Scotland Invades Bourbon Country With Live Online Tasting

DEERFIELD, IL--(Marketwire - September 9, 2009) - Laphroaig Islay Single Malt Scotch, the most richly flavored of all Scotch whiskies, invites consumers of legal purchase age to celebrate the earthy aroma and smoky flavors of Laphroaig during a LIVE Webcast tasting on Friday, September 25. Hosted in the United States for the first time by Laphroaig Distillery Manager John Campbell and Maker's Mark Master Distiller Kevin Smith, Distillery LIVE 2009 will broadcast live from the Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto, Ky. to celebrate the intrinsic relationship between Laphroaig and Maker's Mark -- specifically the maturation process of Laphroaig in former Maker's Mark barrels.

The show is an evolution of Laphroaig LIVE, the annual online interactive tasting launched in 2007 and viewed by more than 20,000 viewers from 79 countries worldwide last year.

"Hosting Distillery LIVE 2009 at the Maker's Mark Distillery in Kentucky is truly a one-of-a-kind experience," said Campbell. "We're bringing a taste of the Islay, Scotland to Kentucky by contrasting the rich, smoky flavors of Laphroaig with the sweet yet complex flavors of Makers Mark Bourbon Whisky."

On September 25 (8:00 p.m. ET), Campbell, Smith and renowned whisky authority and publisher & editor of Malt Advocate magazine John Hansell will conduct the 45-minute tasting from inside the Maker's Mark Distillery. The online tasting and educational seminar will include traditional Laphroaig expressions such as Laphroaig 10 Year Old; the newly released Laphroaig 18 Year Old and Maker's Mark Bourbon. Distillery LIVE offers U.S. whisky enthusiasts the opportunity to preview the bold, distinctive flavors of traditional American and Scotch whisky, while interacting LIVE online with the whisky authorities at Laphroaig and Maker's Mark.

"Whether a Scotch aficionado or a bourbon connoisseur, online tasting participants will be taken on a comprehensive tasting journey while interacting LIVE with spirits enthusiasts around the globe," said Smith.

About the expressions:

--  Laphroaig 10 Year Old
      --  Richly smoky and salty -- fully peated with a hint of sweetness
--  Laphroaig 18 Year Old
      --  An instant warming tang of smoke that fades into smooth floral
          scents and blends seamlessly into an oaky nuttiness and leaves a
          lasting sweetness

Participants of legal purchase age can download tasting notes and guides and submit their questions in advance at Laphroaig.com. For more information, visit www.distillerylive.us.com.

About Friends of Laphroaig

The Friends of Laphroaig began in 1994 as a way to communicate news about the distiller and connect with other Laphroaig lovers around the world. Today it has grown to more than 300,000 members from more than 150 countries. Each fan receives a lifetime lease on a square foot of land next to the distillery that they can visit, view online and collect a dram of 'rent' for, should they ever visit the island. The members-only section of Laphroaig.com boasts contests, e-cards, chat boards, photo albums, printable personalized business cards and more. Membership is free with proof of purchase of 10 Year Old, 15 Year Old, 25 Year Old, 30 Year Old, Quarter Cask or Cask Strength Laphroaig. New members can register at www.laphroaig.com/friends.

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, Cruzan® Rum, EFFEN® Vodka, 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.

Laphroaig® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, 43%, 48% and 55.7% alc./vol.