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

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.

-30-
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)

 

 

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.”

-30-

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

Byron White Wins Top Prize for Original Bourbon Cuisine at 26th Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest

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.

-30-

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

To download an image for this press release, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at http://download.heaven-hill.com.
Username (case sensitive):  EWCooking
Password (case sensitive):  2011

Evan Williams Bourbon Launches Fall “Grill With The Greats Sweepstakes” Program

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.

-30-

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

Heaven Hill Distilleries Adds Walter Simonz Wisconsin Regional Manager

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has added Walter Simonz to its sales team as Wisconsin Regional Manager.  He will be responsible for management of the Heaven Hill product portfolio throughout the state.

Simonz has almost 30 years of experience in the beverage alcohol industry.  His experience includes portfolio management, marketing and  business analysis.

“Wally is a great addition to Heaven Hill,” said Steve Feller, Vice President, North American sales for Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “He offers a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success.”

Simonz graduated from the University of Wisconsin. He and his family currently reside in Milwaukee, WI.

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.

-30-

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

Randy Rain Joins Heaven Hill Distilleries Sales Force

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has added Randy R. Rain to its sales team as Southwest Regional Manager.  He will be responsible for management of the Heaven Hill product portfolio throughout Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico.

Rain has 15 years of management experience in the beverage alcohol industry with Glazer’s Texas and Southern Wine & Spirits Arizona.  In addition, his experience includes restaurant, wine and financial management.

“Randy will be a valuable addition to Heaven Hill,” said Steve Feller, Vice President, North American sales for Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “He delivers a rich understanding of the industry. His background and experience will serve the Heaven Hill portfolio of brands well.”

Rain graduated from McLennan Community College in Texas.  He currently resides in Phoenix, AZ.

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.”

-30-

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