First National Norteño live tribute series tour honoring top mexican performes makes Houston stop.

DEERFIELD, Ill.: April 13, 2009 -- Tequila 100 Años™ and renowned group, Los Rieleros del Norte, partner to create the nationwide “100 Years of Mexican Music – Tribute Series,” making its last tour stop in Houston. The live tribute series honors the greatest Mexican performers of all time and introduces upcoming local talent in each of the tour’s respective cities.

Set to take place on Tuesday, April 14 at The Gallery at 6303 Beverly Hill St., the renowned Los Rieleros del Norte will present Houston’s very own, Grupo Mensaje, as the new voices of regional Mexican music in the city. The tour, making stops in Los Angeles, Chicago and Phoenix, is both a tribute to established artists as well as a platform for new local artists. Tequila 100 Años™ and Los Rieleros del Norte have added to the tribute series’ excitement by handpicking the tribute bands that they present at each of the tour’s stops as the new regional Mexican music talent.

“We are excited to have partnered with Los Rieleros del Norte to continue creating nostalgia and pride with the “100 Years of Mexican Music – Tribute Series,” an initiative that brings to life the voices that represent the immense richness of Mexican culture while providing a visibility and growth opportunity for new upcoming Mexican talent,” says Antonio Portillo, senior brand manager for Tequila 100 Años™. “We are proud to offer to Latinos and the overall community in the U.S., this rich experience that advances the values of our culture and allow audiences to learn more about the artists that left a footprint in Mexico’s music history and those that will make their footprint today.”

The private opening event in Houston for the “100 Years of Mexican Music – Tribute Series,” will feature live performances by Los Rieleros del Norte from their latest album. Los Rieleros will then open the stage to Houston’s very own, Grupo Mensaje and introduce them as the city’s new voices of regional Mexican music.

“Being part of the Tequila 100 Años™ “100 Years of Mexican Music – Tribute Series” is like a dream come true for us and an incredible opportunity to pay homage to the many Mexican musicians whom we all admire,” said Ivan Duron, Grupo Mensaje’s band leader. “This is undoubtedly one of the greatest honors we’ve received throughout our career and we invite our fans to join us to celebrate the richness of our culture.”

Grupo Mensaje earned this honor based on the rigorous tribute band selection process for the “100 Years of Mexican Music – Tribute Series,” which expanded over an eight-month period and involved the participation of Los Rieleros as well as other prominent music experts and Tequila 100 Años™ executives. Each participating band was carefully evaluated across several categories including originality and performance attributes among others. Key to the selection process was Los Rieleros who lent their talent and expertise in the regional Mexican music genre to ensure that the tribute bands chosen in each city represent the best of upcoming new talent in this genre, highlighting the value and essence of the Tequila 100 Años™ brand, and engaging audiences in a lively and emotional tribute to Mexican music artists. Other well known industry leaders representing notable organizations in the regional Mexican music genre and who participated in the selection process included Ivan Fernandez, president of Promotores Unidos USA and David Torres, committee member of Premmusa.

“We are honored that Tequila 100 Años™ chose us to participate in this homage to Mexican music that promises to stir memories and lure audiences with its magic,” says Daniel Esquivel, Los Rieleros’ band leader. “The tribute bands that we helped select in each market embody the best of the new voices of Mexican talent and - just like Tequila 100 Años™ - are inspired by the roots, passion and dedication of its people.”

The tribute bands, Los Herederos del Norte, Los Panchis, Los Líderes de la Sierra and Grupo Mensaje will perform in selected venues during an eight-month period, after private opening events on March 24 in Los Angeles; March 31 in Chicago; April 7 in Phoenix; and April 14 in Houston. Calendar of public events and locations will be announced soon.

About Tequila 100 AÑOS™:

Tequila 100 Años™ was created to celebrate the 20th century at Hacienda La Perseverancia, in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico; to toast to the new and exciting moments that the new century would bring, and to renew the joy and hope of Mexican people. Tequila 100 Años has always been manufactured with the best agave, with special attention to the artisanal elements that characterize the brand. Besides its great taste, 100 Años features other unique elements, such as its unique handcrafted bottle, ornamental rounded edges, to reflect some of the inherent values of the Mexican culture. Today there are three different varieties: Blanco 51%, Reposado 51% and Reposado 100% Agave, offered in different sizes, 375ml, 750ml and 1.75L. Reposado 100% Agave is now available in 1L.

About Beam Global Spirits & Wine:

Inspiring conversations around the world, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., is building brands people want to talk about. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Maker's Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Cruzan® Rum, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, Teacher's® Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs, Knob Creek® Bourbon and Starbucks™ Liqueurs. Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company with annual sales exceeding $9 billion. For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.

About Los Rieleros del Norte:

Los Rieleros Del Norte is a Mexican American norteño band founded in the southwestern U.S. town of Pecos, TX in 1979 by Daniel Esquivel and Manolo Morales. Los Rieleros –whose name originated by the fact that some members worked at the railroads of Chihuahua, Mexico—are famous for their norteño style, an exuberant, often sentimental creation that is also known as conjunto. Los Rieleros recorded their first album in 1980 and since then have worked extensively to build a sizable catalog which included countless hits; "Amor Prohibido," "No le Digas a Nadie," "En la Puerta de Esa Casa," "Una Aventura," "Me Lo Contaron Ayer," and "Copa Sin Vino" among others. One of their biggest hits was 1999's "Te Quiero Mucho," which reached number one on Billboard's Hot Latin Tracks chart.