Category: Awards

Five decade Bourbon blend earns highest score ever given a Bourbon in annual Malt Advocate Whisky Awards

BARDSTOWN, KY–The Parker’s Heritage Collection Golden Anniversary Bourbon was awarded the highest honor when it was named “American Whiskey of the Year” in the 16th annual Malt Advocate Whisky Awards, given yearly by Malt Advocate Magazine publisher and editor John Hansell.

According to the organizers, “The Malt Advocate Whisky Awards exist to recognize excellence in the world of whisky. Now in their sixteenth year, these awards are the oldest and longest-running annual whisky awards program. They honor the world’s greatest whiskies and distilleries, and the individuals who make and promote them.”  In awarding the American Whiskey of the Year to Parker’s Heritage Collection Golden Anniversary Bourbon, the organizers praised it as “…a fabulous whiskey; seamless, incredibly complex, with an impeccable marriage of youth and maturity.”

With the awarding of Malt Advocate’s American Whiskey of the Year, the annual series of whiskeys bottled under the Parker’s Heritage Collection, while only in their third release, have already garnered two of the biggest available industry awards.  Last year’s second release, a 27-year-old Bourbon, was the first American Whiskey ever named “Best of Show, Brown Spirits” at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  The series is a limited edition collection of American Whiskeys, produced by Heaven Hill Distilleries, named for and honoring 6th generation Master Distiller Parker Beam.  This year’s Golden Anniversary edition commemorated Parker’s 50 years at Heaven Hill, the nation’s largest independent family owned and operated spirits producer and the world’s second largest holders of aging Bourbon, by marrying barrels from each decade of Parker’s 50 years with Heaven Hill.  The Golden Anniversary is available in limited quantities until next Fall, bottled at 100 proof and at a national average retail price of $150 for a 750ml bottle.

Malt Advocate also announced its worldwide “Top Ten New Whiskies for 2009”. This list included not only the Parker’s Golden Anniversary Bourbon, but also Heaven Hill’s Rittenhouse Very Rare 25-year-old Single Barrel Rye.

Hansell, one of the world’s leading authorities on whiskies/eys, specifically praised the Golden Anniversary bottling as “…a classic bourbon that’s very complex, yet very drinkable.”  In his review in Malt Advocate Magazine, he scored the Bourbon as a 97 out of 100 points, making the Parker’s Heritage Collection Golden Anniversary the highest rated American Whiskey ever in the publication’s nearly 20 year history.

“It’s quite an honor to win this award from John and Malt Advocate Magazine,” stated Parker Beam, a charter member of the Bourbon Hall of Fame.  “Just having this edition recognizing my 50 years at Heaven Hill was a thrill, and this just makes it more so.”

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

America’s Largest Independent Family-Owned and Operated Distilled Spirits Company is the First to Win the Award in Back-to-Back Years

LOUISVILLE, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned and operated distilled spirits producer and marketer, was voted the best distiller in the United States for the second consecutive time during the presentation of Whisky Magazine’s U.S. Icons of Whisky America on November 11th in Louisville.  The Icons of Whisky “celebrate the people and places behind the greatest whiskies in the world,” according to the organizers, with the judging process taking place in regional heats including the U.S., Scotland, and Rest of the World.  The American winners will now go head-to-head with Scotland and Rest of the World winners, with the final World Icons being announced at a ceremony on the eve of Whisky Live London on February 25th.

In awarding “Distiller of the Year”, Whisky Magazine Editor Rob Allanson lauded Heaven Hill Distilleries for “quietly getting on with the job and releasing some stunning whiskies.”   Heaven Hill was also awarded the same honor last year, marking the first time a distillery has won the award in consecutive years           

The Bardstown-based company, the world’s second-largest holder of aging American Whiskey, produces such critically acclaimed brands as Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon, Elijah Craig Bourbon, Rittenhouse Rye, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey and the Parker’s Heritage Collection of American Whiskeys, all crafted under the watchful eyes of sixth and seventh generation Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam. 

Heaven Hill was also awarded “U.S. Visitor’s Attraction of the Year” last year for their Bourbon Heritage Center, which upon its opening in October of 2004 immediately raised the bar for all other hospitality facilities along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  Heaven Hill went on to capture the worldwide “Visitor’s Attraction of the Year” award, beating out distilleries from America, Scotland, Ireland and Japan.

“It is a major honor to win this U.S. Distiller of the Year award, and to win it twice in a row is indeed affirmation that our commitment to the American Whiskey category is being recognized at the highest levels,” stated Heaven Hill Distilleries President Max L. Shapira.  “As the only remaining distiller that produces all the unique styles of American Straight Whiskey–bourbon, rye, wheat whiskey, and corn whiskey–we take great pride in this recognition and award from Whisky Magazine.  On behalf of my family, of Parker and Craig Beam, and all of our Heaven Hill employees, we are most humbled by and appreciative for this honor.”

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; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, and Lunazul Tequila.

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

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

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

For Immediate Release

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

America’s Largest Independent Family-Owned and Operated Distilled Spirits Company is the First to Win the Award in Back-to-Back Years LOUISVILLE, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned and operated distilled spirits producer and marketer, was voted the best distiller in the United States for the second consecutive time during the presentation of Whisky Magazine’s U.S. Icons of Whisky America on November 11th in Louisville.  The Icons of Whisky “celebrate the people and places behind the greatest whiskies in the world,” according to the organizers, with the judging process taking place in regional heats including the U.S., Scotland, and Rest of the World.  The American winners will now go head-to-head with Scotland and Rest of the World winners, with the final World Icons being announced at a ceremony on the eve of Whisky Live London on February 25th. In awarding “Distiller of the Year”, Whisky Magazine Editor Rob Allanson lauded Heaven Hill Distilleries for “quietly getting on with the job and releasing some stunning whiskies.”   Heaven Hill was also awarded the same honor last year, marking the first time a distillery has won the award in consecutive years            The Bardstown-based company, the world’s second-largest holder of aging American Whiskey, produces such critically acclaimed brands as Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon, Elijah Craig Bourbon, Rittenhouse Rye, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey and the Parker’s Heritage Collection of American Whiskeys, all crafted under the watchful eyes of sixth and seventh generation Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam.  Heaven Hill was also awarded “U.S. Visitor’s Attraction of the Year” last year for their Bourbon Heritage Center, which upon its opening in October of 2004 immediately raised the bar for all other hospitality facilities along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  Heaven Hill went on to capture the worldwide “Visitor’s Attraction of the Year” award, beating out distilleries from America, Scotland, Ireland and Japan. “It is a major honor to win this U.S. Distiller of the Year award, and to win it twice in a row is indeed affirmation that our commitment to the American Whiskey category is being recognized at the highest levels,” stated Heaven Hill Distilleries President Max L. Shapira.  “As the only remaining distiller that produces all the unique styles of American Straight Whiskey–bourbon, rye, wheat whiskey, and corn whiskey–we take great pride in this recognition and award from Whisky Magazine.  On behalf of my family, of Parker and Craig Beam, and all of our Heaven Hill employees, we are most humbled by and appreciative for this honor.” 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; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, and Lunazul Tequila. Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.” -30- CONTACT: Larry Kass Director of Corporate Communications    Heaven Hill Distilleries   (502) 413-0220    lkass@heaven-hill.com

Rare Bourbon from Heaven Hill Distilleries outscores all Scotch, Irish Whiskies/eys—and all brandies and Cognacs, as well

BARDSTOWN, KY—In what can be considered the spirits equivalent of the famed “Judgement of Paris” wine tasting of 1976, when American wines first beat out French wines in a major organized tasting, Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Parker’s Heritage Collection® 27-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon has captured the highest honor ever received for an American Whiskey at the just-completed 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  In naming the Parker’s Heritage Collection “Best of Show, Brown Spirits” the expert judges concluded that the super-premium, ultra-aged Kentucky Bourbon was superior not only to the full geographic range of the world’s great whiskies/eys—encompassing Scotland, Ireland, Canada and Japan—but also to the exclusive brandies, Cognacs and Armagnacs entered in the world’s foremost spirits tasting competition. 

The Parker’s Heritage Collection 27-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon, the most recent release in the annual series of rare, limited edition American Whiskeys honoring Heaven Hill Master Distiller and industry legend Parker Beam, is the first American Whiskey to be named “Best in Show, Whisky” and is a trailblazing heir to the last three august winners—Laphroaig (2006), Bowmore (2007) and Highland Park (2008).  But unlike those three legendary Scotch Single Malt Whiskies, the judges further elevated Parker’s Heritage Collection 27-Year-Old to Best of Show, Brown Spirits.  In order to even be considered for “Best in Show” trophies, entrants must first be designated Double Gold Medal winners in their respective spirits categories, meaning every judge on the blind tasting panels must unanimously award it a Gold Medal.

This marks the second major industry award bestowed on the Parker’s Heritage Collection 27-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon in the past five months, with the brand capturing Malt Advocate Magazine’s “American Whiskey of the Year” at New York WhiskyFest in November.  It is also the third time Heaven Hill Distilleries has captured a “Best of” trophy 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.    

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, and Lunazul Tequila.

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

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

Attraction Acclaimed as “Beacon for Kentucky Bourbon”

LOUISVILLE, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned and operated distilled spirits producer and marketer, won the “Visitor Attraction of the Year” award during the presentation of Whisky Magazine’s Worldwide Icons of Whisky on February 28^th in London. 

 

The Icons of Whisky are “designed to celebrate the people and places behind the greatest whiskies in the world,” according to the organizers, and the winners are drawn from industry nominations who then are “shortlisted” by an independent editorial panel from which the winners are voted.  In order to be considered for the worldwide final, entrants must first win in one of three “regional” finals—in the United States, Scotland and “Rest of the World (including Japan, Canada and Ireland)”.  In October, Heaven Hill captured not only the “Visitor Attraction of the Year” in the US Icons of Whisky regional, but also captured “Distiller of the Year” for the United States as well.  Winners of the three regional Icon Awards then went on to the worldwide final, announced at a gala awards ceremony at the Hurlingham Club in London coinciding with the opening of Whisky Live London.

Heaven Hill was awarded “Visitor Attraction of the Year” for their Bourbon Heritage Center, which according to the citation, “upon its opening in October of 2004 immediately raised the game for all other visitor facilities along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.”  The Icon of Whisky award further praised Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center for “continually educating an increasing number of visitors in its barrel tasting room and offering a wide range of tours to suit novice to expert. It is a beacon for Kentucky Bourbon…in 2007 the Bourbon Heritage Center welcomed nearly 50,000 visitors to Bardstown, making it the most visited attraction in the historic Nelson County city.” 

 

Bardstown-based Heaven Hill, the world’s second-largest holder of aging American Whiskey, produces such critically acclaimed brands as Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon, Elijah Craig Bourbon, Rittenhouse Rye, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey, and the Parker’s Heritage Collection of American Whiskeys, all crafted under the watchful eyes of sixth and seventh generation Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam.

 

“It was a great honor to have won the Icons of USA awards for both ‘Visitor Attraction of the Year’ and ‘Distiller of the Year’ back in October,” stated Heaven Hill Distilleries Executive Vice President Harry J. Shapira.  “But to come back in the worldwide competition and beat out all the spectacular visitor attractions in such traditional regions as Scotland and Ireland is indeed a very exciting accomplishment for us at Heaven Hill.”

 

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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Cutline: Whisky Magazine Editor Rob Allanson (left) and Contributing Editor Dave Broom (right) present the 2008 Icons of Whisky “Visitor Attraction of the Year” to Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center Director of Guest Services Lynne Grant (center).

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

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., has added two new flavors to the Burnett’s Flavored Vodka portfolio as the Flavored Vodka category remains one of the most vibrant category segments in the distilled spirits industry.  Sweet Tea and Espresso Flavored Vodkas are now available nationally.

Since the introduction of its first flavor, Burnett’s Vodka Flavors have grown to become one of the largest portfolios in the entire industry.  The franchise now includes 18 flavors in the line, including Blueberry, Cherry, Citrus, Coconut, Cranberry, Grape, Lime, Mango, Orange, Peach, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Sour Apple, Strawberry, Vanilla, Watermelon and now Sweet Tea and Espresso.

“These newest flavors are the result of considerable interest among consumers and retailers alike,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager. “We have generally tried to push the envelope of innovation but always within the desires of our truest focus groups.”

The launch of the new flavor will be supported by POS for floor displays and shelf facings, as well as sales education materials.  The Burnett’s website (www.burnettsvodka.com) will also provide information and appetizing drink recipes for all the flavors.

Burnett’s Sweet Tea and Espresso Vodkas are available in P.E.T. 1.75 liter and glass 1.0 liter/750 ml sizes and bottled at 30% alcohol by volume (60 proof).

Burnett’s is one of the leading franchises in the distilled spirits industry.  Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has been an annual Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” and one of the fastest growing products in the entire industry.  The entire line includes the flagship Vodka, an array of Flavored Vodkas, Rums, Ultras and 100 proof varieties.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second largest holders 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; and Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça.

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

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CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Corporate Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries
(502) 413-0219

jhafer@heaven-hill.com

Bourbon Heritage Center Cited as a “Beacon for Kentucky Bourbon”

LOUISVILLE, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned distilled spirits producer and marketer, won the “Visitor Attraction of the Year” award during the presentation of Whisky Magazine’s “Icons of Whisky-USA” on October 21 in Louisville.  The “Icons of Whisky” are “designed to celebrate the people and places behind the greatest whiskies in the world,” according to the organizers, and the winners of the three regional Icon Awards—USA, Scotland and the rest of the world—go on to the final worldwide Icons of Whisky.  These are announced at an awards ceremony at the Hurlingham Club in London on February 26, 2009, coinciding with the opening of Whisky Live London.

The Bardstown-based company, the world’s second-largest holder of aging American Whiskey, produces such critically acclaimed brands as Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon, Elijah Craig Bourbon, Rittenhouse Rye, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey, and the Parker’s Heritage Collection of American Whiskeys, all crafted under the watchful eyes of sixth and seventh generation Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam. 

Heaven Hill was awarded “Visitor’s Attraction of the Year” for their Bourbon Heritage Center, which upon its opening in October of 2004 immediately raised the bar for all other hospitality facilities along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  The Icon of Whisky award praised Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center for “continually educating an increasing number of visitors in its barrel tasting room and offering a wide range of tours to suit novice to expert. (It is) a beacon for Kentucky Bourbon.”  In 2007 the Bourbon Heritage Center welcomed nearly 50,000 visitors to Bardstown, making it the most visited attraction in the historic Nelson County city. 

“We are of course thrilled to be recognized and honored by the Icons of Whisky Awards and Whisky Magazine for this highly coveted distinction,” noted Lynne Grant, Director of Guest Services at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center.  “To have won, particularly now that the Kentucky Bourbon Trail has become so popular and so many of our competitors have invested heavily in their own visitor’s facilities, makes it even sweeter.”

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest   independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second-largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio includes: the full line of The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Agua Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaca; Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.

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

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

America’s Largest Independent Family-Owned Distilled Spirits Company Is the Only Multiple Award Recipient

LOUISVILLE, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned distilled spirits producer and marketer, won both the “Distiller of the Year” and “Visitor Attraction of the Year” awards during the presentation of Whisky Magazine’s “Icons of Whisky-USA” on October 21 in Louisville.  The Icons of Whisky are “designed to celebrate the people and places behind the greatest whiskies in the world,” according to the organizers, and the winners of the three regional Icon Awards—USA, Scotland and the rest of the world—go on to the final worldwide Icons of Whisky.  These are announced at an awards ceremony at the Hurlingham Club in London on February 26, 2009, coinciding with the opening of Whisky Live London.

In awarding “Distiller of the Year”, Whisky Magazine Editor Rob Allanson cited Heaven Hill’s “launch of the Parker’s Heritage Collection (of rare whiskeys), their continuing commitment to producing five distinct styles of American Whiskey, and for continuously investing in their operations and brands.”

The Bardstown-based company, the world’s second-largest holder of aging American Whiskey, produces such critically acclaimed brands as Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon, Elijah Craig Bourbon, Rittenhouse Rye, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey, and the Parker’s Heritage Collection of American Whiskeys, all crafted under the watchful eyes of sixth and seventh generation Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam. 

Heaven Hill was awarded “Visitor’s Attraction of the Year” for their Bourbon Heritage Center, which upon its opening in October of 2004 immediately raised the bar for all other hospitality facilities along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  The Icon of Whisky award praised Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center for “continually educating an increasing number of visitors in its barrel tasting room and offering a wide range of tours to suit novice to expert. (It is) a beacon for Kentucky Bourbon.”  In 2007 the Bourbon Heritage Center welcomed nearly 50,000 visitors to Bardstown, making it the most visited attraction in the historic Nelson County city. 

“It would have been a great accomplishment and honor to have won just one of the Icons of Whisky awards,” stated Heaven Hill Distilleries President Max L. Shapira.  “But to have won not only Distiller of the Year, but also Visitor Attraction of the Year, is like the grand slam of accolades.  On behalf of my family, of Parker and Craig Beam, of the staff of the Bourbon Heritage Center and all our Heaven Hill employees, we can only say that we are humbled and most appreciative.” 

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second-largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio includes: the full line of The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Agua Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaca; Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.

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

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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries
(502) 413-0220

lkass@heaven-hill.com

FOR RELEASE: April 10, 2008

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – For the second straight year, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur is an Adams Beverage Media Growth Brand Award recipient.  The brand was honored as a “Rising Star” for the second time in as many years.

As an endorsement of the innovative product, Adams Beverage Media noted, “”The pomegranate-flavored liqueur was the first widely available spirit to use that flavor, and since its launch, pomegranate has become a favorite of spirits producers, appearing in other liqueur brand line extensions and a number of vodkas.”

“PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur has been an incredible success for us,” said Max L. Shapira, president, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.  “Great acceptance of PAMA behind the bar and at retail has been key to its initial growth.  That continued convergence and increased exposure should make PAMA a perennial member of the Adams Growth Brands fraternity.”

Each year, Adams Beverage Group identifies the fastest growing brands of spirits and wine in issues of Beverage Dynamics, Cheers and Stateways Magazines.  Adams honors brands within two categories; the “Rising Star” Growth Award is open to “brands less than five years of age that have exhibited substantial growth over the past few years.”  The “Established Growth Brands” Award category is defined as “top-selling brands that have sold at least 400,000 9-liter cases and have grown moderately or substantially over the past four years.”

Introduced in 2006, PAMA is made with all-natural pomegranates and offers a highly mixable taste profile that is, at the same time, sweet and tart.  PAMA is bottled at a moderate and mixable 34 proof (17% alcohol by volume) with a rich seductive red color that provides bartenders with an attractive and versatile base for many alluring cocktails.

Over the last six years, a broad range of Heaven Hill brands have been selected for special recognition by Adams.  Most recently, the company was honored for Burnett’s Vodka, HPNOTIQ Liqueur and Evan Williams Bourbon.

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio 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, Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, KY.

 

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CONTACT:

Josh Hafer

Corporate Communications Manager

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

(502) 413-0219

jhafer@heaven-hill.com