Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Larceny Barrel Proof Series Nationwide

Barrel Proof offering becomes first line extension for Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Heaven Hill Distillery today announced the first line extension of Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Larceny Barrel Proof. Released on an allocated basis three times per year, the first release of this wheated Bourbon will ship with great consumer anticipation in January 2020 after already receiving a Double Gold from the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

First launched in 2012, Larceny is one of the most successful new-to-the-world Bourbons in the past decade, enjoying both critical and consumer acclaim. Leveraging the success of the mainline brand, Larceny Barrel Proof offers whiskey fans an opportunity to taste Larceny as Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller does, straight out of the barrel. Each release will be bottled at barrel proof, non-chill filtered and available at a suggested retail price of $49.99.

Larceny Barrel Proof will be an ongoing offering released three times per year: January, May and September. Each release will have varying proofs and consist of barrels aged six to eight years. A naming convention for the release is shown on each bottle. The alpha character in the naming convention designates which batch of the year that bottle came from, the numeral that follows represents the month of the release, and finally the last two digits indicate the corresponding year of the release. For example, the first release will be A120, with “A” representing the first batch of that year, “1” representing January, and “20” representing the year 2020.

The new release will be offered in the traditional distinctive Larceny pinched-waist, flask-shaped 750ml bottle, with the hallmark skeleton key logo and John E. Fitzgerald signature carried by a black label. The lower face label denotes “Barrel Proof” in red and includes the batch number, proof, and alc/vol for each particular release.

“Larceny’s wheated Bourbon mashbill delivers a taste profile that is very approachable and smooth, a true crowd-pleaser. The addition of this non chill filtered, barrel proof offering to the Larceny family allows us to showcase a deeper character, richness and depth of flavor from our wheated Bourbon mashbill,” said Heaven Hill Distillery Group Product Director Susan Wahl. “Drawing from its lineage within the Old Fitzgerald family, Larceny Barrel Proof is an opportunity for Bourbon fans to taste a historical ‘wheater’ in its purest form.”

Larceny is the heir to the wheated Bourbons that make up the historic Old Fitzgerald franchise acquired by Heaven Hill Distillery in 1999. Continuing the tradition of Old Fitzgerald using wheat in place of rye as the secondary grain in the mashbill, Larceny uses more wheat than any of its competitors for a softer, rounder character. The brand is inspired by the history of John E. Fitzgerald, who as a treasury agent in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s was one of the only people legally allowed to carry the keys to the barrel storage rickhouses. With a discerning palate for fine Bourbon, John E. Fitzgerald often used his rickhouse keys to gain access to some of the finest Bourbon barrels for himself. Those barrels from which he chose to help himself were often referred to as “Fitzgerald barrels” around the distillery.

The Search for Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com 2020 “Bartender of the Year” Begins NOW!

Winner will receive $15,000 at finals Half Mile Farm in North Carolina

Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com are searching for the 2020 Bartender of the Year in the competition’s fifth anniversary. The event welcomes bartenders from across the United States to join the Heaven Hill family through online submissions, regional semifinals and the crowning of the Bartender of the Year in June 2020, returning to the picturesque Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina.

Bartenders will be challenged to demonstrate a variety of cocktail skills using Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Dubonnet Rouge Grand Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy and Lunazul Tequila. The 2020 Bartender of the Year contest will identify the bartender who best embodies the range of qualities to which all bartenders aspire to be, as Justin Ware from Houston expertly showcased throughout each round of the competition to be named the 2019 Bartender of the Year. From service to history and skills to quality preparation, the 2020 Bartender of the Year will be a celebrated example of what it means to be a hospitality professional behind the bar.

“As we enter the fifth year of competition amidst a thriving cocktail culture we are excited to taste and see the creativity as it takes on a new level each year,” said Kate S. Latts, Vice President, Marketing for Heaven Hill Brands. “Our diverse portfolio of spirits, coupled with an investment in education and camaraderie for participants, creates a foundation for growth and showcases the passion each bartender has for their craft. We look forward to adding the newest members to our growing Heaven Hill family.”

Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com will identify candidates for Bartender of the Year first by online submissions beginning September 15 and continuing through November 5. Submissions will be evaluated throughout November by the three returning national judges: Heaven Hill National Brand Educator Lynn House, Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó. Eight regional competitions will be held in the following cities from January-April 2020: Chicago, Los Angeles, Austin, New York City, Miami, Portland, Phoenix, and Atlanta. Six semifinalists will compete at each regional and one from each will advance to the finals at Half Mile Farm.

Submissions for the contest opened at bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com on September 15, 2019. Guest judges joining for the regional semifinals will be announced throughout the duration of the contest. Ware will also return as a judge for the finals.

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. 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.

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

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Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Launches Unlock the Rickhouse Augmented Reality Program

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey launched the new “Unlock the Rickhouse” augmented reality app today available to download on the Apple Store and Google Play.  With this app, consumers are invited to search through the rickhouses to learn more about Larceny Bourbon, potentially win daily prizes, and enter to win the grand prize of $10,000.

To participate, consumers can simply download the new “Unlock the Rickhouse” augmented reality app on their own personal smart phone device. Once downloaded, consumers can explore the rickhouses by tapping on each one to search for a prize-winning “Fitzgerald barrel.” From Sept. 1 through Dec. 31, each tap of a rickhouse gains one entry to the grand prize of $10,000 (where legal). Daily prizes will also be awarded and include everything from a mini barrel shot glass and Larceny magnet, all the way up to a Larceny guitar or LED sign. These prizes will be sent out on a weekly basis to winning consumers.

The app was inspired by the history of John E. Fitzgerald, who as a treasury agent in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s was one of the only people legally allowed to carry the keys to the barrel storage rickhouses.  With a discerning palate for fine Bourbon, John E. Fitzgerald often used his rickhouse keys to gain access to some of the finest Bourbon barrels for himself. Those barrels from which he chose to help himself were often referred to as “Fitzgerald barrels” around the distillery. This infamous act of larceny led to the Larceny brand and has now inspired the newest augmented reality app.

“We’re excited to present an innovative augmented reality program that will allow consumers to interact with and get to know Larceny Bourbon in a very interactive and unique way,” said Heaven Hill Group Product Director, Susan Wahl. “This kind of programming concept is still fairly new to the industry, and even newer to the Whiskey category. It allows the consumer an opportunity for rich content and brings the Larceny story to life.”

The brand launched the unique program with several exciting elements, including a custom augmented reality app that allows consumers to view the Larceny rickhouses and surrounding other buildings, a grand prize sweepstakes with the chance to win $10,000, and an eye-catching in-store display to help merchandise Larceny cases and encourage in-store interaction with consumers. The interactive display features directions on how to download the app, paired with a map of the Larceny rickhouses that can be scanned in-store using the app. Additionally, select 750ml bottles feature a Z-card necker that folds out into a map of the Larceny rickhouses on one side, with instructions on how to download the app, win prizes, and enter the sweepstakes on the other. This allows for consumers to take the experience home and play daily.

The Unlock the Rickhouse program is brought to life across various media platforms such as YouTube, programmatic video, mobile, and social media including Facebook and Instagram.

Since Heaven Hill announced the launch of Larceny Bourbon in 2012, the brand has enjoyed tremendous growth and notoriety. In 2019, Larceny earned a Double Gold Medal at the SIP Awards, as well as the Tried and True award, a 93 point rating, and “Great Value” designation at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. Additionally, the brand is a four-time Beverage Information Group “Rising Star” award winner, four-time IMPACT “Hot Prospect” brand, and was named a Top 20 Spirit in the World by Spirit Journal. Larceny Bourbon continues the Old Fitzgerald tradition of using wheat in place of rye as the secondary grain in the whiskey’s mashbill. On the palate, Larceny has a softer, rounder character that is the hallmark of the Old Fitzgerald legacy.

At an average national retail price of $24.99 for the 750ml size, Larceny is a true small batch Bourbon produced from 200 barrels or less that have been selected from Heaven Hill’s open rickhouses in Nelson County, Kentucky. Larceny has a 6-year-old taste profile and is bottled at a full-bodied 92 proof, or 46% alcohol by volume.

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CONTACT:

Emily Gahafer

Heaven Hill Brands

(502) 813-2375

egahafer@heavenhill.com

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Heaven Hill Brands’ Lunazul Tequila Releases Limited Edition Louisville City FC Lunazul Blanco Bottle

BARDSTOWN, KY –Lunazul 100% Agave Tequila announced today the limited edition release of a Louisville City FC package for Lunazul Blanco. Both locally-owned with award-winning pedigrees, the special label supports Lunazul’s partnership as the “Official Tequila” of Louisville City FC and celebrates the team’s back-to-back titles as United Soccer League (USL) Cup champions.

Owned locally by Heaven Hill Brands, the award winning, top ten nationally ranked 100% Agave Tequila is proud to support Louisville’s ‘Boys in Purple’ through another championship season. Available now for an estimated retail price of $18.99, the design features the team’s signature purple and gold around the label trim, with the Louisville City FC logo on the neck of the bottle and the background of the label. The bottles are available at major local retail locations while supplies last.

Additionally, Lunazul is proud to once again serve as the Official Tequila of Louisville City FC. In support of this sponsorship, fans will find Lunazul featured in stadium back bars and concourse booths throughout the season. Fans can also enjoy a River City Rita, the signature Lunazul cocktail, during each pre-home game “Party by the Pitch” event.

“Lunazul is proud to continue its partnership with Louisville City FC again this year. As a locally-owned brand, Louisville City FC is scoring goals for our city and adding value with each championship win,” says Lunazul Brand Manager MaryCrae Guild. “It’s an honor to produce this limited edition bottle of Lunazul Blanco as a way to celebrate the tremendous success of ‘The Boys in Purple.’”

Lunazul Tequila is among the finest 100% Agave Tequilas in the category at an affordable price. More information about the brand can be found at  http://lunazultequila.com/ or follow along on Facebook and Instagram. For over 250 years, the Beckmann family has been crafting some of Mexico’s smoothest tequila. Founded by Francisco Beckmann in 2004, and now under the watchful eye of his son Jorge Beckmann, the Tierra de Agaves estate is home to the oldest dynasty of tequila brands in the 100% Agave sub-category. The brand boasts accolades including the Beverage Information Group “Rising Star” and Impact “Hot Prospect” for volume growth since 2013, 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold Medal, and the Ultimate Spirits Challenge Finalist and Great Value awards.

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CONTACT:

Emily Gahafer

Heaven Hill Brands

egahafer@heavenhill.com

(502) 813-2375

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 Whiskeycontinues 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 mashbillThis edition, however, differentiates itself through its aging processInstead 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 compoundsthe 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 inventorythis 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. 

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 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 futureListen 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. 

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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