Wild Turkey® Bourbon Introduces Jimmy Junior, World's First Football-Picking Turkey

NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Look out Las Vegas, the predicting of professional football matchups is about to go the birds.  On Tuesday, November 20, Jimmy Junior, Wild Turkey® Bourbon's real, live wild turkey, and resident feathered sports forecaster, will be taking his talents to New York City to predict the outcome of the three 2012 Thanksgiving pro football games.  With the hopes of joining the annals of great animal prognosticators, such as Paul the Octopus and Punxsautawney Phil,  Jimmy Junior will be featured in Wild Turkey's first-ever Triple Barrel Challenge, hosted by former Professional Football Legend Vinny Testaverde, at the iconic Times Center in Times Square at 11 a.m. ET.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121113/NY11630)

Jimmy Junior, named in honor of long-time Wild Turkey Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, began his humble roots on a farm in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, home of the legendary Wild Turkey Distillery.  As a chick, Jimmy Junior began showing an affinity for predicting local football games.  Now, he is focusing his skills on the professional leagues.   

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Jimmy Junior will take the stage with Testaverde in a true sports spectacular. Before throngs of media, Jimmy Junior will be presented with barrels of feed signifying the six teams playing on one of football's biggest days.  Following months of studying the latest football stats and speaking to the best football minds in the business, he will use his vast knowledge of the sport and eat from the barrel of the team he thinks will win each Thanksgiving match up.  His picks will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the sports world.

"Jimmy Junior is the best, not to mention the only, football picking turkey I've ever worked with," said former All Pro Vinny Testaverde during a recent training session. "After all my years in the sport, I have never seen anyone who demonstrates such an uncanny ability to see through the hype and focus on what team will really come out on top.  I fully expect him to go three for three this Thanksgiving, giving turkeys everywhere something to gobble about."

Football and bourbon fans nationwide will have the opportunity to compete against Jimmy Junior to win great prizes, such as a branded turkey fryer, through Wild Turkey's Facebook page under the "Pick 'Em and Win" tab.  Additional rules and details can be found by liking the Wild Turkey Facebook page. 

"I can honestly say the Triple Barrel Challenge is the first time football fans can go head-to-head against a live wild turkey," said Wild Turkey Master Distiller Jimmy Russell.  "Football and Wild Turkey are synonymous with the great American Thanksgiving holiday and we couldn't be more pleased to introduce Jimmy Junior to the longstanding traditions celebrated by the millions of people nationwide on this special day."

Jimmy Junior's professional debut at Times Center will be covered by national media and will also be syndicated through Wild Turkey's YouTube channel after his picks are in.

Following the event, Wild Turkey will be donating 81 turkeys to the victims of Hurricane Sandy in the New York Tri-State area through City Harvest.

Uncompromising since 1855, Wild Turkey is the Real Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a true American icon crafted by legendary Master Distiller Jimmy Russell and his son, Associate Distiller Eddie Russell. Besides the classic Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, other expressions now include Wild Turkey 81, Rare Breed®, Kentucky Spirit®, Wild Turkey 81 Rye and Russell's Reserve®.

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®, Wild Turkey® Straight Kentucky Bourbon, American Honey®, Russell's Reserve®, Glen Grant® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Cabo Wabo® Tequila, Espolón® Tequila, Ouzo 12®, X-Rated® Fusion Liqueur®, Frangelico®, Cynar®, Carolans Irish Cream®, Irish Mist® Liqueur, Sagatiba® Cachaça and Jean-Marc XO Vodka®.  Campari America is also the exclusive US distributor of Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Auchentoshan® Lowland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Garioch® Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, McClelland's® Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Flor de Caña® Rum, Midori® Melon Liqueur, Hibiki® Whisky, Hakushu® Single Malt Whisky, and The Yamazaki® Single Malt Whisky.

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.

SOURCE Campari America