Country Music Star John Rich and Crown Royal(R) Whisky Offer a VIP Mentorship Experience

Country Music Star John Rich and Crown Royal(R) Whisky Offer a VIP Mentorship Experience

"For Every King, A Mentor" Pairs Fan and Music Star for the Day

NEW YORK and NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Ever wonder how an artist creates the songs that make a hit record? Country music star John Rich and Crown Royal Canadian Whisky are offering one winner a special mentorship experience that is "fit for a king."

Fans of legal drinking age can now enter at www.CrownRoyal.com by describing their personal passion and aspiration for being mentored by one of country music's kings. The grand prize experience for the "For Every King, A Mentor" contest includes a trip for two to Nashville for a behind-the-scenes look into Rich's performing, producing and songwriting career; a tour of the mansion where his Country Music Television show "Gone Country" is filmed and a personally-signed guitar. Rich will also host a country music insider's tour of some of his favorite Nashville hangouts.

Rich, also one half of the chart-topping duo Big & Rich, recently released a solo album, "Son of a Preacher Man" on Warner Bros. Records. The first single off the album, "Shuttin' Detroit Down," has already made an impact at radio in a little over eight weeks as rises up the Radio & Records Chart.

"I have always enjoyed Crown Royal, so I was excited when they asked me to give my fans insight into my songwriting process with a firsthand look on how I put together this new album," said Rich. "Plus, Crown Royal is all about getting people together and celebrating responsibly, and that's how I like to enjoy myself with my friends and family."

"We've always been proud to count John Rich as a Crown Royal fan. He's an artist who has always stayed true to his values throughout all of his success," said Brian K. Smith, brand manager, Crown Royal. "Through this partnership with him, we're giving one fan a chance to learn firsthand what it takes to make it in the country music business from one of the kings of the craft."

Entries are limited to 100 words or less (500 character limit online). The deadline for entry is May 27, 2009. The prize experience with John Rich will take place this July.

(C)2009 The Crown Royal Company, Norwalk, CT.

About Crown Royal Canadian Whisky

Crown Royal is the number one selling Canadian whisky brand in the US by value and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal Canadian whisky's smooth, elegant style reflects its aristocratic origins and is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. In addition to its motorsports sponsorships, the brand also sponsors Championship Bull Riding and a number of other major regional and national events. For more information visit www.crownroyal.com.

It's about quality, not quantity.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.

Contacts:
Erica J. Johnson
Diageo
917-330-6740 / Erica.johnson@diageo.com

Shaun Clair
Taylor PR
212-714-5760 / sclair@taylorpr.com

Source: Crown Royal Canadian Whisky

CONTACT: Erica J. Johnson, of Diageo, +1-917-330-6740,
Erica.johnson@diageo.com; or Shaun Clair of Taylor PR, +1-212-714-5760,
sclair@taylorpr.com, both for Crown Royal Canadian Whisky

Web Site: http://www.crownroyal.com/

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