INNOVATIVE PACKAGING SOLUTION FOR JIM BEAM BRANDS CO.'S DISTILLERS' MASTERPIECE STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY 

Following the success of its first Distillers� Masterpiece�, Jim Beam Brands Co., Deerfield, IL., has introduced a second in the Masterpiece series, this one a 20-year-old premium straight bourbon whiskey aged in port wine casks.

This limited edition luxury spirit, which has been given a $300 per bottle suggested retail price, is the creation of master distiller Booker Noe and renowned winemaker Daryl Groom.

According to Steve Wincek, purchasing manager for Jim Beam Brands Co., "The Geyser Peak port casks, employed in the product�s aging, enhance the complexity of the spirit and impart unique flavors to this extra-aged bourbon."

To fulfill the all-important packaging aspect of the product�s introduction, the company called upon Saxco International Inc. of Horsham, PA., world-wide packaging specialists for the wine and spirits industry.

Saxco sourced and supplied a high quality 750ml flint glass decanter from Saverglass of France. It also arranged for Saverglass to handle the silk screening of the applied color labels and medallion on the front and back of the decanter. The decanter possesses an extra thick bottom, adding to its overall quality appearance.

The designs for the bottle�s decorations were supplied by Jim Beam Brands and feature a light gray oak leaf with a black and gold medallion in its center, augmented by signatures of the distiller and winemaker in a high gloss gold. The oak leaf also is emblazoned on the decanter�s back. "The oak leaf design is meant to underscore the oak barrel aging process of both bourbon and port," notes Wincek.

In addition, Saxco sourced and supplied the matte black oval wood cork stopper assembly through long-time vendor J.C. Ribeiro of Portugal. To further accentuate the Distillers� Masterpiece premium aura, each closure is fitted on top with an inset, individually numbered medallion which Saxco supplied through Walsen Company of upstate New York.