Avenue Vine

Each of four 750 ml collectible "Generation" bottles tells a story from the past that involves Canadian Club. The stories run the gamut from Canadian Club's ties to Al Capone and the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, to how U.S. legislation in the 1890s, designed to protect the American bourbon and whisky industry, inadvertently backfired and actually made the Canadian Club brand even more sought-after.

"Canadian Club is such an amazing part of history," says Dan Tullio, Director, Canadian Club Whisky, Beam Global Spirits & Wine Inc. "Its role during the Prohibition era was filled with so many highlights. We almost feel a sense of responsibility to share these stories because they are so precious."

Canadian Club Stories from a Bygone EraStories captured on the "Generation" collectors' bottles include:
During Prohibition in the U.S. (1920-1933), the federal government made it illegal to make, transport or sell alcohol. Oddly enough, consuming or possessing alcohol wasn't illegal. The loophole created an environment rife with bootleggers, secret codes and countless other "entrepreneurs," who stepped up to fill the market's demand. Legend has it, bottles of Canadian Club were inside cases stolen by Al Capone during an ambush in Chicago on February 14, 1929 - an event referred to today as the St. Valentine's Day Massacre.

Canadian Club also became a favorite cargo item for legendary smugglers like Captain William S. McCoy, who earned a reputation for hauling only quality contraband, not the watered-down knock-offs commonly found during the era. His shipments of top-quality brands like Canadian Club became known as "The Real McCoy," a phrase still used today for authentic articles.

To ensure as few shipments as possible were intercepted by the police during Prohibition, smugglers began communicating with telegrams written in secret code, spelling out key information like destination and contents. That way, even if shipments were stopped en route, authorities couldn't figure out where they were headed or even prove they were being transported.

"It may be in a less dramatic way," says Tullio, "but we're still delivering that same authentic Canadian Club today. Many of these historic events and stories have been featured in movies, written about in books, or have been showcased in museums. Now, Canadian Club is bringing to life its connection to the past through new collectible bottles. Not only are they a great conversation starter - they are also beautifully designed and make for a great gift."

The special edition "Generation" bottles will be available in liquor stores until December, 2007, or while quantities last. To experience the stories and more, visit the Canadian Club Brand Centre in Walkerville (Windsor) Ontario, or visit CanadianClubWhisky.com

About Canadian Club:
Canadian Club(R) has been one of the world's favourite Canadian whiskies for 149 years, and is sold in over 150 countries - more than any other whisky. Canadian Club is smooth, mixable and versatile, and a confident choice for any mixed drink occasion. Canadian Club(R) offers a wide range of products to suit your palate, from the original Canadian Club(R) Premium Whisky, Canadian Club Reserve aged 10 years, and Canadian Club Classic aged 12 years.

About Maxxium Canada:
Maxxium Canada is the Canadian division of Maxxium Worldwide BV, a global spirits and wine distribution group operating in over 35 countries and covering more than 60 worldwide markets. Maxxium's portfolio includes some of the most well-known premium brands: Canadian Club Whisky, Sauza Tequila, ABSOLUT Vodka, Level Vodka, Rémy Martin Fine ChampagneCognac, Cointreau liqueur, The Macallan and Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whiskeys, Alberta Premium Whisky, Bols Liqueurs, and various wines such as Clos du Bois, Cono Sur and KWV. Maxxium's head office is in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. For more information, visit www.maxxium.com.

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 Canadian Club(R) Whisky, Sauza® Tequila, Jim Beam(R) Bourbon, Maker's Mark(R) Bourbon, Starbucks Liquors(TM) and Clos du Bois(R) Wines. 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.

TORONTO, CANADA–November 1, 2007