CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



                  We consent to the incorporation by reference in this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8, and
the prospectuses related thereto, of:

                  (1)    our report dated February 4, 1998 accompanying the
consolidated financial statements of Fortune Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries
as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and for the years ended December 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995, incorporated by reference into the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Fortune Brands, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 1997; and

                  (2)    our report dated February 4, 1998 accompanying the
financial statement schedule of Fortune Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries
included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Fortune Brands, Inc. for the year
ended December 31, 1997.



                                                     COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.




1301 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York  10020
April 28, 1998