Category: New Products

Award-winning small batch Tequila further builds on remarkable sales success and critical acclaim

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, along with joint venture partner Tierra de Agaves, announces the April release of Lunazul Añejo 100% Agave Tequila.  Bottled at 80 proof and available in a 750ml size, Lunazul Añejo will be aged for 18 months and will launch nationally in most markets at a suggested retail price of $21.99.

The release of Lunazul Añejo follows up on the extraordinary success of Lunazul Reposado and Blanco varieties that have been in the market since 2008.  Since its release, Lunazul has the garnered “Rising Star” Growth Brand Award  from the Beverage Information Group in both 2009 and 2010. Both varieties have also received broad critical acclaim and top awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the New York Spirits Awards.

The Lunazul brand is continuing to grow and enjoyed a 37% sales increase over the last year, on an already impressive base.   Heaven Hill is confident that the Añejo variety will be well received by consumers and critics much as the Blanco and Reposado have been, and that its strong quality/value proposition will continue to attract new users .  While its pedigree and taste profile are top-tier, Lunazul revolutionized the Tequila category upon its launch in 2008 by offering high quality 100% agave Tequila at a price point just above the mixto category leader.  Today, Lunazul has created a new sub-segment of high quality/high value 100% agave Tequilas. The Tequila category continues to grow and by adding Añejo to the existing Blanco and Reposado varieties, the truly full line allows Lunazul to play in the most connoisseur-driven segment of the 100% agave Tequila market.  

“We are proud to introduce this high-quality 100% agave Añejo Tequila as a worthy successor to the remarkable launches of Lunazul Blanco and Reposado,” stated Heaven Hill senior brand manager Reid Hafer.  “Due to the vast agave holdings and efficient vertical integration of Tierra de Agaves, Lunazul’s pricing has been a game-changer in the 100% agave segment.  The Añejo gives us a bottling at each different age, all supported by the eight-generation heritage of Tierra de Agaves Distillery.”   

Lunazul is estate-grown, small-batch Tequila distilled and bottled at Tierra de Agaves’ state-of-the-art facilities in Jalisco, Mexico.  The vertical integration of source materials, distillation and bottling ensures consistence of taste and quality, backed by the legacy of the Beckmann family.  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 4,000 acres of Weber Blue Agave plants that the Beckmann family and their past generations have controlled since 1758.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

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

 

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – The top-selling Burnett’s Flavored Vodka family has added two new flavors to one of the industry’s largest flavor lines.  Burnett’s Limeade and Orange Cream are the two newest additions to the innovative portfolio of flavors.

Burnett’s Limeade and Orange Cream reflect two of the freshest new ideas in the flavored vodka category.  “We seek to provide Burnett’s consumers with flavor development that is innovative but, more importantly, usable,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager, Burnett Flavored Vodkas. “There are plenty of new flavors in the category but we concentrate on quality, utility and taste.”

The new flavors bring Burnett’s portfolio of flavors to 23. Since the introduction of its first flavor, Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas have grown to be one of the largest portfolios in the entire industry.  The franchise now includes – Blueberry, Cherry, Citrus, Coconut, Cranberry, Espresso, Fruit Punch, Grape, Lime, Mango, Orange, Peach, Pink Lemonade, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Sour Apple, Strawberry, Sweet Tea, Vanilla, Watermelon and now Orange Cream and Limeade.

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) will also provide information and appetizing drink recipes for all the flavors.

Burnett’s Limeade and Orange Cream 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 $9.99 for a 750ml. 

Burnett’s is one of the leading franchises in the distilled spirits industry.  Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has been a regular Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” and Impact “Hot Brand” 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, Ultras, 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 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.”

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CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Corporate Communications Manager
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com

The 16th Annual Edition of the Award-Winning Vintage-Dated Bourbon to Begin Shipping After Holidays

LOUISVILLE, Ky. –   Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. announces the release of the 2001 edition of its highly acclaimed Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the 16th annual release of the series.

The world-renowned Single Barrel Bourbon has garnered many prestigious awards, including “Spirit of the Year – American Whiskey” from Food & Wine; “Domestic Whiskey of the Year” by Malt Advocate; and “Whiskey of the Year” by The Spirit Journal, the first Bourbon upon which the publication has bestowed this prestigious title. “Even though the mashbill–the grain recipe–is the same from year to year, we try to achieve a particular flavor profile with each vintage,” noted Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, who along with his son Craig produces and selects each vintage from among Heaven Hill’s 900,000 barrels of aging Bourbon.  “And judging from the critical acclaim it’s received, it seems like we’ve been pretty successful with the vintage-dated concept behind Evan Williams Single Barrel.”
 
Heaven Hill, the nation’s largest remaining family-owned and operated, independent spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Bourbon, offered a sneak peak of the latest vintage in the landmark series for 500 members of its Bardstown Whiskey Society in an elegant setting at Louisville’s famed Derby Museum at Churchill Downs back in November.
   
As with the previous 15 vintages, which are now highly sought after collector’s items, each bottle of the 2001 edition of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon is marked with the exact date that it was placed in oak and bottled, in addition to the exact serial number of the single barrel from which it was drawn.

The 86.6 proof Bourbon is matured in natural open-rick warehouses under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s father and son Master Distillers, who monitor the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality.  This new edition features the traditional corn, malted barley and rye mashbill, and stringent selection of barrels from the top three floors of the rickhouse, that are the hallmarks of all of Parker and Craig Beam’s Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbons.  The 2001 edition will be available nationally beginning in January 2011 at an average retail price of $25.99 for a 750 ml bottle, which is why it has also been named a “Best Buy” award winner by Malt Advocate and Wine Enthusiast magazines, among others.  

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@heavenhill.com

New Cherry flavor closely follows the runaway success of Evan Williams Honey Reserve

BARDSTOWN, KY–Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, announces the release of Evan Williams Cherry Reserve Kentucky Liqueur, a new product that marries extra-aged Evan Williams Bourbon with natural cherry flavor.  Bottled at 70 proof and available in both a 750ml and 50ml size, Evan Williams Cherry Reserve will be shipping to select markets across the country in September at an average retail price of $14.99 for the 750ml bottle.

The launch of Evan Williams Cherry Reserve follows closely on the heels of the hugely successful introduction of Evan Williams Honey Reserve, which began in test markets in September 2009 and completed its national rollout in February of 2010.  Since that time, it has had both great sales success and critical acclaim, including winning a Silver Medal at the most recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Both the Evan Williams Cherry and Honey Reserves take advantage of established trends in the distilled spirits industry in general and the American straight whiskey category in particular.  Among these is the ongoing success of flavored spirits, whose growth is more than double that of unflavored spirits; as well as the continued popularity of Bourbon, especially Evan Williams, which showed double digit sales percentage increases in both 2008 and 2009. Heaven Hill fully anticipates that infusing Evan Williams extra-aged Bourbon, the second largest selling Bourbon brand in the United States and the world and a “Best Buy Whiskey of the Year” winner, with natural cherry will yield similar success as that achieved with Evan Williams Honey Reserve.

Like the Honey Reserve, Evan Williams Cherry Reserve is packaged in the highly-recognizable square Evan Williams bottle, with a clear label carrying the Evan Williams logo and a stylized rendition of cherries. With a black and red capsule closure, the trade dress draws on the equity of the Evan Williams brand franchise, but with a contemporary flair.  Bottled at an approachable 70 proof, and infused with natural cherry taste that complements its sweet, easy-to-drink Bourbon flavor, Evan Williams Cherry Reserve lives up to its tagline of “Smooth Bourbon. Cherry Zing.”

“We have seen remarkable success with Evan Williams Black Label and now Evan Williams Honey Reserve,” stated Heaven Hill brand manager Susan Wahl.  “Given the strength of the Evan Williams brand franchise and the proven success of the flavored Bourbon sub-category, we believe it is the perfect time in which to launch Evan Williams Cherry Reserve.  And with a very approachable price point and a full range of retail and on-premise marketing materials available, we are expecting our customers to do some real ‘cherry picking’!”

To help merchandise the brand, Evan Williams Cherry Reserve is supported by an array of retail promotional materials–including a permanent wire rack and header card, shelf talkers, case cards, cold box clings and a 50ml counter unit–allowing off-premise operators to create impactful displays that will capture consumer attention.  In order to generate sampling in bars and restaurants, on-premise POS including T-shirts and shot glasses will also be made available.  A targeted trade advertising schedule will also help create awareness among the key retail and on-premise audiences.  All materials utilize striking visuals and the “Smooth Bourbon. Cherry Zing.” positioning, rendered in red and black graphics.  Support materials also emphasize that Evan Williams Cherry Reserve can be consumed as a shot or in a variety of delicious simple cocktails such as the Cherry Breeze, Cherry Twist Margarita and Cherry Cola.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

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

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the producers of the Burnett’s Gin and Vodka franchise add to the expanding Burnett’s Flavored Vodka line with its 21st flavor -Pineapple.

Burnett’s Vodka, with its superior smoothness positioning, is already one of the hottest selling vodkas on the market.  The full line of 21 Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas – Blueberry, Cherry, Citrus, Coconut, Cranberry, Espresso, Fruit Punch, Grape, Lime, Mango, Orange, Peach, Pink Lemonade, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Sour Apple, Strawberry, Sweet Tea, Vanilla, Watermelon and now Pineapple- has grown to be one of the largest portfolios in the industry.

As with all the flavors, Burnett’s Pineapple delivers the distinctive Burnett’s clarity, smoothness, and all natural flavors in an extremely popular taste profile.  All of the Burnett’s Vodkas are quadruple distilled and triple filtered for uncompromising quality that sets them apart from the competition.  This quality and the distinctive Burnett’s packaging make Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas “clearly superior”.

“We have used our unique product development and positioning strategy to grow the Burnett’s Vodka franchise to include twenty-one innovative flavors,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager.  “With the addition of Pineapple to the flavored vodka line we are able to expand the brand portfolio without cannibalizing existing flavors.”

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 Pineapple Flavored Vodka is 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 $9.99 for a 750ml.  Burnett’s Pineapple Flavored Vodka will be available nationally Summer 2010.

Burnett’s is one of the leading franchises in the distilled spirits industry.  Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has been a regular Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” and Impact “Hot Brand” as one of the fastest growing products in the industry.  Most recently Burnett’s was awarded the “Fast Track Brand 2010” from the Beverage Information Group. The entire line includes the both 80 and 100 proof Vodka, an array of Flavored Vodkas and Ultra Flavored Vodka.  In addition the Burnett’s franchise includes Gin, Rums, and Prepared Cocktails.

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.”

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CONTACT:
Jenny Goodman
Corporate Communications Coordinator
502-413-0235
jgoodman@heavenhill.com

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – The Burnett’s Flavored Vodka portfolio continues to expand with the addition of the 20th flavor – Fruit Punch.  The Flavored Vodka category continues to gain popularity and is one of the most vibrant category segments in the distilled spirits industry.

Since the introduction of its first flavor, Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas have grown to be one of the largest portfolios in the entire industry.  The franchise now includes 20 flavors – Blueberry, Cherry, Citrus, Coconut, Cranberry, Espresso, Grape, Lime, Mango, Orange, Peach, Pink Lemonade, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Sour Apple, Strawberry, Sweet Tea, Vanilla, Watermelon and now Fruit Punch.

“We have taken advantage of the great success and superior quality of Burnett’s Vodka and developed twenty unique flavors,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager.  “With the addition of Fruit Punch to the flavored vodka line, consumers can now enjoy the great taste of Burnett’s Vodka in a new and innovative way.”

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 Fruit Punch Flavored Vodka is 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 $9.99 for a 750ml.  Burnett’s Fruit Punch Flavored Vodka will be available nationally spring 2010.

Burnett’s is one of the leading franchises in the distilled spirits industry.  Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has been a regular Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” and Impact “Hot Brand” 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, Ultras, 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 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.”

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CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Corporate Communications Manager
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum is now available from Heaven Hill Distilleries.  Blackheart is a high-proof spiced rum that embodies an edgy, hip lifestyle with a unique brand story.

Blackheart Rum is named for the sultry seductress of the high seas.  Blackheart is bold and bawdy, cunning and cutthroat, sexy and seductive and left a trail of broken hearts wherever she traveled – that is how she came to be known as Blackheart. This is her rum. 

“With the strength of the rum category, we recognized a great opportunity to deliver a product with a really engaging story,” said Brittany Blevins, Blackheart Brand Manager.  “The core target for this rum embodies the rebellious nature of the Blackheart Rum.  As the high-proof segment of the category grows, we believe Blackheart will be ideally positioned.”

Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum is available in 750ml and 50ml sizes and bottled at 46.5 percent alcohol by volume (93 proof).  The depiction of the infamous Blackheart character is reminiscent of historic pin-up girl artwork.  Her seductive pirate attire is a reflection of the rum’s sassy attitude.  Collectively, the bottle, label art and marketing appeal to a new generation of rum drinkers.  

Available nationally, brand support consists of a comprehensive marketing plan that includes on-and off-premise point-of-sale materials, website (www.blackheartrum.com), and social media activities that embody the brand tagline “Seduction in a Bottle.”

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

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CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Corporate Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
502-413-0220
jhafer@heavenhill.com

Five-time “Whiskey of the Year” winner to launch milestone latest edition with updated labeling

BARDSTOWN, KY—Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage, the world’s only vintage-dated single barrel Bourbon and one of the most critically-acclaimed American Whiskeys available, announces the release of the newest milestone 2000 Vintage—packaged with a striking new label.  Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the second-largest holders of aging American Whiskey in the world and producer of the Evan Williams range of Bourbons, has updated the packaging for the Single Barrel Vintage bottling to better align the look with the flagship Evan Williams Black Label, the world’s second-leading selling Kentucky Bourbon. 

Every year, typically beginning in January, Heaven Hill releases a new and highly anticipated vintage of Evan Williams Single Barrel.  The world-renowned Bourbon has garnered many prestigious awards, including “Spirit of the Year – American Whiskey” from Food & Wine; “Domestic Whiskey of the Year” from Malt Advocate; and “Whiskey of the Year” from The Spirit Journal, the first Bourbon upon which the publication has bestowed this prestigious title.  As with the previous 14 vintages, all of which are now highly sought after collector’s items, each bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel 2000 Vintage Bourbon is marked with the exact date that it was placed in oak and bottled, in addition to the exact serial number of the single barrel from which it was drawn.

The 86.6 proof Bourbon is matured in natural open-rick warehouses under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s father and son Master Distillers, Parker and Craig Beam, who monitor the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality.  The 2000 Vintage will be available nationally beginning in November 2009 at an average retail price of $25.99 for a 750 ml bottle, leading one noted spirits publication to confess, “Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon may be the best value of any whiskey, anywhere.” 

The 2000 Vintage is shipping earlier than any of the previous 14 new vintages, due to strong consumer demand and the stringent quality standards for the super-premium Bourbon.  “We have dumped and individually bottled over 700 ‘honey barrels’ for the 1999 vintage, more than any other prior year, and we feel like we need to switch over to the next vintage a bit earlier than in the past to account for the growing demand,” explained 6th generation Master Distiller Parker Beam.

The new 2000 vintage will also have a distinctive new look.  The labeling, which has remained the same over the prior 14 vintages, is being updated to refresh the package and to graphically tie more strongly into the equity of the Evan Williams family logo, which adorns the second largest selling Bourbon in the United States and the world.  The new packaging utilizes the same elegant bulb-neck bottle as in the past, but the familiar deckled-edge parchment label carrying the “Single Barrel Vintage” branding and “Put in Oak” date seal now has a bold black Evan Williams logotype transecting it.   The back label, which carries hand-written designation of the barrel number, barreling date and bottling date, will remain largely the same, as will the familiar cork and black wax closure. 

The new Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage bottling is traditionally debuted at a stylish “Vintage Unveiling” event for several hundred members of Heaven Hill’s Bardstown Whiskey Society and a select group of whiskey writers, and this year that tradition continued.  On October 24, at the historic Henry Clay Building in Louisville, Society members and select whiskey writers got the opportunity to taste Barrel #1 of the new release straight from the oak cask, brought up from Rickhouse X in Bardstown where it has quietly matured on the top floor since March of 2000.  They also had the opportunity to sample the fine Bourbon reduced to bottling strength of 86.6 proof.  

Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) has a diversified portfolio of brands that 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, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

New 25-year-old version follows the critically-acclaimed 21 and 23-year-old expressions released in prior years

BARDSTOWN, KY—Can the third time possibly be more charming than the first two?  That is the question for American Whiskey enthusiasts as Heaven Hill Distilleries announces the release of the third and final bottling of Rittenhouse Very Rare Single Barrel Rye.  Following the release of the 21-year-old bottling in 2006 and the 23-year-old  in late 2007, the new 25-year-old expression—drawn from the final barrels of the same lot as the first two Rittenhouse Very Rare Single Barrel releases—will have big shoes to fill.

The 21-year-old bottling captured a Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and in November of 2007 the second-edition 23-year-old was released, and it captured the “Best Rye Whiskey” award, and a double gold medal, from the San Francisco Spirits Competition.  And at the San Francisco event the year before, another Rittenhouse version, the Bottled-in-Bond, was named “North American Whiskey of the Year”.  So how can the new 25-year-old release, shipping this November, surpass the accolades of its predecessors?  Time will tell, but Heaven Hill father and son Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam see no discernable drop off in quality in the newest release.

“This whiskey, at 25 years old, pushes the limits of barrel aging like the two releases before it,” observed legendary 6th generation distiller Parker Beam. “But like those earlier releases, these barrels have aged on the very first floor of Rickhouse OO.  The more moderate aging conditions on that low level kept the whiskey from getting too woody and tannic.  And by releasing this as a non-chill filtered product—also like the first two—all the flavorful esters and taste components really come through.  It’s a real marvel of nature!”

With straight rye whiskey enjoying a huge renaissance among both whiskey aficionados and mixologists, the few suppliers that still make and age rye are hard pressed to maintain stocks for their current labels.  Heaven Hill’s Rittenhouse Bottled-in Bond rye is on strict allocation and stocks are extremely limited for the second year in a row.  So when a new bottling of rye whiskey comes out, it is greeted with eager anticipation by the nation’s whiskey-loving populace.   The first two editions of Rittenhouse Very Rare Single Barrel Rye were quickly depleted from Heaven Hill’s warehouse, and with the continuing resurgence of rye there is every reason to believe the third and final edition will sell out just as quickly. 

“A huge and relatively rapid upsurge in demand has made any barrel of rye a highly prized commodity in today’s market,” noted Heaven Hill brand manager Susan Wahl.  “If a 4 year old barrel of rye whiskey is worth its weight in gold, so to speak, then superb barrels of extraordinarily aged rye are priceless.  And American Whiskey connoisseurs, who already consider the first two Rittenhouse Very Rare Single Barrel bottlings to be prized possessions, are in for a real treat with this last edition.”

Rittenhouse Very Rare 25-year-old Single Barrel Rye, which will be available in major metro markets throughout the country for the holiday season at an average retail price of $190 for a 750ml bottle, is a very limited release—only one thousand 3-bottle cases, or a total of 3,000 bottles, will be shipped within the US, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.  The 100 proof  whiskey is very rare, indeed, for a number of reasons—its single barrel designation, its remarkable age, its pedigree as a Heaven Hill straight rye, its lack of chill filtering.  When all combined into one outstanding, impressively dressed package, it will represent a new “holy grail” for American Whiskey and Rye Whiskey lovers.

Rye whiskey has undergone a major resurgence as consumers, energized by the array of specialty Bourbons introduced in the 1990’s and this decade, have reached out to discover other styles of American straight whiskey.  Heaven Hill Distilleries, the country’s second largest producer of Bourbon, also takes great pride in the fact that they are the only one of the nation’s major distillers who make all the recognized styles of American straight whiskey—Bourbon, rye whiskey, corn whiskey, even their Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey.  Rye, which was the first straight whiskey produced in the thirteen colonies and was until the late 20th century the preeminent style of American Straight Whiskey, is prized among whiskey lovers for its sharp, fruity taste and spicy finish.  Heaven Hill was one of three distilleries that kept the rye category alive during the 1970’s and 1980’s, despite stagnant or declining sales.   

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, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heaven-hill.com