Beam Global Applauds Launch of Congressional Bourbon Caucus

 

Paula Erickson                                                            

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc.                                            

847-948-8888                                                                        

paula.erickson@beamglobal.com                                             

 

Nicole Chardavoyne

Qorvis Communications

202-683-3102

Deerfield, Ill. – June 17, 2009 – Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. [Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO)], the leading American spirits company with the largest Bourbon portfolio, applauds today’s launch of the Congressional Bourbon Caucus. Co-chaired by Congressmen John Yarmuth (KY-3) and Brett Guthrie (KY-2), the Congressional Bourbon Caucus is a bi-partisan group dedicated to maintaining and strengthening the Bourbon industry in the United States and educating other Members on the legislative and regulatory issues impacting the industry.

 

The Bourbon industry provides more than 3,000 jobs in Kentucky and more than $3 billion in gross state revenue. In addition, more than 500,000 visitors from all 50 states and more than 25 countries annually tour the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, which includes the Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark distilleries. This year marks the Trail’s 10^th anniversary.

 

“We thank Congressmen Yarmuth and Guthrie for establishing the Congressional Bourbon Caucus,” said Bill Newlands, president of Beam Global U.S. “The Congressional Bourbon and Wine Caucuses demonstrate the importance and contributions of America’s distillers and vintners to the economy. The Bourbon industry has played a key role in the economy, including jobs and tourism, and as the leading Bourbon producer in the country, we support the Congressional Bourbon Caucus in their work to strengthen the industry.”

 

“This is a great step for the Bourbon industry and ‘America’s Native Spirit,’” said Frederick “Fred” Booker Noe III, seventh-generation Jim Beam family distiller. “The Congressional Bourbon Caucus recognizes Bourbon’s unique place in American history and its positive impact on the economy.”

 

In 2007, the U.S. Senate resolution declared September as “National Bourbon Heritage Month.” In 2008, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear recognized September 2008 as “Bourbon Heritage Month” which celebrated Bourbon as “America’s Native Spirit” and honored the family heritage and deep-rooted legacy of the Bourbon industry in the Commonwealth.

 

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, Cruzan® Rum, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, Teacher's® Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs and Knob Creek® Bourbon. Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company recently named one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune magazine. For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

 

© 2009 Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., Deerfield, IL.

 

 

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