Deerfield, IL (February 4, 2015) – Pinnacle® Vodka, a leading imported premium vodka, is proud to announce its two newest flavor innovations, Pinnacle® Mimosa and Pinnacle® Habanero. Whether you’re looking for a twist on a classic Mimosa or crafting a spicy Bloody Mary, these additions will have Pinnacle Vodka fans everywhere brunching better than ever before!

Pinnacle Mimosa Vodka and Pinnacle Habanero Vodka are the perfect ingredients for creating simple, vibrant cocktails that will add a flavorful punch to your next gathering. Five times distilled with a smooth, premium taste, these innovations combine quality and distinct flavor that are perfect for any occasion:

Pinnacle Mimosa Vodka offers the refreshing combination of juicy orange and crisp champagne flavors with a short and sweet finish.
Pinnacle Habanero Vodka offers a spicy and sweet taste of ripe, juicy chili peppers with a lingering warm finish.

“Pinnacle Vodka focuses on the moments that matter, and we know our fans are always hosting amazing get-togethers,” said Jason Dolenga, Senior Brand Director of Vodka at Beam Suntory. “It made sense for us to create something that will help amplify what they love doing best - entertaining at home with loved ones. We’re confident the new Mimosa and Habanero flavors will help them do just that.”

Fans of legal drinking age are encouraged to put their twist on the classics with Pinnacle Mimosa and Pinnacle Habanero. Try these few simple recipes to get started:

Pinnacle® Orange Bliss
1 part Pinnacle® Mimosa Vodka
1 part Cranberry Juice
1 part Grapefruit Juice
Mix with ice, pour in a champagne glass and garnish with a lime wedge

Pinnacle® Habanero Mary
1 part Pinnacle® Habanero Vodka
3 parts Tomato Juice
Half part Lemon Juice
Half part Worcestershire Sauce
Pour all ingredients over ice in a tall Collins glass. Garnish with a slice of Cucumber.

Pinnacle® Peppery Pineapple
1 part Pinnacle® Habanero Vodka
1 part Pineapple Juice
1/2 part lemon juice
Rim glass with cayenne powder and crushed sea salt. Shake ingredients over ice and strain into a martini glass.

To find a store or recipe, visit www.pinnaclevodka.com, “LIKE” Pinnacle® Vodka on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest with @PinnacleVodka.

Clermont, KY (February 11, 2015) – Booker’s® Bourbon is proud to unveil the inaugural batch of its limited-edition collection celebrating founding distiller Booker Noe’s legacy as the father of small batch bourbon. One of the few bourbons available today bottled straight from the barrel, Booker’s ® Bourbon will now feature limited-edition labels inspired by Booker Noe’s love of bourbon, family and the spirit of experimentation. These commemorative releases will be available in limited quantities throughout the year.

Booker’s® Bourbon Batch 2015-1, named “Big Man, Small Batch,” features a custom label inspired by the iconic visual of Booker sipping bourbon in his rocking chair with his dog Dot by his side. The batch’s name honors Booker’s role in the creation of small batch bourbons and the larger-than-life personality for which he was known.

“Booker’s® was founded on my dad’s dedication to making the very best bourbon there is, and I’m proud to honor him with this limited-edition collection,” said Fred Noe, Beam’s 7th Generation Master Distiller and 2013 Bourbon Hall of Fame Inductee. “‘Big Man, Small Batch’ is the first batch to feature these new labels, giving our fans a little more insight into who my dad was and his love for creating great bourbon!”

Uncut like all Booker’s® Bourbon batches before it, “Big Man, Small Batch” is now available in limited quantities. Bottled at 128.7 proof, “Big Man, Small Batch” was selected with the following characteristics:
Proof: 128.7
Age: 7 years, 2 months and 16 days
Batch Notes: Culled from seven different rack houses, Batch 2015-1 blends the flavor tendencies of several small groups of barrels to create a complex bourbon with a vanilla nose.
Sipping Suggestions: With ice or cut with water

Each batch of Booker’s® Bourbon is hand-selected by Fred Noe to ensure every bottle contains a robust, full-bodied whiskey that matches Booker’s whiskey preference. Noe also calls on the expertise of “Booker’s® Bourbon Roundtable”, an exclusive panelist group consisting of top whiskey experts, enthusiasts and writers, to help select batches throughout the year - a tradition that will continue for the limited-edition collection.

DEERFIELD, IL – February 11, 2015 – The newest “single girls” in town, Skinnygirl® Spicy Lime Margarita and Skinnygirl® Pinot Noir, were officially introduced last night at the Skinnygirl® Cocktails “Boy Meets Skinnygirl® Cocktails” Valentine’s Launch Party in Manhattan, and party attendees quickly fell in love! With the original Skinnygirl herself, Bethenny Frankel, behind the bar pouring cocktails, an enthusiastic group of celebrity guests, fans, friends and media kicked off their Valentine’s Day week by sipping the two newest products in Skinnygirl® Cocktail’s closet of low-calorie cocktailing options.

The evening felt “romantic in red” as partygoers decked out in their Valentine’s Day finest sampled new Skinnygirl® Spicy Lime Margarita and Skinnygirl® Pinot Noir. Frankel was joined by “Real Housewives of New York City” cast mates LuAnn de Lesseps, Sonja Morgan, Ramona Singer, Kristen Taekman and Heather Thomson, along with other celebrity guests.

All the fun was for a good cause as the brand donated $50,000 to long-standing charity partner Dress for Success®. The funds will assist Dress for Success with their mission of helping disadvantaged women on their paths to financial independence.

“Our newest girls offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a cocktail with a little heat and a little citrus, or a delicious wine option without the guilt,” said Frankel. “We had a great time unveiling the new products all while giving back to Dress for Success, a cause that is so important to me.”

The two new products expanded Skinnygirl® Cocktails’ offerings across Skinnygirl®, the Wine Collection and its Ready-to-Serve lineup, bringing the full portfolio to 20 products.

“Skinnygirl® Cocktails continues to shake up the cocktail industry and our latest offerings are no exception,” said Megan Frank, Senior Director of Skinnygirl® Cocktails. “The spicy-sweet flavor combination is popular and Pinot Noir is one the largest wine segments right now and growing, so we feel these on-trend products are excellent additions to our great-tasting, low-calorie lineup. Regardless of how you’re celebrating, these new offerings provide the perfect companion this Valentine’s Day.”

The delicious new products from Skinnygirl® Cocktails are sure to make fans fall in love at first sip:
Skinnygirl® Spicy Lime Margarita ~ Skinnygirl® Spicy Lime Margarita is the perfect combination of heat meets sweet, offering a well-rounded balance of cool lime, spicy chili and tequila. Skinnygirl® Spicy Lime Margarita contains a light citrus aroma with spicy undertones, finishing with a bright lime flavor and lingering subtle heat. At less than 100 calories per serving, Skinnygirl® Spicy Lime Margarita is 19.9 proof and offered in 750 mL and 1.75 L bottles. (Suggested retail price is $12.99 for a 750 mL bottle, currently available nationwide; $19.99 for a 1.75 L bottle, available March 2015)

Skinnygirl® Pinot Noir ~ Skinnygirl® Pinot Noir contains aromas of dark cherry and mouthwatering flavors of dark cherry, toasted oak and vanilla. At 100 calories per 5 oz. serving, the newest girl to join Skinnygirl®, the Wine Collection offers a long and silky finish with juicy acidity. Skinnygirl® Pinot Noir is 10% ABV (alcohol by volume) and offered in a 750 mL bottle. Skinnygirl® Pinot Noir is ideal for meal pairings, well-suited to pair with a wide variety of ethnic dishes and classic cuisines due to its consistent acidity, subtle, silky tannins and lighter-bodied style. (Suggested retail price is $11.99 for a 750mL bottle, currently available nationwide)

For additional information on Skinnygirl® Cocktails, please visit www.facebook.com/skinnygirlcocktails, @Skinnygirl on Twitter or Instagram or www.pinterest.com/skinnygirl/.

Deerfield, IL (March 18, 2015) – Hornitos® Tequila continues to revolutionize the tequila experience with the introduction of the brand’s newest on-trend offering Hornitos® Spiced Honey, which features 100% blue agave Hornitos® Plata Tequila infused with natural honey flavor and a special spice blend.

Hornitos Spiced Honey serves up a clean tequila flavor with a touch of floral honey, rich vanilla and a lingering spice finish. The warm, spicy and caramel notes of honey paired with a unique spice blend provide the perfect balance to the citrusy, peppery and earthy notes found in tequila.

“The unique sweet and heat flavor combination sets Hornitos Spiced Honey apart and makes Hornitos Tequila the first major player to debut a honey tequila product,” said Gary Ross, Senior Brand Director of Tequila at Beam Suntory. “The special spice and honey blend is sure to appeal to tequila fans and those seeking an introduction to the spirit.”

Hornitos Spiced Honey is 70 proof and is currently available in 750ml and 1L, with a suggested retail price of $19.99 per 750ml bottle.

The newest addition to the Hornitos Tequila family has an exceptionally smooth and rich flavor, allowing fans to enjoy it neat, on the rocks, as a shot or in a cocktail. For those looking to enjoy Hornitos Spiced Honey cocktails, here’s a recipe for inspiration:

Spiced Honey Ball
1 part Hornitos® Spiced Honey
3 parts Ginger Ale
2 dashes of Angostura® Bitters
Preparation: Build over ice in a tall highball glass. Garnish with a twist of lemon.

For more information, visit www.HornitosTequila.com, like us on Facebook.com/HornitosTequila, or follow us on Twitter @Hornitos and Instagram @HornitosTequila.

Deerfield, IL (March 19, 2015) – Beam Suntory Inc. is pleased to announce that Cruzan® Single Barrel Rum has been awarded the title of Rum Master in the Super-Premium category of The Rum Masters 2015 competition. This is the highest recognition possible and only presented to the top-rated rums in each category in a blind tasting. As one of Cruzan’s most awarded rums, this esteemed award continues Cruzan Single Barrel Rum’s streak of earning top industry accolades.

“We’re thrilled that Cruzan Single Barrel Rum achieved this recognition as a leader in the super-premium rum category,” said Gary Nelthropp, Cruzan Rum’s Master Distiller. “My family has been distilling quality rum on the island of St. Croix for generations and, as one of our favorite expressions, we take great pride in this acknowledgement of Cruzan Single Barrel Rum as one of the highest-quality rums on the market.“

Cruzan Single Barrel Rum is crafted using rums that are aged between five and 12 years before being hand picked, blended and barreled for a second time in new American oak barrels. It is then aged once more before being bottled one cask at a time. This rum, which is best enjoyed when sipped neat or on the rocks, has notes of caramel sweetness balanced with oak, and a warm and buttery finish. Like all Cruzan Rums, Single Barrel is distilled using Cruzan’s unique five-column distillation process, removing the fusel oils that can taint the taste of the rum and resulting in one of the cleanest-tasting rums on the market.

Organized by The Spirits Business, The Rum Masters competition is staged to acknowledge and award the world’s finest rum brands. The competition, chaired by The Spirits Business and a panel of leading spirits specialists, is judged in a blind tasting where excellence is recognized by category and age as well as design and packaging. The Spirits Business is a valued resource whose versatile and relevant content appeals to to everyone in the dynamic spirits industry worldwide.

For more information on Cruzan Rum, please visit www.CruzanRum.com, www.YouTube.com/CruzanRum, like us on www.Facebook.com/CruzanRum or follow us on Twitter @CruzanRum.

Deerfield, IL (March 25, 2015) – Pinnacle® Vodka, a leading imported premium vodka brand, is releasing its latest flavor innovation just in time for spring. Pinnacle Cucumber Vodka serves as the perfect ingredient for a new take on the classic martini or Bloody Mary, delivering a vibrant blend of ripe cucumber with subtle hints of sweet vanilla and the smooth finish that vodka lovers have come to expect and appreciate from the brand.

“We love adding unique flavors to our portfolio that will inspire new cocktail solutions in everyday occasions. It was a natural fit,” said Jason Dolenga, Senior Brand Director of Vodka at Beam Suntory. “Cucumber provides fans with a way to add a light and refreshing twist to their favorite spring and summer cocktails.”

Pinnacle Cucumber is a 70-proof, five-times distilled vodka that can be enjoyed chilled, on the rocks or in mixed cocktails. It is now available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $12.99 for a 750ml bottle. Mix up one of these delicious cocktails with Pinnacle Cucumber Vodka to celebrate warm weather ahead!

Pinnacle® Cucumber Refresher

• 1 part Pinnacle® Cucumber Vodka
• 2 parts Tonic
• 1 part Fresh Lime Juice

Pour all ingredients in a glass over ice and garnish with a lime wedge.

Pinnacle® Cucumber Breeze

• 1 part Pinnacle® Cucumber Vodka
• ¼ part Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 part Frozen Mixed Berries
• ¼ part Pomegranate Juice

Pour all ingredients over ice into a blender and process, creating a slushy texture. Pour drink into a festive glass. Garnish with berries and cucumber wheels and/or pomegranate seeds.

Pinnacle® Cucumber Honey Deuce

• 1 part Pinnacle® Cucumber Vodka
• ½ part Fresh Lime juice
• ½ part Honey Syrup
• 3 chunks or balls of Cantaloupe and Honeydew

Muddle melon in a mixing glass until liquefied, pour all ingredients over ice shake and strain in a high ball glass. Garnish with melon balls and cucumber wheels.

To find a store or recipe, visit www.pinnaclevodka.com, “LIKE” Pinnacle® Vodka on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest with @PinnacleVodka.

Deerfield, Ill. (April 2, 2015) - Alberta® Rye Dark Batch™ Whisky, from the renowned Alberta Distillers Ltd., launches today in the U.S. market. This critically acclaimed super-premium rye whisky features an incomparable rich color and complex flavor paired with remarkable smoothness and character.

Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky boasts flavors of honey and oak and imparts hints of vanilla, smoke, sweet oak and savory dried fruit, such as plum and blackcurrant, on the palate. Bottled at 90 proof and best enjoyed in a variety of whisky cocktails, Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky is challenging bartenders and consumers to rethink their rye and give cocktails a new interpretation.

“As the rye whisky category continues to grow, we’re thrilled to be able to introduce a new product to U.S. whisky lovers,” said Dan Tullio, Canadian Whisky Master Ambassador at Beam Suntory. “With Alberta Distillers’ rich heritage producing superior rye whisky, Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky combines contemporary flavor trends with classic notes of premium rye whisky, offering mixologists, spirits connoisseurs and whisky enthusiasts a one-of-a-kind whisky with a robust, sophisticated flavor.”

Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky features a blend of 91% rye whisky, 8% bourbon and 1% sherry to add layers of complexity in each bottle. The distinct rich color of the liquid comes from a combination of factors, including the aging process, which incorporates both new charred American white oak and once-used American bourbon barrels. Other contributing factors include the addition of a touch of sherry and Alberta, Canada’s high altitude, desert-like humidity levels and extreme seasonal and daily temperature changes, which promote maturation.

“Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky truly embodies the distinguished flavor whisky aficionados seek,” said Davin de Kergommeaux, award-winning author and whisky industry influencer. “The unique distillation process and grain bill of the rye sets it apart from other rye whiskies, in terms of flavor and quality.”
Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky is at its best in cocktails that highlight its distinctive flavor, such as the Rye Squeeze below, and can also be enjoyed neat.

Rye Squeeze
1½ parts Alberta® Rye Dark Batch™ Whisky
4-5 parts ginger beer
2 dashes Angostura® bitters
1 orange wedge pressed
METHOD: Add all ingredients to a lowball glass. Fill with ice, top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with an orange wedge.

Prior to hitting shelves in the U.S., Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky quickly became an award-winning whisky with accolades from top international spirits competitions, including Chairman’s Trophy at the 2014 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Double Gold at the 2014 New York World Wine & Spirits Competition and Gold & Best of Class - Canadian Whisky from Spirits of the Americas 2014.

Alberta Distillers Ltd., North America’s largest producer of 100% rye, carefully crafts Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky with glacial-borne water. The distillery, which has been in operation since 1946, was built in southern Alberta because the area’s dry climate and high altitude are ideal for rye crop growth.
For additional cocktail recipes and more information on Alberta Rye Dark Batch Whisky, which sells at a suggested retail price of $29.99 for a 750ml bottle, please visit www.AlbertaRye.com.

Deerfield, Ill. (April 7, 2015) – Cruzan® Rum announces today the addition of Cruzan® Blueberry Lemonade Rum to its impressive portfolio of premium, flavored rums. Available nationally, this refreshing new flavor blends fine Cruzan Rum with the essence of ripe blueberries and vibrant citrus to create a well-­‐rounded spirit bursting with the taste of fresh fruit.

Cruzan Blueberry Lemonade Rum takes lemonade, a classic summertime staple, to the next level by infusing it with the bright flavor of freshly picked blueberries. Like all Cruzan rums, Cruzan Blueberry Lemonade Rum is crafted by Cruzan Master Distiller Gary Nelthropp, whose family has been making rum on the island of St. Croix for generations. It is made from natural ingredients including cane molasses and tropical rainwater, using a unique five-­‐column distillation process, staying true to Cruzan’s dedication to creating the cleanest-­‐tasting, highest-­‐quality rum on the market.

“Cruzan continues to be a leader in the rum category and we see the demand for refreshing rum drinks continue to grow. This year, we created a new rum that would appeal to our loyal fans and new rum drinkers looking for a fun flavor option,” said Brendan Lynch, Senior Director of Rum & Cordials at Beam Suntory. “The combination of Cruzan Rum with sweet blueberries and fresh lemonade makes this perfect for anyone looking to create a refreshing cocktail that captures the spirit of the season.”

Cruzan Rum recommends enjoying its newest flavor in an ice cold cocktail while embracing Cruzan’s “Don’t Hurry” mindset, which encourages rum fans to take the time to sit back, relax and savor every sip. In addition to these featured signature cocktails created by Cruzan Mixologist Jesse Card, Cruzan Blueberry Lemonade Rum also mixes perfectly with fruit juices, iced tea and more.

Cruzan® Blueberry Lemonade Cooler
2 parts Cruzan® Blueberry Lemonade Rum 3/4 part Fresh Grapefruit Juice
1 small pinch Sea Salt Club Soda
Method: Combine rum, grapefruit juice and salt over ice in a shaker. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds. Double strain into a glass over ice and top with club soda. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.

Cruzan® Caribbean Dream
1 1/2 parts Cruzan® Blueberry Lemonade Rum 1/2 part Fresh Lime Juice
1/2 part Cream
Method: Combine all ingredients over ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and double strain into a fluted shot glass. Garnish with freshly grated cinnamon and a speared Maraschino cherry.

Cruzan Blueberry Lemonade Rum is now available with a suggested retail price of $14.99 per 750 mL bottle. It joins the Cruzan portfolio of rums that include Cruzan® Single Barrel, Cruzan® Estate Diamond™ Aged Dark Rum, Cruzan® Estate Diamond™ Aged Light Rum, Cruzan® Black Strap Rum, Cruzan® Aged Dark Rum, Cruzan® Aged Light Rum, and 14 flavored rums infused with natural flavors, such as peach, coconut, key lime and strawberry.

For more information, please visit www.CruzanRum.com, www.YouTube.com/CruzanRum, like us on www.facebook.com/CruzanRum or follow us on Twitter @CruzanRum.

Deerfield, Illinois, April 7, 2015 – Beam Suntory, the world’s third largest premium spirits company, earned prestigious accolades spanning all major spirits categories in three internationally-renowned spirits competitions, including the title of “Best Bourbon” for its Knob Creek® Bourbon brand. Jim Beam® Single Barrel, Jim Beam® Distiller’s Masterpiece, Yamazaki® Japanese Whisky, Hakushu® Japanese Whisky, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Scotch Whisky and El Tesoro® Tequila were among brands that also captured top recognition in the blind tasting competitions.

San Francisco World Spirits Competition

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition awarded Beam Suntory 55 total medals, including the “Director’s Award of Excellence” for the company’s “excellent portfolio of spirits” (the first time the company has received this honor). Knob Creek® Bourbon earned a Double Gold medal and out-rated 95 other bourbons to be named “Best Bourbon.” Yamazaki® 18 Years Old Japanese Whisky also earned a Double Gold medal and the title of “Best” product in its category, while El Tesoro® Anejo Tequila earned a Double Gold medal and the distinguished title of “Best Anejo Tequila.” In all, the company’s excellence in whiskey was recognized with 11 Double Gold medals and 13 Gold medals for brands including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Hakushu® Japanese Whisky, Auchentoshan® Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Laphroaig® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Beam Suntory Vodka, Cognac and Irish Whiskey brands also earned medals in this competition.

“We are very proud that the quality of our premium portfolio has been recognized with the Director’s Award of Excellence in just our first full year as Beam Suntory,” said Matt Shattock, Chairman & CEO of Beam Suntory. “It’s also particularly gratifying that Knob Creek, our flagship super-premium bourbon brand, has earned the distinction of Best Bourbon. Booker Noe created the Small Batch Collection two decades ago, and this is a very proud moment for his son, Fred Noe, who carries on the Knob Creek legacy today. I’m equally pleased that Yamazaki and El Tesoro rose to the top of their categories. All of these honors are a tribute to the people of Beam Suntory, who craft the spirits brands that stir the world, from our distilleries in the U.S. to Japan, from Mexico to Scotland, from Ireland to France, from Canada to Spain, and everywhere in between.”

Ultimate Spirits Challenge and International Review of Spirits

Beam Suntory’s whiskey and tequila brands were also honored by the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and the Beverage Tasting Institute’s “International Review of Spirits” competition. Judges in the Ultimate Spirits Challenge awarded El Tesoro® Platinum Tequila the “Chairman’s Trophy” (Best in Show), scoring the spirit a 95 and an “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation.” Among 40 additional trophies, 12 Beam Suntory brands earned Ultimate Recommendations, including Knob Creek® Bourbon and Jim Beam® Single Barrel Bourbon. Separately, the Beverage Tasting Institute awarded Beam Suntory 17 total medals in its “International Review of Spirits” competition, including the most Gold Medals for bourbon in the industry and a Platinum Medal (highest rated) for Jim Beam® Distiller’s Masterpiece.

Top Beam Suntory Results from the San Francisco Wine & Spirits Competition:

Double Gold Winners Include: Alberta Rye® Dark Batch™ Whisky, Auchentoshan® 12 Years Old Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® 18 Years Old Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Small Batch Scotch Whisky, Canadian Club® Chairman’s Select™ Rye Whisky, El Tesoro® Añejo Tequila, El Tesoro® Platinum Tequila, Hakushu® 18 Years Old Japanese Whisky, Knob Creek® Bourbon, Yamazaki® 18 Years Old Japanese Whisky, Yamazaki® 25 Years Old Japanese Whisky

Gold Winners Include: Bowmore® 10 Years Old Scotch Whisky, Bowmore® Darkest 15 Years Old Scotch Whisky, Courvoisier® VS Cognac, Jim Beam® Devil's Cut™, Jim Beam® Black Bourbon, Jim Beam® Distiller's Masterpiece Bourbon, Jim Beam® Harvest Bourbon Collection™ Brown Rice Bourbon, Jim Beam® Harvest Bourbon Collection™ High Rye Bourbon, Jim Beam® Signature Craft Quarter Cask Bourbon, Knob Creek® Single Barrel Bourbon, Laphroaig® Triple Wood Scotch Whiskey, Laphroaig® 25 Years Old Scotch Whisky

Top Beam Suntory Results from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge:

• Bowmore® Darkest 15 Years Old Scotch Whisky – FINALIST; 97; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
• Connemara® Irish Whiskey – FINALIST; 96; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
• Bowmore® 18 Years Old Scotch Whisky – FINALIST; 96; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
• Bowmore® 25 Years Old Scotch Whisky – FINALIST; 96; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
• El Tesoro® Platinum Tequila – CHAIRMAN’S TROPHY (best in show); 95; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
• Auchentoshan® Three Wood® – 95; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
• Laphroaig® 25 Years Old Scotch Whisky – 95; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
• Knob Creek® Bourbon – FINALIST; 95; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
• Jim Beam® Single Barrel Bourbon – FINALIST; 95; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
• Jim Beam® Harvest Bourbon Collection™ Soft Red Wheat Bourbon – FINALIST; 95; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
• Laphroaig® 10 Years Old Scotch Whisky – 95; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
• Laphroaig® Quarter Cask Scotch Whisky – 95; Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation
• Kilbeggan® 18 Years Old Irish Whiskey – 94; FINALIST; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Maker’s Mark® Bourbon – 94; Excellent, Highly recommended
• Maker’s Mark® Cask Strength Bourbon – 94; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Laphroaig® Select Scotch Whisky – 94; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Jim Beam® Distiller’s Masterpiece Bourbon – 94; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• El Tesoro® Reposado Tequila – FINALIST; 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Knob Creek® Single Barrel Bourbon – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Jim Beam® Bonded Bourbon – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Jim Beam® Devil’s Cut™ Bourbon – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Jim Beam® Harvest Bourbon Collection™ Brown Rice Bourbon – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Jim Beam® Harvest Bourbon Collection™ High Rye Bourbon – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Kilbeggan® Irish Whiskey – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Tyrconnell® Irish Whiskey – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Laphroaig® Triple Wood Scotch Whisky – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Bowmore® 12 Years Old Scotch Whisky – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Glen Garioch® 12 Years Old Scotch Whisky – 93; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey – 92; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Jim Beam® Rye Whiskey – 92; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Jim Beam® Harvest Bourbon Collection™ Rolled Oat Bourbon – 92; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Auchentoshan® American Oak™ Scotch Whisky – 92; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Ao™ Vodka – 91; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Auchentoshan®12 Years Old Scotch Whisky – 91; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Bowmore® Dorus Mor II 10 Years Old Scotch Whiskey – 91; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Glen Garioch® Founder's Reserve Scotch Whisky – 90; Excellent, Highly Recommended
• Bowmore® Small Batch Scotch Whiskey – 90; Excellent, Highly Recommended

For more information on Beam Suntory brands, please visit www.beamsuntory.com.

Loretto, Kentucky, May 5, 2015 – The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida on Monday ruled in favor of Maker’s Mark and parent company Beam Suntory in a class action lawsuit alleging misleading marketing in the labeling of Maker’s Mark as “handmade.” The ruling by U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle dismissed the complaint of two Florida consumers “with prejudice,” ending the case. “In all events, the plaintiffs have not stated a claim on which relief can be granted,” the ruling concludes.

“We have asserted all along that the complaints in this case were frivolous and without merit, and we are very pleased the court agreed with our position so emphatically,” said Rob Samuels, chief operating officer of Maker’s Mark. “This ruling is very good news, and it should send a strong message to those who would seek to gain from similar baseless and irresponsible litigation,” added Kent Rose, senior vice president and general counsel of Beam Suntory.

The case dismissed by the court is Dimitric Salters and A.G. Waseem, etc. v. Beam Suntory Inc. and Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., etc.