When Brown-Forman Corporation in Louisville, KY decided to introduce its new premium Early Times 354 Bourbon to the American marketplace, it set an ambitious time line for the project.  To help expedite the all important packaging aspect of the spirit�s roll out, it engaged the services and global resources of Saxco International, of Horsham PA, long-time world wide packaging specialists for the wine and spirits industry.

            According to Larry Coomes, regional manager for Saxco International, �The project required that we source and supply a quality 750 ML bottle which would offer a distinctive style and shape that was commensurate with the bourbon�s rich deep amber color and superb superior taste.� Coomes would work closely with Mike Shaughnessy, Brown-Forman packaging engineer, who is part of the product development and marketing team for Early Times which is led by Brand Manager Joe Murray.

            Coomes explains that he searched Saxco�s global resource network and came across a stock bottle available from Vetri Speciali, of Italy, one of Saxco�s quality and reliable vendors. However, that was only the beginning of an evolutionary process that would develop a private mold book shaped bottle with a short neck after numerous revisions. �When Brown-Forman settled on the new bottle�s style and design from Vetri Speciali, the glass manufacturer agreed to meet the production time line and economic parameters."

            �It is always gratifying to be able to provide an important aspect of the packaging process,� Coomes explains. �In this case, it was the uniqueness of bottle which when decorated delivered an attractive overall appearance and distinctive shelf prominence.� Brown-Forman supplied the bold yellow and red front label which wrapped around the side of the bottle and the yellow plastic twist off cap over fitted with a yellow PVC sleeve.

            Murray says that Brown-Forman is targeting Early Times 354 Bourbon to males, ages 25 to 35, transitioning to premium spirits and looking at bourbon as a destination of choice. �Early Times 354 Bourbon is a premium brand extension featuring a quality product at an accessible price point capitalizing on a growing number of consumers entering the bourbon category,� Murray states. �Our objectives embrace elevating the overall brand image, attracting new younger consumers transitioning to premium brands and rewarding brand loyal customers with a trade-up opportunity.

            Early Times Bourbon is crafted with pure water, select grains and proprietary yeast. It is carefully distilled and then matured in new American oak barrels. This results in an old-style quality bourbon smooth in character and rich in taste. Early Times Bourbon is an 80 proof, four year spirit.

            Murray notes that Early Times 354 Bourbon is being introduced into 17 U.S. states including Kentucky, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Georgia, Maryland, South Carolina, Louisiana, Alabama, West Virginia, Missouri and Arkansas. Suggested retail price is $15.99 for a 750 ML size.

            Saxco International has more than 25 years of industry experience, providing a broad range of packaging products and services to the beverage industries. In addition to supplying packaging enhancement products, the company�s services include expert consultation from development to design. Saxco is headquartered in suburban Philadelphia , PA with sales offices in New Brunswick , New Jersey , Cincinnati , Ohio , Louisville , Kentucky , Oakland , California , Tampa , Florida , Hook Hampshire, England and Qingdao , China . Additional details at 215-443-8100, fax 215-443-8370 or on the web at www.saxcointl.com.