Laphroaig Single Islay Malt Scotch Whisky Hosts Live Online Tasting

Laphroaig Single Islay Malt Scotch, the most richly flavoured 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 June 18. Hosted by Laphroaig Master Blender Robert Hicks and Distillery Manager John Campbell, Laphroaig LIVE 2008 promises to entertain and educate Scotch enthusiasts and Friends of Laphroaig through a tasting of traditional Laphroaig expressions and rare, never-before-tasted expressions such as Laphroaig Cáirdeas (pronounced Car-Chuss). Gaelic for “friendship,” Cáirdeas was hand-crafted especially for the 2008 Feis Ile of Malt and Music – Islay’s annual whisky and music festival – and will be unveiled globally during the online tasting.

“Laphroaig LIVE 2008 is an opportunity for us to reward our Friends with a look inside the Laphroaig Distillery and a preview of the limited-edition expressions we’re crafting,” said Campbell. “Webcast participants will see that like the Laphroaig portfolio, Laphroaig Cáirdeas features a pungent, earthy aroma of blue Islay peat smoke, but reveals hints of orange marmalade, cinnamon and a thick sweetness with just a trace of roses.”

On June 18 (3:00 p.m. ET), Campbell, Hicks and renowned single malt authority Martine Nouet will conduct the 45-minute tasting from inside Warehouse 1 at the Laphroaig Distillery. The online tasting and educational seminar will include Laphroaig 10 Year Old, Laphroaig Quarter Cask, Cáirdeas, a Laphroaig 30 Year Old Cáirdeas and the yet-to-be-bottled Laphroaig Triple Wood. While Cáirdeas can only be purchased on Islay, Laphroaig LIVE offers U.S. Scotch enthusiasts the opportunity to preview the bold, distinctive flavors of traditional Laphroaig expressions, while interacting LIVE online with the whisky authorities at Laphroaig.

About the expressions:
· Laphroaig 10 Year Old
§ Richly smoky and salty — fully peated with a hint of sweetness
· Laphroaig Quarter Cask
§ Deep, complex and smoky yet offers and surprises the palate with a gentle sweetness
· Laphroaig Triple Wood
§ Matured three times: first in ex-bourbon barrels, then in Quarter Casks, and finally in European Oak
§ Will be drawn directly from the butts for the first time – LIVE!
· Laphroaig Cáirdeas
§ Blended from a special mix of whiskies from 10 to 17 years old
§ A full round deep whisky with a sweet roundness that fills the mouth with massive peat smoke flavor, slowly fading to leave a dusty, licorice coating with a tang of fresh, sweet oranges
· Laphroaig 30 Year Old Cáirdeas
§ A limited-edition expression created exclusively for Friends of Laphroaig
§ Will be tasted by Campbell for the first time – LIVE!

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.Laphroaig.com/live.

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, 30 Year Old, Quarter Cask or Cask Strength Laphroaig. New members can register at http://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, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, Teacher’s® Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs, Knob Creek® Bourbon and Starbucks™ Liqueurs. 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.