Category: Environmental

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Deep Eddy Vodka Sponsors “Certified Scenic City” Designation for City of Buda, Texas 

The local Austin, Texas brand is supporting this move by planting a total of 40 trees between its Distillery and Tasting Room

BUDA, Tx. (February 29, 2024) – Austin’s own Deep Eddy Vodka today announced the sponsorship of “Certified Scenic City” designation for the city of Buda, Texas.  Scenic Texas is a statewide 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the state’s visual environment. Being a “Certified Scenic City” means the infrastructure standards of the city meet specific sustainability and environmental goals. Deep Eddy is proud to support, beautify and celebrate Buda, where the brand’s distillery is located. In addition to planting 30 trees around the Buda distillery, the Deep Eddy Team also planted an additional 10 trees around the Deep Eddy Tasting Room in Dripping Springs, Texas. 

“We’re thrilled to sponsor this designation for the city of Buda,” said Rachel Nally, Heaven Hill Director of Sustainability and Environment. “Enhancing the environments where Heaven Hill employees live and work is extremely important and a key part of our 2030 Sustainability Goals.”

Trees planted today are all native Texas trees including live oaks, Texas red oaks, Monterrey Oaks, Yaupon Holly, and Texas Cedar Elms.  These trees will not only help provide shade to the Deep Eddy facilities, but also help native animals and insects that rely on native vegetation to survive.  

“Deep Eddy Vodka has been an incredible community partner for the City of Buda and we’re thrilled to have their support for the Scenic City designation,” said Jason Wills, Board Chair of Scenic Texas. “The Scenic City Certification Program is a great honor that recognizes cities for their demonstrated commitment to high-quality scenic standards and their commitment to sustainable practices.”

The Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery in Buda was also recently recognized as one of the Environmental Protection Agency’s first-ever ENERGY STAR certified distilleries in the country. This designation from the EPA recognizes Deep Eddy’s efforts to use significantly less energy and to contribute fewer greenhouse gas emissions than its peers. These efforts are part of Heaven Hill Brands’ broader 2030 Environmental and Sustainability Strategy which focuses on reaching significant milestones by 2030:

  • Drive toward zero carbon emissions by reducing carbon emissions from operations by 30%
  • Use water more efficiently by improving water use efficiency by 15%
  • Reduce waste by eliminating 10% of waste generated by operations, reducing virgin plastic in bottles by 50%, and working towards zero waste visitor experiences.
  • Conserve the ecosystems that support the business by sponsoring the planting of 5000 trees of substantial size in local communities, supporting sustainable white oak supply and supporting sustainable agriculture practices.

Over the course of the next decade, both corporate and branded initiatives will continue to be announced to support these goals as the long-term vision takes shape. To learn more about Heaven Hill’s environmental sustainability efforts visit this link.

About Deep Eddy Vodka: Deep Eddy Vodka (70-80 proof), a premium spirits brand based in Austin, Texas, is one of the fastest-growing premium spirits in the United States. An Established Growth Brand according to Beverage Information Group, Deep Eddy Vodka is recognized for its unique production process and incorporation of real, natural ingredients in its flavors. Born in Austin, Deep Eddy Vodka is ten times distilled and handcrafted in small batches using only premium ingredients and real flavors. The company’s line of products includes Deep Eddy Original Vodka, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka, Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, Deep Eddy Peach Vodka, Deep Eddy Orange Vodka, Deep Eddy Lime Vodka, Deep Eddy Vodka Hard Seltzers, and Deep Eddy Vodka Tea Hard Seltzers. More information on the brand can be found at @DeepEddyVodka on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or at www.deepeddyvodka.com. Deep Eddy Vodka is owned by Heaven Hill Brands headquartered in Bardstown, Kentucky.

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MEDIA CONTACT: 
Kaitlynn West 
Heaven Hill Brands
kwest@heavenhill.com 

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Two Heaven Hill Brands Facilities Recognized as EPA’s First-Ever ENERGY STAR Certified Distilleries

Heaven Hill’s historic Bernheim Distillery and Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery honored with distinction for superior energy performance

BARDSTOWN, Ky (November 20, 2023) – Heaven Hill Brands is excited to announce two company facilities received the EPA’s first-ever ENERGY STAR certification for distilleries in recognition of superior energy efficiency and performance. According to the EPA, distilleries which earn the ENERGY STAR use significantly less energy and contribute fewer greenhouse gas emissions than their peers. The company’s historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Ky. has been the lifeblood of Heaven Hill’s whiskey operations since it was acquired in 1999. Also receiving recognition is the company’s Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery in Buda, Texas.

“Heaven Hill has always strived to be a good steward of the natural resources used to create our products,” said Rachel Nally, Heaven Hill Brands Director of Environment & Sustainability. “Cultivating sustainable and thriving communities is important for our employees, our partners, and our neighbors. Heaven Hill’s energy efficiency programs improve community resilience by reducing emissions and lessening the load on the area’s energy infrastructure. We are honored to receive this certification from the EPA as it recognizes our commitment to innovation in utilizing energy and responsibly using all the natural resources that support our business.”

Distilleries recognized by the EPA earned a score of 75 or higher using the ENERGY STAR’s Energy Performance Indicator (EPI) which facilities can use to benchmark their performance on a scale of 1-100.  Heaven Hill has implemented a variety of projects over recent years, including completion of multiple boiler efficiency and insulation projects to reduce energy needs, replacement of light fixtures with more efficient LED bulbs, and tree plantings around its facilities in order to reach goals identified in the company’s larger environmental and sustainability strategy. Put into place in 2021, the strategy focuses on reaching the following significant milestones by 2030:

  • Drive toward zero carbon emissions by reducing carbon emissions from operations by 30%
  • Use water more efficiently by improving water use efficiency by 15%
  • Reduce waste by eliminating 10% of waste generated by operations, reducing virgin plastic in bottles by 50%, and working towards zero waste visitor experiences
  • Conserve the ecosystems that support the business by sponsoring planting of 5,000 trees of substantial size in local communities, supporting sustainable white oak supply, and supporting sustainable agriculture

Over the course of the next decade, both corporate and branded initiatives will continue to be announced to support these goals as the long-term vision takes shape. To learn more about Heaven Hill’s environmental sustainability efforts, visit this link. 

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (http://www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur, plus the newly-acquired Samson & Surrey portfolio.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kaitlynn West
Heaven Hill Brands
(502) 413-0230
kwest@heavenhill.com

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Heaven Hill Brands Introduces Environmental Sustainability Strategy for Next Decade

Largest Independent, Family-Owned and Operated Distilled Spirits Supplier Identifies Four Key Areas to Cultivate Sustainable, Thriving Communities

Heaven Hill Brands announced today the company’s first official environmental sustainability strategy that addresses pressing environmental challenges within the industry and local communities in four key areas: water, emissions, waste, and conservation. As a leader in the industry since 1935, Heaven Hill’s success has been built on a commitment to integrity in the communities where employees work and live. These specific efforts set the course for continued resiliency, both a hallmark of Heaven Hill’s 85-year history and a guiding concept for the future.

“Heaven Hill has always strived to be a good partner in our communities and to be a good steward of the natural resources used to create our products,” said Rachel Nally, Heaven Hill Brands Manager of Environment & Sustainability. “Cultivating sustainable and thriving communities is important for our employees, our partners, and our neighbors. We are passionate about this next era in our commitment to responsibly use natural resources, reduce energy use, safely dispose waste, and conserve the ecosystems that support our business.”

The following goals were developed with a focus on science-based research, international climate standards, and internal expertise, and have been deemed necessary to achieve by 2030:

  • Use water more efficiently by improving water use efficiency by 15%
  • Drive toward zero carbon emissions by reducing carbon emissions from operations by 30%
  • Reduce waste by eliminating 10% of waste generated by operations, reducing virgin plastic in bottles by 50%, and working towards zero waste visitor experiences
  • Conserve the ecosystems that support the business by sponsoring planting of 5,000 trees of substantial size in local communities, supporting sustainable white oak supply, and supporting sustainable agriculture

Significant investments in these efforts across production, new technology and training initiatives are currently underway. A legacy of good stewardship of natural resources to create Heaven Hill’s products sets the runway for this future growth. Heaven Hill has implemented a variety of projects over recent years, including replacement of light fixtures with more energy efficient LED bulbs, implementation of recycling programs within operations, completion of multiple boiler efficiency projects to reduce energy needs, and tree plantings around Bernheim Distillery. Over the course of the next decade, both corporate and branded initiatives will continue to be announced to support these goals as the long-term vision takes shape. To learn more about Heaven Hill’s environmental sustainability efforts, visit here.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

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Heaven Hill Brands Awarded Kentucky Governor’s Safety and Health Award at Bourbon Heritage Center

Ceremony followed by Governor Matt Bevin signing House Bill 100

Bardstown, KY – The Labor Cabinet of Kentucky today presented Heaven Hill Brands with the Governor’s Safety and Health Award at the annual Governor’s Safety and Health Conference. Presentation of the award took place at Heaven Hill in Bardstown, Ky. with Gov. Matt Bevin. Immediately following the safety award, Gov. Matt Bevin signed House Bill 100, signifying the Commonwealth’s commitment to continuing as the authentic home of Bourbon and distilled spirits.

With more than 600 employees, Heaven Hill qualified for the Safety and Health Award after completing one million production hours without a lost-time incident throughout 18 months. A first for any Heaven Hill facility, the award recognizes the safety procedures and trainings developed for a major Kentucky facility that has provided significant economic development to the commonwealth for over 80 years. As of May 1, the facility had attained 1,277,036 production hours without a lost-time incident since October 2015.

“Heaven Hill is proud to be recognized as a safe workplace for our employees who produce Kentucky’s native spirit every day,” said Heaven Hill Environmental, Health & Safety Manager Kim Harmon. “As an independent, family-owned and operated company located in the heart of Kentucky, we strive to ensure that each employee has the necessary training to produce high-quality work in a healthy environment.

Through implementing proven safety training programs with the managers and supervisors, such as the STOP for Supervision program developed by DuPont, Heaven Hill facility employees are better equipped to identify potential hazards and take corrective measures. The next phase of implementation will include proactive safety training for all employees.

The signing of House Bill 100 by Gov. Bevin strengthens production standards for Kentucky whiskey, allows distillers to sell by-the-drink at fairs and festivals, and permits the licenced sale of vintage spirits for resale and on-premise retail locations. Bill sponsor Representative Chad McCoy (R-HD 50), Kentucky Distillers’ Association officials, elected officials and Heaven Hill and industry leadership were also on-site to celebrate the official legislation with a toast following the ceremony.

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; 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 and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

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CONTACT:

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

To download video and images from this press release, please visit https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ou6e55j8imnykft/AABDWI53xJMPB45Q00FLjsjga?dl=0. Please download videos before use.

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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