Contact: Amanda Shaker
Beam Inc.
(847) 444-7699
amanda.shaker@beamglobal.com
Molly Kinsella
DBC PR+New Media
(202) 292-4579
2gingers@dbcpr.com
Fastest Growing Irish Whiskey in the U.S.* Expands Availability to Nine New Markets in 2013
Deerfield, Ill – 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey, the newest member of the award-winning Irish whiskey portfolio from the Kilbeggan Distilling Co. , announces its expansion into nine new states in 2013.
The whiskey is the delicious product of a good idea dreamed up by Kieran Folliard, a native Irishman and former owner of one of the top-selling Irish whiskey bars in the U.S. With his passion and expertise in the category, Folliard has helped 2 GINGERS® quickly become the fastest growing Irish whiskey in the U.S.* since its launch in January 2012.
Beam Inc. (NYSE:BEAM) acquired 2 GINGERS® in December 2012 and since that time has quickly expanded distribution. Currently available in Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Massachusetts, Minnesota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, 2 GINGERS® will now also be available in Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington in 2013.
³The response fans have had to 2 GINGERS® thus far is remarkable, and I¹m thrilled to bring this great-tasting whiskey to new markets,² said Folliard, Chief Operating Officer of 2 GINGERS® and Chief Brand Ambassador for the Kilbeggan Distilling Co. in the U.S. ³The brand is dedicated to those who, like me, choose to actively pursue their passions, and I hope the spirit of our whiskey will inspire consumers across the country to follow their own.²
To spread the word about 2 GINGERS® in each of its key markets, Beam has enlisted nine recent Irish college graduates to act as brand ambassadors. Each ambassador was selected through the IBEC Export Orientation Programme (EOP) and attended an intensive 10-day induction course at the Kilbeggan Institute of Irish Whiskey Excellence at the Kilbeggan Distillery in Co. Westmeath. Having worked with the distilling team on every aspect of whiskey production from distillation to maturation, each ambassador will help raise awareness of Irish whiskey in their market.
2 GINGERS® is a smooth, malty and slightly sweet premium, blended Irish whiskey. Distilled with mixability in mind, the brand created and trademarked two balanced and simple cocktails, the BIG GINGER® and SKINNY GINGER®. Genderless and appropriate for all seasons, these cocktails combine the refreshing bite of ginger ale with the caramel, vanilla and citrus undertones of 2 GINGERS®, creating the perfect recipe for spirits lovers who may not yet consider themselves whiskey drinkers.
BIG GINGER®
· 2 parts 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey
· Ginger Ale
· Lemon Wedge
· Lime Wedge
METHOD: Pour the 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey into a pint glass with ice. Top with ginger ale, followed by a wedge of a lemon and lime.
SKINNY GINGER®
· 2 parts 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey
· Diet Ginger Ale
· Lemon Wedge
· Lime Wedge
METHOD: Pour the 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey into a pint glass with ice. Top with diet ginger ale, followed by a wedge of a lemon and lime.
Inspired by Folliard¹s mother and aunt the two fiery red-heads featured on the bottle 2 GINGERS® originally launched in Minneapolis in January 2012. For more information on 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey, which sells at a suggested retail price of $19.99 for a 750ml bottle, please visit www.2GINGERSwhiskey.com, like us facebook.com/2GINGERS or follow @2GINGERSwhiskey.
About Beam Inc.
As one of the world¹s leading premium spirits companies, Beam is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company¹s brands, including Jim Beam Bourbon, Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Sauza Tequila, Pinnacle Vodka, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher’s Scotch Whisky, Skinnygirl Cocktails, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC and DeKuyper Cordials. 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 3,400 passionate associates worldwide generated 2012 sales of $2.5 billion (excluding excise taxes), volume of 38 million 9-liter equivalent cases and some of the industry¹s 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.
