Author: Heavenhill Admin

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

Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of the Spring 2020 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Comprised of barrels produced in March 2011, and bottled in March 2020, the nine-year-old offering ushers in the latest hallmark series to the bottled-in-bond legacy.

Bottled in an ornate decanter, the spring edition denotes a green label, which will stay consistent across all spring 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 spring 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 fifth edition is available at a suggested retail price of $89.99

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

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Evan Williams Bourbon Launches American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund

2020 funds will support nonprofit organizations that serve the veteran community negatively impacted by COVID-19

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Evan Williams Bourbon today established the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, continuing the brand’s support of veterans since launching the American-Made Heroes program and limited-edition label in 2015.

As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams recognizes true American heroes each year by sharing their exceptional stories of honor, bravery and service to their community on a special edition label. The American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund will extend this recognition by helping to fund independent, nonprofit organizations that support veterans and their families. The purpose of the foundation is to provide a platform for sharing inspiring veteran stories, raising public awareness for causes impacting the veteran community, and supporting nonprofit organizations that help veterans and their families through a specialized grant program.

Due to the national impact of the COVID-19 crisis, the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund will focus its inaugural efforts with the COVID-19 Veteran Relief Grant, which awards donations to nonprofit organizations that serve the veteran communities negatively impacted by the coronavirus. Beginning April 21, 2020 through June 24, 2020, 501c3 organizations can apply for funding through the COVID-19 Veteran Relief Grant. In addition to this effort, the brand’s parent company, Heaven Hill Brands, has launched an initiative to produce hand sanitizer at several of its locations, including the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in downtown Louisville, Ky. A portion of the hand sanitizer produced will be delivered to veteran centers across the state of Kentucky.

“We are honored to launch the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund and continue the brand’s efforts to celebrate veterans who protect the American spirit,” said Julie Cole, Evan Williams Bourbon Brand Manager. “With a history of supporting our country’s veterans, we are proud to kick off the official fund with a focus on supporting veteran communities most at risk during this time.”

As the second-largest selling Bourbon in the world, Evan Williams is proud of its American Heritage and honored to broaden its support of veteran communities across the country. The 2020 American-Made Heroes will be announced in early May along with the individualized 2020 limited edition bottles. To learn more about the organizations eligible for support, or apply for a grant through the COVID-19 Veteran Relief Grant, visit https://american-madeheroes.com/apply-now.

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CONTACT:

Emily Gahafer

Heaven Hill Brands

egahafer@heavenhill.com

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HEAVEN HILL BRANDS TAKES ACTION AGAINST COVID-19

PHILANTHROPIC COMMITMENTS, HAND SANITIZER PRODUCTION

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands announced today the commitment of financial and physical resources against COVID-19 in recognition of the need of employees, the communities in which they work and live, and the greater hospitality community.

“With facilities in the United States, Canada and Ireland, and as a family owned and operated company for 85 years, Heaven Hill has a long history of supporting our employees and their families. As part of our long-term core mission, we also take great pride in our local communities and at a time like this want to provide assistance to those in need,” said Max L. Shapira, President, Heaven Hill Brands. “We particularly share a sense of community with those affected in the hospitality industry. As a result, our sales teams are championing that effort at the local level in partnership with organizations that support our hospitality family.”

Philanthropic Commitments:

Heaven Hill Brands is pledging $400,000 across two main priorities – employee communities and hospitality professionals. Recognizing the effect of coronavirus on so many individuals, Heaven Hill will distribute donations across the following community partner funds:

  • Louisville, Ky. – One Louisville
  • Bardstown, Ky. – Tri-County United Way
  • Austin, Texas – Stand with Austin
  • Lethbridge, Canada – United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta
  • Dublin, Ireland – Community Foundation of Ireland

In support of the hospitality professionals that partner with Heaven Hill day-to-day to support business, Heaven Hill will contribute donations directly to local market charitable organizations. The Heaven Hill sales team will mobilize efforts across their local communities to assist local non-profits directly supporting industry professionals and their families.

Hand Sanitizer Commitment:

In addition, Heaven Hill is committing parts of operations to the production, bottling and distribution of hand sanitizer. These efforts will support healthcare facilities, first responders, and high-risk populations in cooperation with local and state government. Production of hand sanitizer is currently underway at the following facilities:

  • Hand-production, hand-bottling, and hand labeling:
    • Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Downtown Louisville, Ky.
    • Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room in Dripping Springs, Texas
  • Bulk Production:
    • Heaven Hill, Bardstown, Ky.
    • Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery, Buda, Texas
    • Black Velvet Distillery in Lethbridge, Canada

Social distancing and sanitization protocols have been implemented to ensure employees are protected while assembling a critical product to combat the spread of coronavirus. All hand sanitizer formulas follow the approved Federal Drug Administration guidelines.

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

 

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Bartender of the Year Atlanta Finalist Creates Expressive, Lively Experience for Winning Cocktail

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

BARDSTOWN, KY – Arthur Boothe, Owner of Bitters & Brass in Sandford, Fla., was announced as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Atlanta finalist for the 2020 Bartender of the Year Competition. Boothe, a 2018 finalist, won first place, $1,000, and a trip to the finals at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina.

In the second round of the semifinal competition, contestants created the inspired cocktail submitted as a recipe in the preliminary round. Boothe crafted the “Las Bandidas” inspired by the expressive and fun side of life, utilizing Lunazul Tequila Blanco and Lunazul Tequila Reposado (see recipe at end of release).

“At its heart Las Bandidas is the rebellious offspring of a wild encounter between the Pimms Cup and a Margarita. This drink was inspired by the incredible feeling of sharing what you love with people. No matter who they are,” said Boothe. “Every sip is a reminder of how incredibly lucky we are to be able to spend time with each other, creating wonderful drinks and experiences for one another.”

Sherra Kurtz of the Columbia Room in Washington, D.C. won second place and $500. Boothe and Kurtz were joined by four other semifinalists as they competed regionally in Atlanta on Monday, March 2 at Ticonderoga Club. Bartenders competed in three rounds, the first two featuring the classic cocktail and inspired cocktail from their preliminary submission. For the final round, bartenders created a custom drink for a fictional bar menu using a minimum of 1.5 ounces of at least one Heaven Hill brand not previously featured in one of their cocktails including Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, as well as Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy, or Lunazul Tequila. Contestants and judges were then invited to a family dinner at Kimball House and professional development with Miles Macquarrie, Co-owner and Beverage Director of Kimball House and Watchman’s Seafood and Spirits. Macquarrie spoke to implementing honest hospitality and treating every guest with the same experience, regardless of their acumen within the industry.

National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó, and Macquarrie judged the semifinalists’ cocktails and chose one finalist based on highest scores. 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 September 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 and $15,000 at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina from June 15-18, 2020. Finalists will be challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges will be looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition 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 will return as a guest judge for the finals. Ware joined the ranks of esteemed past winners: Harrison Ginsberg from Crown Shy in New York City was named Bartender of the Year in 2018, Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Ben Paris in Seattle won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Las Bebidas

Crafted by Arthur Boothe

Ingredients:

  • Lunazul Tequila Blanco (.75 ounce)
  • Lunazul Tequila Reposado (.75 ounce)
  • Pimms No. 1 (1 ounce)
  • Grapefruit Juice (.5 ounce)
  • Lemon Juice (.5 ounce)
  • Grenadine (.75  ounce)
  • Cucumber Slices (3 ounces)

Carefully measure all ingredients and add them to the shaker with three discs of cucumber. Gently muddle the cucumber to release oils. Fill shaker 3/4 of the way with ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds, or until properly chilled and diluted. Double strain into clay pot over pebble ice using a tea strainer to remove cucumber residual from the drink. Top off ice and garnish with a healthy bouquet of mint, a grapefruit wedge, and a cucumber slice on a bamboo pick dusted with chile powder.

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

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

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Heaven Hill Statement Regarding Visitors Center Closures Due to Coronavirus

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Effective close of business today, March 13, 2020, the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown, Kentucky and the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Downtown Louisville will temporarily suspend all tours and retail sales. Heaven Hill will continue to assess the public health situation and will reopen at a future date that is to be determined. Heaven Hill is taking this measure as a safeguard to protect its employees and guests and the action comes in the wake of recommendations by Federal and State health officials and by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association to take all necessary precautions to help reduce the potential spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). All previously scheduled tours will be refunded – visitors with questions please visit https://heavenhilldistillery.com/visit-us.php for contact information.

There are no confirmed cases of Coronavirus at any Heaven Hill facility. Coronavirus has not impacted production. Additionally, all production facilities are operating as usual with added health and safety protocols.

After a special meeting on Thursday, the KDA Board of Directors recommended that members take all necessary precautions to reduce the potential spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Some KDA members are implementing strict measures to safeguard visitors, including enhanced sanitation procedures and reduced tour and tasting group sizes, or scaling back tours of sensitive areas, while others are choosing to suspend tours temporarily.

Heaven Hill is committed to protecting the health and safety of its most valuable asset, the employees, and is taking this mitigating action to support broader initiatives across the Commonwealth and ensure general public safety. Through the guidance of the Center for Disease Control and state health department, Heaven Hill will continue to update health and safety protocols as necessary.

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

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Bartender of the Year Phoenix Finalist Inspired by Failures for Winning Cocktail

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

BARDSTOWN, KY –Michael Buonocore, Bartender at Guard and Grace in Denver, was announced as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Phoenix finalist for the 2020 Bartender of the Year Competition. Buonocore won first place, $1,000, and a trip to the finals at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina.

In the second round of the semifinal competition, contestants created the inspired cocktail submitted as a recipe in the preliminary round. Buonocore crafted the “Collegiate Peaks” inspired by the mountain range featuring Mt. Harvard and Mt. Princeton, utilizing Rittenhouse Rye, Sacred Bond Brandy, Dubonnet Rouge Grand Aperitif and Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur (see recipe at end of release).

“In 2017, I decided to fulfill my dream of heading west and departed my beloved Philadelphia for the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Upon arriving in the Centennial State, I attempted two 14,000 ft mountains quite early into my time dwelling at high altitude. The first, Mt. Sneffels, scared the life out of me as I experienced, firsthand, what it felt like to get stuck near the top of a summit with your back to a rather large fall. I wasn’t able to complete that first 14,000+ foot mountain that day, but I was able to walk away in one piece with a newfound respect for balance and planning,” said Buonocore. “’Collegiate Peaks’ is an exercise in balance and reminds me just how important a well-balanced life can be when behind the bar or out in the world chasing new goals. When seeking balance, sometimes you fail (just like the ascent up Mt. Sneffels). But it’s not important whether you fail, but rather, whether you learn from the failure moving forward.”

Austin Carson, 2019 finalist and Owner/Founder of Bistro Georgette in Denver won second place and $500. Buonocore and Carson were joined by four other semifinalists as they competed regionally in Phoenix on Monday, Feb. 17 at Century Grand. Bartenders competed in three rounds, the first two featuring the classic cocktail and inspired cocktail from their preliminary submission. For the final round, bartenders created a custom drink for a fictional bar menu using a minimum of 1.5 ounces of at least one Heaven Hill brand not previously featured in one of their cocktails including Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, as well as Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy, or Lunazul Tequila. Contestants and judges were then invited to a family dinner at Ocean 44 and professional development with Jason Asher, Owner and Founder of Barter & Shake Creative Hospitality and Owner of Century Grand. Asher spoke to the importance of storytelling not only in competition, but also as way to connect with your guests. He demonstrated the impact of this ability as he shared the story of his career which centered around hard work, humility and gratefulness.

National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Author and Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Asher judged the semifinalists’ cocktails and chose one finalist based on highest scores. 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 September 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 and $15,000 at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina from June 15-18, 2020. Finalists will be challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges will be looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition 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 will return as a guest judge for the finals. Ware joined the ranks of esteemed past winners: Harrison Ginsberg from Crown Shy in New York City was named Bartender of the Year in 2018, Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Ben Paris in Seattle won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Collegiate Peaks

Crafted by Michael Buonocore

Ingredients:

  • Rittenhouse Rye Whisky (1.5 ounces)
  • Sacred Bond Brandy (.5 ounce)
  • Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif (.75 ounces)
  • Angostura bitters (1 dash)
  • Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur (Teaspoon)
  • Earl Grey-infused maple syrup* (.5 teaspoon)

*Earl Grey Maple Syrup: Add 5g Earl Grey Tea and 250g Grade B Maple Syrup to a container to hold for 45 minutes. Strain through chinois. Place in storage vessel, label, date, refrigerate.

Instructions: In a chilled mixing glass, combine ingredients, drop Kold draft ice, and stir until properly chilled and diluted. Strain into chilled Nick & Nora glass. Express Lemon peel over top of the drink and discard.

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

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

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Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Releases Annual Limited Edition Kentucky Derby Festival Bourbon Bottle

The 2012 Vintage, 113 proof Bourbon is dipped in emerald green wax and features the 2020 Gold Pegasus Pin on the bottle neck

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – As an official sponsor of the Kentucky Derby Festival for the fourth consecutive year, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience today released a special edition bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon with a commemorative 2020 Gold Pegasus Pin sealed in wax on the neck.

Dipped in a unique emerald green wax, the bottle features a special face label with the gold and green Kentucky Derby Festival logo and includes an official 2020 Pegasus Pin in an envelope attached to each bottle. Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller, Jodie Filiatreau; Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO, Matt Gibson; and Kentucky Derby Festival Board Chair, Judy Hess unveiled the official 2020 pin and limited-edition bottle at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience by personally hand-dipping three of the 600 limited-edition bottles.

This product will be available for purchase at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience for $74.99 and at select area retailers while supplies last. The limited edition 2012 vintage is bottled at 113 proof, commemorating both the 65th Kentucky Derby Festival plus the 48th Pegasus Pin anniversary. Each bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon contains the exact day it was put in an oak barrel to age, the barrel number, and the date it was bottled.

The Bourbon is matured in natural open-rick warehouses under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller, who monitors the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality. Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage has won five “Whiskey of the Year” awards and is one of the most critically-acclaimed specialty Bourbons produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the world’s second largest holder of aging Bourbon.

“The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is proud to partner yet again with the Kentucky Derby Festival to share the unique Kentucky spirit that makes this time of year so exciting in the Bluegrass State,” said Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller Jodie Filiatreau. “Join us as we raise a toast to Kentucky’s heritage and usher in the 2020 Kentucky Derby.”

Bringing the community together since 1956, the Kentucky Derby Festival has grown to become a whirlwind of more than 70 special events leading up to the big race in May. The Kentucky Derby Festival runs this year from April 16 – May 1. Pegasus Pins, which allow entry to many Derby Festival events, may be purchased exclusively at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience through March 1st, prior to being available at other local retailers.

“This partnership with Evan Williams showcases two of Kentucky’s favorite things – the Derby Festival and bourbon,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “Just like the Pegasus Pins, we know fans will want to add this special edition bottle to their collection too.”

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Bartender of the Year Los Angeles Finalist Reflects on Childhood Memories for Winning Cocktail

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

BARDSTOWN, KY – Vay Su, Bartender at Republique in Los Angeles, was announced as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Los Angeles finalist for the 2020 Bartender of the Year Competition. Su, a 2019 finalist, won first place, $1,000, and a trip to the finals at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina.

In the second round of the semifinal competition, contestants created the inspired cocktail submitted as a recipe in the preliminary round. Su crafted the “Chinese Cocktail Bun,” inspired by Sunday morning breakfast with his parents, featuring Rittenhouse Rye and Lunazul Tequila Reposado (see recipe at end of release).

“When I was younger, I used to have breakfast almost every other Sunday morning with my parents at a Hong Kong cafe or Dim Sum restaurant… I remember the excitement and anticipation when we woke up on Sunday morning knowing that we are going to have dim sum and I would skip the usual fixing and keep my eye out for the coconut buns. The excitement of finally getting it and taking that first bite, it was magical,” said Su. “When I try to think back…Chinese Coconut cocktail bun is one of the earliest memories that I resonate with my parents. It was a simple joy of my childhood; I think back at how I was when I was a kid and one of the things I would look forward to was a simple coconut cocktail bun.”

Thi Nguyen of The Saap Avenue in Oakland, Calif. won second place and $500. Su and Nguyen were joined by four other semifinalists as they competed regionally in Los Angeles on Monday, Feb. 3 at Death & Co. Bartenders competed in three rounds, the first two featuring the classic cocktail and inspired cocktail from their preliminary submission. For the final round, bartenders created a custom drink for a fictional bar menu using a minimum of 1.5 ounces of at least one Heaven Hill brand not previously featured in one of their cocktails including Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, as well as Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy, or Lunazul Tequila. Contestants and judges were then invited to a family dinner at Dama and professional development with Christine Wiseman, Bar Manager at Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles. Wiseman spoke to the importance of mentorship and growing the industry together by taking the responsibility of what you learn in a competition or training back to your own bar to teach others.

National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Author and Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Wiseman judged the semifinalists’ cocktails and chose one finalist based on highest scores. 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 September 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 and $15,000 at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina from June 15-18, 2020. Finalists will be challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges will be looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition 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 will return as a guest judge for the finals. Ware joined the ranks of esteemed past winners: Harrison Ginsberg from Crown Shy in New York City was named Bartender of the Year in 2018, Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Ben Paris in Seattle won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Chinese Cocktail Bun
Crafted by Vay Su

Ingredients:

  • Rittenhouse Rye (1.5 ounces)
  • Lunazul Tequila Reposado (.5 ounces)
  • Lunazul Reposado Barley Tea (.5 ounces)
  • Coconut Water (1 ounce)
  • Walnut Oil Fat Washed Bitters (2 dashes)

Add 1.5oz of RIttenhouse, .5oz Lunazul Reposado Barley Tea, 1oz Cocktail Water (Harmless Coconut Water used here), 2 dashes of Walnut Fat Washed Bitters. Stir and strain over large cube in a double old fashioned glass.

Lunazul Reposado Barley Tea: 100ml Lunazul Repo with 100g of Pressed Barley Tea, vacuum bag seal and sous vide it for 1 hour at 65 degrees.

Fat Washed Walnut Bitters: Take some Walnut oil, add 25ml to 50ml of Fee Brother Walnut bitters. Let it sit at room temperature for two hours, occasionally mixing it. Then put it in the freezer overnight to freeze and separate the walnut oil. Strain and pour it in a Japanese dasher. This will add bitter nutty component along with some added texture to the cocktail.

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

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

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Bartender of the Year Miami Finalist Looks to Moments of Solitude for Winning Cocktail

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

BARDSTOWN, KY – Justin Levaughn, Bartender at The Courtesy in Orlando, was announced as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Miami finalist for the 2020 Bartender of the Year Competition. Levaughn won first place, $1,000, and a trip to the finals at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina.

In the second round of the semifinal competition, contestants created the inspired cocktail submitted as a recipe in the preliminary round. Levaughn crafted the “Dawn Patrol,” inspired by his search for solitude in days filled with social interactions, featuring Rittenhouse Rye and Sacred Bond Brandy (see recipe at end of release).

“As a bartender we are experts in social interaction, but as a result our moments alone can be rare,” said Levaughn. “I combat this by surfing alone early in the mornings as a way to reset. I deeply appreciate these moments of solitude and take in every second of it. This cocktail encompasses the senses of my morning search along the beach with coffee in hand deciding which place will become my day’s escape.”

Tatiana Rotari of Pescado in Rosemary Beach, Fla. won second place and $500. Levaughn and Rotari were joined by four other semifinalists as they competed regionally in Miami on Monday, January 27 at Café La Trova. Bartenders competed in three rounds, the first two featuring the classic cocktail and inspired cocktail from their preliminary submission. For the final round, bartenders created a custom drink for a fictional bar menu using a minimum of 1.5 ounces of at least one Heaven Hill brand not previously featured in one of their cocktails including Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, as well as Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy, or Lunazul Tequila. Contestants and judges were then invited to a family dinner at Café La Trova and professional development with Julio Cabrera, Cantinero & Founder at Café La Trova. Cabrera spoke about his journey from Cuba to the United States, and how bartending competitions allowed him to achieve his dreams through learning and growing.

National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó, and Cabrera judged the semifinalists’ cocktails and chose one finalist based on highest scores. 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 September 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 and $15,000 at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina from June 15-18, 2020. Finalists will be challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges will be looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition 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 will return as a guest judge for the finals. Ware joined the ranks of esteemed past winners: Harrison Ginsberg from Crown Shy in New York City was named Bartender of the Year in 2018, Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Ben Paris in Seattle won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Dawn Patrol
Crafted by Justin Levaughn

Ingredients:

  • Rittenhouse Rye (1 ounce)
  • Sacred Bond Brandy (1 ounce)
  • Cuban coffee coconut cordial  (.5 ounce)
  • Averna (.5 ounce)
  • Absinthe  (Bsp  rinse)

Add all ingredients into mixing pitcher. Add ice and stir until properly diluted and fine-strain into Nick and Nora. Express lemon peel, manicure, pin and with dusted mint.

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

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

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Bartender of the Year Austin Finalist Looks to Mother’s Inspiration for Winning Cocktail

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

BARDSTOWN, KY – Michelle Salgado, Principal Bartender at El Velvet Elvis at the Perishing Inn in El Paso, Texas was announced as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Austin finalist for the 2020 Bartender of the Year Competition. Salgado, a returning Bartender of the Year semi-finalist, won first place, $1,000, a trip to the finals at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina.

In the second round of the semifinal competition, contestants created the inspired cocktail submitted as a recipe in the preliminary round. Salgado crafted the “Madre Jessu,” which was inspired by her mother whose diagnosis of lupus inspired Salgado to create a low-ABV cocktail with tea and PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur as a nod to how she now cares for her mother (see recipe at end of release).

“My mother is my favorite human on this earth. She epitomizes a strong, loving and caring mother. When I was in second grade she was diagnosed with lupus, which changed my sisters and me. The roles switched and we had to care for her,” said Salgado. “To this day I send daily text messages to remind her to take her medications that keeps her lupus in remission. This cocktail is an ode to her, using PAMA liqueur, a fruit she loves and has grown in her childhood home, and Dubonnet to make a low-abv cocktail since she cannot drink, which is a play on the Adonis formula, with an added tea liqueur, her favorite beverage.”

Cruz Gutierrez of Jet-Setter in San Antonio won second place and $500. Salgado and Gutierrez were joined by four other semifinalists as they competed regionally in Austin on Monday, January 20 at Half Step. Bartenders competed in three rounds, the first two featuring the classic cocktail and inspired cocktail from their preliminary submission. For the final round, bartenders created a custom drink for a fictional bar menu using a minimum of 1.5 ounces of at least one Heaven Hill brand not previously featured in one of their cocktails including Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, as well as Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy, or Lunazul Tequila. Contestants and judges were then invited to a family dinner at Jeffrey’s and professional development with Chris Bostick, Owner of Half Step. Bostick encouraged competitors to consistently push themselves to become their best self in all aspects of hospitality and create an experience for every customer.

Heaven Hill Brands National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó, and Bostick judged the semifinalists’ cocktails and chose one finalist based on highest scores. 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 September 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 and $15,000 at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina from June 15-18, 2020. Finalists will be challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges will be looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition 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 will return as a guest judge for the finals. Ware joined the ranks of esteemed past winners: Harrison Ginsberg from Crown Shy in New York City was named Bartender of the Year in 2018, Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Ben Paris in Seattle won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Madre Jessu

Crafted by Michelle Salgado

Ingredients:

  • Dubonnet Rouge Grand Aperitif (1.25 ounce(s))
  • PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur (.75 ounce(s))
  • Lustau Amontillado Los Arcos (.75 ounce(s))
  • Cheongsam Jade Oolong liqueuer (.25 ounce(s))

Add all ingredients into mixing pitcher. Add ice and stir until properly diluted and fine-strain into Nick and Nora. Express grapefruit peel, manicure and rest on rim.

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

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