CPR Davide Campari

NEW YORK, Nov. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, November 20, Jimmy Junior, Wild Turkey® Bourbon's real, live wild turkey, and resident feathered sports forecaster, debuted his predicting prowess by selecting the winners of the three 2012 Thanksgiving pro football games.  With his selections of Detroit over Houston; Dallas over Washington and New England over New York, Jimmy Junior's picks reverberated throughout the sports world as he looks to join the annals of great animal prognosticators, such as Paul the Octopus and Punxsutawney Phil following Thursday's Thanksgiving Day games.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121121/NY17199 )

Hosted by former Professional Football Legend Vinny Testaverde and famed ring announcer Jimmy Lennon Jr., Jimmy Junior's professional debut at the Times Center in NYC was witnessed by national media and football fans. His selections can be viewed at Wild Turkey's YouTube channel.

"Jimmy Junior made his picks with the same confidence that he's exhibited since I began training with him," said training partner and event co-host, former pro football legend, Vinny Testaverde.  "I've been around football for a long time and I've never seen anything like Jimmy Junior in my life.  If I was a fan in Detroit, Dallas and New England, I'd be very nervous right now."

Jimmy Junior was presented with helmets 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 ate from the helmet representing the team he thought would win each Thanksgiving match-up. 

Named in honor of long-time Wild Turkey Master Distiller Jimmy Russell, Jimmy Junior 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.   

"We stand behind Jimmy Junior and put a lot of stock in his picks," said Wild Turkey Master Distiller Jimmy Russell.  "He's a hard-working bird and did a lot of homework. We can't wait to watch Thanksgiving Day football and cheer on Jimmy Junior's picks – and make this tradition part of the Thanksgiving season for years to come"

Football and bourbon fans nationwide 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 (www.Facebook.com/WildTurkey). 

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, Espolon® 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 Cana® 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