Category: Press Releases

Posted on

Elijah Craig Launches Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey in Limited Markets 

BARDSTOWN, KY – Elijah Craig, a leading premium Kentucky Bourbon, today announced the launch of Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. The line extension affords experimenting whiskey fans the opportunity to challenge their palates with a new extra-aged Rye offering from the award-winning Elijah Craig family of Bourbons. 

Elijah Craig Rye is made as a traditional American Straight Rye Whiskey with 51% rye, 35% corn and 14% malted barley. This combination of grains, which relies heavily on corn as the secondary grain rather than a higher percentage of rye, has been the primary Rye mashbill used by Kentucky Bourbon distilleries since taking over virtually all American Rye production post-Prohibition; the same mashbill directly responsible for the Rye resurgence seen today. Extra-aging is a tenet of the Elijah Craig portfolio, and Elijah Craig Rye is no exception. The resulting taste carries a spicy sharpness from the rye balanced with sweetness from the corn. Packaged in the iconic Elijah Craig bottle, the Straight Rye is distinguished by new bottle decoration, face, side and neck labels with green features. 

“Elijah Craig was a larger-than-life innovator and the new Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey celebrates his bold reputation,” said Heaven Hill Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “Heaven Hill Distillery has the privilege within its vast inventory and distilling expertise to create American Whiskeys consumers desire. Elijah Craig Rye celebrates the heritage of Rye Whiskey in Kentucky and adds another quality option to an award-winning lineup of specially crafted whiskeys.” 

Heaven Hill Distillery’s 84-year history of distilling and its 1.6 million barrel inventory of aging American Whiskey has allowed for the regular production of major styles of American Whiskey, such as Rye, even as they were out of vogue with consumers. These years of steadfast attention to detail give Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, as well as the Elijah Craig Bourbons, the right balance of flavor and smoothness.  

Elijah Craig was known for his pioneering spirit, honored through the making of Elijah Craig Bourbon and, now, Rye. Having founded his own distillery in 1789, Elijah Craig is credited as the first to char oak barrels to make Bourbon. The Baptist preacher also founded many businesses in and around Georgetown, Kentucky, as well as a school, which still exists today as Georgetown College. This heritage and his long-standing impact on the community lives on today through the award-winning lineup of Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and now Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. 

With an SRP of $29.99, Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey will first launch in the limited markets of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Oregon in January 2020. 

About Elijah Craig Small Batch 

Elijah Craig Small Batch 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, it is complemented by Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey in the portfolio.  

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. The Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon and Double Gold 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. 

-30- 

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

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

Posted on

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Larceny Barrel Proof Series Nationwide

Barrel Proof offering becomes first line extension for Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Heaven Hill Distillery today announced the first line extension of Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Larceny Barrel Proof. Released on an allocated basis three times per year, the first release of this wheated Bourbon will ship with great consumer anticipation in January 2020 after already receiving a Double Gold from the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

First launched in 2012, Larceny is one of the most successful new-to-the-world Bourbons in the past decade, enjoying both critical and consumer acclaim. Leveraging the success of the mainline brand, Larceny Barrel Proof offers whiskey fans an opportunity to taste Larceny as Heaven Hill’s Master Distiller does, straight out of the barrel. Each release will be bottled at barrel proof, non-chill filtered and available at a suggested retail price of $49.99.

Larceny Barrel Proof will be an ongoing offering released three times per year: January, May and September. Each release will have varying proofs and consist of barrels aged six to eight years. A naming convention for the release is shown on each bottle. The alpha character in the naming convention designates which batch of the year that bottle came from, the numeral that follows represents the month of the release, and finally the last two digits indicate the corresponding year of the release. For example, the first release will be A120, with “A” representing the first batch of that year, “1” representing January, and “20” representing the year 2020.

The new release will be offered in the traditional distinctive Larceny pinched-waist, flask-shaped 750ml bottle, with the hallmark skeleton key logo and John E. Fitzgerald signature carried by a black label. The lower face label denotes “Barrel Proof” in red and includes the batch number, proof, and alc/vol for each particular release.

“Larceny’s wheated Bourbon mashbill delivers a taste profile that is very approachable and smooth, a true crowd-pleaser. The addition of this non chill filtered, barrel proof offering to the Larceny family allows us to showcase a deeper character, richness and depth of flavor from our wheated Bourbon mashbill,” said Heaven Hill Distillery Group Product Director Susan Wahl. “Drawing from its lineage within the Old Fitzgerald family, Larceny Barrel Proof is an opportunity for Bourbon fans to taste a historical ‘wheater’ in its purest form.”

Larceny is the heir to the wheated Bourbons that make up the historic Old Fitzgerald franchise acquired by Heaven Hill Distillery in 1999. Continuing the tradition of Old Fitzgerald using wheat in place of rye as the secondary grain in the mashbill, Larceny uses more wheat than any of its competitors for a softer, rounder character. The brand is inspired by the history of John E. Fitzgerald, who as a treasury agent in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s was one of the only people legally allowed to carry the keys to the barrel storage rickhouses. With a discerning palate for fine Bourbon, John E. Fitzgerald often used his rickhouse keys to gain access to some of the finest Bourbon barrels for himself. Those barrels from which he chose to help himself were often referred to as “Fitzgerald barrels” around the distillery.

Posted on

Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Launches Unlock the Rickhouse Augmented Reality Program

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey launched the new “Unlock the Rickhouse” augmented reality app today available to download on the Apple Store and Google Play.  With this app, consumers are invited to search through the rickhouses to learn more about Larceny Bourbon, potentially win daily prizes, and enter to win the grand prize of $10,000.

To participate, consumers can simply download the new “Unlock the Rickhouse” augmented reality app on their own personal smart phone device. Once downloaded, consumers can explore the rickhouses by tapping on each one to search for a prize-winning “Fitzgerald barrel.” From Sept. 1 through Dec. 31, each tap of a rickhouse gains one entry to the grand prize of $10,000 (where legal). Daily prizes will also be awarded and include everything from a mini barrel shot glass and Larceny magnet, all the way up to a Larceny guitar or LED sign. These prizes will be sent out on a weekly basis to winning consumers.

The app was inspired by the history of John E. Fitzgerald, who as a treasury agent in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s was one of the only people legally allowed to carry the keys to the barrel storage rickhouses.  With a discerning palate for fine Bourbon, John E. Fitzgerald often used his rickhouse keys to gain access to some of the finest Bourbon barrels for himself. Those barrels from which he chose to help himself were often referred to as “Fitzgerald barrels” around the distillery. This infamous act of larceny led to the Larceny brand and has now inspired the newest augmented reality app.

“We’re excited to present an innovative augmented reality program that will allow consumers to interact with and get to know Larceny Bourbon in a very interactive and unique way,” said Heaven Hill Group Product Director, Susan Wahl. “This kind of programming concept is still fairly new to the industry, and even newer to the Whiskey category. It allows the consumer an opportunity for rich content and brings the Larceny story to life.”

The brand launched the unique program with several exciting elements, including a custom augmented reality app that allows consumers to view the Larceny rickhouses and surrounding other buildings, a grand prize sweepstakes with the chance to win $10,000, and an eye-catching in-store display to help merchandise Larceny cases and encourage in-store interaction with consumers. The interactive display features directions on how to download the app, paired with a map of the Larceny rickhouses that can be scanned in-store using the app. Additionally, select 750ml bottles feature a Z-card necker that folds out into a map of the Larceny rickhouses on one side, with instructions on how to download the app, win prizes, and enter the sweepstakes on the other. This allows for consumers to take the experience home and play daily.

The Unlock the Rickhouse program is brought to life across various media platforms such as YouTube, programmatic video, mobile, and social media including Facebook and Instagram.

Since Heaven Hill announced the launch of Larceny Bourbon in 2012, the brand has enjoyed tremendous growth and notoriety. In 2019, Larceny earned a Double Gold Medal at the SIP Awards, as well as the Tried and True award, a 93 point rating, and “Great Value” designation at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. Additionally, the brand is a four-time Beverage Information Group “Rising Star” award winner, four-time IMPACT “Hot Prospect” brand, and was named a Top 20 Spirit in the World by Spirit Journal. Larceny Bourbon continues the Old Fitzgerald tradition of using wheat in place of rye as the secondary grain in the whiskey’s mashbill. On the palate, Larceny has a softer, rounder character that is the hallmark of the Old Fitzgerald legacy.

At an average national retail price of $24.99 for the 750ml size, Larceny is a true small batch Bourbon produced from 200 barrels or less that have been selected from Heaven Hill’s open rickhouses in Nelson County, Kentucky. Larceny has a 6-year-old taste profile and is bottled at a full-bodied 92 proof, or 46% alcohol by volume.

-30-

CONTACT:

Emily Gahafer

Heaven Hill Brands

(502) 813-2375

egahafer@heavenhill.com

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

Posted on

Heaven Hill Brands’ Lunazul Tequila Releases Limited Edition Louisville City FC Lunazul Blanco Bottle

BARDSTOWN, KY –Lunazul 100% Agave Tequila announced today the limited edition release of a Louisville City FC package for Lunazul Blanco. Both locally-owned with award-winning pedigrees, the special label supports Lunazul’s partnership as the “Official Tequila” of Louisville City FC and celebrates the team’s back-to-back titles as United Soccer League (USL) Cup champions.

Owned locally by Heaven Hill Brands, the award winning, top ten nationally ranked 100% Agave Tequila is proud to support Louisville’s ‘Boys in Purple’ through another championship season. Available now for an estimated retail price of $18.99, the design features the team’s signature purple and gold around the label trim, with the Louisville City FC logo on the neck of the bottle and the background of the label. The bottles are available at major local retail locations while supplies last.

Additionally, Lunazul is proud to once again serve as the Official Tequila of Louisville City FC. In support of this sponsorship, fans will find Lunazul featured in stadium back bars and concourse booths throughout the season. Fans can also enjoy a River City Rita, the signature Lunazul cocktail, during each pre-home game “Party by the Pitch” event.

“Lunazul is proud to continue its partnership with Louisville City FC again this year. As a locally-owned brand, Louisville City FC is scoring goals for our city and adding value with each championship win,” says Lunazul Brand Manager MaryCrae Guild. “It’s an honor to produce this limited edition bottle of Lunazul Blanco as a way to celebrate the tremendous success of ‘The Boys in Purple.’”

Lunazul Tequila is among the finest 100% Agave Tequilas in the category at an affordable price. More information about the brand can be found at  http://lunazultequila.com/ or follow along on Facebook and Instagram. For over 250 years, the Beckmann family has been crafting some of Mexico’s smoothest tequila. Founded by Francisco Beckmann in 2004, and now under the watchful eye of his son Jorge Beckmann, the Tierra de Agaves estate is home to the oldest dynasty of tequila brands in the 100% Agave sub-category. The brand boasts accolades including the Beverage Information Group “Rising Star” and Impact “Hot Prospect” for volume growth since 2013, 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold Medal, and the Ultimate Spirits Challenge Finalist and Great Value awards.

-30-

CONTACT:

Emily Gahafer

Heaven Hill Brands

egahafer@heavenhill.com

(502) 813-2375

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

Posted on

Lynn Rupley-Smith Wins Blue Ribbon at 34th Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest

LOUISVILLE, KY – The 34th annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest kicked off the culinary competitions at the Kentucky State Fair on Friday, August 16, showcasing some of the most creative Bourbon dishes in the Commonwealth. Heaven Hill Distillery, producers of Evan Williams Bourbon, awarded the coveted Blue Ribbon top prize to Lynn Rupley-Smith of Louisville, Ky., for her Plant Butter Bourbon Potato Casserole.

A distinguished panel of local judges selected the entrée from 50 entries this year. Red (second place) and White (third place) ribbons were awarded to Lisa Echsner of Louisville, Ky. for her Evan’s Sweet Potato Tipsy Bisque-y and Kelli Lewis of Louisville, Ky. for her Kentucky Highlander Beef Bourbon Pie, respectively.

Judges for the contest included Steve Coomes, food and spirits writer, speaker and book author; Sarah Fritschner, Coordinator, Louisville Farm to Table and local food consultant writer; Sara Havens, Freelance Spirits Writer, blogger, and book author; Fred Minnick, Wall Street Journal-bestselling author; Maggie Kimberl, Content Editor and contributor for several Whiskey publications; and Jodie Filiatreau, Artisanal Distiller for the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience.

During the judging, contestants and spectators were treated to a cooking with Bourbon demonstration by Chef Jeff Dailey, Executive Chef at Harvest Restaurant in NuLu. Chef Dailey performed the demonstration using Evan Williams Bourbon, America’s second-largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.  Also, on hand to assist was Harvest’s Lead Line Cook, Daniel Ortiz, and keeping the crowd on its toes were hosts Jesse and MJ from 106.9 PLAY.

Heaven Hill Distillery, the Bardstown, Ky.-based maker of distilled spirits, produces Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – named for the Commonwealth’s first distiller who set up his distillery on the banks of the Ohio River in 1783.

“The unique heritage of America’s Native Spirit, coupled with the Commonwealth’s flagship exposition, presents a grand stage for some of the finest amateur chefs,” said Lauren Cherry, Assistant Communications Manager for Heaven Hill Distillery. “In this 34th year of the Evan Williams Cooking Contest we are inspired by their creativity and enthusiasm.”

The recipes were rated on originality, ease of preparation, appearance, name and the contribution of Evan Williams Bourbon to the taste and aroma of the dish. In addition to receiving a coveted Kentucky State Fair prize ribbon and a cash prize, each of the winning entries will be considered for publication in the next “Cooking with Bourbon” recipe booklet, published periodically by Heaven Hill Distilleries.

34th Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest Winning Recipe
August 16, 2019

Plant Butter Bourbon Potato Casserole
Lynn Rupley-Smith, Louisville, KY 

Filling:

  • 6 large sweet potatoes
  • ½ cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla
  • ½ cup plant butter
  • ¾ cup Evan Williams Bourbon Whiskey

Topping:

  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 2 tbs. flour
  • ¼ cup plant butter

Directions:

Cook, peel, and mash sweet potatoes. Add brown sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix together and spoon into a 9 inch round casserole dish. For topping, cut butter into flour and brown sugar and sprinkle on top of mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for about 35 minutes.

-30-

CONTACT:

Emily Gahafer

Communications Coordinator

(502) 813-2375

egahafer@heavenhill.com

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

Posted on

Heaven Hill Brands Signs Agreement to Acquire Black Velvet Canadian Whisky

Heaven Hill Brands, the largest independent, family-owned and operated distilled spirits supplier based in the U.S., has signed an agreement to acquire Black Velvet Canadian Whisky, the second-largest selling Canadian whisky in the world, from Constellation Brands Inc. The purchase will be made through a subsidiary of Constellation, The Black Velvet Distilling Company located in Lethbridge, Canada. The sale is expected to close in the second half of 2019, subject to regulatory approval.

Black Velvet is the second-largest selling Canadian Whisky worldwide, named for its velvety smooth taste. The Black Velvet brand fills an important gap in Heaven Hill’s broad distilled spirits portfolio by substantially expanding sales activities in the Imported Whisky category and fits perfectly with its portfolio of high volume, quality brands like Evan Williams Bourbon, Burnett’s Vodka, Deep Eddy Vodka, Admiral Nelson’s Rums, and Christian Brothers Brandies.

“We are excited to add Black Velvet to our iconic group of brands and look forward to growing this historic brand in the months and years ahead,” said Max L. Shapira, President of Heaven Hill Brands. “As we continue to build our business based on strategic acquisitions and innovation, Heaven Hill’s commitment to quality continues to steer the positive outlook for our diverse portfolio.”

In addition to acquiring Black Velvet, Heaven Hill will purchase the historic Black Velvet Distilling facility, one of the eight traditional Canadian distilleries in operation. The acquisition includes all the distilling operations, aging and bottling facilities and the remaining portfolio of Canadian Whisky brands owned by Constellation, which includes Black Velvet, MacNaughton, McMasters, and the international business of the Schenley brands – Golden Wedding and OFC. Canadian Whisky made up 7.3% of total distilled spirits volume in 2018 according to Beverage Information Group, the largest segment of all total Imported Whiskey. The Canadian Whisky category is approximately 16.8 million cases, with Black Velvet volume representing almost two million cases in the U.S. in 2018. Perella Weinberg Partners LP acted as exclusive financial advisor to Heaven Hill Brands with respect to the transaction.

Black Velvet was developed in 1946 and was first introduced to the market in 1951. Brothers Walter and Alfred Gilbey entered the spirits industry in England in 1857. After experiencing tremendous growth, the brothers expanded the business opening their first gin distillery in England in 1872, and eventually expanding to Canada in 1906. Due to high demand in Canada, the brothers built the W&A Gilbey Distillery producing the first drops of Canadian Gilbey spirits on September 11, 1933. Distillers Crosbie Hucks and John S. Napier joined the team developing a number of Canadian Whiskies, with Black Velvet rising to the top due to mass consumer interest. The 1970’s brought growth for the Canadian Whisky category and in turn, IDV, now Diageo, built Palliser Distiller in Lethbridge, Alberta. The distillery has since been re-named The Black Velvet Distilling Company where the product is still produced today.

-30-

CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
(502)-413-0217
lcherry@heavenhill.com

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

Posted on

Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Release of 2019 Parker’s Heritage Collection Limited Edition Bottling

13th edition of the annual ultra-premium release is a Heavy Char Rye Whiskey, continues the distillery’s commitment to support ALS research and patient care 

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the 2019 limited edition release of Parker’s Heritage Collection Heavy Char Rye Whiskey, the first Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey of the series. The 13th edition will ship nationally beginning in September at an SRP of $149.99.

As one of the only heritage distilleries to consistently produce all five styles of American Whiskey, this edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection showcases Heaven Hill’s traditional Rye Whiskey mashbill. This edition, however, differentiates itself through its aging process. Instead of aging in Level 3 charred barrels, as is customary for most Heaven Hill products, this Rye Whiskey was aged in Level 5 charred barrels for eight years and nine months on the seventh floor of Rickhouse Y. Level 5 charred barrels are charred 50 seconds longer than the Level 3 barrels.  This more intense char allows the liquid to penetrate deeper into each barrel stave, interacting further with the oak and extracting deep notes of spice and wood on the resulting flavor.  

Bottled at 105 proof (52.5% abv) and non-chill filtered to preserve all the flavor compounds, the limited edition bottling honors the original concept of the Parker’s Heritage Collection – to showcase the quality and broad range of the Heaven Hill portfolio. With more than 1.5 million barrels in inventory, this collection produces an innovative, highly sought after bottling each year and now serves as a remembrance of the collection’s namesake 

“As the second largest holder of aging American Whiskey, Heaven Hill Distillery has the privilege of showcasing the quality and range of our distilling craft through the Parker’s Heritage Collection,” said Susan Wahl, Group Product Director at Heaven Hill Distillery. “We continue this series with thoughtful offerings that showcase the care and attention to detail for which Heaven Hill Distillery is known. Parker was involved in the development of this bottling over eight years ago and will continue to leave his mark on many future bottlings. It is in tribute to Parker and his legacy that we continue to support ALS research and patient care with this series.” 

The late Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, for whom the acclaimed series is named, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 2010. The past six editions from 2013-2018, including the “Promise of Hope” Bourbon, the “Original Batch” Straight Wheat Whiskey, the Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey, the 24-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon, the 11-Year-Old Single Barrel, and Orange Curaçao-finished Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, respectively, have raised over one million dollars toward ALS research and patient care through contributions made by Heaven Hill for each bottle purchased. With the 2019 Heavy Char Rye Whiskey edition, Heaven Hill will again contribute a portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold to the ALS Association.  

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous twelve editions, but with a green colored label, the newest Parker’s Heritage Collection is available in a three-bottle case and will be available at retail starting in September. With previous releases having won multiple awards from Whisky Advocate magazine, Whisky Magazine and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the series stands as some of the most critically lauded American Whiskeys in recent memory. Past bottlings have won awards ranging from “Best North American Whiskey” to “American Whiskey of the Year” to “Best of Show, Brown Spirits.”  

-30- 

CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
(502) 413-0217
lcherry@heavenhill.com  

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

Posted on

Heaven Hill Distillery Launches “Tales from the Hill” Podcast

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distillery today launched a new podcast, “Tales from the Hill,” to share the story of Heaven Hill in a way that has never been done before. Produced by CaskStrength Media and narrated by Mark Gillespie, host of the number one whiskey podcast “WhiskyCast,” Tales from the Hill takes an intimate, in-depth look at the people, places and products that have shaped Heaven Hill Distillery since 1935.  

Season one takes the listener on a six-episode a journey into the heritage and legacy of Heaven Hill. Each episode contains exclusive interviews from the people who know Heaven Hill best and provides a unique, behind-the-scenes look at how Heaven Hill went from filling the first barrel to a portfolio of award-winning whiskeys almost 85 years later. From President Max Shapira to expert taster Tawnie Gootee, each person interviewed provides listeners with a window into the largest independent, family-owned and operated distillery in America.  

Explore how Heaven Hill’s tradition of distilling informs today’s decisions to nurture American Whiskey toward a more vibrant future. Listen to the introductory episode and episode one now, with new episodes available every Tuesday for the next five weeks following the launch date. Learn more, subscribe, listen, and review here. 

Where to listen: 

-30- 

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

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

Posted on

Hpnotiq Launches Limited Edition OG Package, Partners with Hip-Hop and Cultural Icon Fat Joe

Hpnotiq Liqueur, the storied spirits brand known for its electric blue hue, is bringing back the original packaging that gained notoriety in hip-hop artist Joseph “Fat Joe” Cartagena’s ‘Lean Back’ music video. Launched in 2001, Hpnotiq was quickly embraced as a cultural mainstay, becoming one of the most successful new product introductions in the history of distilled spirits.

The limited-edition “OG” Bottle will be available nationally beginning in June in the 750ml bottle, and in select markets as a 375ml flask and 50ml bottle. The OG package utilizes the original Hpnotiq logo and signature eye-catching blue hue made famous when Hpnotiq burst onto the scene in the early 2000’s. The OG program will also include retail support with a boom box display piece, Fat Joe partnership posters, and retro-logo point-of-sale.

“Hpnotiq is excited to partner with Fat Joe almost two decades after the original success of this unique duo within music and nightlife,” said MaryCrae Guild, Hpnotiq Brand Manager. “Hpnotiq is paying homage to its roots while also celebrating the brand’s future as it continues to grow within the segment. Since 2001, consumers have chosen Hpnotiq as a staple in entertainment.”

As a unique part of Hpnotiq’s history, the brand is partnering with Fat Joe to release a comedic “OG” video series imagining Fat Joe as the brand’s “Creative Director.” The OG campaign provides fans with a taste of nostalgia while enjoying the cultural relevancy of Fat Joe’s latest hits as a rapper, actor and entrepreneur. The launch of the hilarious “OG” video series features the NYC rapper running Hpnotiq’s headquarters, from experimenting with summer cocktails in the R&D lab to helping record the company voicemail. View the first video here.

A premium blend of exotic fruit juices, French Cognac and a touch of vodka, Hpnotiq is growing at six percent nationally. Hpnotiq is 17% alc/vol and the “OG” Bottle will be available beginning in June at select stores nationwide. For more information about the “OG” campaign and limited-edition bottle, visit @Hpnotiq on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook or email info@hpnotiq.com to find your local retailer.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL: 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 Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Deep Eddy Vodka; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

-30-

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

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

Posted on

Heaven Hill Distillery Launches Historic, Bottled-in-Bond Namesake Bourbon

Heaven Hill Distillery, one of the nation’s foremost American Whiskey producers now celebrating 84 years and three generations of family ownership, today announces the launch of Heaven Hill 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This historic offering of the company’s namesake Bourbon exemplifies the craftsmanship, patience and perseverance that are hallmarks of Heaven Hill’s whiskey-making tradition.

The origins of Heaven Hill’s eponymous Bottled-in-Bond brand dates to 1939, when upon release, it quickly became the number-one-selling Bourbon Whiskey in the state of Kentucky. The lineage of Heaven Hill Bourbon has been a constant throughout the company’s history, from the original 1939 4-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond to the 2018 release of Heaven Hill 27-Year-Old. Today, that heritage is once again celebrated with the release of Heaven Hill 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond. Made from Heaven Hill Distillery’s traditional Bourbon mashbill, mingled in small batches, and bottled at 100 proof, this 7-year-old offering of the namesake brand exceeds the minimum four-year aging requirement for a Bottled-in-Bond. The Distilled Spirits Plant (D.S.P) number of the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, Ky., D.S.P.-KY-1, and that of the Heaven Hill headquarters and bottling house in Bardstown, Ky., D.S.P-KY-31, are featured prominently on the face label.

“Heaven Hill Distillery was built on patience and perseverance, two values we continue to pour into our products today,” said Heaven Hill Distillery President Max L. Shapira. “At a time when American Whiskey is surging, we are proud to release a namesake product that really brings us back to our company’s founding.  It celebrates our rich bourbon-making heritage, as well as the values and standards we hold today as a point of passion for our company.”

The front label prominently features “Bottled-in-Bond” across the top, an embossed “Heaven Hill” in the middle along with an illustration of Old Heaven Hill Springs distillery, the distillery first used in 1935, and the phrase “This Bourbon is 7 Years Old” adorns the bottom calling out the age statement. A gold foil, embossed Heaven Hill Distillery medallion is featured on the bottom label, the same emblem that marked the Heaven Hill 27-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond packaging. To complete the packaging, the back label includes the historic tagline “The Best of the Great Kentucky Bourbons,” along with the history of the namesake brand.

With an SRP of $39.99, it will first launch in October in the limited markets of California, Texas, New York, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, South Carolina, and Colorado.

Why Bottled in Bond?
The Bottled-in-Bond designation was an important turning point in the history of Bourbon. The exacting standards set forth in the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897 offered consumers a guarantee of quality and transparency. It stipulated that the whiskey must be the product of one distilling season from one distillery, aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof. Today, this designation continues to offer those same guarantees, providing consumers with the knowledge of where the Bourbon was produced and the assurance that the barrels were all pulled from a single season. Keeping a Bottled-in-Bond product on the shelves with a consistent flavor profile requires the foresight of consistent aging inventory, as only barrels distilled between January and June or July and December can be bottled together in a single batch.

For Heaven Hill specifically, Bottled-in-Bonds are ingrained in our Bourbon portfolio. Not only was one of the founding brands a Bottled-in-Bond, but Heaven Hill has had the fortune of acquiring many Bottled-In-Bond labels over the years and has been instrumental in keeping the history of this important act and these labels alive. In fact, Heaven Hill Distillery produces the most Bottled-in-Bond whiskeys of any distillery today and prides itself on having a vast enough inventory to ensure that each of these bottlings meet the exacting standards of a Bottled-In-Bond.

-30-

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

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