in the “C if U Can Make Shaq Laugh” Competition.

Deerfield, Ill. (March 1, 2012) – Courvoisier®, the cognac house of Beam Inc. (NYSE:BEAM), today announced the launch of the “C if U Can Make Shaq Laugh” competition, challenging consumers to break out their comedy chops and make legendary basketball superstar, sportscaster and entertainer Shaquille O’Neal laugh. The contest supports the launch of C by Courvoisier, an unapologetic new small-batch cognac crafted by Courvoisier’s master blender and double-barrel aged for a smooth and full-bodied flavor. The contest launches today and runs through April 1, 2012.

To kick off the competition, Shaq and C by Courvoisier created a video to encourage entries and build excitement. The video, which stars Shaq himself, can be viewed on Courvoisier’s Facebook® page and YouTube® channel and challenges the consumer to be their funniest self.

“Courvoisier is thrilled to work with Shaq to launch the ‘C if U Can Make Shaq Laugh’ contest,” said Kim Washington, Sr. Director of Courvoisier. “Shaq has been entertaining us for years, and we’re happy to give him the chance to sit back, relax and enjoy the show.”

“I’m looking forward to checking out the comedic talents of C by Courvoisier fans,” said Shaquille O’Neal. “After hanging with the comedians on my comedy tour, it’s going to take a lot to crack me up, so I’m expecting you guys to bring it.”

To enter, consumers are asked to create a brief video where they showcase their best comedic material – stand-up, quirky human tricks, impressions – whatever they think will get Shaq to crack a smile. Three finalists will be selected from the pool of entries and will be flown to meet Shaq in Atlanta on April 27, 2012. There, they will perform their act live for Shaq and a panel of judges who will crown a winner based on the performance that generates the most laughter. The winning act will receive a $5,000 cash prize and the notoriety of making Shaq laugh. Entrants are not required to incorporate C by Courvoisier, but it is encouraged. The contest runs through April 1, 2012. Details and entry instructions can be found at www.facebook.com/courvoisiercognac.

The “C if U Can Make Shaq Laugh” contest and presenting sponsorship of Shaq’s All Star Comedy Jam are part of a partnership between C by Courvoisier and Shaq Entertainment.  As the 2012 presenting sponsor of the All Star Comedy Jam, C by Courvoisier will have a branded on-stage presence during the Comedy Jam shows and will host VIP after-parties in major cities across the U.S. Additionally, Courvoisier will provide consumers with exclusive access to tour videos on the Courvoisier YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Jam will hit more than 20 cities in 2012, including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. For tickets and details, please visit shaqallstarcomedyjam.com/.

Produced in small batches and double-barrel aged, C by Courvoisier is specially selected from 50 winegrowers in the Fin Bois Cru. The brand hit shelves on February 1 with a suggested retail price of $34.99. For additional information, please visit www.courvoisier.com/us/.

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, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher’s Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, 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.

About SHAQ ENTERTAINMENT

SHAQ ENTERTAINMENT founded by NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal is a vertically integrated entertainment and new media company primarily engaged in the promotion and management of live urban themed stand up comedy events. Shaq Entertainment has a partnership with AEG to co-promote and produce its live events as well as a partnership with Codeblack Entertainment to produce, film and distribute its properties via Television, DVD, Mobile and Digital outlets.  In addition to Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Jam, O’Neal’s entertainment company produces The Comedy Shaq (www.youtube.com/comedyshaq), an online video channel showcasing the best in multi-cultural comedy programming, featuring stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, sitcoms and animation.

Enjoy Responsibly

Courvoisier® C Cognac, 40% alc./vol. Courvoisier Import Company, Deerfield, IL USA. Courvoisier and the Napoleon device are trademarks of Courvoisier S.A.S. ©2012 Courvoisier S.A.S. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Deerfield, Ill. (February 21, 2012)- Courvoisier, the cognac house of Beam Inc. (NYSE:BEAM), today announced a new partnership with basketball superstar and entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal’s entertainment and new media company, Shaq Entertainment. Courvoisier’s newest marque, C by Courvoisier, will be the presenting sponsor of the Shaq All-Star Comedy Jam’s nationwide tour throughout 2012 and will work with the tour comedians and the former center and funnyman on a variety of consumer-facing initiatives.

C by Courvoisier boasts a bold and intense flavor profile that showcases the other side of cognac – the perfect complement for the edgy comedy of Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Jam.  Throughout the course of the 2012 tour, C by Courvoisier will have a branded on-stage presence during the Comedy Jam shows and will host brand-sponsored VIP after-parties. Additionally, the brand will provide consumers with exclusive access to tour videos on the Courvoisier YouTube channel and Facebook page.

“Courvoisier is excited to support Shaq’s All Star Comedy Jam and work with the comedians and Shaq himself,” said Kim Washington, Senior Director of Courvoisier. “Shaq has always been known for his boldness and intensity – both on and off the court – and these characteristics are the same ones that define C by Courvoisier. Our involvement with the Comedy Jam allows us to introduce consumers – and Shaq fans – to an entirely new Cognac experience.”

“My All-Star Comedy Jam is literally the jam,” said Shaquille O’Neal. “And so is C by Courvoisier – so obviously this makes for a perfect partnership.”  Jeff Clanagan, Founder and CEO of Codeblack Entertainment and President of Shaq Entertainment adds, “These two premium brands are coming together to undoubtedly deliver the ultimate live comedy concert experience.”

Shaq’s All-Star Comedy Jam tour will hit more than 20 cities in 2012, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami. For tickets and additional information on the tour, please visit http://www.shaqallstarcomedyjam.com/. C by Courvoisier hit shelves on February 1 nationwide with a suggested retail price of $34.99. For additional information, please visit http://courvoisier.com/us/.

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, Canadian Club Whisky, Courvoisier Cognac, Teacher’s Scotch Whisky, Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey, Laphroaig Scotch Whisky, Cruzan Rum, Hornitos Tequila, Knob Creek Bourbon, EFFEN Vodka, Pucker Flavored Vodka, Larios Gin, Whisky DYC, DeKuyper Cordials, and Skinnygirl Cocktails.  The Beam portfolio includes 10 of the world’s top 100 premium spirits brands and some of the industry’s fastest growing innovations.  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 on volume of 34 million 9-liter cases.

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.

About SHAQ ENTERTAINMENT

SHAQ ENTERTAINMENT founded by NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal is a vertically integrated entertainment and new media company primarily engaged in the promotion and management of live urban themed stand up comedy events. Shaq Entertainment has a partnership with AEG to co-promote and produce its live events as well as a partnership with Codeblack Entertainment to produce, film and distribute its properties via Television, DVD, Mobile and Digital outlets.

Enjoy Responsibly

Courvoisier® C Cognac, 40% alc./vol. Courvoisier Import Company, Deerfield, IL USA. Courvoisier and the Napoleon device are trademarks of Courvoisier S.A.S. ©2012 Courvoisier S.A.S. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Deerfield, Ill. (February 2012)- Courvoisier, the cognac house of Beam Inc. (NYSE:BEAM), announced today the addition of C by Courvoisier® to its award-winning portfolio. A bold, revolutionary cognac, C by Courvoisier is full of attitude, boasting a daring, intense flavor profile that stands out from the crowd and showcases a new side of cognac.

C by Courvoisier offers consumers an innovative, new option in the cognac category. An intense blend of small-batch-produced cognac specially selected from 50 winegrowers in the Fin Bois Cru, C by Courvoisier is carefully crafted by the house’s master blender and goes through a double-barrel aging process to produce a smooth, full-bodied taste experience.

“The liquid is first aged in young barrels to bring out a strong, wood character and give it a full-bodied, intense flavor,” said Patrice Pinet, Master Blender for Courvoisier. “It is then aged in mature barrels to round out the taste profile and deliver a silky finish. With hints of carnation, orange peel, clove, toast and crusty bread in its flavor profile, it is best served chilled for a truly unforgettable experience.”

C by Courvoisier:
• Is made with an intense blend of small-batch-produced cognac, specially selected from 50 winegrowers in the Fin Bois Cru.
• Offers a bold new taste experience that is perfect for a night out with the guys.
• Has a flavor profile boasting a rich, intense character with a good balance between floral, fruity aromas and wood, with notes of carnation, orange peel, clove, toast and crusty bread for a bold drinking experience.
• Is double-barreled for a strong character with a smooth finish.
• Is packaged in Courvoisier’s iconic Josephine bottle.
• Has an ABV of 40% / 80 Proof.
• Offers consumers a new and exciting spirit option to be enjoyed on every occasion.

C by Courvoisier® joins the recently released Courvoisier® Rosé, a lower-ABV liquid that combines the house’s premium cognac with French Red wine grapes for a refreshing drinking experience, and the 2010 release of the Courvoisier Connoisseur Collection- the first cognacs with a declared age statement from any of the four major cognac houses. Like the Courvoisier Connoisseur Collection and Courvoisier Rosé, C by Courvoisier is yet another example of the innovative and revolutionary spirit that has defined the cognac house since the time of Napoleon.

C by Courvoisier will be available nationwide beginning February, 2012. A 750ml bottle has a suggested retail price of $34.99.

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, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Teacher’s® Scotch Whisky, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Cruzan® Rum, Hornitos ™ Tequila, Knob Creek® Bourbon, EFFEN® Vodka, Pucker™ Flavored Vodka, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, DeKuyper® Cordials, and Skinnygirl® Cocktails. The Beam portfolio includes 10 of the world’s top 100 premium spirits brands and some of the industry’s fastest growing innovations. 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 2010 sales of $2.7 billion on volume of 33 million 9-liter cases.

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.

Enjoy Responsibly
Courvoisier® C Cognac, 40% alc./vol. Courvoisier Import Company, Deerfield, IL USA. Courvoisier and the Napoleon device are trademarks of Courvoisier S.A.S. ©2012 Courvoisier S.A.S

Courvoisier Rosé provides a smooth alternative to the traditional flavor profiles of cognac, offering consumers a fun, stylish beverage that is easy to drink. Packaged in the iconic Josephine bottle, Courvoisier Rosé’s flavor profile features notes of blackberry, black currant and a touch of cherry, complemented by vanilla, honey and vine-peach flavors. For those who typically pair cognac with juice or other mixers, Courvoisier Rosé is the ideal alternative.  The 36 proof liquid is best served chilled or on ice for a refreshing and approachable taste experience.

Courvoisier Rosé joins the well-received Courvoisier Connoisseur Collection, Courvoisier® 21 and Courvoisier® 12, released in 2010, which revolutionized the cognac category by featuring a declared age statement.   Like Courvoisier 21 and Courvoisier 12, Courvoisier Rosé is an example of the innovative spirit that defines the cognac house – and has since the time of Napoleon.

“We are thrilled to add Courvoisier Rosé to the Courvoisier family and offer consumers a new, fun and refreshing twist on cognac,” said Mallika Monteiro, Brand Manager, Courvoisier. “Courvoisier is known and recognized for our ethos of innovation and for our revolutionary spirit. We’re excited to expand our portfolio with a refreshing drink that will broaden our base and appeal to a larger variety of consumers.”

Courvoisier Rosé:

• Is made with Courvoisier Cognac and a light touch of premium French red wine grapes.
• Offers a refreshing and approachable taste experience that enables easy drinking for any occasion; over a night out with the girls, in mixed company or for a night with a significant other.
• Has a flavor profile crafted of blackberry, black currant and a touch of cherry, complemented by notes of vanilla, honey and vine-peach flavors for a smooth, refreshing experience.
• Has a lower ABV (18%) than our traditional cognac product (40%).
• Is a first of its kind innovation for the category, offering consumers a new and exciting spirit option to be enjoyed on every occasion, or just because.

Courvoisier Rosé will be available nationwide beginning June 1, 2011. A 750ml bottle has a suggested retail price of $24.99.

This approach makes cognac more accessible and understandable for the novice and creates two incredible blends for the connoisseur. The Collection consists of two limited editions, Courvoisier 12 Year Old and Courvoisier 21 Year Old.

Retailing at $49.99, Courvoisier 12 is a blend primarily selected from the Borderies cru. At 12 years of age, this has developed the optimum floral and spicy notes, with key aromas of violets, orange blossoms that quickly meld into spicy tones clove, ginger and star anise.

Courvoisier 21 is the perfect blend for those celebrating the very best moments in life. Taken from the Grande Champagne cru and aged in our warehouses for over two decades in hand selected fine grain oak barrels, 21 years is the optimum time for the cognacs to develop a full richness of aromas – dried hazelnuts, dried apricots and figs followed slowly by notes of cocoa, honey and smooth spices, like white pepper and coriander. Retailing for $250, Courvoisier 21 bears testament to our centuries of innovation and high standards.

12 YEAR OLD

21 YEAR OLD

Instrumental in the creation of award-winning L’Essence de Courvoisier, he has become only the sixth Master Blender in our history.

Patrice replaces Jean Marc Olivier who retires after 22 years. Patrice says: “Having worked closely with Jean Marc for many years, I am delighted to have President and Master Blender – and I am really looking forward to shaping the future of Courvoisier!”

Consisting of over 100 eaux-de-vie from the most exclusive crus in the Cognac region, L’Essence contains rare liquids that signify key periods of innovation for us, including in both distillation and the selection of wood for ageing.

Each decanter is created by the highly skilled craftsmen at Baccarat and features a crystal decanter suspended in a timeless and elegant frame.

The crystal stopper on the decanter is inspired by the legend of Napoleon’s ten signet rings, which he bestowed upon favoured military commanders who had committed brave and noble acts.

L’Essence de Courvoisier is the lasting legacy of Courvoisier’s fifth Master Blender, Jean-Marc Olivier, and retails at $3,000.

L'ESSENCE DE COURVOISIER