George Ezekiel Little, Jr. 1916-2012

Pernod-Ricard SA            RI:FP

84.7300 EUR               ⬇  2.4700          ⬇ 2.83%

Pernod Ricard USA, producer of Chivas Regal® Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet® Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Beefeater® Gin to name a few, stock continues to tumble this morning after news of the passing of 96 year old Edwardsville, IL native and famed gin connoisseur, George E. Little, Jr.

To shoulder the loss of Mr. Little’s passing, Pernod Ricard has decided to cease production operations at two French plants outside of Paris and lay off an unprecedented 250 employees globally.

In a statement released by Daniele Ricard, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Pernod Ricard, “Mr. Little was our most valued customer. His contributions and patronage to our Beefeater® brand are unparalleled across the globe. A millennium might pass before another man of his dedication comes along. He will be deeply missed and my condolences go out to all of his family members”.

Rumor has it that George Little would only order his Beefeater® Gin on the rocks and would specifically ask for 3-olives as to prevent the contamination of the gin with any other mixer. A common practice was to distribute the gin-soaked olives to family members. When asking Mr. Little how he was doing on any given day, he would reply “have to” and smile that eye-squinting smile that would warm anyone’s heart.

So the next time somebody around you sneezes, you can remember George (Grandpa/Dad) by saying, “Gesundheit, bless a me Cronkite”

We love you and miss you already!