Allied Domecq's Stolichnaya Vodka Family Wins Big at the 2003 Chicago Beverage Testing Institute Spirits Competition.

Business Editors

WESTPORT, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 20, 2003

Three Stoli(R) Flavors Bring Home Awards for "Best Tasting

Flavored Vodka," and Stolichnaya(R) Gold Named "Best Tasting

Vodka"

Allied Domecq Spirits, North America (NYSE:AED), a marketing-led brands business, proudly announces that the Stolichnaya(R) vodka family received top awards at the Beverage Testing Institute's 2003 International Review of Spirits competition.

Stoli(R) Persik(TM) (peach) won first place in the "Best Tasting Flavored Vodka" category, and Stoli(R) Citros(TM) (citrus) and Stoli(R) Strasberi(TM) (strawberry) also placed in the top five. In the unflavored vodka category, Stolichnaya(R) Gold tied for first place as the "Best Tasting Vodka."

"The Beverage Testing Institute's International Review of Spirits is one of the most prestigious spirits competitions in the United States, and we are very proud to achieve such outstanding wins for our Stoli(R) family," said Rennie Solomito, Vice President, Marketing for Stolichnaya Vodkas at Allied Domecq Spirits, North America. "Stoli(R) is authentic Russian vodka that sets the standard among its peers. These awards recognize the brand's wonderful heritage and quality."

The International Review of Spirits competition is conducted by the Beverage Testing Institute, the largest independent, full-time, product-testing service in the world. All tastings are conducted in controlled environments. In this tasting competition, a panel of judges "measured the pleasure" of 70 different vodkas, both base and flavors. The vodkas were judged on smoothness, impression on the palate, taste and feel.

"Stoli(R) really has an outstanding product...they infuse their product with fruit essences and fruit, as opposed to syrups, which gives it a very natural taste...and that's what we look for," commented Jerald O'Kennard of the Beverage Testing Institute, who appeared on CNBC this morning to announce the winners. "We look for a product that can compete with the best examples of its kind."

Stolichnaya(R) has been growing faster than the vodka category since Allied Domecq acquired the U.S. rights to the brand in 2001. According to the latest AC Nielsen data, the Stolichnaya(R) family has experienced 15.6 percent growth in the last four weeks ending 9/27/03, nearly quadrupling the pace of the overall vodka category.

About Stolichnaya(R) Vodka

Stoli(R) is the world's top-selling vodka brand and the second largest imported vodka in the United States. The product's unique taste results from its time-honored recipe and distillation process. Allied Domecq is the trademark owner in the U.S. for Stolichnaya(R), the number-one genuine Russian vodka.

In addition to 80 proof Stolichnaya(R) vodka, the popular flavored varieties include 70 proof Stoli(R) Ohranj(TM) (orange), 70 proof Stoli(R) Razberi(TM) (raspberry), 70 proof Stoli(R) Vanil(TM) (vanilla), 70 proof Stoli(R) Strasberi(TM) (strawberry). 70 proof Stoli(R) Persik(TM) (peach), and the two newest flavors: 70 proof Stoli(R) Cranberi(TM) (cranberry) and 70 proof Stoli(R) Citros(TM) (citrus). Also included in the product line are Stoli(R) 100 proof and Stolichnaya(R) Gold.

For more information, visit http://www.stoli.com. Stolichnaya(R) Russian Vodka, 100% Grain Neutral Spirits, 40% alc./vol. (80 proof), Allied Domecq Spirits, USA, Westport, CT. Allied Domecq reminds consumers to "Drink Stoli Responsibly."

About Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine North America

Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine North America is a division of Allied Domecq PLC. Allied Domecq is a marketing-driven brands business that operates globally in spirits and wine and quick service restaurants. Powerful and exciting brands drive profitable growth and strong, consistent cash flows. Leading North American brands include Kahlua, Stolichnaya Vodkas, Sauza Tequilas, Beefeater, Malibu flavored rum, Canadian Club, Courvoisier, Maker's Mark, Kuya fusion rum, WET by Beefeater, Midori, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Buena Vista, William Hill Wines, Clos Du Bois, Brancott, Atlas Peak, Champagne Perrier Jouet, Champagne Mumm, Dunkin Donuts, Baskin Robbins and Togo's restaurants. Enjoy Allied Domecq's brands responsibly and in moderation.

Allied Domecq, North America's vision is to be the "First Choice Supplier" in the hearts and minds of its customers, consumers and employees.

For media inquiries, please visit http://press.adsw.com.