Courvoisier Debuts Succession J.S., Limited Edition Blend Created for Only the Most Discerning Cognac Connoisseur.

WESTPORT, Conn. -- Exclusive Cognac Honors the Bicentennial Year of Napoleon's Crowning, Available Nationwide, Retailing for $3,000 Per Bottle

An event so rich in pageantry and French historical importance, demands an equally significant cognac to toast the occasion. To mark the 200th anniversary of the coronation of Napoleon I, Allied Domecq Spirits, North America (NYSE:AED) and Courvoisier(R), one of the world's most-luxurious cognacs, are proud to announce the debut of Courvoisier Succession J.S., a new, exclusive addition to the Courvoisier family in the United States.

On a cold December 2, 1804 at the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, Napoleon I was crowned Emperor of France. The lavish event, attended by Pope Pius VII, was a festival of song, feast and drink. As loyal suppliers to the French Imperial court, it is only fitting that Courvoisier honor the bicentennial of the coronation with the exquisite blend of cognacs found in Courvoisier Succession J.S., available in major US metro markets in October for a suggested retail price of $3,000.

Courvoisier Succession J.S. is a blend of several vintages produced and aged within the manicured farm of one of Courvoisier's best family of suppliers, located in the Grand Champagne region of Cognac. The family lived in the tiny village of Bonneuil, where their skill and craftsmanship was legendary. Unbeknownst to everyone they had dealings with, the caretakers of this vineyard secretly hid the best of the best of their creations under the floorboards in their chateau's sleeping quarters, protected from thieves and the ravages of two World Wars. Courvoisier Master Blender Jean-Marc Olivier discovered these hidden gems and, in cooperation with the family (who preferred only to be known by their initials J.S.), has used them to create Courvoisier Succession J.S., a tribute to the crowning of Napoleon and one of the finest cognac blends in the Courvoisier family.

"We have created a masterpiece with Courvoisier Succession J.S. and look forward to introducing consumers around the globe to this exquisite and exclusive blend of cognac," commented Olivier. "Courvoisier Succession J.S. is one of our proudest achievements to date, as alluring and extravagant as Napoleon himself."

The oldest cognac found in Courvoisier Succession J.S. dates back to 1910. The newest is from 1945. This superior blend comes housed in an exact replica of Napoleon's "Chest of Secrets," which the Emperor took into his first military campaigns and is now housed at the Courvoisier Chateau in Jarnac. The tastefully decorated wooden chest contains the simple, traditional bottle of Courvoisier Succession J.S. and four handcrafted crystal tasting glasses, specifically designed by Olivier to optimize the tasting of such an exquisite blend.

Tasting notes for this superior cognac include a mix of very rich and complex flavors, hinting at hot honey, leaf of Havana cigar, creme brulee, licorice and freshly roasted coffee.

The history of Napoleon and Courvoisier runs very deep. As the ruler's favorite cognac, legend has it that several barrels of Courvoisier were slipped away on the ship that carried Napoleon to exile in St. Helen. In 1869, Napoleon III named Courvoisier "Official Supplier to the Imperial Court."

--High resolution images of Courvoisier Succession J.S. are available upon request.

About Courvoisier(R)

Courvoisier is one of the four leading cognac houses in the world and continues to excel in the spirits category with its renowned blends including VS, VSOP, Napoleon, X.O., Initial Extra, Millennium and Courvoisier Succession J.S. L'Esprit de Courvoisier is the world's most-exclusive cognac, containing a masterful blend of vintages, including some dating back to the nineteenth century - the same used to apply to the court of Napoleon and Edward VII. Courvoisier reminds consumers to "Sip Responsibly."

About Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine North America

Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine North America is a division of Allied Domecq PLC (NYSE:AED). 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(R), Stolichnaya(R) Vodkas, Sauza(R) Tequilas, Beefeater(R), MALIBU(R) flavored rum, Canadian Club(R), Courvoisier(R), Maker's Mark(R), WET by Beefeater(tm), Midori(R), Hiram Walker(R) Liqueurs, Buena Vista(R), William Hill(R) Wines, Clos Du Bois(R), Brancott(R), Atlas Peak(R), Champagne Perrier Jouet(R), Champagne Mumm(R), Dunkin Donuts(R), Baskin Robbins(R) and Togo's(R) 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 further information on Allied Domecq please visit www.allieddomecqplc.com. For media inquiries in North America, please visit http://press.adsw.com.