Category: Announcements

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands, the country’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer, will build upon the successful Admiral Nelson’s Rum franchise with the release of Admiral Nelson’s Pineapple Rum this spring. As the second-largest brand in the spiced rum segment and with four percent brand growth the franchise is poised for success with this this premium, fresh, flavor that is sure to bring out an adventurous spirit with each sip.

“Admiral Nelson’s continues to chart its own course offerings that deliver a smooth, premium taste that consumers look for at an approachable price,” said Heaven Hill Brands Senior Brand Manager Hannah Venhoff. “Admiral Nelson’s Pineapple is a natural extension, capitalizing on the flavor trend and providing a fresh, tropical flavor profile suited for dynamic and everyday experiences.”

Bottled at 70 proof, the natural fruit flavor is blended with light Caribbean rum, creating the perfect base for any cocktail. The sweet flavor is also highlighted in the packaging with yellow and brown accents and will be supported by an array of retail point of sale items with the “Admirably Smooth. Perfectly Pineapple.” brand message.

Admiral Nelson’s Pineapple Rum will be available beginning in April at a suggested retail price of $10.99/750ml in 50ml, 750ml, 1L and 1.75L sizes.

Acquired by Heaven Hill in 2011, Admiral Nelson’s Spiced Rum continues to be one of the best-selling spiced rums in the spirits industry. The brand is the second-largest brand in the spiced rum segment. Since 2007, it has been a consistent winner of growth awards from leading trade publications, including Market Watch and Beverage Information Group.

The Admiral Nelson’s family of rums is also comprised of the flagship Admiral Nelson’s Spiced, Black Patch Black Spiced, 101 Proof Spiced, Cherry Spiced, Coconut, Vanilla, Dark, Silver and Gold varieties. The franchise is available in all standard sizes and bottled between 35-50.5 percent alcohol by volume (70-101 proof). For more information, visit www.admiralnelsonsrum.com.

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.

-30-

CONTACT:

---

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

To download images from this press release, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at http://connect.heavenhill.com and enter the username and password below.

Username: Heaven Hill
Password: Guest
Folder: Admiral Nelson

As an official sponsor of the Kentucky Derby Festival, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience will release a special edition bottle of 2009 Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon to commemorate the 2017 Kentucky Derby Festival. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience will also be the sole location providing Pegasus Pins through March 6.

Dipped in a unique gold wax with a commemorative pin sealed atop the cap, the bottle features a special face label with the Kentucky Derby Festival logo, and includes a 2017 Pegasus Pin in an envelope attached to each bottle. Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller Charlie Downs and Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO Mike Berry unveiled the official 2017 pin and limited edition bottle at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on Thursday, Feb. 16, by personally hand-dipping two of the limited edition bottles.

This bottle will be available for purchase at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and other area retailers for $74.99 while supplies last.

The limited edition 2009 vintage is bottled at 107 proof, commemorating both the 62^nd Kentucky Derby Festival and 45^th Pegasus Pin anniversary. Like a fine wine, each bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon contains the exact day it was put in an oak barrel to age.

The Bourbon is matured in natural open-rick warehouses under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s Master Distillers, who monitor the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality.

Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage has won five “Whiskey of the Year” awards and is one of the most critically-acclaimed specialty Bourbons produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the world’s second largest holder of aging Bourbon.

“The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is proud to partner with the Kentucky Derby Festival to share the unique Kentucky spirit that is unmatched elsewhere,” said Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller Charlie Downs. “We’re honored to raise a toast to Kentucky’s heritage and welcome Festival Fans across the globe to join in celebrating the 2017 Kentucky Derby.”

Bringing the community together since 1956, the Kentucky Derby Festival has grown to become a whirlwind of more than 70 special events leading up to the big race in May. The Kentucky Derby Festival runs this year from April 20 – May 5. Pegasus Pins, which allow entry to Derby Festival events, may be purchased at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience as well.

“We couldn’t think of a better a pairing of two entities. Both the Derby Festival and Evan Williams Bourbon are part of Kentucky’s history and tradition,” said Mike Berry, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “We know this special edition bottle will be very popular with pin collectors and Festival Fans alike.”

About Kentucky Derby Festival: Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

About the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience: The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience® (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first commercial distiller, through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit. An official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the facility offers guests a historical glimpse back in time to see Evan Williams’ original distillery through high definition video recreations of the Louisville wharf and Main Street in the late 18th Century, plus recreations of Whiskey Row building facades along Main Street from the 1890’s through the present. Meanwhile, visitors learn the essential differences between distilling during Evan Williams’ era and Heaven Hill’s modern Bernheim Distillery operations.

To download images from this press release, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at connect.heavenhill.com and enter the username and password below.

Username: Heaven Hill
Password: Guest
Folder: Kentucky Derby Festival

 

I, along with our entire Heaven Hill family, am saddened to share that our Master Distiller Emeritus, Parker Beam, passed away last night after a long and valiant battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS. All of us within the company, and the general public, watched with awe and admiration as Parker and Linda waged a much publicized war against this terrible disease, using their courage, his standing as one of the industry’s great Master Distillers and his wide sphere of influence to generate international awareness, and millions of dollars, for ALS research and treatment.

Starting in 1960 when he joined his father Earl here, and continuing through his appointment as Master Distiller in 1975, succeeding his father, Parker’s leadership established the foundation for our company and our Bourbon heritage. It was Parker who saw us through Bourbon’s first golden age in the 1960’s, its subsequent decline in the 1970’s and who led us to today’s new Golden Age, helping pioneer our first premium small batch and single barrel Bourbons, and paving the way for Heaven Hill to be the category leader we are today. There are no awards Parker has not won—charter member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, Whiskey Advocate Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame, they go on and on—but what we will remember most about Parker was the leadership, the can-do attitude, and the kind and selfless mentoring he did to his son Craig and a whole new generation of Bourbon distillers.

At this time, however, our thoughts and prayers first go out to his family. We will share more on Parker Beam’s immense legacy in a follow-up release tomorrow morning, Tuesday, January 10.

About Heaven Hill Distillery: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.2 million barrels aging in 53 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the titles of Whisky Magazine’s Distillery of the Year and Whiskey Advocate’s American Whiskey of the Year. For more information, please visit http://www.heavenhill.com/home.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

CONTACT:

---

Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Brands
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com

To download images from this press release, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at http://connect.heavenhill.com and enter the username and password below.

Username: ParkerBeam
Password: Legend

Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum and Bellator MMA™ today announced a two-year extension of the dynamic partnership between the bold, edgy and growing brands to create a high energy experience for millions of fans.

Blackheart’s partnership with Bellator began in 2015 as the “Official Rum”. As Bellator and Blackheart continue to see incredible growth, this partnership will continue to develop even more edgy content both brands are known for.

“Blackheart Rum is a brand known for captivating fans with bold experiences, just as Bellator MMA does with each fight,” said Hannah Venhoff, Blackheart Brand Manager. “We are excited to continue our support of Bellator and build upon a program that allows our brand to engage at a deeper level with fans everywhere.”

The Spiced Rum brand will continue to support its sponsorship with in-cage and arena signage during live events, as well as custom in-show features during fights on Spike TV. Additionally, Blackheart will be promoted on Bellator’s social and digital channels, reaching millions of MMA fans. Blackheart will also be running TV spots during Spike TV airings. Select events will also feature a Blackheart photo booth and local tastings with fighter and Bellator Ring Girl appearances.

Bellator MMA was founded in 2008 and has since become one of the world’s largest mixed martial arts promotions. In a sport that continues to grow in popularity, Bellator has a vision to enhance the fight experience and offer the most exciting sporting events for viewers, while featuring top-athletes from around the world. Bellator MMA audience numbers have seen double-digit growth with live, main event fights often drawing over one million viewers.

“We are thrilled to once again partner with Blackheart Rum as Bellator continues to grow and develop as the world’s fastest rising combat sports league,” said Scott Coker, President, Bellator.

As announced in April 2016, Blackheart is the official sponsor of Bellator MMA™ Light Heavyweight Fighter Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis. Davis will represent Blackheart throughout 2016-2017, which includes the Light Heavyweight World Championship fight against Liam McGeary on Nov. 4 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.

Available nationally, Blackheart brand support consists of a comprehensive marketing plan that includes robust print and digital advertising, social media activities and on‐ and off‐premise point‐of‐sale materials that all carry the brand tagline “Seduction in a Bottle.” Blackheart has been a knockout in the Spiced Rum category with double-digit growth since it was released by Heaven Hill Brands in 2010.

Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum is available in 1.75L, 1L, 750ml, 375ml and 50ml sizes and bottled at 46.5 percent alcohol by volume (93 proof). In 2016, for the fourth straight year, Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum was named a “Rising Star” by The Beverage Information Group.

About Heaven Hill Brands: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons, 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.

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is a leading Mixed Martial Arts organization featuring many of the best fighters in the world. Under the direction of veteran fight promoter Scott Coker, Bellator is available to nearly 500 million homes worldwide in over 140 countries. In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike, the MMA television leader.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Santa Monica, California and owned by entertainment giant Viacom, home to the world’s premier entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms.

About Spike:

Spike TV is available in 91.4 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

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

New Look for Iconic Bottle Better Mirrors the Premium Spirit Within and Celebrates Its Availability for Years to Come

Heaven Hill Distillery, one of the nation’s foremost American whiskey producers now celebrating 81 years and three generations of family ownership, today announces a major redesign of its flagship Elijah Craig Small Batch packaging. It includes a contemporary, yet traditional new look for its iconic bottle to better mirror the premium nature of the award-winning spirit within and celebrate the company’s unwavering commitment to its availability for years to come.

“At a time when the demand for Bourbon is at record levels, we are renewing our commitment to crafting Elijah Craig Small Batch so we can have it more available for the market, rather than on allocation, inaccessibly priced or simply out of stock,” says Max L. Shapira, President, Heaven Hill Distillery, and second-generation family member. “Our new bottle design celebrates Elijah Craig Small Batch’s promise of being a premium Bourbon of the highest quality in our industry.”

Elijah Craig Small Batch is made exclusively from batches of 200 barrels or less of 8-year-old to 12-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, with a large percent from the older barrels. Now available nationwide, its mashbill, proprietary yeast, proof, and aging regimen remain the same.

The newly designed bottle is taller and has cleaner lines that better appeal to today’s discerning Bourbon drinker. Using a custom-designed mold, 1789, the year the Rev. Elijah Craig founded his distillery, is embossed on the glass. Craig is credited as “The Father of Bourbon,” who pioneered aging his Kentucky whiskey in charred oak barrels that created the spirit’s signature amber color and smooth flavor.

In addition, the brand name and Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey directly decorate the bottle to better showcase the beauty of the spirit. A small textured paper label on the bottom of the bottle’s front includes Elijah Craig’s signature, as well as product information. Crowning the bottle, its cork closure is made of wood that is stained dark brown.

“We are confident that through our stringent barrel selection process we will maintain the desired taste profile and quality that have made Elijah Craig Small Batch one of the most critically acclaimed Bourbons in the world,” says Co-Master Distiller Denny Potter. “We can do this because barrels, no matter their age, mature at different rates that depend on their location in our natural open rick warehouses. We choose only those barrels that meet our exacting standards for complexity. They are the cream of the crop that annually account for about one-half of one percent of all of our aging stocks.”

Elijah Craig Small Batch immediately catches the eye with its luxurious burnished copper colored liquid. On the nose, it is delightfully complex, with notes of vanilla bean, sweet fruit and fresh mint. On the palate, it is smooth, warm and pleasantly woody with accents of spice, smoke and nutmeg. Its finish is long, sweet and slightly toasty. With its complex taste, Elijah Craig Small Batch is enjoyed neat or on the rocks and shines in classic cocktails like the Gold Rush, Old-Fashioned and Manhattan.

The new packaging celebrates this iconic spirit that helped rekindle the Bourbon renaissance by pioneering the small batch concept back in 1986, before this term existed. It reflects Heaven Hill’s unwavering commitment to Bourbon, boasting the second-largest inventory of aging Kentucky whiskey—1.2 million barrels, over 21 percent of the world’s future supply. The company’s award-winning Bourbon Heritage Center brings to life the history, heritage and lore of Bourbon making. It is a cornerstone of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail that has attracted 2.5 million Bourbon tourists over the past five years.

About Elijah Craig Small Batch

Elijah Craig Small Batch is made exclusively from batches of 200 barrels or less of 8- to 12- year-old Bourbon. First brought to market in 1986, Heaven Hill’s Master Distillers were selecting a small number of barrels of the finest Bourbon to make Elijah Craig long before the term “small batch” even existed. It is this attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that give Elijah Craig an ideal balance of age, robust body and rich flavor. Its accolades have included a “Double Gold Medal” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and two-time “Best of the Best” Bourbon by Whisky Magazine.

This signature spirit bears the name of the Rev. Elijah Craig, “The Father of Bourbon” who established his distillery in 1789. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his Kentucky whiskey in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery and one of its bestselling Bourbons by case volume, it is complemented by Elijah Craig 12-Year-Old Barrel Proof, Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel and Elijah Craig 23-Year-Old Single Barrel in the portfolio. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

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

To download images from this press release, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at connect.heavenhill.com and enter the username and password below.

Username: Heaven Hill
Password: Guest
Folder: Elijah Craig Small Batch

BARDSTOWN, KY – Evan Williams Bourbon, the second-largest selling Bourbon in the world, is partnering with Major League Baseball to sponsor the 2016 World Series. As a proud sponsor of the 112^th World Series, Evan Williams will launch the largest sponsorship program in the Bourbon brand’s eight-decade history, including presenting sponsorship of MLB Network’s Emmy Award-winning program, MLB Tonight, during the Postseason.

The sponsorship will be supported nationwide through digital and traditional media. National advertising will feature a new co-branded television spot running on networks including ESPN, FS1, MLB Network, among others. A custom MLB-themed display featuring an Evan Williams jersey, hat and Louisville Slugger baseball bat will also bring the program into retail stores nationwide.

As part of the World Series sponsorship, Evan Williams will send the grand prize winner and three friends on an all-expenses paid trip to one game of this year’s World Series. The World Series Sweepstakes is open now on the Evan Williams website at EvanWilliams.com/MLB and runs through October 14^th (Official sweepstakes rules here). An Evan Williams World Series Happy Hour featuring specialty cocktails will also be held around the World Series sponsorship.

“As an authentic American brand, we are proud to support the national pastime by sponsoring Major League Baseball and the 2016 World Series,” said Chris Ratterman, Brand Manager, Evan Williams Bourbon. “Evan Williams has formed a strong partnership with MLB, focusing on the most exciting time of the year for both Bourbon and baseball to provide fans nationwide with new ways to experience seriously good Bourbon.”

Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the #2-selling Bourbon in the world. The brand is among the leaders in the rapidly growing American Whiskey segment. For the past three years, Evan Williams has been recognized by Beverage Information Group and Impact for sales growth. Additionally, Impact named Evan Williams Bourbon a “Blue Chip” brand – reflecting total value in the industry.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

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

To download images from this press release, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at http://connect.heavenhill.com/ThinClient/Login.aspx and enter the username and password below.

Username: Heaven Hill
Password: Guest
Folder: Evan Williams Bourbon

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Christian Brothers Brandy has a new, premium package reflective of the brand’s quality as a leading American Brandy. The refreshed, modern label clearly communicates the quality of Christian Brothers dating back to 1882 and enhances the appeal of the brand’s core equities.

Christian Brothers will also debut the new “Endlessly Smooth” creative campaign and a revamped website, www.christianbrothersbrandy.com, launching September 9, 2016 to showcase the new packaging across the Christian Brothers portfolio. Incorporating the same time-honored pot still production method used in fine Cognacs by the Christian Brothers since 1882, and still aged in hand-selected oak Bourbon barrels, the evolutionary label change and new creative will focus on the rich, smooth taste the Christian Brothers brand is known for.

“This progressive package change seamlessly transitions the traditional quality of Christian Brothers into a premium, modern setting,” said MaryCrae Guild, Christian Brothers Brand Manager. “With the renaissance of brown spirits and an elegant new label, Christian Brothers is primed to deliver the same leading results the brand has seen since its inception.”

By maintaining the overall cathedral-shaped bottle, Christian Brothers is keeping a key brand feature intact that consumers resonate with, but with more modernized label treatments including a clear label, which is a departure from the previous gloss black paper background. Key label elements such as the grapevine crest icon, Christian Brothers and “VS Very Smooth” logotypes have been upgraded with contemporary font treatments to reflect the importance of the Brandy quality. To elegantly complete the new package, the gold black foil neck wrap and capsule have been updated to include the “Since 1882” heritage statement with the repeating CB grape vine crest repeated around the neck.

In 1882, the Christian Brothers planted their first vineyards, making altar wine for sacramental use. The Brothers expanded production as word spread of the wine’s excellent quality, eventually selling table wine and Brandy to profit the Order’s schools. While premium package and website updates honor the progressive nature of the Brothers, the Brandy itself holds true to the original quality first made over 75 years ago.

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.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

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