Author: Heavenhill Admin

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Heaven Hill Brands Signs Agreement to Acquire Black Velvet Canadian Whisky

Heaven Hill Brands, the largest independent, family-owned and operated distilled spirits supplier based in the U.S., has signed an agreement to acquire Black Velvet Canadian Whisky, the second-largest selling Canadian whisky in the world, from Constellation Brands Inc. The purchase will be made through a subsidiary of Constellation, The Black Velvet Distilling Company located in Lethbridge, Canada. The sale is expected to close in the second half of 2019, subject to regulatory approval.

Black Velvet is the second-largest selling Canadian Whisky worldwide, named for its velvety smooth taste. The Black Velvet brand fills an important gap in Heaven Hill’s broad distilled spirits portfolio by substantially expanding sales activities in the Imported Whisky category and fits perfectly with its portfolio of high volume, quality brands like Evan Williams Bourbon, Burnett’s Vodka, Deep Eddy Vodka, Admiral Nelson’s Rums, and Christian Brothers Brandies.

“We are excited to add Black Velvet to our iconic group of brands and look forward to growing this historic brand in the months and years ahead,” said Max L. Shapira, President of Heaven Hill Brands. “As we continue to build our business based on strategic acquisitions and innovation, Heaven Hill’s commitment to quality continues to steer the positive outlook for our diverse portfolio.”

In addition to acquiring Black Velvet, Heaven Hill will purchase the historic Black Velvet Distilling facility, one of the eight traditional Canadian distilleries in operation. The acquisition includes all the distilling operations, aging and bottling facilities and the remaining portfolio of Canadian Whisky brands owned by Constellation, which includes Black Velvet, MacNaughton, McMasters, and the international business of the Schenley brands – Golden Wedding and OFC. Canadian Whisky made up 7.3% of total distilled spirits volume in 2018 according to Beverage Information Group, the largest segment of all total Imported Whiskey. The Canadian Whisky category is approximately 16.8 million cases, with Black Velvet volume representing almost two million cases in the U.S. in 2018. Perella Weinberg Partners LP acted as exclusive financial advisor to Heaven Hill Brands with respect to the transaction.

Black Velvet was developed in 1946 and was first introduced to the market in 1951. Brothers Walter and Alfred Gilbey entered the spirits industry in England in 1857. After experiencing tremendous growth, the brothers expanded the business opening their first gin distillery in England in 1872, and eventually expanding to Canada in 1906. Due to high demand in Canada, the brothers built the W&A Gilbey Distillery producing the first drops of Canadian Gilbey spirits on September 11, 1933. Distillers Crosbie Hucks and John S. Napier joined the team developing a number of Canadian Whiskies, with Black Velvet rising to the top due to mass consumer interest. The 1970’s brought growth for the Canadian Whisky category and in turn, IDV, now Diageo, built Palliser Distiller in Lethbridge, Alberta. The distillery has since been re-named The Black Velvet Distilling Company where the product is still produced today.

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

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Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Release of 2019 Parker’s Heritage Collection Limited Edition Bottling

13th edition of the annual ultra-premium release is a Heavy Char Rye Whiskey, continues the distillery’s commitment to support ALS research and patient care 

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the 2019 limited edition release of Parker’s Heritage Collection Heavy Char Rye Whiskey, the first Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey of the series. The 13th edition will ship nationally beginning in September at an SRP of $149.99.

As one of the only heritage distilleries to consistently produce all five styles of American Whiskey, this edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection showcases Heaven Hill’s traditional Rye Whiskey mashbill. This edition, however, differentiates itself through its aging process. Instead of aging in Level 3 charred barrels, as is customary for most Heaven Hill products, this Rye Whiskey was aged in Level 5 charred barrels for eight years and nine months on the seventh floor of Rickhouse Y. Level 5 charred barrels are charred 50 seconds longer than the Level 3 barrels.  This more intense char allows the liquid to penetrate deeper into each barrel stave, interacting further with the oak and extracting deep notes of spice and wood on the resulting flavor.  

Bottled at 105 proof (52.5% abv) and non-chill filtered to preserve all the flavor compounds, the limited edition bottling honors the original concept of the Parker’s Heritage Collection – to showcase the quality and broad range of the Heaven Hill portfolio. With more than 1.5 million barrels in inventory, this collection produces an innovative, highly sought after bottling each year and now serves as a remembrance of the collection’s namesake 

“As the second largest holder of aging American Whiskey, Heaven Hill Distillery has the privilege of showcasing the quality and range of our distilling craft through the Parker’s Heritage Collection,” said Susan Wahl, Group Product Director at Heaven Hill Distillery. “We continue this series with thoughtful offerings that showcase the care and attention to detail for which Heaven Hill Distillery is known. Parker was involved in the development of this bottling over eight years ago and will continue to leave his mark on many future bottlings. 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 six editions from 2013-2018, 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, and Orange Curaçao-finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, respectively, have raised over one million dollars toward ALS research and patient care through contributions made by Heaven Hill for each bottle purchased. With the 2019 Heavy Char Rye Whiskey 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 twelve editions, but with a green colored label, the newest Parker’s Heritage Collection is available in a three-bottle case and will be available at retail starting in September. 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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CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
(502) 413-0217
lcherry@heavenhill.com  

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

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Heaven Hill Distillery Launches “Tales from the Hill” Podcast

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery today launched a new podcast, “Tales from the Hill,” to share the story of Heaven Hill in a way that has never been done before. Produced by CaskStrength Media and narrated by Mark Gillespie, host of the number one whiskey podcast “WhiskyCast,” Tales from the Hill takes an intimate, in-depth look at the people, places and products that have shaped Heaven Hill Distillery since 1935.  

Season one takes the listener on a six-episode a journey into the heritage and legacy of Heaven Hill. Each episode contains exclusive interviews from the people who know Heaven Hill best and provides a unique, behind-the-scenes look at how Heaven Hill went from filling the first barrel to a portfolio of award-winning whiskeys almost 85 years later. From President Max Shapira to expert taster Tawnie Gootee, each person interviewed provides listeners with a window into the largest independent, family-owned and operated distillery in America.  

Explore how Heaven Hill’s tradition of distilling informs today’s decisions to nurture American Whiskey toward a more vibrant future. Listen to the introductory episode and episode one now, with new episodes available every Tuesday for the next five weeks following the launch date. Learn more, subscribe, listen, and review here. 

Where to listen: 

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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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Hpnotiq Launches Limited Edition OG Package, Partners with Hip-Hop and Cultural Icon Fat Joe

Hpnotiq Liqueur, the storied spirits brand known for its electric blue hue, is bringing back the original packaging that gained notoriety in hip-hop artist Joseph “Fat Joe” Cartagena’s ‘Lean Back’ music video. Launched in 2001, Hpnotiq was quickly embraced as a cultural mainstay, becoming one of the most successful new product introductions in the history of distilled spirits.

The limited-edition “OG” Bottle will be available nationally beginning in June in the 750ml bottle, and in select markets as a 375ml flask and 50ml bottle. The OG package utilizes the original Hpnotiq logo and signature eye-catching blue hue made famous when Hpnotiq burst onto the scene in the early 2000’s. The OG program will also include retail support with a boom box display piece, Fat Joe partnership posters, and retro-logo point-of-sale.

“Hpnotiq is excited to partner with Fat Joe almost two decades after the original success of this unique duo within music and nightlife,” said MaryCrae Guild, Hpnotiq Brand Manager. “Hpnotiq is paying homage to its roots while also celebrating the brand’s future as it continues to grow within the segment. Since 2001, consumers have chosen Hpnotiq as a staple in entertainment.”

As a unique part of Hpnotiq’s history, the brand is partnering with Fat Joe to release a comedic “OG” video series imagining Fat Joe as the brand’s “Creative Director.” The OG campaign provides fans with a taste of nostalgia while enjoying the cultural relevancy of Fat Joe’s latest hits as a rapper, actor and entrepreneur. The launch of the hilarious “OG” video series features the NYC rapper running Hpnotiq’s headquarters, from experimenting with summer cocktails in the R&D lab to helping record the company voicemail. View the first video here.

A premium blend of exotic fruit juices, French Cognac and a touch of vodka, Hpnotiq is growing at six percent nationally. Hpnotiq is 17% alc/vol and the “OG” Bottle will be available beginning in June at select stores nationwide. For more information about the “OG” campaign and limited-edition bottle, visit @Hpnotiq on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or email info@hpnotiq.com to find your local retailer.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL: 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 Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Deep Eddy Vodka; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

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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 Distillery Launches Historic, Bottled-in-Bond Namesake Bourbon

Heaven Hill Distillery, one of the nation’s foremost American Whiskey producers now celebrating 84 years and three generations of family ownership, today announces the launch of Heaven Hill 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This historic offering of the company’s namesake Bourbon exemplifies the craftsmanship, patience and perseverance that are hallmarks of Heaven Hill’s whiskey-making tradition.

The origins of Heaven Hill’s eponymous Bottled-in-Bond brand dates to 1939, when upon release, it quickly became the number-one-selling Bourbon Whiskey in the state of Kentucky. The lineage of Heaven Hill Bourbon has been a constant throughout the company’s history, from the original 1939 4-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond to the 2018 release of Heaven Hill 27-Year-Old. Today, that heritage is once again celebrated with the release of Heaven Hill 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond. Made from Heaven Hill Distillery’s traditional Bourbon mashbill, mingled in small batches, and bottled at 100 proof, this 7-year-old offering of the namesake brand exceeds the minimum four-year aging requirement for a Bottled-in-Bond. The Distilled Spirits Plant (D.S.P) number of the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Ky., D.S.P.-KY-1, and that of the Heaven Hill headquarters and bottling house in Bardstown, Ky., D.S.P-KY-31, are featured prominently on the face label.

“Heaven Hill Distillery was built on patience and perseverance, two values we continue to pour into our products today,” said Heaven Hill Distillery President Max L. Shapira. “At a time when American Whiskey is surging, we are proud to release a namesake product that really brings us back to our company’s founding.  It celebrates our rich bourbon-making heritage, as well as the values and standards we hold today as a point of passion for our company.”

The front label prominently features “Bottled-in-Bond” across the top, an embossed “Heaven Hill” in the middle along with an illustration of Old Heaven Hill Springs distillery, the distillery first used in 1935, and the phrase “This Bourbon is 7 Years Old” adorns the bottom calling out the age statement. A gold foil, embossed Heaven Hill Distillery medallion is featured on the bottom label, the same emblem that marked the Heaven Hill 27-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond packaging. To complete the packaging, the back label includes the historic tagline “The Best of the Great Kentucky Bourbons,” along with the history of the namesake brand.

With an SRP of $39.99, it will first launch in October in the limited markets of California, Texas, New York, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, South Carolina, and Colorado.

Why Bottled in Bond?
The Bottled-in-Bond designation was an important turning point in the history of Bourbon. The exacting standards set forth in the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 offered consumers a guarantee of quality and transparency. It stipulated that the whiskey must be the product of one distilling season from one distillery, aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof. Today, this designation continues to offer those same guarantees, providing consumers with the knowledge of where the Bourbon was produced and the assurance that the barrels were all pulled from a single season. Keeping a Bottled-in-Bond product on the shelves with a consistent flavor profile requires the foresight of consistent aging inventory, as only barrels distilled between January and June or July and December can be bottled together in a single batch.

For Heaven Hill specifically, Bottled-in-Bonds are ingrained in our Bourbon portfolio. Not only was one of the founding brands a Bottled-in-Bond, but Heaven Hill has had the fortune of acquiring many Bottled-In-Bond labels over the years and has been instrumental in keeping the history of this important act and these labels alive. In fact, Heaven Hill Distillery produces the most Bottled-in-Bond whiskeys of any distillery today and prides itself on having a vast enough inventory to ensure that each of these bottlings meet the exacting standards of a Bottled-In-Bond.

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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.

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Champion Named in Heaven Hill Brands 2019 Bartender of the Year Competition

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com announced today the champion of the 2019 Bartender of the Year competition. After a nationwide search to find the top bartenders across America, Justin Ware, General Manager and Bartender at Johnny’s Gold Brick in Houston, as well as three-time Bartender of the Year semifinalist, is the 2019 Bartender of the Year and the recipient of $15,000. 

“Cocktail competitions have always been about networking and making connections for me. The Heaven Hill Bartender of the Year competition is wildly more relaxing and celebrates us bartenders through development and community. After three years of competing in this competition, this was the first year that I truly told the story of who I am day in and day out behind the bar, rather than what I thought others wanted me to be,” said Ware. “My bar concept was centered around diversity, education and community, which I saw throughout the week in this competition. Everyone wins at this stage, we now all have seats at the bar across the country, and making these connections through joining the Heaven Hill family and this family of bartenders is a big point in becoming more well-rounded as an industry professional.” 

Set in the scenic mountains of Highlands, North Carolina, the week began as the eight finalists descended upon Half Mile Farm for a week of learning and development, community-building, relaxation, and the opportunity to win a major achievement and recognition. A highlight of the week included a Master Distiller panel before dinner Tuesday night with Heaven Hill Distillery Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll and Tierra de Agaves Master Distiller Francisco Quijano, moderated by Seth Debolt, Director of the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits at the University of Kentucky. Down time throughout the week included dock fishing, hiking, paddle boarding, canoeing and bocce. 

The final day was composed of a three part “beverage program” challenge, followed by a surprise classic cocktail round. Competitors had 30 minutes to present a new bar concept with three cocktails representative of a well-rounded menu, with clear vision for the bar. All cocktails needed to fit together in terms of service style and concept, but also represent three different types of drinks, each of which highlights and showcases Heaven Hill’s breadth of portfolio. Scoring was based on use and understanding of Heaven Hill brands, deliciousness and appeal of drinks, coherence and viability of menu concept, functionally and economically, as well as presentation, technical skills, and demeanor. After presenting their bar concept, each contestant was then asked to create a classic cocktail in under three minutes to also show their skill on the fly. 

International Anthem 
Simple Serve by Justin Ware 

2 oz Domain De canton
5 oz House Soda
Ice: Spear 

Method: Chill glass in freezer overnight, chill Domaine de Canton overnight, chill soda in ice cold water 1 hour before serving. Pour cold Domaine de Canton in 14 oz. Collins Glass, top with soda, and garnish with lime zest and grapefruit. 

More than 1,000 original cocktail recipes using 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 were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2018. 48 semifinalists then competed in Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Austin, Chicago, Denver, New York, and San Francisco from January 2019 through end of April 2019. The top contestant from each region moved on to vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000. 

“Each year we continue to see top industry professionals raise the bar on innovation and creativity through the Bartender of the Year competition,” said Hannah Venhoff, Senior Brand Manager, Heaven Hill Brands. “After an amazing week in a beautiful setting, we are thrilled to welcome each of the finalists to the Heaven Hill family as representatives of their craft. Congratulations to Justin Ware whose persistence and passion shone through this week and throughout the competition.” 

National Brand Educator for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó, and 2018 Bartender of the Year Harrison Ginsberg judged the final eight bartenders. Finalists were challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges were looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody. 

Ware now joins the ranks of esteemed past winners: Harrison Ginsberg from Crown Shy in New York City was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, 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. 

The following bartenders competed in the 2019 Bartender of the Year Finals: 

Name  City  Regional City 
Vay Su   Los Angeles  Los Angeles 
Kabir Akbani  Miami  Miami 
Kevin King  Charleston  Nashville 
Justin Ware  Houston  Austin 
Katie Renshaw  Chicago  Chicago 
Keifer Gilbert  Phoenix  Denver 
Parker Luthman  Providence  New York 
Alison Kwan  San Francisco  San Francisco 

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

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Burnett’s Launches Limited-Edition 2019 Summer Package Series

BARDSTOWN, KY – Start your summer on a fun note with Burnett’s limited-edition summer package series, available nationally in June. Enjoy the same superior smoothness you have come to love from the brand with exciting new designs.

The unique themed bottles encourage consumers to start with Burnett’s…end with drinks up, fireworks, a song, a splash, and good vibes. The individual bottle designs include red, white, and blue graphics of sunglasses, flip flops, Burnett’s party cups, fireworks, and cassette tapes and capture the essence of the experiences Burnett’s Vodka is known to deliver.

As one of the top-selling vodkas in the nation, Burnett’s Vodka is a celebration staple. The brand’s tagline “Start with Burnett’s…end with memories that last a lifetime” is taken a step further with the limited-edition packaging featuring five ways these memories are made with Burnett’s. A limited number of bottles will also include a sticker located on the necker allowing consumers to personalize their bottle. The campaign features a social media component encouraging consumers to tag Burnett’s in photos of their summer fun on Facebook and Instagram using #startwithburnetts.

“Burnett’s Vodka is excited to introduce an innovative, seasonal design encouraging consumers to share their summer memories with Burnett’s,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager. “We wanted to develop a campaign that elevated the consumer experience, involving them in an exciting new way through social media, where they are already sharing their memories every day.”

The 2019 Burnett’s Summer Package Series bottles are available for a suggested retail price of $15.99 for the 1.75L and are bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof). The launch of the new summer 2019 package designs, on the 1.75L only, is supported by a custom Burnett’s Vodka lifeguard chair display, neckers with customizable stickers, case card kits, shelf talkers, Ibotta Mobile Rebate App, and social media promotion. For more information and drink recipes, visit the Burnett’s website (www.burnettsvodka.com).

Burnett’s Vodka is one of the largest, top-selling vodkas in the nation. Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has consistently won Beverage Information Group’s “Growth Brand” and Impact’s “Hot Brand” awards as one of the fastest growing products in the industry. In 2018 it was named a “Great Value” brand by the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and won a Double Gold medal from the SIP Awards, and in 2015 the brand was named to Beverage Information Group’s inaugural “Growth Brands Hall of Fame.” The entire line includes the Classic Vodka, 34 All-Natural Flavored Vodkas, Gin, Rums, and 100 proof varieties.

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To download photos, please click here.

CONTACT:

Lauren Cherry

Heaven Hill Brands

(502)413-0217

lcherry@heavenhill.com

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Deep Eddy Vodka Unveils Expansion of Tasting Room, Visitors Center

AUSTIN, Texas – Deep Eddy Vodka unveiled the expansion of the visitors center and tasting room in Dripping Springs on Saturday, the largest enhancement to the center since opening in 2014. With an investment of nearly $1 million, Deep Eddy celebrates its authentic Austin roots and Americana vibe with a bolder, bigger, better experience.

The new Distillery and Tasting Room will allow guests to enjoy simple mixology at a spacious bar around the vodka still and take in Deep Eddy’s signature experience of bringing people together for good times on the terrace overlooking the Texas foothills. With a new performance stage, guests can listen to music while sampling what could be the newest flavor or overlook the new bottling line. The Distillery and Tasting Room will also include a designated space for product and flavor innovation, that will further capture the essence of where small batch, hand-crafted Vodka begins.

“As an Austin born-and-bred Vodka, Deep Eddy is committed to inviting visitors into an interactive space that reflects the authenticity of the brand,” said Deep Eddy Vodka President John Scarborough. “Deep Eddy is excited to take its brand identity to the next level with an innovative new space offering guests a chance to experience its products in an immersive and unique way.”

The new experiences and capacity will allow for the expected 75,000+ annual visitors to taste, learn and enjoy Deep Eddy Vodka in its quintessential Austin setting. Exciting new features of the space include:

  • 38-foot bar
  • Innovation bar centered around the original Deep Eddy column still
  • Performance stage
  • New bottling line
  • New merchandise area
  • 200-person seating capacity
  • Taste test new, developmental flavors with Deep Eddy Flavor Expert Jason Ducharme

With the original facility investment at Dripping Springs at $6 million, and the $10 million production expansion in Buda, Deep Eddy Vodka has been rapidly expanding and investing in the Austin region. In 2016, the investment in expansion of production facilities in Buda allowed for more accommodation of inventory and innovation as the brand eclipsed one million cases in just six years. While the new Buda production facility now houses bottling, packaging, warehousing, shipping and some distilling, it also opened 30,000 square feet in Dripping Springs for the tasting room expansion.

About Deep Eddy Vodka: Deep Eddy Vodka (70-80 proof), a premium spirits company based in Austin, Texas, is The Spirits Business 2017 Brand Champion for Vodka. As a recipient of the Impact Hot Brand Award for four straight years and Beverage Information Group Growth Brand Award each of the past four years, Deep Eddy Vodka is recognized for its unique production process and incorporation of real, natural ingredients in its flavors. Born in Austin Tx., Deep Eddy Vodka is ten times distilled and handcrafted in small batches using only premium ingredients. The company’s line of products include: Deep Eddy Original Vodka, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka, Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, Deep Eddy Peach Vodka and Deep Eddy Orange Vodka. Deep Eddy Vodka is available in stores in all 50 states. More information on the company can be found at www.deepeddyvodka.com or www.facebook.com/deepeddyvodka.

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

Download images here.

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Bartender of the Year San Francisco Finalist Crafts Winning Cocktail with Empowering Inspiration

Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com announce last finalist for 2019 “Bartender of the Year” 

BARDSTOWN, KY – Alison Kwan, Bartender at True Laurel in San Francisco, announced as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com San Francisco finalist for the 2019 Bartender of the Year Competition. Kwan 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. Kwan crafted the “New Libations,” inspired by talented women within the industry (see recipe at end of release). 

“I chose to do a take on the Gin–Gin Mule, arguably one of Audrey Saunders’ most signature cocktails. Also known as the ‘Libation Goddess,’ Saunders was the first person to put Rittenhouse Rye on a cocktail menu in NYC. She fought to get this product because she really believed in it as not only a quality product, but also as a piece of American cocktail history. She was the impetus for much of the modern cocktail renaissance,” said Kwan. “I’ve substituted the gin for Rittenhouse Rye, the ginger beer for Domaine de Canton and fresh Granny Smith apple juice (a natural pairing for spicy rye), the lime for lemon, and the mint for aromatic California bay laurel syrup. Audrey’s recipe is timeless, and so is her inspiration to me. It is my dream to continue the legacy of talented female bartenders, to further their cause, and to inspire and empower the women bartenders of tomorrow, just like Audrey has done for me.” 

Thi Nguyen of The Saap Avenue in Oakland, Calif., won second place and $500. Six semifinalists competed regionally in San Francisco on Monday, April 15 at Bon Voyage!. 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 The Workshop at The Progress and professional development with Kevin Diedrich, Owner of Pacific Cocktail Haven in San Francisco. Diedrich created a cocktail utilizing Heaven Hill products and spoke to his inspiration behind it, as well as the path to opening his own bar and the challenges along the way. 

 National Brand Educator for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Diedrich judged the semifinalists’ cocktails and chose one finalist based on highest scores. Contestant skills and cocktails were scored on flavor, appearance, presentation, technical skills, use of sponsor brands, and adherence to judges’ guidelines. 

More than 1,100 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2018. 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 17-20, 2019. 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. Harrison Ginsberg of The Dead Rabbit in New York City was the 2018 Bartender of the Year and will return as a guest judge for the finals. Ginsberg joined an impressive rank of past champions, including Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar in New York City who was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo formerly of Compere Lapin in New Orleans who won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.  

 

New Libations  Crafted by Alison Kwan 

  

Ingredients:

  • Rittenhouse Rye (1.5 ounce(s)) 
  • Domaine de Canton Liqueur (.75 ounce(s)) 
  • Fresh Granny Smith Apple Juice (2.0 ounce(s)) 
  • Meyer Lemon Juice (.25 ounce(s)) 
  • Bay Laurel Syrup  (.25 ounce(s)) 

 Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker. Shake and double strain into ice-filled Collins glass. Garnish with Granny Smith apple fan on skewer. 

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Evan Williams Bourbon Launches Evan Williams Apple

Evan Williams Bourbon today launched Evan Williams Apple, the newest addition to the fast-growing Evan Williams Flavors portfolio. The world’s second largest-selling Bourbon marries with the crisp taste of green apples for a delicious taste experience.

A natural fit for the Evan Williams Flavors lineup, apple has seen heightened success across the brown spirits category as the flavor surpasses honey in popularity according to IWSR. As the flavored whiskey category has continued to expand, both established flavors, like honey, and newer entrants, like Apple, are propelling the segment to nearly 10 million nine-liter cases, showing that flavored whiskeys are still a key growth opportunity. The addition of Evan Williams Apple rounds out the flavor offerings within the Evan Williams flavors franchise, providing retailers an opportunity to build on the franchise success, as evidenced by Evan Williams Honey, which grew at seven percent over the last 12 months.

Mirroring the rest of the Flavors line, Evan Williams Apple is bottled at 70 proof. Evan Williams Apple is “picked fresh” and “poured smooth” as a simple mixer in cocktails or refreshing on its own over ice. On the nose, Evan Williams Apple is crisp, green apple forward with Bourbon behind. The taste is juicy, sweet apple with hints of caramel and light spice, with a long, smooth finish of a green apple and Bourbon blend.

“Evan Williams Apple is an approachable flavor that stays true to the quality of Evan Williams Bourbon and personality of the brand,” said Julie Cole, Evan Williams Brand Manager. “We look forward to bringing in new consumers to the Evan Williams franchise, as well as giving our current consumers more choice.”

Evan Williams Apple will be supported by the “Picked Fresh. Poured Smooth” tagline, as well as a dedicated media program and point-of-sale products throughout summer 2019. Available in 750ml and 50ml sizes, Evan Williams Apple SRP is priced in line with the flavors family at $14.99.

Enjoy Evan Williams Apple in one of the following refreshing cocktails:

Evan Williams Apple Mule

  • 2 parts Evan Williams Apple
  • Ginger Beer
  • Squeeze of Lime

Build Evan Williams Apple over lime in a mule cup. Top with ginger beer. Squeeze fresh lime juice. ​

Evan Williams Cranapple Spritz

  • 5 parts Evan Williams Apple
  • 5 parts Cranberry Juice
  • Club Soda
  • Cinnamon Stick

Build Evan Williams Apple and cranberry juice in a cocktail glass over ice. Add a splash of club soda and garnish with a cinnamon stick. ​

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

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