Category: Announcements

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Releases 1999 Vintage of Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon

The 14th Annual Edition of the Award-Winning Vintage-Dated Bourbon Makes Its Debut in Event for Bardstown Bourbon Society

LOUISVILLE, Ky. –   Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. unveiled its newest vintage of Evan Williams Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the 1999 Vintage, in a private event for the company’s Bardstown Bourbon Society members.

Heaven Hill, the nation’s largest remaining family-owned, independent spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Bourbon, offered a sneak peak of the 14th vintage in the landmark series for 500 society members in an elegant setting at Louisville’s Palace Theater.

The members of the Bardstown Bourbon Society, Heaven Hill Distilleries’ consumer Bourbon aficionado group, came from sixteen different states, all for an opportunity to sample the latest offering from 6th and 7th generation Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam, tasted both straight from barrel #1 and in its final bottled form.

The world-renowned Single Barrel Bourbon has garnered many prestigious awards, including “Spirit of the Year – American Whiskey” from Food & Wine; “Domestic Whiskey of the Year” by Malt Advocate; and “Whiskey of the Year” by The Spirit Journal, the first Bourbon upon which the publication has bestowed this prestigious title. “Even though the mashbill—the grain recipe—is the same from year to year, we try to achieve a particular flavor profile with each vintage,” noted Parker Beam.  “And judging from the critical acclaim it’s received, it seems like we’ve been pretty successful with the vintage-dated concept behind Evan Williams Single Barrel.”

As with the previous 13 vintages, which are now highly sought after collector’s items, each bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel 1999 Vintage Bourbon is marked with the exact date that it was placed in oak and bottled, in addition to the exact serial number of the single barrel from which it was drawn.

The 86.6 proof Bourbon is matured in natural open-rick warehouses under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s father and son Master Distillers, who monitor the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality.  The 1999 Vintage will be available nationally beginning in January 2009 at an average retail price of $25.99 for a 750 ml bottle, leading one noted spirits publication to confess, “Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon may be the best value of any whiskey, anywhere.”

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio includes: The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, Lunazul Tequilas, Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, KY.
Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

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

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Fills Milestone 5.5 Millionth Barrel of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Company Only the Second Continuously Operated Distillery to Reach Historic Number

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned distilled spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, today celebrated the filling of Bourbon barrel number 5,500,000.  Heaven Hill is only the second continuously operating Bourbon producer to reach the historic benchmark.

“It is indeed a proud day for our company and our extended Heaven Hill family,” said Heaven Hill Distilleries President Max L. Shapira.  “That the filling of this historic barrel is personally overseen by two generations of my family and two generations of the family of our Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam makes this occasion all the more auspicious and historic.”

No one could foresee the many changes and tremendous growth that lay ahead for both Heaven Hill and the American Whiskey industry in between the filling of their first barrel— ironically on Friday, December 13th, 1935—and their latest milestone barrel, but the company remains true to its original mission as a family-owned and operated independent Kentucky company, the last remaining in the Bourbon business today.  

The 5.5 millionth barrel was “bunged off” by sixth- and seventh-generation father and son Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam in a brief ceremony at Heaven Hill’s cistern room attended by company executives and local dignitaries.  Bardstown Mayor J. Richard Heaton also spoke at the brief ceremony and congratulated the company on their latest accomplishment.  The barrel was then moved to Rickhouse “Y” where it will rest alongside the other Heaven Hill milestone casks in a special display for touring visitors to Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center.

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second-largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio includes: the full line of The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Agua Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça; Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”
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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries
(502) 413-0220

lkass@heaven-hill.com

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Captures “Visitor Attraction of the Year” Award at Whisky Magazine’s 2008 Icons of Whisky USA Presentations

Bourbon Heritage Center Cited as a “Beacon for Kentucky Bourbon”

LOUISVILLE, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned distilled spirits producer and marketer, won the “Visitor Attraction of the Year” award during the presentation of Whisky Magazine’s “Icons of Whisky-USA” on October 21 in Louisville.  The “Icons of Whisky” are “designed to celebrate the people and places behind the greatest whiskies in the world,” according to the organizers, and the winners of the three regional Icon Awards—USA, Scotland and the rest of the world—go on to the final worldwide Icons of Whisky.  These are announced at an awards ceremony at the Hurlingham Club in London on February 26, 2009, coinciding with the opening of Whisky Live London.

The Bardstown-based company, the world’s second-largest holder of aging American Whiskey, produces such critically acclaimed brands as Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon, Elijah Craig Bourbon, Rittenhouse Rye, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey, and the Parker’s Heritage Collection of American Whiskeys, all crafted under the watchful eyes of sixth and seventh generation Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam. 

Heaven Hill was awarded “Visitor’s Attraction of the Year” for their Bourbon Heritage Center, which upon its opening in October of 2004 immediately raised the bar for all other hospitality facilities along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  The Icon of Whisky award praised Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center for “continually educating an increasing number of visitors in its barrel tasting room and offering a wide range of tours to suit novice to expert. (It is) a beacon for Kentucky Bourbon.”  In 2007 the Bourbon Heritage Center welcomed nearly 50,000 visitors to Bardstown, making it the most visited attraction in the historic Nelson County city. 

“We are of course thrilled to be recognized and honored by the Icons of Whisky Awards and Whisky Magazine for this highly coveted distinction,” noted Lynne Grant, Director of Guest Services at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center.  “To have won, particularly now that the Kentucky Bourbon Trail has become so popular and so many of our competitors have invested heavily in their own visitor’s facilities, makes it even sweeter.”

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest   independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second-largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio includes: the full line of The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Agua Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaca; Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.

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

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

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Captures “Distiller of the Year” and “Visitor Attraction of the Year” Awards at Whisky Magazine’s 2008 Icons of Whisky USA Presentations

America’s Largest Independent Family-Owned Distilled Spirits Company Is the Only Multiple Award Recipient

LOUISVILLE, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned distilled spirits producer and marketer, won both the “Distiller of the Year” and “Visitor Attraction of the Year” awards during the presentation of Whisky Magazine’s “Icons of Whisky-USA” on October 21 in Louisville.  The Icons of Whisky are “designed to celebrate the people and places behind the greatest whiskies in the world,” according to the organizers, and the winners of the three regional Icon Awards—USA, Scotland and the rest of the world—go on to the final worldwide Icons of Whisky.  These are announced at an awards ceremony at the Hurlingham Club in London on February 26, 2009, coinciding with the opening of Whisky Live London.

In awarding “Distiller of the Year”, Whisky Magazine Editor Rob Allanson cited Heaven Hill’s “launch of the Parker’s Heritage Collection (of rare whiskeys), their continuing commitment to producing five distinct styles of American Whiskey, and for continuously investing in their operations and brands.”

The Bardstown-based company, the world’s second-largest holder of aging American Whiskey, produces such critically acclaimed brands as Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon, Elijah Craig Bourbon, Rittenhouse Rye, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey, and the Parker’s Heritage Collection of American Whiskeys, all crafted under the watchful eyes of sixth and seventh generation Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam. 

Heaven Hill was awarded “Visitor’s Attraction of the Year” for their Bourbon Heritage Center, which upon its opening in October of 2004 immediately raised the bar for all other hospitality facilities along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  The Icon of Whisky award praised Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center for “continually educating an increasing number of visitors in its barrel tasting room and offering a wide range of tours to suit novice to expert. (It is) a beacon for Kentucky Bourbon.”  In 2007 the Bourbon Heritage Center welcomed nearly 50,000 visitors to Bardstown, making it the most visited attraction in the historic Nelson County city. 

“It would have been a great accomplishment and honor to have won just one of the Icons of Whisky awards,” stated Heaven Hill Distilleries President Max L. Shapira.  “But to have won not only Distiller of the Year, but also Visitor Attraction of the Year, is like the grand slam of accolades.  On behalf of my family, of Parker and Craig Beam, of the staff of the Bourbon Heritage Center and all our Heaven Hill employees, we can only say that we are humbled and most appreciative.” 

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second-largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio includes: the full line of The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Agua Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaca; Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.

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

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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries
(502) 413-0220

lkass@heaven-hill.com

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Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Bourbon Heritage Center Releases Limited Edition William Heavenhill Signature 225th Birth Date Commemorative Bourbon Bottling

Only 225 Bottles of 225-Month-Old Bourbon To Be Sold at Bardstown, Kentucky Visitor’s Center

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned distilled spirits producer and marketer, announces the release of a special limited edition Bourbon bottling commemorating the 225th anniversary of the birth date of William Heavenhill, the Nelson County farmer and distiller after whom the company is named.  The William Heavenhill Signature 225th birth date special limited edition, available only at the retail gift shop at Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown, KY, is a small batch Bourbon aged for 225 months (18 years, 9 months) and bottled at the barrel proof of 127.6 (63.8% alcohol by volume).

 

William Heavenhill was born on September 15, 1783 (according to local legend, he was born in the midst of a surprise Indian attack which forced his mother to give birth underneath a waterfall where she was hiding) and became a Bardstown farmer and distiller of repute. His limestone spring is the same that inspired the name of Heaven Hill Distilleries, which has since grown to become the world’s second largest holder of aging American Whiskey with over 700,000 barrels in inventory, on the very same land where William once grew corn for his whiskey.

 

It is only fitting then that the bottling that marks his 225th birthday should be rare and unique, with each bottle filled and assembled completely by hand.  The antique-style round shouldered 750ml bottle is thick and heavy, finished with a cork and sealed with hand-dipped metallic copper wax.  The labels use a textured paper stock with deep red and matte metallic copper inks.  The barrel proof and bottle number are each individually written on a separate label.  The entire bottle is then nestled in an elegant gift box

made of oak, laser engraved with the logo and bearing a label telling the story of William Heavenhill and his connection to Heaven Hill Distilleries.

 

The William Heavenhill Signature Commemorative Bourbon bottling will only be available as long as the stock of 225 bottles remains at the Bourbon Heritage Center at a price of $500 per 750ml bottle.  Each bottle will also be individually autographed by Heaven Hill Distilleries Master Distiller Parker Beam.  This special limited edition bottling will be the second exclusive, rare bottling available only at the Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center—the other being the export-only Evan Williams 23-year-old, which sells for $350 at the Center.

 

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second-largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio includes: the full line of The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Agua Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaca; Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.

 

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

 

CONTACT:

Larry Kass

Director of Corporate Communications

Heaven Hill Distilleries

(502) 413-0220

lkass@heaven-hill.com

 

 

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Evan Williams Bourbon Awards Grand Prize in “Hook Your Dream Boat” Sweepstakes

Top prize of pro angler Jason Quinn’s 21 foot tournament bass boat personally awarded by Quinn to John Oden of Alabama

 

LAKE LOGAN MARTIN, AL. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., producers of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the country’s second largest selling Bourbon brand, announces the awarding of the Grand Prize in the Evan Williams “Hook Your Dream Boat” Sweepstakes.  The Grand Prize, won by John Oden of Birmingham, Alabama, is the actual 21-foot 250 horsepower 2007 tournament bass boat used by professional bass fisherman Jason Quinn during last year’s Elite Bassmaster Tournament season, plus a day of fishing with Jason in the Grand Prize craft.  Quinn himself personally presented the boat to Mr. Oden near Oden’s home at Lake Logan Martin on August 21st.

The sweepstakes, which ran where legal from February until May, was offered to consumers through the Evan Williams website (www.evanwilliams.com) and through entry forms offered at Elite Series expo shows.  An extensive print ad schedule in Field & Stream, Bassmaster, Sports Illustrated, and Playboy also drove readers to the website to enter.  The “Hook Your Dream Boat” promotion, also sponsored by Costa del Mar Sunglasses and Storm Crank Bait Lures, offered 5 GPS navigational units for First Place prizes, 10 pair of Costa Del Mar Fishing Sunglasses for Second Place winners, 25 Storm Crank Baits for Third Place, and 50 Evan Williams Hats for Fourth Place winners.

Team Evan Williams Bassmaster Elite Series professional anglers Jason Quinn and Russ Lane, who fish in Evan Williams Bourbon wrapped bass boats, are the centerpiece of the bass fishing promotion that has helped drive Evan Williams to the number two selling Bourbon in the United States.  “This sweepstakes, in concert with the targeted advertising, web promotions, retail activity and event sponsorship we are continuing with, is serving to keep Evan Williams top-of-mind among the avid Bourbon drinking and highly brand-loyal bass fishing community,” asserted Heaven Hill Brand Manager Susan Wahl.  “We have seen and fully expect to continue to see great results from this endeavor.”

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second-largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio includes: the full line of The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Agua Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaca; Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.

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

 

CONTACT:

Larry Kass

Director of Corporate Communications

Heaven Hill Distilleries

(502) 413-0220

lkass@heaven-hill.com

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Unveils New Design for Two Fingers® Tequila Line

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. announces a new package design for its Two Fingers Tequila line.  The new Two Fingers look is more in line with the Tequila category while maintaining the brand’s unique flair.  The package redesign includes a clear bottle and a more streamlined black label prominently featuring a Blue Agave plant.

“Because there are two decades of equity in the package design, we wanted to maintain the black iconography but make it more contemporary,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager for Two Fingers Tequila.

Along with the new package design, point of sale material has been developed to support the new look. The new marketing materials will feature the revamped tagline, “It Takes Two” in keeping with the identity of the brand.  The POS also compliments the authentic look of the new package.

Two Fingers Silver and Gold varieties are made in Mexico’s largest family-run distillery from blue agave plants that grow in the mountainous Los Altos region of Mexico’s Jalisco Province. The area is well-known for deep natural springs and the ideal climate for growing the biggest, most flavorful blue agave plants.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second largest holders of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; and Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça.

 

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

 

CONTACT:

Larry Kass

Director of Corporate Communications

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

(502) 413-0220

lkass@heaven-hill.com

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

2008 release is a 27-year-old Bourbon hand selected by legendary Master Distiller Parker Beam

 

BARDSTOWN, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned spirits producer and marketer, announces the release of the second edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection, a limited annual series of rare, aged American Whiskeys that pays tribute to 6th Generation Master Distiller Parker Beam.  The second release, a very small batch of 27-year-old barrels bottled at 96 proof, follows on the heels of the sold-out 2007 first edition, a barrel-proof Bourbon which was named as the 21st top spirit in the world by renowned expert F. Paul Pacult in his 2008 book Kindred Spirits 2.

This second edition, which will be appearing on retail shelves in October and November, will be drawn from 100 barrels hand selected by legendary Master Distiller Parker Beam.  Even though these barrels will have matured for a full 27 years in Heaven Hill’s Warehouse U in Bardstown, Parker intentionally selected barrels that matured on the lower floors of the rickhouse (the third floor of seven), meaning that the low storage, where high temperatures can run 6 to 10 degrees below those on the sixth and seventh floors, mitigated the potential effects of overaging.   This 2008 Parker’s Heritage Collection will be available in limited quantities nationally in major metro markets for an average retail price of $200 per bottle.

 

Future editions of Parker’s Heritage Collection, to be released annually every Fall, will feature unique expressions of American Whiskey styles drawn from Heaven Hill’s inventory of more than 700,000 aging barrels, the world’s second largest holdings.  Heaven Hill, as the only remaining national distiller that produces Bourbon, Rye, Corn and Wheat Whiskeys (Tennessee Whiskey being the remaining straight whiskey type, which must be law be made in Tennessee), has in its rickhouses more whiskey styles/types than any other producer, barrels that would typically be dumped for acclaimed brands like Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Bourbon, Rittenhouse and Pikesville Ryes, Mellow Corn Corn Whiskey and Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey. But Parker Beam, who oversees all aspects of whiskey production at Heaven Hill alongside his son Craig, much as Parker did with his father Earl, has earmarked select barrels of each of these styles to be dumped for future editions of Parker’s Heritage Collection.

 

“This second release is a Bourbon that only Heaven Hill could offer,” commented Parker Beam.  “Today’s American Whiskey connoisseur is looking for exceptional characteristics in their products, and clearly this Bourbon delivers a lot of age.  But I wanted to make sure that the barrel didn’t overwhelm the grain notes of this bottling, so I intentionally sought out barrels from the lower floors.  This Bourbon is 27 years old, but in my opinion drinks more like our 18-year-old Elijah Craig Single Barrel, drawn from the top floors, or even some of our 15-year-old export Bourbons.”

 

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio includes: The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, KY.     

 

 

CONTACT:

Larry Kass

Director of Corporate Communications

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

(502) 413-0220

lkass@heaven-hill.com

 

 

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“Bayou Beans and Andouille Sausage” Wins Top Prize for Bourbon Cuisine at 23rd Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest

LOUISVILLE, (Ky.) – The 23rd annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest kicked off the culinary competitions at the Kentucky State Fair today, showcasing many of the most creative Bourbon dishes in the Commonwealth.  Heaven Hill Distilleries, producers of Evan Williams Bourbon, awarded the coveted Blue Ribbon top prize to Kandace Kanzler of Louisville for her Bayou Beans and Andouille Sausage.

A distinguished panel of local judges selected the entrée from over 35 entries this year. Red (second place) and White (third place) ribbons were awarded to Rusty Portman of Louisville for “Tipsy Beef Chowder” and Debbie Flores of Louisville for “Sweet Cajun Shrimp”, respectively.

Judges for the contest included Roberta Cattan, Executive Chef, Atria; Ed Nolan, Executive Chef, Mitchell’s Fish Market; Jason Brauner, Owner, Bourbon’s Bistro; Mike Cunha, Executive Chef, Limestone Restaurant; Barry Bernson, Fox 41 TV News “Fox In the Morning” anchor; James Lindsay, Executive Chef, Kentucky Dam Resort; and Heaven Hill Master Distiller Craig Beam. The event is presented annually by Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

During the judging, contestants and spectators were treated to a cooking with Bourbon demonstration by Chef John Varanese, Owner, Varanese Restaurant. Chef Varanese performed the demonstration using Evan Williams Bourbon, American’s second-largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.  Also on hand to assist Chef Varanese and keep the crowd on its toes was popular morning show host Kelly K., from the “Ben Davis and Kelly K. Show,” heard on 99.7 WDJX Radio.

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the Bardstown, Ky.-based maker of distilled spirits, produces Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – named for the Commonwealth’s first distiller.  “We’ve always known here in the Bluegrass that the taste of Bourbon adds an appealing quality to any special entrée.  The Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest affords local culinary enthusiasts the opportunity to showcase their creativity with Bourbon each year,” said Max Shapira, president of Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

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, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio includes: the full line of The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liquer; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; Scotch Whiskies; Irish Whiskeys; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.


23rd Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest Winning Recipe

August 15, 2008

1 lb of Andouille Sausage Sliced ½ inch rounds ++
2 cups diced onions
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 lb dried northern beans, soaked overnight and drained
10 cups chicken stock, plus more if needed
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1/2 cup Bourbon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Heat a large pot, cook the Andouille Sausage till lightly browned pull out of pan in Crock-Pot. Add the onions and 1 cup chicken stock cook until softened 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and beans and cook for 1 minute. Transfer to Crock-Pot on high, stir in chicken stock and other ingredients. Put top on Crock-Pot and let cook about 2 hours, or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally.

++ Substitution – Smoked Kielbasa Sausage

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

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23rd Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest Will Award Coveted Blue Ribbon to Top Culinary Creation

MEDIA ADVISORY – PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

FOR RELEASE:        August 13, 2008

23rd Annual Evan Williams bourbon cooking contest will award coveted blue ribbon to top culinary creation


LOUISVILLE, (Ky.) – Cooking with Bourbon will take center stage once again at the annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest at the Kentucky State Fair.  On Friday, August 15, area culinary enthusiasts will gather to compete for the coveted first place prize in the 23rd annual Bourbon Cooking Contest, presented by Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

This year’s contest will undoubtedly prove to be a memorable and enjoyable event for all.  On hand will be notable chefs, local celebrities and a special cooking demonstration by Chef John Varanese, owner Varanese restaurant, all of which add up to an excellent opportunity for photography and interviews.

The entries will be rated on originality, ease of preparation, appearance, name and the contribution of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey to the taste and aroma of the dish.

Evan Williams Bourbon is the country’s second-largest selling brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

What:

23rd Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest

When:

Friday August 15, 2008

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. EDT (approx.)

Where:

Kentucky State Fair, Gourmet Garden culinary stage,

South Wing Lobby A.

 

Contact:                    

Larry Kass

Director of Corporate Communications

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

(502) 413-0220

lkass@heaven-hill.com

 

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second-largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio includes: the full line of The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Agua Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaca; Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.

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