Category: Press Releases

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (December 12, 2024) – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of the Fall 2024 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey at 11 years old. Comprised of barrels produced in the Fall of 2013, and bottled in the Fall of 2024, the fourteenth national release ushers in the latest hallmark series to the bottled-in-bond legacy.

Bottled in an ornate decanter, the Fall edition bares a black label, consistent across each of the brand’s Fall releases. This edition’s tax strip, which has always been a signature of transparency on bottled-in-bond products, will disclose when the liquid was produced and bottled. The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond fall edition will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis. It meets the strict requirements of a bottled-in-bond: the product of a single distillery from a single distilling season, aged a minimum of four years, and bottled at 100 proof or 50% alcohol by volume. The edition is available at a suggested retail price of $154.99.

The Fall 2024 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bares a bright copper color, with a nose of leather, vanilla, subtle cinnamon and nutmeg. The taste leads with crème brûlée sweetness with a bright, ginger note followed by notes of old leather and toasted oak. Its finish is warm and dry with hints of pepper and char.

“Heaven Hill Distillery’s Fall 2024 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a masterclass in tradition and craftsmanship,” said Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “At 11 years old, this release celebrates a first-class legacy within the Bottled-in-Bond category. As the 14th release in this prestigious series, it reaffirms Old Fitzgerald’s place at the pinnacle of American whiskey, honoring both its storied past and the continued excellence that Heaven Hill brings to every bottle.”

As a leader of the Bottled-in-Bond category, Heaven Hill is proud to offer a premium, allocated product within this special class which showcases the authenticity and quality of the company’s American Whiskey portfolio. The legendary Old Fitzgerald line, which was acquired by Heaven Hill in 1999, is well known for its distilling pedigree and its history as a luxury brand first sold in the finest rail lines and steamships. The packaging was inspired by an original 1950’s Old Fitzgerald diamond decanter and pays homage to the history of the brand being traditionally bottled in artistic decanters of all shapes and
sizes. The black label features the time-honored graphic of a key, commemorating an important element in original labels and the brand’s slogan since the 1940’s, “Your key to hospitality”.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year and 2023 World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon from the Icons of Whisky, as well as the 2022 Large Spirits Producer of the Year from the Ascot Awards. Heaven Hill Distillery held the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kaitlynn West
Heaven Hill Distillery
(502) 413-0230
kwest@heavenhill.com

Collection includes partnerships with The Smashing Pumpkins, Alice In Chains, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

EVANSTON, IL (OCTOBER 21, 2024) – FEW Spirits, the Evanston, IL distillery unapologetically experimental in its whiskey production that has grown to national prominence in part through its work with some of modern rock’s biggest names, announces today that for the first time three of its collaborations are available in a single collection.

The FEW Spirits Icons of Rock Collection features Motor Oil Whiskey, the brand’s collaboration with indie darlings Black Rebel Motorcycle Club; All Secrets Known, released in partnership with Seattle grunge legends Alice In Chains; and The Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon, which sees FEW team up with its Chicagoland neighbors, The Smashing Pumpkins.

The FEW Spirits Icons of Rock Collection is available to eligible shipping states exclusively through FEW’s direct-to-consumer channel and retails for $149.99.

The whiskeys:

• FEW Motor Oil: Featuring label art inspired by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s logo, every bottle of FEW Spirits Motor Oil Whiskey is a blend of three whiskeys: FEW Bourbon finished in rum barrels, FEW Bourbon finished in vermouth barrels, and a mesquite-smoked wheat whiskey. The result is full-flavored and complex – grassy and sweet from the rum barrel; herbaceous, bitter and vegetal notes from the vermouth barrel; and heavy mesquite smoke that evokes winding back roads, long stretches of highway, and pit stops at roadside barbecue joints of West Texas. The blend was proofed and bottled at a very rock n’ roll 101.

• FEW All Secrets Known: The name is a reference to the title of track one on Alice In Chains’ fourth studio album Black Gives Way To Blue, which has sold more than 1 million copies worldwide. For this special whiskey, FEW Bourbon is finished for six months in tequila barrels and bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV). Bold, sweet, and spicy bourbon top notes are accentuated by grassy agave undertones. 

• FEW The Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon: The 93-proof bottling is FEW’s signature straight bourbon, aged four years, and cut to bottling strength using Midnight Rose black tea from Madame Zuzu’s Emporium, the independent, boutique tea shop run by The Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan and his wife, entrepreneur Chloé Mendel Corgan. The bourbon, like the band, is a singular experience. Bright aromas of rose water and ripe honeydew melon peek out above more familiar vanilla and caramel. On the palate, fans of FEW whiskeys will recognize signature bold, sweet and spicy bourbon notes, along with flavors of rose water, sandalwood, caramel, vanilla, and black tea all backed by a full body and long finish.

Said FEW Spirits founder and master distiller Paul Hletko, “I think the common thread between what we do at FEW and what these incredible artists do through their music is a willingness to chart your own course. Sometimes, if not most of the time, that means going well against what everyone else is telling you to do. It’s that spirit of defiance and self-reliance that has always drawn me to bands like Black Rebel, Alice In Chains, and The Smashing Pumpkins. And the truth is, I’m much better at making whiskey than I’ll ever be at playing guitar. So if I can’t join these legends on stage, this is the next best thing.”

Find FEW Spirits:

• Online: www.FEWspirits.com 
• IG, FB, Twitter: @FEWspirits
• Hashtags: #FEWspirits

About FEW Spirits

A grain-to-glass distillery embracing innovation since 2011, FEW Spirits produces award–winning craft whiskey in a tucked away alley located in Evanston, IL, a historical town where Prohibition lasted until 1972. Founder & Master Distiller Paul Hletko changed the future of Evanston when he opened FEW Spirits Distillery, the first (legal) alcohol-production facility of any kind to ever open there. Since, he’s collaborated with rock stars, employed experimental distillation and proofing methods, and more.

Hletko always knew he wanted to make craft spirits — produced in the local Chicago area — that offered something that broke the rules of traditional whiskey making and offered something rare and different. Living in Evanston, a town that was prime for change after being dry for four decades post the repeal of prohibition, Paul felt it was the perfect home and backdrop for FEW and the brand. Deeply integrated into the brand story, both Evanston and Chicago are crucial elements of the FEW DNA and its inspiration. From its liquid, created from locally grown or sourced ingredients, to the look & feel of the label design, which pays homage to the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago — FEW is the true definition of a local Illinois craft spirit.

Media inquiries:

Colin Baugh

President

Emblem Public Relations 

Colin@EmblemPR.com 

323-219-3427 

The award-winning brand will once again raise funds for the hospitality community through donations for every Old Fashioned sold at participating bars and restaurants

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (October 9, 2024) – Elijah Craig Bourbon is proud to announce the launch of its fifth annual Old Fashioned Week, running from October 11 through October 20, 2024. This 10-day celebration invites bourbon enthusiasts to enjoy the iconic Old Fashioned cocktail at participating bars and restaurants across the country, all while supporting a great cause. Elijah Craig’s mashbill and aging regimen lends itself to making the perfect spirit-forward Old Fashioned. Its signature warm spice and subtle smoke flavor complement the sweetness and spiciness of the cocktail’s key ingredients. For every Old Fashioned sold, Elijah Craig will donate $1 per drink (up to $100,000) to the Southern Smoke Foundation, an organization providing critical support to food and beverage workers through emergency relief and mental health services.

“Elijah Craig is proud to give back to the hospitality community by supporting our friends at the Southern Smoke Foundation through our fifth annual Old Fashioned Week,” said Max Stefka, Group Product Director of Elijah Craig. “Visiting a participating bar for a balanced Old Fashioned helps put dollars directly into the pockets of food and beverage workers when they need it most.”

Since its inception in 2020, Elijah Craig’s Old Fashioned Week has raised over $400,000 for organizations dedicated to supporting the hospitality industry, including the Southern Smoke Foundation. With Elijah Craig’s help, Southern Smoke has provided nearly 1,000 no-cost mental health counseling sessions and $150,000 in emergency relief grants to industry workers across the U.S.

Internationally, Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week will take place once again in Canada with proceeds benefiting the Bartenders Benevolent Fund, and for the first time in the UK, with efforts benefiting the hospitality industry via The Drinks Trust. The 2024 Old Fashioned Week will continue this impactful legacy, with every cocktail enjoyed helping to make a difference.

Elijah Craig is encouraging consumers to join the festivities by using the “Find a Bar” tool on oldfashionedweek.com to discover participating venues nearby. Many of these locations will feature creative riffs on the classic Elijah Craig Old Fashioned, giving guests unique ways to raise a glass in celebration. With 7000 venues participating in 2023, and estimations for equal sign ups this year, consumers will have no shortage of options when it comes to choosing where to cheers. This week is a celebration of bartenders, barbacks, chefs, runners, dishwashers, waitstaff, and many more service workers who are the backbone of the industry.

Bartenders interested in showing off their creativity can submit their own Old Fashioned recipes to the annual “New Era of the Old Fashioned Cocktail Contest” hosted by Elijah Craig and VinePair. Entrants get a chance to win a $15,000 cash prize and will be featured in Elijah Craig’s “Old Fashioned Week Cocktail Companion: Volume 2” cocktail book. The drinks will be judged based on balance, flavor, aroma, and character, along with other factors, like innovation, inspiration, and presentation. Bartenders can enter now through November 1st.

To amplify the reach of Old Fashioned Week, Elijah Craig will launch a national media campaign featuring a brand ad running on connected TV and digital video networks like Hulu, Roku, ESPN, andPeacock. For those looking to enjoy Old Fashioned Week from home, consumers can find Elijah Craig Old Fashioned displays paired with all the ingredients necessary to craft the perfect Old Fashioned at retailers across the U.S.

The Signature Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Recipe

INGREDIENTS

2 oz. Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon

25 oz. Simple Syrup

3 Dashes of Bitters

Orange Swath

1 Brandied Cherry (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

In a mixing glass add bitters, simple syrup, Elijah Craig Small Batch, and ice. Stir until well chilled. Strain cocktail over a large ice cube in a double old-Fashioned glass. Garnish with a swath of orange and a brandied cherry.

Elijah Craig invites Bourbon fans everywhere to join us in raising a glass to the Old Fashioned cocktail and the dedicated workers who make our hospitality experiences unforgettable. Share your favorite recipes, build your own Old Fashioned riffs, and gather friends and family to hit the town (or stay in to make your own, of course). Be sure to tag @ElijahCraig and #OldFashionedWeek on your photos or videos for a chance to be featured on the brand’s social channels. Let’s toast to another successful Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week and continue to support the Southern Smoke Foundation in their vital work for the bar and restaurant community.

ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the family of whiskeys includes Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. First brought to market in 1986, Heaven Hill Distillery’s Master Distillers were selecting a small number of barrels of the finest Bourbon to make Elijah Craig Small Batch long before the term “small batch” even existed. It is this attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that give Elijah Craig an ideal balance of age, robust body, and rich flavor. Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon, Best Single Barrel Bourbon (aged 11+ years) and Best Straight Bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com.

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

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Rare liquid gently aged for three years in very old, mature ex-American whiskey barrels, resulting in a liquid delicately kissed by oak and retaining maximum agave flavor possible in an Extra Añejo

ARANDAS, JALISCO, MX (OCTOBER 7, 2024) – Tequila OCHO, the world’s original single estate tequila, today announces the return of the brand’s highly sought-after Extra Añejo and its first since 2022. With it comes new packaging for the expression, thus completing a design refresh for OCHO’s core range and fully unifying the bottle shape worldwide for the first time in OCHO’s history.

Visual assets can be found here.

Tequila OCHO Extra Añejo by the numbers:

• 40% ABV/80 proof
• Aged 3 years in American oak barrels
• SRP: $249/750ml
• 720 physical cases in US

Liquid

Reflecting its rare status as a grower-producer, Tequila OCHO’s first step in creating its Extra Añejo is to harvest agaves from fields overseen by the family of OCHO co-founder Carlos Camarena. In accordance with Camarena’s mantra that great tequila begins with great raw materials, OCHO Extra Añejo is made using overripe agaves. This yields a signature light residual sweetness on the finished product.

Subsequent to distillation, this rare liquid is gently aged for three years in ex-American whiskey barrels, each of which experienced several previous fillings of tequila, resulting in a liquid delicately kissed by the oak and retaining the maximum agave flavor possible in an Extra Añejo.

Said Tequila OCHO Global Brand Ambassador Jesse Estes, “Tequila Ocho Extra Añejo has always been a special expression for us, and is all the more remarkable in this stunning new pack. Our Extra Añejo has always pushed the boundaries of how long a tequila can be aged while still retaining full agave flavor. The ability to age a tequila for three years and still have the coveted agave notes remain front and center, while being subtly highlighted, accentuated, and lifted by the oak notes is a testament to Carlos Camarena’s mastery of his craft. The availability of these releases will be extremely limited, so make sure to pick up a bottle if you get the chance.”

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Cherries, dark chocolate, salted caramel ice cream, prunes, raisins, intense notes of fresh oak
• Palate: Cooked agave, roasted coffee, caramel, nuts, honey, orange peel, fresh oak

Packaging

With the return of Extra Añejo, Tequila OCHO also completes the introduction of the brand’s new, global packaging. Extra Añejo is packaged in a striking, engraved bottle mimicking OCHO’s single estate agave fields from a bird’s eye view, the glass a deep amber color calling to mind the rich, reddish-brown soil of Los Altos de Jalisco. The drinker who holds this bottle in their hands will get a sense of the incredible landscapes of Los Altos and the resulting characteristics and microclimates that each field exhibits, evident in the terroir-driven tequila in the bottle.

Paper used for the front and rear labels has a rustic feel with “fingerprinting” texture throughout – a nod to the brand’s single estate concept and the individual fields or ranchos from which generations of Tequila OCHO jimadores have harvested the agave that Camarena distills into the world’s finest sipping tequila.

The front label is placed tidily inside a shallow recession in the custom glass and, in keeping with tradition, lists the name of the single field in which the agaves grew, as well as the year of harvest. New to the front label are a bolder logo and prominent brand name, each of which pops in raised print.

For those with an insatiable appetite for knowledge, the rear label features a QR code which, when scanned, leads to OCHO’s website and a reservoir of information about the field profile and characteristics, as well as the complete tasting notes for each vintage.

Each bottle of Extra Añejo is presented in a custom wooden box, ideal for presentation and gifting. 

ABOUT TEQUILA OCHO

Tequila OCHO is the world’s first single estate tequila; curating, selecting and harvesting the very ripest agaves from the world-renowned highlands, and distilling in the town of Arandas, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Tequila OCHO retains complete control of raw materials, from seedling to agave selection, fermentation & beyond, quite unlike most other tequila makers, leading to a liquid which is unparalleled.

The result of a dream shared by maestro tequilero Carlos Camarena and legendary tequila ambassador Tomas Estes, Tequila OCHO reflects the nuances of each and every agave field and is instantly recognizable by its annual vintages. Cooking, fermentation and distillation happen in the most traditional way in slow-cooking brick ovens, wooden vats, and copper pot stills, respectively. Such a painstaking approach has led Tequila OCHO Plata to be recognized by Forbes as the World’s Best Blanco Tequila.

As a tequila brand that prides itself on producing maximum agave flavor and essence, Ocho’s aged expressions, reposado, añejo and extra añejo, rest lightly in old bourbon barrels for a gentle rounding and smoothing by the wood – always complementing, yet never overshadowing, the pure, sweet, cooked agave notes. 

Every expression of Tequila OCHO is made from only three ingredients: agave, water & natural airborne yeast, respecting the traditional, artisanal methods used for generations.

For more information, visit www.ochotequila.com, or find Tequila Ocho through social media channels, IG/FB: @tequilaocho/@TequilaOcho.

Media inquiries:

Colin Baugh

Emblem Public Relations

Colin@EmblemPR.com 

323-219-3427

Extraordinary blend of 20-year-old bourbons finished in casks fashioned from the wood of old-growth Mizunara oaks

RED HOOK, BROOKLYN, NY (SEPTEMBER 30, 2024) – In the pursuit of rarer and more intense bourbons, and in a study of the art of patience, Red Hook, Brooklyn’s Widow Jane Distillery unearths Black Opal, the oldest whiskey in the brand’s history. A limited release on strict allocation, it is an artful blend of rare bourbons, each aged for a minimum of 20 years.

Beneath the oak-beamed ceilings, deep within the century-old brick walls of the Widow Jane rick house, Head Distiller and Blender Sienna Jevremov painstakingly tasted through more than 100 individual barrels, a multi-week process that yielded an initial sketch of what would become Black Opal.

The barrels selected, Jevremov painstakingly married the liquids – test after test – until she was satisfied with the blend. Finally, the liquid took on an extended finish in casks raised from prized, old-growth Mizunara oak (Quercus crispula). A single Mizunara cask can fetch up to $6,000 on the open market. Mizunara trees, which occur naturally in Japan’s mountainous Hokkaido island, are harvested, air-seasoned for 12 months, and crafted into casks that receive medium toast plus a light char. The casks are highly porous and low in tannins, imparting an intense and distinctive flavor on the bourbon.

Says Jevremov, “The 20-year-old whiskey found in this project is like a hefty tome of an epic tale, at first it is daunting in its immensity but the rich characters and surprising unseen twists pull you in. I chose one thread I found alluring and followed it to a whiskey that toys with bourbon’s sweetness, baking spice, and stone fruit. It has complex flavors of burnt sugar, smokey incense, herbal teas, and salted fruit. The Mizunara finish was a clear choice to achieve another layer that beautifully binds it all together. I advise you to take your time with each drop.”

Aroma: Tahitian Vanilla, Frankincense Smoke, Dried Apricot, Rose Hip

Taste: Walnut, Black Strap Molasses, Crème Brulé, Poached Plum, Burnt Sage, Brown Butter

Finish: Beeswax, Ginger Snap, Chocolate Ganache, Nutmeg, Caramelized Sugar

As is a signature of Widow Jane whiskeys, Black Opal is proofed with limestone water from the legendary Rosendale Mines of upstate New York. This mineral-rich, yet sweet water delivers a full, round, lavish mouthfeel and long finish, fitting for a bourbon 20 years in the making.

Widow Jane Black Opal by the numbers:

• Aged 20 years
• 49.5% ABV (99 proof)
• SRP: $500/750 ml
• Allocation: 5,000 bottles/1,700 physical cases (3 packs)
• Availability: In select markets beginning in October

Packaging:

Inspired by Widow Jane’s roots in historically industrial Red Hook, the bold, black steel box that houses each bottle of Black Opal features metal stamped branding and rivets that recall the neighborhood’s shipping and warehouse history. Enclosed within, the subtle and elegant bottle presents a contrast to the rugged outer packaging. Crafted to be cherished, the bottle boasts details like an internal jeweled texture that is revealed as Black Opal is consumed. Every bottle of Black Opal also comes with a limited edition, numbered fine art print featuring one of seven ‘insider’ views of Widow Jane Distillery, giving consumers a first-hand look at the art of making Black Opal.

Widow Jane recommends experiencing Black Opal neat, patiently allowing the precious liquid to breathe in the glass. Sip slowly and discover the expanding notes that are revealed as the bourbon opens up.

About Widow Jane Distillery

Widow Jane is an award-winning artisanal distillery located in the New York City neighborhood of Red Hook, Brooklyn. The company is named in homage to one of the legendary mines of Rosendale in Upstate New York, from which the brand sources its proofing water. Before becoming a natural reserve of extraordinary mineral water, the mines produced the natural cement used to construct some of the most iconic American landmarks, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building, among others. The pure, limestone-filtered water from the mine, plus one of the country’s largest holdings of long-aged Bourbons, and a refusal to compromise the product with chill-filtration, are just three elements that make Widow Jane a stand-out whiskey company.

The facility in Red Hook includes mashing, fermentation, distillation, barreling, aging, blending, warehousing and bottling. Widow Jane Distillery is also open for tours and tastings. For more information, visit www.widowjane.com  or find Widow Jane on Instagram @widowjane.

Video:

https://heavenhill.widen.net/s/wmffhvns6c/black-opal-169-e-v5-45

Photo:

https://heavenhill.widen.net/s/6jmxmjvprc/wj_black_opal_closeup

Media inquiries:

Colin Baugh

Emblem Public Relations

Colin@EmblemPR.com

323-219-3427

A nationwide competition that celebrates creativity and passion within the bartender community awards its final winner in Austin

AUSTIN, Tx. (September 25, 2024) – Deep Eddy Vodka is proud to announce the winner of its 2024 Craft the Fun Cocktail Challenge – Natasha Van Duser of New York. The contest, which launched its second annual competition in May, drew over 470 entries from talented bartenders across the country. After a select 30 contestants were chosen for the rigorous semi-final rounds in Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, and San Diego, five exceptional finalists were picked to compete in Austin, Texas, the home of Deep Eddy Vodka, for the Grand Prize.

The finalists, Jarad Crowell of Austin, Texas, Jennifer Yim of Las Vegas, Nevada, Makenzie Helem of St. Louis, Missouri, Natasha Van Duser of New York, New York and Ruby Smith of Atlanta, Georgia, earned their spots after showcasing their creativity and skills in the regional competitions. Each finalist was invited to Austin with all expenses paid to compete in the mid-September finals round of the challenge.

“We launched the Craft the Fun Cocktail Challenge to remind bartenders why they fell in love with their craft—the ability to have fun while showcasing their creativity,” said Julie Cole, Brand Director. “The talent this year has been extraordinary, and we’re thrilled to celebrate these bartenders and their passion.”

The final round tasked the bartenders with creating an immersive, three-part cocktail experience that demonstrated their technique, hospitality and creativity to the judges. Judging the competition were industry leaders Lynn House, Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Christine Wiseman. In the end, Natasha Van Duser emerged as the 2024 Craft the Fun Cocktail Challenge Winner. Natasha impressed the judges with her standout cocktails titles Hotel Transylvania, Nosferatu’s Cornbread, and The Jackie Daytona. She was awarded the grand prize of $5,000, along with the opportunity to be featured on Deep Eddy Vodka’s website, social media platforms, and an advertisement in Chilled Magazine. Second place went to Jennifer Yim of Las Vegas, whose performance also captivated the judges with her finesse and innovative ideas.

“What I loved about Natasha was that she showcased her authentic self,” said Lynn House, Craft the Fun judge and National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist for Heaven Hill Brands. “She celebrated Deep Eddy and told a great story while doing so. Natasha’s cocktails were delicious, well-balanced, and mindful.”

With a fantastic turnout and fierce competition, this year’s challenge highlighted the incredible talent and dedication within the bartender community. Deep Eddy Vodka looks forward to continuing its support for bartenders across the nation and is excited to create more opportunities for them to further showcase their skills and love for the craft.

About Deep Eddy Vodka: Deep Eddy Vodka is a high-quality vodka with an even higher purpose: to bring people together for good times. Created in Austin, Texas in 2010, it was named after a beloved city swimming hole, a place known locally for lively crowds and laid-back fun. The brand embodies everything essential to Austin— sunshine, stellar vibes, ample excuses to get together with friends — and bottles it up for the world to enjoy. The result is a refreshing family of real vodkas made with real ingredients for real fun. All meant to be enjoyed however, wherever and with whatever you like.  The company’s line of products includes Deep Eddy Original Vodka, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka, Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, Deep Eddy Peach Vodka, Deep Eddy Orange Vodka, Deep Eddy Lime Vodka, Deep Eddy Vodka Hard Seltzers, and Deep Eddy Vodka Tea Hard Seltzers. An Established Growth Brand according to Beverage Information Group, Deep Eddy Vodka is recognized for its unique production process and incorporation of real, natural ingredients in its flavors. More information on the brand can be found at @DeepEddyVodka on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or at www.deepeddyvodka.com. 

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IMAGES: Download here and here

MEDIA CONTACT: 
Kaitlynn West 
Heaven Hill Brands
kwest@heavenhill.com 

Brooklyn Distillery’s latest exploration in unique wood finishes on well-aged whiskey

RED HOOK, BROOKLYN, NY (SEPTEMBER 16, 2024) – Widow Jane, the Red Hook, Brooklyn craft distillery led by head distiller and blender Sienna Jevremov, announces the release of The Vaults 2024, the latest in the brand’s annual exploration of wood finishes on select barrels from its old and rare whiskey collection. The 15-year-old blend, which is finished in Amburana wood casks, will hit shelves in October.

Since the original edition of The Vaults in 2019, Widow Jane has worked to source unique wood casks in which each year’s edition is finished. The Vaults 2024 began in the Widow Jane rick house, where Jevremov and the Widow Jane distilling and blending team painstakingly tasted through the brand’s old and rare casks, whittling their selections down to include only those whose flavor profile would match the complexity and striking flavors of the Amburana finishing casks. They then meticulously blended the liquid from these select casks in hyper small batches.

Once married, this luxurious whiskey was finished in the Amburana casks, which are renowned for yielding liquid with an unexpected combination of warm spices, floral, and tropical notes. Also known as ‘Brazilian oak’, Amburana grows in the dry jungles of southeastern Brazil and northern Argentina – challenging environments with soil scarce in nutrients and irregular rainfall which leads to slow growth and limited availability.

“The 2023 Vaults release was my first big project leading the blending team,” said Jevremov. “With that one, I wanted to explore the terroir of American oak while also gently pushing us to new flavor explorations. Now after a year as head blender I felt it was time to challenge myself. Ambruana is a bombastic wood, full of heady, rich aromatics. My first task was to create a gorgeous blend highlighting the earthy and textually robust qualities of 15- and 20-year-old whiskeys. My next imperative was to slowly introduce the Amburana to work with the whiskey’s notes in delicate harmony. I hope everyone can enjoy the dance of deeply aged whiskey and tropical spiced aromatics.”

Tasting notes:

• Nose: Amaretto Cookie, Fig Leaf, Cherry Blossom, Honey Graham Cracker, Cinnamon Bark
• Palate: Rosemary, Cinnamon Raisin, Olive Oil, Sencha Green Tea, Roasted Yam
• Finish: Black Licorice, Honeysuckle, Coconut Macaroon, Caramelized Carrots, Satsuma

The Vaults 2024 by the numbers:

• Age statement: 15 years
• 49.5% ABV (99 proof)
• SRP is $250/750 ml
• 4000 total physical cases (6 packs)
• Available in: October

As is the case with all Widow Jane whiskeys, The Vaults 2024 is non-chill filtered and proofed with the pure limestone mineral water from the legendary Rosendale Mines of New York, just 100 miles north of the distillery, which contributes to the round mouthfeel and exceptionally long finish.

About Widow Jane Distillery

Widow Jane is an award-winning artisanal distillery located in the New York City neighborhood of Red Hook, Brooklyn. The company is named in homage to one of the legendary mines of Rosendale in Upstate New York, from which the brand sources its proofing water. Before becoming a natural reserve of extraordinary mineral water, the mines produced the natural cement used to construct some of the most iconic American landmarks, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building, among others. The pure, limestone-filtered water from the mine, plus one of the country’s largest holdings of long-aged Bourbons, and a refusal to compromise the product with chill-filtration, are just three elements that make Widow Jane a stand-out whiskey company. 

The facility in Red Hook includes mashing, fermentation, distillation, barreling, aging, blending, warehousing and bottling. For more information, visit www.widowjane.com  or find Widow Jane on Instagram @widowjane.

Media inquiries:

Colin Baugh

Emblem Public Relations

Colin@EmblemPR.com 

323-219-3427

Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen to Begin Serving Lunch and Dinner Celebrating Heritage and Local Flavors 

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (September 5, 2024) — Heaven Hill is excited to announce the grand opening of the Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen, adding a new dining option at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown, Kentucky. Starting today, the new restaurant located upstairs in the Five Brothers Bar will begin serving lunch and dinner to visitors from near and far. The bar and kitchen are named in honor of the five Shapira brothers who founded Heaven Hill in 1935.  The new menu offers unique and delicious offerings that reflect the Southern heritage and charm of the Bluegrass. 

The Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen is more than just a place to dine: it’s a tribute to the legacy of the Shapira brothers’ bold entrepreneurial spirit. Starting Heaven Hill at the height of the Great Depression and without any bourbon stock available to them, the five brothers took a calculated gamble that paid off in ways they could never have imagined. Today, Heaven Hill Brands stands as one of the largest family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer in the United States. 

The new dining experience has been curated by Jeff Crowe, the Director of Kentucky Visitor Experiences at Heaven Hill and General Manager Josh Holifield, along with Restaurant Manager Veronica Burger and Kitchen Manager Jeremy Brown. The team is bringing a new and unique dining tribute to the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience that appeals to visitors of all ages.  

The Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen features dishes that reflect Southern tradition and local flavors. Menu highlights include the savory Fried Chicken Sandwich, the comforting Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, and the playful and decadent Fluffernutter – a banana, peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich.  The menu also pays homage to Heaven Hill’s rich heritage like Max’s Garden Sandwich, a nod to Max Shapira, the longstanding leader and current Executive Chairman of the company.  Additional Southern staples, such as delicious fried Pimento Cheese balls and other traditional offerings like burgers, salads and sides round out a menu that has something for everyone. 

“We wanted to create a place where our guests can experience the warmth and hospitality that Kentucky is known for,” said Josh Holifield, General Manager of the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. “Every dish tells a story, and our menu exudes Southern charm, crafted to bring people together through great food.” 

Following a successful soft opening during which the restaurant fine-tuned its service and menu, Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen is now open for everyone on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and those living nearby to visit.  It will be open from 11:00AM – 5:00PM Monday through Saturday and 1:00PM – 5:00PM on Sunday. The team is eager to welcome visitors from near and far to enjoy this new dining experience. 

Adding to the excitement, the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience was recently named 2024 “Best Road Trip” Destination by the Kentucky Living, Best in Kentucky Awards.  This accolade, along with the exciting opening of Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen, offers even more reasons to visit and discover their craveable menu options.   

ABOUT THE HEAVEN HILL BOURBON EXPERIENCE:  The Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience™ (heavenhillbourbonexperience.com) celebrates the heritage and traditions of the fine art of American Whiskey in the heart of historic Bardstown, Kentucky. The state-of-the-art facility allows guests to experience a tasting in one of our three iconic tasting rooms, walk through the interactive exhibit gallery, have a drink at the Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen and take a piece of Bourbon country home from the gift shop. Participate in “You Do Bourbon,” an interactive elevated tasting experience, where visitors can taste, bottle and personalize their very own bottle of America’s Native Spirit. Named Whisky Magazine’s 2022 Global Visitor Attraction of the Year and winning Double Gold at the 2022 International Spirits Challenge Tourism Awards, guests will be immersed in the story behind Heaven Hill Distillery, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kaitlynn West
Heaven Hill Distillery
kwest@heavenhill.com
(502) 413-0230

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