Author: Heavenhill Admin

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PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur Unveils New Premium Packaging, Creative Campaign

PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur announced today an evolutionary package redesign reflective of the brand’s unique equity within the industry as the first true pomegranate liqueur. The refreshed, modern design and decoration delineates the brand’s premium flavor quality, while the updated bottle refines utility for both bartenders and consumers.

PAMA will also debut the new “Just Add PAMA™” creative campaign and revamped website at www.pamaliqueur.com to showcase the adaptability of the brand for low-ABV spritzers, simple, classic cocktails or chilled shots alike. The updated package and new creative will highlight the sweet, yet tart flavor profile PAMA has been known for since its inception. First launched during the height of the pomegranate superfruit craze, PAMA satisfied a desire for new, mixable, colorful spirits, and today serves as an enticing low-ABV option for both the professional and at-home bartender. Bottled at a moderate 34 proof (17% abv), PAMA’s success is grounded in its structure as both a stand-alone product, as well as one easily mixed with a variety of base spirits.

“This new package, which comes 15 years after the initial launch, seamlessly modernizes PAMA as the elevated, versatile spirit it has come to be known as within the industry,” said Molly Vincent, PAMA Brand Manager. “The updated package matches the quality of the product within, priming PAMA for the next 15 years of success and intrigue.”

Receiving a Gold Medal from the 2019 SIPS Awards, the PAMA package update ushers in a period of growth for the brand. While maintaining the overall shape of the original bottle, the height and weight were reduced to enhance approachability for both bartenders and consumers. Principal attributes are now highlighted by a pomegranate vine and art deco font highlighting the key ingredients. The modern design is accented by a premium metal cap to top off the overall cohesive refresh of the package.

PAMA is available nationally with an SRP of $24.99. Ideas below on how to just add PAMA:

PAMA & Bubbles

  • 2 oz. PAMA
  • 3 oz. Champagne

Pour PAMA and Champagne into shaker over ice. Strain into a Champagne Flute.

PAMA Margarita

  • 1.5 oz. PAMA
  • 1 oz. Blanco Tequila
  • .5 oz. Triple Sec
  • .5 oz. Lime Juice

Shake and serve over ice in a margarita glass.

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MEDIA 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 on Social Media Advertising

Beginning July 1, Heaven Hill will pause advertising on all social media platforms. As a company, we are committed to promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for both the immediate and long-term. We are committed to meaningful and accountable measures on all our marketing platforms and believe more must be done to create safe and inclusive online communities.

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Evan Williams Bourbon Announces 2020 American-Made Heroes

Select class of veterans chosen to be featured on special edition labels and receive $5,000 donation from American-Made Heroes Foundation to charity of their choice

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Evan Williams Bourbon today announced the veterans selected as the 2020 American-Made Heroes. Each veteran will receive a $5,000 donation to the charity of their choice through the recently launched American-Made Hero Foundation, as well as their picture and story on the side of the special-edition label.

As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams recognizes true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery. This special edition label of Evan Williams Black Bourbon celebrates the heroic stories of military veterans, chosen for their selfless acts of service at home and abroad (bios included below). The 2020 Evan Williams American-Made Heroes were chosen from over 6,500 nominations and are featured on more than 360,000 bottles available nationwide.

The 2020 American Hero edition label features bold red and white stripes framing a blue background featuring subtle star imagery and “American Hero Edition” in bold red font on the face. Proudly displayed on the side of each bottle is one of the brand’s key taglines “American Owned, American Made, American Proud” signifying the brand’s American heritage as the second-largest selling Bourbon in the world. Each Evan Williams American-Made Hero is prominently featured on the side of the label with their picture, name, military title and distinguished story.

“We are proud to kick off the sixth year of the Evan Williams American-Made Hero program by lifting up these extraordinary veteran stories and support veteran-related causes through the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund,” said Julie Cole, Evan Williams Bourbon Brand Manager. “We are honored to celebrate veterans who uphold the American spirit.”

Evan Williams is honored to broaden its support of veteran communities across the country through the launch of the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, announced in April 2020. Due to the national impact of the COVID-19 crisis, the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund focused 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.

Media and advertising support for the 2020 program include national digital and social media campaigns, a website, off-premise display pieces, and point of sale featuring the veteran stories and the new American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund.

The 2020 Evan Williams American-Made Heroes are:

  • Robin Harder, Mico, TX, U.S. Army Sergeant First Class (Ret.): As a Cryptologic Linguist, Robin’s 20-year career took her everywhere from Germany to Afghanistan. She is the founder of the Women Veterans of San Antonio: a non-profit group that serves, honors, and empowers women Veterans in her community. Robin has chosen to donate to ReGroup Foundation. To learn more about their mission, visit https://regroup4vets.com/
  • John “JC” White, Martinsville, VA, U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms (Ret.): J.C. first served in the U.S. Navy during Operation Desert Storm and re-enlisted after 9/11. He went on to complete five more tours of duty. Over the years, he has volunteered as a Special Olympics coach, provided services to the homeless, and mentored at-risk youth. J.C. has chosen PAWS for Purple Hearts as his charity. To learn more about their mission, visit https://pawsforpurplehearts.org/.
  • Jonathan Hiltz, Marion, IL, U.S. Marine Corps Corporal: Jonathan served as a Nuclear Biological & Chemical Defense Specialist in Iraq. Today, he serves other veterans as a Peer Support Specialist. He established two non-profits, the Arise Veteran Foundation and Love Goes, to help alleviate poverty and support the homeless. Jonathan has chosen Love Goes as his charity.
  • Mary Tobin, Atlanta, GA, U.S. Army Captain (Ret.): Mary began her 10-year military career at West Point, deployed twice to Iraq, and was awarded the Combat Action Badge. As regional Executive Director of The Mission Continues, she helps veterans take charge of community service and revitalization projects across the U.S. To learn more about The Mission Continues, visit https://missioncontinues.org/.
  • Eduardo “Eddie” Ramirez, Fairfield, CA, U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant (Ret.): Always driven to serve, Eddie capped off his decorated, 22-year military career by going to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs. His experience led him to establish OneVet OneVoice: a veteran advocacy group focused on healthcare, education, housing, and employment. Eddie has chosen OneVet OneVoice as his charity. To learn more about their mission, visit https://onevetonevoice.org/.

The American Hero Edition bottle is available nationally for a suggested retail price of $24.99 for the 1.75L and $12.99 for the 750ml, and is bottled at 43 percent alcohol by volume (86 proof). To learn more about each of the 2020 American-Made Heroes and to apply for funding through the COVID-19 Veteran Relief Grant, visit https://american-madeheroes.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.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN-MADE HEROES FOUNDATION FUND: Evan Williams is honored to broaden its support of veteran communities across the country through the launch of the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, announced in April 2020. The American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund was established to show Evan Williams’ pride in being American-made and owned, and to give back to those who served. Our purpose is: to provide a platform for sharing inspiring veteran stories; to raise public awareness for causes impacting the veteran community; and to support 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.

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Heaven Hill Supports the Black Community

During the last few weeks, our country has endured one of the most difficult times in its long and storied history.  The sad and senseless deaths and lack of justice for George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and countless others have exposed the long overdue reform necessary to establish equal rights for the black community.

We support those who protest institutions in our society that perpetuate injustice. We have witnessed and felt the pain in our country.  We support the voices that are courageously speaking up to create positive change in our communities. While at times those voices have been co-opted by others perpetrating violence and destruction, their truth rings louder than those attempting to suppress them.

Eighty-five years ago, our company was established by the second generation of an immigrant family. We have always believed in equal rights, inclusion and respect for all.

Meaningful change must come. Heaven Hill is committed to creating more diversity and inclusion in our company and to supporting change in our communities. We are having the difficult conversations and working to define what actions we can take to impact meaningful, long-term change.

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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

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

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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.