Heaven Hill is grateful to learn the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 23-D ratified a new five-year contract with Heaven Hill. We look forward to welcoming our team members as we transition back to normal operations. The agreement continues Heaven Hill’s long-standing commitment to its team members with industry-leading health care, wage growth and increased schedule flexibility.
Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Grand Opening of Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience
Renaming, opening of state-of-the-art visitor center in Bardstown, Ky. commemorated by official proclamation of “National Bourbon Day” in Kentucky by Gov. Andy Beshear
Heaven Hill Distillery today celebrated the grand opening of the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown, Ky. The expansion, renovation and renaming are the culmination of a multi-year $125 million investment in Kentucky’s signature industry and model for the future of tourism since 2018. The state-of-the-art visitor center received a $19 million upgrade to become an interactive, educational space offering signature exhibits unique to the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. Heaven Hill also invested $106 million across American Whiskey production including new barrel warehousing, bottling line and equipment upgrades, increased holdings of Bourbon Whiskey, and distillery enhancements. Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear presided over the ribbon cutting to commemorate the occasion, silhouetted against the new 1935 distillery replica exterior. Gov. Beshear also presented Shapira and Kentucky Distillers’ Association President Eric Gregory with a proclamation to henceforth name June 14 as “National Bourbon Day” in Kentucky.
First opened on October 15, 2004 as the Bourbon Heritage Center under the guidance of the late Harry Shapira, Heaven Hill’s presence as one of the first visitor centers on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail has played an instrumental role in establishing Kentucky as a top tourist destination. The new Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience triples the previous footprint with more than 30,000 square feet, capable of welcoming over 900 American Whiskey enthusiasts or newcomers at any given time to witness history brought to life. From the 85-year history of Heaven Hill Distillery as nurturers of America’s spirit to the quintessential American success story of the Shapira family, the full breadth of whiskey splendor is on display including a new product unique to the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience and select Kentucky retailers. Five Brothers Bourbon is a small batch blending of five ages of Bourbon ranging from five- to nine-years-old, paying homage to the courage, dedication and solidarity of the five Shapira brothers who started it all in 1935(more details to be released later this week). The new experience also added 13 new staff positions to ensure every guest receives that quality experience for which Heaven Hill is known.
“In the heart of Bourbon country, we welcome fans back to experience America’s Native Spirit, immerse themselves in the long history of Heaven Hill, and learn about the award-winning portfolio of storied brands now told on these walls,” said Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira. “We honor the vision held by my father and his four brothers, celebrating the people who built the foundation upon which we stand today. The Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience is an innovative, state-of-the-art tourism model, grounded in history, and developed to entice fans for generations to come.”
Breaking ground in November 2018 in partnership with Solid Light and Abel Construction, Heaven Hill first unveiled the renovation phase of the new experience in November 2019 featuring three beautiful tasting rooms, each representing a pivotal Heaven Hill brand or story. Positioned around a larger-than-life barrel, the iconic tasting rooms overlook Heaven Hill’s main campus of rickhouses for spectacular views of Bourbon country. Prior to completing their designated tours, guests will join their bourbon host in the barrel for a wide-screen video about how barrels are made and their importance to the bourbon production process.
“I am proud to be in the heart of bourbon country to proclaim today National Kentucky Bourbon Day and I am thrilled to be here to congratulate the Shapira family and the Heaven Hill team on another successful project investing millions in Kentucky and our people,” Gov. Beshear said at the grand opening. “As we emerge from this pandemic with our economy booming, we are announcing more jobs and investment in the commonwealth every week, and the bourbon industry is no exception. This state-of-the-art visitor center will give people one more great reason to visit Kentucky and experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, creating even more jobs and opportunity.”
The innovative exhibits at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience offer an in-depth perspective not yet told on the Bourbon Trail, as a multi-sensory showcase of stories weaves the key turning points in history that brought to bear the legendary brands on the market today.
- The “You Do Bourbon” immersive space invites guests into a classroom style tasting room where a host will guide them through a tasting of unique products. To commemorate their visit, they will have the opportunity to bottle their favorite Bourbon or whiskey from their tasting through the custom-designed filling machines, apply the label and personalize it in the adjacent Bottling Room. Finally, guests will experience a day in the life of a quality technician in the You Do Bourbon lab. Quality technicians ensure the consistency, quality, and integrity of all Heaven Hill products. Step into their shoes, inspecting through microscopes, gauging the proof of whiskey, and testing your sense of smell at the nosing station. At any given time, there will be three to four mashbills available to choose from: Heaven Hill Bourbon, Heaven Hill Wheat Whiskey, Heaven Hill Wheated Bourbon, and a fourth option on rotation. Guests will be able to select a commemorative mashbill and label in honor of the grand opening while supplies last.
- The 1935 Distillery Theater invites up to 40 guests to experience an immersive 11-minute show put on display by seven custom screens that fly in and out using DMX technology at various moments throughout the story of the Shapira family and Heaven Hill Distillery. The high-speed roll down system is equipped with vinyl mesh so the theatrical lighting system can bring the full show to life with special effects lights and custom panel lights designed to look like the windows of the original 1935 Distillery. The projection system consists of three Panasonic projectors that showcase a seamless display just shy of a true 4K resolution. With the addition of 5.1 surround sound audio, the visitor is truly immersed into the story of Heaven Hill.
- After walking through the Family Gallery, which details important people behind Heaven Hill’s rise within distilled spirits, visitors will enter three new self-guided, interactive exhibition spaces dedicated to integral players and movements within American Whiskey:
- The Elijah Craig exhibit immediately immerses guests in a charred barrel, the “Father of Bourbon’s” claim to fame. Walls made of charred oak, curved in a barrel shape, enclose a fabricated ring of fire where guests can learn how the char on the inside of a barrel affects the aging process and flavor development of a whiskey and understand the nuances of each product in the Elijah Craig family.
- The Larceny space takes guests behind lock and key into Treasury Agent John E. Fitzgerald’s room where he kept the registry comprised of his “Fitzgerald” barrels. Guests are invited to learn how to properly thieve whiskey from a barrel, interact with talking decanters detailing Fitzgerald’s ability to choose only the best barrels, and understand the key differences between Wheated Bourbon, like Larceny, and Rye Bourbon.
- The Bottled-in-Bond exhibit showcases Heaven Hill Distillery’s leading portfolio of bonded products, the most available on the market today. The Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 was an important turning point in the history of Bourbon as exacting standards set forth offered consumers a guarantee of quality and transparency. Today, this designation continues to offer those same guarantees, which guests will take a deep dive into through the exhibit.
- The new Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen located on the second floor boasts an upscale, approximately 25-foot bar fully equipped to serve craft cocktails and Bourbon tastings, a lounge area and dining space for the soon-to-be-opened restaurant. Guests can also take their cocktails to the rooftop area connected to the lounge space to enjoy views of Heaven Hill’s rickhouses. Tucked in the corner of the lounge is the unicorn case, where rare, historic bottles seldom available today and other Kentucky Bourbon artifacts will be on display. Just off the bar, the Generation Loft is the space perfect for corporate meetings, intimate dinners, and small celebrations.
- Guests are welcomed onto the Heaven Hill campus by several rickhouses, filled with up to 52,000 barrels each. The exterior of the new visitor center showcases a replica of how the distillery looked in 1935, an authentic, vintage barrel truck representative of what the Shapira brothers may have driven in the 1940s, and an updated sign celebrating the new name. The newest rickhouse on site features a bird’s eye view into the resting barrels with a glass window corner spanning the seven floors and new Heaven Hill sign. The new rickhouse will host single barrel selections and accommodate future tours soon to be launched at Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience.
The Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, which officially open its doors to the public at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 15, will be open Mondays through Thursdays from 11:00 am to 6:00 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Five Brothers Bar will be open for cocktails Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tour reservations can be made online here and initial tour offerings will include:
- Magic of the Mashbill: Heaven Hill is the only heritage distillery that features every major category of American Whiskey – and it all begins with the grain. Guests will enjoy five nationally acclaimed American Whiskeys, each from a different mashbill, in one of the iconic tasting rooms. Learn about both the fascinating history of Bourbon as well as the story behind Heaven Hill Distillery, family owned and operated since 1935 in the 1935 Distillery Theater. Immerse yourself in Bourbon history through the educational, self-guided galleries. The Magic of the Mashbill is a 45-minute tasting offered daily on the hour and costs $15.00.
- Whiskey Connoisseur: A Bourbon Host will discuss the unique characteristics of five of Heaven Hill’s premium or limited release American Whiskeys, focusing on the color, aroma, taste and finish. Learn about both the fascinating history of Bourbon as well as the story behind Heaven Hill Distillery, family owned and operated since 1935 in the 1935 Distillery Theater. Immerse yourself in Bourbon history through the educational, self-guided galleries. The Whiskey Connoisseur experience is a 45-minute tasting offered daily on the half hour and costs $20.00.
- You Do Bourbon: As previously mentioned, the You Do Bourbon invites guests for a hands-on lab experience as they learn mashbills, bottling, labeling and quality control. The one-hour experience costs $40, which does not include the price of the personalized bottle. A donation of $5 per bottle will be made to a rotating charitable cause, with Bernheim Forest receiving the donations for the first six months. The You Do Bourbon tour will be open for reservations at the beginning of July.
Heaven Hill’s investment in the future of American Whiskey is also focused on the communities that lift up the industry. Bernheim Forest Executive Director Dr. Mark Wourms joined Shapira and Gov. Beshear on stage to celebrate Heaven Hill’s corporate partnership with Bernheim, as well as the commitment to donate $5 per bottle from the “You Do Bourbon” experience to Bernheim Forest for six months up to $10,000. Heaven Hill previously committed $10,000 to the new Rites of Passage program at Bernheim, which includes immersive experiences in nature as part of nurturing a new generation of young Black men and women during a critical phase of development.
The former Bourbon Heritage Center is a multiple past winner of Whisky Magazine’s “Visitor Attraction of the Year” award at the magazine’s annual “Icons of Whisky” Awards, consistently ranked as one of the top tours in the Bardstown area, drawing 60,000 visitors per year. In Louisville, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is dedicated to the story of Kentucky’s First Distiller and the world’s 2nd largest Bourbon brand also under the Heaven Hill Distillery umbrella, Evan Williams. Typically hosting 100,000 visitors annually, it was the first distillery back on Whiskey Row in Downtown Louisville. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail (www.kybourbontrail.com), takes visitors through the heart of the Bluegrass and a stop in on the state’s distilleries. More than 1.3 million people visited the Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries in 2019, with 38+ tourism experience across the state.
ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.8 million barrels aging in 63 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.
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To download images for this release, click here.
MEDIA CONTACT
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Distillery
lcherry@heavenhill.com
Heaven Hill Brands Bartender of the Year Program Launches Craft Meets Community Initiative for 2021
New 2021 initiative focuses beyond the bar to elevate community, advocacy, and education
Heaven Hill Brands today announced the Craft Meets Community Initiative (CMCI), an extension of its Bartender of the Year program, developed to provide greater access industry-wide to education, mentorship, and leadership engagement opportunities. CMCI will replace the typical competition structure and serve as the 2021 Bartender of the Year Program. The initiative features a digital educational and support platform that will be structured through four educational tracks led by industry experts and is open to all hospitality professionals. The CMCI program will also award one individual within each track $5,000 to support a personal community-based project along with support from an industry expert as a one-on-one mentor. Registrations for all educational tracks open today at https://bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com/, with rolling deadlines over the next several months (full timeline below).
Drawing inspiration from the honest discussions and pivots made across the industry in the past year, the CMCI program will include four educational tracks focused on the following topics: education, mentorship and development; health and wellness; environmental impact and sustainability; and diversity, equity and serving the underserved. Each track will kick off with an educational seminar followed by an interactive workshop open to all registrants. Participants are also invited to apply for the optional CMCI Award Program, which will provide four individuals one-on-one mentoring from an industry expert and $5,000 to fund their community-based project rooted in one of the four educational topics. In the spirit of the craft, each CMCI submission will also include a cocktail component tied to the sponsoring brands.
“The ‘Craft Meets Community Initiative’ launched by Bartender of the Year extends our 2020 focus of support and advocacy over traditional competition. This program is designed for industry members who are passionate about hospitality and community and who are eager to learn and grow in their career,” said Hannah Venhoff, Group Product Director, Heaven Hill Brands. “Whether you’re just starting out in the industry, jumping back in, or an award-winning beverage manager, we are inviting everyone to connect, engage and inspire action, all at the level that best supports your personal journey right now.”
The four educational tracks and submission process will follow the below schedule, with registration open throughout the process:
| Educational Track | Description | Sponsoring Brands | Seminar | Workshop | Project Submission Deadline |
| Sustainability & The Environment | This track will focus on ways that environmental degradation is a threat to individuals and communities, and how we can make choices that are beneficial to our world. | Sacred Bond Brandy, Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey | 6/22 | 6/29 | 7/20 |
| Education & Mentorship | This track will focus on knowledge and skills that serve and uplift individuals and communities through training and discussion around opportunities for growth and development for all bar professionals. | Elijah Craig Bourbon, Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur | 7/6 | 7/13 | 8/3 |
| Equity & Diversity | This track will focus on celebrating diversity, ways to provide community support, and opportunities to create equal access to resources and professional development. | PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, Lunazul Tequila | 7/20 | 7/27 | 8/17 |
| Health & Wellness | This track will focus on ways that our physical and mental health are of paramount importance, and how we can take action to foster healthy living both physically and mentally. | Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif, Deep Eddy Vodka | 8/3 | 8/9 | 8/30 |
Heaven Hill Brands’ Bartender of the Year program has supported the growth, education and awareness of the hospitality community since 2016. The Class of 2020 Finalists received a combined $40,000 to be split between each after the competition pivoted midway through the reginal semifinals tour to a virtual format. All eight joined the ranks of esteemed past winters: Justin Ware in 2019, Harrison Ginsberg in 2018, Nathan O’Neill in 2017, and Abigail Gullo who won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.
ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (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, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy and Burnett’s Vodkas; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; The Christian Brothers Brandies; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com
Download images for this release here.
Carolans Irish Cream Launches Carolans Cold Brew
BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Carolans Irish Cream, the second largest Irish Cream Liqueur, launched Carolans Cold Brew. Smooth, cold brew coffee flavor is mixed with original Carolans Irish Cream for a rich and delicious combination that capitalizes on a hot consumer trend.
With a foundational flavor of the finest Irish Whiskey blended with farm fresh cream and naturally harvested honey, Carolans Cold Brew offers a new flavor experience to the award-winning brand. At 34 proof with a rich, coffee taste and notes of chocolate, Carolans Cold Brew is a superior sipper on its own, over ice, mixed in coffee or in a cocktail. One in four consumers mixes Irish Cream with coffee, according to Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, and the Cold Brew beverage category itself is growing at double digits, making Carolans Cold Brew poised for a tremendous launch. Carolans Cold Brew also builds on the success of Carolans Salted Caramel as the second line extension to the family.
“Carolans Cold Brew is deliciously fun from the first sip. Crafted from the Original Carolans Irish Cream base, the cold brew flavor delivers a new depth of flavor experience that will delight existing fans and newcomers alike,” said Hannah Venhoff, Heaven Hill Brands Group Product Director. “As the second largest Irish Cream, we are consistently seeking to amplify Carolans through consumer relevant innovation that builds upon a strong portfolio and offers consumers new opportunities to make new memories with Carolans.”
Carolans Cold Brew will be supported in trade media and retail point-of-sale with a tagline encouraging consumers to “Pour. Sip. Chill.” Carolans Cold Brew will be available nationwide beginning May 2021. The suggested retail price is $15.99/750ml bottle.
Grab a mug to sit back and chill with these recommended recipes from Carolans Cold Brew:
COLD BREW MARTINI
 |
1½ oz. Carolans Cold Brew
1½ oz. Vodka
1 oz. Espresso
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and shake until chilled and frothy. Serve up in a coupe or cocktail glass and garnish with coffee beans.
SOME LIKE IT HOT
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1½ oz. Carolans Cold Brew
1 oz. Brandy
5 oz. Hot Coffee
Build and serve in a coffee cup. Top with cream if desired.
ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (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, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy and Burnett’s Vodkas; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; The Christian Brothers Brandies; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Holli Koster
Heaven Hill Brands
hkoster@heavenhill.com
To download images from this release, click here.
Austin Relief Efforts – Deep Eddy Vodka Partners with Local Restaurants, Local Business Partners
AUSTIN, Texas – Deep Eddy Vodka is coordinating local relief efforts to provide Austin residents with warm meals. As of February 17, Deep Eddy Vodka, Kendra Scott, Red Bull and Ranch Rider have committed $30,000+ to the support the Austin community. Deep Eddy Vodka Instagram, @deepeddyvodka, will continue to make updates on relief efforts throughout the coming days.
The following Austin-based restaurants will be providing warm meals throughout today and tomorrow. Austin residents should check respective social media accounts for opening times and updates:
| Southside Flying Pizza |
| Lil’Doddy |
| Old Thousand |
| The Well |
| Chilantro |
| Southside Pizza |
| Papa Jacks |
| China Harbor |
| OMGSquee |
| Dell Seton UT |
For businesses or restaurants interested in joining these relief efforts, please contact Jennie Wait at jwait@deepeddyvodka.com.
About Deep Eddy Vodka
Deep Eddy Vodka (70-80 proof), a premium spirits company based in Austin, Texas, is The Spirits Business 2017 Brand Champion for Vodka. As a recipient of the Impact Hot Brand Award for two straight years and Beverage Information Group Growth Brand Award each of the past three years, Deep Eddy Vodka is recognized for its unique production process and incorporation of real, natural ingredients in its flavors. Born in Austin Tx., Deep Eddy Vodka is ten times distilled and handcrafted in small batches using only premium ingredients. The company’s line of products include: Deep Eddy Original Vodka, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka, Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, Deep Eddy Peach Vodka, Deep Eddy Orange Vodka and Deep Eddy Lime Vodka. Deep Eddy Vodka is available in stores in all 50 states. More information on the company can be found at @DeepEddyVodka on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or at www.deepeddyvodka.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
lcherry@heavenhill.com
Heaven Hill Brands Introduces Environmental Sustainability Strategy for Next Decade
Largest Independent, Family-Owned and Operated Distilled Spirits Supplier Identifies Four Key Areas to Cultivate Sustainable, Thriving Communities
Heaven Hill Brands announced today the company’s first official environmental sustainability strategy that addresses pressing environmental challenges within the industry and local communities in four key areas: water, emissions, waste, and conservation. As a leader in the industry since 1935, Heaven Hill’s success has been built on a commitment to integrity in the communities where employees work and live. These specific efforts set the course for continued resiliency, both a hallmark of Heaven Hill’s 85-year history and a guiding concept for the future.
“Heaven Hill has always strived to be a good partner in our communities and to be a good steward of the natural resources used to create our products,” said Rachel Nally, Heaven Hill Brands Manager of Environment & Sustainability. “Cultivating sustainable and thriving communities is important for our employees, our partners, and our neighbors. We are passionate about this next era in our commitment to responsibly use natural resources, reduce energy use, safely dispose waste, and conserve the ecosystems that support our business.”
The following goals were developed with a focus on science-based research, international climate standards, and internal expertise, and have been deemed necessary to achieve by 2030:
- Use water more efficiently by improving water use efficiency by 15%
- Drive toward zero carbon emissions by reducing carbon emissions from operations by 30%
- Reduce waste by eliminating 10% of waste generated by operations, reducing virgin plastic in bottles by 50%, and working towards zero waste visitor experiences
- Conserve the ecosystems that support the business by sponsoring planting of 5,000 trees of substantial size in local communities, supporting sustainable white oak supply, and supporting sustainable agriculture
Significant investments in these efforts across production, new technology and training initiatives are currently underway. A legacy of good stewardship of natural resources to create Heaven Hill’s products sets the runway for this future growth. Heaven Hill has implemented a variety of projects over recent years, including replacement of light fixtures with more energy efficient LED bulbs, implementation of recycling programs within operations, completion of multiple boiler efficiency projects to reduce energy needs, and tree plantings around Bernheim Distillery. Over the course of the next decade, both corporate and branded initiatives will continue to be announced to support these goals as the long-term vision takes shape. To learn more about Heaven Hill’s environmental sustainability efforts, visit here.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com
Heaven Hill Distillery Fills Nine Millionth Barrel of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Heaven Hill Distillery, the world’s second-largest holder of aging Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, today filled its nine millionth Bourbon barrel. Heaven Hill is the only local, independent, family-owned and operated company to reach this historic benchmark.
“In a year defined by teamwork and perseverance, today we celebrate another historic Heaven Hill milestone as we fill the nine millionth barrel of Bourbon,” said Max L. Shapira, President, Heaven Hill. “This nine millionth barrel, a rare achievement in the industry, is a testament to Heaven Hill’s commitment to quality and consistency since 1935.”
The milestone wraps up a banner year of Heaven Hill’s continued investment in the future of American Whiskey. Now aging more than 1.8 million barrels across 63 warehouses, Heaven Hill’s Bernheim distillery produces 1,300 barrels per day. The new Bourbon Heritage Center tasting rooms and retail store were completed and a grand opening of the entire new center is on track for early summer 2021. The launch of Larceny Barrel Proof, Elijah Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel and Parker’s Heritage Collection 10-Year-Old Heavy Char showcased the depth of premium innovation across diverse portfolio of award-winning mashbills. Recognized by industry professionals and consumers alike, the award season culminated with Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon named as Whisky Advocate’s 2020 Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years.
The nine millionth barrel will be put up to age in Rickhouse Y, where it will be displayed amongst Heaven Hill’s other milestone barrels.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Distillery
lcherry@heavenhill.com
To download images relevant to this release, please visit here.
Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon Named 2020 Whisky of the Year by Whisky Advocate
Elijah Craig Rye Whiskey also awarded #7 for 2020
Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon was named Whisky Advocate’s 2020 Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. Elijah Craig Rye Whiskey was also named #7 in the 2020 lineup. Both products join previous, recent Heaven Hill Distillery winners — Elijah Craig Barrel Proof was named the 2017 Whisky of the Year and Heaven Hill 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond was named #4 in 2019 on Whiskey Advocate’s renowned and highly anticipated top 20 yearly listing.
As noted in the Whisky Advocate Fall 2020 Buying Guide, “Larceny’s barrel proof expression…is a treat worth waiting for.” Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 are chosen each year from a collection of the highest-rated whiskeys nominated by the Buying Guide reviewers, and ranked based on quality, value, and availability. Heaven Hill Distillery has received top ten recognition for four whiskeys across three different mashbills since 2017, showcasing the consistency across a diverse portfolio of products. Read about and watch the full reveal on Whisky Advocate’s website for Larceny Barrel Proof here and Elijah Craig Rye here.
“For 85 years the Heaven Hill Distillery team’s commitment to quality and perseverance has set the course for our historic brands to thrive,” said Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “Rooted in a storied brand, Larceny’s relatively new appearance to the category has inspired our innovation process. For two of our mashbills to receive the highest Whisky Advocate recognition in their purest, barrel proof forms is a testament to Heaven Hill’s distilling legacy.”
Larceny Barrel Proof launched in January 2020 as the first line extension for the brand, offering whiskey fans an opportunity to taste Larceny as Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller does, straight out of the barrel. Descendant of the wheated Bourbons that make up the historic Old Fitzgerald franchise acquired by Heaven Hill Distillery in 1999, the non-chill filtered bottlings are released three times per year. While the top award for Larceny Barrel Proof was for the B520 release, Whisky Advocate Executive Editor David Fleming notes “you’d be wise to give any of them a try.”
Continuing the tradition of Old Fitzgerald using wheat in place of rye as the secondary grain in the mashbill, Larceny uses more wheat than any of its competitors for a softer, rounder character. The brand is inspired by the history of John E. Fitzgerald, who as a treasury agent in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s was one of the only people legally allowed to carry the keys to the barrel storage rickhouses. With a discerning palate for fine Bourbon, John E. Fitzgerald often used his rickhouse keys to gain access to some of the finest Bourbon barrels for himself. Those barrels from which he chose to help himself were often referred to as “Fitzgerald barrels” around the distillery. Larceny Barrel Proof is released three times per year in limited quantities nationwide for a suggested retail price of $49.99.
While Larceny Barrel Proof is released in limited quantities, it’s mainline brand Larceny Small Batch is available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $24.99. First launched in 2012, Larceny Small Batch is one of the most successful new-to-the-world Bourbons in the past decade. At 92 proof, Larceny Small Batch has also enjoyed both critical and consumer acclaim, receiving Gold from the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a 93 rating and Tried and True Award from the 2019 Ultimate Spirits Challenge, and a Consumers’ Choice ranking from the 2020 SIP Awards. Learn more about Larceny at larcenybourbon.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Distillery
lcherry@heavenhill.com
To download images relevant to this release, please visit here.
Heaven Hill Brands Names Eric Hund Senior Vice President of US Sales
Eric Hund has been named Senior Vice President of US Sales for Heaven Hill Brands. In his new role, Hund will lead the sales activities for the award-winning and diverse Heaven Hill spirits portfolio.
Hund brings with him 25 years of spirits industry experience, having joined the company in 2016 as Vice President of Sales for the Deep Eddy Vodka Division. Prior to joining the company, Hund was a Vice President of Sales at Republic National Distributing Company in Texas.
“Eric’s leadership and sales strategy expertise will set the course for the long-term success of our sales organization,” said Steve Feller, Chief Sales Officer. “We are fortunate to have his broad industry knowledge and team spirit at the helm of our sales team.”
Hund currently resides in Austin, Texas with his wife Diane and two sons. He is a proud graduate of the University of Texas in Austin.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com
Elijah Craig Bourbon Launches Old Fashioned Week in Partnership with PUNCH
Inaugural celebration pledges up to $100,000 to Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation
Elijah Craig and the Old Fashioned embody the centuries-old histories of Bourbon and classic cocktails. Today, the two pair together not only for a great cocktail, but for an even greater cause. In partnership with PUNCH, Elijah Craig Bourbon is launching the inaugural Old Fashioned Week from Oct. 16 – 25, 2020.
In 1789, Rev. Elijah Craig did not set out to become the Father of Bourbon when he first charred oak barrels, but his ingenuity proved a pivotal moment for Bourbon. Less than twenty years later, a spark ignited with what was first known as ‘the whiskey cocktail,’ paving the way for cocktail culture. The renaissance of classic cocktails over the last two decades rejuvenated desire for spirit-forward cocktails that are both balanced and complex, a setting ripe to celebrate an Elijah Craig Old Fashioned. Two classics in their own right, Elijah Craig Small Batch provides a 94-proof Bourbon canvas with a signature warm spice and subtle smoke flavor that complements the sweetness and spiciness of the Old Fashioned’s key ingredients.
“We are inspired by the lengths at which the hospitality industry is joining together to support each other,” said Max Stefka, Elijah Craig Senior Brand Manager. “For ten days we are raising a glass for the greater good by celebrating one great cocktail to lift up one great community through Elijah Craig’s Old Fashioned Week.”
The initial philanthropic goal for Old Fashioned Week will be donating up to $100,000 for the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation (RWCF), an advocacy and action nonprofit created by and for restaurant workers. Donations will go toward direct financial assistance, grants to non-profit partners, and to a zero-interest loan program for small businesses. Starting on Oct. 16, Elijah Craig will host a lineup of live activations designed to be both educational and entertaining in support of RWCF. In partnership with PUNCH, Elijah Craig will also highlight bartenders’ unique stories and signature Old Fashioned cocktails on www.punchdrink.com.
A national sweepstakes that offers a chance to win one of 500 home bar kits will also run from Sept. 1 – Nov. 15. Elijah Craig will match $1 for every online submission at OldFashionedWeek.com or match $5 for every social media submission by posting an image of a ‘virtual cheers’ using the hashtags #OldFashionedWeek or #Sweepstakes and tagging @ElijahCraig. To get involved, donate, or enter to win, consumers are encouraged to visit OldFashionedWeek.com for more information.
To enjoy the Old Fashioned in its purest form, start with the below cocktail recipe:
Ingredients
2 oz. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
.25 oz. Simple Syrup
3 Dashes of Bitters
Orange Swath
1 Brandied Cherry (optional)
Instructions
In a mixing glass add bitters, simple syrup, Elijah Craig Small Batch, and ice. Stir until well chilled. Strain cocktail over a large ice cube in a double old fashioned glass. Garnish with a swath of orange and an optional brandied cherry.
ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the family of whiskeys includes Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
First brought to market in 1986, Heaven Hill Distillery’s Master Distillers were selecting a small number of barrels of the finest Bourbon to make Elijah Craig Small Batch long before the term “small batch” even existed. It is this attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that give Elijah Craig an ideal balance of age, robust body, and rich flavor. Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
lcherry@heavenhill.com
Images for download here.