Casa Sauza(R) Unveils Its First Extra Anejo Portfolio Extension

  Casa Sauza®, the family of tequila brands, heritage and craftsmanship since 1873 of Beam Inc. (NYSE: BEAM), announced an addition to its award-winning tequila portfolio today -- Casa Sauza XA, Edición Limitada (40% ABV). Expertly balancing Weber blue agave notes and rich wood characters, Casa Sauza XA, Edición Limitada (XA) marks the first global extra añejo expression for the brand. The launch of this exclusive, limited edition builds on consumers' growing interest in more sophisticated and refined tequilas. Aged for more than three years in small American oak barrels, Casa Sauza XA will be sold at fine liquor and retail establishments in the United States and Mexico, as well as duty-free shops around the globe.

"Limited-edition bottlings and special small batch, premium expressions are among the most significant new developments in the tequila category. Casa Sauza XA is an exciting addition to our portfolio," said Gigi Dadan, global tequila marketing director, Beam Inc. "This new, signature expression is a nod to our pioneering spirit and dedication to creating exceptionally fine tequila for today's sophisticated palates."

An ultra-premium, limited-edition tequila that embodies three generations of tequila making experience and innovation, Casa Sauza XA is masterfully crafted from Weber blue agave plants hand-selected by Sauza's expert jimadores and master distillers. With a pale golden amber hue, the distinct aroma of jasmine, hibiscus, almonds and chocolate resulting from three extra years in hand-selected new toasted barrels, Casa Sauza XA maintains Sauza's characteristic fresh agave notes while offering a refined tequila experience. Casa Sauza XA, Edición Limitada is crafted at Sauza's operations in Tequila, Mexico.

"With its extra age and rich, smooth finish, Casa Sauza XA, Edición Limitada is like a fine cognac or whisky," says Victormanuel Martinez, Casa Sauza executive chef and sommelier. "When served in a nosing glass, the aroma of Casa Sauza XA unravels, captivating the senses to deliver a refined, one-of-a-kind tasting experience. It's perfect when paired with coffee or rich desserts, such as tiramisu, black forest cake or even pecan pie."

A rare offering, only 12,000 750 ml bottles have been produced, including approximately 1,800 bottles for the U.S. Bottled in an elegant glass tequila decanter accented with a distressed leather strap and metal buckle and housed in a signature box, each bottle of Casa Sauza XA, Edición Limitada is individually numbered and has a suggested retail price of approximately $150 (U.S.) per bottle.

About Beam Inc. As one of the world's leading premium spirits companies, Beam is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker's Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher's Scotch Whisky, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, EFFEN Vodka, Pucker Flavored Vodka, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC, DeKuyper Cordials, and Skinnygirl Cocktails. Beam is focused on delivering superior performance with its unique combination of scale with agility and a strategy of Creating Famous Brands, Building Winning Markets and Fueling Our Growth. Beam and its 3,200 passionate associates worldwide generated 2011 sales of $2.8 billion, volume of 34 million 9-liter cases and some of the industry's fastest growing innovations.

Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BEAM and is included in the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index. For more information on Beam, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Sauza® Tequila, 40% alc./vol. ©2012 Sauza Tequila Import Company, Deerfield, IL.

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