AED Aegon N.V. Perp. Cap. Securities (Netherlands)

Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Cask Strength Named 'Best Scotch Whisky In The World' ISLAY, Scotland, March 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Renowned for its intrinsic boldness, massive explosion of smokiness and powerful taste, Allied Domecq's Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Cask Strength has achieved a most prestigious recognition: 2005's Best Scotch Whisky in the World. This coveted honor was bestowed on Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Cask Strength by Whisky Magazine during its bi-annual quest to determine the world's best whisky. After four months of 'blind' taste tests, one hundred of the world's foremost Whisky writers, tasters and aficionados selected Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Cask Strength over some strong competition. More than 60 whiskies from three continents and five different Whisky-producing nations vied for the top honor, but none could compete against Laphroaig's unique flavor. Not only did Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Cask Strength win the distinction as the world's best Scotch whisky, but it also was awarded the highest score of all the whiskies tasted -- a crowning achievement solidifying the spirit as the ultimate champion. "We are absolutely honored that Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Cask Strength was awarded this great accolade," said Kevin McCarthy, Brand Director, Scotch Malts Portfolio at Allied Domecq Spirits, North America. "After 200 years of dedicated work, we are humbled to be given such a tribute." The rich gold color of Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Cask Strength reflects its vibrant quality. It is a full-bodied, straight-from-the-cask malt bottled at natural strength, with unparalleled smokiness that captivates the senses. Bottled on the remote Atlantic Ocean island of Islay, Laphroaig captures the sea's essence, giving it an initial hint of salt flavor with a surprisingly sweet finish. As uncompromising as the weather on its island of origin, Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Cask Strength is not for the faint of heart, and is sure to delight the most daring single malt connoisseur. Tasting Notes Embodying a full and refractive gold color, Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Cask Strength has uncompromising and powerful seaweed and ozone characters. It has a full, smoky burst of flavor with hints of delicate sweetness at the end and possesses a long and savory finish. Laphroaig can best be enjoyed anytime and anywhere, with friends or after dinner. Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Cask Strength won Double Gold at the 2004 San Francisco International Spirits and Wine Competition, the highest award bestowed in the Single Malt/Islands category. Bottled straight from the cask, Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Cask Strength is Laphroaig's strongest single malt at 57% alc/vol. It is available at fine retail locations nationwide, with a suggested retail price of $59.99 for a 750ml bottle. About Laphroaig Laphroaig produces the world's finest and most unique single malt scotch whisky and is part Allied Domecq's Scotch Malts Portfolio, which includes hand-crafted malts from the 4 corners of Scotland -- Laphroaig from Islay, Glendronach from the Highlands, Tormore from Speyside and Scapa from Orkney. The portfolio is distributed by Allied Domecq Spirits and Wine, North America. For more information, please visit http://www.laphroaig.com/ . About Allied Domecq PLC - Brands People Want Allied Domecq PLC is one of the world's largest premium spirits, wines and food service operations. A global company with annual sales of more than 3,229 million Pounds Sterling/$5,844 million*, Allied Domecq serves consumers through its operations in more than 50 countries, supported by 12,000 highly skilled employees. Core spirits brands include Ballantine's, Beefeater, Canadian Club, Courvoisier, Kahlua, Malibu, Maker's Mark, Sauza and Stolichnaya. Allied Domecq's wine portfolio features Campo Viejo, Champagne Mumm, Champagne Perrier Jouet, Clos du Bois and Montana. Allied Domecq owns or distributes 14 of the top 100 international premium spirit brands and its brand portfolio commands world No. 1 or No. 2 positions in six leading categories. Dunkin' Brands, Inc., the company's international quick service restaurants business, includes Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins and Togo's which operate in more than 50 countries, with over 12,000 franchised outlets worldwide. Allied Domecq's performance is driven by its globally recognised portfolio, its geographically diverse market and customer presence, and the talents of its people. Allied Domecq is traded on both the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ALLD) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:AED). Further information on the company can be found at http://www.allieddomecq.com/ . * FY 2004 Laphroaig Single Malt Whisky, 48% alc./vol. Imported by Allied Domecq Spirits, USA, Westport, CT Immoderate in our praise of moderation. Please drink responsibly. DATASOURCE: Allied Domecq PLC CONTACT: Jack Shea, Director, Corporate Communications of Allied Domecq Spirits & Wine, +1-203-221-5540, or fax, +1-203-221-6332, or ; or Media: Manuela Savona, VP, Food, Wine & Spirits Division of Evins Communications, Ltd., +1-212-688-8200, ext. 32, or fax, +1-212-935-6730, or Web site: http://www.allieddomecq.com/

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