Category: Announcements

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Rob Hutchins Named Kentucky/ Tennessee Regional Manager

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Rob Hutchins Named Kentucky/Tennessee Regional Manager

BARDSTOWN, KY – Rob Hutchins has been named Kentucky/Tennessee Regional Manager for Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. In his new position, Hutchins will report to Divisional Manager Steve Alexander.

For the past three years, Hutchins served as the company’s North American Whiskey Ambassador. The role supported the company’s extensive American Whiskey portfolio. Prior to joining Heaven Hill, Hutchins spent 14 years in the industry with both the wholesale and supplier tiers.

“Rob has been a valuable member of our team as our first North American Whiskey Ambassador,” said Steve Feller, Vice President – North American Sales. “His experiences in that role over the past three years will serve him well in Kentucky and Tennessee. We are fortunate to have him in this position.”

Originally from Danville, Ky., Hutchins graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Kentucky. He continues to reside in Louisville, Ky. with his family.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

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

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

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Username: Rob_Hutchins

Password: heavenhill

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Announces the Launch of Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

FOR RELEASE: July 26, 2012

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HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF LARCENY KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY

New Wheated Super Premium Bourbon Celebrates the “Taste Made Famous By An Infamous Act”

BARDSTOWN, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, announces the initial launch of Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey into 12 markets in September 2012. A super-premium 92 proof Bourbon, Larceny is the heir to the wheated Bourbons that make up the historic Old Fitzgerald franchise that Heaven Hill acquired in 1999. In fact, it is the somewhat controversial history of John E. Fitzgerald and his eponymous Bourbon brand that provides the story, and name, to Larceny Bourbon, the latest new label from the venerated distillery that produces Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Bourbons and Rittenhouse Rye.

Larceny Bourbon continues the Old Fitzgerald tradition of using wheat in place of rye as the third or “small” grain in the whiskey’s grain recipe, or mashbill as it is commonly known. The use of winter wheat replaces the spicier, fruitier flavor notes that rye provides with a softer, rounder character that is the hallmark of Old Fitzgerald and other “wheated” Bourbons such as Maker’s Mark and the Van Winkle line.

It is actually the story of the Old Fitzgerald brand, made famous by the late Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr., that forms the historical basis for Larceny Bourbon. According to industry lore, John E. Fitzgerald had founded his distillery in Frankfort , KY shortly after the Civil War ended, making his Bourbon available only to steamship lines, rail lines and private clubs. This story was furthered by S.C Herbst, who owned the “Old Fitz” brand from the 1880’s through Prohibition, and “Pappy” Van Winkle, who purchased the brand during Prohibition and made it his signature label. However, it was revealed by Pappy’s granddaughter, Sally Van Winkle Campbell, in her 1999 book But Always Fine Bourbon—Pappy Van Winkle and the Story of Old Fitzgerald, that in fact John E. Fitzgerald was not a famous distiller at all. He was in reality a treasury agent who used his keys to the warehouses to pilfer Bourbon from the finest barrels. His discerning palate led those barrels to which he chose to help himself being referred to as “Fitzgerald barrels”.

Now Heaven Hill has launched Larceny, whose tagline—”A taste made famous by an infamous act”—sets history straight.

For 2012, Larceny will be available in the 1.75 liter, 1 liter, 750ml and 50ml sizes in California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Carolina, New York, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. At an average national retail price of $24.99 for the 750ml size, Larceny is a true small batch Bourbon produced from dumps of 100 or fewer barrels that have been selected from the 4th, 5th and 6th floors of Heaven Hill’s open rick warehouses in Nelson County, Kentucky. Larceny is drawn from barrels that have aged from 6 to 12 years at this high storage, and is bottled at a full-bodied 92 proof, or 46% alcohol by volume.

All barrels of Larceny, just like all other barrels of Bourbon, rye, wheat and corn whiskey from Heaven Hill, are produced under the skilled hand and watchful eye of 6th and 7th generation father and son Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam. The last special release of wheated Bourbon from Heaven Hill, the sold out 2010 edition of the ultra-premium Parker’s Heritage Collection, is one of the most highly regarded and sought out bottlings in Heaven Hill’s 75 years of distilling.

Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon will be introduced in a striking and attractive package, featuring a proprietary pinched waist flask shaped bottle and a contemporary but classic label. Utilizing a skeleton key as its symbolic logo element, which supports not only the brand story but also pays homage to the iconic key logo and tagline of Old Fitzgerald (“Your Key to Hospitality”), the face label of Larceny features a die cut keyhole through which a skeleton key printed on the back label can be seen, as well as prominent emphasis on the brand name, the Fitzgerald legacy and history, the 92 proof designation and the small batch statement. The cork closure has a shrink wrapped tamper-evident seal which also carries the skeleton key icon.

Larceny’s high quality brand attributes and edgy design will appeal to the brand’s primary target audience, 30-50 year old male consumers with refined taste and an appreciation for heritage and tradition. The brand will be available at both fine retail spirits accounts and at on-premise establishments that cater to the Bourbon and whiskey connoisseur. A full range of retail POS items, from attractive floor and shelf displays for retailers, to bottle glorifiers and premium items for bars and restaurants, will be made available, all branded with the Larceny logo, skeleton key icon and tagline “A taste made famous by an infamous act”.

For Heaven Hill, the holder of the world’s second largest inventory of Bourbon and producers of the nation’s and the world’s second largest selling Bourbon brand, Evan Williams, the launch of Larceny “gives the company a new, viable volume entrant in the growing premium price segment, and gives us a go-to on premise brand,” according to Senior Brand Manager Susan Wahl. “Larceny combines an authentic brand history and intriguing story with outstanding, extra aged wheated Bourbon, making for a very attractive alternative for the more sophisticated American Whiskey consumer. And they will have the opportunity to hear about Larceny from some of the foremost whiskey writers in the world, and see it advertised in top specialty whiskey media.”

Larceny will be making its trade debut later this month at the annual Tales of the Cocktail event in New Orleans, and will be featured heavily in trade, on line and social media, creating valuable word of mouth among influencers.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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 The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

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

Username: Larceny
Password: heavenhill

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Heaven Hill Announces Plans for Evan Williams Bourbon Experience

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Kentucky Lieutenant Governor, Louisville Mayor Join Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Announcing Downtown Louisville Attraction The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™

LOUISVILLE, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., along with Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, announced today in Louisville the September 2013 opening of The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ will be a multi-million dollar artisanal distillery, immersive tourism experience and retail location which will celebrate the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first distiller and namesake of Heaven Hill’s flagship Bourbon brand. Heaven Hill Distilleries—the largest family owned and operated distilled spirits company in the country, and producers of Evan Williams, the second largest selling Bourbon in the United States and the world—will be renovating their historic building at 528 West Main Street, in the heart of what was once called “Whiskey Row” in Louisville. Evan Williams, who also served as an early Trustee of the City of Louisville, served as wharfmaster, and built the first county clerk’s office and city jail, set up his early distillery in 1783 near what is now 6th and Main Streets in downtown Louisville—almost directly across Main Street from where the new attraction will be located.

The highlight of The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ will be a fully functioning, artisanal pot still distillery, viewable to visitors and capable of producing a range of American Whiskey types and styles. The gleaming copper pot stills are a modern version of the same type of equipment Evan Williams himself set up in his distillery along the Ohio River over 200 years ago.

The signature feature of The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ will be the façade of the building, which will feature a five story high Evan Williams Bourbon bottle. The pouring bottle will be reproduced as window graphics in the top three floors, but becomes three dimensional in the two lower floors as the neck of the bottle and a large glass in the lobby form a flowing “Bourbon fountain.”

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ will offer guests guided, immersive tours where they are brought back in time to see Evan Williams’ original distillery, Louisville wharf scenes and high definition video renderings of turn-of-the-century Whiskey Row. A dioramic video wall display allows guests to see how Heaven Hill’s modern Bernheim Distillery operates and how it is different from those in Evan Williams’ era, and then visitors will get to see a combination of the two—a state-of-the-art modern distillery using the same types of pot stills used in early Bourbon-making days.

Displays on warehouses and aging will also be included, and guests of legal drinking age will have the opportunity to enjoy a tutored tasting of premium Bourbons in two different themed tasting rooms. One of these tasting rooms will be modeled after the interior of the Philip Hollenbach Co. Whiskey Distributor that occupied the building prior to Heaven Hill’s acquisition over 70 years ago. In addition, a large retail area will offer a range of Evan Williams branded merchandise, specialty food products, and a number of Heaven Hill’s premium Bourbons and American Whiskeys for sale to the public. Finally, a “speakeasy” themed event space in the lower level will be available for corporate use, as well as public rental for special functions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Heaven Hill’s amazing addition to this historic section of Louisville,” said Lt. Gov. Abramson. “Downtown is growing into a popular destination for tourists and families, making for another bright spot in Kentucky’s rich tradition and history.”

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ is expected to attract in excess of 100,000 visitors annually, and will generate a significant amount of state and local tax revenue, as well as creating 14 new full time and nine part time jobs at the attraction. Heaven Hill was approved today by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority for economic incentives for the project.

“This is a great project, not only because of Heaven Hill’s significant investment and the jobs it will create, but for the history that is being reclaimed as the bourbon industry returns to Main Street in downtown Louisville,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer.

Heaven Hill has operated its Bourbon Heritage Center® in Bardstown as part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® attraction since 2004. Drawing over 70,000 visitors annually, it is the most visited attraction in Nelson County and a past winner of Whisky Magazine’s “Visitor Attraction of the Year” award at the magazine’s annual “Icons of Whisky” Awards. Heaven Hill also sponsors the Evan Williams Bourbon Bar on the lower level of the KFC Yum! Center, another high visibility venue in Louisville for one of the nation’s fastest growing high volume Bourbon brands, according to A.C. Nielsen.

“We at Heaven Hill Distilleries are so pleased to be able to announce this exciting new initiative for Louisville, for the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and for our Evan Williams Bourbon brand,” stated Heaven Hill Executive Vice President Harry J. Shapira. “It brings together a lot of important economic development, tourism and historical forces—an important new manufacturing and distillation facility, a major Louisville and Kentucky-themed attraction, and the history of Whiskey Row and Evan Williams as an important Louisville figure and early distiller. 122 years ago, when this building was first constructed, this area of Main Street was an important center of commerce for the Bourbon industry, and now Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first commercial distiller, is coming back home to his original locale. We are looking forward to the same kind of success and accolades with the new Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ that we have been fortunate enough to receive for our Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown.”

“This is an exciting time for the Commonwealth and Heaven Hill,” said Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear in a prepared statement. “Heaven Hill’s growing presence only adds to the appeal of downtown Louisville and means new jobs for Kentucky families and a boost to our economy. The Bourbon industry is one of Kentucky’s signature industries and plays a vital role in Kentucky’s economic success, representing thousands of jobs and producing millions of dollars in incomes.”

IMAGE CUTLINE: (L to R) Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. President Max Shapira, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Executive Vice President Harry Shapira, and Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson, unveil The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™. Slated to open in Downtown Louisville in September 2013, The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ will be a multi-million dollar artisanal distillery, immersive tourism experience and retail location which will celebrate the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first distiller and namesake of Heaven Hill’s flagship Bourbon brand. Heaven Hill Distilleries—the largest family owned and operated distilled spirits company in the country, and producers of Evan Williams, the second largest selling Bourbon in the United States and the world—will be renovating their historic building at 528 West Main Street, in the heart of what was once called “Whiskey Row” in Louisville.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

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

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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

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

Username: ewbe

Password: bourbon

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Special Edition Elijah Craig Named

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of The Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Heaven Hill Distilleries offered an exciting half-day tour package featuring an exclusive 20-year-old Single Barrel bottling of Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. That special edition Bourbon was named “American Whiskey of the Year” by the Whiskey Advocate. Formerly Malt Advocate Magazine, it is the second time Heaven Hill has been awarded an American Whiskey of the Year honor. Previously, the 1991 Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage was named “Domestic Whiskey of the Year” in 2001.

For the second straight year, Whiskey Advocate has recognized Heaven Hill with an elite honor. Last year, the company was named “Distiller of the Year” in the Whisky Advocate Awards.

In 2003, Parker Beam was awarded the “Lifetime Achievment” Award. The publication has, also, previously recognized Elijah Craig 12 year old, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Evan Williams Black labels for various whisky awards.

Read more at Whiskey Advocate

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Announces Release of the Fifth Annual Edition of the “Parker’s Heritage Collection” American Whiskey Series

10-year-old Bourbon Finished in Cognac Casks Represents Joint Effort Between Industry Legends Parker Beam and Alain Royer

This fifth edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection is bottled at a robust 100 proof and is not chill-filtered prior to bottling, which helps maintain the natural esters and compounds that provide a rich texture and mouthfeel. It will be distributed nationally, albeit in limited, allocated quantities, and available at fine whiskey retailers in major US metro markets as long as supplies last.

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous four editions, the Parker’s Heritage Collection Cognac Finished Bourbon is available in a three bottle case that should start hitting retail shelves and back bars in early October, in time for the cooler weather that traditionally signals “whiskey season”. And while several of the past Parker’s Heritage Collection annual releases have been priced in excess of $100, including the 27-Year-Old Bourbon that carried a $200 national average retail price, this year’s Cognac Finished edition will retail for an average of $80 for the 750ml bottle, welcome news for whiskey lovers in these still-unsettled economic times.

“All the previous editions of my Parker’s Heritage Collection have been very special products” noted Heaven Hill’s Parker Beam. “And this one may be the most unique of them all. It has been a real pleasure to work with Alain in selecting the kind of Bourbon to use, the kind of barrels to finish this with, and the length of time and location in which to finish this Bourbon. And it has turned out to be a really great and different type of whiskey. It’s nice to know that even after 50 years here at Heaven Hill, this old dog can still learn some new tricks.” Alain Royer added “Parker and I have really enjoyed this entire process. From looking at different ages of Bourbon to use, rye versus wheated mashbills, different ages and proofs, to deciding on Cognac versus Armagnac barrels, and how long the Cognac should remain in the barrels…all these factors and variables were analyzed, discussed and tested. And what has emerged is truly emblematic of the whole collaborative process—well structured, integrated, and thoroughly enjoyable to drink.”

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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 The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
502-413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

To download images from this press release, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at http://download.heavenhill.com and enter the username and password below.
Username: Cognac (case sensitive)
Password: Bourbon (case sensitive)

 

 

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Celebrate 20 Years of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival with Heaven Hill Distilleries

Exclusive tour, tasting and rare single barrel bottling offered only during Kentucky Bourbon Festival

In celebration of the 20th Anniversary of The Kentucky Bourbon Festival, Heaven Hill Distilleries is offering an exciting half-day tour package featuring an exclusive 20-year-old Single Barrel bottling of Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.  The tour will be offered Saturday, September 17th and Sunday, September 18th at the Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center, 1311 Gilkey Run Road, Bardstown, Kentucky.  The Bourbon Heritage Center was named “International Visitors Attraction of the Year 2009” and “Visitors Attraction of the Year 2008” Awards at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky Worldwide Presentation.

The tour package offers guests the opportunity to spend the morning tasting two newly-launched Bourbons in one of Heaven Hill’s new aging warehouses, “WW”, hosted by Heaven Hill American Whiskey Brand Ambassador, Rob Hutchins.  Following the tasting, guests will enjoy a “Spirit of Bourbon” Tour through downtown Bardstown where they will visit Distillers’ Row and hear the tales of Bardstown during prohibition and beyond on the comfortable Heaven Hill Trolley.

Following the morning activities, guests will enjoy a lovely Bourbon-themed lunch at the historic Chapeze House, featuring Elijah Craig marinated beef tenderloin, and other culinary Bourbon  delights.  Following your lunch you will be treated to a tasting flight of a few more of Heaven Hill’s unique and rare  Kentucky  Bourbons:  Evan Williams 23 Year old, Parkers Heritage Collection Wheated Mash Bill Bourbon, Henry McKenna Bottled-in-Bond, William Heaven Hill 225 Birthday Limited Edition.  Bourbon connoisseurs will jump at the opportunity to taste these unique, extra-aged, specialty Bourbons from Heaven Hill Distilleries.  

Return to Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center to collect your Bourbon Bounty Bag ($50.00 value) and your limited-edition, personalized, collector’s bottle of Elijah Craig 20-year-old Single Barrel Bourbon, produced especially for the 20th anniversary of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival.

This unique Bourbon- flavored day is available for only $275.00 per person.  For reservations, please contact Lynne Grant at the Bourbon Heritage Center, 502-337-9592.  Space is limited.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

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

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CONTACT:
Jennifer Howard
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
jhoward@heavenhill.com
502-413-0235