Sam's Club(R) Launches Premium Vodka

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Jan. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sam's Club introduces a first this month in 241 locations with the addition of a private label Member's Mark ultra premium French Distilled Vodka under the label Rue 33. This is the first spirit to be launched under the Member's Mark brand. It will join several control label wines to meet the increasing demand at Sam's Club by members seeking entertaining solutions in meals and beverage categories.

Rue 33 is a refined wheat vodka from the Cognac region of France. It is six times distilled and three times filtered, and produced by the renowned Louis Royer and imported by Shaw Ross.

"Rue 33 is an exciting addition to our Member's Mark private label offering and represents the highest of standards at a great value," said Maurice Markey, vice president, private label brands, Sam's Club.

The Beverage Testing Institute recently reviewed Rue 33 among a dozen others giving it a 91 rating and calling it, "exceptional and a remarkable, brilliant and smooth vodka that will excel in artisan cocktails."

Rue 33 is made with only select premium wheat and spring water from France's prestigious under ground sources to yield small proprietary batches for Sam's Club.

"We have developed a fine product and trust that everyone will be pleased with Rue 33," said Mark Kenny, director, merchandising at Sam's Club.

Sam's Club will offer 1.75 liters of Rue 33 premium vodka for about $28. Membership is not required to purchase alcohol on location.

About Sam's Club

Sam's Club is a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., (NYSE: WMT). The first Sam's Club opened its doors in Midwest City, Okla., in 1983. Today, Sam's Club serves more than 47 million U.S. Members with locations nationwide, as well as in Brazil, China, Mexico and Puerto Rico. Sam's Club saves its members on average 30.4 percent over grocery and specialty retailers by offering superior values on quality merchandise and services for home or work. Saving is made simple at Sam's Club. Visit samsclub.com for more information.

SOURCE Sam's Club