Author: Heavenhill

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Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Elijah Craig Single Barrel Wins “Best Bourbon” at 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Family-owned distiller’s American Whiskeys win 2 Double Gold, 3 Gold and 4 Silver Medals at nation’s premier spirits tasting competition

BARDSTOWN, KY–With a haul rivaling that of the record-setting U.S. Winter Olympic Team, the American Whiskeys of Heaven Hill Distilleries claimed 9 medals at the recent 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, including “Best Bourbon” for the company’s Elijah Craig 18-year-old Single Barrel.

As today’s consumers broaden their tastes and begin to discover the full range of American Straight Whiskeys, it is significant to note that Heaven Hill, the largest independent family-owned and operated spirits company in the country, is also the only remaining distiller that produces all the major styles of American Straight Whiskey–Bourbon, Rye, Corn and Wheat Whiskeys.  And equally significant is the fact that in this competition Heaven Hill won Gold Medals for their Elijah Craig, Evan Williams Single Barrel and Parker’s Heritage Collection Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; their Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey; their Mellow Corn Straight Corn Whiskey; and a Silver Medal for their Bernheim Original Straight Wheat Whiskey.

In capturing “Best Bourbon, Double Gold Medal”, Elijah Craig 18-year-old Single Barrel was named a Gold Medalist on every judge’s ballot, thereby qualifying it as a Double Gold Medalist, and it was then voted best among the other Bourbon category Double Gold Medalists.  Elijah Craig adds the “Best Bourbon” title from San Francisco to a track record that includes a Double Gold and Gold Medals at previous San Francisco competitions, a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge, and a “Five Star/Highest Recommendation” from renowned spirits critic F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal.

It is also the fourth time Heaven Hill’s American Whiskeys have captured a “Best of” title in San Francisco, having won “Top North American Whiskey Trophy” with Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond Rye Whiskey in 2006, and “Best Rye Whiskey” with Rittenhouse 23-Year-Old Single Barrel Rye Whiskey in 2008 and “Best of Show, Brown Spirits” with Parker’s Heritage Collection 27-year-old Bourbon in 2009.

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the most influential and respected spirits competition in the world. Celebrating its tenth year, the 2010 Competition was the biggest in its history. 30 judges gathered at the Hotel Nikko in downtown San Francisco on March 13th and 14th to reward spirits excellence by evaluating 1,024 different spirits from 57 countries. These judging panels were comprised of spirits experts from noted restaurants and hotels, well-known spirits journalists from major national media, spirits buyers for large purveyors, and spirits consultants. Judging was based on a blind, consensual procedure, ensuring competitive integrity as it remains the most recognized competition in the spirits industry.  To learn more about the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, visit www.sfspiritscomp.com.

In addition to the top showing by Elijah Craig 18-year-old Single Barrel Bourbon, Heaven Hill took another Double Gold Medal for Evan Williams Single Barrel 1999 Vintage Bourbon, and Gold Medals for Rittenhouse 25-year-old Single Barrel Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection “Golden Anniversary” Bourbon, and Mellow Corn Bottled-in-Bond Corn Whiskey.  Heaven Hill, the nation’s second largest holder of aging American Whiskey, also captured Silver Medals for Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey, Evan Williams Single Barrel 2000 Vintage Bourbon, Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond Rye, and Evan Williams Honey Reserve Kentucky Liqueur.

“We have always taken great pride in our heritage of producing the finest American Whiskeys, dating back to our company’s founding after Prohibition ended,” noted Heaven Hill Distilleries president Max L. Shapira.  “Our father and son team of Master Distillers, Parker and Craig Beam, bring 7 generations of expertise that shows in all of our Bourbons, Rye, Corn and now Wheat Whiskeys.  We are pleased that others share in our opinion that Heaven Hill American Whiskeys are unsurpassed not only in their variety, but in their quality.”

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 The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

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

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Burnett’s Adds Fruit Punch to Flavored Vodka Line

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – The Burnett’s Flavored Vodka portfolio continues to expand with the addition of the 20th flavor – Fruit Punch.  The Flavored Vodka category continues to gain popularity and is one of the most vibrant category segments in the distilled spirits industry.

Since the introduction of its first flavor, Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas have grown to be one of the largest portfolios in the entire industry.  The franchise now includes 20 flavors – Blueberry, Cherry, Citrus, Coconut, Cranberry, Espresso, Grape, Lime, Mango, Orange, Peach, Pink Lemonade, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Sour Apple, Strawberry, Sweet Tea, Vanilla, Watermelon and now Fruit Punch.

“We have taken advantage of the great success and superior quality of Burnett’s Vodka and developed twenty unique flavors,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager.  “With the addition of Fruit Punch to the flavored vodka line, consumers can now enjoy the great taste of Burnett’s Vodka in a new and innovative way.”

The launch of the new flavor will be supported by POS for floor displays and shelf facings, as well as sales education materials.  The Burnett’s website, (www.burnettsvodka.com) will also provide information and appetizing drink recipes for all the flavors.

Burnett’s Fruit Punch Flavored Vodka is available in 1.75L, 1.0L, 750ml, and 50ml sizes, bottled at 35% alcohol by volume (70 proof).  The product is available for a suggested retail price of $9.99 for a 750ml.  Burnett’s Fruit Punch Flavored Vodka will be available nationally spring 2010.

Burnett’s is one of the leading franchises in the distilled spirits industry.  Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has been a regular Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” and Impact “Hot Brand” as one of the fastest growing products in the industry.  The entire line includes the regular 80 proof Vodka, an array of Flavored Vodkas, Gin, Rums, Ultras, and 100 proof varieties.

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 The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

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CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Corporate Communications Manager
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com

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Evan Williams Signs on to Become Official Bourbon of Championship Bull Riding

World’s Second Leading Selling Bourbon Reaches Partnership Agreement with CBR Nationwide Professional Bull Riding Tour

BARDSTOWN, KY—Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the second best selling Bourbon in the world, has signed a deal with Championship Bull Riding (CBR) to become the “Official Bourbon of the CBR”.  Evan Williams, a product of Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., is already a major sponsor of the BASS Elite Series and BASS Elite pro angler Jason Quinn, but is expanding their sponsorship dollars out into another sport that indexes particularly high against the Bourbon demographic—professional bull riding.

By becoming a major sponsor and the official Bourbon of the CBR, Evan Williams will enjoy exposure to attendees at more than 20 live events nationwide with over 100,000 fans in attendance, plus over 14 million viewers each year through primetime broadcast of CBR events on the Great American Country (GAC) cable network.  Evan Williams, which sold over a million 9-liter cases last year in the United States and internationally, will also enjoy display and sampling opportunities at CBR events.  CBR was founded by bull riding icon Tuff Hedeman in 2004 and bills itself as “The Real Cowboy Sport”, riding a wave of popularity for rodeo events and bull riding in particular.

“Given the high index of bull riding and rodeo sports against the Bourbon demographic audience, we feel that our sponsorship of the CBR and Evan Williams’ status as its official Bourbon will allow us to reach a large and growing audience in a relevant and targeted way,” noted Susan Wahl, Brand Manager for Evan Williams at Heaven Hill.  “With our sponsorship position in professional bass fishing already well-established, we feel that the CBR provides a great environment in which to promote Evan Williams to a different, but equally engaged audience.”

Evan Williams, named after Kentucky’s first distiller and a past winner of “Best Buy Whiskey of the Year” from Malt Advocate magazine, is produced according to a traditional 200 year old recipe by Heaven Hill’s father and son Master Distillers, Parker and Craig Beam.  In addition to its sponsorship of the BASS Elite Series and now CBR, Evan Williams runs a multi-million dollar full page advertising campaign in publications that consistently index highest against Bourbon drinkers, such as Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone, Maxim and Field & Stream.

“We are pleased to have reached a partnership agreement with a producer of such a high quality, uniquely American product,” stated Wes Bruce, CEO of Championship Bull Riding.  “We look forward to a long term relationship with Evan Williams Bourbon.”

About Evan Williams

Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (www.evanwilliams.com) is the world’s second-largest selling Bourbon, named after Kentucky’s first distiller from 1783.  It is produced by Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) and made under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s father and son Master Distillers, Parker and Craig Beam, who represent the sixth and seventh generations, respectively, of the most famous family in American Whiskey.  Along with Evan Williams, Heaven Hill has a diversified portfolio of brands that includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whisky; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

About CBR

Led by bull riding icon, Tuff Hedeman, Championship Bull Riding, Inc. (CBR) is a nationwide professional bull riding tour which airs primetime every week on GAC with over 14 million viewers each year and logging over 300 hours of television annually since 2004.  Every CBR Tour features a two hour show and an adrenaline rush with more than 20 events and over 100,000 fans in live attendance. CBR is home of the REAL COWBOY SPORT and the best bull riders and bulls in the world. We are committed to the riders, the fans, the sponsors, and all those involved in the professional bull riding industry and we live by the words Strength, Stamina, Integrity and Speed.  For more information on CBR, please visit www.CBRbull.com or call us at (817) 626-BULL.

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

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Parker’s Heritage Collection Golden Anniversary Bourbon named

Five decade Bourbon blend earns highest score ever given a Bourbon in annual Malt Advocate Whisky Awards

BARDSTOWN, KY–The Parker’s Heritage Collection Golden Anniversary Bourbon was awarded the highest honor when it was named “American Whiskey of the Year” in the 16th annual Malt Advocate Whisky Awards, given yearly by Malt Advocate Magazine publisher and editor John Hansell.

According to the organizers, “The Malt Advocate Whisky Awards exist to recognize excellence in the world of whisky. Now in their sixteenth year, these awards are the oldest and longest-running annual whisky awards program. They honor the world’s greatest whiskies and distilleries, and the individuals who make and promote them.”  In awarding the American Whiskey of the Year to Parker’s Heritage Collection Golden Anniversary Bourbon, the organizers praised it as “…a fabulous whiskey; seamless, incredibly complex, with an impeccable marriage of youth and maturity.”

With the awarding of Malt Advocate’s American Whiskey of the Year, the annual series of whiskeys bottled under the Parker’s Heritage Collection, while only in their third release, have already garnered two of the biggest available industry awards.  Last year’s second release, a 27-year-old Bourbon, was the first American Whiskey ever named “Best of Show, Brown Spirits” at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  The series is a limited edition collection of American Whiskeys, produced by Heaven Hill Distilleries, named for and honoring 6th generation Master Distiller Parker Beam.  This year’s Golden Anniversary edition commemorated Parker’s 50 years at Heaven Hill, the nation’s largest independent family owned and operated spirits producer and the world’s second largest holders of aging Bourbon, by marrying barrels from each decade of Parker’s 50 years with Heaven Hill.  The Golden Anniversary is available in limited quantities until next Fall, bottled at 100 proof and at a national average retail price of $150 for a 750ml bottle.

Malt Advocate also announced its worldwide “Top Ten New Whiskies for 2009”. This list included not only the Parker’s Golden Anniversary Bourbon, but also Heaven Hill’s Rittenhouse Very Rare 25-year-old Single Barrel Rye.

Hansell, one of the world’s leading authorities on whiskies/eys, specifically praised the Golden Anniversary bottling as “…a classic bourbon that’s very complex, yet very drinkable.”  In his review in Malt Advocate Magazine, he scored the Bourbon as a 97 out of 100 points, making the Parker’s Heritage Collection Golden Anniversary the highest rated American Whiskey ever in the publication’s nearly 20 year history.

“It’s quite an honor to win this award from John and Malt Advocate Magazine,” stated Parker Beam, a charter member of the Bourbon Hall of Fame.  “Just having this edition recognizing my 50 years at Heaven Hill was a thrill, and this just makes it more so.”

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 The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

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

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Names Jessica L. Butt Metro New York Sales Manager

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest, family-owned and operated marketer and producer of distilled spirits, announces the promotion of Jessica L. Butt to Metro New York Sales Manager.  Jessica, who previously held the position of Metro New York On-Premise Market Manager for the past three years, will expand her activity to include all facets of managing the Heaven Hill brand portfolio, both on- and off-premise, in Metro New York.  Jessica will continue to report to Edward J. DiMuro, New York Region Sales Manager.

“Jessica has forged strong relationships with all the key on-premise owners and mixologists, and through the unique nature of the Metro New York market, has also worked with many of the key New York City retailers,” said Director of North American Sales, Steve Feller.   “Expanding her responsibilities to include both off- and on-premise was a clear opportunity to build on our already strong presence in this bellwether market.”

Jessica joined Heaven Hill after a successful career at the Hart Agency, an on- and off-premise promotions company based out of New York City.  Jessica, who is originally from Massapequa, NY, graduated as a member of the Dean’s List from Towson University in 2006 with a major in Mass Communications.  She currently resides in Massapequa, New York.

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 The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Corporate Communications Director
502-413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

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Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum now available

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum is now available from Heaven Hill Distilleries.  Blackheart is a high-proof spiced rum that embodies an edgy, hip lifestyle with a unique brand story.

Blackheart Rum is named for the sultry seductress of the high seas.  Blackheart is bold and bawdy, cunning and cutthroat, sexy and seductive and left a trail of broken hearts wherever she traveled – that is how she came to be known as Blackheart. This is her rum. 

“With the strength of the rum category, we recognized a great opportunity to deliver a product with a really engaging story,” said Brittany Blevins, Blackheart Brand Manager.  “The core target for this rum embodies the rebellious nature of the Blackheart Rum.  As the high-proof segment of the category grows, we believe Blackheart will be ideally positioned.”

Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum is available in 750ml and 50ml sizes and bottled at 46.5 percent alcohol by volume (93 proof).  The depiction of the infamous Blackheart character is reminiscent of historic pin-up girl artwork.  Her seductive pirate attire is a reflection of the rum’s sassy attitude.  Collectively, the bottle, label art and marketing appeal to a new generation of rum drinkers.  

Available nationally, brand support consists of a comprehensive marketing plan that includes on-and off-premise point-of-sale materials, website (www.blackheartrum.com), and social media activities that embody the brand tagline “Seduction in a Bottle.”

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 The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

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CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Corporate Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
502-413-0220
jhafer@heavenhill.com

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Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. hires American Whiskey Brand Ambassador

BARDSTOWN, (Ky.) – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has hired Rob Hutchins as American Whiskey Brand Ambassador, supporting the sales and marketing efforts of its portfolio of award-winning specialty whiskey brands.

In his new role, Hutchins will be responsible for the development and implementation of a fully integrated national program to continue to enhance the profile of the Heaven Hill specialty American Whiskeys among both consumers and trade.  In addition, he will educate these parties on history, production, laws and standards of the products in the Heaven Hill Whiskey family.  He will be concentrating on Heaven Hill’s specialty bourbons including Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage, Elijah Craig, and Parker’s Heritage Collection as well as the critically acclaimed Rittenhouse Rye, and Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey.  Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey portfolio was just recognized with a second consecutive “Distiller of the Year” award in Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky North America competition.

Before joining Heaven Hill, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated, marketer and producer of distilled spirits, Hutchins spent 14 years in the industry with both the wholesale and supplier tiers.  Most recently he implemented special training and educational programs with consumers and trade.

“Rob brings a tremendous amount of industry experience and will be an integral part of formulating and implementing our American Whiskey Brand Ambassador program,” noted Steve Feller, Director, North American Sales for Heaven Hill Distilleries. “Having someone of his knowledge in the market to educate consumers and both on- and off-premise trade, will be a great asset as we continue to grow our portfolio of world-renowned American Whiskeys.” 

Originally from Danville, Ky., Hutchins graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Kentucky.  He will reside full time in Louisville, Ky.

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 The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, and Lunazul Tequila.

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

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Captures “U.S. Whisky Distiller Of The Year” for the Second Consecutive Year at Whisky Magazine’s 2009 U.S. Icons of Whisky Presentations

America’s Largest Independent Family-Owned and Operated Distilled Spirits Company is the First to Win the Award in Back-to-Back Years

LOUISVILLE, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned and operated distilled spirits producer and marketer, was voted the best distiller in the United States for the second consecutive time during the presentation of Whisky Magazine’s U.S. Icons of Whisky America on November 11th in Louisville.  The Icons of Whisky “celebrate the people and places behind the greatest whiskies in the world,” according to the organizers, with the judging process taking place in regional heats including the U.S., Scotland, and Rest of the World.  The American winners will now go head-to-head with Scotland and Rest of the World winners, with the final World Icons being announced at a ceremony on the eve of Whisky Live London on February 25th.

In awarding “Distiller of the Year”, Whisky Magazine Editor Rob Allanson lauded Heaven Hill Distilleries for “quietly getting on with the job and releasing some stunning whiskies.”   Heaven Hill was also awarded the same honor last year, marking the first time a distillery has won the award in consecutive years           

The Bardstown-based company, the world’s second-largest holder of aging American Whiskey, produces such critically acclaimed brands as Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon, Elijah Craig Bourbon, Rittenhouse Rye, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey and the Parker’s Heritage Collection of American Whiskeys, all crafted under the watchful eyes of sixth and seventh generation Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam. 

Heaven Hill was also awarded “U.S. Visitor’s Attraction of the Year” last year for their Bourbon Heritage Center, which upon its opening in October of 2004 immediately raised the bar for all other hospitality facilities along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  Heaven Hill went on to capture the worldwide “Visitor’s Attraction of the Year” award, beating out distilleries from America, Scotland, Ireland and Japan.

“It is a major honor to win this U.S. Distiller of the Year award, and to win it twice in a row is indeed affirmation that our commitment to the American Whiskey category is being recognized at the highest levels,” stated Heaven Hill Distilleries President Max L. Shapira.  “As the only remaining distiller that produces all the unique styles of American Straight Whiskey–bourbon, rye, wheat whiskey, and corn whiskey–we take great pride in this recognition and award from Whisky Magazine.  On behalf of my family, of Parker and Craig Beam, and all of our Heaven Hill employees, we are most humbled by and appreciative for this honor.”

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 The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, and Lunazul Tequila.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

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

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Evan Williams Single Barrel 2000 Vintage Bourbon Debuts in New Packaging

Five-time “Whiskey of the Year” winner to launch milestone latest edition with updated labeling

BARDSTOWN, KY—Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage, the world’s only vintage-dated single barrel Bourbon and one of the most critically-acclaimed American Whiskeys available, announces the release of the newest milestone 2000 Vintage—packaged with a striking new label.  Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the second-largest holders of aging American Whiskey in the world and producer of the Evan Williams range of Bourbons, has updated the packaging for the Single Barrel Vintage bottling to better align the look with the flagship Evan Williams Black Label, the world’s second-leading selling Kentucky Bourbon. 

Every year, typically beginning in January, Heaven Hill releases a new and highly anticipated vintage of Evan Williams Single Barrel.  The world-renowned Bourbon has garnered many prestigious awards, including “Spirit of the Year – American Whiskey” from Food & Wine; “Domestic Whiskey of the Year” from Malt Advocate; and “Whiskey of the Year” from The Spirit Journal, the first Bourbon upon which the publication has bestowed this prestigious title.  As with the previous 14 vintages, all of which are now highly sought after collector’s items, each bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel 2000 Vintage Bourbon is marked with the exact date that it was placed in oak and bottled, in addition to the exact serial number of the single barrel from which it was drawn.

The 86.6 proof Bourbon is matured in natural open-rick warehouses under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s father and son Master Distillers, Parker and Craig Beam, who monitor the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality.  The 2000 Vintage will be available nationally beginning in November 2009 at an average retail price of $25.99 for a 750 ml bottle, leading one noted spirits publication to confess, “Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon may be the best value of any whiskey, anywhere.” 

The 2000 Vintage is shipping earlier than any of the previous 14 new vintages, due to strong consumer demand and the stringent quality standards for the super-premium Bourbon.  “We have dumped and individually bottled over 700 ‘honey barrels’ for the 1999 vintage, more than any other prior year, and we feel like we need to switch over to the next vintage a bit earlier than in the past to account for the growing demand,” explained 6th generation Master Distiller Parker Beam.

The new 2000 vintage will also have a distinctive new look.  The labeling, which has remained the same over the prior 14 vintages, is being updated to refresh the package and to graphically tie more strongly into the equity of the Evan Williams family logo, which adorns the second largest selling Bourbon in the United States and the world.  The new packaging utilizes the same elegant bulb-neck bottle as in the past, but the familiar deckled-edge parchment label carrying the “Single Barrel Vintage” branding and “Put in Oak” date seal now has a bold black Evan Williams logotype transecting it.   The back label, which carries hand-written designation of the barrel number, barreling date and bottling date, will remain largely the same, as will the familiar cork and black wax closure. 

The new Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage bottling is traditionally debuted at a stylish “Vintage Unveiling” event for several hundred members of Heaven Hill’s Bardstown Whiskey Society and a select group of whiskey writers, and this year that tradition continued.  On October 24, at the historic Henry Clay Building in Louisville, Society members and select whiskey writers got the opportunity to taste Barrel #1 of the new release straight from the oak cask, brought up from Rickhouse X in Bardstown where it has quietly matured on the top floor since March of 2000.  They also had the opportunity to sample the fine Bourbon reduced to bottling strength of 86.6 proof.  

Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) has a diversified portfolio of brands that includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça and Lunazul Tequila.

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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Whisk, Bake or Sauté Your Way to the 2010 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen with PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur

Call for Entries Begins October 15; Online Voting Begins November 16, Winner Announced January 16

NEW YORK (October 9. 2009) PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur has teamed up with FOOD & WINE Magazine to host the “Cooking with PAMA” Contest.  “PAMA is the perfect ingredient in any dish.  The bouquet is appealing, ripe, fruity and berry like and adds a sophisticated flavor to any dish,” said Reid M. Hafer, Senior Brand Manager for PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur.  “We are all more kitchen confident thanks to the popularity of great cooking programs on TV.  The nice thing about this contest is that the Grand Prize enables the winner to be part of the landscape food, wine and entertaining trends at the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen,” she continued.

Entrants are invited to submit an appetizer, entrée or dessert recipe using at least 3 TBSP of PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur through Facebook at www.facebook.com/pamaliqueur no later than November 15.  Entries must be accompanied by a photo of the dish.

From November 16 – December 15, fans can vote on Facebook for their favorite recipe.  The ten (10) entries receiving the greatest number of votes along with 10 entries selected by the PAMA Panel will be named Voter Finalists.  The twenty Finalists will be judged by Bravo’s Top Chef cheftestants, Spike Mendelsohn, Jeff McInnis and Lee Ann Wong, to determine the Grand Prize winner and three First Prize Winners.  All winners will be announced on January 16, 2010.  Official Rules are available at www.facebook.com/pamaliqueur.

PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur captures the essence of all natural pomegranates with their complex, sweet yet tart taste and seductive ruby color.  PAMA is made from all natural pomegranate juice, premium vodka and a touch of imported tequila.   It’s outstanding in popular cocktails such as the Martini, Cosmopolitan or Margarita. PAMA is bottled at 17% alcohol by volume and is available in 1.75L, 1.0L, 750ml, 375ml and 50ml sizes.

Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) has a diversified portfolio of brands that includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça and Lunazul Tequila.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

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