Barton Brands is happy to be able to continue to use the design architecture and 1792 name because they represent the true essence of the brand. Many of our loyal customers are already calling their new favorite small batch bourbon simply "1792." We will make the minor name change necessitated by the Court's decision and look forward to getting this superb, eight-year old small-batch bourbon to more consumers in more markets as soon as possible.

Barton Brands followed all the procedures required to enable us to have a distinctive name, a unique package and a superb bourbon. We applied for and received trademark approval from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for both for the "Ridgewood Reserve" and "1792" marks. These USPTO approvals signified to us that these marks were valid, distinctive and not confusing with any existing trademarks. Barton set out to offer consumers the finest bourbon possible. We believe that we succeeded by producing a superb, eight-year old, small-batch bourbon, distilled, aged and bottled at our Bardstown Distillery which dates back to 1879.

We wanted a name and a package design that was upscale, unique and distinctive. We believe that we achieved that goal by selecting an elegant, decanter-style bottle with traditional cork finish and a burlap neck wrap. We hired a top-notch package designer (Peter Di Donato Associates) who has more than twenty years of design experience and a client list of many Fortune 500 companies. Peter's " design architecture" for Ridgewood Reserve 1792 reflected and enhanced the overall brand image.

We are pleased we can continue to use the design architecture and the 1792 name since they represent the true essence of the brand. We will make the minor name change directed by the Court and look forward to the continued market success of Ridgemont Reserve 1792. We are proud of this superb, eight-year old small batch bourbon and we have plans underway to reintroduce Ridgemont Reserve 1792 this summer to meet the rising consumer demand. In many ways Judge Coffman's decision is a big win for honest, free competition and for all bourbon drinkers. This decision will enable more consumers the opportunity to enjoy a truly great small-batch bourbon --- Ridgemont Reserve 1792.

Barton Brands, Ltd., a Constellation Brands Company, is a major producer and importer of alcoholic beverages, based in Chicago, Ill. Barton Brands is the nation's third-largest distilled spirits company. With strong
national and regional price/value brands and premium brands in select growth categories, Barton Brands is an industry leader.