Category: Announcements

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

Tenth Edition of annual ultra-premium release will feature rare 24-year-old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon and continued support of ALS research and patient care

BARDSTOWN, KY— Heaven Hill Distillery announces the 2016 limited edition release of Parker’s Heritage Collection – a 24-year-old, Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon. The uniqueness of this bottling lies not only in its age, but also in its Bottled-in-Bond designation. Bottled-in-Bonds, as they are referred, have experienced renewed interest by consumers because of the long and storied history behind such a designation. Offering the most Bottled-in-Bond labels of any distiller, Heaven Hill helped to maintain this sub-category during leaner years and, more recently, has fueled interest in it with the launch of several new Bottled-in-Bond bottlings, including the newest edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection. The 24-year-old, Bottled-in-Bond will be shipping into select markets across the country beginning in September.

The Parker’s Heritage Collection series was originally conceived to showcase the extraordinary quality and broad range of Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey holdings, as Heaven Hill boasts the world’s second largest inventory of aging American Whiskey. The annual release is one of the most highly anticipated bottlings for whiskey and Bourbon lovers worldwide, as the collection produces an innovative, coveted product each year.

The 2016 edition, the tenth in the series, features two separate versions of the Bottled-in-Bond product, expected to be the oldest Bottled-in-Bond in the world. It was produced in Fall 1990 and Spring 1991 at Heaven Hill’s distillery in Bardstown, KY, (D.S.P. KY-31), which was later destroyed in 1996 by fire along with seven rickhouses and over 90,000 barrels. The liquid is bottled by season in order to retain its Bottled-in-Bond designation. While Heaven Hill now produces its award-winning Bourbon and American Whiskey out of the Bernheim Distillery in downtown Louisville, this Parker’s Heritage Collection edition will feature the original distillery designation on the back label, making it a worthy successor to the previous nine releases.

Bottled at 100 proof (50% abv) and non-chill filtered, the Bourbon will retain more of the natural esters and fatty acids that have matured in the barrel for almost a quarter of a century, providing a richer mouthfeel. Oak flavor is prominent with hints of cinnamon and vanilla, rounded out by a clean finish with a hint of chocolate.

Heaven Hill Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam, for whom the acclaimed series is named, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) several years ago. The past three editions from 2013-2015, including the “Promise of Hope” Bourbon, the “Original Batch” Straight Wheat Whiskey, and the Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey, respectively, have raised over half a million dollars toward ALS research and patient care through contributions made by Heaven Hill for each bottle purchased. Heaven Hill will continue with this cause-related campaign, and will contribute $15 from the average national retail cost of $249.99 of each 750ml bottle sold of this year’s release to the ALS Association. With every past edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection quickly selling out, the company expects to continue to generate significant dollars for this effort.

“We are proud to again offer a unique Bourbon style for the Parker’s Heritage Collection, one that is a nod to Heaven Hill’s expertise with Bottled-in-Bond products,” said Susan Wahl, American Whiskey Group Portfolio Manager at Heaven Hill Distillery. “As the oldest Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon in the world, we anticipate this to be another highly sought after addition to whiskey fanatics’ collections and, as important to us, it will enable a significant contribution to ALS research and patient care efforts.”

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous nine editions but with a cream colored label, the Parker’s Heritage Collection 24-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottling reflects the care and craftsmanship of its contents. Available in a three bottle case, it will be featured on the shelves and back bars of the nation’s finest spirits retailers and on-premise accounts starting in September. With previous releases having won multiple awards from Whisky Advocate magazine, Whisky Magazine and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the rare bottlings stand 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.”

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: Parker’s Heritage Collection

LOUISVILLE, KY – The 31^st annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest kicked off the culinary competitions at the Kentucky State Fair on Friday, August 19, showcasing many 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 Carolyne Davis of Louisville, Kentucky, for her Char-Grilled Steak Salad with Bourbon Balsamic Vinaigrette. After entering the contest each year for the past 30 years, this is the first time Carolyne has placed in the top three.

A distinguished panel of local judges selected the entrée from over 35 entries this year. Red (second place) and White (third place) ribbons were awarded to Linda Danner of Louisville, Kentucky for her Maple Bourbon Stuffed Holiday Pork Loin and Richard Myers of Bagdad, Kentucky for his Evan Williams Bourbon Barbecue Burgoo, respectively. 

Judges for the contest included Ashlee Clark Thompson, food writer and author of the book Louisville Diners; Albert Schmid, Professor & Director of Hotel-Restaurant Management & Hospitality Management Departments at Sullivan University’s National Center for Hospitality Studies; Steve Coomes, food writer and consultant, author of two books including, Country Ham: A Southern Tradition of Hogs, Salt & Smoke; Jonathan Schwartz, Director of Operations for Falls City Hospitality Group, servicing Doc Crow’s and Doc’s Cantina; Sarah Fritschner, food consultant and writer, and coordinator for Louisville Farm to Table; and Denny Potter, co-master distiller for Heaven Hill Brands.

During the judging, contestants and spectators were treated to a cooking with Bourbon demonstration by Chef Scott Hoppel of Gospel Bird. Chef Hoppel performed the demonstration using Evan Williams Bourbon, America’s second-largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.  Also on hand to assist Chef Hoppel and keep the crowd on its toes was host Kelly K from the “Ben and Kelly Show” on 99.7 DJX.

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 Max L. Shapira, president of Heaven Hill Distillery. “In this 31^st 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.

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.”

31st Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest Winning Recipe
August 19, 2016

Char-Grilled Steak Salad with Bourbon Balsamic Vinaigrette
Carolyne Davis, Louisville, KY

1 12 oz Ribeye or steak cut of your choice
¼ cup Evan Williams Bourbon
¼ Worcestershire Sauce
1 tbsp. dijon mustard
1 tbsp. maple syrup

Put steak in a plastic bag. Mix all other ingredients and put over steak. Marinate overnight in fridge. Grill steak about 4 minutes each side for nice rare steak or about 5 minutes for medium. Let sit several minutes and slice thinly across the grain.

4 cups arugula
¾ cups toasted walnuts*
â…“ Cup gorgonzola crumbles
½ cup crispy pork belly, chopped
½ large mango, peeled and sliced

In medium bowl, toss arugula with 2 tbsp. of dressing. Mound on a plate and top with mango slices, chopped pork belly, walnuts, gorgonzola and steak slices. Drizzle with another tbsp. or so of dressing.

4 oz pork belly, sliced rather thin
1 medium shallot, minced
1 ½ cup Evan Williams Bourbon
3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
3 tbsp. maple syrup
Salt and pepper tp taste

Brown pork belly in hot skillet over medium heat until nicely browned. Drain slices on paper towel. Reserve for the salad. Drain of all but 2 tbsp. of fat. Add shallots to fat and cook until tender. Combine Bourbon, vinegar, syrup and mustard, and add to shallots. Stir until well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste. Can be poured over salad as a hot dressing to wilt greens or cool to room temperature.

¾ cup raw walnut halves
1 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. maple syrup
1 tbsp. Evan Williams Bourbon

Melt butter in skillet and add walnut halves. Toss until they start to brown. Stir in maple syrup and Bourbon. Toss for another minute, then remove from heat and spread on wax paper, separating the pieces.

-30-

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 Cooking Contest

BARDSTOWN, KY – Burnett’s Vodka is bottling up the summer’s hottest party in a custom package celebrating the red, white and blue. The limited edition packaging will be available nationally in May.

USA Party Edition, offered through summer 2016 only, is a stand out among other spirits with its bold label celebrating the American spirit and superior smoothness. With its ode to the stripes, mixed with a paint splattering across the middle, the USA Party Edition will be the champion atop bars at summer parties.

“It’s all in the name – Burnett’s Vodka is bringing more fun with a revamped look to celebrate the stars and the stripes,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager. “From rooting on the USA to celebrating independence, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the American spirit this summer. The Burnett’s USA Party Edition is your ticket to a nationwide party for the red, white and blue.”

The USA Party Edition is available for a suggested retail price of $15.99 for the 1.75L and is bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof). The launch of the new custom label, on the 1.75L only, is supported by custom shippers, case card and shelf facings. The Burnett’s website (www.burnettsvodka.com) and the Burnett’s ‘More Recipes, More Fun’ Mobile App (available on Apple and Android devices) provide information and drink recipes.

Burnett’s Vodka is one of the top-selling vodkas in the nation and the 12th largest selling distilled spirits brand in the US. 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 2015, Burnett’s Vodka was named to Beverage Information Group’s inaugural “Growth Brands Hall of Fame.” The entire line includes the Classic Vodka, an array of Flavored Vodkas, Gin, Rums, and 100 proof varieties.

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
(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: Burnett’s Vodka

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com announced today the champion of the 2016 Bartender of the Year competition. After a nationwide search to find the top bartenders across America, Abigail Gullo of Compere Lapin in New Orleans, LA is the 2016 Bartender of the Year and the recipient of $15,000. Gullo will also be featured in three “how-to” cocktail videos on Liquor.com. Brian Means of Dirty Habit in San Francisco, CA was runner up. 

Eight finalists competed beachside at the St. Regis Bahia Resort in Puerto Rico on June 7. Final bartenders competed in three rounds, first in the “market challenge” creating an original cocktail utilizing ingredients native to Puerto Rico. Four contestants moved on to the “in the weeds” challenge, creating and presenting as many cocktails as possible from a given list in the time provided. Two contestants moved on to the final “master class” challenge where they presented a 15-minute bartending class as though they were instructing the next generation of bartenders.

Over 600 original cocktail recipes using Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky were submitted online nationwide beginning August 1, 2015. 32 semifinalists then competed in New Orleans, San Francisco, New York, or Chicago throughout February and March. Eight semifinal bartenders in each region competed in two rounds, with the top two bartenders from each region moving on to Puerto Rico.

“Since its inception, this competition has been an avenue to support innovative bartenders whose professionalism are continually raising the bar for the future of the craft,” said Kate Latts, Vice President Marketing for Heaven Hill Brands. “Congratulations to Abigail and to each of the contestants for displaying exemplary skill and creativity. We look forward to continuing this competition in the future with our diverse portfolio of spirits leading the way for innovation in bartending.”

National Brand Educator for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Director of Mixology & Spirits Education for Southern Wine & Spirits of New York Allen Katz, and Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler 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.

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. Past winners of the competition include John Lermayer, Sean Kenyon and Dennis Gobis.

The following bartenders competed in the 2016 Bartender of the Year Finals:

Evan Williams Bourbon is saluting American veterans with a custom red, white and blue edition of Evan Williams Black Bourbon featuring the heroic stories of 10 military veterans, chosen for their selfless acts of service at home and abroad.

As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams recognizes true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery. Available exclusively during the month of May for Memorial Day and extending through July 4, this limited edition bottle will be sold nationwide. 

The American Hero Edition bottle features custom labels showcasing the individual stories of the ten Evan Williams American-Made Heroes on one side. Adorned with stars and stripes, the red, white and blue bottle pays homage to the ultimate symbol of American independence. Evan Williams is the world’s second largest selling Bourbon in the world, and remains family-owned and operated to this day.

“Evan Williams is proud to work directly with our chosen military heroes to showcase their achievements in the military and in their communities,” said Chris Ratterman, Evan Williams Bourbon Brand Manager. “The American-Made Heroes program encompasses the spirit of Evan Williams’ American heritage and those who protect the American spirit day in and day out. Every hero has a story, and Evan Williams is honored to share them.”

Evan Williams is also extending the program by inviting others to nominate the military hero in their life to win a $250 gift of thanks and the chance to be selected as one of the next official Evan Williams American-Made Heroes – a prize that will be awarded to hundreds of military members. Nominations will showcase the difference each of the veterans are making in the lives of others while exemplifying their courageousness. To learn more about the program, go to www.American-MadeHeroes.com.

The American Hero Edition is available for a suggested retail price of $24.99 for the 1.75L and is bottled at 43% alcohol by volume (86 proof). The launch of the new custom label is supported by national advertising through ESPN the Magazine, Military.com, newspaper, and other key digital video and social media partners. Custom bottle neckers and retail displays featuring a military-grade footlocker to display the bottles will also support the launch.

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
(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 Black