Author: Heavenhill

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Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Adds Travis Zinkel as Alaska/Washington Regional Sales Manager

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has hired Travis Zinkel as the Alaska/Washington Regional Sales Manager.  He will be responsible for management of the entire Heaven Hill portfolio throughout both states.  The position reports to Andy Shapira, Western Division Manager.

Prior to joining Heaven Hill, Zinkel worked in several capacities for Palm Bay International, including Regional Chain Manager, Alaska/Washington Area Manager, Washington State Manager, and Illinois Off-Premise Field Sales Manager.  He also spent three years in Sales and Merchandising roles at Southern Wine & Spirits of Illinois.

“Travis’ industry knowledge and experience, specifically in the states of Alaska and Washington, will be a tremendous asset to the company,” said Steve Feller, Vice President of North American Sales for Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.  “We are thrilled to have him as the newest member of our Sales Force.”

Travis is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.B.A. in Marketing.  He resides in Seattle, WA with his family.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon.  Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

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CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com

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Opening of Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ Brings Bourbon Back to Louisville’s Whiskey Row

Kentucky Governor Beshear, Lt. Governor Abramson and Louisville Mayor Fischer help company officials cut the ceremonial ribbon and “bung off” the first Bourbon barrel.

LOUISVILLE, KY—The Bourbon industry returned to Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row tonight with the opening reception for Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Thursday November 14. The debut of the $10.5 million dollar artisanal distillery and immersive tourism experience was presided over by Kentucky Governor Beshear, Lieutenant Governor Abramson and Louisville Mayor Fischer. They joined Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira in cutting the ceremonial ribbon and hammering the bung in the first barrel of Bourbon produced on Whiskey Row, the historic district that was the center of whiskey commerce in the 19th century, since colonial times.

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.evanwilliamsbourbonexperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first commercial distiller and namesake of Heaven Hill’s flagship Bourbon brand. Heaven Hill Distilleries—the largest family owned and operated distilled spirits company in the country—have overseen the growth of Evan Williams to the second largest selling Bourbon in the United States and the world. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience was also officially named the 8th stop on the world famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, and the first in Louisville, at a ceremony in May.

Evan Williams, who also served as an early Trustee of the City of Louisville, served as wharfmaster, and built the first county clerk’s office and city jail, set up his early distillery in 1783 near what is now 6th and Main Streets in downtown Louisville—only steps from 528 West Main Street, where the new attraction is located.

The highlight of The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is a fully functioning, artisanal pot still distillery, viewable to visitors and capable of producing a range of American Whiskey types and styles. The gleaming copper pot stills are a modern version of the same type of equipment Evan Williams himself set up in his distillery along the Ohio River over 200 years ago.

The signature feature of The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is the façade of the building, which features a five story high Evan Williams Bourbon bottle. The pouring bottle is reproduced as window graphics in the top three floors, but becomes three dimensional in the two lower floors as the neck of the bottle and a nearly 1500 gallon lowball glass in the lobby form a flowing “Bourbon fountain.”

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience offers guests guided, immersive tours where they are brought back in time to see Evan Williams’ original distillery, high definition video recreations of the Louisville wharf and Main Street in the late 18th Century and recreations of Whiskey Row building facades along Main Street from the 1890’s through the present. A dioramic video wall display allows guests to see how Heaven Hill’s modern Bernheim Distillery operates and how it is different from those in Evan Williams’ era, and then visitors get to see a combination of the two—a state-of-the-art modern distillery using the same types of pot stills used in early Bourbon-making days.

Displays on warehouses and aging are also included, and guests of legal drinking age have the opportunity to enjoy a tutored tasting of premium Bourbons in two different themed tasting rooms. One of these tasting rooms is modeled after the interior of the Philip Hollenbach Co. Whiskey Distributor that occupied the building prior to Heaven Hill’s acquisition over 70 years ago. In addition, a large retail area will offer a range of Evan Williams branded merchandise, specialty food products, and a number of Heaven Hill’s premium Bourbons and American Whiskeys for sale to the public. Finally, a “speakeasy” themed space in the lower level, accessible through a faux safe door in the wall, will be available for special paid tours, as well as public rental for special functions.

“Heaven Hill Distilleries is proud to be bringing the Bourbon industry back to Louisville’s Whiskey Row, and to be bringing the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to Louisville, with the opening of the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience,” stated Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira. “We are confident that our historically significant location, the quality of the visitor experience, and the ascendance of Evan Williams as the nation’s and world’s second-largest selling Bourbon brand will make this facility a significant new addition to downtown Louisville’s attractions.”

In helping the dedicate the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, which is expected to attract over 110,000 visitors in its first year and has created 17 full time jobs, Governor Beshear noted that “Kentucky is already well-known for its rich Bourbon tradition, and this newest stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail will only enhance that legacy. Bourbon is a big business, but more than industry, Bourbon is a culture, a history and a heritage built by generations of Kentuckians. I’m very excited to see this tradition grow.”

“This is a landmark day for Louisville and a tremendous milestone in the growth of our legendary Bourbon industry,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “Having an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is central to our tourism efforts and our partnership with the historic distilleries that make up this popular adventure. We are honored that Heaven Hill and the Shapira family have chosen to make this important investment downtown and helped spark the revitalization of our famed Whiskey Row.”

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, which officially opens its doors to the public at 10:00 am on Friday, November 15th, will be open Mondays through Saturdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Tours last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and include a historical tour, viewing of the artisanal still and a guided tasting of two premium Bourbons, including Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage and Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch. The admission fee for adults aged 21 and over is $12, with reduced rates for groups, active military and accompanied minors.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail (www.kybourbontrail.com), which includes Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center® in Bardstown, takes visitors through the heart of the Bluegrass and a stop in on the state’s distilleries. Guests experience the bourbon making process, view the facilities and amazingly beautiful surrounding landscapes, and stick around for an after-tour bourbon tasting. More than 2.5 million people have visited Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries in the past five years, including more than a half-million guests in 2012.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky. Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

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Cutline: Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and Kentucky Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson cut the ceremonial ribbon for the opening the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Downtown Louisville, Ky. The $10.5 million Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.evanwilliamsbourbonexperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first commercial distiller and namesake of Heaven Hill’s flagship Bourbon brand. Heaven Hill Distilleries—the largest family owned and operated distilled spirits company in the country—have overseen the growth of Evan Williams to the second largest selling Bourbon in the United States and the world. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience was officially named the 8th stop on the world famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, and the first in Louisville, at a ceremony in May.

CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Trade Relations
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Appoints Randy Strand as Indiana Regional Manager

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has named Randy Strand as Indiana Regional Manager. In this role, Strand will be responsible for managing the sales, distribution, and merchandising goals for the Heaven Hill portfolio.  He will report to John Smart, Central Division Manager.

Strand joins Heaven Hill with more than 30 years of experience in the spirits industry.  Previously, he was Regional Manager for Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits.  He has also worked in similar positions with Joseph E. Seagram & Sons and Schieffelin & Sommerset.

“Randy has an extensive background in our industry,” said Steve Feller, Vice President, North American Sales.  “We are pleased to have someone with Randy’s experience joining our team.”

Strand is a graduate of Michigan State University.  He resides in Indianapolis.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon.  Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”
 
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CONTACT: 
Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com 

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Rachel Machkowsky Named Heaven Hill Distilleries Northeast Area Manager

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries is pleased to announce the promotion of Rachel Machkowsky to the position of Northeast Area Manager.  She previously held the position of Boston On-Premise Area Manager.

In her new position, Machkowsky will be responsible for the execution of Heaven Hill brand strategies in partnership with the wholesalers in the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.  Machkowsky will continue to report to Charles Yarman, the Northeast Regional Manager.

“Rachel has done an outstanding job as the On-Premise Area Manager in Boston and we are thrilled that she is going to take that same level of passion, commitment, and execution to the entire Northeast Region,” said Steve Feller, Vice President Sales, North America.

Machkowsky has been with Heaven Hill since July of 2007.  She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Westfield State College.  She resides in the Boston, MA area.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

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CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com

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7th Edition of annual super-premium release will earmark $20 per bottle for ALS research and patient care in honor of Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam

BARDSTOWN, KY—For Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the fall release of the annual Parker’s Heritage Collection bottling is always a labor of love, but this year’s release could more accurately be described as a labor for love.

Heaven Hill Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam, who has recently been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease), and for whom the acclaimed series is named, has selected special barrels of Bourbon for this year’s edition that mirror his own personal preference for age, proof and warehouse location. Called the “Promise of Hope” bottling, this seventh in the acclaimed series will feature a remarkable cause-related component—for each bottle of the “Promise of Hope” edition sold, Heaven Hill will contribute $20 to the Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund, a fund established through the ALS Association in honor of the legendary 6th Generation Master Distiller (www.alsa.org/ParkerBeamPromiseofHope). Heaven Hill is estimating the overall contribution to the Promise of Hope Fund will be in excess of $250,000.

In addition to being the first cause-related bottling in the Parker’s Heritage Collection series, the Promise of Hope bottling will mark the first time that a single barrel American Whiskey has been offered in the collection. Parker Beam, a past recipient of Whisky Advocate’s Lifetime Achievement Award and a charter member of the Bourbon Hall of Fame who is in his 53rd year at Heaven Hill, painstakingly sampled and selected Bourbon barrels that met his own personal “wish list” criteria. From among Heaven Hill’s nearly one million barrels in storage, Parker selected approximately 100 barrels of ten-year-old rye-based Bourbon from one of his favorite warehouses, the tiered 80-year-old Rickhouse EE in Deatsville, where they sat in high storage for 40 seasons. Each of the chosen barrels was dumped and bottled, with no chill-filtering, in 750ml bottles at Parker’s preferred bottling proof of 96° (48% alcohol/volume). The 7th Edition Parker’s Heritage Collection Promise of Hope will be available on select retail shelves and at fine bars and restaurants nationwide starting in mid-September at an average retail price of $90 for the 750ml bottle.

This year’s release of Parker’s Heritage Collection promises to be a worthy successor to the previous six releases, which, having won multiple awards from Whisky Advocate Magazine (formerly Malt Advocate Magazine), Whisky Magazine and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, stand as some of the most critically lauded American Whiskeys in recent memory. Past bottlings have won awards ranging from “Best North American Whiskey” to “American Whiskey of the Year” to “Best of Show, Brown Spirits.”

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous six editions, the Parker’s Heritage Collection Promise of Hope bottling is part of a number of cause-related efforts Heaven Hill and Parker Beam have recently taken on to help in the fight against ALS, a neurological disease which affects approximately 30,000 Americans at any time. Also part of this effort is the recently announced Master Distillers’ Unity, a special crystal two bottle set of Bourbon from all the major Kentucky heritage distilleries blended together which will be offered at the Bonham’s Whisky, Cognac and Rare Spirits auction in New York City on October 13th. All proceeds from the auction of this one-time bottling will also go toward the Promise of Hope Fund.

“I, my wife Linda, my son Craig and all my family are honored and enthusiastic about our efforts toward helping those affected by ALS”, stated Parker Beam, “and the new Promise of Hope edition of my Parker’s Heritage Collection represents a great way for Bourbon fans and even novices to enjoy a great single barrel Bourbon while helping make a real difference in the fight against ALS. I enjoyed developing the profile and selecting these barrels that represent ‘my favorite things’ in a Bourbon, and I feel sure that anyone who purchases a bottle will get an outstanding single barrel Bourbon and the satisfaction of knowing they are helping with this worthy cause.”

The 2013 Parker’s Heritage Collection Promise of Hope is a very limited release, as all of the previous six editions have been, but Heaven Hill will be releasing more cases than in the past to maximize fund raising. And as always, once these are shipped from Bardstown, no more will be available.

About Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky. Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

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New 21-Year-Old version to replace sold-out Elijah Craig 20-Year-Old Single Barrel

BARDSTOWN, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, announces a new limited edition release of Elijah Craig 21-Year-Old Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.  Heaven Hill, who holds the world’s second largest inventory of Bourbon and the most “extra-aged” barrels of any distillery in its rickhouses, will be offering the new 21-Year-Old bottling of Elijah Craig Single Barrel in limited quantities to selected markets across the country on a one-time basis. It will begin shipping in mid-August and will hit retail shelves sometime in September. The new bottling follows up on the success of the sold-out Elijah Craig 20-Year-Old Single Barrel released in the Spring of last year, which was named “American Whiskey of the Year” by Whisky Advocate magazine.  The new 21-Year-Old bottling will retail for approximately $140 for the 750ml size, and like last year’s 20-Year-Old will be in limited distribution. 

The Elijah Craig 21-Year-Old Single Barrel will be a worthy successor to the critically acclaimed 20-Year-Old bottling, which was also named #3 in F. Paul Pacult’s prestigious “2013 Spirit Journal World’s Top 120 Spirits”.  The new bottling shares much of its packaging with its predecessor, including the familiar flask shaped Elijah Craig Single Barrel 750ml bottle and cork closure with a marbled capsule.  Instead of the bronze label of the 20-Year-Old, this year’s 21-Year-Old will have a blue label, with the 21 year age statement prominently featured in reverse white and gold type in the center.  As with all previous editions of Elijah Craig Single Barrel, there will be space on the back label where the specific barrel number and “barreled on” date will be hand written.  The new Elijah Craig 21-Year-Old will be available in a three bottle case of 750ml bottles, at its traditional 90 proof (45% alcohol by volume) strength.

 “With the success we have had with the Elijah Craig 20-Year-Old Single Barrel, and the 18-Year-Old before that, we are really looking forward to the release of this new 21-Year-Old bottling,” noted Heaven Hill’s 7^th generation Master Distiller Craig Beam.  “A number of years ago we carefully identified several hundred barrels that are at middle to high storage in our best rickhouses, and these are the source for this very special 21-Year-Old and for future Elijah Craig Single Barrel editions. These are some of the best older barrels of traditional rye-based Bourbon we have in our inventory.”

Aside from the recent honor from Whisky Advocate for the special 20-Year-Old, Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel has in the past won Double Gold Medal/Best Bourbon from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, “Top 50 Spirits” from Wine Enthusiast magazine, and a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge.

“We are very excited to be introducing another special limited edition Elijah Craig Single Barrel into a broader market, at 21 years of age, albeit still in very limited quantities,” stated Heaven Hill Whiskey Portfolio Brand Manager Susan Wahl.  “This release, like the 20-Year-Old and 18-Year-Old Single Barrels, will take the consumer on a tasting journey of discovery that will motivate them to move up the line, from the more widely available 12-Year-Old Elijah Craig Small Batch on through these more aged, rarer bottlings.”

About Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

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CONTACT:  
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

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Second largest selling Kentucky Bourbon in the nation and the world strengthens tie in with professional bass fishing

BARDSTOWN, KY. – Evan Williams Bourbon, the second largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey both in the US and globally, and one of the top non-endemic sponsors of the Bassmaster Elite Series, announces that top anglers John Crews and Hank Cherry have joined Team Evan Williams for the 2013-2014 season.

Evan Williams, which has consistently seen the greatest year-on-year growth of any mid-tier high volume Bourbon brand, began its involvement with professional bass fishing in 2003 through a sponsorship agreement with BASS, and the next year began sponsoring its first Bassmaster Elite Series pro.  Evan Williams has steadily increased their stake in Bassmaster, which includes the  Elite Series, Opens and BASS Nation, and is now the title sponsor of two Elite Series events: The Evan Williams Bourbon Showdown on the St. Lawrence River in upstate New York and the Evan Williams Bourbon All-Star Championship in Muskegon, Michigan.

Joining Team Evan Williams will be John Crews, who throughout 13 years as a professional has fished several tournament trails, most notably the Bassmaster Elite Series. Currently ranked among the top 20 anglers in the world, John is a seven- time Bassmaster Classic qualifier and and has placed 3rd in two Elite Series events so far this year.  He has 17 top ten Elite Series finishes, and hails from Salem, VA.

Also coming on board Team Evan Williams for the upcoming season will be North Carolina native Hank Cherry, who is new to the Bassmaster Elite Series, but is having a breakout rookie season in 2013. After winning the Southern Open on Lewis Smith Lake, AL in 2012, Hank qualified for the coveted Bassmaster Classic on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in Tulsa, OK where he placed 3rd. He is also currently ranked among the top 25 anglers in the world and  has three top ten Elite Series finishes.

The brand will also have a presence at all the other events on the Bassmaster Elite Series and at the consumer exposition shows that accompany all of the fishing tournaments, including next year’s Bassmaster Classic in Birmingham, AL in February. 

 “Evan Williams has for a number of years made a significant investment in Bassmaster,” stated Susan Wahl, Senior Brand Manager at Heaven Hill.  “The consumer demographics are very positive towards Bourbon and it engenders real brand loyalty, especially for a non-endemic sponsor such as us.  We are pleased to be adding John Crews and Hank Cherry as members of Team Evan Williams and anticipate them appearing often on the weigh-in stage in their Evan Williams logoed uniforms.”   

About Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Named after Kentucky’s First Commercial Distiller of 1783, Evan Williams Bourbon—at an average national retail price of $13.99 for the 750ml size—is a two time “Best Buy Whiskey of the Year” from Whisky Advocate Magazine and a Gold Medalist at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  It is produced according to a traditional 200 year old recipe by Heaven Hill’s father and son Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam.  Bottled at 86 proof (43% alcohol by volume), Evan Williams is available in 1.75 liter, 1.0 liter, 750ml, 375ml, 200ml, 100ml and 50ml bottle sizes.

To further the brand’s consumer awareness and take advantage of the huge increase in Bourbon tourism and interest in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, Heaven Hill is opening the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience this Fall. Featuring an immersive visitor experience that takes guests back to Evan Williams’ distillery on the banks of the Ohio, which was established over 200 years ago just across Louisville’s Main Street from where the facility will be located, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience will include an artisanal distillery and guided tours and tastings.

About Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

CONTACT:  
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

To download images from this press release, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at http://connect.heavenhill.com  and enter the username and password below.

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Bolder and more contemporary look given to both standard and Single Barrel varieties

BARDSTOWN, KY. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independently owned and operated distilled spirits producer and the world’s second largest holder of aging Bourbon, announced the launch of new packaging for both Henry McKenna Bourbon and Henry McKenna Bottled-In-Bond Single Barrel Bourbon.  The graphically bolder and more modern looking label updates are occurring as Heaven Hill expands distribution of both bottlings.

Henry McKenna, which has been a top selling Bourbon in the middle Atlantic states for many years, is named for the pioneer who brought his family’s whiskey recipe with him from Ireland in 1837 and founded his U.S. distillery in Fairfield, Kentucky in 1855.  The brand was sold to the Seagram Company in 1941, and then subsequently to Heaven Hill Distilleries.  Heaven Hill launched the Henry McKenna Single Barrel line extension in 1994, and to this day it remains the only extra aged (10 years) Bottled-In-Bond Single Barrel Bourbon available.

The standard 80 proof bottling, which has a national average retail price of $15.99 for the 750ml size, has a new neck, face and back label, as well as a new brown cap, and is offered in the new packaging in 1.75 liter, 1.0 liter, 750ml and 375ml sizes.  The new labels are a deep brown color with a subtle leather-like pattern behind them, with cream and tan accents and type.  The brand logotype has been updated with a more contemporary typeface and graphic treatment.  The face label features a cartouche with “Est. 1855” prominently displayed, along with a replica of Henry McKenna’s signature and “Sour Mash” reversed out of the brown field.  The neck wrap features the same logotype treatment and signature reproduction, while the new back label tells the story of young Henry McKenna’s emigration to the US and rise as a prominent Bourbon maker.

In addition, retail point of sale items reflecting the new look of Henry McKenna 80 proof have been created and are available to help retailers draw attention to the brand on the shelf or on the floor.

The new packaging for the Single Barrel 10 Year Old Bottled-In-Bond utilizes the same “Henry McKenna” logotype as the 80 proof bottling, but renders it in subtle cream against a deep green field with gold foil accents.  Commensurate with its status as a super-premium single barrel product, it features an antiqued strip stamp and a booklet neck hanger that tells the story of Henry McKenna, and explains the terms “single barrel” and “bottled-in-bond”.  The face label also graphically emphasizes the “Aged 10 Years” and “Since 1855” statements, and has an area where the specific barrel number and “barreled on” date for each bottle is hand-written.  The Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bottled-In-Bond carries a national average retail price of $29.99 for the 750ml, the only available size.

Henry McKenna Single Barrel has benefited from being part of Heaven Hill’s full barrel program, whereby retailers or on-premise accounts can taste, select and purchase a full barrel of Bourbon and receive bottles personalized with their name and/or logo.  Participation in the full barrel program has resulted in dramatic increases in awareness and distribution of Henry McKenna Single Barrel.          

About Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

CONTACT:  
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

To download images from this press release, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at http://connect.heavenhill.com  and enter the username and password below.

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Second largest selling Kentucky Bourbon in the nation and the world to continue mercurial growth using all elements of marketing mix

BARDSTOWN, KY. – Evan Williams Bourbon, the second largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey both in the US and globally, is announcing aggressive new advertising and promotional campaigns for 2013-2014.  Evan Williams is the flagship Bourbon brand of Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independently owned and operated distilled spirits producer and the world’s second largest holder of aging Bourbon.

Evan Williams, which has consistently seen the greatest year-on-year growth of any mid-tier high volume Bourbon brand, will be increasing its presence in key marketing channels: print, broadcast and digital advertising; sponsorships; social media; and on and off-premise point of sale and display materials.  All of these marketing initiatives will utilize a new positioning for Evan Williams—“Seriously Good Bourbon”—which underscores not only the product quality but also the high esteem with which Evan Williams consumers view their brand of choice, according to extensive consumer research.

Advertising has been an important part of the marketing mix for Evan Williams for over a decade, featuring an aggressive campaign that has utilized national consumer magazines with increasing use of cable television and digital media.  For 2013-2014, a targeted campaign in print media such as Maxim, Playboy, Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated and ESPN The Magazine will be augmented by national cable television ads on ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN Classic, The Outdoor Channel and Fox Sports Networks. The cable buy will feature both traditional 15 and 30 second advertisements with in-show and studio mentions and logo placements.  Evan Williams will also be roughly doubling its budget for social media marketing, focusing mainly on the brand’s popular Facebook presence.

Evan Williams will continue its long time premier sponsorship of Bassmaster, which includes the  Elite Series, Opens and B.A.S.S. Nation including sponsorship of two top anglers, John Crews and Hank Cherry, as well as title sponsorship of The Evan Williams Bourbon Showdown on the St. Lawrence River in upstate New York and the Evan Williams Bourbon All-Star Championship in Muskegon, Michigan.  The brand will also have a presence at all the other events on the Bassmaster Elite Series and at the consumer exposition shows that accompany all of the fishing tournaments, including next year’s Bassmaster Classic in Birmingham, AL in February. 

Evan Williams and Championship Bull Riding (CBR) have been working together for several years.  Evan Williams is prominently featured as the sponsor of the bullfighters, the costumed personnel who protect the bull riders, outfitting them in Evan Williams logoed uniforms.  Since the bullfighters are in the ring for every ride, they give the Evan Williams brand a constant and highly visible presence for both the event attendees and the millions who watch on FSN Network.  The CBR sponsorship also includes full page advertising in The Short Round, which is CBR’s quarterly print magazine, as well as CBR social media inclusions and branding throughout the host arenas.

Heaven Hill has created new advertising and point of sale materials for Evan Williams, all centered around the tag line “Seriously Good Bourbon”.  To help retailers build attention getting floor displays, Heaven Hill is offering case cards, signs, branded floor racks and mass displays, as well as shelf pieces and window clings.  For on-premise accounts, a full arsenal of logoed bar top materials, wait staff items and table tents are available.

“As the Evan Williams brand continues to grow in both volume and critical and consumer acclaim, we have likewise stepped up with a fully integrated and broad advertising and promotional campaign that is commensurate with the brand’s stature as the number two selling Bourbon in the US and the world,” stated Susan Wahl, Senior Brand Manager at Heaven Hill.  “We feel that our new ‘Seriously Good Bourbon’ campaign hits both rational and emotional chords for our current customers and for new and competitive users, and is effectively executed across a number of relevant channels”   

Named after Kentucky’s First Commercial Distiller of 1783, Evan Williams Bourbon—at an average national retail price of $13.99 for the 750ml size—is a two time “Best Buy Whiskey of the Year” from Whisky Advocate Magazine and a Gold Medalist at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  It is produced according to a traditional 200 year old recipe by Heaven Hill’s father and son Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam.  Bottled at 86 proof (43% alcohol by volume), Evan Williams is available in 1.75 liter, 1.0 liter, 750ml, 375ml, 200ml, 100ml and 50ml bottle sizes.

To further the brand’s consumer awareness and take advantage of the huge increase in Bourbon tourism and interest in the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, Heaven Hill is opening the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience this Fall. Featuring an immersive visitor experience that takes guests back to Evan Williams’ distillery on the banks of the Ohio, which was established over 200 years ago just across Louisville’s Main Street from where the facility will be located, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience will include an artisanal distillery and guided tours and tastings.

About Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

CONTACT:  
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

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“Master Distillers’ Unity” one time charity bottling will include Bourbon from every major distillery to raise funds for the ALS Association’s “Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund’.

BARDSTOWN, KY. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independently owned and operated distilled spirits producer and the world’s second largest holders of aging Bourbon, announced a new and unprecedented project to raise funds for The ALS Association in honor of legendary Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, who was recently diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), or Lou Gehrig’s Disease.  Called “Master Distillers’ Unity” the project will create a never before seen blending of Bourbon from all the major Kentucky heritage distilleries in a special crystal two bottle set, which will be offered at the Bonham’s Whisky, Cognac and Rare Spirits auction in New York City on October 13^th.  All proceeds from the auction of this one-time bottling will go toward the Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund (alsa.org/parkerbeampromiseofhope), established to raise money for research and patient care by The ALS Association in honor of the 6^th Generation Master Distiller of such renowned  Bourbon brands as Evan Williams, Elijah Craig and Larceny.

Never before have all the major Kentucky Bourbon Distilleries—Heaven Hill, Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve—united to marry their products together.  Since announcing that Lifetime Achievement Award Winner and Bourbon Hall of Fame charter member Parker Beam was afflicted with ALS back in February, Heaven Hill has begun a series of initiatives to raise money for the Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund, and the Master Distillers’ Unity charity bottling is only one example of that effort. 

Master Distillers’ Unity is comprised of barrel-proof, extra aged Bourbons hand selected by Master Distillers Harlen Wheatley (Buffalo Trace), Jim Rutledge (Four Roses), Fred Noe (Jim Beam), Greg Davis (Maker’s Mark), Jimmy Russell (Wild Turkey) and Chris Morris (Woodford Reserve), carefully married together with select Heaven Hill Bourbon.  The blend was developed and approved by Parker Beam himself.  The end result will be put into two 750ml crystal decanters with silver closures, concealed inside a specially made silk lined wooden box hand signed by all the participating Master Distillers, and bottled unprocessed and unfiltered at 100 proof.  A two bottle set will be offered—one to drink, should the winning bidder so choose, and one to keep. 

Conceived as a way to demonstrate the industry’s united support against ALS and for 54 year veteran Parker Beam, Master Distillers’ Unity represents a coming together not only of the major Bourbon distilleries, but also partners like Saxco Industries, Walsen International and Promotional Wood Products, who have donated the high-end packaging materials; and Bonham’s 1793 Auction House, who has agreed to waive all commissions on the Master Distillers’ Unity offering.

Aside from the charity auction winner, the only consumers lucky enough to taste this one-of-a-kind Bourbon will be attendees at a special tribute to Parker Beam during Whisky Advocate magazine’s WhiskyFest New York on Saturday, October 12^th—the day before the Bonham’s auction event.  At the WhiskyFest tribute, an additional ten 750ml bottles of the Master Distillers’ Unity will be poured out for ticket holders, other Master Distillers and industry figures in a toast to Parker Beam and his half century of accomplishments at Heaven Hill. 

One final component of Heaven Hill’s fundraising initiatives for The ALS Association and the Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund, and perhaps the most financially impactful, will be this Fall’s edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection, Heaven Hill’s seventh release of this annual ultra-premium limited edition series.  Thought the specific details of the Fall 2013 Parker’s Heritage Collection will be released separately, Heaven Hill has already announced that for every bottle of the upcoming seventh edition, the company will donate $20 to the ALS Association Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund, a move which will raise at least $250,000. 

“Parker Beam’s impact on Heaven Hill Distilleries, as well as the Bourbon industry in general, is beyond estimation,” noted Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira.  “We have already begun a number of different projects within the company to raise money for ALS research and care, including the upcoming Fall edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection, but the Master Distillers’ Unity initiative is perhaps the best single example of how our competing distilleries can come together for one of our own and join forces for a greater good.  We are proud to have spearheaded this effort and proud of how our industry can collaborate for a great cause”   

About Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

CONTACT:  
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

To download images from this press release, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at http://connect.heavenhill.com  and enter the username and password below.

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