El Tesoro Paradiso wins best of category at 2008 Los Angeles International Wine and Spirits Competition

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. [Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO)], a global leader in premium spirits, celebrates a "Best of Category" win at the 2008 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirit Competition. Adding to the brand's extensive collection of international accolades, El Tesoro Paradiso received a gold medal and was awarded the "Best Extra Anejo 100% Blue Agave Tequila."

"El Tesoro tequila is truly a superior portfolio that has maintained a great reputation worldwide," said Tom Flocco, president and CEO of Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. "Its time honored traditions have made it one of the world's last hand-crafted tequilas. We are proud to have this distinguished spirit in our portfolio and look forward to its continued success and commitment."

The Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition began judging spirits in 2007 when El Tesoro Reposado was named the "Best Tequila of the Competition." This year, winners were announced at the "Wine & Cars Under the Stars" fundraising event held on Saturday, June 14 at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum and Thunder Alley at Fairplex in Pomona.

The following Beam Global brands were also honored at this year's competition:

• In its inaugural year, Ardmore Traditional Cask was awarded a bronze medal. It also won a bronze medal in overall packaging design.
• Jim Beam Black and Jim Beam Straight Rye Whiskey both won silver medals.
• In addition to the being named "Best Extra Anejo 100% Blue Agave Tequila," the El Tesoro portfolio was also awarded gold medals for its El Tesoro Paradiso Extra Anejo and El Tesoro Aniversario. El Tesoro Anejo, El Tesoro Platinum and El Tesoro Reposado all won silver medals.