Category: Announcements

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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.

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Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Limited Edition Release of Heaven Hill 27-Year-Old Barrel Proof Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Less than 3,000 bottles of pre-fire Bourbon available in this one time-release

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of Heaven Hill 27-Year-Old Barrel Proof Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a rare bottling produced at Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery before it was destroyed by fire in 1996. Only 41 barrels produced in 1989 and 1990 passed taste testing for inclusion in this limited release that represents Heaven Hill’s heritage of distilling.

“As stewards of the Bourbon movement we take pride in the perseverance that is a hallmark of Heaven Hill’s 83-year history,” said President Max L. Shapira. “We remain committed to an enduring legacy of quality and patience, just as we have since 1935.”

Heaven Hill Barrel Proof Small Batch Bourbon, selected from limited remaining stocks of pre-fire barrels, has been closely monitored and allowed to age for an astounding 27 years. All but five of the barrels in this small batch were aged on the first and second floors, where increased humidity and evaporation caused the proof to drop. When all 41 barrels were mingled for bottling, the natural barrel proof was an unusually low 94.7 proof (47.35% abv). The resulting taste profile begins with an aroma of dried fruits and baking spices, with pipe tobacco notes developing after some time in the glass. A gentle entry is followed by an explosion of vanilla and floral flavor with traces of pepper and clove. After a slow and warming build up, the finish is incredibly long, yet very soft.

This ultra-premium Bourbon will be released in an elegant, tall 750ml bottle placed in a custom wooden box bearing two H’s on each side signifying the Heaven Hill name. The bottle is secured in the box with magnetic closure and sits in a blue satin-lined base. The distiller’s notes label features hand-written bottle numbers, distiller tasting notes, and DSP-KY-31, denoting the Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery. The one-time release of Heaven Hill 27-Year-Old Barrel Proof Small Batch Bourbon, shipping late fall 2018, will be available in limited markets for a suggested retail price of $399.

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/grvnxqgu.

 

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Champion Named in Heaven Hill Brands 2018 “Bartender of the Year”

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com announced today the champion of the 2018 Bartender of the Year competition. After a nationwide search to find the top bartenders across America, Harrison Ginsberg of The Dead Rabbit in New York City is the 2018 Bartender of the Year and the recipient of $15,000.

“It feels really good. Winning definitely gives validation to what I do. Plus, the whole idea of connecting with people from around the country is the best part,” said Ginsberg. “In the case of my cocktail concept, I talked about seed saving and passing seeds from generation to generation. I weaved that into the Shapira family and passing whiskey traditions to each generation. The authenticity and just how genuine Heaven Hill acts is a clear message for us as new members of the family.”

The week began as the eight finalists descended upon The Lodge on Sea Island, Ga. for a family welcome dinner. Don Lee, designer and educator at Cocktail Kingdom, began the second day of with an educational workshop on the relationship between flavor components in a cocktail. Group activities then followed with dock fishing, crabbing, and skeet shooting on the island.

The final day was composed of a two part “beverage program” challenge. The first challenge was administered by Don Lee and specifically tested their technical understanding of what comprises well-balanced cocktails. Contestants had to demonstrate ability to create well-balanced cocktails, describe what was wrong and how to correct an unbalanced drink. The second challenge asked competitors to create an original cocktail utilizing ingredients available in a pre-determined pantry. In addition to explaining their inspiration and thought process, as well as how the cocktail represents the locale and the brands, each competitor presented the pour cost of the cocktail and an explanation of the functionality of the cocktail as a menu item. The final day was broken down into several sections, including selection of ingredients, concepting, ingredient preparation, recipe development, and presentation. Judging was based on the quality of the cocktails, the adherence to the guidelines, the technical performance, and the overall presentation.

More than 1,000 original cocktail recipes using Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2017. 49 semifinalists then competed in San Francisco, Austin, San Diego, Portland, Denver, Charleston, Chicago, and New York City from January 2018 through end of April 2018. The top contestant from each region moved on to vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at The Lodge on Sea Island, Ga.

“After a year of impressive innovation and commitment to excellence, we are excited to welcome these top industry professionals into the Heaven Hill family,” said Kate Latts, Vice President Marketing for Heaven Hill Brands. “Congratulations to Harrison Ginsberg whose passion and professionalism raised the bar for our 2019 contestants.”

National Brand Educator for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó, and 2018 Bartender of the Year Nathan O’Neill judged the final eight bartenders. Finalists were challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges were 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. Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar in New York City was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Compere Lapin in New Orleans won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

The following bartenders competed in the 2018 Bartender of the Year Finals:

Name City Regional City
Adam Robinson Portland Portland
Arthur Boothe Sanford, Fla. Charleston
Austin Carson Denver Denver
Harrison Ginsberg New York New York
Jorge Vargas-Baquedano Los Gatos, Calif. San Francisco
Julien Calella Venice, Calif. San Diego
Madelyn Kay Chicago Austin
Mony Bunni Chicago Chicago

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: 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
lcherry@heavenhill.com

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

 

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Heaven Hill Brands, Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation Announce Partnership for California Community Center Outdoor Recreation Space

Heaven Hill Brands announced today a partnership with Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation to create a new outdoor recreation area at the California Community Center in West Louisville. Mayor Greg Fischer, Metro Council President David James, and Metro Parks Assistant Director Ben Johnson joined Heaven Hill Brands Chief Operating Officer Allan Latts to unveil plans including updated landscaping, permanent cornhole boards and chess sets.

Heaven Hill Brands first established itself as a community partner in the California neighborhood in 1999 with the purchase of the historic Bernheim Distillery, a site which has produced Bourbon since 1871. Rooted in Heaven Hill’s Corporate Charitable Giving Mission is the goal “to seek to improve the local communities in which our employees work and live by offering charitable support for education, health and well-being, and cultural enrichment.”

“As stewards of this long-standing facility, and as a family-owned and operated company, Heaven Hill recognizes the responsibility to the community that has been built around Bernheim, the community we have become a part of,” said Latts. “We are thrilled to continue this commitment to the California Neighborhood through a new outdoor recreation space for adults and children alike to enjoy.”

In West Louisville alone Heaven Hill has committed a substantial financial impact in the last two years to Dare to Care Food Bank, Simmons College, Reverend Elliott’s programs, Community Connections, Portland Elementary, and Brightside. Within the greater Louisville area, Heaven Hill has a longstanding history of partnerships with the Kentucky Science Center, The Louisville Zoo, The Speed Museum, Fund for the Arts, and many more throughout the city.

“This new park amenity fits right in with our city’s values of compassion, lifelong learning and health,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “I’m grateful to Heaven Hill for being not only good corporate partners, but good neighbors as well.”

To celebrate the announcement the Wheatley chess team joined local dignitaries and community members in a game of chess. Plans to begin construction on the new site are slated for late Summer 2018.

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Heaven Hill Distillery Receives Best Bourbon, Best Small Batch Bourbon and Numerous Medals from 2018 San Francisco Spirits Competition

Awards continue legacy of excellence for Heaven Hill Distillery portfolio

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery’s tradition of producing award-winning American Whiskey continues with the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition naming Henry McKenna Single Barrel “Best Bourbon” across all categories of Bourbon, as well as “Best Single Barrel Bourbon.” Elijah Craig Small Batch was named “Best Small Batch Bourbon,” placing second overall only to Henry McKenna.

Both Bourbons and Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey also received the Double Gold designation, which the competition defines as “awarded to the very few entries that receive a Gold medal rating by all members of the judging panel; these are among the finest products in the world.” This recognition comes on the heels of a banner award year for Heaven Hill Distillery. At the 2018 WSWA Spirits Tasting Competition Elijah Craig Small Batch was named “Best of Show Bourbon” and Pikesville was named “Best of Show American Rye Whiskey,” both receiving Double Golds. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof received the 2017 Whisky Advocate “Whisky of the Year” award, was named a 2018 Ultimate Spirits Competition Finalist and previously won Best Small Batch Bourbon in the 2017 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The World Whiskies Awards named Bernheim Wheat Whiskey, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, and Pikesville Rye their respective category winners for 2017.

“Heaven Hill Distillery’s pedigree of producing Bourbons and whiskeys with award-winning flavor is a tale of more than 80 years of family passion,” said Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira.  “Parker Beam’s favorite two words were ‘quality’ and ‘consistency,’ and we are proud to see that tradition carried on through the work of our Master Distiller Denny Potter and all that help bring the product to life. We don’t make whiskey to win awards, but it certainly helps validate all that we do here to make our American Whiskey the best way that we know how.”

The San Francisco Spirits Competition was founded in 2000 and has become a premiere tasting competition grounded in integrity and experience. All spirits are tasted over four days through a controlled blind tasting by expert panelists. No information on producer or price point is given out prior to tastings to ensure each is judged fairly and without bias. For insight on the judging process, Fred Minnick, Wall Street Journal best-selling author, chronicled Henry McKenna’s path to Best Bourbon on his blog here. For more information on the San Francisco Spirits Competition, check out the website at https://sfspiritscomp.com/, as well as the August 2018 issue of the Tasting Panel Magazine.

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

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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 100% Agave Tequila Awarded Top Awards Across Industry Tasting Competitions

Lunazul Blanco awarded Chairman’s Trophy at 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge

Heaven Hill Brands’ Lunazul 100% Agave Tequila is on a sweep of the distilled spirits industry’s top tasting competitions this season. Lunazul Blanco was awarded the 2018 Chairman’s Trophy in the Blanco category of the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, 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.

At the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Lunazul Blanco scored 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. Tasting notes from the judges, a panel of industry experts, described Lunazul as “vividly tropical notes of green mango, passion fruit, and hot sand burst forth on the nose. Subtle citrus dances with black peppercorn and ripe white peach with a soft, rounded texture that is pleasing on the palate. Stimulating and well-rounded.”

Lunazul Reposado is bottled at 40 percent alcohol by volume and rested in Bourbon barrels for six months. With a pale amber color, and classic, earthy agave taste, Lunazul Reposado is a value unmatched for aged 100% agave Tequila. The estate grown, distilled and bottled Lunazul is among the finest 100% Agave Tequilas in the category at an affordable price. For over 250 years, the Beckmann family has been crafting some of Mexico’s smoothest tequila. Founded by Francisco Beckmann in 2004, and now under the watchful eye of his son Jorge Beckmann, the Tierra de Agaves estate is home to the oldest dynasty of tequila producers as 8th generation decendents of the Cuervo family. 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 Prospect” for volume growth since 2013.

“Lunazul Tequila’s growth is sky rocketing and we are thrilled industry critics can taste the dedication to quality that Tierra de Agaves produces daily,” said Brand Manager MaryCrae Guild. “Lunazul has an authentic heritage and craft that consumers are drawn to as they continue to learn more about the category.”

The Ultimate Spirits Challenge, San Francisco Spirits Competition, and WSWA Spirits Competition are conducted through a blind tasting process. A complete list of the 2018 Ultimate Spirits Challenge results can be found at https://www.ultimate-beverage.com/ and throughout the year in Beverage Media publications. For more information on the San Francisco Spirits Competition, check out the website at https://sfspiritscomp.com/, as well as the August 2018 issue of the Tasting Panel Magazine. The WSWA Spirits Tasting Competition results can be found at http://www.wswaconvention.org/spirit-tasting-competition-results/, as well as in the July issue of the Tasting Panel Magazine.

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 marktaCLM> W~

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Heaven Hill Distillery Visitor Centers Celebrate Derby with Two Events

Heaven Hill Distillery Visitor Centers are inviting visitors to bet on bourbon and give back this Derby season with two unique events. On April 27, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience will host “Betting On Bourbon” where guests can learn how to pick winners like a professional from President of the Thoroughbred Racing Nation Manny Cadina. For $85, guests will receive a complimentary Mint Julep, dinner, premium Bourbon tastings, an Evan Williams gift bag, and a chance to win an ownership interest in a 2-year-old racehorse with all expenses paid through 2018. Tickets are available at https://reservations.heavenhill.com/Info.aspx?EventID=9. Guests can call (502)585-3923 for more information.

On Friday, May 4, Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown will host a “Fifty Shades of Pink” party benefiting Flaget Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Project Hope. For $100 guests will enjoy food, two drink tickets, pink welcome cocktails, and live music from Derby City Jukebox. Local artist Jim Cantrell has also created a special Oaks inspired print available for purchase at the event. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase a very limited edition of Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon.  This special Evan Williams Single Barrel release was bottled at 104 Proof, in recognition of the 144th running of the Kentucky Oaks on May 4.  Guests purchasing this bottle will get to personally dip it in pink wax.  A percentage of bottle sales will be donated to Project Hope’s efforts to stop cancer in its tracks and raise money to expand the Cancer Center and bring 3D mammography to Flaget Memorial Hospital. You can visit http://kentuckyonehealth.org/projecthope for more information about Project Hope. Only event attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a bottle –  with only 250 available. Each guest will also leave with a commemorative Heaven Hill Distillery/Fifty Shades of Pink rocks glass. Guests are encouraged to incorporate pink into their attire for this event. Tickets are available at https://reservations.heavenhill.com/Info.aspx?EventID=8. Guests can call 502)337-1000 for more information.

For more information on each event, please see below.

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Betting On Bourbon

When: Friday, April 27, 7 PM – 9:30 PM

Where: Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, 528 W Main St, Louisville, Kentucky 40202

Tickets: $85, https://reservations.heavenhill.com/Info.aspx?EventID=9

Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center Fifty Shades of Pink

When: Friday, May 4, 8 PM – 12 AM

Where: Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center, 1311 Gilkey Run Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004

Tickets: $100, https://reservations.heavenhill.com/Info.aspx?EventID=8

Media Contact: Lauren Cherry, lcherry@heavenhill.com

 

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Bartender of the Year Charleston Finalist Draws Inspiration from Childhood Memories

Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com announce sixth of eight finalists for 2018 “Bartender of the Year”

BARDSTOWN, KY – Arthur Boothe’s citrus-enthused winning cocktail blends family ties from central Florida. Announced today as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Charleston finalist for the 2018 Bartender of the Year Competition, Boothe won first place, $1,000 and a trip to the finals at The Lodge on Sea Island, Ga.

“What this cocktail aims to do is tie together two very vivid memories from my youth; the ever present citrus, and the family vacations we would take every summer up the Florida coast,” said Boothe, Co-Conspirator at Bitters & Brass in Sanford, Fla. “When I drink this cocktail the combination of citrus and exotic juices, ginger from the Domaine de Canton, the heat and subtle oak notes of the 100 proof Rittenhouse, blended with Donn Beach’s special mixture of Angostura and Herbsaint echo the flavors and smells that transfer me back to the summers of my youth with my family, in a world that seems so much further away than the one my children are growing up in – even though it’s only right down the road.”

Ryan Smith of Macon, Ga. won second place and $500. Four semifinalists competed regionally in Charleston on Monday, April 9 at Proof. Bartenders competed in two rounds, first mixing the family-inspired cocktail from their preliminary submission, then creating an original cocktail fit for the menu of the host bar using at least 1.5 ounces of total of Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, or Rittenhouse Rye Whisky. Contestants and judges were then invited to a family dinner at McCrady’s where Dave Arnold, author of Liquid Intelligence: The Art & Science of the Perfect Cocktail, led a discussion on the relationship between sugars and acids, and how to create well-balanced cocktails, before the winner was announced.

National Brand Educator for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Partner at Alchemy Consulting and Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó, and Owner-Operator of Proof Craig Nelson 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 1,000 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2017. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one rendition of a classic recipe, and one relating to family along with a short description of how the cocktail was inspired by their interpretation of family. The top contestant from each region will go on to vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at The Lodge on Sea Island, Ga. in June 2018. 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. Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar in New York City was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Compere Lapin in New Orleans won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Down South Cooler – Inspired by the concept of family
Crafted by Arthur Boothe

Ingredients:

Rittenhouse Rye (1.5 ounce(s))
Domaine De Canton (.5 ounce(s))
Lustau fino sherry (.5 ounce(s))
white grapefruit juice (.25 ounce(s))
Passion fruit syrup (.5 ounce(s))
lemon (.5 ounce(s))
Peychauds bitters (3 dash(es))

Pour ingredients into shaker and fill shaker with 12 ounces of crushed ice. Shake contents for 5 seconds, then pour with seasoned ice into Pearl Diver Glass, topping off with crushed ice. Sprinkle curry powder across the top, and garnish with orchids and a paper straw.

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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Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Offers Collectible, Limited Edition Kentucky Derby Festival Bourbon Bottle

For the second consecutive year the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience will release a special edition bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon, featuring a 2018 Gold Pegasus Pin, to commemorate the Kentucky Derby Festival. Collectors will find the pin sealed in gold wax on the neck of the 2010 vintage Bourbon, as opposed to the 2009 vintage, which featured the pin atop the cap. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience will also be the sole location providing Pegasus Pins through March 5.

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller Jodie Filiatreau and Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO Mike Berry unveiled the official 2018 pin and limited-edition bottle at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on Friday, Feb. 16, by personally hand-dipping two of the 600 bottles. Dipped in a unique gold wax with a commemorative pin sealed to the neck, the bottle features a special face label with the Kentucky Derby Festival logo, and includes a 2018 Pegasus Pin in an envelope attached to each bottle.

This product will be available for purchase at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience for $74.99 starting Friday, Feb. 16, while supplies last.

The limited edition 2010 vintage bottle came from four barrels of Bourbon and is bottled at 109 proof, commemorating both the 63nd Kentucky Derby Festival and 46th Pegasus Pin anniversary. Like a fine wine, each bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon contains the exact day it was put in an oak barrel to age.

The Bourbon is matured in natural open-rick warehouses under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s Master Distillers, who monitor 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.

“The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience celebrates the heritage of Kentucky’s spirit and is proud to continue a partnership with the Kentucky Derby Festival to promote the unique experiences of the Commonwealth,” said Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller Jodie Filiatreau. “We welcome all Festival Fans to join us in a toast to the 2018 Kentucky Derby Festival.”

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 April 20 – May 5. Pegasus Pins, which allow entry to Derby Festival events, may be purchased at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience as well.

“This Evan Williams commemorative bottle really showcases two of Kentucky’s favorite things – the Derby Festival celebration and bourbon,” said Mike Berry, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “Just like the Pegasus Pins, we know fans will be adding this bottle to their Festival collection too.”

About 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.

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.

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CONTACT:

Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

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