Think You Can Make It in the Big Leagues? 2 GINGERS(R) Irish Whiskey Challenges Baseball Fans to "Take a Swing Off Bert"

DEERFIELD, IL--(Marketwired - Jul 10, 2014) - While baseball's elite clean their cleats for the All-Star Game®, 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey -- one of the country's fastest growing Irish whiskeys* -- is challenging fans to try their luck against a baseball legend. Minnesota-bred pitcher and iconic prankster Bert Blyleven is taking the mound, and everyone (21 years and older) is invited to take a swing. But things could get messy.

On Monday, July 14 in downtown Minneapolis, Blyleven will fire a pitch to those brave enough to step up to the plate. Sound intimidating? Well, there's a twist: to level the playing field, Blyleven will be throwing a Wiffle® ball, and participants will be swinging a Wiffle® ball bat. And 2 GINGERS® has another curveball up its sleeve: swing and miss, and you get a pie in the face!

"I'm thrilled to partner with another Minnesota star, 2 GINGERS®, and have the chance to really cream my fans," said Blyleven. "As a player who could never resist a good prank, I'm glad there's a whiskey out there that is willing to have some fun. I can't wait to step on the mound and throw some strikes!"

"Minneapolis is the birthplace of 2 GINGERS®, so as Minneapolis hosts baseball's best players, we thought it was fitting to partner with a local legend to celebrate a classic baseball tradition -- the pie-in-the-face prank," said Kieran Folliard, Founder and CEO of 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey. "Bert Blyleven's fiery personality and lifelong pursuit of his passions make him the perfect addition to our all star team."

The pitcher-batter duel (with pie-throwing repercussions) is taking place on Monday, July 14 at Darby's Pub & Grill (315 5^th Ave N, Minneapolis, MN), just steps from the baseball stadium. Blyleven will take the mound from 4-5 p.m. CDT. Every batter gets one swing. Should they strike out, the batter gets a pie in the face. For each pie thrown, 2 GINGERS® will donate $100 to the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization whose purpose is to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, and $100 to the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (up to $10,000 total).

Fans will also have the opportunity to cut in line by securing "Pinch Hitter" cards on Monday, July 14 from 9-10 a.m. CDT at Kieran's Irish Pub (85 6th St N, Minneapolis, MN). The first five fans to pick up a "Pinch Hitter" card will be allowed to get first crack at Blyleven when they show up at Darby's Pub & Grill that afternoon. Try your luck at a "Pinch Hitter" card and stay for a signature BIG GINGER® cocktail, which combines the refreshing bite of ginger ale with the caramel, vanilla and citrus undertones of 2 GINGERS®.

For more information, follow 2 GINGERS® and Bert Blyleven on Twitter: Twitter.com/2GINGERSwhiskey and Twitter.com/BertBlyleven28. Ages 21+ only.

About 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey
2 GINGERS® is a smooth, malty and slightly sweet premium, blended Irish whiskey. Distilled with mixability in mind, the brand created and trademarked two balanced and simple cocktails, the BIG GINGER® and SKINNY GINGER®. Genderless and appropriate for all seasons, these cocktails combine the refreshing bite of ginger ale with the caramel, vanilla and citrus undertones of 2 GINGERS®, creating the perfect recipe for anyone who may not yet consider themselves whiskey drinkers.

For more information on 2 GINGERS® Irish Whiskey, which sells at a suggested retail price of $19.99 for a 750ml bottle, please visit www.2GINGERSwhiskey.com, like us facebook.com/2GINGERS or follow @2GINGERSwhiskey.

About Beam Suntory Inc.
As the world's third largest premium spirits company, Beam Suntory is Crafting the Spirits that Stir the World. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for the company's brands, including the flagship Jim Beam bourbon and Yamazaki Japanese whisky, as well as world renown premium brands including Maker's Mark and Knob Creek bourbons, Hakushu and Hibiki Japanese whiskies, Teacher's, Laphroaig, and Bowmore Scotch whiskies, Canadian Club whisky, Courvoisier cognac, Sauza tequila, Pinnacle vodka, and Midori liqueur. The company generates annual worldwide sales of approximately $4.6 billion excluding excise taxes.

Beam Suntory was created in 2014 by combining the world leader in bourbon and the pioneer in Japanese whisky to form a new company with a deep heritage, passion for quality, innovative spirit and entrepreneurial culture. Headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, Beam Suntory is a subsidiary of Suntory Holdings Limited of Japan. For more information on Beam Suntory, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamsuntory.com and www.drinksmart.com.

Tipple Responsibly™
2 GINGERS® Blended Irish Whiskey 40% Alc./Vol. ©2014 Kilbeggan Distilling Import Company, Deerfield IL
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

*Source: Nielsen Syndicated Data (top U.S. Irish Whiskey brand family EQ volume gainer for the 52 week period ending 6/21/14)