Category: Awards

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Heaven Hill Brands Named Global Distiller of the Year At Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky

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Heaven Hill Brands Named Global Distiller of the Year At Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky

Bernie Lubbers Also Recognized As American Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands was named Global Distiller of the Year at Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky awards in London. The Icons of Whisky Awards recognize and celebrate the finest companies and individuals in the whisky industry.

“For over 80 years now, Heaven Hill has been a steward of whiskey worldwide,” said Max L. Shapira. “American Whiskey remains our heart and soul. We believe this award is a reflection of our commitment to both quality whiskey and innovation.”

During the ceremony, Heaven Hill North American Whiskey Brand Ambassador Bernie Lubbers was named Global American Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience was, also, nominated for Global Visitors Center of the Year.

“Heaven Hill’s diversity of whiskey products is second to none,” said Denny Potter, Heaven Hill Co-Master Distiller. “We take great pride in our legacy and the brands that are the foundation upon which it is built. The Global Distiller of the Year award is an amazing result of hard work and creativity from everyone at Heaven Hill.”

In September, Heaven Hill was awarded top honors at the Icons of Whisky – America as Distiller of the Year, Brand Ambassador of the Year and Visitors Attraction of the Year for the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. Regional Icons of Whiskey winners in each category then compete for the overall Global title, judged by the magazine’s expert editorial panel and announced at the Whisky Magazine Awards dinner in London on March 17, 2016.

This is the third time Heaven Hill has been recognized as Icons of Whiskey – America Distiller of the Year by Whisky Magazine. The company was recognized in 2008 and 2009 by the publication. It is the first time to be awarded Global Distiller of the Year. Previously, the distiller has been recognized by Wine Enthusiast in 2004 and Whiskey Advocate in 2011. Likewise, the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center was recognized as Icons of Whisky – America Visitors Center of the Year in 2008.

The awards are part of a big year for Heaven Hill Brands. The company was also awarded North American Whiskey of the Year by Whiskey Advocate for John E. Fitzgerald Special Reserve Bourbon.

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; Deep Eddy Vodka; 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; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

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

CONTACT:

Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Brands
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com
www.heavenhill.com

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The Search for Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com 2016 “Bartender of the Year” Begins NOW!

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The Search for Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com 2016 “Bartender of the Year” Begins NOW!

Winner will receive $15,000 at finals in Puerto Rico in June 2016

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com are searching for the 2016 Bartender of the Year. The event includes online submissions, regional semifinals and the crowning of the 2016 Bartender of the Year in June 2016 at the St. Regis Bahia Beach in Puerto Rico. Bartenders will be challenged to demonstrate a variety of cocktail skills including the use of Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

The 2016 Bartender of the Year contest will demand every aspect of bartender skills. The goal is to identify the bartender who best embodies the range of qualities to which bartenders aspire. From service to history and skills to quality preparation, the 2016 Bartender of the Year will be a celebrated example of what is means to be behind the stick. 

“Heaven Hill Brands’ portfolio of spirits is especially suited to identify the Bartender of the Year for 2016,” said Kate S. Latts, Vice President, Marketing for Heaven Hill Brands. “With uncompromising quality among our featured Liqueurs and Whiskeys, we feel we can identify the strongest talent in the U.S. Ultimately, we will hope to elevate the craft of the bartender and support the traditions and qualities that make it truly unique.”

Over eight months, Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com will identify candidates for Bartender of the Year first by online submissions received from August 1 to October 1. Submissions will be evaluated throughout October and November by Heaven Hill National Brand Educator Lynn House and two leading national judges. The regional finals for the competition will be hosted in Chicago, New Orleans, New York and San Francisco throughout February and March 2016. Regional finalists will vie for Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico in June 2016. 

Submissions for the contest will open at liquor.com/bartender-of-the-year/ on August 1. Pre-registration for the contest will be available by submitting email addresses at the website beginning July 15.

Judges for each round of the competition will be announced throughout the duration of the contest. 

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide. Past winners of the competition include John Lermayer, Sean Kenyon and Dennis Gobis.

About: 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, 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; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

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CONTACT: 

Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Brands
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com 

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Named 2014 Very Large Business of the Year by Louisville Business First

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Named 2014 Very Large Business of the Year by Louisville Business First

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – In a ceremony recognizing the leaders in the Louisville business community, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. was named Louisville Business First’s 2014 Very Large Business of the Year last night at the Kentucky International Convention Center. The awards are given annually by the city’s only dedicated business publication “to celebrate excellence in business.” Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. was nominated alongside Delta Dental of Kentucky and Texas Roadhouse Restaurants. It was the second straight year in which the company was nominated for the award.

“We are particularly honored to be recognized by the Louisville Business Community as one of the leading businesses in Louisville and Southern Indiana,” said Max L. Shapira, President, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “As we begin to celebrate the 80th anniversary of our company’s founding, this award is particularly appreciated. Our third generation of family ownership is committed to upholding the values and qualities shared by all of the community’s leading businesses.”

Heaven Hill Distilleries was recognized by the publication for the development of Louisville’s first stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience® on Main St., sales growth of key spirits brands such as Evan Williams Bourbon and Burnett’s Vodka, and a host of new product innovations and acquisitions.

The selection process began with Business First readers, who nominated companies and nonprofit organizations which achieved excellence in the last year to 18 months. The Business First editorial team chose 18 finalists — three each in six categories.  The final job of choosing the winners in each category was entrusted to a panel of outside expert judges.

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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, 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; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky. 

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

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CONTACT:

Josh Hafer

Communications Manager

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

(502) 413-0219

jhafer@heavenhill.com

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Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Honored with 2014 Environmental Pacesetter Award

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Honored with 2014 Environmental Pacesetter Award

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BARDSTOWN, KY. – The Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection awarded Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. today with the 2014 Environmental Pacesetter Award, a top honor in the department’s annual Environmental Excellence Awards.

The award is meant to recognize individuals, organizations and businesses for their exemplary efforts to protect the environment, conserve resources and set an example of environmental stewardship for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Heaven Hill, America’s largest independent, family-owned and operated producer of distilled spirits, was nominated for strides the company has made in recycling and conservation of water and electricity since becoming a member of the DEP’s KY Excel program in 2011.  

“I’m proud to accept this award on behalf of our employees who have worked diligently to adopt sustainable practices and help Heaven Hill become an environmental leader in the state and the spirits industry,” said Allan Latts, Heaven Hill Chief Operating Officer. 

More than 600 employees work at Heaven Hill and the company has six different facilities in Louisville and Bardstown, including corporate offices, a distillery and the largest distilled spirits warehouse in the U.S. 

Since introducing an innovative recycling program at all its locations, Heaven Hill has recycled more than 1,859 tons of materials that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. The program began with a careful assessment of materials that could be recycled at the Bardstown plant, which bottles more than 12 million cases of spirits a year. Employees were educated about the importance of recycling and offered inducements to participate. The program was so enthusiastically received, employees began bringing items from home to recycle, as many live in communities where residential pickup isn’t available. Heaven Hill built a facility for employees to store and sort those items.     

In 2010, Heaven Hill cut its electricity usage for lighting in half at its warehouse by installing energy efficient light fixtures. This year, the company recouped an additional 12 percent savings in electricity usage by installing LED lights in offices and occupancy sensors around Bardstown facilities. The company also built a retention basin to store and recycle water at its Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, cutting water usage for the cooling tower there by 60 percent.

“The Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the Commonwealth’s environment. Through this awards program, we have an opportunity to recognize some of the environmental leaders in Kentucky and use their achievements as examples to others,” said R. Bruce Scott, DEP commissioner. “These awards highlight and honor the strong commitment to environmental stewardship.” 

About Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc: Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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, 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; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky. 

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

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CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com

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Heaven Hill President Max Shapira Earns 2014 Market Watch “Industry Executive of the Year” Award

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Heaven Hill President Max Shapira Earns 2014 Market Watch “Industry Executive of the Year” Award

BARDSTOWN, KY. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., President Max L. Shapira was recently awarded “Industry Executive of the Year” by Market Watch magazine, a highly influential information leader in the drinks industry that provides analysis and coverage of industry trends and news. 

Shapira was honored for taking the family-owned and operated company “beyond its traditional Bourbon roots and transforming it into the nation’s sixth-largest spirits player, with a diversified portfolio of whiskies, liqueurs, vodkas, rums and other spirits.”

The company has enjoyed marked success in whiskeys lately, with its core bourbon brand Evan Williams rising 15.3 percent last year to 1.65 million cases. Specialty whiskeys such as Larceny Bourbon, Rittenhouse rye and Bernheim wheat whiskey are also growing rapidly. Other categories within the company have shown strong returns as well. Burnett’s Vodka, one of the top-selling vodkas in the nation and the 12th-largest-selling distilled spirits brand in the U.S., was up last year by 15.3 percent. Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum sales were up 18.2 percent.

Shapira proudly notes that in his tenure, Heaven Hill has opened two visitor centers: the Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown, Ky., and the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville, Ky.

“I’m honored to receive this award and proudly accept it on behalf of our employees,” he said. “Together, we work hard to deliver products our consumers value for their quality, craftsmanship and integrity.”   

Shapira became president in 1996, following the death of George Shapira, the last of five founding brothers, including his father, Ed Shapira. Since then, Shapira has ushered the company through an era of tremendous expansion, with focus on developing existing products and acquiring new, exciting, market-leading ones. Heaven Hill is now America’s largest independent, family-owned and operated distilled spirits company and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Bourbon stocks. Exports have grown significantly in recent years, with brands now shipping to more than 60 countries.

At Heaven Hill, he works shoulder-to-shoulder with the third generation of family leadership: daughter Kate Shapira Latts is the Vice President of Marketing, son Andy Shapira is Director of Corporate Analysis and son-in-law Allan Latts is Chief Operating Officer.

Shapira has served on the Board of Trustees of the Bernheim Foundation, the board of Liberty National Bank/Banc One Kentucky, the board of Wilson & Muir Bankcorp and has served as past Chairman and member of the Executive Committee of the Kentucky Distillers Association.  He was inducted into the Kentuckiana Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame in 2013 and resides in Louisville with his wife Ellen.

About Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc: Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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, 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; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky. 

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

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CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com

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Lynne Grant of Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Bourbon Heritage Center Wins Inaugural “Whisky Visitor Center Manager of the Year” Award

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Native of Scotland has Managed the Award-Winning Visitor’s Center on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® for 8 Years

LOUISVILLE, KY—Lynne Grant, Director of Guest Services for Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown, KY has been named the first winner of the “Whisky Visitor Center Manager of the Year” award given by Whisky Magazine at the annual “Icons of Whisky—America” awards on September 18 at the Seelbach Hilton Hotel in Louisville. The Bourbon Heritage Center, one of the official stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, is the most visited tourist attraction in Bardstown and is a two time past winner of the “Visitor’s Attraction of the Year” at the” Icons of Whisky—America” awards.

The “Icons of Whisky” awards are given annually by United Kingdom-based Whisky Magazine to “celebrate the people and places behind the great whiskies of the world”, and in April 2013 the USA winners of the “Icons of Whisky” regional awards will compete against winners from Scotland, Ireland, Japan and the rest of the whisky-making world for the worldwide title.

In awarding the first-ever “Whisky Visitor Center Manager of the Year” title on Grant, Whisky Magazine noted that Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center “is a must-stop for visitors to the Bourbon Trail, and…visitors rave about the experience they had visiting the Center and learning from Lynne’s team. We also recognize the role she’s played in helping to select special bottlings to sell at the Center.”

Heaven Hill Executive Vice President Harry J. Shapira, who is responsible for Heaven Hill’s visitor hospitality initiatives, stated that “this honor not only reflects well on the Bourbon Heritage Center and Lynne but also on the dedicated staff of Bourbon Hosts that she has assembled. She and her whole staff provide information and education, but in a very warm and inviting way, leading to the success and reputation of the Bourbon Heritage Center. We look forward to bringing this same kind of visitor-focused management to bear when we open our Evan Williams Bourbon Experience facility in downtown Louisville next Fall.”

Grant joined Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Bourbon Heritage Center after eight years developing The Famous Grouse Experience in Crieff Scotland. Prior to her work at The Famous Grouse, Grant worked at the renowned Macallan and Highland Park Distilleries and the most visited distillery attraction in Scotland –the Glenturret Distillery. She is currently Vice Chairman of the Bardstown-Nelson County Tourist & Convention Commission.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

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Heaven Hill Launches Trybox Series of New Make American Whiskeys

Renowned distiller introduces New Make Bourbon and Rye, other American Whiskey varieties to follow

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, announces the first two releases of the Trybox Series of New Make Whiskeys. The new Trybox Series, named after the copper and glass “tasting station” where new make whiskey flows off the still, offers up several styles of Heaven Hill’s world famous American Whiskeys. Each is taken straight off the still, before aging in a charred oak barrel–the same way legendary father and son Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam taste-test them.

The first two releases in the series, available at retail starting in May, will be New Make, which if barrel aged would become a Straight Bourbon such as Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage; and Rye New Make, which if aged would become Rittenhouse Straight Rye. Future plans call for the release of other varieties of American Straight Whiskey as new make, as Heaven Hill Distilleries is the only American Whiskey producer that distills Bourbon, Rye, Corn and Wheat Whiskeys.

The Trybox Series is available in a 750ml bottle size, packaged three to a case, and is bottled at the full traditional barrel entry proof of 125, or 62.5% alcohol/volume. The suggested national average retail price will be $24.99, and it will launch in most markets across the country. The Trybox Series is offered in an upscale package, contemporary yet with elements that are based on traditional distillery sample bottles. The labels detail the “Main” and “Secondary” grains used in that particular whiskey, and subtle color changes differentiate each whiskey style. All the bottlings will utilize a rich, metallic copper cap, hearkening back to the copper stills so important for American Whiskey distillation.

New make whiskey, traditionally referred to by distillers as “White Dog”, is American whiskey in its most raw and elemental form. It is a very different sensory experience than barrel aged whiskey, offering up grainier and sharper aromas and flavor notes. Cutting edge mixologists today are discovering new uses for new make whiskey as a unique and appealing cocktail base.

The New Make uses the same grain recipe, or mashbill, as nearly all of Heaven Hill’s award winning Bourbons, including Evan Williams and Elijah Craig. By law, Bourbon must contain a minimum of 51% corn in the mashbill, traditionally combined with malted barley and either rye or wheat. Heaven Hill’s Bourbon formula, however, and most of the other larger distilleries, has always contained a much higher percentage of corn than the legal minimum. Heaven Hill also uses one of the highest percentages of malted barley in the industry, despite the fact that it is the costliest grain in the process, because it not only aids in fermentation conversion but it also adds a distinctive earthy sweetness to the distillate. The Rye New Make utilizes the traditional Heaven Hill rye mashbill , the same that is used to produce world-renowned Rittenhouse Rye. The Rye New Make adds an element of spicy, sharp fruitiness to the taste.

“We believe our reputation and the breadth of our American Whiskey offerings will make the Trybox Series an important addition to the national whiskey scene,” commented Susan Wahl, Brand Manager for the whiskey portfolio at Heaven Hill. “The ability to offer not only a classic new make Bourbon formula, but also a Rye, Wheat and Corn Whiskey new make will make this a significant extension of the current available whiskey offerings, and highly desirable to enterprising mixologists and whiskey connoisseurs.”

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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 The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
502-413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Named “Distiller of the Year” in 17th Annual Malt Advocate Whisky Awards

Renowned distiller also captures “Best Buy Whiskey of the Year” co-honors for their Evan Williams Black Label Bourbon

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, was named “Distiller of the Year” in the recently announced 17th Annual Malt Advocate Whisky Awards. The nation’s second-largest holder of aging Bourbon, Heaven Hill was also named co-recipient of Malt Advocate’s “Best Buy Whiskey of the Year” award for their Evan Williams Black Label Bourbon, which is itself the second largest selling brand of Bourbon in the United States and the world.

The Malt Advocate Whiskey Awards “recognizes the best in the world of whisk(e)y” and after 17 years is the longest-running whisky awards program in the country. The awards are presented by Malt Advocate Magazine, America’s leading whiskey publication and the sponsor of WhiskyFest, the nation’s largest and most respected whisky tasting event.

In awarding Heaven Hill “Distillery of the Year”, John Hansell, Publisher and Editor of Malt Advocate Magazine, stated that “smart whiskey lovers know their reputation for delivering great value in their whiskey brands. They just celebrated their 75th anniversary in a big way, by filling their six-millionth barrel of whiskey. They’ve been pioneers with their Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage series and the Bernheim Original wheat whiskey. (Master Distiller) Parker Beam’s skills are celebrated with the eponymous and often stupendous Parker’s Heritage Collection…They have been at the spearhead of the rye resurgence, maintaining availability of their value brands (Rittenhouse and Pikesville) and also rolling out an amazing trio of ultra-aged ryes. Heaven Hill takes whiskey seriously. They deserve nothing less.”

In his presentation of “Best Buy Whiskey of the Year” to Evan Williams Black Label–which is the first two-time winner of this award, having captured it previously in 2003–Hansell noted that “Evan Williams is a sophisticated whiskey for its price: smooth, a great aroma, and neither gets lost in nor dominates a cocktail, a classic table bourbon.”

Heaven Hill Distilleries President Max L. Shapira met the news with enthusiasm, stating that “we are particularly proud to be named ‘Distillery of the Year’, validating the hard work and passion that Parker and Craig Beam, and all our employees, invest every day, year after year. This is the third major ‘Distillery of the Year’ award Heaven Hill has received in the last 6 years, and the fourth ‘Best Buy Whiskey of the Year’ award we have won from Malt Advocate, having won previously for Evan Williams Black Label Bourbon, Elijah Craig 12-year-old Small Batch Bourbon and Rittenhouse Rye. We sincerely thank John Hansell and all the people at Malt Advocate for the recognition of both quality and value in our American Whiskeys.”

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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 The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
502-413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

To download images from this press release, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at http://download.heavenhill.com and enter the username and password below.
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Heaven Hill Distilleries and Tierra de Agaves Claim Multiple Gold and Silver Medals in San Francisco for La Certeza, Lunazul 100% Agave Tequilas

Outstanding Sales Results, Critical Acclaim Continue for Partnership Between Leading Independent Spirits Companies

For Immediate Release

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BARDSTOWN, KY–La Certeza and Lunazul 100% Agave Tequilas added numerous Gold and Silver Medals at the most recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition to their outstanding first year sales results. Distilled at the Tierra de Agaves Distillery, the Mexican spirits company founded by Francisco Beckmann and sons, former co-owner of Jose Cuervo, La Certeza, the super-premium range of tequilas, captured Gold Medals for both the Reposado and Blanco bottlings and a Silver Medal for the extra-aged Anejo. And Lunazul, the line of 100% Agave Tequilas priced just above the mixto category leader–just recently named a “Rising Star” Growth Brands award winner by the Beverage Information Group–won Silver Medals for both the Blanco and Reposado varieties. Both Lunazul and La Certeza are distributed in the United States through a partnership between Tierra de Agaves and Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., bringing together two of the largest and most recognized independent players in the worldwide spirits industry.

“These medals at the world’s foremost spirits tasting competition is further proof of the recognition and impact that Lunazul and La Certeza are having within the tequila category today,” asserted Max L. Shapira, president of Heaven Hill Distilleries. “Having won the Growth Brand Award after depleting over 20,000 cases in its first year, and given its remarkable $22 dollar average retail price, Lunazul is clearly drawing many former mixto consumers upward into the 100% agave range. And medals just won in San Francisco for both Lunazul and La Certeza underscore the quality and value of the Beckmann heritage.”

Lunazul and La Certeza are estate-grown, small-batch distilled and bottled approximately 5 kilometers from the town of Tequila in Jalisco province. Tierra de Agaves is one of the few Tequila distilleries that actually own the land on which the agave is grown and harvested, carefully selected from the 3,500 acres of Weber Blue Agave plants that the Beckmann family and their past generations have controlled since 1758.

“The medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, along with outstanding sales results on Lunazul and La Certeza, lend credence, we feel, to the mission that my family undertook when we founded Tierra de Agaves…to use our family heritage and tradition, along with state-of-the-art production methods and our sizable Agave holdings, to bring the finest tequilas to market at a broad range of price points,” added Jorge Beckmann, president of Tierra de Agaves.

The 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition was held on March 21st and 22nd at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco and is the first comprehensive, international spirits judging ever held in the United States on an annual basis. Founded in 2000 by Anthony Dias Blue, the Executive Director of the San Francisco International Wine Competition and Carol Seibert, the Managing Director of the San Francisco International Wine Competition, the Spirits Competition continues to grow each year in entrants as well as in stature within the industry. This year over 900 spirits were submitted and evaluated, up from 847 last year, and six out of the seven continents (only Antarctica was missing) were represented, making it a globally influential spirits competition. Judging is based on blind taste tests and medals are awarded based on taste alone. To learn more about the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, visit www.sfspiritscomp.com.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.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 The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, Lunazul Tequila and La Certeza Tequila.

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

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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Corporate Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heaven-hill.com

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Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Elijah Craig Single Barrel Wins “Best Bourbon” at 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Family-owned distiller’s American Whiskeys win 2 Double Gold, 3 Gold and 4 Silver Medals at nation’s premier spirits tasting competition

BARDSTOWN, KY–With a haul rivaling that of the record-setting U.S. Winter Olympic Team, the American Whiskeys of Heaven Hill Distilleries claimed 9 medals at the recent 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, including “Best Bourbon” for the company’s Elijah Craig 18-year-old Single Barrel.

As today’s consumers broaden their tastes and begin to discover the full range of American Straight Whiskeys, it is significant to note that Heaven Hill, the largest independent family-owned and operated spirits company in the country, is also the only remaining distiller that produces all the major styles of American Straight Whiskey–Bourbon, Rye, Corn and Wheat Whiskeys.  And equally significant is the fact that in this competition Heaven Hill won Gold Medals for their Elijah Craig, Evan Williams Single Barrel and Parker’s Heritage Collection Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; their Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey; their Mellow Corn Straight Corn Whiskey; and a Silver Medal for their Bernheim Original Straight Wheat Whiskey.

In capturing “Best Bourbon, Double Gold Medal”, Elijah Craig 18-year-old Single Barrel was named a Gold Medalist on every judge’s ballot, thereby qualifying it as a Double Gold Medalist, and it was then voted best among the other Bourbon category Double Gold Medalists.  Elijah Craig adds the “Best Bourbon” title from San Francisco to a track record that includes a Double Gold and Gold Medals at previous San Francisco competitions, a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge, and a “Five Star/Highest Recommendation” from renowned spirits critic F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal.

It is also the fourth time Heaven Hill’s American Whiskeys have captured a “Best of” title in San Francisco, having won “Top North American Whiskey Trophy” with Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond Rye Whiskey in 2006, and “Best Rye Whiskey” with Rittenhouse 23-Year-Old Single Barrel Rye Whiskey in 2008 and “Best of Show, Brown Spirits” with Parker’s Heritage Collection 27-year-old Bourbon in 2009.

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the most influential and respected spirits competition in the world. Celebrating its tenth year, the 2010 Competition was the biggest in its history. 30 judges gathered at the Hotel Nikko in downtown San Francisco on March 13th and 14th to reward spirits excellence by evaluating 1,024 different spirits from 57 countries. These judging panels were comprised of spirits experts from noted restaurants and hotels, well-known spirits journalists from major national media, spirits buyers for large purveyors, and spirits consultants. Judging was based on a blind, consensual procedure, ensuring competitive integrity as it remains the most recognized competition in the spirits industry.  To learn more about the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, visit www.sfspiritscomp.com.

In addition to the top showing by Elijah Craig 18-year-old Single Barrel Bourbon, Heaven Hill took another Double Gold Medal for Evan Williams Single Barrel 1999 Vintage Bourbon, and Gold Medals for Rittenhouse 25-year-old Single Barrel Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection “Golden Anniversary” Bourbon, and Mellow Corn Bottled-in-Bond Corn Whiskey.  Heaven Hill, the nation’s second largest holder of aging American Whiskey, also captured Silver Medals for Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey, Evan Williams Single Barrel 2000 Vintage Bourbon, Rittenhouse Bottled-in-Bond Rye, and Evan Williams Honey Reserve Kentucky Liqueur.

“We have always taken great pride in our heritage of producing the finest American Whiskeys, dating back to our company’s founding after Prohibition ended,” noted Heaven Hill Distilleries president Max L. Shapira.  “Our father and son team of Master Distillers, Parker and Craig Beam, bring 7 generations of expertise that shows in all of our Bourbons, Rye, Corn and now Wheat Whiskeys.  We are pleased that others share in our opinion that Heaven Hill American Whiskeys are unsurpassed not only in their variety, but in their quality.”

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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 The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

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

CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heaven-hill.com