Rob Rubinstein joins Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. as National Operations Manager

Industry veteran to fill new role at nation’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits supplier

LOUISVILLE, KY–Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. announced today that distilled spirits industry veteran Robert F. Rubinstein has joined the company, effective August 9th.  Rubinstein was named to the newly-created position of National Sales Operations Manager, reporting to and working with Heaven Hill Director of North American Sales Steve Feller to optimize the company’s growing sales infrastructure.

Heaven Hill Distilleries, the largest independent family-owned and operated distilled spirits supplier, will be utilizing Rubinstein’s sales management experience to further the company’s ongoing alignment of sales processes and resources with short and long-term performance goals.  Heaven Hill is the producer of such renowned category leading brands as Evan Williams Bourbon, Christian Brothers Brandy, Burnett’s Vodka and Hpnotiq Liqueur, and has leveraged strong sales growth to become the nation’s seventh largest overall spirits supplier.

Rubinstein joins Heaven Hill after 13 years with Sidney Frank Importing Company as Director of Sales Analysis and Planning.  Prior to that, he served as a Senior Business Analyst for Bacardi USA’s Eastern and Mid-Atlantic Divisions.  Originally from the New York area, Rubinstein is a graduate of Binghamton University/State University of New York, and holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut.  He will be relocating from New York with his wife Jennifer and two children to Louisville, where he will be officed.

“We are extraordinarily pleased to have an executive with Rob’s track record join us at this time of such robust growth for the company,” commented Heaven Hill Distilleries Director of North American Sales Steve Feller. “He and I, along with our Sales Division Managers, will be refining and building our sales organization for even greater success in the ever-changing distilled spirits landscape.”

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

Heaven Hill Distilleries Announces Release of the Fourth Annual Edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection

Cask strength, wheated 10-year-old Bourbon promises to be worthy next entrant in highly decorated whiskey series

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 fourth 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 fourth release is a cask-strength, non-chill filtered wheated Bourbon, meaning it uses soft winter wheat instead of rye as the “small grain” to produce a less spicy, rounder Bourbon.

This year’s release of Parker’s Heritage Collection follows last year’s “Golden Anniversary” Bourbon edition, which captured the “American Whiskey of the Year” award from Malt Advocate Magazine, in addition to being named “World’s Best New Release” in Whisky Magazine’s annual 2010 World Whiskey Awards. The 2009 release, a 27-year-old Bourbon, was the first American Whiskey to ever win “Best of Show, Brown Spirits” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The new release marks the first in the Parker’s Heritage Collection to depart from the traditional Heaven Hill rye-based Bourbon mashbill.  Instead of the more commonly used corn/malted barley/rye recipe, the newest edition uses corn, malted barley and Kentucky winter wheat.  This recipe was first used at Heaven Hill in the spring of 1999, after the company acquired the wheated Old Fitzgerald line of Bourbons.  This new bottling of Parker’s Heritage Collection will mark the first release of Heaven Hill made, extra-aged wheated Bourbon.  And it will delight whiskey connoisseurs because not only is it non-chill filtered, but it also is being released in two very small batch dumps at barrel proof.  And like the previous three editions, it is being released in very limited quantities–only 52 barrels, kept in high storage in open rick warehouses, were dumped for this edition, yielding approximately 4,800 bottles for the United States and limited international distribution.

And in what will be welcome news in still-unsettled economic times, the fourth release, at $79.99, is priced considerably lower than previous releases, which carried an average national retail price of $150 for last year’s “Golden Anniversary” bottling and$200 for the 27-year-old Bourbon released two years ago.  Whiskey aficionados will also appreciate that the natural esters and fatty acids, which are by-products of whiskey distillation and aging, are not stripped away from the Bourbon in a process known as chill filtering, but are left in the whiskey to provide a fuller taste profile and richer mouthfeel.

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous three editions, the Parker’s Heritage Collection Wheated Bourbon is available in a three bottle case that should start hitting retail shelves during September, nationally recognized as the start of the Bourbon season.

“I am genuinely excited to introduce a nicely aged, cask-strength wheated Bourbon for this next version of my Parker’s Heritage Collection,” noted Heaven Hill’s Parker Beam.  “At this age and barrel-proof, is how a wheated Bourbon shows best…it has the caramel and smoke notes that only ten years in the top floors of our rickhouses can produce.  And it has the long, smooth finish that I always look for in a Bourbon, with that softness that wheat brings to the recipe. I am very pleased that we now have wheated Bourbon that I feel has aged long enough to wear my name on the label.”

Only Heaven Hill Distilleries, with the world’s second largest inventory of aging Bourbon and over 50% of the world’s supply of Bourbon barrels over 8 years old, could bring such 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.

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

Heaven Hill Distilleries Names Jessica L. Butt Metro New York Sales Manager

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest, family-owned and operated marketer and producer of distilled spirits, announces the promotion of Jessica L. Butt to Metro New York Sales Manager.  Jessica, who previously held the position of Metro New York On-Premise Market Manager for the past three years, will expand her activity to include all facets of managing the Heaven Hill brand portfolio, both on- and off-premise, in Metro New York.  Jessica will continue to report to Edward J. DiMuro, New York Region Sales Manager.

“Jessica has forged strong relationships with all the key on-premise owners and mixologists, and through the unique nature of the Metro New York market, has also worked with many of the key New York City retailers,” said Director of North American Sales, Steve Feller.   “Expanding her responsibilities to include both off- and on-premise was a clear opportunity to build on our already strong presence in this bellwether market.”

Jessica joined Heaven Hill after a successful career at the Hart Agency, an on- and off-premise promotions company based out of New York City.  Jessica, who is originally from Massapequa, NY, graduated as a member of the Dean’s List from Towson University in 2006 with a major in Mass Communications.  She currently resides in Massapequa, New York.

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
Corporate Communications Director
502-413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. hires American Whiskey Brand Ambassador

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

In his new role, Hutchins will be responsible for the development and implementation of a fully integrated national program to continue to enhance the profile of the Heaven Hill specialty American Whiskeys 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 Whiskey family.  He will be concentrating on Heaven Hill’s specialty bourbons including Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage, Elijah Craig, and Parker’s Heritage Collection as well as the critically acclaimed Rittenhouse Rye, and Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey.  Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey portfolio was just recognized with a second consecutive “Distiller of the Year” award in Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky North America competition.

Before joining Heaven Hill, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated, marketer and producer of distilled spirits, Hutchins spent 14 years in the industry with both the wholesale and supplier tiers.  Most recently he implemented special training and educational programs with consumers and trade.

“Rob brings a tremendous amount of industry experience and will be an integral part of formulating and implementing our American Whiskey Brand Ambassador program,” noted Steve Feller, Director, North American Sales for Heaven Hill Distilleries. “Having someone of his knowledge 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 Danville, Ky., Hutchins graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Kentucky.  He will reside full time in Louisville, Ky.

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; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, and Lunazul Tequila.

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

Whisk, Bake or Sauté Your Way to the 2010 Food & Wine Classic in Aspen with PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur

Call for Entries Begins October 15; Online Voting Begins November 16, Winner Announced January 16

NEW YORK (October 9. 2009) PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur has teamed up with FOOD & WINE Magazine to host the “Cooking with PAMA” Contest.  “PAMA is the perfect ingredient in any dish.  The bouquet is appealing, ripe, fruity and berry like and adds a sophisticated flavor to any dish,” said Reid M. Hafer, Senior Brand Manager for PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur.  “We are all more kitchen confident thanks to the popularity of great cooking programs on TV.  The nice thing about this contest is that the Grand Prize enables the winner to be part of the landscape food, wine and entertaining trends at the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen,” she continued.

Entrants are invited to submit an appetizer, entrée or dessert recipe using at least 3 TBSP of PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur through Facebook at www.facebook.com/pamaliqueur no later than November 15.  Entries must be accompanied by a photo of the dish.

From November 16 – December 15, fans can vote on Facebook for their favorite recipe.  The ten (10) entries receiving the greatest number of votes along with 10 entries selected by the PAMA Panel will be named Voter Finalists.  The twenty Finalists will be judged by Bravo’s Top Chef cheftestants, Spike Mendelsohn, Jeff McInnis and Lee Ann Wong, to determine the Grand Prize winner and three First Prize Winners.  All winners will be announced on January 16, 2010.  Official Rules are available at www.facebook.com/pamaliqueur.

PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur captures the essence of all natural pomegranates with their complex, sweet yet tart taste and seductive ruby color.  PAMA is made from all natural pomegranate juice, premium vodka and a touch of imported tequila.   It’s outstanding in popular cocktails such as the Martini, Cosmopolitan or Margarita. PAMA is bottled at 17% alcohol by volume and is available in 1.75L, 1.0L, 750ml, 375ml and 50ml sizes.

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

Heaven Hill Distilleries Adds Art Riley To Sales Force

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. added Art Riley to its sales team as Regional Manager for Louisiana and Arkansas.  Riley will be responsible for management of Heaven Hill products on- and off-premise.

Riley brings 15 years of management in the beverage alcohol industry.  During that time he served a variety of divisions within Glazer’s of Louisiana, including beer, wine and spirits.

“Art brings a valuable set of skills to Heaven Hill Distilleries,” said Director of North American Sales, Steve Feller.  “His relationship with our customers in Arkansas and Louisiana will serve us well.”

Riley graduated with a B.S. in Marketing from the University of New Orleans.  He currently resides in Abita Springs, LA.

Art will report to Division Manager John Smart.  He can be reached via email at ariley@heavenhill.com and phone at 985-893-0359 (h) or 985-966-0515 (m). 

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; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, and Lunazul Tequila.

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

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Elects Allan Latts Chief Operating Officer

Current Director of Corporate Planning named first COO in company’s 75 year history

BARDSTOWN, KY–Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest family-owned and operated distilled spirits producer and marketer, elected Allan Latts as its first ever Chief Operating Officer (COO).  Latts has been serving as Heaven Hill’s Director of Corporate Planning since he joined the company in 2001.

In his role as COO, Latts will be responsible for oversight and continuous improvement of internal operations that create and deliver Heaven Hill’s portfolio of distilled spirits products, one of the largest and most diverse in the industry.  Specifically, Latts’ responsibilities include leading strategic planning and business development efforts; oversight and management of internal operations; and development of new company policies, procedures, and processes to enable future growth.

Latts joined Heaven Hill after a successful career in Finance at Cincinnati-based Procter & Gamble.  He served in various roles in the Food and Beverage Division, advancing to the position of Finance Manager for Folgers Coffee, one of P&G’s largest and most profitable brands.  After five years with Procter & Gamble, he left to join Heaven Hill as Director of Corporate Planning.

Latts, who is originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, graduated Cum Laude with Distinction from Duke University in 1991 with a major in Public Policy Studies, and earned his MBA from Duke in 1996 where he was named a Fuqua Scholar, an honor given to the top 10% of graduating students.

A 2005 graduate of Leadership Louisville, Latts’ charitable activities include serving on the Board of Governors of the J.B. Speed Art Museum where he is currently chairman of the Investment Committee and member of the Executive Committee.  Allan is also co-chair of the Glacier Run Capital Campaign for the Louisville Zoo, and a past Vice Chairman and Director of the Kentucky Manufacturers Assistance Corporation.  He is also past chair of the Young Adult Division of the Jewish Federation and currently serves on the Jewish Community of Louisville’s finance committee.

“Allan’s election as Chief Operating Officer, the first in the history of the company, is recognition both of his contributions to Heaven Hill’s growth and of our commitment to best management practices,” asserted Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira.  “Allan, along with his wife Kate, our Director of Marketing, and my son Andy Shapira, our Director of Sales Analysis, represent the third generation of our family’s leadership, and they possess the vision and capability to take Heaven Hill to even greater heights in the future.”

Heaven Hill, founded in 1934 by Max Shapira’s father and four uncles, has grown to become the nation’s seventh-largest distilled spirits supplier and second-largest holder of aging American Whiskey.

Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.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

 

Tracy Mutter Named San Francisco On-Premise Area Manager

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. announces that Tracy Mutter has been named the On-premise Area Manager for San Francisco.  Tracy will be responsible for overseeing sales and development for all on-premise accounts in the San Francisco area, working closely with Young’s Market Company.  She will report to Heaven Hill Area Manager for California Phil Giammona and Heaven Hill Regional Manager Mark Hurwin.

Tracy comes to Heaven Hill with previous experience in the industry selling wine and spirits for Young’s Market Company. Before joining the workforce Tracy received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from San Francisco State University. Tracy, her husband Scott and three year old daughter Lindsey currently reside in Brentwood, California.

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.

 

CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 348-3921
lkass@heaven-hill.com