Black Velvet® Expands Portfolio with a New Flavor Expression

Canandaigua, NY--September 2013--Black Velvet® is proud to announce its newest flavor innovation, Black Velvet Cinnamon Rush Flavored Whisky, bursting with intense cinnamon flavor. At 70 proof, this whisky delivers a flavor experience packed with fiery cinnamon heat and a long complex finish with hints of clove, allspice, vanilla and orange peel. It is available in 1L, 750ml and 50ml sizes, with a suggested retail price of $12.49 for a 750ml size bottle. It is available nationally starting in September 2013.

Black Velvet Whisky, first introduced in 1951, uses crystal clear water originating from the Canadian Rockies, and the finest rye and corn. A painstaking process of distillation, blending, and maturation in white oak barrels ensures consistency, quality, and smooth taste--making Black Velvet a leader in the Canadian Whisky segment. Cinnamon Rush builds on that tradition, and gives consumers a brand new way to enjoy the Black Velvet whisky experience.

"Black Velvet Cinnamon Rush builds on the continued growth in flavored whisky, and on the success of Black Velvet Toasted Caramel Flavored whisky." says Joanne Vinci, Brand Manager for Black Velvet Whisky, "Cinnamon Rush is perfect for the shot occasion, and serves as the base for an unlimited variety of unique cocktails."

Flavored whiskies continue to be one of the fastest growing spirits categories in the U.S., up 117% in IRI channels in the current 52 weeks ending August 11, 2013. Black Velvet looks to continue expanding the flavored whisky category with a cinnamon flavored offering that complements and enhances the natural whisky profile.

The launch of Black Velvet Cinnamon Rush Flavored Whisky is expected to introduce a host of new consumers to the Black Velvet brand, by giving them a flavorful new way to enjoy the whisky experience.

Cinnamon Mule Kick

  • 4 oz Jamaican-style ginger beer or ginger ale

  • 1 oz of Black Velvet Cinnamon Rush

  • Lemon zest or wedges

Mix with ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with lemon wedge or zest

Original Cinn

  • 1 oz Black Velvet Cinnamon Rush

  • 1 oz Black Velvet Toasted Caramel

  • 3 oz chilled Apple Cider

Shake with ice, strain into a Martini or Coupe glass

About Black Velvet Canadian Whisky:

In 1951, after the first batch of whisky came out of the barrel, Master Distiller Jack Napier gave it the name Black Velvet due to its uncommon velvety taste and smoothness. Today Black Velvet Canadian Whisky is sold in over 55 countries and is the 22nd largest spirit brand in the U.S. Using only the finest grains and water originating from the Canadian Rockies, and a special distilling process, Black Velvet continues to deliver an ultra-smooth consistent whisky taste profile. Black Velvet offers four expressions; Black Velvet Whisky (40% Alc. Vol.), Black Velvet Reserve 8-year Aged Whisky (40% Alc. Vol.), Black Velvet Toasted Caramel Flavored Whisky (35% Alc. Vol.), and Black Velvet Cinnamon Rush Flavored Whisky (35% Alc. Vol.). Learn more about Black Velvet Whisky at facebook.com/blackvelvet.

Please remember to enjoy the uncommon smoothness of Black Velvet Whisky responsibly.

About Constellation Brands

Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B) is an S&P 500 Index and Fortune 1000® wine, beer and spirits company with more than 100 brands in its portfolio, sales in approximately 100 countries, operations in about 40 facilities and 5,500 talented employees. Founded in 1945, Constellation has grown to become the world's leader in premium wine, the number one beer importer, and the number three beer company in the U.S. with brands that people love, including: Arbor Mist, Black Box, Blackstone, Clos du Bois, Estancia, Franciscan Estate, Inniskillin, Kim Crawford, Mark West, Mount Veeder, Nobilo, Ravenswood, Rex Goliath, Robert Mondavi, Ruffino, SIMI, Toasted Head, Wild Horse, Corona Extra, Corona Light, Modelo Especial, Negra Modelo, Pacifico, Tsingtao, Victoria, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky and SVEDKA Vodka.

Based in Victor, N.Y., the company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to its brands, to the trade, to the land, to investors and to people around the world who turn to our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. This commitment is echoed through the company's vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more, visit www.cbrands.com

Press Contact:
Joanne Vinci
585.393.5711
joanne.vinci@cbrands.com


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