Led by Legendary Distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell, Bartender Educational Program to Focus on Traditional Bourbon-Making Methods

LAWRENCEBURG, KY (August 5, 2014) – Wild Turkey®, in partnership with the United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG), has developed an immersive experience for bartenders to help them learn the secret craft of whiskey-making from none other than Bourbon Hall of Fame™ inductees and father/son distilling duo Jimmy Russell and Eddie Russell. The 2014 Behind the Barrel event is a pilot program designed to develop a community of Bourbon advocates within the USBG and, eventually, to support the creation of a bartender-focused Bourbon expert certification program.

One would be hard-pressed to find a pair of distillers working today that are more suited to this task. This year, Jimmy Russell will celebrate his 60th anniversary at Wild Turkey, and his son Eddie is celebrating 33 years of making Bourbon alongside his dad. For decades, they have acted as guardians of America’s native spirit, never wavering in their commitment to using traditional whiskey-making methods and never compromising their integrity by taking shortcuts or doing things the easy way. This reverence for tradition makes them uniquely qualified to teach bartenders every step of the Bourbon-creation process – from grain to bottle.

Behind the Barrel is also a celebration of the Russell’s undaunted, #NeverTamed spirit. To be chosen for this up-close-and-personal experience, bartenders must demonstrate that, like Jimmy and Eddie Russell, they too have an uncompromising passion – behind the bar and in life. Where others take shortcuts, they are committed to doing things their own way, the right way. From October 6 through October 8, participants will spend two days in Kentucky, dividing their time between educational activities at the Lawrenceburg distillery and enjoying the best food and drink Louisville has to offer.

Behind the Barrel is open to USBG and non-USBG members. Applications for the 30 available spots will be taken from July 16 – Sept. 1, 2014. To apply, visit wildturkeybourbon.com.

About Campari America

Campari America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Davide Campari-Milano S.p.A. (Reuters CPRI.MI – Bloomberg CPR IM). At the heart of Campari America are two legends in the American spirits industry. The first, Skyy Spirits, was founded in San Francisco back in 1992 by the entrepreneur who invented iconic SKYY Vodka. The second is the world-famous Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, where they have been making the world’s finest whiskies since the 1800’s. Both companies were purchased by Davide Campari-Milano and together they form Campari America, which has built a portfolio unrivaled in its quality, innovation and style, making it a top choice among distributors, retailers and consumers. Campari America manages Gruppo Campari’s portfolio in the US with such leading brands as SKYY® Vodka, SKYY Infusions®, Campari®, Aperol®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell’s Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Forty Creek® Canadian Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Appleton® Estate Rum, Wray & Nephew® Rum, Coruba® Rum, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Averna®, Braulio®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®. Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of BULLDOG® Gin.

Campari America is headquartered in San Francisco, California. More information on the company can be found at www.campariamerica.com, www.facebook.com/ campariamerica, Twitter: @CampariAmerica and www.camparigroup.com. Please enjoy Campari America brands responsibly and in moderation.