Category: Announcements

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com announced today the 32 regional semifinalists competing for the 2016 Bartender of the Year competition. Semifinalists will compete in New Orleans, San Francisco, New York, or Chicago beginning February 2016.

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. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one classic and one innovative, along with a short description of what hospitality means to the contestant.

“Bartenders bring further innovation and creativity to our products that exemplify the diverse products Heaven Hill has to offer,” said Kate S. Latts, Vice President, Marketing for Heaven Hill Brands. “Our leading portfolio of spirits is filled with pioneer brands that continue to push the boundary, which mirror what we hope to identify in the Bartender of the Year. We look forward to seeing and tasting the innovative cocktails of the top talent in the U.S.”

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 evaluated the online submissions and chose eight semifinalists for each region based on highest scores. Cocktail submissions were scored on name, appearance and presentation, inspiration, balance of flavors, aroma and character, creativity, and product knowledge.

Semifinalists 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. The top two contestants from each region 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.

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. Visit the official competition website at www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

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.

The 2016 Bartender of the Year Regional Semifinalists 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
Robert Ferrara	Miami	New Orleans
Jesse Carr	New Orleans	New Orleans
Justin Ware	Houston	New Orleans
Bonnie Wilson	Plano, Texas	New Orleans
Abigail Gullo	New Orleans	New Orleans
Tibor Vecsesi	Miami	New Orleans
Mike Henderson	Denver	New Orleans
Ky Belk	Denver	New Orleans
Andrew Meltzer	San Francisco	San Francisco
Jennifer Akin	Ashland, Ore.	San Francisco
Ryan Lobe	Seattle	San Francisco
Brian Means	San Francisco	San Francisco
Jorge Vargas-Baquedano	Las Gatos, Calif.	San Francisco
Kaytie Keck	Boise, Idaho	San Francisco
Seth Marquez	Sacramento, Calif.	San Francisco
Richard Beltzer	Anchorage, Alaska	San Francisco
Meaghan Montagano	Brooklyn, N.Y.	New York
Aaron Joseph	Baltimore	New York
Pietro Collina	New York	New York
Benjamin Zorn	Brooklyn, N.Y.	New York
Nicolas Flower	New York	New York
Christopher James	Morristown, N.J.	New York
Michael R. Anderson	Pittsburgh	New York
Naomi Levy	Boston	New York

 

-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

 

Special one day run of barrels all to be entered at Heaven Hill’s original 1935 entry proof of 107°

For Immediate Release

BARDSTOWN, KY—In 1935, Friday the 13th was anything but unlucky for Heaven Hill. It was on that date 80 years ago that the fledgling distillery filled its first barrel of fine Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, marking the beginning of a business that has grown to become the largest family owned and operated distilled spirits producer, and the second largest holders of aging Bourbon, in the nation.

To mark the anniversary of the occasion, Heaven Hill Brands is producing a special run of Bourbon on Saturday, December 12, including filling all barrels that day at the company’s original 1935 barrel entry proof of 107°. Heaven Hill, like most of the larger distillers, has entered their new make whiskey at 125° for decades. In addition, a portion of the day’s production, approximately 280 barrels, will be entered into special heavy char barrels, while the balance will go into barrels at Heaven Hill’s traditional #3 char level.

A number of these barrels will receive special commemorative barrel heads, and will be put up to age on the first floor of Rickhouse Y where visitors to Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown will be able to view them. The remainder of the barrels will be split between three of Heaven Hill’s oldest Rickhouses E, F and G – all located on the Heaven Hill campus and constructed in 1947 and 1948. The barrels will be bottled in the future when the master distiller determines that they are at their peak of maturity.

80 years ago, when the first barrel was filled, Heaven Hill had a capacity of 500 bushels a day and the company had just a handful of employees. Today, the company mashes 12,150 bushels a day at their state-of-the- art Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, which will be soon undergoing its third expansion since Heaven Hill acquired the facility in 1999. Heaven Hill now employs almost 700 people throughout the country.

“We thought there could be no better way to recognize and commemorate the filling of our first barrel in 1935 than to replicate it as faithfully as possible,” noted Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira. “We still use the same 7-generations old yeast strain, the same basic mash bill or grain recipe, and the same traditional process as we used when our first barrel was filled prior to World War II. Filling these barrels at our original entry proof makes them a unique memento of our 80th anniversary.”

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, Ky.-based Heaven Hill Brands 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 Whiskey. For more information, please visit www.heavenhill.com.

-30-

CONTACTS:
Larry Kass
Heaven Hill Brands
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

FOR RELEASE: For Immediate Release

Lunazul Tequila Adds Limited Edition Double Barrel Reposado to 100% Agave Lineup

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Lunazul 100% Agave Tequilas introduces the limited edition Lunazul Double Barrel Reposado. Available through the end of the year, Lunazul Double Barrel Reposado, is a unique blend of handcrafted 100% Agave Tequilas blended under the masterful direction of Heaven Hill Tequila partner Tierra de Agaves. Aged first in American white oak barrels, it is finished in 11-year-old wheated Bourbon barrels hand-selected from Heaven Hill. After the second aging, the Reposado is married with select Extra-Anejo, creating a smooth and sophisticated Tequila.

At the 2015 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, the Lunazul Double Barrel Reposado was among the highest scoring Tequilas in the entire competition as a finalist in the Reposado category earning a 94 score and the “Excellent, Highly Recommended” accolade. The Tequila was recognized for its “Unique aromas” and “Opulence” by the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

“The Lunazul Double Barrel Reposado is a reflection of the company’s commitment to artisanal production,” said Francisco Quijano, Master Distiller for Tierra de Agaves. “We maintain that commitment and quality with each of our expressions. However, we also wish to find new expressions which challenge and excite Tequila connoisseurs.”

Tierra de Agaves’ 3,500 acres of Agave is among the largest independent sources in Mexico. The lowland agave from the Central valley of Tequila contributes an earthier and more toasted Tequila flavor. The Heaven Hill barrels then follow the flavor with hints of vanilla that complement the typical barrel notes of Reposado Tequila.

Lunazul will continue to offer limited editions of the product on a regular basis. Each will be unique and grounded in the culture and craftsmanship that make Tequila one of the true heritage products in spirits.

The estate grown, distilled and bottled Lunazul is among the finest 100% Agave Tequilas in the category. At the 2015 Ultimate Beverage Challenge, three of the four regular Lunazul varieties (Blanco, Reposado and Añejo) earned the prestigious “Finalist” designation in their respective age groups (all earning 92 points or higher).

Lunazul 100% Agave Tequila has been one of the leading new Tequila brands in the 100% Agave sub-category. It is both a Beverage Information Group “Rising Star” and Impact “Hot Prospect” for volume growth since 2013.

Lunazul Double Barrel Reposado Tequila ($39.99) will be available for a limited time beginning in October. Lunazul Tequilas (SRP $19.99-29.99) are available in five varieties, Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Primero and the limited edition Double Barrel Reposado. Blanco and Reposado are available in 1.75 liter, 1.0 liter, 1.0 bar liter, 750 ml and 50 ml sizes, while the Añejo, Primero and Double Barrel Reposado are available in the 750ml size only. All are bottled at 40% alcohol by volume. Learn more at www.lunazultequila.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:
Josh Hafer
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: Heaven Hill
Password: Guest
Folder: Lunazul Tequila

For Immediate Release

Famed Distiller Also Continues Releasing Elijah Craig 23-Year-Old Single Barrel

BARDSTOWN, KY—To the delight of scores of Bourbon fans who have lamented its absence, Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon is back. Heaven Hill Brands, the nation’s largest independent family owned and operated distilled spirits supplier, is once again offering the highly sought after and critically acclaimed American Whiskey after a three year hiatus due to inventory shortages. A past winner of the “Best Bourbon” award at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel was first introduced by Heaven Hill in 1994, and quickly gained legendary status at a time when super-premium Bourbon offerings were few and far between. As demand for the rare whiskey grew, along with growing demand for Heaven Hill’s other super-premium Bourbons, there were simply not enough 18-year-old barrels that met the Master Distiller’s strict quality standards, so the bottling was discontinued in 2012. Since then, stocks have come back into line, allowing Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel to again be offered on a limited national basis at a suggested retail price of $120 for the 750ml bottle. Heaven Hill also announced it is re-releasing a limited number of barrels of Elijah Craig 23-Year-Old Single Barrel, which has been bottled, also in limited quantities, since 2013 and carries a suggested retail price of $199.

Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel quickly gained a cult following upon its release as the oldest single barrel Bourbon on the market, and one that garnered multiple medals and awards throughout the nation and the world. It captured Double Gold/Best Bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and was named one of the top 50 spirits by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Arguably a victim of its own success, the brand was furloughed just as the high-end Bourbon market exploded, and since then connoisseurs have consistently inquired about when it might return.

Heaven Hill will release only about 15,000 750ml bottles of Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel this fall, packed in a three bottle case, and it will be available in most major metro markets nationwide on an allocated basis. The face label has been slightly altered since its last appearance in 2012, with the logotype now echoing the same Elijah Craig typographic treatment as the Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, and the Elijah Craig 23-Year-Old Single Barrel. The new Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel now presents a consistent family look with the 23-Year-Old Single Barrel, with the former using a blue and copper colored face label and the latter a green and copper color palette.

The selection process for the Elijah Craig Single Barrel is one of the most stringent at Heaven Hill. From an aging inventory of 1.1 million barrels, the second largest American Whiskey holdings in the world, Master Distillers Craig Beam and Denny Potter select only barrels that have rested at low storage, and then further choose only those that meet their strict nosing and taste criteria. While taste nuances will vary slightly from one barrel to the other, as they should in a single barrel offering, in general they have selected for complex, multi-layered taste profiles that balance the 18 years in new charred oak with sweet and spicy grain notes. As befits a Bourbon that has seen 72 variable Kentucky seasons, the finish is long and warm.

The Elijah Craig 23-Year-Old Single Barrel is even more limited in quantity than the 18-Year-Old. The additional five years of maturation gives the 23-Year-Old a honeyed, dry oakiness, while still retaining the spicy and long finish.

“We at Heaven Hill have been offering aged Bourbons and single barrel bottlings as old as 18, 23, or even 27 years, for longer than anyone else,” noted Susan Wahl, Senior Brand Manager for Whiskeys at Heaven Hill Brands. “Our experience in this arena, along with our renowned quality standards and inventory of over one million aging barrels, means we can select and bottle extra-aged Bourbons that are unlike any others in the world, and provide a unique tasting experience for the true aficionado. This is really showcased in the Elijah Craig 18 and 23-Year-Old Single Barrel bottlings.”

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:
Josh Hafer
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: Heaven Hill
Password: Guest
Folder: Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel

For Immediate Release

Evan Williams Bourbon Named Official Bourbon of Kip Moore’s 2015 Wild Ones Tour

Moore will feature Evan Williams at all 25 stops on tour

BARDSTOWN, Ky – Evan Williams Bourbon is partnering with Multi-Platinum selling artist Kip Moore for the 2015 Wild Ones Tour. The brand will be the “Official Bourbon” at each of the 25 stops on the tour.

As Official Bourbon of the 2015 Wild Ones Tour, Evan Williams will partner on promoted behind-the-scenes videos, arena signage and feature tour cocktails, all supported by digital media throughout the eight week tour.

Moore’s sophomore album, Wild Ones, was released last month to critical acclaim with Rolling Stone hailing it as “the year’s most honest album.”  It follows his debut album Up All Night, which spawned three No. One hits including “Hey Pretty Girl,” “Beer Money” and “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck.” A constant road warrior, the Chicago Sun-Times heralds Moore’s live show as “carving his own niche in country music…that sets him apart from the flock of country music rockers.”

“Kip is an authentic, country-rock talent whose grassroots style and meaningful lyrics reflect the style and personality of Evan Williams Bourbon,” said Chris Ratterman, Brand Manager, Evan Williams Bourbon. “We are excited to partner with Kip and be a part of the success of his new album and nationwide tour.

Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon is the #2-selling Bourbon in the world. Widely recognized as one of the finest premium Bourbons in the industry, 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.

The Evan Williams Family of Brands (70-100 proof) is available nationally in a variety of sizes. The brand is supported by programs which include strategic partnerships across sports and music that include ESPN, BASS Fishing and Rolling Stone. The Bourbon’s “Seriously Good Bourbon” campaign reflects the quality and affordability of Evan Williams Bourbon. Learn more at www.evanwilliams.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-

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

For Kip Moore:
Kristie Sloan
The GreenRoom PR
(615) 242-7444
kristie@thegreenroompr.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: Evan Williams Black

FOR RELEASE: For Immediate Release

IMAGES: See directions at end of release

BARDSTOWN, KY./Austin, TX. – Heaven Hill Brands, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated distilled spirits supplier has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Deep Eddy Vodka, the #1 fastest-growing spirits brand in the US, according to IRI, and its distillery from Eliza Spring, LLC, for an undisclosed amount.

Deep Eddy Vodka is one of the fastest-growing brands in the distilled spirits industry. Since its introduction in 2010 with the original Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka and Deep Eddy Straight Vodka in 2011, the business has grown to over 500,000 cases today. Deep Eddy Vodka is propelled by its Austin-bred roots, use of all-natural fruit juices, production process and iconic brand imagery. The brand achieved extraordinary growth beginning in 2013 with the launch of the Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka that resulted in over 300% sales growth. In early 2015, Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka was launched and has further led to unprecedented growth for the business.

“This is a milestone day for Heaven Hill Brands as we add Deep Eddy Vodka and their entire team to our dynamic and innovative family,” said Max L. Shapira, President of Heaven Hill Brands. “Deep Eddy Vodka is a star on the rise in the spirits industry and is redefining the premium Vodka market with a quality product and iconic marketing programs. The brand is a perfect fit for our established portfolio of rapidly-growing products.”

Much of Deep Eddy Vodkas’ growth is the result of innovative marketing and sales programs centered on the Deep Eddy Vodkas’ iconic, retro-style rooted in the rich history of Austin, TX. Deep Eddy Vodka will continue to be produced in the Austin area and the distillery’s Visitor Center is open to the public Friday through Sunday.

“This is an incredible day for Deep Eddy Vodka,” said Eric Dopkins, who will continue as President of Deep Eddy Vodka. “The Deep Eddy team and their distributor partners will remain in place and continue to build on the exceptional momentum of the brand alongside Heaven Hill.”

“Two quintessentially independent, American companies are now together and poised for a tremendous future,” said Chad Auler and Clayton Christopher, co-founders of Deep Eddy Vodka. “For 80 years, Heaven Hill Brands has embodied independence with its heart and soul grounded in a unique and historic set of American Whiskeys. They are stewards of one of the strongest, most diversified product portfolios in the industry and understand the essence of Deep Eddy Vodka. With that foundation, Heaven Hill will deliver Deep Eddy’s mission to be the #1 Super Premium American Vodka in the US.”

Perella Weinberg Partners LLP acted as financial advisor to Heaven Hill Brands and UBS Securities LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to DE Spirits, LLC and Eliza Spring, LLC with respect to the transaction. Wyatt Tarrant & Combs LLP served as legal counsel to Heaven Hill Brands with respect to the transaction and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and Kastner Huggins Reddien Gravelle LLP served as legal counsel to DE Spirits, LLC and Eliza Spring, LLC.

Deep Eddy Vodka (70-80 proof), a premium spirits company based in Austin, Texas, was founded in 2010 by two local entrepreneurs with a background in beverage and spirits, Clayton Christopher (creator of Sweet Leaf Tea) and Chad Auler (creator of Savvy Vodka). 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 and Deep Eddy Lemon. 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.

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.
-30- 

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