Category: Announcements

Posted on

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. 

Posted on

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.”

-30-

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

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.”

 -30-

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.

 

Posted on

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.”

-30-

CONTACT:

Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

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

Posted on

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.”

-30-

CONTACT:

Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

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

 

Posted on

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.

-30-

CONTACT:

Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

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

 

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.”

-30-

CONTACT:

Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

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