Category: Announcements

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Bartender of the Year Chicago Finalist Crafts Winning Cocktail with Rebellious Inspiration

Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com announce fifth finalist for 2019 “Bartender of the Year”

 BARDSTOWN, KY – Katie Renshaw, Bar Manager at Etta in Chicago, announced as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Chicago finalist for the 2019 Bartender of the Year Competition. Renshaw won first place, $1,000 and a trip to the finals at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina.

In the second round of the semifinal competition, contestants created the inspired cocktail submitted as a recipe in the preliminary round. Renshaw crafted the “Rebel on the Tracks,” which was inspired by surprising moments from her past that are both humorous and tied to who she is today (see recipe at end of release).

“For this cocktail, I started to think about myself as a teenager. I went to an arts boarding school for high school, and my roommate and I were known for skipping class with a friend to walk along the train tracks to Walden Pond. We likened ourselves to a young Allen Ginsberg or Kerouac (whose works we both regularly read),” Renshaw said. “I laugh thinking about that now, but I wanted to make a cocktail that reminded me of that time. Because of these friends, I was introduced to artists and writers who shaped me as a creative individual. I wouldn’t be the bartender I am today without those experiences. Our history directly influences where we are today, and for me and for the Heaven Hill brands, that history is what makes our present beautiful.”

Jacob Feitler of The Sugar House in Detroit won second place and $500. Six semifinalists competed regionally in Chicago on Monday, March 11 at the Sportsman’s Club. Bartenders competed in three rounds, the first two featuring the classic cocktail and inspired cocktail from their preliminary submission. For the final round, bartenders created a custom drink for a fictional bar menu using a minimum of 1.5 ounces of at least one Heaven Hill brand not previously featured in one of their cocktails including Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, as well as Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy, or Lunazul Tequila. Contestants and judges were then invited to a family dinner at Parachute and professional development with Paul McGee, Partner at Lost Lake and Beverage Director of Land and Sea Dept. McGee created a cocktail utilizing Heaven Hill products and spoke to his inspiration behind it, as well as the journey to reach this point in his career and advice for being a well-rounded hospitality professional.

National Brand Educator for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó and McGee judged the semifinalists’ cocktails and chose one finalist based on highest scores. Contestant skills and cocktails were scored on flavor, appearance, presentation, technical skills, use of sponsor brands, and adherence to judges’ guidelines.

More than 1,100 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2018. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one rendition of a classic recipe, and one relating to an inspiration, along with a short description of how the cocktail represents a deep inspiration to their life. The top contestant from each region will go on to vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina from June 17-20, 2019. Finalists will be challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges will be looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide. Harrison Ginsberg of The Dead Rabbit in New York City was the 2018 Bartender of the Year and will return as a guest judge for the finals. Ginsberg joined an impressive rank of past champions, including Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar in New York City who was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo, formerly of Compere Lapin in New Orleans, who won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Rebel on the Tracks

Crafted by Katie Renshaw

Ingredients:

  • Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon (1.5 ounce(s))
  • Domaine de Canton Liqueur (0.5 ounce(s))
  • Masala Chai Syrup (0.5 ounce(s))
  • Hot French-Press Coffee (2 ounce(s))

Prep glass by filling with hot water. Fill large tin with hot water and place small tin on top. Build cocktail into small tin to slowly heat ingredients. Empty hot water from glass. Give the tin a swirl and pour into heated glass. Whip cardamom cream in another tin and slowly pour over cocktail. Top with freshly grated nutmeg.

To view and download more images from this release, click here.

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Bartender of the Year Austin Finalist Reflects on Unsung Lessons for Winning Cocktail

Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com announce fourth finalist for 2019 “Bartender of the Year”

Justin Ware, General Manager and Bartender at Johnny’s Gold Brick in Houston, announced as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Austin finalist for the 2019 Bartender of the Year Competition. A three-time Bartender of the Year semifinalist, Ware won first place, $1,000 and a trip to the finals at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina.

In the second round of the semifinal competition, contestants created the inspired cocktail submitted as a recipe in the preliminary round. Ware crafted the “Unsung Lesson,” which was inspired by the death of his father last year who taught him how to drink “good tequila,” as well as incorporating flavors that brought back memories of smoking cigars around a fire (see recipe at end of release).

“Some of my favorite memories of my father were the wisdom he passed on from his life: of drinking good tequila, only 100% agave, or how to sip it and enjoy the complexity,” said Ware. “Some of the best memories I had with him were sitting around the campfire in west Texas while him and his friends smoked cigars, drinking tequila and beer. This cocktail combines these memories into one drink. The 100% Blue Weber Agave Lunazul Reposado Tequila makes up the base of the drink, paying homage to my father’s love for tequila. Dubonnet adds depth and complexity. The smell of vanilla and cherry in cigars is represented with the Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters. Finally, the idea of being around a camp fire is added with the smoked glass. This is a cocktail I love to sip with friends and family alike while reminiscing about the past.”

Alexis Mijares of the Fairmont Austin won second place and $500. Six semifinalists competed regionally in Austin on Monday, March 4 at Whisler’s. Bartenders competed in three rounds, the first two featuring the classic cocktail and inspired cocktail from their preliminary submission. For the final round, bartenders created a custom drink for a fictional bar menu using a minimum of 1.5 ounces of at least one Heaven Hill brand not previously featured in one of their cocktails including Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, as well as Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy, or Lunazul Tequila. Contestants and judges were then invited to a family dinner at Juliet Italian Kitchen and professional development with Chris Bostick, Owner of Half Step. Bostick created a cocktail utilizing Heaven Hill products and spoke to his inspiration behind it, as well as the journey to reach this point in his career and advice for leveling up in the industry.

National Brand Educator for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Bostick judged the semifinalists’ cocktails and chose one finalist based on highest scores. Contestant skills and cocktails were scored on flavor, appearance, presentation, technical skills, use of sponsor brands, and adherence to judges’ guidelines.

More than 1,100 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2018. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one rendition of a classic recipe, and one relating to an inspiration, along with a short description of how the cocktail represents a deep inspiration to their life. The top contestant from each region will go on to vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina from June 17-20, 2019. Finalists will be challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges will be looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide. Harrison Ginsberg of The Dead Rabbit in New York City was the 2018 Bartender of the Year and will return as a guest judge for the finals. Ginsberg joined an impressive rank of past champions, including Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar in New York City who was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Compere Lapin in New Orleans who won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Unsung Lesson

Crafted by Justin Ware

Ingredients:

  • Lunazul Tequila Reposado (1.5 ounce(s))
  • Dubonnet Rouge Grand Aperitif (1 ounce(s))
  • Gran Classico (.5 ounce(s))
  • Bittercube Cherry Bark Vanilla Bitters (4 dash(es))

Build all ingredients in mixing glass. Add ice, stir to dilution. Pour into coupe. Zest with orange peel. Trim peel to a nice shape and fasten to the rim. Place glass in the center of a smoking tray, place smoking dome over glass, fill dome with cherry wood smoke. Allow to smoke for 30 seconds. Serve immediately to get the smoke aroma in the air and the drink.

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CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

To view and download more images from this release, click here.

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Bartender of the Year Miami Finalist Crafts Homage to Indian Upbringing

Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com announce second finalist for 2019 “Bartender of the Year”

BARDSTOWN, KY – Kabir Akbani, bartender at MO Bar + Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Miami, announced as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Miami finalist for the 2019 Bartender of the Year Competition. Akbani won first place, $1,000 and a trip to the finals at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina.

In the second round of the semifinal competition, contestants created the inspired cocktail submitted as a recipe in the preliminary round. Inspired by his upbringing in India, Akbani crafted the “Indian swizzle” incorporating flavors from his home (see recipe at end of release).

“Since I was raised in India, I wanted to create a cocktail with Indian flavors,” said Akbani. “Mango and tamarind are very popular in India, so I wanted to use that and create a nice, refreshing, tangy Indian cocktail.”

Shawn Newman of Prato in Winter Park, Fla. won second place and $500. Six semifinalists competed regionally in Miami on Monday, Feb. 11 at Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co. Bartenders competed in three rounds, the first two featuring the classic cocktail and inspired cocktail from their preliminary submission. For the final round, bartenders created a custom drink for a fictional bar menu using a minimum of 1.5 ounces of at least one Heaven Hill brand not previously featured in one of their cocktails   including Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, as Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy, or Lunazul Tequila. Contestants and judges were then invited to a family dinner at The Jim and Neesie and professional development with Julio Cabrera, world-class Cantinero-Bartender and owner of Café la Trova in Miami, before the winner was announced. Cabrera created a cocktail utilizing Heaven Hill products and spoke to his inspiration behind it, as well as the journey to reach this point in his career and advice for improving in cocktail competitions.

National Brand Educator for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó, and Cabrera judged the semifinalists’ cocktails and chose one finalist based on highest scores. Contestant skills and cocktails were scored on flavor, appearance, presentation, technical skills, use of sponsor brands, and adherence to judges’ guidelines.

More than 1,100 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2018. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one rendition of a classic recipe, and one relating to an inspiration, along with a short description of how the cocktail represents a deep inspiration to their life. The top contestant from each region will go on to vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina from June 17-20, 2019. Finalists will be challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges will be looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide. Harrison Ginsberg of The Dead Rabbit in New York City was the 2018 Bartender of the Year and will return as a guest judge for the finals. Ginsberg joined an impressive rank of past champions, including Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar in New York City who was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Compere Lapin in New Orleans who won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Indian Swizzle
Crafted by Kabir Akbani

Ingredients:

  • Dubonnet Rouge Grand Aperitif (2 ounce(s))
  • PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur (11 dash(es))
  • Mango puree (0.75 ounce(s))
  • Pineapple juice (0.75 ounce(s))
  • Lime juice (0.5 ounce(s))
  • Simple Syrup (0.5oz ounce(s))
  • Tamarind Chutney (1 ounce(s))

Add all ingredients in a highball or swizzle cup, except the PAMA. Add crushed ice and swizzle. Top off with more crushed ice and add 11 dashes of PAMA. Garnish with mint.

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CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

To view and download more images from this release, click here.

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Lunazul Tequila Launches “Feed the Wolf” Campaign

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Lunazul Tequila today launched a new marketing campaign titled “Feed the Wolf.” The fastest-growing 100% agave Tequila will utilize the new positioning to showcase raw, authentic experiences and the independent spirit that embodies the Mexican Wolf.

The new campaign conveys the desire for passion and quality that consumers have come to seek from Lunazul. Campaign materials showcase people with a hunger for life, celebrating their aspirations and feeding off the energy of their own pack. Drawing from the spirit of the wolf, the campaign encourages Lunazul consumers to explore the best of what life has to offer and ignite that drive within others. The Feed the Wolf campaign is brought to life across all programming platforms including an updated website at www.lunazultequila.com, social media on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, digital videos, and point of sale materials. The new Lunazul digital videos will run across social media and can also be viewed here.

“Lunazul has ignited the Tequila category since it launched in 2008 and we are excited to see that energy continue to build as consumers ‘Feed the Wolf,’” said Lunazul Brand Manager MaryCrae Guild. “Backed by the unique heritage, production process and commitment to quality, Lunazul is a standout among the category. We are going back to the roots of where Lunazul started as an homage to the land, distiller and passion that brought this brand to life.”

As 8th generation descendants of the Cuervo family, the Beckmann family has a desire to create the highest-quality Tequila from using only the best ingredients and classic techniques. Born between the foothills of the Tequila Volcano and the deep valley of the Rio Grande River in Jalisco, Mexico, the Tierra de Agaves estate, where Lunazul is crafted, is home to the oldest dynasty of tequila producers. It is on this land that a symbiotic relationship between the Mexican Wolf and Lunazul Tequila became important. As protectors of the ecosystem in which the blue weber agave is grown, the wolf packs secure the future of the rich soil.

Since announcing the joint venture between Heaven Hill and Tierra de Agaves, Lunazul Tequila has enjoyed tremendous growth and notoriety. In 2018, Lunazul Blanco was awarded the Chairman’s Trophy in the Blanco category of the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, scoring 96 points, the highest score of all category entrants and was also designated as an “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation” and “Great Value.” Crafted using 100% agave and bottled at 40 percent alcohol by volume, Lunazul Blanco was noted as a “benchmark example of what tequila can and should accomplish” according to the Ultimate Spirits Challenge blog.  Lunazul Reposado received “Best of Show” and a Double Gold medal from the 2018 WSWA Tasting Competition and a Gold medal from the 2018 San Francisco Spirits Competition. Lunazul 100% Agave Tequila has been one of the leading new Tequila brands in the 100% Agave sub-category, as both a Beverage Information Group “Rising Star” and Impact “Hot Brand” for volume growth since 2013.

Lunazul Tequilas (SRP $19.99-29.99) are available in five varieties, Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Primero and El Humoso.  Blanco and Reposado are available in 1.75 liter, 1.0 liter, 1.0 bar liter, 750 ml and 50 ml sizes, while the Añejo, Primero, and El Humoso are available in the 750ml size only.  All are bottled at 40% alcohol by volume.

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 Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Carolan’s Irish Cream Liqueur.

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CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
(502) 413-0217
lcherry@heavenhill.com

To view and download more images from this release, click here.

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Heaven Hill donates nearly $28,000 to Project Hope

Last week, Heaven Hill presented a check from proceeds raised for its annual philanthropy project to Project Hope— totaling a near $28,000 donation. Foundation staff including Flaget Memorial Hospital Foundation President Leslie Smart, Hospital President Jennifer Nolan, Dr. Monte Martin, nurses, survivors, and Heaven Hill employees were all in attendance. The event was captured by PLG-TV and the Kentucky Standard.

Project Hope is the Flaget Memorial Hospital Foundation’s mission to raise $1.1 million for one of the most critical projects in Nelson and surrounding counties, an expanded cancer center. In a community where so many Heaven Hill employees, this project could touch the lives of several Heaven Hill employees and their loved ones. 

Annually, Heaven Hill selects one non-profit organization from employee submissions to be the recipient of company-wide fundraising efforts and will match total monies raised up to $5,000.

This year’s project goal was to raise at least $10,000 so that the ‘Employees of Heaven Hill’ could attain naming rights to a chemotherapy infusion room in the expanded Cancer Center. Ultimately, employees surpassed the set goal and Heaven Hill donated an additional $10,000 on their behalf to honor their benevolent contributions and passion for the project.

Now the ‘Employees of Heaven Hill’ will attain the naming rights to two exam rooms in the expanded cancer center servicing both chemo and radiation patients.

Additionally, Heaven Hill helped align a partnership between Hope Scarves and Flaget Memorial Hospital allowing $2,000 of the total donation to go toward scarves for the hospital’s resource center. 

Heaven Hill is proud to host an employee-driven and collaborative fundraising project that benefits charities close to its employees’ hearts. Thank you to everyone who made this year’s program a success. 

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Conor O’Driscoll Joins Heaven Hill Distillery as Seventh Master Distiller

Industry veteran brings extensive distilling, innovation expertise to largest family-owned and operated American Whiskey company

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery is proud to announce Conor O’Driscoll as the seventh Master Distiller in its 84-year history. O’Driscoll’s wealth of experience in the industry and technical expertise gives him the ability to focus on quality, authenticity and innovation, all hallmarks of the Heaven Hill distilling legacy.

“Conor is among the finest young distillers in our business and we could not be more thrilled to have him at the forefront of distilling for our historic portfolio,” said Max L. Shapira, President, Heaven Hill Brands. “In his 15 years in the industry, he’s played a key role in growing production and innovation, with an expectation of quality and a respect for craftsmanship. In that regard, he is a perfect fit for us.”

In 2004, O’Driscoll started his journey in whiskey as Operations Manager for the Brown-Forman Distillery in Shively. After five years, Conor moved to oversee operations at the Woodford Reserve Distillery. Shortly thereafter, he added warehousing and processing responsibilities beginning a robust warehouse expansion program. In 2017, O’Driscoll left Woodford Reserve to lead the operations efforts at Angel’s Envy Distillery in Louisville.

“I’m very proud to be a part of Heaven Hill’s storied whiskey legacy,” said O’Driscoll. “The trust of the Shapira family is humbling. And I am excited and honored to carry on the traditions of the Master Distillers that helped establish Heaven Hill’s place in the industry.  I am especially honored to carry on the legacy of Parker Beam, whose expectations for quality and consistency live on today.”

As Master Distiller, O’Driscoll will oversee historic brands reflective of the pioneers, places and principles of American Whiskey. Heaven Hill Distillery has long preserved the heritage of Evan Williams, Elijah Craig and John E. Fitzgerald Larceny among its flagship brands while recognizing the whiskey traditions of Pikesville, Maryland, Rittenhouse Square, Pennsylvania and the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky which date back to the mid-18th century. Beyond that, it is Heaven Hill’s steadfast commitment to the principles of quality, authenticity and innovation that make it among the global leaders in whiskey production.

O’Driscoll will immediately begin leading the distilling and warehousing teams at the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville.

A native of Dublin, Ireland, O’Driscoll moved to the United States in 1989 after completing his degree in Chemical Engineering at University College Dublin. His early experiences with Pfizer and Aker Kvaerner paved the way for his move to whiskey distilling where he’s pursued his passion ever since. He resides in Louisville with his wife and family.

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

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CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
(502) 413-0217
lcherry@heavenhill.com

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Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Multi-Million-Dollar Investment in Expansion of Bardstown Visitor Center, Production Facilities

Heaven Hill Distillery announced today plans for a renovation, expansion and rebrand of the current Bourbon Heritage Center—Heaven Hill’s visitor experience in Bardstown, Ky. since 2004. The new visitor center renovation and expansion, part of a multi-year $65 million investment plan to expand production capacity in Bardstown, cements Heaven Hill’s commitment to Kentucky’s signature industry through growth and expansion in many areas—from distillation and warehousing, to manufacturing and tourism. Expansion details were announced in partnership with Solid Light, Abel Construction and Kentucky Tourism officials.

With an investment of $17.5 million and an enlarged footprint, the new visitor center in Bardstown will focus on the story of Heaven Hill Distillery since its inception in 1935, the Shapira Family, and iconic brands within the portfolio. Visitors will experience a multi-sensory showcase of the stories behind the evolution of Kentucky Bourbon, rooted in key periods in America’s history. From influential names like Elijah Craig and John E. Fitzgerald, to the barrel rollers and distillery workers, the history will be brought to life through one-of-a-kind exhibits and tours.

Unique to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the visitor center will offer a multitude of signature experiences:The Heaven Hill Distillery American Whiskey portfolio will be on full display through the widest variety of whiskey tastings and educational seminars on the market.

-Interactive, educational spaces dedicated to Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Larceny Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, two brands with unique histories that played an integral role shaping Kentucky Bourbon.

-A “You Do Bourbon” immersive space, where guests will be able to participate in hands-on laboratory learning experiences and bottle their own Bourbon.

-A new rooftop bar will feature cocktails and Bourbon tastings, which visitors can enjoy overlooking Heaven Hill rickhouses.

-An enhanced retail space will offer branded merchandise, specialty food products, locally-crafted gifts, and several of Heaven Hill’s premium Bourbons and American Whiskeys.

“At Heaven Hill Distillery we are committed to the growth of Kentucky Bourbon and invite fans to experience, taste and learn from storied brands across our award-winning portfolio,” said Heaven Hill President Max Shapira. “By honoring historic figures and recognizing the people who are the fabric of this industry, nurturing the dream held by my father and his brothers more than 80 years ago, and educating consumers to enjoy Bourbon into the next generation, Heaven Hill is able to bring history to life in an exciting, modern way relevant to today’s consumer.”

In addition to the visitor center expansion, Heaven Hill will also be adding production capacity with new barrel warehousing, bottling line and equipment upgrades, and increased holdings of aging Bourbon Whiskey, amounting to a total of $47.5 million. Since 2010, Heaven Hill has invested over $100 million into the future of Kentucky Bourbon primarily through distillery expansion, warehouse construction, and tourism.

This newest visitor center expansion will play a vital role in expanding tourism, not only in Bardstown, but across the Kentucky Bourbon Trail through Heaven Hill’s two historically driven stops. When it opened in 2004, the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center was one of the first visitor centers on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and has played an instrumental role in establishing Kentucky as a top tourist destination. The 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 and is 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, Evan Williams. Hosting 100,000 visitors annually, it was the first distillery back on Whiskey Row in Downtown Louisville.

“Our shared commitment to excellence and passion for our home state of Kentucky and Bourbon make working with the Shapira family on the Heaven Hill Distillery Visitor Center an incredible opportunity to convey the history and craft of Bourbon with visitors,” said Solid Light Owner/President Cynthia Torp. “When it opens, guests will have a truly comprehensive and immersive experience that tells the Heaven Hill story, the stories of Elijah Craig and Larceny, and immerses them both in the history of the not only Kentucky bourbon, but the larger history of Bourbon in America.”

Contingent upon receiving tourism incentives, Heaven Hill Distillery’s expanded Bardstown visitor center will generate a significant amount of state and local tax revenue, as well as creating over 20 new full time and part time positions.

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UFC® Announces New Marketing Partnership with Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum

Las Vegas – UFC®, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, today announced a new marketing partnership agreement with Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum, in which the distilled spirits brand will serve as the organization’s first-ever “Official Rum of UFC” in the United States. Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum is owned by Heaven Hill Brands®, America’s largest independent family-owned and operated distilled spirits company.

“We’re thrilled to have Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum join us as an official partner,” UFC Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships Paul Asencio said. “UFC takes pride in aligning itself with top tier brands that offer exciting products and Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum is a great fit alongside our other partners.”

As part of this collaboration, Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum will have a branded presence inside the world-famous Octagon® and at UFC VIP Experiences during key events throughout 2018-2019, beginning with UFC FIGHT NIGHT®: EDGAR vs. KOREAN ZOMBIE.The event, which takes place on Saturday, November 10, at Pepsi Center in Denver, will be the focus of attention as it also marks UFC’s historic 25th anniversary celebration. The fast-growing Spiced Rum brand will also be integrated across multiple UFC-based social and digital platforms.

“We are thrilled to step into the Octagon as the Official Rum of UFC. As Blackheart Rum continues to outpace the category in growth, we are always looking for ways to elevate our presence through engaging, innovative experiences with fans,” said Hannah Venhoff, Heaven Hill Senior Brand Manager. “The alignment with UFC expands our involvement in MMA and further supports the spirit of the brand.”

Starting in September, UFC and Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum will be featured on co-branded retail point of sale materials in locations across the U.S. and also in various digital and social media co-branded promotions. For more information, please visit BlackheartRum.com.

About UFC®

UFC® is a premium global sports brand and the largest Pay-Per-View event provider in the world. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2018, UFC boasts more than 284 million fans worldwide and has produced over 440 events in 22 countries since its inception in 1993. Acquired in 2016 by global sports, entertainment and fashion leader Endeavor (formerly WME | IMG), together with strategic partners Silver Lake Partners and KKR, UFC is headquartered in Las Vegas with a network of employees around the world. UFC produces more than 40 live events annually that consistently sell out some of the most prestigious arenas around the globe, while programming is broadcast in over 160 countries and territories to 1.1 billion TV households worldwide in 40 different languages. UFC FIGHT PASS®, a digital subscription service, delivers exclusive live events, thousands of fights on-demand and original content to fans around the world. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram: @UFC.

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Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Release of 2018 Parker’s Heritage Collection Limited Edition Bottling

12th Edition of annual ultra-premium release renews partnership with Master Blender Alain Royer and continues support of ALS research and patient care

BARDSTOWN, KY— Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the 2018 limited edition release of Parker’s Heritage Collection Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished in orange curaçao barrels. The 12th edition will be shipping into select markets across the country beginning in September.

The 2018 edition showcases the versatility that Heaven Hill’s 1.4 million aging barrels provides for an ultra-premium, innovative Bourbon. Aged for seven to eight years in the upper floors of Rickhouse Q, the Bourbon was then aged for four months in barrels that previously held French orange curaçao liqueur. The orange curaçao finished offering is the second barrel-finished Bourbon in twelve years of the annual Parker’s Heritage Collection series. Royer also partnered on a previous edition, which featured a Cognac finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Bottled at 110 proof (55% abv) and non-chill filtered to preserve all the flavor compounds, the orange curaçao finish lends a unique flavor that complements the Bourbon without overpowering it, creating an entirely new and elegant tasting experience.

The annual release of Parker’s signature line is one of the most highly anticipated bottlings for Whiskey and Bourbon lovers worldwide, as the collection produces an innovative, highly sought after bottling each year and now serves as a remembrance of the collection’s namesake. Parker’s Heritage Collection was originally conceived to showcase the extraordinary quality and broad range of Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey holdings, as Heaven Hill boasts the world’s second largest inventory of aging American Whiskey.

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 five editions from 2013-2017, 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, and the 11-Year-Old Single Barrel, respectively, have raised over one million dollars toward ALS research and patient care through contributions made by Heaven Hill for each bottle purchased. Heaven Hill will continue with this cause-related campaign, and will again contribute a portion of the proceeds from the average national retail cost of $89.99 of each 750ml bottle sold of this year’s release to the ALS Association. With every past edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection quickly selling out, the company expects to continue to generate significant dollars for this effort in Parker’s memory.

“We are excited to resume our partnership with Alain Royer as we continue to innovate with barrel finished products,” said Susan Wahl, Group Product Director at Heaven Hill Distillery.  “Parker appreciated thoughtful, new ways to enjoy Bourbon, as evidenced by his original collaboration with Royer.  This newest edition blends both Parker’s imprint, as the Bourbon was distilled by him several years ago, but also the imprint of our current Master Distiller, Denny Potter, who worked through countless samples to find the perfect balance of flavor and Bourbon. We are proud to continue offering the Parker’s Heritage Collection in his memory and continue to support ALS research and patient care efforts.”

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous eleven editions, but with a beige colored label, the newest Parker’s Heritage Collection edition reflects the care and craftsmanship of its contents. Available in a three-bottle case, it will be featured on the shelves and back bars of the nation’s finest spirits retailers and on-premise accounts starting in September. 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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CONTACT:

Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Distillery
lcherry@heavenhill.com

To download images from this press release, please visit

https://connect.heavenhill.com/dam/externalorderpickup/973e94a5-b9b1-4917-9fd9-b5d090e89890.

 

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Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Opens ON3

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Bourbon enthusiasts can now enjoy an ice-cold cocktail during their visit to the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience at the new bar ON3. This cocktail corner adds a unique asset to the Visitor Center with cocktails and Bourbon flights available during tour hours.

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience allows visitors to see an operating Artisanal Distillery, where one barrel of Bourbon is distilled each day. The guided tour takes a peak into distilling on Whiskey Row from the 1890’s to the present. Now, visitors can also stop by or top off their tour experience with a cocktail at ON3. Each drink, handcrafted by mixologist Karla Plott, offers a creative twist on different Evan Williams Bourbon and Heaven Hill Distillery products.

“ON3 adds a valuable taste of hospitality to the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience,” said Jeff Crowe, General Manager. “We are thrilled to have Karla craft memorable cocktails that will leave visitors with a long-lasting impression, as well as showcase Evan Williams Bourbon in a new way.”

The bar is located on the third floor of the Visitor Center on Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row at 528 W Main St. The official opening was July 4, 2018. The bar will be operating every Thursday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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.

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

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CONTACT:

Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

To download images relevant to this release, please visit https://connect.heavenhill.com/c/5w0hy5vq.