Howard Walker, Staff Reporter

Cricket icon Courtney Walsh is surrounded by a bevy of Cup beauties at Red Stripe's launch of its 'World Cup Party Experiences' at the Melbourne Cricket Club last week. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

RED STRIPE, which has been named the official beer of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 in Jamaica and Antigua, has launch a special limited edition.

To celebrate the momentous occasion, Red Stripe has introduced a special commemorative bottle - a long neck, reminiscent of the early days of the brand.

"They will only be available during the World Cup and contain the same Red Stripe lager beer that consumers are familiar with," said Kim Lee, marketing and communications manager.

"As to the quantity, I cannot speak to that. It will depend on customers' demand at that time. The cost will be the same as our current price," Lee added.

Red Stripe has promised to ignite the World Cup by hosting series of high energy, "world parties".

The first kicked off at the Melbourne Cricket Oval last Thursday.

Preserve brand standard

Wayne Lawrence, marketing director said historically Red Stripe has always supported the game of cricket in many forms, but to b with ICC Cricket World Cup was imperative to preserve the iconic standard of the brand.

"Through our media sponsorships and events we are ensuring that cricket - like Red Stripe beer - is accessible to all Jamaicans," he noted.

Red Stripe has promised to bring the Cricket World Cup to every single Jamaican by igniting the cricket festivities and winding them up to a feverish pace.

There will be 28 mound parties, 100 mini world parties, supermarket promotions and three 'Live Red' World Party Experiences.

The ICC Cricket World Cup bowls off on March 11 with the opening ceremony at the Trelawny multi-purpose stadium.