Deerfield, IL (May 13, 2015) – Sauza® Tequila, the flagship brand of Casa Sauza®, will debut a new premium look in June 2015. The refreshed brand identity highlights the Sauza family heritage, quality and craftsmanship behind the spirit and elevates its visibility and presence internationally. The largest rebrand in Sauza history will roll out globally, driving the brand’s continued long-term growth in existing North American markets, as well as expansion efforts in new, emerging tequila markets – Japan, Brazil, Russia and the brand’s first foray into China.

“Sauza has been producing premium tequila since 1873, continuously bringing fresh perspectives to old traditions,” said Megan Frank, senior brand director of tequila at Beam Suntory. “The rebranding will strengthen Sauza Tequila’s position in the category globally and offer an invigorated brand experience. The new packaging is simply gorgeous and a major upgrade for the brand and consumers.”

Upon its global unveiling, the brand’s premium line, Sauza Blue 100% Agave Tequila will take on the new name, Sauza Signature Blue, and will now feature a premium cork and wood closure. Across all Sauza Tequila variants, the new packaging will include a redesigned label with a prominent depiction of the brand’s iconic Gallo, as well as a unique bottle structure with the Tequila Sauza Crest and monogram embossed on the glass.

The Gallo is a cherished symbol of the Sauza brand and has been part of the Sauza Crest since 1873. It was personally chosen by Sauza founder, Don Cenobio Sauza for representing courage, passion and perseverance; three traits that helped make the brand what it is today. Don Cenobio Sauza’s signature will appear on labels along with the La Perseverancia distillery story to reinforce the brand’s family heritage, deeply rooted in Jalisco, Mexico.

For more information on Sauza Tequila, visit www.us.SauzaTequila.com, “LIKE” Sauza Tequila on Facebook, or follow @Sauza on Twitter, @SauzaMargaritas on Instagram and @SauzaTequila on Pinterest.

Tokyo, Japan, and Deerfield, Illinois, May 26, 2015 – Eleven whiskies and one vodka from the Beam Suntory portfolio have been awarded gold medals at the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2015, the worldwide tasting competition held in the UK. Gold medal recipients in the Whiskies category include Japanese blended whiskies Hibiki 21 Years Old and Hibiki 12 Years Old; Japanese single malt whiskies Yamazaki Mizunara 2014 and Hakushu 25 Years Old: Knob Creek Bourbon; and Scotch whiskies Bowmore 15 Years Old Darkest, Bowmore 18 Years, Bowmore Springtide, Bowmore Tempest V and Laphroiag 10 Years Old Cask Strength. In addition, Ao Vodka, a Japanese vodka, won a gold medal in the Vodka category.

These medals reinforce Beam Suntory’s leadership across multiple spirits categories.

About the International Spirits Challenge
The International Spirits Challenge is a competition held every year in the UK, the home of Scotch whisky. In the Whisky division, medals are awarded by based on the blind testing of 10 testers, all of whom are blenders, distillery managers and other industry professionals, and who perform sensory inspections on each of the over 400 whiskies submitted from around the world. The competition is regarded as an authoritative arena for judging the quality of the entries by the exquisite sensory skills of the panel of whisky-making professionals.

The Award-Winning Whiskies

• Suntory Whisky Hibiki 21 Years Old
• Suntory Whisky Hibiki 12 Years Old
• Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki Mizunara 2014 (Japanese market only)
• Suntory Single Malt Whisky Hakushu 25 Years Old
• Knob Creek
• Bowmore 15 Years Old Darkest
• Bowmore 18 Years
• Bowmore Springtide
• Bowmore Tempest V
• Laphroaig 10 Years Old Cask Strength
• Ao Vodka

For more information on Brands

• Suntory Whisky Website: http://www.suntory.com/whisky/
• Beam Suntory Website: http://beamsuntory.com/
• Knob Creek Website: http://www.knobcreek.com/
• Bowmore Website: http://bowmore.com/
• Laphroaig Website: http://www.laphroaig.com/
• Ao Vodka Website:  http://www.ao-vodka.com/

Deerfield, IL (June 3, 2015) – Sauza® Tequila, the world’s #2 premium tequila, is unveiling its first flavored tequila innovation, Sauza® Cucumber Chili Tequila. Authentic Sauza® Silver Tequila combines with a natural, garden-fresh cucumber flavor and a chili twist, to deliver the perfect tequila for a premium, slightly spicy, and refreshing margarita for any occasion.

“Sauza Cucumber Chili Tequila offers a delicious alternative for spicing up a traditional margarita and debuts just in time for spring and summer entertaining,” said Megan Frank, senior brand director of tequila at Beam Suntory. “Sauza Cucumber Chili brings a fresh and fiery new flavor to the margarita’s favorite tequila."

Sauza Cucumber Chili is a 70-proof flavored tequila, with an invigorating cucumber taste and zesty chili finish. It can be enjoyed chilled, on the rocks, or in mixed cocktails and is now available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $15.99 per 750ml bottle.

To heat-up the traditional margarita with something cool, the Cucumber Chili Rita is sure to give any spring or summer gathering some extra kick.

Cucumber Chili Rita
2 parts Sauza® Cucumber Chili Tequila
1 part DeKuyper® Triple Sec Liqueur
2 parts fresh lemon sour
Juice of one whole lime

Add ingredients to an ice-filled shaker. Shake and strain over ice in a salt-rimmed cocktail or margarita glass. Garnish with a lime and float a thin slice of cucumber.

For more information on Sauza Tequila, visit www.us.SauzaTequila.com, “LIKE” Sauza Tequila on Facebook, or follow @Sauza on Twitter, @SauzaMargaritas on Instagram and @SauzaTequila on Pinterest.

Deerfield, IL (June 3, 2015) –Pinnacle® Vodka, a leading imported premium vodka brand, is proud to announce its latest flavor, Pinnacle® Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka. With the taste of fresh grapefruit and a smooth, tart finish, Pinnacle’s latest innovation delivers a deliciously tangy flavor profile perfect for summer cocktails and cookouts.
Pinnacle Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka joins Pinnacle’s robust portfolio of award-winning fruit-flavored vodkas. With over 40 distinct flavors to date, Pinnacle Vodka delivers everything you’d expect from a premium vodka but at a delightfully unexpected price.

“Grapefruit is a popular cocktail ingredient we know our fans love, so we’re confident they’ll love our new Pinnacle Ruby Red Grapefruit,” said Jason Dolenga, Senior Brand Director of Vodka at Beam Suntory. “The spirit delivers a vibrant and zesty citrus flavor that’s perfect for any entertaining occasion, making summer cocktailing as effortless and delicious as ever.”

Pinnacle Ruby Red Grapefruit is a 70-proof, five-times distilled vodka that can be enjoyed chilled, on the rocks, or in a mixed cocktail. Now available nationwide at a suggested retail price of $12.99 for a 750ml bottle. Whip up one of these tasty cocktails featuring Pinnacle Ruby Red Grapefruit to ring in summer!

Pinnacle® Ruby Sunset
1 Part Pinnacle® Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka
2 Parts Lemon Lime Soda
Splash of Cranberry Juice
Garnish with a Lime Wedge

Pinnacle® Ruby Club
1 Part Pinnacle® Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka
2 Parts Club Soda
Garnish with a Lime Wedge

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.

Beam Suntory is to launch Jim Beam Kentucky Dram, a premium bourbon infused with highland Scotch whisky. Inspired by the brand’s adventurous forefathers, the distillers who travelled from Scotland, Jim Beam Kentucky Dram is a limited edition which will drive interest in premium bourbons, a focus for growth in the category.

The new product, which is to be released exclusively in global travel retail and appear in store from July, is made with Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey expertly blended with a touch of peaty Highland Scotch, resulting in the time-honoured taste of Jim Beam with a hint of something new. At 40% ABV, the smokey flavour of the Scotch enriches the smooth vanilla and oaky notes of the bourbon. It is recommended to be served neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail, such as a Dram Manhattan.

Encased in a premium gift tin, Jim Beam Kentucky Dram commands standout on shelf and introduces consumers to the seven generations of Jim Beam master distillers since 1795. The packaging tells the story of T Jeremiah Beam who took on the family business in 1943 and travelled the world, fulfilling his ambition to bring a taste of home to Americans stationed abroad, transforming the brand forever.

Beam Suntory’s Marketing Director, Michael Cockram says: “We are committed to inspiring consumers to discover the rich history of Jim Beam, the #1 bourbon in the world. Jim Beam Kentucky Dram celebrates Jim Beam’s globetrotting heritage, honouring in particular its Scottish ancestry.

“Bourbon is growing at a phenomenal rate across the globe and with our retail partners we are committed to building the category, focusing on premiumisation, enhancing the shopping experience and educating drinkers on bourbon’s heritage.

“The launch of this product will provide not only something unique for consumers in travel retail but also elevate bourbon, by inviting consumers who already enjoy it to explore the category at a higher level.”

Beam Suntory has one of the largest whisk(e)y portfolios globally, comprising leading brands across bourbon, Japanese, Irish and Canadian whiskies and Scottish malts and blends.

On Tuesday, July 28, Suntory Spirits Limited will release the Jim Beam Citrus Highball Grapefruit, a 350ml ready-to-drink highball cocktail.

Since last year, Suntory Spirits has been actively promoting the “citrus highball” drinking style, which entails squeezing juice from fresh citrus fruits into a Jim Beam highball. Recently, Jim Beam Citrus Highballs have risen in popularity at bars and restaurants.

With this latest innovation, representing the first new product collaboration between Beam Suntory's Japan and U.S. teams, the company hopes fans will enjoy the Jim Beam Citrus Highball while at home. The team also looks forward to introducing new consumers to this contemporary take on a classic, refreshing cocktail.

Product Characteristics
The delicious flavor of the Jim Beam Citrus Highball comes from the strong-bodied aroma and mild flavor of the high quality Jim Beam Brand. This refreshing product seeks to add the distinctive delicious fragrance of grapefruit to Jim Beam. The spirit used in this product is Suntory’s first attempt at combining three different types of grapefruits spirits and recreates the flavor of “fresh squeezed grapefruit.”

Package Characteristics
The iconic logo of the Jim Beam brand that has been known around the world for decades is set against its classic white background with a shiny design that accentuates the “refreshing” highball flavor and premium cool cues of Jim Beam. A juicy grapefruit image is also depicted in the center to convey the refreshing taste.

His Royal Highness The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, today visited the world famous Laphroaig Distillery on Islay in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the brand. Laphroaig, owned by Beam Suntory, is the only Single Malt Scotch Whisky to bear a Royal Warrant and is known to be a firm favourite of the Prince, who led a toast to the anniversary by raising a dram of limited-edition Laphroaig 15 Year Old Single Malt.

The visit is the third that the Duke has paid to Laphroaig over the last 25 years. The Royal Warrant was bestowed personally when he visited the distillery in 1994, and he returned as part of his 60th birthday celebrations in 2008.

The Duke, who in Scotland uses his official Scottish title the Duke of Rothesay, was hosted by John Campbell, Distillery Manager of Laphroaig, Patrick Loudon McIain Stewart, Lord Lieutenant of Argyle & Bute and Mick Ord, Director of Scotch and Irish Whiskies at Beam Suntory. During the visit, he met a number of Laphroaig employees, filled, bunged and signed an ex-bourbon cask and was given a tour of the distillery. He also unveiled a plaque in the Friends of Laphroaig’s field to officially open a cairn (a traditional Scottish monument made of rough stones) commemorating the 200th anniversary. At the end of the tour, the Prince was presented with gifts, including branded ‘Friends of Laphroaig’ wellington boots and bottles of Laphroaig 15 Year Old.

The Duke’s visit also marks the launch of The Laphroaig Legacy Fund, a charitable initiative aimed at supporting Islay’s people, community and environment in 2015. The Legacy Fund has been created to both celebrate the distillery’s past and help to secure the future of its community by supporting local projects and businesses that are promoting the sustainability of Islay living. This year, bottles and casks of 40 Year Old whisky signed during the Prince’s last visit will be auctioned to raise money for the fund. A corporate donation from Beam Suntory and £1 donation from every bottle of Laphroaig 21 Year Old and Cairdeas sold through the Laphroaig Visitor Centre and Online Shop in 2015 will also be put towards the fund. Following an application and selection process, a series of targeted grants will be issued to the successful beneficiaries; these could include community projects, environmental sustainability programmes or initiatives that enhance the skills sets of islanders.

Laphroaig is also celebrating its 200th anniversary with limited edition commemorative releases of Laphroaig 15 Year Old, Laphroaig 32 Year Old, and Laphroaig 21 Year Old.

John Campbell, Distillery Manager of Laphroaig, says, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome the Prince back to Laphroaig to commemorate what is a momentous year for our distillery and brand. We are extremely grateful for his ongoing support over the years, which has helped enable us to preserve the unique heritage of the Scottish whisky industry and to give back to our community. Our 200th anniversary is an opportunity for us to continue to support the region through The Laphroaig Legacy Fund, celebrate our position as an integral part of the local economy, and help ensure that the community of Islay can prosper into the future.”

Hornitos® Tequila has announced an exciting partnership with the Chicago Cubs, becoming the team’s official tequila and naming rights partner of the recently launched left field group space, the Hornitos Hacienda. Formerly the Left Field Well, the Hornitos Hacienda features space close to the field in the first two rows above the left field wall with designated standing room and limited seating for groups of approximately 15 to 50 fans. This space offers guests the best view in the Budweiser Bleachers to catch all the action, perfect for bachelor or bachelorette parties and special events. As part of the partnership, Hornitos® Tequila will have signage on the left field wall and in-game promotion on the left field video board.

Hornitos® Tequila, which has been available in the enhanced Budweiser Bleachers since their reopening in May, will continue to be available for fans to enjoy as part of the ultimate gameday experience. Premium cocktails featuring Hornitos® Tequila also will be offered at various locations throughout the ballpark to help fans toast to their favorite team.

“Hornitos Tequila and the Chicago Cubs are the perfect recipe for fun at the ballpark this summer,” said Claire Richards, senior director of tequilas at Beam Suntory. “The timing could not be better for us to join forces and the Hornitos Hacienda will offer all-star fans a fun atmosphere, an amazing view to catch all the action and of course, a delicious drink to enjoy while watching the game.”

"With new offerings to complement the bleacher experience that fans already know and love, we are thrilled to work with Hornitos Tequila to offer fans refreshing new ways to enjoy the game," added Colin Faulkner, vice president of sales and partnerships for the Chicago Cubs. "This has already shaped up to be an exciting season of Cubs baseball, and the Hornitos Hacienda will continue to add to the fun."

The Hornitos Hacienda is available for group reservations by calling 773-404-4242. For more information, visit www.HornitosTequila.com, like us on Facebook.com/HornitosTequila, or follow us on Twitter @Hornitos and Instagram @HornitosTequila.

Deerfield, IL (July 20, 2015) – “Don’t sip – let me take a pic!” Social sharing has become an essential element to the overall cocktail experience, according to a recent survey conducted by Sauza® Tequila, the world’s #2 premium tequila. More than half (51 percent) of cocktail fans in America who are active on social media are eager to snap photos of their drinks and share them with friends and family. Sauza polled more than 950 Americans 21 and older to crack the code on sharing and engaging with cocktail photos on social media. In honor of America’s love of cocktails, Sauza will kick-off its “Pitcher Perfect Picture” campaign, with a focus on taking crave-worthy cocktail photos and encourages fans to share their own.

With such fervor for sharing, it’s no wonder that cocktail fans will go to great lengths to make sure their drinks are picture perfect! Nearly a quarter (22 percent) of cocktail paparazzi have played the role of “photo editor” by rearranging the table setting or lighting, forbidding friends to take a sip or ordering garnishes to make the drink look more appealing.

“The rise in social media and photo sharing apps has led to a fundamental shift in the way our fans are engaging and sharing memories with family and friends,” said Claire Richards, senior director of tequilas at Beam Suntory. “We’re joining in on the fun and connecting with our fans by offering tips on taking the best cocktail photos for social media. Sauza delivers the perfect cocktails that not only tastes delicious but also makes the perfect cameo in social media shots.”
Here’s what’s trending:
The margarita takes the cake: Margaritas are the most popular cocktails to order in pitcher form with friends (80 percent). The popular drink also reigns supreme on social—almost two in three social media users (65 percent) are more likely to share a photo of a margarita than any other cocktail.

Don’t be jealous of a good time: People are far more likely to share a cocktail photo to record or celebrate an occasion (63 percent) than to make others jealous (14 percent); however, more than twice as many men as women (20 percent vs. 9 percent) admit their motivation is to evoke envy amongst their friends or followers.
Share the love: Nearly three times as many respondents say they post cocktail photos to recommend the drink to their friends or followers (39 percent) rather than show off (14 percent).

A picture’s worth a thousand words: Americans are most likely to “favorite” or “like” a cocktail photo on social media because it looks appetizing (29 percent) or is being enjoyed by the people in the picture (22 percent), rather than if the description sounds appealing (10 percent).

“Pitcher Perfect Picture” Campaign
To further craft “likable” photos – and cocktails – Sauza is partnering with lifestyle photographer, Michelle Yam, for a campaign titled “Pitcher Perfect Picture”—a social media effort that celebrates the art of taking crave-worthy cocktail photos. Sauza has enlisted Michelle to share her tips on taking the perfect photo, evaluating angles, shadows, filters and more.

As part of the “Pitcher Perfect Picture” campaign, Sauza is encouraging consumers to join in on the fun and share their cocktail pitcher photos on social media, using the #SauzaPitcherPics hashtag. Photos should include a pitcher of cocktails and a bottle of Sauza Tequila. Whether it’s enjoying a pitcher of margaritas poolside with friends or during a family dinner, consumers are encouraged to share their summertime memories.

With an extensive background in food, travel and lifestyle photography, Michelle Yam knows what it takes to create pitcher perfect pictures on social. To make the most of your photos on Instagram, Michelle recommends:
Play with focus. Landscape photos have a larger depth of field than close-up images—the background isn’t the focal point, but provides great visual depth. To play with depths, use the tilt-shift function on the Instagram toolbar to blur out your surroundings with ease.

The view from above: While the overall cocktail certainly makes for a crave-worthy photo, sometimes the beauty is in the details. To highlight, play with distance when taking your picture—an aerial close-up of your garnishes or glassware can often be more striking than a straight-on view.

The journey is just as beautiful as the destination: From pouring the bottle to slicing the garnishes, action shots of the cocktail prep can be just as interesting as the finished product. Embrace prep materials, including the shaker and garnishes—they add different textures and colors to your shot.

Embrace color: When your environment is as beautiful as a poolside locale, experiment with different shots to incorporate the various colors. Use the ground or ledge as a neutral backdrop.

To see Michelle’s photos and learn more of her photography tips, follow @SauzaTequila and@MichelleYam on Instagram.
For more information on Sauza Tequila, visit www.us.SauzaTequila.com, “LIKE” Sauza Tequila on Facebook, or follow @Sauza on Twitter, @SauzaTequila on Instagram and @SauzaTequila on Pinterest.

Methodology
Fielded in June 2015 to 953 nationally representative Americans ages 21 and over by Kelton, the referenced omnibus survey examined consumers’ behavior and preferences for sharing and engaging with cocktail photos on social media. The chances are 95 in 100 that a survey result does not vary, plus or minus, by more than 3.2 percentage points from the result that would be obtained if interviews had been conducted with all personas in the universe represented by the sample. The margin of error for any subgroups will be slightly higher.

Knob Creek® Bourbon, the #1 selling Super-Premium bourbon , known for its big, full flavor, is proud to continue its long and decorated winning streak as the “World’s Most Awarded Bourbon,” claiming 49 awards at 2015's top spirits competitions, including top honors at the recent 2015 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC).
Each expression of the super-premium Knob Creek® Portfolio, consisting of Knob Creek® Bourbon, Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey, Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Bourbon and Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve, earned high accolades at the IWSC, including the notable honors below:
Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve – Gold Outstanding

Tasting Notes: Spice filled nose along with peaches and honey with an underlay of fine oak. Big delivery into the mouth where a massive range of flavors burst across the palate. Orange skin, orange marmalade, vanilla, toffee and coffee. Great balance and fine texture. Elegant and poised. Long, slow, fruit and spice filled finish.

Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey – Gold
Tasting Notes: Nose leads with summer flowers followed by mint, lemon and lavender. Smooth entry into the mouth with immediate surge of tender fruit and hint of oak. Settles across the palate and softens into some caramel characters and some vanilla. Long flinty finish.

These IWSC wins are the latest in a long list of prestigious awards Knob Creek® Bourbon has earned in 2015, including the title of “Best Bourbon” and a Double Gold Medal at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a Gold Medal at the 2015 International Spirits Challenge.

Knob Creek® Rye Whiskey was awarded “Rye of the Year” and also won a Gold Medal at the 2015 Berlin International Spirits Competition. Knob Creek® Single Barrel Reserve received a Gold Medal at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and was awarded a Consumer’s Choice Award and a Gold Medal in the Single Barrel American Whiskey 10 Years and Younger category at this year’s SIP Awards. Finally, Knob Creek® Smoked Maple Whiskey was awarded “Best Flavored Bourbon” and a Gold Medal at the 2015 Fifty Best Awards, as well as a Consumer’s Choice Award and a Gold Medal in the Flavored/Infused Whiskey category at this year’s SIP Awards.

“When Booker Noe created Knob Creek® Bourbon, he focused on his passion for creating a big, full flavored bourbon with the strength, care and patience that defined pre-prohibition whiskey – the way he thought real bourbon ought to be made,” said Halley Kehoe, Director of Small Batch Bourbons at Beam Suntory. “We are proud that Knob Creek has been setting the standard for more than 20 years and excited that our fans and fellow industry leaders feel the same way about the quality of our products, as evidenced by these awards.”