Category: Announcements

16^th edition of the annual ultra-premium release is made up of two different ages of Bourbons, one of which has been double barreled, and then masterfully blended together post aging.

Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of the 16^th edition of the Parker’s Heritage Collection, featuring a Double Barreled Blend Bourbon. The 16^th Edition of the Parker’s Heritage Collection is an allocated product and will be available nationally and internationally in limited quantities at the suggested retail price of $174.99. A portion of the proceeds will continue to support ALS research and patient care in honor of Parker Beam, Master Distiller Emeritus, with more than $1 million contributed across the Parker’s Heritage Collection since 2013.

This edition consists of 67% 13-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that has been double barreled for four weeks and then blended post aging with 33% 15-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. The 13-year-old Bourbon, from barrels produced in December 2008, was aged on the 5^th-7^th floors of Rickhouse Q and then re-barreled into new American white oak barrels with a level three char for four weeks. Then, it was later blended with 15-year-old Bourbon from barrels produced in January 2007 aged on the 2^nd and 5^th floors of Rickhouse II. The unique, bold flavor profile is balanced by the double barreled 13-year-old Bourbon, bringing out even more oak and spice notes from the barrel, with the 15-year-old Bourbon rounding out the older aged mouthfeel. At bottling, the liquid was uncut and non-chill filtered to preserve the complex flavors. This edition leads with an oak forward nose and hints of butterscotch and caramel, and once tasted is followed by a balance of spice notes, sweetness and slight oak tannins. The finish is long and warm with elements of dark chocolate, baking spices and white pepper. The mashbill for this edition is comprised of Heaven Hill Distillery’s traditional Bourbon mashbill 78% corn, 10% rye and 12% malted barley and ultimately bottled at barrel proof 132.2 or 66.1% alcohol by volume.

“The Parker’s Heritage Collection is a testament to the distilling legacy at Heaven Hill Distillery and the continued thirst for innovation which has driven generations of master distillers,” said Susan Wahl, Vice President, American Whiskey at Heaven Hill. “This Double Barreled Blend Bourbon is a masterful pairing of two uniquely aged products that create the perfect balance of flavors which, we believe, honor the past and are a fitting tribute to Parker and his legacy.”

The late Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, for whom the acclaimed series is named, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 2010. The past nine editions from 2013-2021, including the “Promise of Hope” Bourbon, the “Original Batch” Straight Wheat Whiskey, the Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey, the 24-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, the 11-Year-Old Single Barrel, Orange Curaçao-finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Heavy Char Rye Whiskey, Heavy Char Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and the Heavy Char Wheat Whiskey respectively, have raised more than one million dollars toward ALS research and patient care through contributions made by Heaven Hill for each bottle purchased. With the 2022 Double Barreled Blend edition, Heaven Hill will again contribute a portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold to the ALS Association.

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous fifteen editions, but with an eggplant-colored label, the newest Parker’s Heritage Collection is available in a three-bottle case and will arrive at retail locations starting in early December. With previous releases having won multiple awards from Whisky Advocate magazine, Whisky Magazine and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the series stands as some of the most critically lauded American Whiskeys in recent memory. Past bottlings have won awards ranging from “Best North American Whiskey” to “American Whiskey of the Year” to “Best of Show, Brown Spirits.”

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

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Blevins brings 20+ years of global industry experience and leadership

Heaven Hill today announced the appointment of Matt Blevins as Chief Marketing Officer. Effective October 24, Blevins will assume the role previously held by now Co-President Kate Latts. A 20-year global spirits industry leader, Blevins’ demonstrated expertise in business growth, brand marketing, and team development will continue to elevate Heaven Hill’s strategic growth plan and diverse, award-winning portfolio of brands.

Blevins is a proven marketing leader in the industry, guiding global, historic brands to achieve distinct positioning, creative innovation, and long-term value growth. With almost 20 years on the Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey portfolio, Blevins’ experience growing an inspiring portfolio of brands includes leading the brand as it became the most valuable global spirits trademark in 2021. With a people-first leadership style, Blevins delivers both demonstrated business results and thoughtful team development.

“Matt’s passion and dedication to his teams, as well as his brands, is evident throughout his successful career. He leads by example and grows teams who deliver consistent results,” said Kate Latts, Heaven Hill Co-President. “We are excited to continue to build our strong, innovative leadership team by adding Matt’s unique skill set to further our accelerated growth. I’m excited to work collaboratively with Matt to continue the enduring legacy of our brands.”

Before joining Brown-Forman in 2005, Blevins held business analyst roles across numerous retail and consumer package goods brands. After serving in senior roles across the Jack Daniel’s brand, Blevins most recently served as Vice President, Global Brand Director Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey. He oversaw many aspects of global brand marketing from positioning, packaging, pricing, and promotion. By leading external agencies and a significant global community of marketers, Blevins created impact and influence across key areas to drive long-term success.

“I could not be more excited to join Heaven Hill at this important phase in the company’s growth journey. Heaven Hill’s portfolio of brands offers a wide range of consumer connections across beverage alcohol occasions with authentic stories, quality products, and family ownership that is invested in the long term,” said Blevins. “The Heaven Hill team is clearly passionate about their business and brands, and I look forward to partnering with them on all the exciting initiatives in the near and long term.”

Blevins resides in Louisville, Ky. with his wife Catherine and two children. He has a B.S. in Economics from Centre College where he was a Division III athlete on their basketball team and now serves on the President’s Alumni Council. Blevins also has a Masters of Applied Economics from University of Cincinnati. Blevins is passionate about many nonprofit causes in the community including Fund for the Arts, Urban League, and Kentucky Cancer Link.

A free NFT plus access to rare digital art and live concert tickets is just one click away

Hpnotiq Liqueur, the storied spirits brand known for its electric blue hue, is partnering with hip-hop artist Guapdad 4000 to give consumers exclusive access into the #HPNOVERSE – an Augmented Reality destination with unique digital NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and real-life prizes. In addition to the #HPNOVERSE virtual reality, consumers will also be invited to join an “IRL” scavenger hunt to unlock a one-of-a-kind experience at physical locations in their market using QR codes. From a larger-than-life Hpnotiq Skyscraper to an incredible Hpnotiq & Cognac, consumers will be able to collect these digital assets across Atlanta and New York City.

Grammy nominated, Platinum recording artist, Guapdad 4000 AKA Guap (born Akeen Hayes) is best known for his signature durags and memorable verses which flow as smoothly as Hpnotiq over the sickest beats. His work with artists like Snoop Dogg, Chance the Rapper and Wiz Khalifa helped bring his West Oakland sound to the mainstream. The brand continues to pay homage to its hip-hop roots by leveraging Guapdad’s talent, creativity and versatility, marking him as one of the most promising budding stars of the music industry.

“Whether you’re a crypto wizard or you just learned about NFTs today, Hpnotiq has created an experience that can be enjoyed by all,” said Brittany Wenig, Hpnotiq Brand Manager. “Ever-present on Twitter and Instagram, Guap’s move to the #HPNOVERSE gives his fans and fans of Hpnotiq unprecedented access to the world of crpyto and NFTs.”

The portal key into the #HPNOVERSE is the Augmented Reality camera app featuring a variety of experiences. Try the HQ Skyscraper outside or call on Guapdad 4000 to dance in the living room — just be sure to share it all on social using #HPNOVERSE so Hpnotiq can re-share posts. For more information about Hpnotiq and the #HPNOVERSE, visit Hpnotiq.com and http://hpnoverse.io/, and follow along on social at @Hpnotiq on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

By simply submitting their email into the #HPNOVERSE, consumers will automatically receive a free digital NFT (non-fungible token) plus be entered to win prizes like rare digital artwork and live concert tickets via the #HPNOVERSE Sweepstakes available at HPNOVERSE.IO (must be 21+ to enter).

The “Incredible Hulk” – Hpnotiq & Cognac

• 2 oz Hpnotiq
• 2 oz Cognac

Lay over ice and stir for color transformation.

The Silver Bullet Shot

• 1 oz Hpnotiq
• 2 oz Premium Blanco Tequila

Chill ingredients and layer in a shot glass.

The 2014 Vintage, 117 proof Bourbon is dipped in gold wax and features the 50^th Edition Gold Pegasus Pin on the bottle neck

As an official sponsor of the Kentucky Derby Festival for the sixth consecutive year, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience today released a special edition bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon with a commemorative 50^th Edition Gold Pegasus Pin sealed in wax on the neck.

Dipped in a gold wax, the bottle features a special face label with the coordinating gold Kentucky Derby Festival logo and includes an official 2022 Pegasus Pin in an envelope attached to each bottle. Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller, Jodie Filiatreau, and Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO, Matt Gibson, unveiled the official 2022 pin and limited-edition bottle at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience by personally hand-dipping two of the 750 limited-edition bottles.

Beginning February 24, the Bourbon will be available for purchase at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience for $79.99 and at select area retailers while supplies last. The limited edition 2014 vintage is bottled at 117 proof, commemorating both the 67^th Kentucky Derby Festival plus the 50^th year for the Pegasus Pin. Each bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon contains the exact day it was put in an oak barrel to age, the barrel number, and the date it was bottled.

“The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is proud to partner with the Kentucky Derby Festival and celebrate a milestone year for the Pegasus Pin, which represents the unique Kentucky spirit that makes this time of year so exciting in the Bluegrass State,” said Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller Jodie Filiatreau. “Join us as we raise a toast to Kentucky’s heritage and usher in the 2022 Kentucky Derby Festival.”

The Bourbon is matured in natural open-rick warehouses under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller, who monitors the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality. Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage has won five “Whiskey of the Year” awards and is one of the most critically acclaimed specialty Bourbons produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the world’s second largest holder of aging Bourbon.

“Celebrating the 50th year for the Pegasus Pins will make this year’s Kentucky Derby Festival even more special,” said Matt Gibson, KDF President & CEO. “Like the pins, we know Festival fans will want to add this special edition Evan Williams bottle to their collection too.”

Bringing the community together since 1956, the Kentucky Derby Festival has grown to become a whirlwind of more than 70 special events leading up to the big race in May. The Kentucky Derby Festival runs this year from March 16 – May 1. Pegasus Pins, which allow entry to many Derby Festival events, may be purchased exclusively at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience through March 2, prior to being available at other local retailers.

ABOUT THE EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON EXPERIENCE:

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience® (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first commercial distiller, through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit. An official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the facility offers guests a historical glimpse back in time to see Evan Williams’ original distillery through high definition video recreations of the Louisville wharf and Main Street in the late 18th Century, plus recreations of Whiskey Row building facades along Main Street from the 1890’s through the present. Meanwhile, visitors learn the essential differences between distilling during Evan Williams’ era and Heaven Hill’s modern Bernheim Distillery operations.

ABOUT THE KENTUCKY DERBY FESTIVAL: Since 1956, the Derby Festival has worked to bring the community together in celebration. The Festival is an independent community organization supported by 4,000 volunteers, 400 businesses and civic groups, Pegasus Pin sponsorships and event participation. This involvement has made the Festival the largest single attended event in Kentucky and one of the leading community celebrations in the world.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Emily Gahafer

Heaven Hill Brands

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Heaven Hill Brands today acquired Samson & Surrey, including its portfolio of brands and facilities. The acquisition of Samson & Surrey further extends Heaven Hill’s portfolio with six high-growth, super-premium brands in several of the industry’s fastest growing categories.

“Throughout our 86-year history, our focus has been building a business with a portfolio of great brands sold through a great team,” said Max Shapira, Heaven Hill President. “The Samson & Surrey portfolio strategically enhances our portfolio with emerging brands in strong growth categories. Together with their team, Heaven Hill is poised to leverage the tremendous potential of these exciting brands.”

About Samson & Surrey

Founded in 2016 by former Bacardi execs Robert Furniss-Roe and Juan Rovira, Samson & Surrey teamed up to build a company with the vision “to create, together, the most admired premium independent spirits portfolio in the world.”

Their strategy identified brands with high levels of differentiation, high-quality liquids and a very high long-term potential for further development.

In order to fulfill the brands’ potential, Juan and Robert have also built a strong commercial and advocacy team with an international presence.

Steeped in craft and authenticity, each of the Samson & Surrey brands has brought new perspectives and tastes that have delighted consumers worldwide. Included in the acquisition are Tequila Ocho, Widow Jane American Whiskey, FEW Spirits, Brenne French Whisky, Bluecoat Gin and Mezcal Vago, along with their unique production facilities and processes. The company will continue as an independent division of Heaven Hill, led by Robert and Juan, with production continuing at each location.

Portfolio Premiumization

Portfolio premiumization is a core element of Heaven Hill’s strategy and key to the company achieving its financial and commercial objectives. We’ve executed this strategy through acquisitions, new product development and prioritization of our existing portfolio of brands.

According to Shanken News Daily, premium and above products are growing at more than 10% over the last five years, led by ultra-premium Tequila and ultra-premium whiskies.

“Over the last five years we have enjoyed unprecedented success thanks to the talents of our team, the truly remarkable award-winning liquids we make, and the engaging consumer stories we tell. The combined talent, scale, and resources of Heaven Hill now present a unique opportunity to provide a long-term home for Samson & Surrey and to further accelerate our growth,” said Robert Furniss-Roe, co-founder and CEO, of Samson & Surrey. “We believe strongly in the potential of our brands which are perfectly positioned to capitalize on the key spirits market trends. We could not be more delighted to join Heaven Hill and work together to continue building a strong portfolio in the premium and super-premium segments,” further commented Juan Rovira, co-founder and COO of Samson & Surrey.

Growth and Diversification through Acquisition

In the last 20 years, Samson & Surrey represents Heaven Hill’s sixth significant acquisition, as part of a broad strategy to diversify the company’s portfolio. Those acquisitions included:

• 2003 – Hpnotiq Liqueur
• 2012 – Admiral Nelson’s Rum
• 2015 – Deep Eddy Vodka
• 2017 – Carolans Irish Cream
• 2019 — Black Velvet Canadian Whiskey

We are looking forward to welcoming back our valued team members! Please see below for important next steps.

Pending a negative Covid test, returning employees will begin work at previously assigned shift time on Thursday for 1^st and 2^nd shifts.  3^rd shift will return on Thursday night (Friday shift).