Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. Joins Kentucky in Celebrating "Bourbon Heritage Month"

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. [Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO)], a global leader in premium spirits, applauds Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear’s recognition of September 2008 as "Bourbon Heritage Month”. This proclamation celebrates Bourbon as "America’s Native Spirit” for the second year in a row by honoring the family heritage and deep-rooted legacy of the Bourbon industry in the Commonwealth. Last year’s U.S. Senate resolution declaring September as "National Bourbon Heritage Month,” continues to increase awareness of Bourbon and its birthplace. "Bourbon demand is growing and the category is expanding into emerging international markets,” said Tom Flocco, president and CEO of Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. "At a time when many are only forward-looking, we applaud Governor Beshear and the Commonwealth for honoring the timeless craftsmanship and heritage behind the production of Bourbon.” As a key player in the Bourbon category, Beam Global is proud of the economic impact distilled spirits have had on the Commonwealth of Kentucky, including: More than $3 billion in gross state product More than 3,000 high-paying jobs Nearly $115 million in state and local taxes Beam Global continues to lead the Bourbon category and invest in its growth. "We take pride in our Kentucky footprint,” said Flocco. "As a global company our operations are a significant source of livelihood for the Commonwealth and we honor every worker who contributes to the local economy while producing ‘America’s Native Spirit.’” Beam Global will host celebratory events during the 17th Annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival and throughout the month of September to highlight its Bourbon portfolio. Two-thirds of the Bourbon made in Kentucky comes from Beam Global’s iconic brands including: Jim Beam® Bourbon – First crafted in 1795, Jim Beam is the world’s #1 selling bourbon. The 11 millionth barrel of Jim Beam was filled in February 2008, which equates to 311 million cases or more than 3.7 billion 750ml bottles. The grandson of Jim Beam, the late Booker Noe, created The Small Batch Bourbon Collection® – the first ultra-premium Bourbon collection. The four whiskeys – Booker’s® Bourbon, Baker’s® Bourbon, Knob Creek® Bourbon and Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon – feature Booker Noe’s hand-crafted recipes and a little extra aging. The Small Batch Bourbon Collection is credited with driving growth in the bourbon category at the high-end. Today, these ultra-premium bourbons continue to grow at a faster pace than premium bourbons.   -- Booker's(R) Bourbon is the only uncut, unfiltered, straight-from-the-barrel Bourbon available in the world. Aged six to eight years, it is bottled at 125 proof or 62.7%, alcohol by volume. Once matured, it is hand-picked from the rack house by Fred Noe, seventh generation distiller, Booker's son and Jim Beam's great-grandson.   -- Basil Hayden's(R) Bourbon is aged eight years at a relatively mild 80 proof or 40% alcohol by volume. Made with twice as much rye as traditional Bourbons, Basil Hayden's combines a spicy aroma and clean finish that is enjoyed equally straight or as part of a cocktail. Basil Hayden's is a luxury Bourbon for those who appreciate its unsurpassed sense of style and sophistication.   -- Aged nine years at a sophisticated 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume, Knob Creek(R) Bourbon is named after the small town in Kentucky where President Abraham Lincoln was born. In fact, the intriguing taste of Knob Creek and unique packaging has helped this brand become the #1 ultra-premium Bourbon in the world.   -- Named after Baker Beam, Jim Beam's grandnephew, Baker's(R) Bourbon is aged seven years and is a very sophisticated 107 proof or 53.5% alcohol by volume. This whiskey was honored by Whisky Magazine in 2007 with the coveted award for "Best Whiskey in the World".   Maker’s Mark® Bourbon helped give rise to the modern era of bourbon and is crafted from the first distillery to capture the possibilities of a super-premium bourbon. At the oldest operating distillery in Kentucky, Maker’s Mark has seen double digit growth for the last 25 years and become the world’s fastest growing super premium bourbon by expanding its global presence. The Kentucky proclamation declaring September to be "Bourbon Heritage Month” calls for consumers who enjoy bourbon to do so responsibly and in moderation, in Kentucky and across the globe. Editors Note: Product samples, event photos and recipes are available at: http://onekit.enr-corp.com/1004285/index.html About Beam Global Spirits & Wine: Inspiring conversations around the world, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., is building brands people want to talk about. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Maker's Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, Teacher's® Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs, Knob Creek® Bourbon and Starbucks™ Liqueurs. Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company with annual sales exceeding $8 billion. For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com. © 2008 Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., Deerfield, IL.