Author: Heavenhill Admin

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Lynn Rupley-Smith Wins Blue Ribbon at 34th Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest

LOUISVILLE, KY – The 34th annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest kicked off the culinary competitions at the Kentucky State Fair on Friday, August 16, showcasing some of the most creative Bourbon dishes in the Commonwealth. Heaven Hill Distillery, producers of Evan Williams Bourbon, awarded the coveted Blue Ribbon top prize to Lynn Rupley-Smith of Louisville, Ky., for her Plant Butter Bourbon Potato Casserole.

A distinguished panel of local judges selected the entrée from 50 entries this year. Red (second place) and White (third place) ribbons were awarded to Lisa Echsner of Louisville, Ky. for her Evan’s Sweet Potato Tipsy Bisque-y and Kelli Lewis of Louisville, Ky. for her Kentucky Highlander Beef Bourbon Pie, respectively.

Judges for the contest included Steve Coomes, food and spirits writer, speaker and book author; Sarah Fritschner, Coordinator, Louisville Farm to Table and local food consultant writer; Sara Havens, Freelance Spirits Writer, blogger, and book author; Fred Minnick, Wall Street Journal-bestselling author; Maggie Kimberl, Content Editor and contributor for several Whiskey publications; and Jodie Filiatreau, Artisanal Distiller for the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience.

During the judging, contestants and spectators were treated to a cooking with Bourbon demonstration by Chef Jeff Dailey, Executive Chef at Harvest Restaurant in NuLu. Chef Dailey performed the demonstration using Evan Williams Bourbon, America’s second-largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.  Also, on hand to assist was Harvest’s Lead Line Cook, Daniel Ortiz, and keeping the crowd on its toes were hosts Jesse and MJ from 106.9 PLAY.

Heaven Hill Distillery, the Bardstown, Ky.-based maker of distilled spirits, produces Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – named for the Commonwealth’s first distiller who set up his distillery on the banks of the Ohio River in 1783.

“The unique heritage of America’s Native Spirit, coupled with the Commonwealth’s flagship exposition, presents a grand stage for some of the finest amateur chefs,” said Lauren Cherry, Assistant Communications Manager for Heaven Hill Distillery. “In this 34th year of the Evan Williams Cooking Contest we are inspired by their creativity and enthusiasm.”

The recipes were rated on originality, ease of preparation, appearance, name and the contribution of Evan Williams Bourbon to the taste and aroma of the dish. In addition to receiving a coveted Kentucky State Fair prize ribbon and a cash prize, each of the winning entries will be considered for publication in the next “Cooking with Bourbon” recipe booklet, published periodically by Heaven Hill Distilleries.

34th Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest Winning Recipe
August 16, 2019

Plant Butter Bourbon Potato Casserole
Lynn Rupley-Smith, Louisville, KY 

Filling:

  • 6 large sweet potatoes
  • ½ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla
  • ½ cup plant butter
  • ¾ cup Evan Williams Bourbon Whiskey

Topping:

  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 tbs. flour
  • ¼ cup plant butter

Directions:

Cook, peel, and mash sweet potatoes. Add brown sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix together and spoon into a 9 inch round casserole dish. For topping, cut butter into flour and brown sugar and sprinkle on top of mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes.

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CONTACT:

Emily Gahafer

Communications Coordinator

(502) 813-2375

egahafer@heavenhill.com

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What is Black Velvet Canadian Whisky?

​The history and origin behind the newly acquired brand

The Origin of Black Velvet

Black Velvet Canadian Whisky was developed in 1946 and was first introduced into market in 1951. However, the legacy of the brand began nearly 95 years earlier in 1857 when the Gilbey brothers, Walter and Alfred came home to Hertfordshire, England after serving in the Crimean War. In search of a business venture, they began importing wine from South Africa which quickly developed into a full-blown company as family members joined the brothers. Finding they had a knack for the spirits industry, in 1872 Walter and Alfred built their first gin distillery in England. Gilbey’s Gin quickly became popular worldwide and in 1906 the brand was introduced in Canada. With international expansion came international success. On September 11, 1933, the brothers opened the doors of W&A Gilbey Distillery in Toronto, Canada where the first Canadian Gilbey spirits were produced. Soon after, the brothers were joined by distillers Crosbie Hicks and John S. (Jack) Napier who developed several different Canadian Whiskies such as Old Gold, Special Old, Very Best, Red Velvet, Gold Velvet, Royal Velvet and Black Velvet. While the 10-year-old Royal Velvet was expected to be the top selling product, Black Velvet became the company’s leading product and is now the number two selling Canadian Whisky in the world.

Why “Black Velvet?”

Originally, Black Velvet was to be named Black Label. Due to potential confusion with the classic Johnny Walker Black Label Scotch, W&A Gilbey reconsidered. When Distiller John Napier had his first taste of mature whisky, he instantly compared the texture and consistency to velvet – thus the name Black Velvet was coined.

The Black Velvet Distilling Company

In 1962, W&A Gilbey garnered industry interest and took on International Distillers and Vintners (IDV) as a partner – which would later become Diageo. The 1970’s brought growth for the Canadian Whisky category and in turn, in 1972 and 1973 IDV built Palliser Distillery in Lethbridge, Alberta, located on the banks of the Oldman River near a desert called ‘The Badlands’, to support production of the wildly successful Black Velvet Canadian Whisky and Smirnoff Vodka. In 1999, Diageo sold several Canadian Whisky brands, including Black Velvet, to Canandaigua Brands, now known as Constellation. In 2009, Constellation shifted focus to mid-premium brands like Black Velvet and moved its Whisky production to the Palliser Distillery which was renamed The Black Velvet Distilling Company. 

The Product

This product has stood the test of time with a steady consumer base after 65 years of distribution. According to Davin de Kergommeaux’s Canadian Whisky the New Portable Expert: Volume Two, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky features a flavor profile of, “crème caramel, black fruit, and nose-tickling spirit, dusty rye, fresh timber followed by glowing hot pepper and ginger with hints of cloves, fresh lively, and bright.”

Historic, Iconic Marketing Programs

In the 1960s and 1970s, Black Velvet was extremely popular with vast marketing programs featuring famous spokespeople. In 1969, Black Velvet introduced the first Black Velvet Lady, Patricia Victoria Miller. Through the years, other Black Velvet Ladies have included: Model Christie Brinkley; Actress Cybill Shepherd; Model and Actress Kim Alexis; Model Cheryl Tiegs; and Model Kelly Emberg.

Additionally, several notable actors and singers have served as the face of Black Velvet including Larry Hagman from the hit TV shows Dallas, I Dream of Jeannie, and Knots Landing; George Burns, American comedian, actor, singer, and writer; Country Music Icon Tanya Tucker; and Telly Savalas who is best known for playing New York detective Theo Kojak in the American drama series Kojak.

Making Black Velvet

The Black Velvet Distilling Company features an automated operation system from grain to final product requiring just two employees per shift. The distillery features four shifts per day and a total of 60 employees, 15 of which are responsible for testing product to ensure it is consistent and up to standard. The Black Velvet recipe is a majority corn mashbill inspired by Hicks and Napier’s original recipe. The distillery uses approximately 1,500 tons of corn each year to create the second largest selling Canadian Whisky. The base Whisky distillation process begins by adding the mash to continuous jet cookers and a rotation of eleven fermenters. During this process, dry yeast is added, and the mash goes from 8 percent alc/vol to 13 or 14 percent alc/vol. The product is then transported to a four-column continuous still consisting of a beer column, extractive distillation column, a fusel column, a rectifying column and several copper condensers. Once the base Whisky is produced, a process called “blending at birth” takes place in which the base Whisky is blended with a rye flavoring Whisky that has been aged for two to six years. Once blended, the product is stored in used Bourbon barrels at 77 percent alc/vol to age for a minimum of three years. The barrels are then placed in one of the three Black Velvet Distilling Company Warehouses among approximately 340,000 other barrels. Once the product is ready, it is bottled in Lethbridge or sent to Kentucky or California to be bottled and prepared for distribution. ​

Read more about the acquisition here.

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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  

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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

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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

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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 

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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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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

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