Category: Announcements

LOUISVILLE, (Ky.) – The 26th annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest kicked off the culinary competitions at the Kentucky State Fair on Friday, August 19th, showcasing many of the most creative Bourbon dishes in the Commonwealth.  Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., producers of Evan Williams Bourbon, awarded the coveted Blue Ribbon top prize to Byron White of Louisville, Kentucky – for the second year in a row- for his Evan Williams Mini Steak and Bacon Tacos.  White, who is the first entrant to win the contest two years in a row, also captured the Blue Ribbon last year for his Evan Williams Fruit Chutney Beef Spring Rolls.

A distinguished panel of local judges selected the entrée from over 40 entries this year. Red (second place) and White (third place) ribbons were awarded to Christy York Cox of Louisville, Kentucky for her Pistachio-crusted Chicken with Bourbon Mustard Sauce and Charles Halberdier of Louisville, Kentucky for his Barbecue Salmon with Sweet and Sour Sauce, respectively.

Judges for the contest included Ron Mikulak, Assistant Food Editor at The Courier-Journal; Ed Nolan, Executive Chef, Mitchell’s Fish Market; Jason Brauner, Owner, Bourbon’s Bistro; John Varanese, Executive Chef and Owner, Varanese; Barry Bernson, Fox 41 TV News; and Heaven Hill Master Distiller Craig Beam.

During the judging, contestants and spectators were treated to a cooking with Bourbon demonstration by Chef Albert Schmid, Chair, Beverage Management, Hotel-Restaurant Management and Hospitality Management Departments at Sullivan University’s National Center for Hospitality Studies.  Chef Schmid, who is author of the recently published The Kentucky Bourbon Cookbook, performed the demonstration using Evan Williams Bourbon, America’s second-largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.  Also on hand to assist Chef Schmid and keep the crowd on its toes was host Shane Collins of New Country Q103.1 FM.

Heaven Hill Distilleries, 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 Distilleries, Inc. “In this 26th 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 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.”

26th Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest Winning Recipe
August 19, 2011

Evan Williams Mini Steak and Bacon Tacos
Byron White, Louisville, KY

2 cups cooking oil
20 wonton wrappers
1 tbsp olive oil
2 medium yellow onions, sliced thinly
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup Evan Williams Bourbon
2 tbsp golden brown sugar
8 oz center cut bacon
1 lb skillet steak
4 oz Camembert cheese cut into 1/3 inch slices
1 cup baby arugula

Heat cooking oil in a small pan over medium-high heat.  Place wonton wrapper into oil and use two wooden spoons to push lightly down into oil.  Allow to cook slightly before removing the spoons to obtain taco shape.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  Add the onion and cook for 8 minutes, until they begin to brown.  Add balsamic vinegar, Evan Williams Bourbon, and brown sugar.  Stir and then reduce heat to low and cook for 25 minutes.  Cool.

Cook bacon in heavy skillet over medium heat until crisp.  Drain all but 2 teaspoons of drippings.  Increase heat and add steak.  Cook for two to three minutes per side.  Slice steak into ½ inch thick slices.  Tear bacon into bite size pieces.

Fill taco shells with steak, cheese, bacon, bourbon onions and arugula.  Enjoy with a shot of Evan Williams Bourbon.

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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Corporate Communications Director
Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc.
(502) 348-3921
lkass@heavenhill.com

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America’s 2nd Largest Selling Bourbon Teams with Big Green Egg® and Chef Grady Spears for Major Retail Promotion

BARDSTOWN, KY – Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the second largest selling Bourbon in the US and the world, announces a Fall promotion sure to fire up Bourbon fans and grilling aficionados—the Evan Williams and Big Green Egg “Grill With the Greats” Sweepstakes.  Offering a grand prize of an all expenses paid trip to the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown, Kentucky, a private dinner with celebrity chef Grady Spears and Heaven Hill Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam, and a large Big Green Egg cooker, the “Grill With The Greats” promotion hits all the hot buttons for Bourbon consumers and retailers looking to create compelling merchandising displays.

Evan Williams, the fastest growing premium Bourbon in the country according to A.C. Neilsen, has created a fully integrated marketing program designed to draw in and motivate the Bourbon-buying demographic.  Using large and impactful mass retail display point of sale, on-the bottle neckers, as well as print advertising in key national consumer magazines and web and social media, Evan Williams will motivate Bourbon drinkers to enter a Fall sweepstakes to win an ultimate “mancation” getaway—a trip for two to “The Bourbon Capital of the World®”, Bardstown, Kentucky, to visit the Heaven Hill Distilleries, producers of Evan Williams Bourbon.  The lucky winner will enjoy a private dinner grilled by celebrity chef Grady Spears, known as “The Cowboy in the Kitchen”, along with the 6th and 7th generation Master Distillers at Heaven Hill Distilleries, Parker and Craig Beam.  And the winner will also take home a large size Big Green Egg cooker, the ultra popular ceramic cooker that is a smoker, a grill and an oven all rolled into one.

For retailers, the “Grill With the Greats” promotion means that highly motivated Bourbon consumers will be drawn in by the football-themed floor displays or the on-the-bottle neck hangers (available on 750ml and 1.75l bottles, where legal), and will continue to make Evan Williams the hottest brand among top Bourbons.  In addition, compelling print ads and sweepstakes information will appear in top national men’s publications like Maxim, Sports Illustrated and Rolling Stone, as well as on the Evan Williams website and Facebook page and the Big Green Egg website and Facebook page.  

“We know that grilling, Bourbon and football are complementary Fall passions for a lot of our Evan Williams consumers, and competitive Bourbon consumers as well,” noted Susan Wahl, Evan Williams brand manager at Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.  “The ‘Grill With the Greats’ promotion brings these together for our consumers, along with iconic brands and names such as Big Green Egg and chef Grady Spears, and presents a great merchandising opportunity for Evan Williams retailers.”

The “Grill With the Greats” promotion will be available nationally (where legal), and will run through mid October, when the drawing for the Grand Prize package will be held.  Consumers can learn more through the Evan Williams website (www.evanwilliams.com), the Big Green Egg website (www.biggreenegg.com), bottle neckers on select 750ml and 1.75 liter size bottles, and Evan Williams print advertisements in select national consumer magazines.
 
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

First-ever Pumpkin Pie Cream Liqueur is 2011 Double Gold Medal Winner

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Fulton’s Harvest Pumpkin Pie Cream Liqueur is available for fall 2011 nationally. The lush, creamy all-natural liqueur is the first-ever pumpkin pie cream liqueur and is immediately reminiscent of homemade pumpkin pie complete with the flavors rich vanilla, brown sugar and spices. It is best served chilled or on ice, as well as in coffee and in a variety of cream-based cocktails.

Launched originally in limited markets, the seasonal item is available at retail from September through November. The package for the product features pumpkins and spices and reflects the vivid colors of autumn. The product is a direct result of keen seasonal interest in pumpkin flavors and scents.  

“The first year of sales was remarkable,” said Brittany Blevins, Brand Manager for Fulton’s Harvest. “The flavor profile and personality of the product really touched people. As a result, we broadened the product’s availability. Consumers just cannot get enough of it.”

Point of sale items for Fulton’s Harvest communicate the product’s pumpkin spirit and seasonal appeal with “Pumpkin and Spice and Everything Nice” on retail display materials.  

Fulton’s Harvest Pumpkin Pie Cream Liqueur is available from September through November in 750ml at 12.5% alc/vol.  The product will retail for $9.99.  Fulton’s Harvest is the industry’s first and leading pumpkin pie cream liqueur and features a smooth creamy taste that is instantly reminiscent of homemade pumpkin pie.

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

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest family owned and operated distilled spirits company, today announced it has acquired the worldwide rights to the Admiral Nelson family of rums from Luxco, Inc.  The Admiral Nelson brand is the spirits industry’s fastest growing spiced rum, and is the second largest selling spiced rum in the United States.

“We are most excited to add Admiral Nelson to our Heaven Hill spirits portfolio,” said Max L. Shapira, president of Heaven Hill.  “Admiral Nelson is a very strong brand that is experiencing phenomenal growth in a rapidly expanding segment of the rum category.  Its five year growth has outpaced both the overall spirits industry and the rum category specifically, and it has won multiple Impact Hot Brand Awards and Beverage Information Group Growth Brand Awards.  We believe our sales and distribution capabilities will further build on this success in the coming years.”

The Admiral Nelson family of rums is comprised of the flagship Admiral Nelson Spiced Rum, Admiral Nelson’s 101 Proof Spiced Rum, Coconut, Raspberry, Vanilla and the recently-introduced Cherry flavor.   The world’s top spirits critics and tasters also recognize the quality of the Admiral Nelson brand, having awarded it multiple medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and “Best in Show Platinum Award” at the World Beverage Competition.  

According to multiple industry sources, Admiral Nelson is the number five selling overall rum brand in the United States and the second largest brand in the very popular spiced rum segment.  In awarding Admiral Nelson its fifth straight “Hot Brand Award”, Impact Newsletter cited the brand’s “25% volume boost to 675,000 cases” in 2010.
Donn Lux, President and Chief Executive Officer at St. Louis-based Luxco, Inc., stated that “We at Luxco have been proud to launch and develop the Admiral Nelson brand and take it to its current position as the nation’s number two spiced rum.  I commend our sales force for an incredible job in doing so and thank all of our distributor and retail partners for their collective efforts in building this wonderful brand.  It fits squarely into Heaven Hill’s spirits portfolio and we are sure they will continue the brand’s meteoric rise.  I congratulate Max and his team and wish them all the best in taking Admiral Nelson to the next level.”

Luxco was advised by J.P. Morgan Securities LLC on the sale.  The parties expect the transaction to close by July 31, 2011 following customary approvals.

About Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
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.

About Luxco, Inc.
Luxco, based in St. Louis, MO., produces, markets and sells beverage alcohol products and builds brands for distributors and retailers. Luxco bottles, imports and exports its portfolio of branded wine and spirits, which include Pearl Vodka, Juarez Tequila, Arrow Cordials and other well-recognized brands.  For more information about the company, visit www.luxco.com or call 314-772-2626.

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

“Sacrifice Nothing” Tag Line Underscores Quality and Value of Rapidly Growing Tequila Brand

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, along with joint venture partner Tierra de Agaves, are launching a new marketing and print advertising campaign in top consumer magazines for Lunazul 100% Agave Tequila. Utilizing a message of “Totally Agave…Totally Smooth.  Sacrifice Nothing.”, the advertising and point of sale underscores the fact that enjoying the quality of Lunazul involves no compromise.  

While its pedigree and taste profile are top-tier, Lunazul revolutionized the Tequila category upon its launch in 2008 by offering high quality 100% agave Blanco and Reposado Tequila at a price point just above the mixto category leader.  Today, Lunazul has created a new sub-segment of high quality/high value 100% agave Tequilas. Since its release, Lunazul has garnered 3 consecutive “Rising Star” Growth Brand Awards from the Beverage Information Group. Lunazul Tequilas have also received broad critical acclaim and top awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the New York Spirits Awards.

After 2+ years of record-setting sales growth through trade education and distribution efforts, the new “Sacrifice Nothing” campaign represents the first major consumer advertising effort for Lunazul, and will deliver the desired Tequila demographic through placements in top men’s publications such as Maxim, Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated and Playboy.  The campaign will run from April through September, generating over 330,000,000 gross impressions, and will also be supported by an array of attention-getting retail and on-premise point of sale that all reflect the new campaign theme and graphics.  

Lunazul is estate-grown, small-batch Tequila distilled and bottled at Tierra de Agaves’ state-of-the-art facilities in Jalisco, Mexico.  The vertical integration of source materials, distillation and bottling ensures consistence of taste and quality, backed by the legacy of eight generations of the Beckmann family, former co-owners of Cuervo Tequila.  Tierra de Agaves is one of the few Tequila distilleries that actually own the land on which the agave is grown and harvested, carefully selected from the 4,000 acres of Weber Blue Agave plants that the Beckmann family and their past generations have controlled since 1758.

The new marketing and print advertising campaign comes on the heels of the release of Lunazul Añejo, launching at retail in April.  The Añejo is aged for 18 months in charred white oak barrels and will sell for an average retail price of $21.99, just two dollars above the price of the Blanco and Reposado varieties.  The Tequila category continues to grow and by adding Añejo to the existing Blanco and Reposado varieties, the truly full line allows Lunazul to play in the most connoisseur-driven segment of the 100% agave Tequila market.    

“The new consumer campaign, we believe, speaks in a relevant and believable way to our core target audience of discerning yet practical Tequila consumers,” contends Heaven Hill senior brand manager Reid Hafer.  “The message of 100% Agave and smooth taste, combined with the remarkable price point, truly means the Lunazul buyer will sacrifice nothing for the best.  Lunazul has succeeded so quickly and so notably without a strong direct-to-consumer voice, so we feel consistent and impactful advertising in the top men’s publications should really have an exponential effect on sales.  And with the Añejo just launching, it promises to be a great spring and summer for Lunazul.”   

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