Burnett’s Vodka Launches USA Party Edition Bottle for Summer 2016

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.

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Folder: Burnett’s Vodka

Champion Named in Heaven Hill Brands 2016 “Bartender of the Year”

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:

Name
City
Regional City
Will Lee
Detroit
Chicago
Julia Momose
Chicago
Chicago
Abigail Gullo
New Orleans
New Orleans
Mike Henderson
Denver
New Orleans
Brian Means
San Francisco
San Francisco
Jorge Vargas-Baquedano
Las Gatos, Calif.
San Francisco
Pietro Collina
New York
New York
Naomi Levy
Boston
New York

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 connect.heavenhill.com and enter the username and password below.
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Folder: Bartender of the Year

Evan Williams Bourbon Launches American Hero Edition Bottle for Summer 2016

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.

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Folder: Evan Williams Black

Two Chicago Finalists Chosen for Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com 2016 “Bartender of the Year”

Two Chicago Finalists Chosen for Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com 2016 “Bartender of the Year”

Eight Contestants to Compete in the Finals in Puerto Rico

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com announced the two finalists of the Chicago regional semifinal competing for the 2016 Bartender of the Year competition. Julia Momose of GreenRiver in Chicago won first place and $1,000; Will Lee of Selden Standard in Detroit won second place and $500.

Eight semifinalists competed regionally Monday, March 28 at Bordel in Chicago. Semifinal bartenders competed in two rounds, first mixing one of their original cocktail entries. Four contestants moved on to the second round, creating three cocktails of the dealers’ choice, using Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, or Rittenhouse Rye Whisky in each cocktail.

National Brand Educator for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Director of Mixology & Spirits Education for Southern Wine & Spirits of New York Allen Katz, and Master Mixologist for Southern Wine & Spirits Natalia Cardenas judged the semifinalists’ cocktails and chose two finalists based on highest scores. Cocktails were scored on name, appearance and presentation, inspiration, balance of flavors, aroma and character, while contestants were also scored on creativity, presentation style and product knowledge.

More than 600 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning August 1, 2015. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one classic and one innovative, along with a short description of what hospitality means to the contestant. The top two contestants from each regional semifinal will vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at the St. Regis Bahia Resort in Puerto Rico in June 2016. Finalists will be challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges will be looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide. Past winners of the competition include John Lermayer, Sean Kenyon and Dennis Gobis.

The 2016 Bartender of the Year Regional Semifinalists who competed in Chicago are as follows, in no specific order:

Name

City

Regional City

Will Lee

Detroit

Chicago

Egor Polonskiy

Chicago

Chicago

James Downs

Detroit

Chicago

Robert Ryan Buchanan

Denver

Chicago

Julia Momose

Chicago

Chicago

Jess Keene

Chicago

Chicago

Matty Eggleston

Chicago

Chicago

Allison Widdecombe

Denver

Chicago

 

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: Bartender of the Year

Two New York Finalists Chosen for Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com 2016 “Bartender of the Year”

FOR RELEASE: For Immediate Release

IMAGES: See directions at end of release

Two New York Finalists Chosen for Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com 2016 “Bartender of the Year”

Eight Contestants to Compete in the Finals in Puerto Rico

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com announced the two finalists of the New York regional semifinal competing for the 2016 Bartender of the Year competition. Pietro Collina of Nomad in New York won first place and $1,000; Naomi Levy of Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks in Boston won second place and $500.

Seven semifinalists competed regionally Monday, March 21 at Analogue in New York. Semifinal bartenders competed in two rounds, first mixing one of their original cocktail entries. Four contestants moved on to the second round, creating three cocktails of the dealers’ choice, using Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, or Rittenhouse Rye Whisky in each cocktail.

National Brand Educator for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Director of Mixology & Spirits Education for Southern Wine & Spirits of New York Allen Katz, and Beverage Director for Holiday Cocktail Lounge Michael Neff judged the semifinalists’ cocktails and chose two finalists based on highest scores. Cocktails were scored on name, appearance and presentation, inspiration, balance of flavors, aroma and character, while contestants were also scored on creativity, presentation style and product knowledge.

More than 600 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning August 1, 2015. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one classic and one innovative, along with a short description of what hospitality means to the contestant. The top two contestants from each regional semifinal will vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at the St. Regis Bahia Resort in Puerto Rico in June 2016. Finalists will be challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges will be looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide. Past winners of the competition include John Lermayer, Sean Kenyon and Dennis Gobis.

The 2016 Bartender of the Year Regional Semifinalists who competed in New York are as follows, in no specific order:

Name

City

Regional City

Meaghan Montagano

Extra Fancy, Brooklyn, N.Y.

New York

Aaron Joseph

Wit and Wisdom, Baltimore

New York

Pietro Collina

The Nomad Bar, New York City

New York

Benjamin Zorn

Bourbon Springs, Brooklyn, N.Y.

New York

Nicolas Flower

Middle Branch, New York

New York

Michael R. Anderson

Butcher and the Rye, Pittsburgh

New York

Naomi Levy

Eastern Standard Kitchen & Drinks, Boston

New York

 

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: Bartender of the Year

Heaven Hill Brands Named Global Distiller of the Year At Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky

FOR RELEASE: For Immediate Release

Heaven Hill Brands Named Global Distiller of the Year At Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky

Bernie Lubbers Also Recognized As American Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands was named Global Distiller of the Year at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky awards in London. The Icons of Whisky Awards recognize and celebrate the finest companies and individuals in the whisky industry.

“For over 80 years now, Heaven Hill has been a steward of whiskey worldwide,” said Max L. Shapira. “American Whiskey remains our heart and soul. We believe this award is a reflection of our commitment to both quality whiskey and innovation.”

During the ceremony, Heaven Hill North American Whiskey Brand Ambassador Bernie Lubbers was named Global American Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience was, also, nominated for Global Visitors Center of the Year.

“Heaven Hill’s diversity of whiskey products is second to none,” said Denny Potter, Heaven Hill Co-Master Distiller. “We take great pride in our legacy and the brands that are the foundation upon which it is built. The Global Distiller of the Year award is an amazing result of hard work and creativity from everyone at Heaven Hill.”

In September, Heaven Hill was awarded top honors at the Icons of Whisky – America as Distiller of the Year, Brand Ambassador of the Year and Visitors Attraction of the Year for the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. Regional Icons of Whiskey winners in each category then compete for the overall Global title, judged by the magazine’s expert editorial panel and announced at the Whisky Magazine Awards dinner in London on March 17, 2016.

This is the third time Heaven Hill has been recognized as Icons of Whiskey – America Distiller of the Year by Whisky Magazine. The company was recognized in 2008 and 2009 by the publication. It is the first time to be awarded Global Distiller of the Year. Previously, the distiller has been recognized by Wine Enthusiast in 2004 and Whiskey Advocate in 2011. Likewise, the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center was recognized as Icons of Whisky – America Visitors Center of the Year in 2008.

The awards are part of a big year for Heaven Hill Brands. The company was also awarded North American Whiskey of the Year by Whiskey Advocate for John E. Fitzgerald Special Reserve Bourbon.

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:


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

Two San Francisco Finalists Chosen for Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com 2016 “Bartender of the Year”

FOR RELEASE: For Immediate Release

IMAGES: See directions at end of release

Two Finalists Chosen for Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com 2016 “Bartender of the Year”

Eight Contestants to Compete in the Finals in Puerto Rico

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com announced today the two finalists of the San Francisco regional semifinal competing for the 2016 Bartender of the Year competition. Jorge Vargas of Jack Rose Libation House in Los Gatos, Calif. won first place and $1,000; Brian Means of Dirty Habit in San Francisco won second place and $500.

Eight semifinalists competed regionally Monday, March 7 at Woodbury in San Francisco. Semifinal bartenders competed in two rounds, first mixing one of their original cocktail entries and then creating three cocktails of the dealers’ choice, using Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, or Rittenhouse Rye Whisky in each cocktail.

National Brand Educator for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Former Saloon Keeper of Comstock Saloon Jeff Hollinger, and Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler judged the semifinalists’ cocktails and chose two finalists based on highest scores. Cocktails were scored on name, appearance and presentation, inspiration, balance of flavors, aroma and character, while contestants were also scored on creativity, presentation style and product knowledge.

Over 600 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning August 1, 2015. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one classic and one innovative, along with a short description of what hospitality means to the contestant. The top two contestants from each regional semifinal will vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at the St. Regis Bahia Resort in Puerto Rico in June 2016. Finalists will be challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges will be looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide. Past winners of the competition include John Lermayer, Sean Kenyon and Dennis Gobis.

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: Bartender of the Year

Two Finalists Chosen for Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com 2016 “Bartender of the Year”

Eight Contestants to Compete in the Finals in Puerto Rico

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com announced today the two finalists of the New Orleans regional semifinal competing for the 2016 Bartender of the Year competition. Mike Henderson of Root Down in Denver won first place and $1,000; Abigail Gullo of Compere Lapin in New Orleans won second place and $500.

Eight semifinalists competed regionally Monday, February 29 at Marcello’s Restaurant & Bar in New Orleans. Semifinal bartenders competed in two rounds, first mixing one of their original cocktail entries and then creating three cocktails of the dealers’ choice, using Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, or Rittenhouse Rye Whisky in each cocktail.

National Brand Educator for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Head Bartender of Compere Lapin Ricky Gomez, and Glazer’s Distributors State Sales Director – On Premise Phil Cusimano judged the semifinalists’ cocktails and chose two finalists based on highest scores. Cocktails were scored on name, appearance and presentation, inspiration, balance of flavors, aroma and character, while contestants were also scored on creativity, presentation style and product knowledge.

Over 600 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning August 1, 2015. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one classic and one innovative, along with a short description of what hospitality means to the contestant. The top two contestants from each regional semifinal will vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at the St. Regis Bahia Resort in Puerto Rico in June 2016. Finalists will be challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges will be looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide. Past winners of the competition include John Lermayer, Sean Kenyon and Dennis Gobis.

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: Bartender of the Year

Elijah Craig Small Batch Age Change

The surge in popularity of Bourbon both domestically and internationally has led many of the Bourbon and American Whiskey brands at Heaven Hill Distillery to experience sustained double digit growth. One brand in particular that has grown in popularity during this resurgence is Elijah Craig Small Batch.

Since its launch in 1986, Elijah Craig Small Batch has become known in Bourbon circles as a brand with a high quality to value ratio. This was in part due to the fact that it carried a 12-year-old age statement. However, as the brand continues to grow significantly, Heaven Hill’s stocks of 12-year-old barrels has been under increasing pressure. Therefore, after careful deliberation and with a view towards making the brand available to more, not fewer consumers, Heaven Hill has made the decision to bottle Elijah Craig in small batches using Bourbon that has been aged between 8 to 12 years.

Starting this week, Heaven Hill will begin shipping Elijah Craig Small Batch as an 8 to 12-year-old Bourbon and will remove the 12-year-old age statement from the back label. This will allow us to continue to make Elijah Craig Small Batch available and not have to limit its accessibility to consumers or have outages at the shelf.

Overall, Heaven Hill does intend to retain age-stated Bourbons within the Elijah Craig brand franchise. By making the age adjustment to Elijah Craig Small Batch, it will allow a marked increase in allocations of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof which will continue to carry a 12-year-old age statement and, over time, increase availability of Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel that was just re-released this past fall after a 3 year hiatus.

With the second-largest inventory of Bourbon in the world and knowing that each barrel, no matter the age, matures at different rates depending on its location, Heaven Hill is confident that through our stringent barrel selection process, we will be able to maintain the desired taste profile and quality that has made Elijah Craig Small Batch one of the most critically acclaimed Bourbons in the world. More importantly, we are dedicated to being transparent in this change and providing consumers with as much information as reasonably possible.

Contact:


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

Austin’s Deep Eddy Vodka Introduces New Peach Flavor

Deep Eddy Vodka, the fastest-growing spirits brand in the U.S., continues to breathe life into the vodka category with the introduction of Deep Eddy Peach Vodka to its portfolio of American-made spirits. Like all its products, Deep Eddy Peach is made with real fruit and is handcrafted in small batches at the brand’s distillery just outside Austin, Texas.

Capturing the true essence of ripe peaches, Deep Eddy Peach is gluten-free and made with all-natural flavors, including real peaches and Texas aquifer water. It mixes perfectly with simpler mixers like ginger ale, iced tea and lemonade to create extraordinary cocktails. It also adds an extra touch of passion to the classic Peach Bellini when paired with champagne or sparkling wine, just in time for Valentine’s Day.

“Peach is a classic American flavor and has seen a resurgence in cocktails over the past few years. We worked on Deep Eddy Peach for more than a year to ensure we capture the flavor of real peaches in a way that enables both simple mixology at home and complex cocktails for advanced bartenders,” said Brandon Cason, Vice President of Marketing at Deep Eddy Vodka. “We pride ourselves in creating simpler, more natural products that cocktail drinkers love and Deep Eddy Peach offers yet another way to add pure flavors to spring and summer cocktails.”

Since the brand’s launch in 2010, Deep Eddy Vodka has grown to over 700,000 cases in 2015. The brand is reinvigorating the vodka category with its innovative approach to making classic flavors with real ingredients. In addition to Peach, Deep Eddy Vodka’s portfolio is complete with five flavors including Straight Vodka, Lemon, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Cranberry and Sweet Tea.

Deep Eddy Peach will be available nationwide beginning in February 2016. Visitors to the Deep Eddy Distillery & Tasting Room in the Austin, TX area can enjoy a sneak preview starting Thursday January 14. Its suggested retail price is $19.99/750ml bottle.

Dive in and appreciate the authentic flavor of Deep Eddy Peach with the below recommended recipes:

Deep Eddy Peach Cocktails

Peach Bellini 
1 oz. Deep Eddy Peach Flavored Vodka
4 oz. sparkling wine
Pour chilled ingredients into a champagne flute, serve and enjoy.

The Southern Belle
1 oz. Deep Eddy Peach Flavored Vodka
1 oz. Bourbon 
1/2 oz. lemon juice
Club soda
Mix first three ingredients in a cocktail glass, top with club soda.

Peach Iced Tea
1.5 oz. Deep Eddy Peach Flavored Vodka
Iced Tea
Pour Deep Eddy Peach Flavored Vodka into a glass over ice. Top with iced tea.

To learn more about Deep Eddy Vodka and all its classic spirits, visit www.deepeddyvodka.com. For media inquiries, contact press@deepeddyvodkausa.com.

ABOUT DEEP EDDY VODKA

Deep Eddy Vodka (70-80 proof), a premium spirits company based in Austin, Texas, is the #1 fastest-growing spirits brand in the US, according to IRI. As a recipient of the Impact Hot Brand Award for two straight years and Beverage Information Group Growth Brand Award each of the past three years, Deep Eddy Vodka is recognized for its unique production process and incorporation of real, natural ingredients in its flavors. All Deep Eddy Vodka products are distilled in small batches at its state-of-the-art Texas distillery.  The company’s line of products include: Deep Eddy Straight Vodka, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, Deep Eddy Ruby Red, Deep Eddy Cranberry, Deep Eddy Lemon and Deep Eddy Peach. Deep Eddy Vodka is available in stores in all 50 states. More information on the company can be found at www.deepeddyvodka.com or www.facebook.com/deepeddyvodka.