Courvoisier® Introduces L'Essence Year of the Horse

DEERFIELD, Ill. , Feb. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Courvoisier, one of the world's leading cognac houses, announced today the release of L'Essence Year of the Horse, an exclusive limited-edition, collectable release of L'Essence de Courvoisier® Cognac.

(Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140203/NY57144 )

L'Essence de Courvoisier, which launched in 2010, brings together the traditional and the contemporary, representing both the heritage of Courvoisier and its future. The lasting legacy of Courvoisier's fifth Master Blender, Jean-Marc Olivier, the premium cognac is a result of exceptional blends combined with the rarest eaux-de-vie from the centuries old Courvoisier Paradis cellar. Boasting exquisite notes of sandalwood and cigar leaves, followed by toffee, marzipan and honey from fresh mountain flowers, L'Essence blends a full-bodied and rich palate of licorice, dried plum and apricot, building to a smoldering intensity and finishing with the delicate perfume of May blossom. L'Essence is best served over ice, chilled or neat.

Commemorating the Chinese New Year and the Year of the Horse, L'Essence Year of the Horse will showcase the L'Essence de Courvoisier cognac in a decadent Baccarat® decanter engraved with an image of Napoleon on his horse, edged in a soft brown leather harness. As the cognac of Napoleon, the signature decanter is complete with an ornate crystal stopper, inspired by Napoleon's signet ring, which he bestowed upon commanders in his military to commemorate noble acts of power and bravery. Each bottle will be showcased in a wooden trunk and sold in an exclusive, individually numbered series. Encompassing the true essence of Courvoisier®, the horse symbolizes power, resolve and adventure, perfectly representing the heritage and history of the renowned cognac house. 

"L'Essence de Courvoisier is a precious and exquisite cognac—the jewel in the crown of Courvoisier collection—and we are excited to be launching a limited-edition bottle in celebration of the Chinese New Year," said Claire Richards, Director of World Whisky & Cognac at Beam. "The horse is a universal symbol of victory, drive and passion and is a perfect representation of the heritage of Courvoisier and the revolutionary spirit symbolized by Napoleon.  As such, the onset of this Chinese New Year was the perfect time to unveil an exclusive release and commemorate the Year of the Horse."         

L'Essence Year of the Horse will be released in limited quantities in select U.S. and international markets with a SRP of $3,500 beginning February 1, 2014.

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, 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 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.

Enjoy Responsibly

Courvoisier® Cognac and Liqueur, 18-40% alc./vol. Courvoisier Import Company, Deerfield, IL USA

Courvoisier is a trademark of Courvoisier S.A.S. ©2014 Courvoisier S.A.S.

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SOURCE Beam Inc.