Category: New Products

Heaven Hill Brands Welcomes Premium Expressions Primero-Cristalino, Primero-Humoso, and Extra Añejo

Lunazul Tequila – the hand-crafted, 100% Blue Weber agave tequila produced under the masterful direction of Heaven Hill Brands partner Tierra de Agaves and Master Tequilero Francisco Quijano – is pleased to announce its Primero Collection, which includes three distinctive expressions: Primero-Cristalino, Primero-Humoso, and limited release of Extra Añejo. Following a successful soft introduction, Cristalino and Humoso are now available for purchase in markets across the United States, while Extra Añejo will arrive on shelves in the spring. The launch of the collection follows a landmark growth milestone of one million cases sold in 2023. 

“We are constantly looking for new ways to express our creativity, engage with our consumers, and evolve the brand accordingly,” says Quijano. “The past few years have been such an exciting time for tequila enthusiasts, both long-time aficionados and those just beginning to explore the spirit. We hope to keep them on their toes and give them something new to try.”

The Primero Collection comprises Lunazul’s most premium expressions to date. The new line brings with it an elevated new look for the Lunazul family, including new premium glass, a new label featuring Francisco Quijano’s signature, an embossed leather neck wrap for Primero-Cristalino and Primero-Humoso, and a wax dip for Extra Añejo. This elegant new packaging will stand out in any tequila collection or backbar. 

Cristalino, Humoso, and Extra Añejo

Lunazul’s Primero-Cristalino, an aged añejo filtered eight times to achieve a crystal clear color, offers a complex aroma of oak, caramel, and apple with sweet, floral notes. On the palate, a full body of oak, citrus, caramel, and eucalyptus, with a lingering, spicy finish. Embracing the perfect balance found in rare, handcrafted spirits, Cristalino delivers exceptional taste at an accessible price point. Lunazul suggests drinking Cristalino chilled or on the rocks with an orange twist, or for cocktail lovers, in an Espresso Martini or Vesper variation.

Primero-Humoso, translating to “The Smoked One,” features both mesquite-smoked agave and fresh blue Weber agave, creating a one-of-a-kind smoked Blanco Tequila. With semi-viscous and peppery tasting notes and ripe fruit tones, the pour provides a long-lasting and balanced finish with citrusy, smokey, and herbaceous notes. Humoso can be enjoyed on the rocks or in a cocktail such as an Old Fashioned with Chocolate Mole bitters.

Lunazul’s bold, subtly sweet, and delicately spiced Extra Añejo rounds out the collection with caramel and vanilla flavors and a hint of baking spices. The limited batch is aged for 36 months in Elijah Craig Bourbon barrels. Adding this unique step to the aging process helps evoke a finish of cooked orchard fruit with hints of crème brûlée and spicy Mexican dark chocolate. When Extra Añejo hits the market, it is suggested to enjoy a glass neat and paired with a medium bodied cigar, or mixed in a Manhattan variation. 

“The Primero Collection embodies our brand ethos of marrying exceptional quality with approachability,” says Joe Frade, Lunazul’s Global Brand Educator. “Lunazul’s most premium tequilas to date, Cristalino and Humoso were designed to offer complexity and depth of flavor while remaining versatile enough to appeal to a wide range of agave drinkers.”

Cristalino, Humoso and Extra Añejo are also recommended as base spirit substitutes in classic gin, scotch, and cognac recipes, adding an herbaceous and mineral element that only agave spirits can impart. The Primero Collection is sophisticated enough to be sipped neat or chilled, yet its accessible price point makes it a great candidate for premium cocktails. 

Learn More About the Primero Collection

Cristalino and Humoso are available nationally at select retailers, bars, and restaurants across the U.S. Retailers, including online delivery services, may be found on Lunazul’s website. Extra Añejo will be available in select markets for a limited time. 

MSRP

Cristalino and Humoso retail for $37.99 each; Extra Añejo will retail for $59.99. 

To learn more about Lunazul Tequila, please visit the website, Instagram, and Facebook. 

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ABOUT LUNAZUL: Lunazul Tequila is a hand-harvested tequila made from only the finest 100% Blue Weber agave. Hailing from Tierra de Agaves distillery, which is located in Tequila, Jalisco — the heart of Mexico’s agave country — the brand offers five varieties of tequila to choose from: Blanco, Reposado, Añeįo, Primero-Humoso, and Primero-Cristalino, each representing a traditional, authentic preparation method. Born from the unparalleled expertise and fierce determination of the Beckmann Family, who has more than 250 years of experience in agave spirits and tequila making, Lunazul was founded on the premise of creating an exceptional tequila at a price point that’s accessible for all to enjoy. Lunazul leaders, President Jorge Beckmann and Master Tequilero Francisco Ǫuijano, are helping to carry the torch for the deeply revered, authentic spirit, and they each proudly offer a wealth of expert experience in the world of agave. Follow along at @lunazultequila on Instagram.

This is the first national barrel proof expression for the Bernheim Original line

Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of the first national Barrel Proof expression of Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey. Bernheim Original Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey is the first wheat whiskey to use winter wheat as its primary grain, creating a soft, sweet flavor. This extension to the Bernheim brand delivers the same familiar smoothness with even more depth of flavor from seven to nine full years of aging. Pulled straight from the barrel and bottled without chill filtration, Bernheim Barrel Proof wheat whiskey in its purest form. Like the original, Barrel Proof is produced at the namesake Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky and aged in Heaven Hill’s rickhouses. Bernheim Barrel Proof will be a nationally allocated product which will be released in batches, twice a year. Each release will have its own unique batch number and proof which will vary from edition to edition.

Keeping with Heaven Hill’s commitment to tradition and quality, Bernheim Barrel Proof is made with Heaven Hill’s Wheat Whiskey Mashbill which is comprised of 51% wheat, 37% corn, and 12% malted barley. The A223 batch of Barrel Proof is bottled at 118.8 proof or 59.4% by volume. With a distinct nose of oak staves and fresh bread, this wheat whiskey has initial tasting notes spanning from buttery hints of caramel and honey to the spiciness of cloves. The finish is soft, yet complex with lasting notes of honey and caramel.

“The launch of the Barrel Proof expression of Bernheim Wheat Whiskey is a very exciting one for Heaven Hill,” says Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “We know this is a product consumers want, and we think this batch has the smoothness they’ll recognize from the Bernheim Original, but with an even greater depth of flavor.”

Bottles of this Bernheim Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey will feature the A223 batch number prominently on the front of each bottle next to the Barrel Proof designation. The letter “A” represents the first batch of the year. The first number represents the month of the release with 2 indicating February. Finally, the last two digits indicate the corresponding year with 23 designating 2023. This release is expected to hit store shelves by the end of February with a suggested retail price of $64.99.

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

IMAGES: Download here

This year’s release features 20-year-old Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey

Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 20-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey, the 2023 edition of the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection. Each spring, this annual, highly limited release will feature some of the distillery’s oldest inventory of aging whiskey, continuing the standard of excellence Heaven Hill has practiced since 1935.

Each release in the ultra-premium collection features one of the six traditional American Whiskey mashbills produced by Heaven Hill, the only heritage distillery to produce this range. This edition features Heaven Hill’s Corn Whiskey Mashbill, comprised of 80% corn, 12% malted barley and 8% rye, and is bottled at 115 proof. With an age statement of 20 years, this release is made up entirely of 110 barrels produced in October 2002 pulled from the third floor of Rickhouse 1K. 

With its distinct nose of toasted corn and oak spices, this edition of the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection is sure to be a unique addition to any whiskey collection. A testament to its age, the initial notes on the palate include aged oak and walnuts followed by a finish of wood spices with hints of corn sweetness.

 “The Heaven Hill Heritage Collection reflects the true craftsmanship, patience and consistency which are hallmarks of Heaven Hill’s whiskey making traditions,” says Master Distiller Conor O’ Driscoll.  “The ability to offer consumers an ultra-aged corn whiskey product is a true testament to the forward-thinking innovation the company has practiced for decades and continues to practice to this day.”

Along with its innovation-focused counterpart the Parker’s Heritage Collection, the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection is a testament to Heaven Hill’s patience and ultra-aging techniques.  Releases from both collections offer a glimpse into the long-term plan across Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey stock and commitment to quality, craft, and innovation.

As with the inaugural release, the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 750ml bottle will be accompanied by a premium box in signature Heaven Hill blue with the double-H insignia stamped in gold to signify Heaven Hill. A signature of the Collection, specific attributes such as warehouse site location, production date, mashbill percentages, and other designations are noted prominently on the packaging.  Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 20-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey will launch nationally on a limited basis with an SRP of $289.99 and will begin shipping on March 1, 2023.

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

IMAGES: Download here

Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of the Fall 2022 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at 19 years old, the oldest to date in this specific line. Comprised of barrels produced in September 2003, and bottled in October of 2022, the tenth national release ushers in the latest edition to the hallmark series which adds to the bottled-in-bond legacy.

Bottled in an ornate decanter, the fall edition denotes a black label, consistent across all fall releases. As was the case for the past editions, this edition’s tax strip, which has always been a signature of transparency on bottled-in-bond products, will disclose when the liquid was produced and bottled. The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond fall edition will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis. It meets the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. This edition is available at the suggested retail price of $240.

The Fall 2022 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the first 19-year-old of the nationally released series and features Bourbon pulled from across three floors of rickhouse F and one floor of rickhouse X at Heaven Hill Distillery’s main campus. As a leader of the Bottled-in-Bond category, Heaven Hill is proud to offer a premium product within this special class that showcases the authenticity and quality of the American Whiskey portfolio. Acquired in 1999 by Heaven Hill, the legendary Old Fitzgerald line is well-known for its distilling pedigree and intriguing story behind its namesake, John E. Fitzgerald, whose legacy is also heralded by the Larceny Bourbon brand.

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

Square 6 High-Rye Rye Whiskey is the second Evan Williams Bourbon Experience craft product of its series and a new Rye mashbill from Heaven Hill Distillery 

Heaven Hill Distillery today announced the launch of Square 6 High-Rye Rye Whiskey, the latest innovative product to come from the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. This is the second Square 6 product produced exclusively at the artisanal distillery located at 528 W Main Street in Louisville, just steps from the site of Williams’ original distillery founded in 1783.  

The Square 6 High-Rye Rye Whiskey mashbill consists of 63% Rye, 24% Corn, and 13% Malted Barley, a new recipe under the Heaven Hill portfolio. Artisanal Distiller Jodie Filiatreau distills one barrel of American Whiskey per day at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and is continually crafting innovative mashbills and tweaking the hand-crafted process for each new recipe. This exclusive Rye Whiskey differentiates itself from Heaven Hill’s traditional Rye Whiskey mashbill of 51% Rye, 35% Corn and 14% Malted Barley, which is why it is designated as a High-Rye Rye Whiskey. This is Heaven Hill’s first product to bear such a high Rye content and is bottled at 95 proof. With notes of black tea, sweet honey, fig and molasses on the nose, along with all spice, pepper, vanilla and cardamom on the palate, this Square 6 release truly stands out when tasted alongside the first Square 6 High-Rye Bourbon released in May 2021.  

The limited release of Square 6 High-Rye Rye Whiskey will be available in small quantities as a unique offering at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience and available at select Kentucky retailers for a suggested retail price of $89.99. Advancing its series, the Square 6 Rye Whiskey is a product of Heaven Hill’s thirst for innovation and upholds its mission to cultivate the rich tradition and heritage of Kentucky’s native spirit. 

“Square 6 High-Rye Rye Whiskey is a totally unique product, not only because of its high rye content, but also because of how it is hand-crafted on a copper pot still,” said Jodie Filiatreau, Artisanal Distiller at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience. “We are excited for whiskey lovers to add this latest Square 6 release to their collections and for them to enjoy a new Heaven Hill mashbill.”  

The continuation of the Evan Williams Square 6 series distilled in the one barrel per day, hand crafted, copper pot still facility is a testament to Heaven Hill’s commitment to quality, craft, innovation, and tradition. Square 6 pays homage to the original plot of land that housed Kentucky’s first commercial distillery, on part of which the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience sits. Since the building of the craft distillery, Heaven Hill has been patiently waiting as the barrels quietly age to maturation. During this aging process, a team of master tasters samples each recipe at various stages until that specific mashbill has been deemed to have achieved a taste profile worthy of bottling. The initial release of the series in May 2021 also featured a new mashbill for Heaven Hill, a High Rye Bourbon consisting of 52% corn, 35% rye and 13% malted barley.  

ABOUT THE EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON EXPERIENCE: The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience® (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first commercial distiller, through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit. An official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the facility offers guests a historical glimpse back in time to see Evan Williams’ original distillery through high definition video recreations of the Louisville wharf and Main Street in the late 18th Century, plus recreations of Whiskey Row building facades along Main Street from the 1890’s through the present. Meanwhile, visitors learn the essential differences between distilling during Evan Williams’ era and Heaven Hill’s modern Bernheim Distillery operations. 

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Black Velvet, the second-largest selling Canadian whisky, announced today the launch of Black Velvet Peach to its portfolio of flavored whiskies. The new flavor will be available this August in stores across the country.

Black Velvet Peach blends the fresh and sweet taste of peaches with smooth Black Velvet whisky. The rich, amber-colored whisky promises to be a keen pick for peach lovers and whisky fans alike. As the fastest growing flavor for brown spirits, Peach is a natural addition to already popular flavor expansions, Black Velvet Apple and Toasted Caramel.

“Whether you’re tasting Black Velvet for the first time, or you’re a loyal fan of the brand, we feel confident Peach will be a hit with consumers,” said Molly Vincent, Heaven Hill Senior Brand Manager. “We’re excited to continue to expand upon our flavor offerings —and with one of our hottest summers coming to a close, we feel this refreshing addition couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Since tapping their first barrel in 1951, the Black Velvet team has earned its reputation for crafting first-in-class whisky. Headquartered in Lethbridge, Canada, the company credits crystal clear Canadian water and the freshest grains for their whisky’s iconic smooth taste. Black Velvet is now available in 55 countries, and the brand continues to expand the with strategic brand extensions to appeal to a growing audience. Black Velvet was awarded Whisky Value of the Year for the Export Market at the 2022 Canadian Whisky Awards.

Black Velvet Peach will be supported by point-of-sale displays and tastings in some retail locations. Bottled at 70 proof, the product will be available in 50 ml, 750 ml, and 175 ml sizes with an SRP of $10.99 for the 750ml.

Serve on the rocks, as a chilled shot, or with your favorite mixer. For a twist, try one of these recipes:

Peach Lemonade Smash:

1.5 oz Black Velvet Peach

3 oz Lemonade

Top with soda (optional)

Combine ingredients and stir. Garnish with a lemon or peach.

Canadian Peach Tea

1.5 oz Black Velvet Peach

6 oz Iced Tea

Combine ingredients and stir. Garnish with mint if desired.