Category: Personnel

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Tyler Tramuta Named Heaven Hill Colorado Regional Manager

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BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries has promoted Tyler Tramuta to Colorado Regional Manager. Tramuta will be responsible for the entire Heaven Hill portfolio throughout the state. He will report to Steve Alexander, United Division Manager for Heaven Hill.

Tramuta joined the company in 2010 as Colorado Area Manager. Prior to joining Heaven Hill, Tyler worked in off-premise merchandising.

“Tyler’s promotion is a reflection of the success he has had with our organization,” said Steve Feller, Vice President of North American Sales. “We have great confidence that Tyler will continue to serve the market well in this new position.”

Tramuta is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado. He resides in Denver, CO.

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: Tyler_Tramuta
Password: heavenhill

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Lynne Grant of Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Bourbon Heritage Center Wins Inaugural “Whisky Visitor Center Manager of the Year” Award

FOR RELEASE: For Immediate Release

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Native of Scotland has Managed the Award-Winning Visitor’s Center on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® for 8 Years

LOUISVILLE, KY—Lynne Grant, Director of Guest Services for Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown, KY has been named the first winner of the “Whisky Visitor Center Manager of the Year” award given by Whisky Magazine at the annual “Icons of Whisky—America” awards on September 18 at the Seelbach Hilton Hotel in Louisville. The Bourbon Heritage Center, one of the official stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, is the most visited tourist attraction in Bardstown and is a two time past winner of the “Visitor’s Attraction of the Year” at the” Icons of Whisky—America” awards.

The “Icons of Whisky” awards are given annually by United Kingdom-based Whisky Magazine to “celebrate the people and places behind the great whiskies of the world”, and in April 2013 the USA winners of the “Icons of Whisky” regional awards will compete against winners from Scotland, Ireland, Japan and the rest of the whisky-making world for the worldwide title.

In awarding the first-ever “Whisky Visitor Center Manager of the Year” title on Grant, Whisky Magazine noted that Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center “is a must-stop for visitors to the Bourbon Trail, and…visitors rave about the experience they had visiting the Center and learning from Lynne’s team. We also recognize the role she’s played in helping to select special bottlings to sell at the Center.”

Heaven Hill Executive Vice President Harry J. Shapira, who is responsible for Heaven Hill’s visitor hospitality initiatives, stated that “this honor not only reflects well on the Bourbon Heritage Center and Lynne but also on the dedicated staff of Bourbon Hosts that she has assembled. She and her whole staff provide information and education, but in a very warm and inviting way, leading to the success and reputation of the Bourbon Heritage Center. We look forward to bringing this same kind of visitor-focused management to bear when we open our Evan Williams Bourbon Experience facility in downtown Louisville next Fall.”

Grant joined Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Bourbon Heritage Center after eight years developing The Famous Grouse Experience in Crieff Scotland. Prior to her work at The Famous Grouse, Grant worked at the renowned Macallan and Highland Park Distilleries and the most visited distillery attraction in Scotland –the Glenturret Distillery. She is currently Vice Chairman of the Bardstown-Nelson County Tourist & Convention Commission.

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:
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: Lynne_Grant

Password: heavenhill 

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Heaven Hill Names Bernie Lubbers American Whiskey Brand Ambassador

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HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES, INC. NAMES BERNIE LUBBERS AMERICAN WHISKEY BRAND AMBASSADOR

Renowned “Whiskey Professor” to Promote Heaven Hill’s Diverse Collection of Bourbons and American Whiskeys

BARDSTOWN, (Ky.) – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has hired Bernie Lubbers as American Whiskey Brand Ambassador, supporting the sales and marketing efforts of its portfolio of award-winning specialty whiskey brands.

In his new role, Lubbers will further enhance the ascending profile of the Heaven Hill American Whiskey Collection among both consumers and trade. In addition, he will educate these parties on history, production, laws and standards of the products in the Heaven Hill American Whiskey family. He will be concentrating on Heaven Hill’s specialty bourbons including Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage, Elijah Craig, Parker’s Heritage Collection, the just-launched Larceny brand, as well as critically-acclaimed Rittenhouse Rye, and Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey. Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey portfolio has been recognized with “Distiller of the Year” awards by both Whiskey Advocate and Whisky Magazine.

Before joining Heaven Hill, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated marketer and producer of distilled spirits, and the world’s second largest holder of aging Bourbon, Lubbers spent 7 years in the supplier tier implementing special training and educational programs with consumers and trade. He is widely known as “The Whiskey Professor”, having authored the 2011 book Bourbon Whiskey—Our Native Spirit, and hosting the popular website www.whiskeyprof.com. Lubbers is a past winner of the “Global Ambassador of the Year” award in Whisky Magazine’s “Icons of Whisky” presentation, is cited in numerous trade publications and has served as judge at whiskey competitions.

“Bernie brings a tremendous amount of industry and brand ambassador experience and will be invaluable in furthering our American Whiskey Brand Ambassador program,” noted Steve Feller, Vice President of North American Sales for Heaven Hill Distilleries. “Having someone of his knowledge and reputation in the market to educate consumers and both on- and off-premise trade will be a great asset as we continue to grow our portfolio of world-renowned American Whiskeys.”

Originally from Louisville, KY, Lubbers graduated with a B.A. in Business from the University of Kentucky. He resides full time in Louisville, where he is also a musician and comedian.

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: Bernie_ Lubbers

Password: heavenhill

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Rob Hutchins Named Kentucky/ Tennessee Regional Manager

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Rob Hutchins Named Kentucky/Tennessee Regional Manager

BARDSTOWN, KY – Rob Hutchins has been named Kentucky/Tennessee Regional Manager for Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. In his new position, Hutchins will report to Divisional Manager Steve Alexander.

For the past three years, Hutchins served as the company’s North American Whiskey Ambassador. The role supported the company’s extensive American Whiskey portfolio. Prior to joining Heaven Hill, Hutchins spent 14 years in the industry with both the wholesale and supplier tiers.

“Rob has been a valuable member of our team as our first North American Whiskey Ambassador,” said Steve Feller, Vice President – North American Sales. “His experiences in that role over the past three years will serve him well in Kentucky and Tennessee. We are fortunate to have him in this position.”

Originally from Danville, Ky., Hutchins graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Kentucky. He continues to reside in Louisville, Ky. with his family.

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
Corporate Communications Manager
(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: Rob_Hutchins

Password: heavenhill

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Heaven Hill Hires Shane Colwell in National Account Sales Division

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HEAVEN HILL HIRES SHANE COLWELL IN NATIONAL ACCOUNT SALES DIVISION

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has added Shane Colwell as Chain Account Regional Manager to the off-premise national accounts sales team. In his role with Heaven Hill, he will manage sales and marketing programs for Midwest-based national accounts, reporting to Mike Sporich, U.S. National Account Divisional Manager.

Colwell previously managed chain accounts in Michigan for Great Lakes Wine & Spirits. His background includes on- and off-premise sales throughout Michigan.

“National Accounts are a source of great opportunity for Heaven Hill,” said Steve Feller, Vice President, North American Sales. “We are confident that Shane will help us grow this important area of business in the long term.”

Colwell resides in Rochester Hills, MI with his wife Shannon and two children.

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

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Michelle Shaw Joins Heaven Hill Distilleries Florida Sales Team

FOR RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MICHELLE SHAW JOINS HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES FLORIDA SALES TEAM

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has added Michelle Shaw as the On-premise Area Manager for South Florida. In her position, Shaw will be responsible for executing on-premise sales and marketing programs.

For two years, Shaw has worked with Heaven Hill as a Promotional Assistant executing events for a variety of products in the Heaven Hill portfolio. Her background includes work with Southern Wine & Spirits and on-premise wine sales.

“Florida is an important market,” said said Steve Feller, Vice President, North American Sales. “Having someone with Michelle’s experience in the market and industry is a valuable addition for Heaven Hill.

Shaw attended University of Central Florida and will be based out of Miami.

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

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Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Adds Joe Fraser, Vice President of Operations

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BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries has hired Joe Fraser to be its new Vice President of Operations. In the position, Fraser leads Heaven Hill’s manufacturing and supply chain operations, including overall responsibility for the Bardstown bottling plant, Bernheim distillery and barrel warehouse operations.

“Joe brings extraordinary  experience and knowledge in food and beverage manufacturing to our company,” said Chief Operating Officer, Allan Latts. “It is talent like Joe’s that will enable us to continue to grow our business and enhance the effectiveness of our operations platform.”

Previously, Fraser was Director of Packaging Operations at Treasury Wine Estates in Napa, California where he managed the bottling and logistics for this top three global wine producer.  Prior to that, he served as Vice President, Operations and Supply Chain at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, a top ten North American wine company.

Fraser succeeds current Vice President of Operations David Hobbs who is retiring from Heaven Hill in December after 41 years with the company.

Fraser is a graduate of the Canadian School of Management and Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. He and his wife, Linda, reside in Bardstown.

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
jhafer@heavenhill.com
502-413-0219

 

 

 

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Adds Walter Simonz Wisconsin Regional Manager

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has added Walter Simonz to its sales team as Wisconsin Regional Manager.  He will be responsible for management of the Heaven Hill product portfolio throughout the state.

Simonz has almost 30 years of experience in the beverage alcohol industry.  His experience includes portfolio management, marketing and  business analysis.

“Wally is a great addition to Heaven Hill,” said Steve Feller, Vice President, North American sales for Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “He offers a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success.”

Simonz graduated from the University of Wisconsin. He and his family currently reside in Milwaukee, WI.

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
Corporate Communications Manager
jhafer@heavenhill.com
502-413-0219

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Randy Rain Joins Heaven Hill Distilleries Sales Force

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has added Randy R. Rain to its sales team as Southwest Regional Manager.  He will be responsible for management of the Heaven Hill product portfolio throughout Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico.

Rain has 15 years of management experience in the beverage alcohol industry with Glazer’s Texas and Southern Wine & Spirits Arizona.  In addition, his experience includes restaurant, wine and financial management.

“Randy will be a valuable addition to Heaven Hill,” said Steve Feller, Vice President, North American sales for Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “He delivers a rich understanding of the industry. His background and experience will serve the Heaven Hill portfolio of brands well.”

Rain graduated from McLennan Community College in Texas.  He currently resides in Phoenix, AZ.

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
Corporate Communications Manager
502-413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com

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Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. appoints Steven E. Feller Vice President of North American Sales

Elected Officer of Company After Guiding Sales Efforts for 18 Years

LOUISVILLE, KY–Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. announced today that current Director of North American Sales Steve Feller has been elected as a Vice President, recognizing his 18 years of service to the company and his last five years leading sales efforts in the U.S. and Canada.

Heaven Hill Distilleries, the largest independent family-owned and operated distilled spirits supplier, is the producer of such renowned category leading brands as Evan Williams Bourbon, Christian Brothers Brandy, Burnett’s Vodkas and Hpnotiq Liqueur, and under Feller’s guidance has leveraged strong sales growth to become the nation’s seventh largest spirits supplier.

Feller, who will continue to lead the company’s overall sales efforts in North America and report to Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira, joined Heaven Hill in 1992, progressing in the sales organization to become Director of North American Sales in 2005.  Prior to coming to Heaven Hill, Feller was with Glenmore Distilleries and United Distillers.  He is a graduate of the University of Louisville and holds an MBA from Bellarmine University.

“In his new position, Steve will continue to provide the leadership that has driven our robust growth during his tenure,” commented Heaven Hill President Shapira.

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