From Bourbon Barrels to Boots: Wolverine and Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery Showcase American Craftsmanship With A Second Batch of Limited Edition Boots

The brands come back together with a rugged, timeless design that features a wood heel handcrafted from the bourbon barrels that held this year's release of the Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year bourbon

ROCKFORD, Mich., Sept. 28, 2021 - For a second year Wolverine and Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery have come together to showcase true American craftsmanship with a new limited-edition Wolverine 1000 Mile boot, available today for pre-order. Once again, 100% of the revenue from the sale of these boots will go to the mikeroweWORKS Foundation Work Ethic Scholarship Program to help support the next generation of skilled tradespeople.

Following a successful first collaboration, the Batch 2 Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle 1000 Mile boot honors both companies' commitments to creating the finest quality products through American workers. The new boot has a distinct look to distinguish from last year's batch, perfect for collectors looking to celebrate boots and bourbon still created largely the same way they were more than a century ago. 

"This collaboration celebrates and supports the hard-working people behind our products," said Devon Vanoostveen, brand representative for Wolverine. "These rugged boots and fine bourbons would not be possible without the skills and dedication of so many blue-collar workers; farmers, coopers, carpenters, distillery workers, truck drivers, and shoemakers, to name a few."

Batch 2 of the Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle collaboration draws inspiration from the barrels that house the legendary Old Rip Van Winkle bourbons for 10 to 23 years. Made in the USA, this year's boot features a classic moc toe design and is made with Horween Whiskey Predator leather – a rugged leather meant to stand the test of time that only gets better with age. The heels are handcrafted from the wood of the bourbon barrels that held this year's release of Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year bourbon. The boots are finished with a hand-numbered, textile tongue tag that reflects the individual craftsmanship put into each pair.

"We're thrilled to once again partner with Wolverine, a company that puts as much passion and care into creating their boots as we do our bourbon," said Preston Van Winkle, fourth generation business owner of Old Rip Van Winkle. "Together, we're able to honor our shared commitment to craft while also supporting America's future workforce, inspiring a new generation to take pride in working with their hands."

Batch 2 of the Wolverine x Old Rip Van Winkle limited edition boots are available for pre-order now, ahead of the release date of October 14, 2021. They can be purchased for $400 at wolverine.com/oldrip.

ABOUT WOLVERINE
For over 135 years, Wolverine has taken pride in crafting durable boots with unrivaled craftsmanship. Today, Wolverine offers footwear, apparel and accessories to get the job done. Committed to supporting those in the skilled trades, Wolverine's Project Bootstrap was formed in 2014 to celebrate the spirit of the American blue collar worker and to help build the next generation of skilled tradespeople. For more information, visit www.wolverine.com. Wolverine is a division of Wolverine Worldwide Inc. (NYSE: WWW)

ABOUT OLD RIP VAN WINKLE
The Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery has a four-generation history, starting in the late 1800s with Julian P. "Pappy" Van Winkle Sr., and continuing today with Julian III and Preston Van Winkle.

From its early roots as the Stitzel-Weller Distillery in South Louisville to the selling of the Distillery in 1972 while resurrecting the Old Rip Van Winkle label at the same time, and following with new, original expressions in the early 1980s, the Van Winkle story has been one of perseverance and survival.  

In 2002 the Van Winkles found joined forces with Buffalo Trace Distillery in Franklin County, Frankfort, KY. All of the Van Winkle's whiskey production now takes place at Buffalo Trace Distillery under the same strict guidelines the family has always followed. For more information on the Van Winkle family of bourbon please visit www.oldripvanwinkle.com. 

ABOUT THE MIKEROWEWORKS FOUNDATION
The mikeroweWORKS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that works hard to debunk myths and misperceptions about the trades and help close the skills gap. As CEO, Mike Rowe speaks regularly about the country's dysfunctional relationship with work and challenges the persistent belief that a four-year degree is the best path for the most people. Through its Work Ethic Scholarship Program, the mikeroweWORKS Foundation provides financial assistance to people getting trained for in-demand, skilled jobs. Since its inception, it has granted, or helped facilitate the granting of, more than $6 million in support of technical and vocational education.

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Diageo opens its first carbon neutral whiskey distillery in North America

 

One of the largest of its kind in North America, the new distillery in Kentucky will operate using 100% renewable electricity, zero fossil fuels for production and virtual metering technology

The new site reflects Diageo’s ongoing commitment to use 100% renewable energy and become net-zero carbon across direct operations by 2030

LEBANON, KY. – Global beverage leader Diageo has opened its first carbon neutral distillery in Lebanon, Kentucky.  The site will support the local community with 30 full-time jobs while also sourcing 100% non-GMO corn locally. The 72,000 square-foot facility has the capacity to produce up to 10 million proof gallons per year and has begun distilling Bulleit Bourbon using electrode boilers that are powered by 100% renewable electricity throughout the cooking, distillation, and dry house processes. Bulleit is the first and lead brand being produced at the Diageo Lebanon Distillery –and supplements existing production at the nearby Bulleit Distilling Co. in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

Designed with sustainability at its core, the distillery is built to ensure that fossil fuels are not used during production.  By partnering with Inter-County Energy and East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC), Diageo is sourcing a mix of wind and solar energy to power the electrode boilers, onsite electric vehicles, internal and external lighting and equipment making the facility one of the largest of its kind in North America. The site has implemented virtual metering technology to advance visibility of water, electricity, and steam usage, collecting key data that is used to drive the company’s resource efficiency and sustainability. These technologies will allow the Diageo Lebanon Distillery to avoid approximately more than 117,000 metric tons[1] of carbon emissions annually, the equivalent of taking more than 25,000 cars off the road for a year[2].

“Two years ago, we set a vision and commitment to build our first carbon neutral distillery in North America. Now that the Diageo Lebanon Distillery is operational, I’m incredibly proud of the innovative actions from our teams and partners to fully electrify the facilities and power them with renewable electricity. This is a significant step in our journey to create a low carbon future and be part of the solution to tackle the ongoing climate crisis,” said Perry Jones, President, North America Supply for Diageo.

In addition to the sustainability features of the new facility, Diageo implemented an optimized staffing model consisting of Bourbon Production Experts (BPE’s) responsible for all aspects of distillery, dry house, and operations. By rotating the BPE’s through each operational area to ensure depth of knowledge and flexibility, Diageo aims to accelerate the development of future leaders, ensuring a focus on gender equity and diversity to help shape the industry.

“At Bulleit, we believe we have a responsibility to our environment, our communities, and our planet. We are proud to initiate the production of Bulleit Bourbon at the carbon neutral Lebanon Distillery, as we take a significant step forward in the brand’s long-lasting commitment to sustainability,” said Sophie Kelly, SVP Whiskies, Diageo NA.

Bulleit brand’s continued commitment to sustainability

• Bulleit has a long-standing commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint at the existing distillery in Shelbyville, Kentucky, which was honored with the award of Highly Commended for Sustainable Distillery of the Year at Whisky Magazine’s 2020 Icons of Whisky American Awards.

• In 2021, the brand committed an annual $25,000 grant to support Kentucky State University students in the Master of Agriculture Sciences in Environmental Studies program for the next five years, helping build a pipeline of diverse talent into the spirits industry by supporting the sustainability leaders of tomorrow.

• Bulleit recently partnered with American Forests to plant one million trees by 2025, providing a variety of environmental benefits including carbon sequestration, air purification, water conservation, and providing vital wildlife habitat.

• The Bulleit Distilling Co. production is a zero waste to landfill site.

• The Bulleit Visitor Experience includes a partnership with the non-profit Oceanic Global to ensure its tasting experience and cocktail bar aligns with The Oceanic Standard (TOS), a certification for venues that have adopted sustainable operating practices and are committed to eliminating single-use plastics.

Diageo’s plan to building a low carbon future

• Combating climate change and its associated impacts is at the heart of Diageo’s ‘Society 2030: Spirit of Progress’ action plan. The company has already halved the carbon emissions associated with its operations since 2008 and is now working to reach net-zero carbon across its direct operations by 2030, harnessing 100% renewable energy. As part of its action plan, Diageo is developing site-by-site roadmaps and is also working to achieve net-zero carbon across the entire supply chain by 2050 or sooner, with an interim milestone to achieve a 50% reduction by 2030.

• Building on a long track-record of environmental, social and governance (ESG) progress globally, Diageo is now in the top 1000 companies in the world taking action to address climate change in a science-led and systemic way. The company’s goals in this space have been calculated in accordance with the principles of Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and recently validated as meeting the criteria for the 1.5oC pathway.

• Diageo is part of a pioneering group of organizations that are championing a green recovery and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals, through membership of the United Nations Global Compact, We Mean Business Coalition and other key global advocacy organizations. As a signatory to RE100, Diageo aims to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. In addition, Diageo has signed onto the global Race to Zero campaign, a commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 or earlier. In North America, the company joined the Renewable Thermal Collaborative to share best practices and work together to scale up renewable thermal energy.

Note to editors:

Carbon neutrality of Diageo’s new Lebanon, Kentucky distillery for all Scope 1 and 2 emissions from site operations will be achieved by Diageo in accordance with PAS 2060 for the period commencing with the first grain delivery to completion of distilling operations, certified by Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. View the PAS 2060 Qualifying Explanatory Statement. Through sourcing for renewable electricity and the electrification of operations, the site will only require residual amounts of carbon offsets to be purchased, associated with operational elements such as emergency back-up power.

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[1] Both direct and indirect carbon emissions - comprising over 35,000 metric tons direct emissions, and over 82,000 metric tons of indirect emissions of CO2-eq

[2] According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator): https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator

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Jim Beam® Releases Limited-Edition Jim Beam Black® Bottle For 43rd Ryder Cup

Jim Beam®, the official bourbon of the Ryder Cup, will honor the event by unveiling a special bottle and serving drinks onsite

CHICAGO, Sept. 23, 2021 As a proud official sponsor of the Ryder Cup, Jim Beam® is releasing a limited-edition bottle of Jim Beam Black® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey designed exclusively for the event taking place this week. This bottle of premium bourbon will capture the elegance and grandeur of the esteemed Whistling Straits Golf Course, which is beautifully sculpted into the Wisconsin coastline.

Jim Beam Black Ryder Cup

Jim Beam Black® is a premium, extra-aged bourbon that is aged years longer in white oak barrels than original Jim Beam. This limited-edition label design features imagery of the iconic Whistling Straits course and pays homage to the event's rich history.

"The Ryder Cup is one of the most anticipated, prestigious golf events in the world. We are proud to be associated with this event and feel that our premium, extra-aged bourbon will pair perfectly with the caliber of this great course, not only as the official sponsor but the drink of choice for fans throughout the tournament," said Greg Reintjes, Brand Manager for the James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Jim Beam Black, the official bourbon of the 43^rd Ryder Cup, will also be available at the event for patrons to enjoy in their drink of choice or in a Jim Beam Black Classic Highball, the signature cocktail.

The limited-edition Ryder Cup bottle is available at select retailers in Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Missouri, Minnesota, New Jersey, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Jim Beam Black is bottled at 86-proof and has a suggested retail price of $22.99 for 750mL.

For more information about Jim Beam Black, follow us on Twitter (@jimbeam) and Instagram (@jimbeamofficial), or visit jimbeam.com.

About Jim Beam
Jim Beam, the world's best-selling bourbon, has been bringing people together since 1795. Elegant. Smooth. Refined. That's what years of aging in new charred oak barrels does to our Kentucky Straight Bourbon. The seven generations of master distillers have stayed true to the family recipe that's been passed down for more than 225 years. Today, the Jim Beam portfolio of products includes Jim Beam Bourbon, Jim Beam Black, Jim Beam Double Oak, Jim Beam Devil's Cut, Jim Beam Rye, Jim Beam Lineage, Jim Beam Old Tub, Jim Beam Vanilla, Jim Beam Honey, Jim Beam Orange, Jim Beam Peach, Jim Beam Apple, Jim Beam Kentucky Fire and Red Stag by Jim Beam among other offerings.

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CROWN ROYAL LAUNCHES “A WHOLE NEW WORLD OF COCKTAILS” CAMPAIGN

Crown Royal Launches “A New World Of Cocktails” Campaign To Pay Tribute To The New Generation Of Consumers In The Ready-To-Drink Cocktail Category

Crown Royal ready-to-drink cocktails are available in three delicious flavors: Washington Apple, Whisky & Cola and Peach Tea

NEW YORK, September 23, 2021 — For Crown Royal consumers, living royally is about celebrating the people, places and experiences that surround you. That’s why Crown Royal is paying tribute to them with the launch of a new campaign to support Crown Royal ready-to-drink cocktails. The campaign shows a range of places and spaces to enjoy the effortless new cocktails, kicking off in a fully immersive block party before taking you on a royal journey to a game of pickup basketball, gaming with friends, picnic in the park, and finally to a rooftop party.

To create the Crown Royal ready to drink cocktail world, an entire set was custom created using 3D printing technology, then hand painted and assembled to come alive in the hero ads. The ad will air across CTV, digital, social and OOH and will be supported by a fully immersive experiential platform.

“Crown Royal has created a new world of cocktails that is really reflective of our consumer — vibrant, multi-faceted and a lot of fun,” said Nicky Heckles, Vice President at Crown Royal. “Each delicious ready-to-drink cocktail allows you to experience classic Crown Royal flavor combinations to the fullest, at any occasion where friends or family can enjoy together.”

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The cast features Toronto-based, hip-hop artist DijahSB (they/them), whose track is used in the new ad and purposefully sets the upbeat vibe. In their newly released song titled “So Good,” they are leveraging the ad as their track’s official release in conjunction with the launch of the new Crown Royal ready-to-drink cocktails creative platform. Professional gamer Erin Ashley Simon also joined the cast where she can be seen living her passion: gaming! The gaming influencer recently joined the Crown Royal team in a new gaming, sports and music series on Facebook called The Crown Crossover.

The primary cast was scanned at various global locations around the world including Ukraine, Spain, Los Angeles, and Toronto to be 3D printed for use in the spot. To further bring this 3D world to life, the secondary cast was selected from ready-to-print three dimensional models — which included everything from people to cats and dogs — to invite consumers into the Crown Royal ready-to-drink cocktails party.

With three award-winning flavors, consumers 21+ can choose from Washington Apple featuring Crown Royal whisky, apple and sparkling cranberry flavors; Whisky & Cola featuring Crown Royal whisky and cola; and Peach Tea featuring Crown Royal whisky, peach flavor and brewed tea. All three delicious flavors are best served chilled and are appearing on shelves now. The ABV for each Crown Royal Cocktail Can is 7% and the suggested retail price for a 4-pack of each flavor is $14.99 and the suggested retail price per single can is $3.99.

Whether you choose a block party, BBQ or a living room with friends to enjoy a Crown Royal ready to drink cocktail, please drink responsibly.

About Crown Royal
Crown Royal Canadian Whisky is the number-one selling Canadian whisky brand in the world and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal's smooth, elegant flavor and gift-worthy presentation reflect its regal origins – it is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information, visit crownroyal.com. Crown Royal encourages all consumers to please enjoy responsibly.

About Diageo North America
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.

For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow at Twitter and Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

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The House Of Suntory Whisky Proudly Introduces Yamazaki® 55 Years Old™

CHICAGO, Sept. 9, 2021  In the much anticipated first-ever global release of the Yamazaki® 55, the House of Suntory pays tribute to the passage of time and the legacy of the founding family of Japanese whisky. Bottled in 2020, Yamazaki 55 – the House of Suntory's oldest release in its history – celebrates the Japanese "Showa" era of the 1960s that represented a major period of change for the House of Suntory.

Extremely limited quantities of Yamazaki 55, of which 100 bottles were initially released in Japan in 2020, will reach select global markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, Mainland China and Taiwan later this month.

To honor its ongoing commitment to give back to society, Beam Suntory, will donate $5,000 USD for every bottle released in this year's 100-bottle collection, totaling $500,000 USD, to The White Oak Initiative, a group committed to the long-term sustainability of America's white oak forests.

Yamazaki 55 is a blend of precious single malts featuring components distilled in 1960 under the supervision of Suntory's founder Shinjiro Torii and then aged in Mizunara casks; and in 1964 under Suntory's Second Master Blender Keizo Saji and then aged in White Oak casks. Suntory's Fifth-Generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo worked closely with Third-Generation Master Blender Shingo Torii in deploying their signature art of blending to properly reveal the exceptional depth, complexity and wisdom that is Yamazaki 55. The resulting expression features a deep amber color; robust aroma redolent of sandal wood and well-ripened fruit; sweet, slightly bitter and woody palate; and slightly bitter yet sweet and rich finish.

"Throughout the process of blending Yamazaki 55, I used as inspiration the passage of time and 'Wabi-sabi' – the Japanese belief that imperfections can help to ultimately contribute to perfection," said Fukuyo. "While I often view other extra aged whiskies as art, I consider Yamazaki 55 to be more like a Buddhist statue: calm and mysterious, requiring time to truly enjoy the inner beauty."

Yamazaki 55 is presented in a crystal bottle with the word "Yamazaki" carefully engraved in calligraphy using the technique of sandblasting and featuring real gold dust and lacquer on the age marking. The bottle's opening is wrapped in handmade Echizen washi paper and bound with a Kyo-kumihimo plaited cord, a traditional craft from Kyoto. Each bottle is delivered in a bespoke box made from native Japanese Mizunara wood and coated with Suruga lacquer.

Tasting Notes – Yamazaki 55, 46% ABV

Color:  Deep amber distinctive of Mizunara casks.
Nose:   A robust aroma redolent of sandal wood. A sweet, mature bouquet like well-ripened fruit.
Palate: A soft, smooth first sip that blossoms in the mouth with flavor. A mixture of sweet and slightly bitter, followed by a woody note from the Mizunara cask.
Finish: Slightly bitter, a fragrance like scented wood and a hint of smokiness. A sweet, rich, lingering finish.

Yamazaki 55 will be available in extremely limited quantities starting this month at a suggested retail price of $60,000 USD. This limited-edition expression joins Yamazaki's portfolio of award-winning whiskies including Yamazaki® 12, Yamazaki 18® and Yamazaki 25®.

From Yamazaki. Birthplace of Japanese whisky.

The Yamazaki Distillery is Japan's first and oldest malt whisky distillery, built starting in 1923 by Suntory's founder Shinjiro Torii. Yamazaki is not only the soul place of Suntory Whisky. It is the birthplace of Japanese Whisky.

Inspired by traditional Scottish whisky, it is said that Torii selected the land of Yamazaki at the foot of Mt. Tennozan, for its high-quality water source and natural environment, both of which are ideal for whisky making. Nestled proudly on the periphery of Kyoto, the area around Yamazaki Distillery has been long referred to as "Minaseno" famous for its exquisite natural water, even mentioned in the Man'yoshu, the ancient anthology of Japanese poetry. Home to Sen no Rikyu, Master of "The Way of Tea" and his renowned "Rikyu no Mizu" (water of the imperial villa), the waters of Yamazaki are selected by the Ministry of Environment as one of Japan's one hundred best natural mineral waters.

Yamazaki lies in a misty valley between Mt.Tennozan and Mt. Otokoyama, where the Katsura, Uji and Kizu rivers converge. Blessed with Japan's rich four seasons, the diversity of this region's temperature and humidity align to create the perfect conditions for the making of whisky.

ABOUT SUNTORY WHISKY

Since 1923, Suntory has been renowned as the pioneer of Japanese whisky for its House of Master Blenders and for their Art of Blending. Shinjiro Torii built Japan's first malt whisky distillery in Yamazaki, and the Suntory legacy continued with Torii's son, Keizo Saji, Suntory's second master blender who continued to establish distilleries including the Hakushu distillery. As the generations of Suntory's master blenders carry on, Suntory Whisky remains committed to heritage and innovation. The House of Suntory Whisky has been named four-time Distiller of the Year at the International Spirits Challenge in London, UK (2010, 2012, 2013, 2014).

Suntory Whiskies are subtle, refined and complex. The portfolio includes two single malt whiskies:  Yamazaki—Japan's N°1 Single Malt, multi-layered and profound, Hakushu—verdant, fresh, and delicately smoky; and two blends: the noble blend, Hibiki—Japan's most highly awarded blended whisky and Suntory Whisky Toki.

whisky.suntory.com                #SuntoryWhisky                     @SuntoryWhisky

ABOUT BEAM SUNTORY
As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory inspires human connections. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including the iconic Jim Beam and Maker's Mark bourbon brands, Suntory whisky Kakubin and Courvoisier cognac, as well as world renowned premium brands including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden's and Legent bourbon; Yamazaki, Hakushu, Hibiki and Toki Japanese whisky; Teacher's, Laphroaig and Bowmore Scotch whisky; Canadian Club whisky; Hornitos and Sauza tequila; EFFEN, Haku and Pinnacle vodka; Sipsmith and Roku gin; and On The Rocks Premium Cocktails. 

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and vision of Growing for Good.  Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan.  For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Enjoy Responsibly.
Yamazaki® 55 Single Malt Whisky 46% Alc|Vol. ©2021 Beam Suntory Import Co., Chicago, IL
All trademarks are the property of their respective owner.

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Crown Royal Kicks Off Groundbreaking Whisky Sponsorship of the NFL by Giving Back to the Champions of Game Day w/ DeMarcus Ware + Riley Green

NEW YORK, September 9, 2021 – As football fans everywhere gear up for the start of football season later this evening, Crown Royal, as the first-ever whisky sponsor of the National Football League (NFL), announced plans to turn game day into a giving day through its ‘Kick Off with Crown Royal’ program. Building on Diageo’s league sponsorship deal, the brand will extend its ongoing generosity efforts to all those who show up for us each game day, including those in the hospitality industry and members of the military.

Crown Royal has had a rich legacy in pro football. In 2017 it became the first spirits brand to advertise during a televised NFL game. Most recently, the brand launched its largest-ever responsible drinking campaign, The Crown Royal Water Break, that encourages drinking in moderation on game day. The stage is set for this natural evolution in the partnership between two beloved North American brand icons with a shared goal of recognizing all those who make game day special.

“The NFL has a proven track record in uniting fans through their efforts supporting local communities, which ties perfectly into our mission to give back and inspire generosity,” said Sophie Kelly, SVP of Whiskies, Diageo North America. “While on game day fans proudly celebrate those on the field, we believe the communities who make game day what it is off the field deserve equal recognition. We’re thrilled to be the first official whisky sponsor of the NFL, and to utilize our partnership to support the people and places who make game day great.”

To kick off the start of the NFL regular season, Crown Royal hosted a special Industry Night of Service last night for hospitality and stadium workers at the home of the Dallas Cowboys, AT&T Stadium. Special guests including former Cowboys outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware and country music star Riley Green also attended to help announce the brand’s $50,000 donation to longtime Crown Royal partner, the Southern Smoke Foundation, an organization that financially supports individuals in the food and beverage industry in need. The initial donation is part of a Crown Royal year-long commitment, including ‘Kick Off With Crown Royal,’ to donate $1 million dollars via the Crown Royal Generosity Fund, a donor advised fund, to national and local charities.

“Our mission at Southern Smoke is to provide support and assistance for those in the food and beverage community and their suppliers,” says Kathryn Lott, Executive Director of Southern Smoke. “Crown Royal has a long-standing spirit of generosity and commitment to supporting the hospitality industry, and their support will assist not only individuals in Texas, but across the country.”

“The NFL is excited to officially welcome Crown Royal as the first-ever official whisky sponsor of the NFL,” says Tracie Rodburg, Senior Vice President of Sponsorship Management at the NFL. “We’re looking forward to supporting Crown Royal as they work to make this football season the most generous one yet by giving back to local communities, hospitality workers and military heroes all season long.”

The brand’s generosity efforts will extend throughout the NFL season with future Nights of Service benefitting hospitality and stadium workers being planned. These efforts will extend to another group whose generosity continues to go unmatched, military veterans, who Crown Royal has supported for over a decade through The Purple Bag Project.

This past June, Crown Royal parent company Diageo announced it was entering into a multiyear sponsorship with the NFL as its first ever Official Spirits Sponsor. As part of today’s announcement, Crown Royal becomes one of the first brands within the global beverage leader’s portfolio to activate against this partnership.

Crown Royal invites you to raise a glass to all those who help us cheer on our favorite teams throughout the season, and please drink responsibly.

About Crown Royal
Crown Royal Canadian Whisky is the number-one selling Canadian whisky brand in the world and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal's smooth, elegant flavor and gift-worthy presentation reflect its regal origins – it is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information, visit crownroyal.com. Crown Royal encourages all consumers to please enjoy responsibly.

About Diageo North America
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan's whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Casamigos, DeLeon and Don Julio tequilas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (LSE: DGE) and their products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world.

For more information about Diageo, their people, brands, and performance, visit www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice. Follow at Twitter and Instagram for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

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Lux Row Distillers and Ducks Unlimited launch Daviess County Double Barrel Bourbon

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Sept. 8, 2021- Ducks Unlimited (DU) and Lux Row Distillers announce the launch of Daviess County Double Barrel Bourbon.

 

As an official licensed partner of DU, Lux Row Distillers created a new Daviess County Bourbon variant that features a unique flavor profile, DU-branded packaging and a name that is certain to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and bourbon drinkers alike.

"We are thrilled to have Lux Row Distillers as an official licensed partner of DU, and we're excited to see this high-quality bourbon come to life," said DU Managing Director of Corporate Relations Jim Alexander. "Daviess County Double Barrel Bourbon is certain to be highly sought after by DU members and supporters, and we're proud of our partnership with the team at Lux Row Distillers."

Finished in Missouri white-oak barrels with toasted heads, Daviess County Double Barrel was created by Lux Row Master Distiller and long-time DU member, John Rempe. Double Barrel features a mashbill that is similar to the other Daviess County Bourbon variants, along with the same proof level (96 proof). The double-barrel finish gives this limited-edition release a unique flavor profile.

"The double-barrel finishing process that goes into Daviess County Double Barrel Bourbon is a perfect nod to our Ducks Unlimited partnership, and it brings a unique flavor profile to our latest Daviess County offering," said Rempe. "Expect a nose that includes crisp, toasted-oak notes, caramel and vanilla; sweet caramel, honey and toasted-marshmallow flavors on the palate, and a finish of caramelized sugar and lingering dark chocolate compliments of the toasted head finish."

Available for purchase beginning mid-September, Daviess County Double Barrel Bourbon has a limited supply offering at a suggested retail price of $49.99 per bottle. DU members can sample and bid on Daviess County Double Barrel Bourbon at a series of DU events to be announced later this year.

Daviess County Double Barrel Bourbon is the newest member of the Daviess County Bourbon family, which also includes Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Daviess County Cabernet Sauvignon Finish and Daviess County French Oak Finish.

For more information visit www.ducks.org. Follow DU's Twitter feed – @DUNews1937 – to get the most up-to-date news from Ducks Unlimited.

About Ducks Unlimited

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 15 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org.

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 , Luxco operates as MGP's Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from five distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; MGP's historic distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced; and the Washington, D.C.-based Green Hat Distillery, producer of the Green Hat family of gins. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan's Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

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