COURVOISIER UNVEILS NEW TRUFFLE RANGE
World's leading cognac brand pairs with renowned chocolate house Bissinger's

March 16, 2009 - The Licensing Company North America announced the launch of the first Courvoisier pure chocolate collection. Courvoisier, one of the world's leading cognac brands, will launch a decadent new chocolate truffle range. Underlining Courvoisier's position of excellence, the gourmet treats are the result of collaboration with Bissinger's, one of the last handcrafted chocolate makers in the world. The range was previewed at the Fancy Food Show, held in San Francisco, January 2009.

The truffles represent a perfect pairing between two brands founded on skill, tradition and a commitment to only the highest standards. Both Courvoisier and Bissinger's have a strong European heritage and have been enjoyed by kings and connoisseurs alike, including Napoleon's royal court. The truffles were created by Master Blender Jean Marc Olivier and Bissinger Chocolatiers Terry Wakefield and Dave Owens.

The truffles combine a special cask strength version of Courvoisier's XO blend with fine 55% dark chocolate. The result is a complex blend, with the intensity of the chocolate subtly accented with the aroma of cognac. The long finish of chocolate notes is further enhanced by warmth from the characteristic Courvoisier finish. The truffles are presented in an elegant black box that bears the gold Courvoisier crest.

Courvoisier XO is judged to be the world's finest XO blend. This king amongst spirits offers a rich and exciting personality, with intense, aromas of crème brûlée, candied orange and Irish flower and a velvety texture; a perfect combination with chocolate.

Courvoisier truffles are available through the Bissinger network of stores and website and select retailers worldwide. Courvosier is part of the Beam Brands portfolio, including Jim Beam, Sauza, Maker's Mark and Knob Creek. Further announcements are due shortly.

www.bissingers.com
www.courvoisier.com
www.thelicensingcompany.com

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Notes to Editors:

• About Courvoisier
  Founded in the early 19th century, Courvoisier is renowned for producing the finest cognacs. Considered a pioneer in the industry, Courvoisier is the only cognac to be awarded France's highest honour for excellence - the Prestige de la France. Courvoisier heritage can be traced back to Napoleonic times. Then as now, Courvoisier inspired greatness through its craftsmanship and commitment to perfection.
  
  Courvoisier is a premium brand of Beam Global Spirits & Wine, part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company with annual sales exceeding $8 billion. Courvoisier reminds consumers to drink smart®. For more information about Courvoisier cognac and corporate responsibility visit www.courvoisier.com and www.drinksmart.com.

• About Bissinger's
  Bissinger's has been making fine French confections for more than 350 years and takes pride in the fact that it has not sacrificed quality ingredients, taste or craftsmanship since. Even today, in an age of high-tech production and immediacy, Bissinger's remains committed to the high standards, heritage and traditions that have made the company what it is today. Originating in Paris, Bissinger's confections were once used as a gift by Napoleon Bonaparte to his beloved Josephine upon his return from battle. Karl Frederic Bissinger, the company's namesake, was named the Confiseur Imperial, or "Candy Maker of the Empire," for excellence in the confectionery arts by Emperor Louis Napoleon.
  www.bissingers.com

• About TLC
  The Licensing Company (TLC) specialises in creating first class long-term brand extension programs for some of the world's leading brands. TLC was founded in London in 1996 by Angela Farrugia and Melvin Thomas. TLC's portfolio includes well-established brands such as Airwick, Bic, Umbro, Cosmopolitan, Lysol, Jelly Belly and The Food Doctor. In 2007 TLC was responsible for over $2.6BN in retail sales for its clients, and has 5 wholly owned offices around the world.
  www.thelicensingcompany.com