy a glass of Talisker responsibly. For more information on Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky, click here and follow @Talisker on Instagram and Facebook and @TaliskerWhisky on Twitter. #ShuckFromHome

TALISKER CONTACT: 
HUNTER 
singlemalts@hunterpr.com  
212-679-6600

BOP CONTACT: 
Helene Hetrick
Communications Manager
hhetrick@nyharbor.org 
646-276-2515

ABOUT BILLION OYSTER PROJECT 
Billion Oyster Project is a nonprofit organization on a mission to restore oyster reefs to New York Harbor through public education initiatives. Why oysters? Their reefs have the ability to filter water, provide habitat for many marine species, and help shield NYC shorelines from storm damage. Founded on the belief that restoration without education is temporary, Billion Oyster Project designs STEM curriculum through the lens of oyster restoration, collects discarded oyster shells from 75 New York City restaurants, and engages thousands of volunteers. The project has planted 45 million oysters and installed 14 reef sites so far, with the support of thousands of community members. To learn more, subscribe to Billion Oyster Project's email list at bit.ly/bopnews, and follow @billionoyster on Twitter and Instagram and @billionoysterproject on Facebook.

ABOUT DIAGEO 
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One Vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Follow us on social media for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA on Twitter and Instagram. Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SOURCE Diageo