Category: Press Releases

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Bartender of the Year Nashville Finalist Inspired by Roots of Grandfather’s Garden

Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com announce third finalist for 2019 “Bartender of the Year”

BARDSTOWN, KY – Kevin King, Bar Manager at Husk Savannah in Savannah, Ga., announced as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Nashville finalist for the 2019 Bartender of the Year Competition. King 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. King crafted the “Grandfather’s Garden,” inspired by the cocktail’s namesake where he first tasted the natural combination of bitter and sweet flavors straight from the ground(see recipe at end of release).

“Growing up I would wander through his garden and my favorite thing to try was rhubarb because of its lovely green and acidic qualities. The combination of Lunazul Blanco’s fresh, citrus, ripe flavor with the bitter, jam notes of Dubonnet Rouge give the base depth and balance,” said King. “My Grandfather was a bitter man at times, but also the sweetest of souls and he continues to grow some of the best produce I’ve ever tasted. I still get to visit his garden and we walk through and talk about different flavors, some bitter, some sweet, but always the best and balanced.”

Trip Sandifer of the Painted Duck in Atlanta won second place and $500. Six semifinalists competed regionally in Nashville on Monday, Feb. 18 at Bastion Nashville. 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 Husk Nashville and professional development with Simon Ford, Co-Founder of 86 Co. and Ford’s Gin, before the winner was announced. Ford created a cocktail utilizing Heaven Hill products and spoke to his inspiration behind it, as well as the journey to reach this point in his career and advice for improving in cocktail competitions.

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

More than 1,100 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2018. 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 17-20, 2019. 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. Harrison Ginsberg of The Dead Rabbit in New York City was the 2018 Bartender of the Year and will return as a guest judge for the finals. Ginsberg joined an impressive rank of past champions, including Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar in New York City who was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Compere Lapin in New Orleans who won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

 

Grandfather’s Garden
Crafted by Kevin King

Ingredients:

  • Lunazul Tequila Blanco (1.5 ounce(s))
  • Dubonnet Rouge Grand Aperitif (.5 ounce(s))
  • Purple Clover Cordial (.5 ounce(s))
  • Lemon (.5 ounce(s))
  • Zucca Amaro (.25 ounce(s))
  • Egg White (.75 ounce(s))
  • Saline (6 drops n/a)

Place all ingredients in tin. Dry shake or froth. Hard shake and strain into coupe. Garnish with purple clover and maldon salt.

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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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Lunazul Tequila Launches “Feed the Wolf” Campaign

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Lunazul Tequila today launched a new marketing campaign titled “Feed the Wolf.” The fastest-growing 100% agave Tequila will utilize the new positioning to showcase raw, authentic experiences and the independent spirit that embodies the Mexican Wolf.

The new campaign conveys the desire for passion and quality that consumers have come to seek from Lunazul. Campaign materials showcase people with a hunger for life, celebrating their aspirations and feeding off the energy of their own pack. Drawing from the spirit of the wolf, the campaign encourages Lunazul consumers to explore the best of what life has to offer and ignite that drive within others. The Feed the Wolf campaign is brought to life across all programming platforms including an updated website at www.lunazultequila.com, social media on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, digital videos, and point of sale materials. The new Lunazul digital videos will run across social media and can also be viewed here.

“Lunazul has ignited the Tequila category since it launched in 2008 and we are excited to see that energy continue to build as consumers ‘Feed the Wolf,’” said Lunazul Brand Manager MaryCrae Guild. “Backed by the unique heritage, production process and commitment to quality, Lunazul is a standout among the category. We are going back to the roots of where Lunazul started as an homage to the land, distiller and passion that brought this brand to life.”

As 8th generation descendants of the Cuervo family, the Beckmann family has a desire to create the highest-quality Tequila from using only the best ingredients and classic techniques. Born between the foothills of the Tequila Volcano and the deep valley of the Rio Grande River in Jalisco, Mexico, the Tierra de Agaves estate, where Lunazul is crafted, is home to the oldest dynasty of tequila producers. It is on this land that a symbiotic relationship between the Mexican Wolf and Lunazul Tequila became important. As protectors of the ecosystem in which the blue weber agave is grown, the wolf packs secure the future of the rich soil.

Since announcing the joint venture between Heaven Hill and Tierra de Agaves, Lunazul Tequila has enjoyed tremendous growth and notoriety. In 2018, Lunazul Blanco was awarded the Chairman’s Trophy in the Blanco category of the Ultimate Spirits Challenge, scoring 96 points, the highest score of all category entrants and was also designated as an “Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation” and “Great Value.” Crafted using 100% agave and bottled at 40 percent alcohol by volume, Lunazul Blanco was noted as a “benchmark example of what tequila can and should accomplish” according to the Ultimate Spirits Challenge blog.  Lunazul Reposado received “Best of Show” and a Double Gold medal from the 2018 WSWA Tasting Competition and a Gold medal from the 2018 San Francisco Spirits Competition. Lunazul 100% Agave Tequila has been one of the leading new Tequila brands in the 100% Agave sub-category, as both a Beverage Information Group “Rising Star” and Impact “Hot Brand” for volume growth since 2013.

Lunazul Tequilas (SRP $19.99-29.99) are available in five varieties, Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, Primero and El Humoso.  Blanco and Reposado are available in 1.75 liter, 1.0 liter, 1.0 bar liter, 750 ml and 50 ml sizes, while the Añejo, Primero, and El Humoso are available in the 750ml size only.  All are bottled at 40% alcohol by volume.

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 Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; 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 and Carolan’s Irish Cream Liqueur.

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

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

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Bartender of the Year Los Angeles Finalist Draws Flavor Inspiration from Life Milestone

Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com announce first finalist for 2019 “Bartender of the Year”

BARDSTOWN, KY – Vay Su, bartender at Republique in Los Angeles, announced as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Los Angeles finalist for the 2019 Bartender of the Year Competition. Su 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. Inspired by an unforgettable night in Kyoto, Japan, Vay Su crafted a cocktail that stirs up warm memories with top-notch skill.

“At the end of an amazing meal, we were served a warm milk with yuzu, tea, and a little bit of Japanese spices in it. It was so delicious and comforting, with the rain and the cold weather, it was nice to warm the body with something so simple and clean but amazingly delicious,” said Su. “It was perfect and right after we finished our warm yuzu milk, I proposed to my girlfriend, she said yes and that is how we got engaged. It was probably a combination of all the Whiskey Highballs we had along the way, Warm Yuzu Milk, and getting engaged, but that’s how I got my inspiration for this cocktail.”

Robin Wolf of The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar in Paso Robles, Calif. won second place and $500. Six semifinalists competed regionally in Los Angeles on Monday, Jan. 14 at The Normandie 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 Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy, or Lunazul Tequila. Contestants and judges were then invited to a family dinner at a.o.c. and professional development before the winner was announced. Julian Cox, Director of Bar Operations and Development at Tartine, created a cocktail utilizing Heaven Hill products and spoke to his inspiration behind it, as well as the journey to reach this point in his career, before the winner was announced.

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

More than 1,100 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2018. 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 17-20, 2019. 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. Harrison Ginsberg of The Dead Rabbit in New York City was the 2018 Bartender of the Year and will return as a guest judge for the finals. Ginsberg joined an impressive rank of past champions, including Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar in New York City who was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Compere Lapin in New Orleans who won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

A Midwinter Night in Kyoto
Crafted by Vay Su

Ingredients:

  • Elijah Craig Small Batch (1 ounce(s))
  • Rittenhouse Rye (1 ounce(s))
  • Yuzu Clarified Milk Cordial (2 ounce(s))
  • Soda Water (1 ounce(s))

Combine 500ml of Yuzu Juice, 200ml Kyoto Green Tea, 2 Tablespoon of Japanese Allspice, 500ml Superfine sugar, and 100ml Citric Acid. Let it sit overnight. Strain and add 500ml hot milk, let it sit at room temp for an hour, then put it in the fridge overnight to let the milk set and clarify. Fine strain with a superbag or coffee filter till cordial is clear.

Add Rittenhouse, Elijah Craig, and Yuzu to shaker, shake hard. Fine strain into an Air Coupe. Add soda water. Express Meyer Lemon Twist and Discard. Cheers!

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 Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; 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 and Carolan’s Irish Cream Liqueur.

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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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Regional Semifinalists Chosen for Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com 2019 “Bartender of the Year”

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com announced today the 48 regional semifinalists competing in the 2019 Bartender of the Year competition. Semifinalists will compete in San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, Nashville, Los Angeles, Austin, New York City, and Miami from January 2019 through April 2019.

More than 1,100 original cocktail recipes were entered using Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, as well as new competition brands Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy, and Lunazul Tequila. Entries were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2018. 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.

“Over the past four years the Heaven Hill Brands Bartender of the Year competition has expanded to welcome more contestants into the family, more brands, and more innovation,” said Kate S. Latts, Heaven Hill Brands Vice President of Marketing. “As cocktail culture continues to evolve, we are seeing more regions embrace and elevate the craft, just as the regional semifinalist class of 2019 has done thus far. With this year’s lineup of semifinalists, we look forward to an exciting competition filled with passion and creativity.”

The initial field of competitors was evaluated by three esteemed judges: Heaven Hill Brands National Brand Educator Lynn House, 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 from June 17-20, 2019.

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. Harrison Ginsberg of The Dead Rabbit in New York City is the 2018 Bartender of the Year and will return as a guest judge for the finals. Ginsberg joined an impressive rank of past champions, including Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar in New York City who was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Compere Lapin in New Orleans who won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Los Angeles, January 14

First Last Account
Adam George Fournier NoMad LA
Robin Wolf The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar
Raul Pool Mi Corazón
Vay Su Republique
Brock Woolsey Playground
Mink Dang The Chestnut Club

Miami, February 11

First Last Account
Arthur Boothe Bitters & Brass
Peter Hannah Rose & Crown
Daniel Messina Robinson Cocktail Room
Claire Catotti Alley Twenty Six
Kabir Akbani Zuma
Shawn Newman Prato

Nashville, February 18

First Last Account
Kevin King Husk Savannah
Trip Sandifer The Painted Duck
Matt Scott The White Bull
Hunter Douglas Hank’s Cocktail Bar
Hunter Johnson Lucky
Alexandra Anderson The Lawrence

Austin, March 4

First Last Account
David Jennings B&B Butcher’s and Steakhouse
Justin Ware Johnny’s Gold Brick
Cesar Perez II Murray’s
Cory Newsom Tipsy Umbrella
Michelle Salgado Murray’s
Alexis Mijares Fairmont Austin

Chicago, March 11

First Last Account
Rachel Sandra Johnson Raised
Katie Renshaw Etta
Sarah Syman The Drifter
Daniel Reinisch Grey Ghost Detroit
Jacob Feitler The Sugar House
Roger James Fruin The Peterboro

Denver, March 25

First Last Account
Alex Jump Death & Co Denver
Adam Chase Corvino Supper Club and Tasting
Mark Stanford Truffle Pig Restaurant / Carl’s Tavern
Chris Burmeister Citizen Rail
Keifer Gilbert Bitter & Twisted
Brock Schulte The Monarch Bar

New York, April 1

First Last Account
Will Benedetto The Wilson
Andon Whitehorn The Arcadian
Michael Parish Broken Shaker
Christina Mercado Grace Vanderbilt
C. Parker Luthman The Eddy
Faith Alice Sleeper The Passenger

San Francisco, April 15

First Last Account
Jason Seele Nick’s Next Door
Thi Nguyen The Saap Avenue
Alicia Walton The Sea Star
Alison Kwan True Laurel
Gwendolen Whiting Manifest
Katharine Frazier The Gerald

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 Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; 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 and Carolan’s Irish Cream Liqueur.

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

CONTACT:

Communications
Heaven Hill Brands
(502) 413-0217
lcherry@heavenhill.com
www.heavenhill.com

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

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Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Multi-Million-Dollar Investment in Expansion of Bardstown Visitor Center, Production Facilities

Heaven Hill Distillery announced today plans for a renovation, expansion and rebrand of the current Bourbon Heritage Center—Heaven Hill’s visitor experience in Bardstown, Ky. since 2004. The new visitor center renovation and expansion, part of a multi-year $65 million investment plan to expand production capacity in Bardstown, cements Heaven Hill’s commitment to Kentucky’s signature industry through growth and expansion in many areas—from distillation and warehousing, to manufacturing and tourism. Expansion details were announced in partnership with Solid Light, Abel Construction and Kentucky Tourism officials.

With an investment of $17.5 million and an enlarged footprint, the new visitor center in Bardstown will focus on the story of Heaven Hill Distillery since its inception in 1935, the Shapira Family, and iconic brands within the portfolio. Visitors will experience a multi-sensory showcase of the stories behind the evolution of Kentucky Bourbon, rooted in key periods in America’s history. From influential names like Elijah Craig and John E. Fitzgerald, to the barrel rollers and distillery workers, the history will be brought to life through one-of-a-kind exhibits and tours.

Unique to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the visitor center will offer a multitude of signature experiences:The Heaven Hill Distillery American Whiskey portfolio will be on full display through the widest variety of whiskey tastings and educational seminars on the market.

-Interactive, educational spaces dedicated to Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Larceny Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, two brands with unique histories that played an integral role shaping Kentucky Bourbon.

-A “You Do Bourbon” immersive space, where guests will be able to participate in hands-on laboratory learning experiences and bottle their own Bourbon.

-A new rooftop bar will feature cocktails and Bourbon tastings, which visitors can enjoy overlooking Heaven Hill rickhouses.

-An enhanced retail space will offer branded merchandise, specialty food products, locally-crafted gifts, and several of Heaven Hill’s premium Bourbons and American Whiskeys.

“At Heaven Hill Distillery we are committed to the growth of Kentucky Bourbon and invite fans to experience, taste and learn from storied brands across our award-winning portfolio,” said Heaven Hill President Max Shapira. “By honoring historic figures and recognizing the people who are the fabric of this industry, nurturing the dream held by my father and his brothers more than 80 years ago, and educating consumers to enjoy Bourbon into the next generation, Heaven Hill is able to bring history to life in an exciting, modern way relevant to today’s consumer.”

In addition to the visitor center expansion, Heaven Hill will also be adding production capacity with new barrel warehousing, bottling line and equipment upgrades, and increased holdings of aging Bourbon Whiskey, amounting to a total of $47.5 million. Since 2010, Heaven Hill has invested over $100 million into the future of Kentucky Bourbon primarily through distillery expansion, warehouse construction, and tourism.

This newest visitor center expansion will play a vital role in expanding tourism, not only in Bardstown, but across the Kentucky Bourbon Trail through Heaven Hill’s two historically driven stops. When it opened in 2004, the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center was one of the first visitor centers on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and has played an instrumental role in establishing Kentucky as a top tourist destination. The Bourbon Heritage Center is a multiple past winner of Whisky Magazine’s “Visitor Attraction of the Year” award at the magazine’s annual “Icons of Whisky” Awards and is consistently ranked as one of the top tours in the Bardstown area, drawing 60,000 visitors per year. In Louisville, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is dedicated to the story of Kentucky’s First Distiller and the world’s 2nd largest Bourbon brand, Evan Williams. Hosting 100,000 visitors annually, it was the first distillery back on Whiskey Row in Downtown Louisville.

“Our shared commitment to excellence and passion for our home state of Kentucky and Bourbon make working with the Shapira family on the Heaven Hill Distillery Visitor Center an incredible opportunity to convey the history and craft of Bourbon with visitors,” said Solid Light Owner/President Cynthia Torp. “When it opens, guests will have a truly comprehensive and immersive experience that tells the Heaven Hill story, the stories of Elijah Craig and Larceny, and immerses them both in the history of the not only Kentucky bourbon, but the larger history of Bourbon in America.”

Contingent upon receiving tourism incentives, Heaven Hill Distillery’s expanded Bardstown visitor center will generate a significant amount of state and local tax revenue, as well as creating over 20 new full time and part time positions.

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The Search for Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com 2019 “Bartender of the Year” Begins NOW!

Winner will receive $15,000 at finals Half Mile Farm in North Carolina

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com are searching for the 2019 Bartender of the Year. The event welcomes bartenders from across the United States to join the Heaven Hill family through online submissions, regional semifinals and the crowning of the Bartender of the Year in June 2019 at the picturesque Half Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina.

Bartenders will be challenged to demonstrate a variety of cocktail skills including the use of Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky. Commencing the fourth year in hosting the Bartender of the Year competition, the level of entrants continues to expand and diversify, as well as the portfolio of brands used in the competition. New additions to the featured brands include Dubonnet Rouge Grand Aperitif, Sacred Bond Brandy and Lunazul Tequila.

The 2019 Bartender of the Year contest will identify the bartender who best embodies the range of qualities to which all bartenders aspire to be, as Harrison Ginsberg of The Dead Rabbit in New York City expertly showcased throughout each round of the competition to be named the 2018 Bartender of the Year. From service to history and skills to quality preparation, the 2019 Bartender of the Year will be a celebrated example of what it means to be a hospitality professional behind the bar.

“Cocktail culture has revolutionized the distilled spirits industry due in part to the level of craft and expertise demonstrated by the highest level of bartenders,” said Kate S. Latts, Vice President, Marketing for Heaven Hill Brands. “We are excited to include more of our diverse portfolio in the 2019 featured brands lineup as we continue to identify the top talent within the ranks of hospitality professionals. As the Heaven Hill family continues to grow, we look forward to supporting each contestant as they raise the bar for creativity and passion within the craft.”

Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com will identify candidates for Bartender of the Year first by online submissions beginning September 15 and continuing through October 31. Submissions will be evaluated throughout November by the three returning national judges: Heaven Hill National Brand Educator Lynn House, Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó. Eight regional competitions will be held in the following cities from January-April 2019: San Francisco, Denver, Chicago, Nashville, Los Angeles, Austin, New York City, Miami. Six semifinalists will compete at each regional and one from each will advance to the finals at Half Mile Farm.

Submissions for the contest opened at bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com on September 15, 2018. Guest judges joining for the regional semifinals will be announced throughout the duration of the contest. Ginsberg will also return as a judge for the finals.

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. Ginsberg joined an impressive rank of past champions, including Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar in New York City who was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Compere Lapin in New Orleans who won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

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 Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; 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 and Carolan’s Irish Cream Liqueur.

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

CONTACT:

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

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

 

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Evan Williams is Bourbon Done Right

Evan Williams Bourbon today launched a new marketing campaign titled “Bourbon Done Right.” The flagship Bourbon brand of Heaven Hill Distillery, the world’s second largest holder of aging Bourbon, will utilize the new positioning to showcase real, everyday satisfaction from a real, everyday Bourbon.

As the second largest selling Bourbon in the world, the new campaign conveys the commitment to quality and the esteem with which consumers have held Evan Williams over the last decade. The new campaign showcases people enjoying their hobbies, whether building a deck or polishing their car, it shows how Evan Williams Bourbon can be used to celebrate the small moments of satisfaction that are found in everyday life and the pride that comes with it. The Bourbon Done Right campaign is brought to life across all programming platforms including a new national cable TV spot, social media, point of sale materials, and updated website at www.evanwilliams.com. National cable TV advertising will run on MLB World Series coverage on ESPN, ESPN2, TBS/TNT, MLB Network, as well as on the History Channel. Watch the new Evan Williams TV spot hitting screens this fall here.

Evan Williams is among the leaders in the rapidly growing American Whiskey segment. Evan Williams is a proud sponsor of Major League Baseball and the World Series, first forming a partnership with the national pastime in 2016. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams has recognized true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery on special edition American-Made Hero labels for the past four years. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

“As a leader in the category, Evan Williams is a prime example of commitment to excellence and quality when it comes to Bourbon,” said Julie Cole, Evan Williams Brand Manager. “The new campaign establishes Evan Williams as the Bourbon that provides satisfaction for the consumer on their own time and in their own terms. Evan Williams invites fans to celebrate their passions with ours.”

At a suggested retail price of $14.99 for the 750ml size, Evan Williams Black is a smooth, easy to drink Bourbon named after Evan Williams who, in 1783, opened Kentucky’s first commercial distillery along the banks of the Ohio River. Today, Evan Williams is distilled at Heaven Hill Distillery’s Bernheim facility, located just a few blocks from the site where Evan himself built his distillery.

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Christy Cox Wins Blue Ribbon at 33rd Annual Evan Williams Cooking Contest

LOUISVILLE, KY – The 33rd annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest kicked off the culinary competitions at the Kentucky State Fair on Friday, August 17, 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 Christy Cox of Louisville, Ky., for her Mr. Williams’ Country Ham and Tomato Pie.

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 Missy Hillcock of Prospect, Ky. for her Hot Brown Hoecake with Bourbon Tomato Jam and Richard Myers of Bagdad, Ky. for his Bourbon in Your Belly pork, respectively.

Judges for the contest included Steve Coomes, food writer and consultant, author of two books including, Country Ham: A Southern Tradition of Hogs, Salt & Smoke; Sarah Fritschner, food consultant and writer, coordinator of Louisville Farm to Table; Seth Thompson, publisher of The Bourbon Review; Fred Minnick, Wall Street Journal-bestselling author; Bailey Loosemore, The Courier-Journal Food & Culture Reporter; 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 David Danielson, Executive Chef at Levy at Churchill Downs. Chef David performed the demonstration using Evan Williams Bourbon, America’s second-largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Also, on hand to assist was Chef Jeremiah Brown and keeping the crowd on its toes was host Kelly K from 99.7 DJX.

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 Max L. Shapira, president of Heaven Hill. “In this 33rd year of the Evan Williams Cooking Contest we were inspired by the 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.

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Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Fall 2018 Edition of the Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Series

Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of the fall 2018 edition of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Comprised of barrels produced in October of 2008, and bottled in August of 2018, the second release ushers in the latest hallmark series to the bottled-in-bond legacy.

Bottled in an ornate decanter, the fall edition denotes a black label, which will stay consistent across all fall releases. As was the case for the spring edition, 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 second edition is available at a suggested retail price of $90.

As a leader of the Bottled-in-Bond category, Heaven Hill is proud to offer a premium, allocated product within this special class that showcases the authenticity and quality of the American Whiskey portfolio. Acquired in 1999 by Heaven Hill, the legendary Old Fitzgerald line is well-known for its distilling pedigree and intriguing story behind its namesake, John E. Fitzgerald.

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Heaven Hill Brands Announces Relaunch of Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif

From the vault of a storied brand that has withstood the test of time comes the launch of a rejuvenated Dubonnet Rouge Aperitif. Gracing the shelves July 2018, the historic Dubonnet is returning to a vintage package with an updated recipe.

“As a family-owned and operated company with a legacy of nurturing legitimate brands with authentic history, we are excited to return to tradition with Dubonnet,” said Lynn House, Heaven Hill Brands National Brand Educator. “The new Dubonnet formula offers a complex, well-balanced cocktail companion backed by the highest standards of quality for more than 170 years.”

Dubonnet is grounded in traditional flavor basics as the new formula incorporates a key ingredient used since 1846, Cinchona Bark, which was originally discovered as a cure to common illnesses in the 1600’s. Combined with a base of wine incorporating Muscat of Alexandria, herbs and spices including black currant and tea varietals, and 100 percent cane sugar, the taste will delight history buffs and cocktail proficianados alike.

Inspired by a 1940’s bottle, the updated packaging features the iconic cat of Sir Dubonnet’s beloved wife that now lives in infamy on various versions of the bottle throughout history. Sir Joseph Dubonnet, a Paris pharmacist and wine merchant, developed a fortified-wine aperitif that contained the Cinchona medicine as a more flavorful option. As most classic spirits originate, the fortified wine soon became a favored cocktail component.

Dubonnet Rouge will be available in the 750ml and 1L sizes bottled at 38 proof or 19% alcohol by volume at a suggested retail price of $17.99. The launch will be supported by Lynn House, along with an updated website launching at www.doyoudubonnet.com, trade advertising, Instagram, and join the 2019 Bartender of the Year program as a featured brand.

With more “depth than its predecessor,” according to The New York Times, the new formula is well-suited to sip or stir. As an aperitif, Dubonnet can be enjoyed on its own or in classic, contemporary or creative cocktails. The profile is medium-bodied with dark fruit tanins and a balanced sweetness, creating a versatile flavor that is at once complex and refreshingly light. Below are several recommended cocktails that highlight the new Dubonnet.

The Dandy
1.25 oz. Dubonnet
1.5 oz. Elijah Craig Bourbon
.25 oz. Orange Liqueur
2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
2 Dashes Regans Orange Bitters

Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled. Serve up in a Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with an orange swath.

The French Connection
2 oz. Dubonnet
1 oz. White Grapefruit Juice
3 oz. Tonic Water

Pour over ice in a wine glass or in a Collins glass. Gently stir. Garnish with grapefruit slices.

The Dubonnet
1.5 oz. Dubonnet
1.5 oz. London Dry Gin

Serve up in a Nick & Nora glass. Garnish with an orange swath.

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 Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; 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 and Carolan’s Irish Cream Liqueur.

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

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CONTACT:

Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

Images available at https://connect.heavenhill.com/c/44mjcge2.