Bartender of the Year Chicago Finalist Kicks Off New Virtual Competition Format

Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com announce fifth finalist for 2020 “Bartender of the Year”

BARDSTOWN, KY – David Mor, Beverage Consultant and Founder of SPILL, was announced as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Chicago finalist for the 2020 Bartender of the Year Competition, winning $1,000.

The remainder of the 2020 Bartender of the Year semifinal competitions transitioned to a virtual format beginning with the Chicago regional. Competitors presented their drinks via live video stream and engaged in a Q&A period with the judges. The new format ensured competitors were still judged on the full breadth of hospitality expertise while also engaging directly with the judges. The virtual competition also ensured participants had the opportunity to learn from and interact with top industry experts while utilizing their craft during this difficult time.

Mor crafted the “Butch Queen” inspired by the ‘complex and thoughtful, yet approachable and fun’ aspects of the art of drag and how those parallel with his thoughts on the potential within the hospitality industry. Mor showcased this bold, rich flavor using Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey and Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur (see recipe at end of release).

“Butch Queen is a cocktail that I feel perfectly represents what I want hospitality to be more like. Drag queens possess an ability to feature and perform the multiple facets of the human condition. And isn’t that what a great drink should do?  Shouldn’t it be multi-faceted and provide truth to a spirit or ingredient?” said Mor. “As bartenders, we are in drag, whether we realize it or not.  We are a performative expression of ourselves, making great drinks for curious audience members. Butch Queen is a true representation of what inspires me; utilizing Rittenhouse Rye and Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur as the foundation of it, not only brings the drink to life, but provides it with all the power to pizazz.”

Lance Bowman, Beverage Director for Pilsen Yards and The Alderman in Chicago, won second place and $500. Mor and Bowman were joined by four other semifinalists as they competed virtually Thursday, Oct. 22. The three national Bartender of the Year judges completed the panel: Lynn House, National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist for Heaven Hill Brands, Jeffrey Morgenthaler, Author and Bar Manager of Clyde Tavern, and Joaquín Simó, Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons. Contestants’ skills and cocktails were scored on flavor, appearance, presentation, technical skills, use of sponsor brands, and adherence to judges’ guidelines.

More than 1,150 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning Sept. 15, 2019. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one rendition of a classic recipe, and one relating to an inspiration, along with a short description of how the cocktail represents a deep inspiration to their life. The top contestant from each region will go on to vie for the title of Bartender of the Year.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition in 2016 due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide and with a goal of supporting growth, education and awareness in the bartending community. Justin Ware of Night Shift in Houston was the 2019 Bartender of the Year and joined the ranks of esteemed past winners: Harrison Ginsberg was named Bartender of the Year in 2018, Nathan O’Neill was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Butch Queen
Crafted by David Mor

Ingredients:

  • Rittenhouse Rye (1.5 ounces)
  • Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur (.5 ounces)
  • Lustau Oloroso Sherry (.5 ounces)
  • Taro Root Juice (.5 ounces)
  • Cinnamon Syrup (.5 ounces)
  • Meyer Lemon Juice (.75 ounces)
  • Roasted Banana-Steeped Coconut Milk (1.5 ounces)

Taro Root Juice:  Peel fresh taro root and juice through extractor.

Cinnamon Syrup:  Steep cracked cinnamon sticks in hot water for 1 hour and combine in a 2:1 ratio of granulated sugar to water until fully dissolved.

Roasted Banana-Steeped Coconut Milk:  Roast whole, peeled bananas in oven for 10 minutes at 450 degrees Fahrenheit.  Steep roasted bananas in coconut milk for 2 hours at room temperature and fine-strain through chinois (lightly press bananas for more extraction).

Shake and strain to serve in a footed chalice over crushed ice with a whole lot of extra garnish – Mint Crowns, Cinnamon Sticks, Flowers, Manicured Ginger.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (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, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy and Burnett’s Vodkas; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; The Christian Brothers Brandies; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur.

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CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
(502) 413-0217
lcherry@heavenhill.com

To view and download more images from this release, click here.

Heaven Hill Brands Names Eric Hund Senior Vice President of US Sales

Eric Hund has been named Senior Vice President of US Sales for Heaven Hill Brands. In his new role, Hund will lead the sales activities for the award-winning and diverse Heaven Hill spirits portfolio.

Hund brings with him 25 years of spirits industry experience, having joined the company in 2016 as Vice President of Sales for the Deep Eddy Vodka Division.  Prior to joining the company, Hund was a Vice President of Sales at Republic National Distributing Company in Texas.

“Eric’s leadership and sales strategy expertise will set the course for the long-term success of our sales organization,” said Steve Feller, Chief Sales Officer. “We are fortunate to have his broad industry knowledge and team spirit at the helm of our sales team.”

Hund currently resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Diane and two sons. He is a proud graduate of the University of Texas in Austin.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week Presents an “Old Fashioned Cocktail Hour” with Chef Richard Blais in Partnership with PUNCH

Marquee event highlights inaugural celebration to raise up to $100,000 for Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation

Mark your calendars for Oct. 21 as Elijah Craig Bourbon delivers a Whiskey Wednesday to lift spirits as part of the inaugural Old Fashioned Week. For one night only, Chef Richard Blais will host an “Old Fashioned Cocktail Hour” featuring cocktails and conversations with leading mixologists and Heaven Hill Distillery Ambassadors.

Chef Blais, winner of Bravo’s first Top Chef All-Stars and owner/operator of Trail Blais, a highly creative and innovative culinary consulting company, headlines the marquee event of Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week. This live event will be available on OldFashionedWeek.com, as well as streamed on Elijah Craig’s YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Starting at 8 p.m. eastern time, Chef Blais will take you through a night of discovering the Greatness Within® the hospitality community as he shares recipes, tips and tricks, and Q & A sessions with special guests. Pick up an Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, and the necessary cocktail accoutrements listed here, to join Chef Blais in Old Fashioned cheers.

Starting Oct. 16, Elijah Craig will host a lineup of live activations designed to be both educational and entertaining to generate support and funds for Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation. Consumers and hospitality professionals can register and create their own schedule of events at OldFashionedWeek.com. The first 250 people registered will receive an Elijah Craig home bar kit, the first 500 will receive Elijah Craig socks, and all who register will receive coupons to celebrate the week accordingly. The schedule of events includes Old Fashioned Bar Trivia with Heaven Hill Distillery Ambassadors Bernie Lubbers and Jack Choate, ‘The Art of Crafting Ice’ with Portland-based bartender and author Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and ‘Elevating Your Home Bar’ with Devin Kennedy, bartender at Pouring Ribbons.

First announced Sept. 3, Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week celebrates a great cocktail for an even greater cause. Learn more about the initial launch and support of the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation here.

ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the family of whiskeys includes Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

First brought to market in 1986, Heaven Hill Distillery’s Master Distillers were selecting a small number of barrels of the finest Bourbon to make Elijah Craig Small Batch long before the term “small batch” even existed. It is this attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that give Elijah Craig an ideal balance of age, robust body, and rich flavor. Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
lcherry@heavenhill.com

Images can be downloaded here.

Evan Williams Unveils New Packaging for the Bourbon Franchise

The Evan Williams Bourbon family, the second-largest selling Bourbon in the world, will soon grace retail shelves and on-premise establishments with a striking new look. Evan Williams Black, Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond and Evan Williams Flavors will receive a new signature bottle with updated label designs.

First introduced in the 1950’s, Evan Williams Bourbon quickly became one of the nation’s leading Bourbons and Heaven Hill Distillery’s flagship brand. Today, the brand continues to break milestones at a historic pace, with the Evan Williams family of brands surpassing the three million case mark on an annual basis. To further bolster this growth, the evolution of the Evan Williams franchise packaging will feature key enhancements and a consistent look on the shelf.

The following designs will soon mark Heaven Hill Distillery’s continued investment in Evan Williams Bourbon:

  • Evan Williams Black: Evan Williams Black carries the lineup featuring the new, signature glass defined by a curved bulb neck with new premium capsule closure decorated with the Evan Williams’ signature. The face label utilizes the iconic black and gold colors consumers have grown to love, but with a richer and vibrant gold ink throughout the label, finished by a new curve at the top to accentuate the new bottle. The label continues to feature the story of Evan Williams himself.
  • Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond: Featuring the most dramatic evolutionary change, the new design clearly emphasizes the 100 proof, bottled under government supervision and single distilling season. Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond carries over the green and white label colors, reflecting a vintage flare showcasing the rich history behind Bottled-In-Bond products and their importance to the Whiskey category. A new premium capsule closure with the iconic tax strip seals the bottle and harkens to historic bottled-in-bond packaging requirements.
  • Evan Williams Flavors: Evan Williams Flavors will receive a streamlined approach consistent with the franchise with label design enhancements featuring a centered logo. The flavors will also be bottled in the new glass with the premium capsule closure.

“Evan Williams Bourbon is a testament to sustained success across the ebbs and flows of the American Whiskey category,” said Julie Cole, Evan Williams Senior Brand Manager. “We’re excited to rejuvenate the Evan Williams family packaging to both enhance the consumer experience and modernize the label design. Evan Williams was an entrepreneurial leader in the Bourbon movement, and we continue to honor his success through the award-winning Evan Williams Bourbon franchise.”

The changes to the glass, label and capsule will be reflected in the 750ml, 1L and 1.75L sizes, while label changes will be reflected in the smaller sizes. The new packaging will be available nationwide, launching now and throughout 2020. New bottles will be featured throughout future marketing programs and on evanwilliams.com.

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the rapidly growing American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. Evan Williams is a proud sponsor of Major League Baseball and the World Series, first forming a partnership with the national pastime in 2016. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams has recognized true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery on special edition American-Made Hero labels for the past five years, now supported by the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
lcherry@heavenhill.com

To view and download more images from this release, click here.

Heaven Hill Distillery Launches Season Two of “Tales from the Hill” Podcast

Heaven Hill Distillery’s second season of the original podcast, “Tales from the Hill,” is now live. Tales from the Hill tells the intimate, in-depth stories of the people, places and products that have shaped Heaven Hill Distillery since 1935.

Season two gives listeners a behind-the-scenes adventure into how some of Heaven Hill’s most eponymous brands came to be. Each episode contains exclusive interviews from the people who craft Heaven Hill’s award-winning portfolio, including products like Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and Larceny. Celebrating 85 years this December, the largest independent, family-owned and operated distillery in America continues to shape the American Whiskey experience. Season one ended with listeners understanding how these great traditions are preserved and the future is pioneered. Season two brings listeners inside how the learned craft is put to use each day at Heaven Hill, as well as the impact on the communities it serves.

Listen to season two’s introductory episode and episodes one through three now, with new episodes available every Tuesday for the next three weeks. Learn more, subscribe, listen, and review here.

Where to listen: 

Season two of Tales from the Hill was produced by CaskStrength Media and narrated by Mark Gillespie, host of the whiskey podcast, “WhiskyCast.”

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CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Release of 2020 Parker’s Heritage Collection Limited Edition Bottling

14th edition of the annual ultra-premium release is a 10 Year Old Heavy Char Bourbon, continues the distillery’s commitment to support ALS research and patient care

Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the 2020 limited edition release of Parker’s Heritage Collection 10 Year Old Heavy Char Bourbon. The 14th edition will ship nationally beginning in September at an SRP of $120.00.

Parker’s Heritage Collection is a hallmark lineup of Heaven Hill Distillery’s exploration in premium innovation. The 14th edition continues the interaction of barrel char across varying mashbills, this time with Heaven Hill’s traditional Bourbon mashbill of 78% corn, 12% malted barley and 10% rye. Aged in heavy char (Level 5) barrels, as opposed to the customary Level 3 for Heaven Hill, the resulting flavors carry intensified notes of the traditional Bourbon. Consisting of 102 barrels aged on the sixth floor of rickhouse Y for 10 years, the heavy char brings forth a caramel and maple sweetness, as well as slight smokiness developed after 40 Kentucky seasons in the barrel.

The second heavy char edition of the series advances the study of how a more intense char allows the liquid to penetrate deeper into each barrel stave and the effects on the resulting flavor. Bottled at 120 proof (60% abv) and non-chill filtered to preserve all the flavor compounds, this Bourbon showcases the broad range of Heaven Hill Distillery’s 1.8 million barrels of aging inventory.

“The Parker’s Heritage Collection is a testament to the attention to detail crafted throughout Heaven Hill’s distilling legacy,” said Susan Wahl, Vice Present, American Whiskies at Heaven Hill. “It is an honor to continue Parker’s interest in innovation through this series and showcase the variety of Heaven Hill Distillery’s portfolio. It is in tribute to Parker and his legacy that we continue to support ALS research and patient care with this series.”

The late Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, for whom the acclaimed series is named, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 2010. The past seven editions from 2013-2019, including the “Promise of Hope” Bourbon, the “Original Batch” Straight Wheat Whiskey, the Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey, the 24-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, the 11-Year-Old Single Barrel, Orange Curaçao-finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey,  and Heavy Char Rye Whiskey, respectively, have raised more than one million dollars toward ALS research and patient care through contributions made by Heaven Hill for each bottle purchased. With the 2020 Heavy Char Bourbon edition, Heaven Hill will again contribute a portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold to the ALS Association.

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous thirteen editions, but with a navy blue label, the newest Parker’s Heritage Collection is available in a three-bottle case and will be available at retail starting in October. With previous releases having won multiple awards from Whisky Advocate magazine, Whisky Magazine and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the series stands 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.”

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

Bottle shot can be downloaded here.

Elijah Craig Releases Limited Edition Beer Barrel Finish in Partnership with Goose Island Beer Company

Limited edition Heaven Hill Visitor Experiences Curbside Offering, Live Virtual Tasting Experience with Heaven Hill Distillery and Goose Island

Elijah Craig Bourbon announced today the limited release of Elijah Craig Beer Barrel Finish in partnership with Goose Island Beer Company. Offered as a curbside release at Heaven Hill Distillery’s Kentucky visitor experiences, this distinctive Bourbon aged in barrels that stored both Bourbon and beer also includes a live virtual tasting experience with experts from Heaven Hill Distillery and Goose Island. Bottled in the traditional Elijah Craig 200ml packaging, the 94 proof Bourbon with virtual tasting experience retails for $39.99.

Only three barrels were used to finish this Bourbon, originally beginning their life as a new, level three charred oak aging Heaven Hill’s traditional Bourbon mashbill. The freshly emptied barrels then travelled to Chicago to eventually age the award-winning Goose Island Bourbon County Stout released on Black Friday 2018. The barrels then travelled back to Kentucky for a third life finishing fully matured Elijah Craig Small Batch for 10 months.

The resulting flavor incorporates the nuances from years of storing both Bourbon and beer with notes of rich chocolate interwoven. On Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., join Conor O’Driscoll, Heaven Hill Distillery Master Distiller; Keith Gabbett, Goose Island Brewmaster; Mike Siegel, Goose Island Research & Development Brewing Manager; and Mike Smith, Goose Island Senior Brand Manager as they detail the story behind the barrels of this unique product.

Elijah Craig Beer Barrel Finish

Limited Availability

Price per Experience: $39.99

RESERVATIONS: Secure a bottle, virtual tasting experience set, and reserve a Curbside Pickup time slot for Monday, Sept. 14 at reservations.heavenhill.com. A confirmation email including directions for how to join the Virtual Tasting will be provided once a spot has been confirmed. While supplies last. Must be 21 years or older to participate. Must show proper ID upon arrival.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Distillery
lcherry@heavenhill.com

Elijah Craig Bourbon Launches Old Fashioned Week in Partnership with PUNCH

Inaugural celebration pledges up to $100,000 to Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation

Elijah Craig and the Old Fashioned embody the centuries-old histories of Bourbon and classic cocktails. Today, the two pair together not only for a great cocktail, but for an even greater cause. In partnership with PUNCH, Elijah Craig Bourbon is launching the inaugural Old Fashioned Week from Oct. 16 – 25, 2020.

In 1789, Rev. Elijah Craig did not set out to become the Father of Bourbon when he first charred oak barrels, but his ingenuity proved a pivotal moment for Bourbon. Less than twenty years later, a spark ignited with what was first known as ‘the whiskey cocktail,’ paving the way for cocktail culture. The renaissance of classic cocktails over the last two decades rejuvenated desire for spirit-forward cocktails that are both balanced and complex, a setting ripe to celebrate an Elijah Craig Old Fashioned. Two classics in their own right, Elijah Craig Small Batch provides a 94-proof Bourbon canvas with a signature warm spice and subtle smoke flavor that complements the sweetness and spiciness of the Old Fashioned’s key ingredients.

“We are inspired by the lengths at which the hospitality industry is joining together to support each other,” said Max Stefka, Elijah Craig Senior Brand Manager. “For ten days we are raising a glass for the greater good by celebrating one great cocktail to lift up one great community through Elijah Craig’s Old Fashioned Week.”

The initial philanthropic goal for Old Fashioned Week will be donating up to $100,000 for the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation (RWCF), an advocacy and action nonprofit created by and for restaurant workers. Donations will go toward direct financial assistance, grants to non-profit partners, and to a zero-interest loan program for small businesses. Starting on Oct. 16, Elijah Craig will host a lineup of live activations designed to be both educational and entertaining in support of RWCF. In partnership with PUNCH, Elijah Craig will also highlight bartenders’ unique stories and signature Old Fashioned cocktails on www.punchdrink.com.

A national sweepstakes that offers a chance to win one of 500 home bar kits will also run from Sept. 1 – Nov. 15. Elijah Craig will match $1 for every online submission at OldFashionedWeek.com or match $5 for every social media submission by posting an image of a ‘virtual cheers’ using the hashtags #OldFashionedWeek or #Sweepstakes and tagging @ElijahCraig. To get involved, donate, or enter to win, consumers are encouraged to visit OldFashionedWeek.com for more information.

To enjoy the Old Fashioned in its purest form, start with the below cocktail recipe:

Ingredients

2 oz. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
.25 oz. Simple Syrup
3 Dashes of Bitters
Orange Swath
1 Brandied Cherry (optional)

Instructions

In a mixing glass add bitters, simple syrup, Elijah Craig Small Batch, and ice. Stir until well chilled. Strain cocktail over a large ice cube in a double old fashioned glass. Garnish with a swath of orange and an optional brandied cherry.

ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the family of whiskeys includes Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

First brought to market in 1986, Heaven Hill Distillery’s Master Distillers were selecting a small number of barrels of the finest Bourbon to make Elijah Craig Small Batch long before the term “small batch” even existed. It is this attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that give Elijah Craig an ideal balance of age, robust body, and rich flavor. Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
lcherry@heavenhill.com

Images for download here.

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Fall 2020 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Series

Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of the fall 2020 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at 14-years-old. Comprised of barrels produced in fall of 2005, and bottled in fall of 2020, the sixth national release ushers in the latest hallmark series to the bottled-in-bond legacy.

Bottled in an ornate decanter, the fall edition denotes a black label, consistent across all fall releases. As was the case for the past editions, this edition’s tax strip, which has always been a signature of transparency on bottled-in-bond products, will disclose when the liquid was produced and bottled. The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond fall edition will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis. It meets the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. The edition is available at a suggested retail price of $140.

A previous 14-year-old edition was released as a visitors center and Kentucky allocated product, denoted with a red label. The fall 2020 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the first 14-year-old of the nationally released series and features Bourbon pulled from different rickhouses, at different floors, and on different production dates. As a leader of the Bottled-in-Bond category, Heaven Hill is proud to offer a premium, allocated product within this special class that showcases the authenticity and quality of the American Whiskey portfolio. Acquired in 1999 by Heaven Hill, the legendary Old Fitzgerald line is well-known for its distilling pedigree and intriguing story behind its namesake, John E. Fitzgerald.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

To view or download more images from this release, click here.

Elijah Craig Launches Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

New expression finished in custom toasted new oak barrels continues Elijah Craig’s spirit of innovation

Elijah Craig, a leading premium Kentucky Bourbon, today announced the launch of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The latest line extension from the award-winning Elijah Craig family, Toasted Barrel adds an extra layer of sweet oak complexity to the traditional Bourbon.

The process begins with fully matured Small Batch, which is dumped and then re-entered at barrel proof into a second, custom toasted new oak barrel designed in partnership with Independent Stave Company. Made with 18-month air dried oak, the finishing barrel is first toasted and then flash-charred using a moderate toast temperature and toast time. An extensive research and development process resulted in a final barrel toast profile bringing forward dark sugar flavors within the wood to create a balance of smokiness and sweetness after months of finishing. The resulting taste is big, rich and complex with spice and pepper notes that fade into milk chocolate with a hint of smoke as the finish lingers with chocolate and baking spices. Only charred new American oak barrels are used throughout the process to maintain the standards of identity class and type designation for Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

“Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel pays homage to our namesake’s pioneering spirit as the first to char oak barrels through thoughtful innovation in the barrel-aging process,” said Max Stefka, Elijah Craig Senior Brand Manager. “It was a pleasure partnering with Independent Stave Company to create a custom toast profile and char level designed to best complement fully matured Elijah Craig. Twice barreled for nuanced flavor, Toasted Barrel showcases a Straight Bourbon process unique in the marketplace.”

In 1789, Elijah Craig was the first to char oak Barrels to make Bourbon, earning his place in history as the “Father of Bourbon.” Toasted Barrel celebrates this pioneering spirit by pushing the Bourbon barrel-aging process a step further. Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel is bottled at 94 proof, consistent with Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon and Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, and joins the rest of the award-winning lineup of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Packaged in the iconic Elijah Craig bottle, Toasted Barrel is distinguished by new bottle decoration, face, side and neck labels with smoky blue features. With an SRP of $49.99, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel will launch nationally on an allocated basis this September.

About Elijah Craig Bourbon

Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the family of whiskeys includes Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

First brought to market in 1986, Heaven Hill Distillery’s Master Distillers were selecting a small number of barrels of the finest Bourbon to make Elijah Craig Small Batch long before the term “small batch” even existed. It is this attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that give Elijah Craig an ideal balance of age, robust body and rich flavor. Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
lcherry@heavenhill.com

To view and download more images from this release, click here.