Category: New Products

2009 “Golden Anniversary” Bottling Celebrates Master Distiller Parker Beam’s 50 Years of Craftsmanship

BARDSTOWN, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, announces the September release of the third edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection, a limited annual series of rare, aged American Whiskeys that pays tribute to 6th Generation Master Distiller Parker Beam. The third release, the 2009 “Golden Anniversary” edition, specifically celebrates Parker’s 50 years as a distiller, beginning in 1960, by marrying Bourbons from each of his five decades of craftsmanship in a rare and limited bottling. 

The 2009 release of Parker’s Heritage Collection comes on the heels of two of Heaven Hill’s most highly acclaimed whiskeys, the barrel-proof 11-year-old 2007 edition Bourbon that was named one of Malt Advocate “Top Ten New Whiskies of 2007” and placed #21 in F. Paul Pacult’s “111 Best Whiskeys, Brandies, Liqueurs and White Spirits in the World”, and the 27-year-old 2008 Bourbon that won Best of Show, Brown Spirits at the most recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition and was named “North American Whiskey of the Year” by Malt Advocate. The Golden Anniversary edition will be offered nationally in a 750ml bottle, like the previous two Parker’s Heritage Collection releases, and will be bottled at 100 proof with an average retail price of $150. The entire production run will only number 1500 three bottle cases, which will be allocated across the country and in select international markets and which will undoubtedly sell out as quickly as the previous editions.

Only Heaven Hill Distilleries, with the world’s second largest inventory of aging Bourbon and nearly 50% of the world’s supply of Bourbon barrels over 8 years old, could bring these rare and aged whiskeys to market. Parker Beam, along with his son Craig, oversees one of the world’s most highly esteemed distilling operations, where renowned brands such as Elijah Craig, Old Fitzgerald, and Evan Williams, the world’s second largest selling Bourbon, are produced according to Parker and Craig’s seven-generation- old family recipe and yeast strain. Aged in traditional open-rick warehouses in Nelson County, the Bourbons used to make the Golden Anniversary edition were personally selected and married together by Parker, with the majority of the whiskey aged 10 to 20 years, and much lesser amounts of older whiskey.

To create the rare marriage of whiskeys, barrels from the 1970’s and 80’s were pulled from a variety of 3rd floor locations where temperatures are more variable. Barrels from the 1990’s and 2000’s were pulled from the highest floors in the rickhouse where greater temperature swings promote the aging process. These were combined with a very small amount of Bourbon from the 1960’s to complete the five decade blend.

“This superlative Bourbon, a fitting tribute to an industry icon, has been 50 years in the making,” commented Susan Wahl, brand manager for whiskeys at Heaven Hill. “The superior quality of the whiskey, its scarcity, and the fact that it is in recognition of a beloved figure in the American distilling industry should combine to make this a highly-sought after bottling.”

Packaged in the same bottle as the 2007 and 2008 editions, the Parker’s Heritage Collection Golden Anniversary bottling carries a distinctive gold and buff face label rather than the black and gold label of the previous two releases. It also features the cork closure and black and gold capsule of the prior Cask Strength and 27-Year-Old versions.

“I’m honored that Heaven Hill is recognizing my 50 years with this bottling, and I’m also excited that I was able to select and combine Bourbons of such varying ages,” stated Parker Beam. “This was a fun and rewarding project and I hope everyone agrees with me that we have created a very special Bourbon, with blending unlike any other.”

Future editions of Parker’s Heritage Collection, to be released annually every Fall, will feature unique expressions of American Whiskey styles drawn from Heaven Hill’s inventory of more than 700,000 aging barrels. Heaven Hill, as the only remaining national distiller that produces Bourbon, Rye, Corn and Wheat Whiskeys (Tennessee Whiskey being the remaining straight whiskey type, which must by law be made in Tennessee), has in its rickhouses more American Whiskey styles/types than any other producer—barrels that would typically be dumped for acclaimed brands like Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Bourbon, Rittenhouse Rye, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey and Mellow Corn Corn Whiskey.

But Parker Beam, who oversees all aspects of whiskey production, aging and selection at Heaven Hill alongside his son Craig, much as Parker did with his father Earl, has earmarked select barrels of each of these styles to be dumped for future editions of Parker’s Heritage Collection.

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 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 Director
Heaven Hill Distilleries
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

For Immediate Release

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – The Burnett’s Flavored Vodka portfolio continues to grow with the addition of the 19th flavor – Pink Lemonade.  Burnett’s continues to expand the franchise with the development of innovative new flavors.

Now one of the largest flavor portfolios in the industry, there are 19 flavors in the line, including Blueberry, Cherry, Citrus, Coconut, Cranberry, Espresso, Grape, Lime, Mango, Orange, Peach, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Sour Apple, Strawberry, Sweet Tea, Vanilla and Watermelon, in addition to the new Pink Lemonade.

“Consumers continue to seek great new flavors in for their favorite drinks and new creations,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager. “We feel we have responded with some unique introductions like Sweet Tea and Pink Lemonade that do not necessarily conform to a standard fruit lineup.”

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 Pink Lemonade is available in P.E.T. 1.75 liter/50ml and glass 1.0 liter/750 ml sizes and bottled at 35% alcohol by volume (70 proof).

Burnett’s is one of the leading franchises in the distilled spirits industry.  Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has been an regular Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” and Impact “Hot Brand” as one of the fastest growing products in the entire industry.  The entire line includes the flagship Vodka, an array of Flavored Vodkas, Gin, 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 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, Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries has introduced Mint Chocolate and Caramel flavors for its popular O’Mara’s Irish Country Cream. The rich cream of imported O’Mara’s Irish Country Cream is now enhanced by the decadent flavor of mint chocolate and caramel flavoring – a pairing served well after dinner or over ice.

“Growth for O’Mara’s has been exceptional since its introduction,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “The addition of these flavors should serve to expand our shelf presence nationally and stimulate interest in a quietly strong segment.”

O’Mara’s Mint Chocolate and Caramel Irish Country Creams are available nationally in 750 ml and bottled at 13.9 percent alcohol by volume (27.8 proof).

O’Mara’s Irish Country Cream is the first Irish cream to incorporate fine wine in its unique blending process which provides a distinctly smooth flavor without a hint of harsh aftertaste. The wine base opens up additional retail distribution opportunities in non-traditional outlets including wine-only on-premise locations and grocery stores.

The brand is hand-crafted in the heart of Ireland’s dairy region by Pat O’Mara & Co., of Abbyleix, Ireland, an independent Irish-owned beverage company, using only the freshest cream from the neighboring dairy.

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

The 14th Annual Edition of the Award-Winning Vintage-Dated Bourbon Makes Its Debut in Event for Bardstown Bourbon Society

LOUISVILLE, Ky. –   Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. unveiled its newest vintage of Evan Williams Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the 1999 Vintage, in a private event for the company’s Bardstown Bourbon Society members.

Heaven Hill, the nation’s largest remaining family-owned, independent spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Bourbon, offered a sneak peak of the 14^th vintage in the landmark series for 500 society members in an elegant setting at Louisville’s Palace Theater.

The members of the Bardstown Bourbon Society, Heaven Hill Distilleries’ consumer Bourbon aficionado group, came from sixteen different states, all for an opportunity to sample the latest offering from 6^th and 7^th generation Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam, tasted both straight from barrel #1 and in its final bottled form.

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 Parker Beam.  “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.”

As with the previous 13 vintages, which are now highly sought after collector’s items, each bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel 1999 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.  The 1999 Vintage will be available nationally beginning in January 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.”

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, Lunazul Tequilas, 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

Only 225 Bottles of 225-Month-Old Bourbon To Be Sold at Bardstown, Kentucky Visitor’s Center

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned distilled spirits producer and marketer, announces the release of a special limited edition Bourbon bottling commemorating the 225th anniversary of the birth date of William Heavenhill, the Nelson County farmer and distiller after whom the company is named.  The William Heavenhill Signature 225th birth date special limited edition, available only at the retail gift shop at Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown, KY, is a small batch Bourbon aged for 225 months (18 years, 9 months) and bottled at the barrel proof of 127.6 (63.8% alcohol by volume).

 

William Heavenhill was born on September 15, 1783 (according to local legend, he was born in the midst of a surprise Indian attack which forced his mother to give birth underneath a waterfall where she was hiding) and became a Bardstown farmer and distiller of repute. His limestone spring is the same that inspired the name of Heaven Hill Distilleries, which has since grown to become the world’s second largest holder of aging American Whiskey with over 700,000 barrels in inventory, on the very same land where William once grew corn for his whiskey.

 

It is only fitting then that the bottling that marks his 225th birthday should be rare and unique, with each bottle filled and assembled completely by hand.  The antique-style round shouldered 750ml bottle is thick and heavy, finished with a cork and sealed with hand-dipped metallic copper wax.  The labels use a textured paper stock with deep red and matte metallic copper inks.  The barrel proof and bottle number are each individually written on a separate label.  The entire bottle is then nestled in an elegant gift box

made of oak, laser engraved with the logo and bearing a label telling the story of William Heavenhill and his connection to Heaven Hill Distilleries.

 

The William Heavenhill Signature Commemorative Bourbon bottling will only be available as long as the stock of 225 bottles remains at the Bourbon Heritage Center at a price of $500 per 750ml bottle.  Each bottle will also be individually autographed by Heaven Hill Distilleries Master Distiller Parker Beam.  This special limited edition bottling will be the second exclusive, rare bottling available only at the Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center—the other being the export-only Evan Williams 23-year-old, which sells for $350 at the Center.

 

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.”

 

CONTACT:

Larry Kass

Director of Corporate Communications

Heaven Hill Distilleries

(502) 413-0220

lkass@heaven-hill.com

 

 

2008 release is a 27-year-old Bourbon hand selected by legendary Master Distiller Parker Beam

 

BARDSTOWN, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned spirits producer and marketer, announces the release of the second edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection, a limited annual series of rare, aged American Whiskeys that pays tribute to 6^th Generation Master Distiller Parker Beam.  The second release, a very small batch of 27-year-old barrels bottled at 96 proof, follows on the heels of the sold-out 2007 first edition, a barrel-proof Bourbon which was named as the 21^st top spirit in the world by renowned expert F. Paul Pacult in his 2008 book Kindred Spirits 2.

This second edition, which will be appearing on retail shelves in October and November, will be drawn from 100 barrels hand selected by legendary Master Distiller Parker Beam.  Even though these barrels will have matured for a full 27 years in Heaven Hill’s Warehouse U in Bardstown, Parker intentionally selected barrels that matured on the lower floors of the rickhouse (the third floor of seven), meaning that the low storage, where high temperatures can run 6 to 10 degrees below those on the sixth and seventh floors, mitigated the potential effects of overaging.   This 2008 Parker’s Heritage Collection will be available in limited quantities nationally in major metro markets for an average retail price of $200 per bottle.

 

Future editions of Parker’s Heritage Collection, to be released annually every Fall, will feature unique expressions of American Whiskey styles drawn from Heaven Hill’s inventory of more than 700,000 aging barrels, the world’s second largest holdings.  Heaven Hill, as the only remaining national distiller that produces Bourbon, Rye, Corn and Wheat Whiskeys (Tennessee Whiskey being the remaining straight whiskey type, which must be law be made in Tennessee), has in its rickhouses more whiskey styles/types than any other producer, barrels that would typically be dumped for acclaimed brands like Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Bourbon, Rittenhouse and Pikesville Ryes, Mellow Corn Corn Whiskey and Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey. But Parker Beam, who oversees all aspects of whiskey production at Heaven Hill alongside his son Craig, much as Parker did with his father Earl, has earmarked select barrels of each of these styles to be dumped for future editions of Parker’s Heritage Collection.

 

“This second release is a Bourbon that only Heaven Hill could offer,” commented Parker Beam.  “Today’s American Whiskey connoisseur is looking for exceptional characteristics in their products, and clearly this Bourbon delivers a lot of age.  But I wanted to make sure that the barrel didn’t overwhelm the grain notes of this bottling, so I intentionally sought out barrels from the lower floors.  This Bourbon is 27 years old, but in my opinion drinks more like our 18-year-old Elijah Craig Single Barrel, drawn from the top floors, or even some of our 15-year-old export Bourbons.”

 

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.     

 

 

CONTACT:

Larry Kass

Director of Corporate Communications

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

(502) 413-0220

lkass@heaven-hill.com

 

 

Georgia Moon Peach and Lemonade flavors leverage trend to infuse fruit into clear spirits

For release:   July 31, 2008

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned spirits producer and marketer and the second-largest holder of aging American Whiskey, has added two new flavored line extensions to its Georgia Moon Corn Whiskey Brand, the top selling Corn Whiskey in the US.  Taking advantage of the unprecedented popularity of American Whiskeys, and the growing Corn Whiskey sub-segment, as well as the trend toward infusing fresh fruits into clear spirits, Heaven Hill is launching Georgia Moon Peach and Georgia Moon Lemonade Flavored Corn Whiskeys nationally.  The new flavors will be offered in September at 70 proof in the highly recognizable 750ml glass mason jar.

Made with real natural peach and lemon flavors, respectively, Georgia Moon Peach and Lemonade Flavored Corn Whiskey take advantage of heightened consumer interest in both unique American Whiskey products and flavored spirits.  “We have seen strong resurgence in Georgia Moon and Corn Whiskey sales as consumers really explore American Whiskeys,” noted Heaven Hill Brand Manager Susan Wahl.  “And of course interest in flavored spirits has remained strong across a number of categories, so we felt like the convergence of these trends was natural in Georgia Moon Peach and Lemonade.  Though the category is small, Georgia Moon is the top selling Corn Whiskey in the nation, and is growing at a nice clip.  This will be a strong seller for us in traditional and in developing markets.”

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.

 

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

 

CONTACT:
Larry Kass

Director of Corporate Communications

Heaven Hill Distilleries

(502) 413-0220

lkass@heaven-hill.com

BARDSTOWN, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., producers of the Burnett’s Gin and Vodka franchise, have added Strawberry as the 16^th flavor to one of the industry’s largest portfolios of flavored vodka.  Burnett’s Strawberry is the newest addition to the popular flavors which includes Blueberry, Cherry, Citrus, Coconut, Cranberry, Grape, Lime, Mango, Orange, Peach, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Sour Apple, Vanilla and Watermelon.

Burnett’s is an established vodka franchise with tremendous opportunity as one of the largest portfolios of flavored vodkas in the world.  The new extension uses the same quadruple distillation and triple filtering process as the other varieties, providing clarity and superior smoothness.

Burnett’s Strawberry Vodka is available in P.E.T. 1.75 liter and glass 1.0 liter/750 ml sizes and bottled at 35% alcohol by volume (70 proof).

“Flavored vodkas continue to enrich the growing diversity of flavors in the spirits industry,” said Reid Hafer, Brand Manager for Heaven Hill’s Burnett’s franchise. “Strawberry is a strong addition to our Burnett’s portfolio and one, we hope, will help consumers to experiment and enjoy cocktails.”

The launch of the new flavor will be supported by POS for both 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.

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.

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

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CONTACT:

Josh Hafer

Corporate Communications Manager

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

(502) 413-0219

jhafer@heaven-hill.com