Category: New Products

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BOURBON IS HOT, SO IS SUMMER—EVAN WILLIAMS KENTUCKY SLUSH TO COOL DOWN CONSUMERS IN SELECT TEST MARKETS

Evan Williams Introduces the Coolest Way for Bourbon Drinkers to Refresh Their Summer

LOUISVILLE, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, producers of Evan Williams, are giving Bourbon lovers in select markets a new way to chill out this summer—Evan Williams Kentucky Slush.  The only Bourbon-based pre-mixed cocktail, Evan Williams Kentucky Slush is made with real Evan Williams Bourbon and the natural flavors of Lemonade, Orange Juice, and Sweet Tea, and can be frozen, poured or blended.  It is best served frozen in the bottle or any personal container, blended with ice for an instant frozen Bourbon Slush, or simply poured straight on the rocks.

As the Bourbon category grows year after year, now surpassing 16 million cases in the US and topping the $1 billion mark in exports for the first time, traditional seasonal trends, whereby consumers trade in their whiskeys for “white goods”—Gin and Vodka—during the summer months, have largely gone by the wayside. In fact, share of Bourbon consumption is now as high in July and August as January and February.  Given this trend, and given the dynamic growth of Evan Williams Bourbon, named both an Impact “Hot Brand” and a Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” this year, Heaven Hill is test marketing Evan Williams Kentucky Slush in 11 markets this summer. Test markets will include Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

Evan Williams Kentucky Slush will be shipping mid to late May, and is to be available in market at off-premise accounts from June until August in a 1.75 liter PET bottle suitable for storage in the freezer.  Strongly branded with the Evan Williams logo and graphic theme, Evan Williams Kentucky Slush is intended to be merchandised and displayed within the Bourbon aisle using the POS materials made available, either on the shelf or as part of an impactful floor display.  All marketing materials, from case cards to posters and bottle neckers, use the tagline “For Seriously Refreshing Bourbon…Just Chill.”  Evan Williams Kentucky Slush is bottled at 25 proof or 12.5% alc./vol, which is a higher proof than other similar slush-type products, with an average national suggested retail price for the 1.75 liter bottle of $14.99.

“As the Evan Williams brand franchise grows, we have identified additional usage opportunities, and one of these is clearly to expand Bourbon as a refresher during the hot summer months,” said Susan Wahl, Senior Brand manager, Whiskeys, at Heaven Hill.  “We know through both research and anecdotal evidence that many of our newer Evan Williams consumers look for different, more refreshing ways to drink Bourbon in the summer, whether at backyard cookouts, at the lake, or other summer gatherings.  We feel that we have a great taste profile, and with the flexibility to freeze it straight in the bottle, blend it with ice, or simply pour it on the rocks, we look for great results in our 11 test markets.”   

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; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

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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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Lunazul Primero Available Nationally

Newest Addition to 100% Agave Lunazul Tequila family is Clear Añejo Tequila

BARDSTOWN, KY – The newest addition to the 100% Agave Lunazul Tequila family is Lunazul Primero. Filtered eight times to achieve a crystal clear color, Primero is a unique Añejo Tequila with flawless color and unusual maturity.

The entire family of small batch Lunazul Tequilas are estate grown, distilled and bottled in the heart of Tequila country by Tierra de Agaves. Lunazul’s spirit of hand-crafted perfection is reflected in Lunazul Primero as the Master Distiller carefully ages the Añejo in order to attain the flavors earned through 18 months of maturation. The filtering process then balances those flavors with the crispness of agave sugars seen in Blanco. The result is crisp Tequila that retains the oak notes and smoothness of a barrel aged Tequila.

“Lunazul Primero reflects the growing passion for variety among Tequila consumers,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager, Lunazul Tequila. “Whether it is aging, proof or filtering, Tequila offerings are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Primero delivers on the cutting-edge of innovation with incredible quality.”

Lunazul Tequila is among the best-selling and the most critically-acclaimed 100% Agave Tequilas in the category. The Lunazul Tequilas have been honored with Double Gold recognition at the San Francisco Spirits  Competition and as Category Finalists at the Ultimate Spirits Competition. Further, the brand is regularly recognized as Impact “Hot Prospect” and Beverage Information Group “Rising Stars.”

Lunazul Primero is available at $24.99.  Lunazul Tequilas are available in four varieties, Blanco, Reposado, Añejo and Primero.  Blanco and Reposado are available in 1.75 liter, 1.0 liter, 1.0 bar liter, 750 ml and 50 ml sizes, while the Añejo and Primero are available in the 750ml size only.  All are bottled at 40% alcohol by volume. Learn more at www.lunazultequila.com.

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.  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 

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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Folder: Lunazul Tequila

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Burnett’s Flavored Vodka Increases Product Portfolio with Three New Flavors

BARDSTOWN, KY – Ruby Red Grapefruit, Mango Pineapple, and Red Berry are the latest additions to the industry-leading Burnett’s Flavored Vodka product line.  The new flavors will be available nationally beginning in May.

As with all Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Mango Pineapple, and Red Berry are quadruple distilled, triple charcoal filtered, and made with natural flavor, placing them among the purest Vodkas on the market.  Launching the three new flavors is reflective of the continued growth of the competitive subcategory of flavored Vodka. 

“For more than ten years, Burnett’s has been recognized for delivering quality Vodka and a wide variety of flavors,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager, Burnett’s Vodka.  “Adding Ruby Red Grapefruit, Mango Pineapple, and Red Berry to our innovative product portfolio provides consumers with even more highly mixable and popular flavors that they recognize and appreciate.”

The new flavors increase the Burnett’s portfolio of natural flavors to 37 – Blue Raspberry, Blackberry, Blueberry, Candy Cane, Cherry, Cherry Cola, Citrus, Coconut, Cranberry, Fruit Punch, Grape, Hot Cinnamon, Lime, Limeade, Mango, Mango Pineapple, Maple Syrup, Orange, Orange Cream, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Pink Lemonade, Pomegranate, Pumpkin Spice, Raspberry, Red Berry, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Sour Apple, Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Sugar Cookie, Sweet Tea, Tropical Fruit, Vanilla, Watermelon and Whipped Cream.

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

The full line of Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas is available in 1.75L, 1.0L, 750ml, and 50ml sizes, bottled at 30-35% alcohol by volume (60-70 proof).  The product is available for a suggested retail price of $10.99 for a 750ml.

Burnett’s is one of the leading franchises in the distilled spirits industry.  Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has been a winner of consistent Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” and Impact “Hot Brand” awards as one of the fastest growing products in the industry.  The entire line includes the 80 proof Vodka, an array of Flavored Vodkas, Gin, Rums, and 100 proof varieties.

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.
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

To download images from this press release, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at http://connect.heavenhill.com  and enter the username and password below.

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Folder: Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas

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BARDSTOWN, KY – Burnett’s Flavored Vodka has added two new flavors to one of the largest portfolios of flavored Vodkas in the industry. Beginning in spring, Burnett’s Blackberry and Tropical Fruit will be available nationally.

The new flavors for the Burnett’s franchise are on the heels of a package redesign that more effectively communicates the all-natural flavor types. The new natural flavors are traditional additions to a line of flavors grounded in relevant and approachable flavors.

“As the flavored Vodka market continues to grow Burnett’s is well-positioned to continue its record of success,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager, Burnett’s Vodka. “For over ten years, Burnett’s has been recognized for quality Vodka and a leading selection of flavors. The flavor portfolio continues to deliver on these qualities with each addition.”

The new flavors put the Burnett’s portfolio of natural flavors to 33 – Blue Raspberry, Blackberry, Blueberry, Candy Cane, Cherry, Cherry Cola, Citrus, Coconut, Cranberry, Fruit Punch, Grape, Hot Cinnamon, Lime, Limeade, Mango, Maple Syrup, Orange, Orange Cream, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Pink Lemonade, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Sour Apple, Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Sugar Cookie, Sweet Tea, Tropical Fruit, Vanilla, Watermelon and Whipped Cream.

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

The full line of Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas is available in 1.75L, 1.0L, 750ml, and 50ml sizes, bottled at 30-35% alcohol by volume (60-70 proof). The product is available for a suggested retail price of $10.99 for a 750ml.

Burnett’s is one of the leading franchises in the distilled spirits industry. Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has been a winner of consistent Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” and Impact “Hot Brand” awards as one of the fastest growing products in the industry. The entire line includes the 80 proof Vodka, an array of Flavored Vodkas, Gin, Rums, and 100 proof varieties.

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

To download images from this press release, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at http://connect.heavenhill.com and enter the username and password below.

Username: Heaven Hill
Password: Guest
Folder: Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas 

FOR RELEASE: For Immediate Release

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Very small batch bottling taps into popularity of barrel strength and high proof Bourbons

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest family-owned and operated independent spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Bourbon, today announced the March release of a special bottling of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

The limited edition release, which will be allocated to markets nationwide that currently offer Elijah Craig, takes advantage of both the surging popularity of high end Bourbons and American Whiskeys, and the trend toward high proof or barrel strength bottlings. It also leverages the critical acclaim for Elijah Craig Bourbon and the high regard with which critics and aficionados hold the brand, which is a past winner of Whisky Magazine’s “Best of the Best” Bourbon, Whisky Advocate’s “Best Buy Whiskey of the Year”, and Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The new Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Small Batch Release will begin shipping in mid-March to retailers and fine restaurants and bars in nearly every market nationwide, though quantities are limited and strictly allocated. With a national average retail price of $39.99, the new expression of the famed Elijah Craig brand represents a real value for a 12 year old, barrel proof Bourbon, and is expected to be in high demand. In addition, the release will forgo traditional chill-filtering, meaning all the natural esters and taste components from the barrel are preserved, giving the Bourbon a particularly rich flavor and mouthfeel.

The new release will be offered in the traditional distinctive Elijah Craig flask-style 750ml bottle, with the familiar oversize cork stopper and Elijah Craig signature blown into the front of the glass. Available in a three bottle case, the new release will carry a dark brown version of the cartouche-style Elijah Craig label, with “Barrel Proof” highlighted in red and hand written proof/alcohol by volume information, which will vary from one dump to the next. The proof of the initial release will be 134.2, or 67.1% alcohol/volume. A shelf talker will also be offered to retailers to highlight the brand in today’s cluttered premium Bourbon array.

“With the current unprecedented popularity of American Whiskeys in general, and high end Bourbon releases in particular, we feel that this release of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is poised for great critical acclaim and sales success,” noted Heaven Hill Senior Brand Manager Susan Wahl. “It hits all the right sweet spots for today’s ultra-premium Bourbon consumer—barrel proof, 12 years of aging in open rick warehouses, non-chill filtered, and very small dumps of barrels. This barrel proof bottling, and the recent 20 year old Single Barrel bottling, have taken the Elijah Craig range to unprecedented levels of demand and stature.”

For key on-premise whiskey accounts and high end retailers, the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Small Batch release continues the lineage of in-demand and buzz-worthy American Whiskey releases that Heaven Hill Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam have created. The 6th edition “Master Distiller’s Blend of Mashbills” Parker’s Heritage Collection, Larceny Wheated Bourbon, and the just-released 2003 vintage of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage, all shipped in the past year, have mesmerized the Bourbon blogs, forums and social media.

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.

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

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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://connect.heavenhill.com and enter the username and password below.

Username: Heaven Hill
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Folder: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof 

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BARDSTOWN, KY – Burnett’s Flavored Vodka has added two flavors to the innovative product portfolio. The two new flavors are Cherry Cola and Strawberry Banana. With these new additions, the portfolio now includes 31 flavors.

The growing portfolio of flavors is among the largest in the industry. As the flavored Vodka category continues to grow, the Burnett’s franchise has been among the leaders in quality flavor and innovation.

“The two new flavors of Burnett’s are a mix of the unique and traditional,” said Senior Brand Manager Reid Hafer. “Our Burnett’s consumers embrace products they know. These new additions deliver well-known flavor profiles that are imminently mixable and approachable.”

The new flavors put the Burnett’s portfolio of natural flavors to 31 – Blue Raspberry, Blueberry, Candy Cane, Cherry, Cherry Cola, Citrus, Coconut, Cranberry, Fruit Punch, Grape, Hot Cinnamon, Lime, Limeade, Mango, Maple Syrup, Orange, Orange Cream, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Pink Lemonade, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Sour Apple, Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Sugar Cookie, Sweet Tea, Vanilla, Watermelon and Whipped Cream.

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

Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas are available in 1.75L, 1.0L, 750ml, and 50ml sizes, bottled at 35% alcohol by volume (70 proof). The product is available for a suggested retail price of $10.99 for a 750ml.

Burnett’s is one of the leading franchises in the distilled spirits industry. Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has been a winner of consistent Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” and Impact “Hot Brand” awards as one of the fastest growing products in the industry. The entire line includes the regular 80 proof Vodka, an array of Flavored Vodkas, Gin, Rums, and 100 proof varieties.

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.

-30-

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

To download images from this press release, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at http://connect.heavenhill.com and enter the username and password below.

Username: Heaven Hill
Password: Guest
Folder: Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas