Deerfield, Ill., - May 4, 2007 - Future Brands LLC, the U.S. sales and distribution operation for Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., [Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO)] and the Absolut Spirits Company, Inc., announces the appointment of Carl Larsen to vice president, market strategy and planning for Future Brands. Larsen will lead Future Brands in developing, prioritizing and implementing innovative products and market processes in the U.S. He will also serve as the primary liaison for Future Brands and the marketing organizations of its partners, Beam Global and Absolut. Larsen will report directly to Steve Bellini, president and CEO, Future Brands LLC.

"For the past nine years, Carl has been an invaluable asset to both Future Brands and Beam Global Spirits & Wine," said Steve Bellini, president and CEO, Future Brands LLC. "Carl's relevant experience and expertise will help Future Brands continue to grow to be the preferred partner in today's marketplace. Carl's work with industry partners on innovative marketing initiatives like the introduction of StarbucksT Liqueurs, coupled with his impressive track record in the global landscape, will be critical in leading Future Brands' market strategy."

"Future Brands exemplifies why building successful partnerships is vital for success in the spirits industry," said Larsen. "Future Brands combines the impressive and diverse portfolios of two leading spirits companies and drives the second highest volume in the U.S. By creating this new position, Future Brands has emphasized the importance of working together on all levels including the planning, development and implementation of marketing activities."

Larsen joined Future Brands in 2006 as a director in the company's project management office. He managed the implementation of cross-functional teams and communication with internal and external partners. Prior to joining Future Brands, Larsen worked for Beam Global Spirits & Wine in numerous capacities including director of StarbucksT Liqueurs. He also served as vice president and regional director for Beam Global's European division and was based in Glasgow, Scotland. Larsen was also director for the company's global brand development focusing on global marketing strategy for key brands' duty free, internet and licensing activities. In 2000, he was a recipient of Beam Global's Marketer of the Year award, in part for his work on the global television, outdoor and print advertising campaign for Jim Beam® bourbon.

Larsen received a Master of Management degree from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University. He is also a graduate of Illinois State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing.

About Future Brands LLC
Future Brands LLC is a sales and distribution services joint-venture established in 2001 that represents all U.S. spirits sales in the Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. and The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc. portfolios, making it the number two spirits supplier in the U.S.

About The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc.
The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc., headquartered in New York, is a subsidiary of V&S Group and operates under the auspices of V&S Absolut Spirits in Stockholm, which produces and markets ABSOLUT® VODKA, ABSOLUT CUT™, Level ™ Vodka, FRIS® Vodka , Plymouth™ Gin and Cruzan® Rum. The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc. imports ABSOLUT VODKA, Level Vodka, Plymouth Gin and Cruzan Rum in the US and distributes the brands through Future Brands LLC, a joint venture with Beam Global Spirits & Wine.

About Beam Global Spirits & Wine:
Inspiring conversations around the world, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., is building brands people want to talk about. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Maker's Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, Teacher's® Whisky, DeKuyper® Liqueurs, Knob Creek® Bourbon, Starbucks LiqueursT and Clos du Bois® Wines. Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company with annual sales exceeding $8 billion. For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

(c) 2007 Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., Deerfield, IL.