Category: Press Releases

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Evan Williams Bourbon Launches American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund

2020 funds will support nonprofit organizations that serve the veteran community negatively impacted by COVID-19

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Evan Williams Bourbon today established the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, continuing the brand’s support of veterans since launching the American-Made Heroes program and limited-edition label in 2015.

As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams recognizes true American heroes each year by sharing their exceptional stories of honor, bravery and service to their community on a special edition label. The American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund will extend this recognition by helping to fund independent, nonprofit organizations that support veterans and their families. The purpose of the foundation is to provide a platform for sharing inspiring veteran stories, raising public awareness for causes impacting the veteran community, and supporting nonprofit organizations that help veterans and their families through a specialized grant program.

Due to the national impact of the COVID-19 crisis, the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund will focus its inaugural efforts with the COVID-19 Veteran Relief Grant, which awards donations to nonprofit organizations that serve the veteran communities negatively impacted by the coronavirus. Beginning April 21, 2020 through June 24, 2020, 501c3 organizations can apply for funding through the COVID-19 Veteran Relief Grant. In addition to this effort, the brand’s parent company, Heaven Hill Brands, has launched an initiative to produce hand sanitizer at several of its locations, including the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in downtown Louisville, Ky. A portion of the hand sanitizer produced will be delivered to veteran centers across the state of Kentucky.

“We are honored to launch the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund and continue the brand’s efforts to celebrate veterans who protect the American spirit,” said Julie Cole, Evan Williams Bourbon Brand Manager. “With a history of supporting our country’s veterans, we are proud to kick off the official fund with a focus on supporting veteran communities most at risk during this time.”

As the second-largest selling Bourbon in the world, Evan Williams is proud of its American Heritage and honored to broaden its support of veteran communities across the country. The 2020 American-Made Heroes will be announced in early May along with the individualized 2020 limited edition bottles. To learn more about the organizations eligible for support, or apply for a grant through the COVID-19 Veteran Relief Grant, visit https://american-madeheroes.com/apply-now.

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CONTACT:

Emily Gahafer

Heaven Hill Brands

egahafer@heavenhill.com

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HEAVEN HILL BRANDS TAKES ACTION AGAINST COVID-19

PHILANTHROPIC COMMITMENTS, HAND SANITIZER PRODUCTION

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands announced today the commitment of financial and physical resources against COVID-19 in recognition of the need of employees, the communities in which they work and live, and the greater hospitality community.

“With facilities in the United States, Canada and Ireland, and as a family owned and operated company for 85 years, Heaven Hill has a long history of supporting our employees and their families. As part of our long-term core mission, we also take great pride in our local communities and at a time like this want to provide assistance to those in need,” said Max L. Shapira, President, Heaven Hill Brands. “We particularly share a sense of community with those affected in the hospitality industry. As a result, our sales teams are championing that effort at the local level in partnership with organizations that support our hospitality family.”

Philanthropic Commitments:

Heaven Hill Brands is pledging $400,000 across two main priorities – employee communities and hospitality professionals. Recognizing the effect of coronavirus on so many individuals, Heaven Hill will distribute donations across the following community partner funds:

  • Louisville, Ky. – One Louisville
  • Bardstown, Ky. – Tri-County United Way
  • Austin, Texas – Stand with Austin
  • Lethbridge, Canada – United Way of Lethbridge & South Western Alberta
  • Dublin, Ireland – Community Foundation of Ireland

In support of the hospitality professionals that partner with Heaven Hill day-to-day to support business, Heaven Hill will contribute donations directly to local market charitable organizations. The Heaven Hill sales team will mobilize efforts across their local communities to assist local non-profits directly supporting industry professionals and their families.

Hand Sanitizer Commitment:

In addition, Heaven Hill is committing parts of operations to the production, bottling and distribution of hand sanitizer. These efforts will support healthcare facilities, first responders, and high-risk populations in cooperation with local and state government. Production of hand sanitizer is currently underway at the following facilities:

  • Hand-production, hand-bottling, and hand labeling:
    • Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Downtown Louisville, Ky.
    • Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room in Dripping Springs, Texas
  • Bulk Production:
    • Heaven Hill, Bardstown, Ky.
    • Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery, Buda, Texas
    • Black Velvet Distillery in Lethbridge, Canada

Social distancing and sanitization protocols have been implemented to ensure employees are protected while assembling a critical product to combat the spread of coronavirus. All hand sanitizer formulas follow the approved Federal Drug Administration guidelines.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (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, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy and Burnett’s Vodkas; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; The Christian Brothers Brandies; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

 

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Bartender of the Year Atlanta Finalist Creates Expressive, Lively Experience for Winning Cocktail

Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com announce fifth finalist for 2020 “Bartender of the Year”

BARDSTOWN, KY – Arthur Boothe, Owner of Bitters & Brass in Sandford, Fla., was announced as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Atlanta finalist for the 2020 Bartender of the Year Competition. Boothe, a 2018 finalist, won first place, $1,000, and a trip to the finals at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina.

In the second round of the semifinal competition, contestants created the inspired cocktail submitted as a recipe in the preliminary round. Boothe crafted the “Las Bandidas” inspired by the expressive and fun side of life, utilizing Lunazul Tequila Blanco and Lunazul Tequila Reposado (see recipe at end of release).

“At its heart Las Bandidas is the rebellious offspring of a wild encounter between the Pimms Cup and a Margarita. This drink was inspired by the incredible feeling of sharing what you love with people. No matter who they are,” said Boothe. “Every sip is a reminder of how incredibly lucky we are to be able to spend time with each other, creating wonderful drinks and experiences for one another.”

Sherra Kurtz of the Columbia Room in Washington, D.C. won second place and $500. Boothe and Kurtz were joined by four other semifinalists as they competed regionally in Atlanta on Monday, March 2 at Ticonderoga Club. Bartenders competed in three rounds, the first two featuring the classic cocktail and inspired cocktail from their preliminary submission. For the final round, bartenders created a custom drink for a fictional bar menu using a minimum of 1.5 ounces of at least one Heaven Hill brand not previously featured in one of their cocktails including Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, as well as Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy, or Lunazul Tequila. Contestants and judges were then invited to a family dinner at Kimball House and professional development with Miles Macquarrie, Co-owner and Beverage Director of Kimball House and Watchman’s Seafood and Spirits. Macquarrie spoke to implementing honest hospitality and treating every guest with the same experience, regardless of their acumen within the industry.

National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó, and Macquarrie judged the semifinalists’ cocktails and chose one finalist based on highest scores. Contestants’ skills and cocktails were scored on flavor, appearance, presentation, technical skills, use of sponsor brands, and adherence to judges’ guidelines.

More than 1,150 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2019. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one rendition of a classic recipe, and one relating to an inspiration, along with a short description of how the cocktail represents a deep inspiration to their life. The top contestant from each region will go on to vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina from June 15-18, 2020. Finalists will be challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges will be looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide and with a goal of supporting growth, education and awareness in the bartending community. Justin Ware of Night Shift in Houston was the 2019 Bartender of the Year and will return as a guest judge for the finals. Ware joined the ranks of esteemed past winners: Harrison Ginsberg from Crown Shy in New York City was named Bartender of the Year in 2018, Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Ben Paris in Seattle won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Las Bebidas

Crafted by Arthur Boothe

Ingredients:

  • Lunazul Tequila Blanco (.75 ounce)
  • Lunazul Tequila Reposado (.75 ounce)
  • Pimms No. 1 (1 ounce)
  • Grapefruit Juice (.5 ounce)
  • Lemon Juice (.5 ounce)
  • Grenadine (.75  ounce)
  • Cucumber Slices (3 ounces)

Carefully measure all ingredients and add them to the shaker with three discs of cucumber. Gently muddle the cucumber to release oils. Fill shaker 3/4 of the way with ice and shake vigorously for 10 seconds, or until properly chilled and diluted. Double strain into clay pot over pebble ice using a tea strainer to remove cucumber residual from the drink. Top off ice and garnish with a healthy bouquet of mint, a grapefruit wedge, and a cucumber slice on a bamboo pick dusted with chile powder.

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CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

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Bartender of the Year Phoenix Finalist Inspired by Failures for Winning Cocktail

Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com announce fourth finalist for 2020 “Bartender of the Year”

BARDSTOWN, KY –Michael Buonocore, Bartender at Guard and Grace in Denver, was announced as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Phoenix finalist for the 2020 Bartender of the Year Competition. Buonocore won first place, $1,000, and a trip to the finals at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina.

In the second round of the semifinal competition, contestants created the inspired cocktail submitted as a recipe in the preliminary round. Buonocore crafted the “Collegiate Peaks” inspired by the mountain range featuring Mt. Harvard and Mt. Princeton, utilizing Rittenhouse Rye, Sacred Bond Brandy, Dubonnet Rouge Grand Aperitif and Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur (see recipe at end of release).

“In 2017, I decided to fulfill my dream of heading west and departed my beloved Philadelphia for the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Upon arriving in the Centennial State, I attempted two 14,000 ft mountains quite early into my time dwelling at high altitude. The first, Mt. Sneffels, scared the life out of me as I experienced, firsthand, what it felt like to get stuck near the top of a summit with your back to a rather large fall. I wasn’t able to complete that first 14,000+ foot mountain that day, but I was able to walk away in one piece with a newfound respect for balance and planning,” said Buonocore. “’Collegiate Peaks’ is an exercise in balance and reminds me just how important a well-balanced life can be when behind the bar or out in the world chasing new goals. When seeking balance, sometimes you fail (just like the ascent up Mt. Sneffels). But it’s not important whether you fail, but rather, whether you learn from the failure moving forward.”

Austin Carson, 2019 finalist and Owner/Founder of Bistro Georgette in Denver won second place and $500. Buonocore and Carson were joined by four other semifinalists as they competed regionally in Phoenix on Monday, Feb. 17 at Century Grand. Bartenders competed in three rounds, the first two featuring the classic cocktail and inspired cocktail from their preliminary submission. For the final round, bartenders created a custom drink for a fictional bar menu using a minimum of 1.5 ounces of at least one Heaven Hill brand not previously featured in one of their cocktails including Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, as well as Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy, or Lunazul Tequila. Contestants and judges were then invited to a family dinner at Ocean 44 and professional development with Jason Asher, Owner and Founder of Barter & Shake Creative Hospitality and Owner of Century Grand. Asher spoke to the importance of storytelling not only in competition, but also as way to connect with your guests. He demonstrated the impact of this ability as he shared the story of his career which centered around hard work, humility and gratefulness.

National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Author and Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Asher judged the semifinalists’ cocktails and chose one finalist based on highest scores. Contestants’ skills and cocktails were scored on flavor, appearance, presentation, technical skills, use of sponsor brands, and adherence to judges’ guidelines.

More than 1,150 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2019. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one rendition of a classic recipe, and one relating to an inspiration, along with a short description of how the cocktail represents a deep inspiration to their life. The top contestant from each region will go on to vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina from June 15-18, 2020. Finalists will be challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges will be looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide and with a goal of supporting growth, education and awareness in the bartending community. Justin Ware of Night Shift in Houston was the 2019 Bartender of the Year and will return as a guest judge for the finals. Ware joined the ranks of esteemed past winners: Harrison Ginsberg from Crown Shy in New York City was named Bartender of the Year in 2018, Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Ben Paris in Seattle won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Collegiate Peaks

Crafted by Michael Buonocore

Ingredients:

  • Rittenhouse Rye Whisky (1.5 ounces)
  • Sacred Bond Brandy (.5 ounce)
  • Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif (.75 ounces)
  • Angostura bitters (1 dash)
  • Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur (Teaspoon)
  • Earl Grey-infused maple syrup* (.5 teaspoon)

*Earl Grey Maple Syrup: Add 5g Earl Grey Tea and 250g Grade B Maple Syrup to a container to hold for 45 minutes. Strain through chinois. Place in storage vessel, label, date, refrigerate.

Instructions: In a chilled mixing glass, combine ingredients, drop Kold draft ice, and stir until properly chilled and diluted. Strain into chilled Nick & Nora glass. Express Lemon peel over top of the drink and discard.

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CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

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Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Releases Annual Limited Edition Kentucky Derby Festival Bourbon Bottle

The 2012 Vintage, 113 proof Bourbon is dipped in emerald green wax and features the 2020 Gold Pegasus Pin on the bottle neck

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – As an official sponsor of the Kentucky Derby Festival for the fourth consecutive year, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience today released a special edition bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon with a commemorative 2020 Gold Pegasus Pin sealed in wax on the neck.

Dipped in a unique emerald green wax, the bottle features a special face label with the gold and green Kentucky Derby Festival logo and includes an official 2020 Pegasus Pin in an envelope attached to each bottle. Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller, Jodie Filiatreau; Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO, Matt Gibson; and Kentucky Derby Festival Board Chair, Judy Hess unveiled the official 2020 pin and limited-edition bottle at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience by personally hand-dipping three of the 600 limited-edition bottles.

This product will be available for purchase at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience for $74.99 and at select area retailers while supplies last. The limited edition 2012 vintage is bottled at 113 proof, commemorating both the 65th Kentucky Derby Festival plus the 48th Pegasus Pin anniversary. Each bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon contains the exact day it was put in an oak barrel to age, the barrel number, and the date it was bottled.

The Bourbon is matured in natural open-rick warehouses under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller, who monitors the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality. Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage has won five “Whiskey of the Year” awards and is one of the most critically-acclaimed specialty Bourbons produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the world’s second largest holder of aging Bourbon.

“The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is proud to partner yet again with the Kentucky Derby Festival to share the unique Kentucky spirit that makes this time of year so exciting in the Bluegrass State,” said Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distiller Jodie Filiatreau. “Join us as we raise a toast to Kentucky’s heritage and usher in the 2020 Kentucky Derby.”

Bringing the community together since 1956, the Kentucky Derby Festival has grown to become a whirlwind of more than 70 special events leading up to the big race in May. The Kentucky Derby Festival runs this year from April 16 – May 1. Pegasus Pins, which allow entry to many Derby Festival events, may be purchased exclusively at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience through March 1st, prior to being available at other local retailers.

“This partnership with Evan Williams showcases two of Kentucky’s favorite things – the Derby Festival and bourbon,” said Matt Gibson, Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO. “Just like the Pegasus Pins, we know fans will want to add this special edition bottle to their collection too.”

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Bartender of the Year Los Angeles Finalist Reflects on Childhood Memories for Winning Cocktail

Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com announce third finalist for 2020 “Bartender of the Year”

BARDSTOWN, KY – Vay Su, Bartender at Republique in Los Angeles, was announced as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Los Angeles finalist for the 2020 Bartender of the Year Competition. Su, a 2019 finalist, won first place, $1,000, and a trip to the finals at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina.

In the second round of the semifinal competition, contestants created the inspired cocktail submitted as a recipe in the preliminary round. Su crafted the “Chinese Cocktail Bun,” inspired by Sunday morning breakfast with his parents, featuring Rittenhouse Rye and Lunazul Tequila Reposado (see recipe at end of release).

“When I was younger, I used to have breakfast almost every other Sunday morning with my parents at a Hong Kong cafe or Dim Sum restaurant… I remember the excitement and anticipation when we woke up on Sunday morning knowing that we are going to have dim sum and I would skip the usual fixing and keep my eye out for the coconut buns. The excitement of finally getting it and taking that first bite, it was magical,” said Su. “When I try to think back…Chinese Coconut cocktail bun is one of the earliest memories that I resonate with my parents. It was a simple joy of my childhood; I think back at how I was when I was a kid and one of the things I would look forward to was a simple coconut cocktail bun.”

Thi Nguyen of The Saap Avenue in Oakland, Calif. won second place and $500. Su and Nguyen were joined by four other semifinalists as they competed regionally in Los Angeles on Monday, Feb. 3 at Death & Co. Bartenders competed in three rounds, the first two featuring the classic cocktail and inspired cocktail from their preliminary submission. For the final round, bartenders created a custom drink for a fictional bar menu using a minimum of 1.5 ounces of at least one Heaven Hill brand not previously featured in one of their cocktails including Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, as well as Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy, or Lunazul Tequila. Contestants and judges were then invited to a family dinner at Dama and professional development with Christine Wiseman, Bar Manager at Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles. Wiseman spoke to the importance of mentorship and growing the industry together by taking the responsibility of what you learn in a competition or training back to your own bar to teach others.

National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Author and Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Wiseman judged the semifinalists’ cocktails and chose one finalist based on highest scores. Contestants’ skills and cocktails were scored on flavor, appearance, presentation, technical skills, use of sponsor brands, and adherence to judges’ guidelines.

More than 1,150 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2019. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one rendition of a classic recipe, and one relating to an inspiration, along with a short description of how the cocktail represents a deep inspiration to their life. The top contestant from each region will go on to vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina from June 15-18, 2020. Finalists will be challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges will be looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide and with a goal of supporting growth, education and awareness in the bartending community. Justin Ware of Night Shift in Houston was the 2019 Bartender of the Year and will return as a guest judge for the finals. Ware joined the ranks of esteemed past winners: Harrison Ginsberg from Crown Shy in New York City was named Bartender of the Year in 2018, Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Ben Paris in Seattle won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Chinese Cocktail Bun
Crafted by Vay Su

Ingredients:

  • Rittenhouse Rye (1.5 ounces)
  • Lunazul Tequila Reposado (.5 ounces)
  • Lunazul Reposado Barley Tea (.5 ounces)
  • Coconut Water (1 ounce)
  • Walnut Oil Fat Washed Bitters (2 dashes)

Add 1.5oz of RIttenhouse, .5oz Lunazul Reposado Barley Tea, 1oz Cocktail Water (Harmless Coconut Water used here), 2 dashes of Walnut Fat Washed Bitters. Stir and strain over large cube in a double old fashioned glass.

Lunazul Reposado Barley Tea: 100ml Lunazul Repo with 100g of Pressed Barley Tea, vacuum bag seal and sous vide it for 1 hour at 65 degrees.

Fat Washed Walnut Bitters: Take some Walnut oil, add 25ml to 50ml of Fee Brother Walnut bitters. Let it sit at room temperature for two hours, occasionally mixing it. Then put it in the freezer overnight to freeze and separate the walnut oil. Strain and pour it in a Japanese dasher. This will add bitter nutty component along with some added texture to the cocktail.

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CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

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Bartender of the Year Austin Finalist Looks to Mother’s Inspiration for Winning Cocktail

Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com announce first finalist for 2020 “Bartender of the Year”

BARDSTOWN, KY – Michelle Salgado, Principal Bartender at El Velvet Elvis at the Perishing Inn in El Paso, Texas was announced as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Austin finalist for the 2020 Bartender of the Year Competition. Salgado, a returning Bartender of the Year semi-finalist, won first place, $1,000, a trip to the finals at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina.

In the second round of the semifinal competition, contestants created the inspired cocktail submitted as a recipe in the preliminary round. Salgado crafted the “Madre Jessu,” which was inspired by her mother whose diagnosis of lupus inspired Salgado to create a low-ABV cocktail with tea and PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur as a nod to how she now cares for her mother (see recipe at end of release).

“My mother is my favorite human on this earth. She epitomizes a strong, loving and caring mother. When I was in second grade she was diagnosed with lupus, which changed my sisters and me. The roles switched and we had to care for her,” said Salgado. “To this day I send daily text messages to remind her to take her medications that keeps her lupus in remission. This cocktail is an ode to her, using PAMA liqueur, a fruit she loves and has grown in her childhood home, and Dubonnet to make a low-abv cocktail since she cannot drink, which is a play on the Adonis formula, with an added tea liqueur, her favorite beverage.”

Cruz Gutierrez of Jet-Setter in San Antonio won second place and $500. Salgado and Gutierrez were joined by four other semifinalists as they competed regionally in Austin on Monday, January 20 at Half Step. Bartenders competed in three rounds, the first two featuring the classic cocktail and inspired cocktail from their preliminary submission. For the final round, bartenders created a custom drink for a fictional bar menu using a minimum of 1.5 ounces of at least one Heaven Hill brand not previously featured in one of their cocktails including Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, as well as Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy, or Lunazul Tequila. Contestants and judges were then invited to a family dinner at Jeffrey’s and professional development with Chris Bostick, Owner of Half Step. Bostick encouraged competitors to consistently push themselves to become their best self in all aspects of hospitality and create an experience for every customer.

Heaven Hill Brands National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó, and Bostick judged the semifinalists’ cocktails and chose one finalist based on highest scores. Contestants’ skills and cocktails were scored on flavor, appearance, presentation, technical skills, use of sponsor brands, and adherence to judges’ guidelines.

More than 1,150 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2019. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one rendition of a classic recipe, and one relating to an inspiration, along with a short description of how the cocktail represents a deep inspiration to their life. The top contestant from each region will go on to vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina from June 15-18, 2020. Finalists will be challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges will be looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide and with a goal of supporting growth, education and awareness in the bartending community. Justin Ware of Night Shift in Houston was the 2019 Bartender of the Year and will return as a guest judge for the finals. Ware joined the ranks of esteemed past winners: Harrison Ginsberg from Crown Shy in New York City was named Bartender of the Year in 2018, Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Ben Paris in Seattle won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Madre Jessu

Crafted by Michelle Salgado

Ingredients:

  • Dubonnet Rouge Grand Aperitif (1.25 ounce(s))
  • PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur (.75 ounce(s))
  • Lustau Amontillado Los Arcos (.75 ounce(s))
  • Cheongsam Jade Oolong liqueuer (.25 ounce(s))

Add all ingredients into mixing pitcher. Add ice and stir until properly diluted and fine-strain into Nick and Nora. Express grapefruit peel, manicure and rest on rim.

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CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

To view and download more images from this release, click here.

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Heaven Hill Brands Employees Donate Over $16,000 to the Coalition for the Homeless

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands today presented the Coalition for the Homeless with a $16,512.67 donation benefiting efforts to end youth homelessness. Philanthropy is an important part of Heaven Hill’s mission to improve the local communities in which the business thrives by offering charitable support for education, cultural enrichment and health and well-being.

Each year Heaven Hill Brands is proud to host an employee-driven and collaborative fundraising project that benefits charities close to its employees’ hearts. The company looks to its employees to submit non-profit organizations to be considered as the recipient of a company-wide, employee-led fundraising effort, with matching funds from the company up to $5,000. Past recipients have included Feeding America, Portland Elementary, Flaget Memorial Hospital’s Project Hope, and Ronald McDonald House.

For the fourth Annual Philanthropy Project, Heaven Hill chose the Coalition for the Homeless, which was submitted by Betty Jo Boone, Bottling House Maintenance Technician at the Heaven Hill Bardstown Plant. This organization holds a special place in her heart because her daughter Erica Johns, a previous Heaven Hill employee, now works for the Coalition. Betty Jo chose the Coalition because she believes the current homelessness crisis in Louisville is heartbreaking, but ultimately preventable. When she was six years old, Betty Jo experienced a personal homelessness crisis when her childhood home caught fire leaving her family with nowhere to live.

“Back then we didn’t have organizations like the Coalition to help us through tough times,” said Betty Jo. “Luckily my father was a skilled builder and was able to rebuild our home fairly quickly. Many children, young adults, and families are not so fortunate, and I can’t imagine wondering where I’m going to sleep from night to night. This is why the work of the Coalition is so important.”

The Coalition for the Homeless is a nonprofit organization with a mission to prevent and end homelessness in Louisville. Since 2017, the Coalition and its partners have reduced homelessness among youth and young adults by 78 percent, with an ultimate goal of ending homelessness among young adults by 2020.

Together, through several fundraising initiatives between September and December 2019, Heaven Hill employees raised over $16,000 for the Coalition for the Homeless Louisville. In addition to this donation, the company hosted a collection of clothing and other items for the cause. In total, employees gathered over 20 large boxes and bags of items to donate.

“I was so thankful and inspired when I heard about this collaboration of time to collect both money and items for the Coalition,” said Natalie Harris, Executive Director of the Coalition for the Homeless. “Over the last decade we have worked really hard to try to end homelessness, and we have made great strides. However, if you live in Louisville you will see that there are still a lot of homeless individuals in our community and that is why it is so important for businesses and individuals to look for ways they can help join the effort and end homelessness in our city. I want to thank Heaven Hill for being such a great example of what that can look like.”

Heaven Hill is proud of its employees’ commitment to giving back to the community and excited to see the impact this donation makes in Metro Louisville.

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Regional Semifinalists Chosen for Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com 2020 “Bartender of the Year”

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com announced today the 48 regional semifinalists competing in the 2020 Bartender of the Year competition. Semifinalists will compete in Chicago, Los Angeles, Austin, New York City, Miami, Portland, Phoenix, and Atlanta from January 2020 through April 2020.

More than 1,150 original cocktail recipes were entered using Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Dubonnet Rouge Grand Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy and Lunazul Tequila. Entries were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2019. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one rendition of a classic recipe, and one relating to an inspiration, along with a short description of how the cocktail represents a deep inspiration to their life.

“We’re excited to welcome this talented field of semifinalists to the Heaven Hill family as they raise the bar on thoughtful, innovative cocktails,” said Kate S. Latts, Heaven Hill Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Marketing. “Whether returning or new entrants to the competition, the fifth year of Bartender of the Year is shaping up to be one of the most competitive yet.”

The initial field of competitors was evaluated by three esteemed judges and award-winning bartenders who have been instrumental for revitalizing cocktail culture. The national judges include Heaven Hill Brands National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist Lynn House, Author and Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó. The six semifinalists for each region were chosen based on highest rankings combining scores on name, appearance and presentation, balance of flavors, aroma and character, inspiration explanation, creativity, and product knowledge.

Regional semifinalists, listed below, will be challenged on their full range of skills as hospitality professionals. Judges will be looking for the ultimate bartender who displays the total breadth and aptitude all bartenders aspire to embody. The top contestant from each region will go on to vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina in June 2020.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year Competition hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide and with a goal of supporting growth, education and awareness in the bartending community. Justin Ware from Houston joined the ranks of esteemed past winners: Harrison Ginsberg from Crown Shy in New York City was named Bartender of the Year in 2018, Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Ben Paris in Seattle won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Austin, January 20
First Last Account
Andrew Campbell Townsend
David Jennings Hide / Royal38
Michelle Salgado El Velvet Elvis at the Pershing Inn
Patrick-David Walker INTL
Cruz Gutierrez Jetsetter
Zachary Barnhill Jetsetter
 

Miami, January 27
Ky Belk El Five
Tyler Kitzman Mama Tried
Justin Levaughn The Courtesy
Tatiana Rotari Pescado
Mike Madison Libby’s
Juan Montes Antiguo 26
 

Los Angeles, February 3
Meghan Koll Jeune et Jolie
Adam Fournier NoMad LA
Sam Penton Death and Company
Lindsay Shelton The Stanton DTLA
Vay Su Republique
Thi Nguyen The Saap Avenue
 

Phoenix, February 17
Michael Buonocore Death & Co Denver
Austin Carson Cafe Marmotte
Chris Dunsmoor Jovanina’s Broken Italian
Jesse Torres American Elm
TJ Vong Mizu Izakaya
Cory Mendonca SAHARA Las Vegas
 

Atlanta, March 2
Sherra Kurtz Columbia Room
Peter Hannah Rose and Crown
Arthur Boothe Bitters & Brass
Cole Youngner Aziza
Jake Smith Tazza Kitchen
Don Pirone Brezza Cucina
 

Chicago, March 23
Lance Bowman Monnie Burke’s
David Mor Bad Hunter
Jessi Pollak Spoon and Stable
Nathaniel Smith Travail
Adam Chase Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room
Garry White DENMARK
 

Portland, April 6
Anna McDermott Ella
Nora Furst True Laurel
Caleb Kimbley The Beehive
Anton Nguyen Esters Fair Prospect
Lauren Davis Teardrop Lounge
Jesse Cyr L’Oursin
 

New York City, April 27
Fabio Steven Gonzalez The Living Room at Park Hyatt NY
Christopher Lemperle Crown Shy
Jessica Manchenton Lost Hours
Thomas Spaeth Raines Law Room
Tyler Chambers Notch Modern Bar and Kitchen
Stephen Wood The Pressroom

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Heaven Hill Brands Donates $100,000 to Project Hope, Benefiting the CHI Saint Joseph Health – Cancer Care Center at Flaget Memorial Hospital

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Today, Heaven Hill Brands presented the largest donation to date to Project Hope— $100,000. In continued support of CHI Saint Joseph Health – Cancer Care Center at Flaget Memorial Hospital, Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira presented the donation among foundation and hospital staff including CHI Saint Joseph Health Foundations President Leslie Smart, Flaget Memorial Hospital President Jennifer Nolan, Dr. Monte Martin, Dr. Kristi Paris, nurses, survivors, and Heaven Hill employees.

As the largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer, the Bardstown-based company is proud to support one of the most critical projects in Nelson and surrounding counties as part of the Foundation’s 2019 capital campaign. Project Hope is the Flaget Memorial Hospital Foundation’s mission to raise $1.2 million to construct an expanded cancer center. In a community where so many Heaven Hill employees live, this project could touch the lives of several Heaven Hill employees and their loved ones.

“As a locally owned company, our family and employees have called Bardstown home since Heaven Hill was founded in 1935,” said Shapira. “This cause is particularly important to my family to continue the support my father and Heaven Hill co-founder Ed Shapira began in 1946. We are dedicated to supporting the community in which our employees work and live, and it is our hope that this donation will elevate the impact and reach of Flaget Memorial Hospital’s resources and care.”

“During this week of Thanksgiving, we give thanks for Heaven Hill and this generous donation that will help us to expand our cancer center,” said Nolan. “It is always better for patients to be able to access cancer care close to home. The generous support for Project Hope will allow us to increase the number of infusion rooms and add a pharmacy to serve our patients.”

Throughout the years Heaven Hill has supported Flaget’s mission and values through various initiatives, including Heaven Hill Co-Founder Ed Shapira’s unwavering support of Flaget’s campaign benefitting the construction of the original facility. After the first campaign was unsuccessful, Ed stepped in to lead the way to create the foundation for a world-class community hospital in 1946. Again in 1982, Ed and Heaven Hill offered support to Flaget, assisting with the purchase of a new portable cardiac care system allowing the hospital to better serve the local community. This donation was especially important to the Shapira family as Ed had been a patient in Flaget’s cardiac care unit relying on the same type of medical equipment. Recently, Heaven Hill supported Flaget Cancer Center’s Project Hope during its 2018 Annual Philanthropy Project resulting in an employee-driven donation of nearly $28,000. Additionally, the company has hosted various events benefitting Flaget’s Project Hope, including Fifty Shades of Pink and A Cure Under Construction.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (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, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy and Burnett’s Vodkas; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; The Christian Brothers Brandies; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur.

ABOUT FLAGET MEMORIAL HOSPITAL: Flaget Memorial Hospital, part of CHI Saint Joseph Health, is a 52-bed facility located in Bardstown, KY. Established in 1951 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, the facility serves residents of Nelson, Hardin, Marion, Washington, Spencer, Bullitt and LaRue counties. The facility is also home to Nelson County’s first full-service cancer center.

ABOUT FLAGET MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION: Flaget Memorial Hospital Foundation supports CHI Saint Joseph Health’s drive for excellence by inspiring donors to make a tangible difference through their philanthropic investment in outstanding patient care facilities and services, the education of caregivers, advanced clinical research and improved access to quality medical care.

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