Team Early Times Hooks a Winner with Elite Angler; Early Times Kentucky Whisky Teams Up with Pro Angler Kevin Wirth and JDC Marketing

Wirth has been a touring BASS pro since 1985, competing at bassfishing's highest level. The native Kentuckian has built an impressiveresume since then, qualifying for the CITGO Bassmaster Classic sixtimes and finishing in the money 72 times in 137 BASS entries. He iscurrently ranked as one of the top 15 anglers in the world.

Allen Ogburn, Early Times brand manager stated: "We are thrilledto work with JDC marketing and Kevin Wirth and to become more involvedin one of our consumers' passions - fishing. JDC brings us invaluableknowledge and experience in the fishing industry while Kevin brings usthe raw talent, respect and great Kentucky connections."

In his new role, Kevin will serve as a brand ambassador attournaments across the country, and will further solidify Team EarlyTimes and the brand's connection to fishing. The sponsorship programis managed by JDC Marketing Group in Atlanta, GA. JDC is well known inthe fishing industry for their success with developing marketingprograms and events for companies and providing professional anglerswith opportunities to further their careers.

"We are extremely excited about working with Kevin and EarlyTimes. There are so many marketing opportunities that can be exploredthrough the similar interests and heritage of both parties involved -Add in JDC's track record within the industry and more specificallyour past success with distilled spirits, the potential is limitless!"added Pete Galbiati, Vice President of JDC Marketing.

"Team Early Times was a natural fit for me because we have so muchin common," said Wirth. "It was a win-win situation, with the changesESPN has made in the sport, having great sponsor support has becomeessential. Early Times is allowing me to do what I love to do and atthe same time I am becoming an ambassador for a great brand."

The inaugural season of the Elite Series begins with the "Battleon the Border" on Lake Amistad in Del Rio, Texas, March 9-12, justweeks after bass fishing's biggest event, the CITGO BassmasterClassic, kicks off the season Feb. 24-26, at Lake Tohopekaliga inKissimmee, Fla.

Team Early Times consists of Kevin Wirth and three semi-pro teamsbased in Kentucky and Texas. Early Times Kentucky Whisky, is enjoyedin 28 countries around the world and the Early Times Mint Julep is the"Official Drink of the Kentucky Derby(TM)." Brown-Forman Corporationis a diversified producer and marketer of fine quality consumerproducts, including Jack Daniel's, Early Times, Canadian Mist,Southern Comfort, Finlandia Vodka, Fetzer and Bolla Wines, KorbelCalifornia Champagnes, and Hartmann Luggage. For more informationvisit www.earlytimes.com.

The best TIMES are enjoyed responsibly.

Get Reel. Don't drink & drive.

Early Times Distillery Company, Kentucky Whisky, 40% Alc. byVolume Louisville, Kentucky (C)2005