No.8841   2004. 7. 20

Suntory to Release “Lejay Cassis Nouveau 2004”
- Japan launch of limited edition liqueur with
100% fresh extra virgin cassis -

Suntory Ltd. (Head Office: Osaka, President: Nobutada Saji) is to release a new brew of cassis liqueur produced by Lejay Lagoute S.A. as a limited edition for the first time in Japan from Tuesday 26 October.

“Lejay Cassis Nouveau 2004” is a special version of the leading cassis liqueur brand's “Crème de Cassis” and made from solely fresh cassis harvested this July. This release outside France is for the first attempt in the world. Due to its seasonally limited productions, the release is on an advance order basis only.

Japanese market for cassis liqueur is growing rapidly in recent years, which is estimated to sell approximately 450,000 cases a year as the second largest in volume after France. Cassis liqueur base cocktails such as “Cassis Soda” and “Kir Royal” are favorable among consumers in various occasions at bars and restaurants as well as at home.

Lejay Lagoute is a founder and innovator to bring in the modern formula for cassis liqueur production in the world. Keeping fresh and natural flavor of the fruits, “Lejay Crème de Cassis” is bottled only upon receiving orders and has been worldly acclaimed for its quality and elegant relish since its 1841 release.

• New brew of cassis liqueur “Cassis Nouveau”

Dijion of Bourgogne in France is known as a home of cassis liqueur, where a harvest takes place once a year from late June to early July. Every fall the locals have welcomed “Cassis Nouveau” (new brew) made only from fresh cassis of the season as their special regional delight.

‹Features of the Contents›

Characterized with abundant use of fresh cassis of the season, Lejay Cassis Nouveau 2004 is made from mainly “Noir de Bourgogne,” the highest quality breed, along with “Royal de Naples.” The fruity mellow aroma and flavor are derived particularly from 100% extra virgin cassis, fresh extract of the newly harvested fruits soaked in alcohol.

‹Tasteful luxury of “Half Rock”›

For your maximum indulgence in fresh cassis, we would like to recommend a “Half Rock” style, mixed with soda for the proportion of 1 to 1 or half-and-half. Slightly stronger than regular Cassis Soda, yet assure you of its unique relish and reverberation.

▼ Name of Product, Volume, Suggested Retail Price, Proof, and Packaging
　 “Lejay Cassis Nouveau 2004”
　　 700 ml, open price, 20%, 12 bottles per cabinet
　 “Lejay Cassis Nouveau 2004 Baby”
　　 200 ml, open price, 20%, 12 bottles per cabinet

▼ Type: Liqueur

▼ Release Date and Sale's Region
　 Tuesday, 26 October 2004, Japan nationwide
　 (Production on limited order only)

▽ Further information:
　 Suntory Customer Center Toll free number: 0120-139-310
　 (Osaka) Dojimahama 2-1-40, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-8203, Japan
　 (Tokyo) Moto-Akasaka 1-2-3, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8430, Japan
　 Suntory HP: http://www.suntory.co.jp/