Category: Press Releases

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Bartender of the Year Chicago Finalist Draws Flavors from Middle Eastern Heritage

Mony Bunni blends flavors from her Middle Eastern heritage to craft a masterful cocktail. Announced today as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Chicago finalist for the 2018 Bartender of the Year Competition, Bunni won first place, $1,000 and a trip to the finals at The Lodge on Sea Island, Ga.

“My parents are both first generation Arab-Americans and I grew up surrounded by Middle Eastern flavors, and try to incorporate them into my cocktails whenever I can,” said Bunni, bartender at Prairie School. “Ras el Hanout is a spice blend from Northern Africa that typically includes cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, clove, fenugreek, coriander, and ginger. The deep savoriness of the Ras el Hanout, mixes beautifully with the caraway notes of the Rittenhouse, the raisin notes of the Sherry, and the thyme and sarsaparilla notes in the amaro.”

Ryan Arvin of Detroit won second place and $500. Six semifinalists competed regionally in Chicago on Sunday, April 15 at Sportsman’s Club. Bartenders competed in two rounds, first mixing the family-inspired cocktail from their preliminary submission, then creating an original cocktail fit for the menu of the host bar using at least 1.5 ounces of total of Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, or Rittenhouse Rye Whisky. Contestants and judges were then invited to a family dinner at Parachute where Dave Arnold, author of Liquid Intelligence: The Art & Science of the Perfect Cocktail, led a discussion on the relationship between sugars and acids, and how to create well-balanced cocktails, before the winner was announced.

National Brand Educator for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Partner at Alchemy Consulting and Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó, and Beverage Director of the Ace Hotel Chicago Caitlin Laman 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 1,000 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2017. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one rendition of a classic recipe, and one relating to family along with a short description of how the cocktail was inspired by their interpretation of family. The top contestant from each region will go on to vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at The Lodge on Sea Island, Ga. in June 2018. 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. Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar in New York City was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Compere Lapin in New Orleans won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Elective Amnesia – Inspired by the concept of family
Crafted by Mony Bunni

Ingredients:

Rittenhouse Rye (1.5 ounce(s))
Lustau PX Sherry (1 ounce(s))
Brovo Amaro #14 (.5 ounce(s))
Ras el Hanout Bitters (3 dash(es))
Stirred, and strained over cube.

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Heaven Hill Distillery Fills Eight Millionth Barrel of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Heaven Hill Distillery, the world’s second-largest holder of aging Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, today celebrated filling its eight millionth Bourbon barrel. Heaven Hill is the only local, family-owned company to reach this historic benchmark.

“As we roll out the eight millionth barrel, we recognize the dedication to quality and thoughtful innovation that has led Heaven Hill Distillery to this milestone,” said Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira. “A little over 82 years ago, my father and his four brothers held a vision that has been carried forward by the Shapira family of fierce independence and passionate family ownership. We celebrate their legacy as we look forward to the next eight million barrels and beyond.”

This benchmark comes on the heels several company milestones over the past several months. In October 2017, Heaven Hill Distillery’s Bernheim facility in West Louisville unveiled an expansion as the largest independent, family-owned Bourbon distillery in American Whiskey, now producing 1,300 barrels per day. In February 2018, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience filled the 1,000th barrel after producing one barrel per day since the artisanal distillery opened in 2013. Heaven Hill now has more than 1.3 million aging barrels of Kentucky Bourbon in its inventory and remains true today to its original mission as a family-owned and operated, independent Kentucky company—the last remaining in the Bourbon business today.

The eight millionth barrel was “bunged off” by Master Distiller Denny Potter and President Max Shapira in a brief ceremony at Heaven Hill’s cistern room attended by company executives and local dignitaries. Participants toasted with a glass of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the second largest selling Bourbon in the world.

The milestone barrel was signed by Heaven Hill employees in the Bourbon Heritage Center and put up to age in Rickhouse Y, where it will be displayed along Heaven Hill’s other milestone barrels.

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Deep Eddy Ruby Red Cleared for Take Off with Southwest Airlines

Austin, Texas – Deep Eddy Vodka, the fastest-growing, American-made straight vodka, announced today an expanded partnership with Southwest Airlines. Deep Eddy Ruby Red joins Deep Eddy Vodka as an in-flight offering beginning March 1, 2018.

The two Texas-based brands took flight together September 1, 2017, launching Deep Eddy to new heights among Southwest’s passengers. The popularity of the Original 80-proof vodka paved the way for Deep Eddy Ruby Red, the brand’s highest-selling flavor made with all-natural grapefruit juice.

“Deep Eddy Vodka was created to bring people together in carefree, good times and we are thrilled for more fun opportunities to do just that,” said John Scarborough, President of Deep Eddy Vodka.  “We look forward to continuing this partnership with Southwest in the skies to create moments that bring people together.”

Both Deep Eddy and Southwest are known as differentiators in their respective categories, offering refreshingly unique experiences to their customers. Since the brand’s launch in 2010, Deep Eddy has grown to more than one million cases and continues to invigorate the vodka category with its innovative approach. Deep Eddy is ten times column-distilled in small batches, gluten free and uses only the finest natural ingredients.

Now flying to 100 destinations in the United States and ten additional countries, Southwest is the nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded.

“Southwest Airlines is thrilled to add another product from the Deep Eddy family to our onboard drink offerings,” said Steven Murtoff, Senior Director of Inflight Operations Onboard Experience & Policy for Southwest Airlines. “We are committed to providing our Customers the best onboard experience, and our beverage menu just got sweeter with the addition of Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka.”

Featured on in-flight menus, Deep Eddy Vodka and Deep Eddy Ruby Red may be purchased for $7.00 with a major credit or debit card or valid Southwest drink coupon in Southwest’s cashless cabins.

Dive in and appreciate the authentic flavor of Deep Eddy Vodka available in-flight.

ABOUT DEEP EDDY VODKA
Deep Eddy Vodka (70-80 proof), based in Austin, Texas, is the second fastest-growing super-premium vodka brand in the US (Nielsen 1/27/2018 P52W Growth). Deep Eddy has received the Impact Hot Brand Award for four straight years and is recognized for its unique production process and incorporation of real, natural ingredients in its flavors. All Deep Eddy Vodka products are distilled in small batches at its state-of-the-art Texas distillery. The company’s line of products include: Deep Eddy Straight Vodka, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, Deep Eddy Ruby Red, Deep Eddy Cranberry, Deep Eddy Lemon, Deep Eddy Peach and Deep Eddy Orange. Deep Eddy Vodka is available in stores in all 50 states. More information on the company can be found at www.deepeddyvodka.com or www.facebook.com/deepeddyvodka.

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CONTACT:

Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

 

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Bartender of the Year San Diego Finalist Finds Balance in Rejuvenating, Comforting Ingredients

Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com announce third of eight finalists for 2018 “Bartender of the Year” 

Julien Calella’s cocktail inspiration has a deep foundation in family, growing up with a father who was a vegetarian chef and mother who was a doctor of traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda. Announced today as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com San Diego finalist for the 2018 Bartender of the Year Competition, Calella won first place, $1,000 and a trip to the finals at The Lodge on Sea Island, Ga.

“When I started my path as a cocktail bartender, a large part of my inspiration was trying to create a healthy balance in my drinks, by using fresh, rejuvenating ingredients in play with the spirits. The Golden Dowry was inspired by a tea that my mother would always make for me when I had a cold,” said Calella, Bartender at the Tasting Kitchen in Venice, Calif. “The unconditional love and care that my mother has provided throughout my life, represented by the Ayurvedic teas and formulas she has so carefully prepared for us, cemented what family truly means to me.”

Adam George Fournier of Los Angeles, a 2017 Bartender of the Year finalist, won second place and $500. Six semifinalists competed regionally in San Diego on Sunday, February 18 at Polite Provisions. Bartenders competed in two rounds, first mixing the family-inspired cocktail from their preliminary submission, then creating an original cocktail fit for the menu of the host bar using at least 1.5 ounces of total of Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, or Rittenhouse Rye Whisky. Contestants and judges were then invited to a family dinner at Juniper & Ivy where Don Lee, designer and educator at Cocktail Kingdom, led a discussion on the relationship between sugars and acids and how to create well-balanced cocktails 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 Owner of Half Step Chris Bostick 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 1,000 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2017. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one rendition of a classic recipe, and one relating to family along with a short description of how the cocktail was inspired by their interpretation of family. The top contestant from each region will go on to vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at The Lodge on Sea Island, Ga. in June 2018. 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. Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar in New York City was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Compere Lapin in New Orleans won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Golden Dowry – Inspired by the concept of family
Crafted by Julien Calella

Ingredients:

  • Elijah Craig (1.0 ounce(s))
  • Domaine de Canton (1.0 ounce(s))
  • Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (1.0 ounce(s))
  • Turmeric Infused Honey (0.25 ounce(s))
  • Club Soda (2.0 ounce(s))

Add all ingredients, except soda, into cheater tin. Add 1 Kold Draft ice cube to mixture in cheater tin, close with shaker tin, and short shake (5 seconds). Using hawthorne strainer, strain mixture from shaker tin, into the collins. Top the shaken mixture with the 2 ounces of club soda, and then place 4 Kold Draft ice cubes into the completed cocktail in the collins glass. Place two long sip/stir straws in the completed cocktail, garnish with two lime wheels and serve. (Dashes of cayenne pepper tincture are from Japanese dasher bottle).

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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Heaven Hill Distillery Announces Release of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Series

Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of a limited-edition series of Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey bottlings to be released each spring and fall. Bottled in an ornate decanter, the series reflects the traditions of both the Old Fitzgerald lineage and the Bottled-in-Bond designation. Launching this spring with an 11-year-old bottling, whiskey aficionados and history buffs alike will revel in the newest edition of the Old Fitzgerald family.

As the 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. Comprised of barrels produced from February through May of 2006, and bottled in April of 2018, the first release ushers in the latest hallmark series to the Bottled-in-Bond legacy.

Inspired by an original 1950’s Old Fitzgerald diamond decanter, the newest packaging will thrill collectors as the brand was traditionally bottled in artistic decanters of all shapes and sizes. The label features the time-honored graphic of a key, commemorating an important element in original labels and the brand’s slogan since the 1940’s, “Your key to hospitality.” Kentucky’s state seal and a prominent brand banner replicate a pre-Prohibition label. Spring editions will be denoted with a green label and fall editions with a black label. The age will change with each edition and will also be indicated on the bottom of the label.

Each 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.

“For 82 years Heaven Hill Distillery has nurtured and produced historic brands of quality and heritage,” said Heaven Hill Distillery Master Distiller Denny Potter. “It is an honor to join a famous line of distillers behind the Old Fitzgerald name and to continue to uphold the tradition of the brand through its bottled-in-bond designation, which dates to the early 1900s.”

Larceny Bourbon, a descendant of the Old Fitzgerald line, tells the legend of Treasury Agent John E. Fitzgerald who held the keys to the bonded rickhouses, and helped himself from barrels containing only the finest bourbon. The agent’s selections became known around the distillery as “Fitzgerald barrels” and were used to create a soft, wheated bourbon known as “Old Fitzgerald.”

The Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Series will be available in the 750ml size on an allocated basis each spring and fall throughout the next five years. The spring 2018 edition 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 first edition is available at a suggested retail price of $110.00.

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CONTACT:

Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

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

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Heaven Hill Brands Announces Major Redesign of Burnett’s Vodka Franchise

BARDSTOWN, KY – For the first time since its inception 25 years ago, Burnett’s Vodka is launching a major redesign of the bottle and package to align with continued growth trajectory. Burnett’s Vodka has been changing the game in the Vodka category for a quarter of a century, growing to become the number four domestic vodka with nearly three million cases sold annually. Heaven Hill Brands, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated distilled spirits producer and marketer, announced today the reintroduction of the Burnett’s franchise.

“The Vodka category is a powerhouse within the spirits industry, and Burnett’s Vodka is a force that we are committed to seeing continued growth and innovation on,” said Max L. Shapira, President, Heaven Hill Brands. “As an iconic brand, our new bottle and label design celebrates the Burnett’s essence as a leader in fun and entertainment, while contemporizing the brand for the next 25 years.”

As one of the largest Vodka franchises, including 34 all-natural flavors, the updated look and bold new packaging modernizes the brand for both current and new consumers. The full Burnett’s Vodka franchise received a package update with a sleek, taller bottle, refined brand logo, “Sir Robert Burnett” blown in across the top of the glass bottle, and a new updated cap. The Vodka flavors packaging also feature updated, custom fruit illustrations. Key brand attributes of “gluten free” and “Made in America” adorn the new two-piece paper labels on the Vodkas.

A large-volume player at an accessible price point, Burnett’s Vodka welcomes new consumers with an approachable experience that starts with Burnett’s and ends with memories that last a lifetime. The brand rejuvenation builds upon the foundation set by loyal consumers as Burnett’s is ushered into a new era. Beverage Information Group awarded Burnett’s Vodka with consecutive Established Growth Brand Awards from 2001-2017, the Fast Track Award in 2010 and 2015, and the Growth Brand Hall of Fame award in 2015. Burnett’s Vodka was also awarded the Impact Hot Brand award from 2006 to 2016.

The Burnett’s Vodka franchise package began shipping in February, along with new shippers to compliment the labels. Pricing on all products will remain the same. The Burnett’s website (www.burnettsvodka.com) provides information and drink recipes for all flavors. Details on all available proofs and sizes for Burnett’s Vodka are listed below:

  • Burnett’s Vodka is 40 percent alcohol by volume (80 proof) and is available in 1.75 liter, 1.0 liter, 1.0 bar liter, 750 ml, 750 ml carry pack, 375 ml, 200 ml and 50 ml sizes.
  • Burnett’s 100˚ Vodka is 50% alcohol by volume (100 proof) and is available in 1.75 liter, 750 ml, 750ml carry pack, 375 ml and 200 ml sizes.
  • Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas are available in 750ml and 1.75ml sizes and are bottled at 30-35 percent alcohol by volume (60-70 proof). Select flavors are also available in 50ml, 200ml, 375ml, 1L, 1L bar round, as well as a 750ml carry pack size.

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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Bartender of the Year Austin Finalist Blends Great Equalizers in Winning Recipe

Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com announce second of six finalists for 2018 “Bartender of the Year” 

Madelyn Kay’s blend of coffee and whiskey, the two great equalizers in her family and cocktails, lifted her to the top spot of the Austin regional Bartender of the Year semifinal. Announced today as the Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com Austin finalist for the 2018 Bartender of the Year Competition, Kay won first place, $1,000 and a trip to the finals at The Lodge on Sea Island, Ga.

“Coffee always puts a little lift in my step, as does my family, so making a lift style cocktail just seemed right. Family, whether it’s the one you choose or the one you’re born into, should always lift you up and be there for you when you need them,” said Kay, Beverage Director at VOX Table in Austin. “Because of the bonding powers of coffee and how delightful it tastes with the sweetness of Bourbon, I knew I wanted to use it with Elijah Craig Bourbon, a whiskey I always describe as tasting the way a warm hug feels.”

Cesar Perez II of El Paso, Texas won second place and $500. Six semifinalists competed regionally in Austin on Monday, February 6 at Whisler’s. Bartenders competed in two rounds, first mixing the family-inspired cocktail from their preliminary submission, then creating an original cocktail fit for the menu of the host bar using at least 1.5 ounces of total of Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, or Rittenhouse Rye Whisky. Contestants and judges were then invited to a family dinner at Juniper where Don Lee, designer and educator at Cocktail Kingdom, led a discussion on the relationship between sugars and acids and how to create well-balanced cocktails before the winner was announced.

National Brand Educator for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Partner at Alchemy Consulting and Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó, and Owner of Half Step Chris Bostick 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 1,000 original cocktail recipes were submitted online nationwide beginning September 15, 2017. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one rendition of a classic recipe, and one relating to family along with a short description of how the cocktail was inspired by their interpretation of family. The top contestant from each region will go on to vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at The Lodge on Sea Island, Ga. in June 2018. 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. Nathan O’Neill from the Nomad Bar in New York City was named Bartender of the Year in 2017, and Abigail Gullo of Compere Lapin in New Orleans won the inaugural competition in 2016. Visit the official competition website at http://www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

Lift Me Up – Inspired by the concept of family
Crafted by Madelyn Kay

Ingredients:

  • Elijah Craig Bourbon (1.5 ounce(s))
  • Cold Brew Concentrate (.75 ounce(s))
  • Buttered Pecan Orgeat (.75 ounce(s))
  • Heavy Cream (.5 ounce(s))
  • Soda Water (2.5 ounce(s))
  • Pinch of salt

Add all ingredients except soda to a tin with ice and shake hard. Fine strain into a Tom Collins glass. Add soda water pausing briefly when the cocktail reaches the rim, then add remaining soda water to create a nice head rising about the rim. Sprinkle pecan dust atop the cocktail, insert straw, and enjoy!

*Buttered pecan orgeat: make pecan milk by soaking pecans overnight, then blend with fresh water (2:1 water to pecans). In a nut milk bag, strain the milk. Then, for every liter of pecan milk, take 8 oz of brown butter and vacuum seal. Let sit for 24 hours, then refrigerate until butter freezes. Strain butter from milk, then add equal weight sugar.

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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Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Reaches 1,000th Barrel Milestone

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, a cornerstone of Whiskey Row’s renaissance in Downtown Louisville, filled the 1,000th barrel on February 1, 2018. The artisanal distillery reaches this milestone after producing one barrel per day since production began in September 2013, compared to the 1,300 barrels produced per day at Heaven Hill Distillery’s Bernheim Facility. The multi-million dollar artisanal distillery, immersive tour experience and retail location celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first distiller, and is the first official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Bourbon tourism continues to grow rapidly, with more than 1.4 million visitors enjoying tourism experiences across Kentucky in 2017. As the first distillery to re-open on Whiskey Row, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience celebrates the heritage and craft of American Whiskey distilling in Louisville.

“When the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience opened in 2013, a unique, innovative experience was created where Bourbon fans, historians, and visitors alike could enjoy our nation’s spirit,” said Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira. “We are proud to celebrate filling 1,000 barrels at our artisanal distillery with the City of Louisville and look forward to sharing product from the first barrels when they mature.”

Evan Williams was not only a pioneer in Bourbon, but also a Trustee of the City of Louisville, wharfmaster, and built the first county clerk’s office and city jail. In honor of Williams’ heritage in Louisville and the milestone achieved by the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, the 1,000th barrel was dedicated to the City of Louisville. The unfilled barrel was displayed in the lobbies of seven downtown partners for one day each before being transported from Mayor Greg Fischer’s office to the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience to be filled. All visitors were invited to sign the barrel on the day of the filling.

“Bourbon is a unique part of both our rich history and our bright future,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “Distillery experiences like Evan Williams are part of what we call Bourbonism, creating a great opportunity for our city to become an even more popular tourist destination in the years ahead. And that’s more great news for our economy.”

Marked by a five-story Evan Williams Bourbon bottle on the building façade at 528 West Main Street, the facility epitomizes Louisville ‘Bourbonism’ movement at its finest. Artisanal Distiller Jodie Filiatreau operates a fully functioning, copper pot still distillery producing one barrel per day, just as Evan Williams would have in his distillery on the Ohio River more than 200 years ago.

As Heaven Hill Distillery’s flagship Bourbon brand and the second largest selling Kentucky Bourbon in the world, the legacy of Evan Williams is brought to life through a state-of-the-art modern facility. Guests are transported through the distillation process and history of Whiskey Row when Williams himself first built his distillery. Premium tastings of Heaven Hill Distillery’s award-winning whiskeys are also included on a variety of tours offered.

Visitors can learn more about tours and tastings at www.evanwilliams.com/visit.

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

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CONTACT:

Lauren Cherry
Heaven Hill Brands
lcherry@heavenhill.com

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Heaven Hill Distillery Announces National Launch of Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The Wheated Premium Bourbon Celebrates the “Taste Made Famous By An Infamous Act”

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distillery announced the national launch of Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Known for preserving storied brands, Heaven Hill brought the story of the Old Fitzgerald brand back to life through Larceny. A premium 92 proof Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon is an award-winning label with the eponymous story of John E. Fitzgerald behind its brand. Larceny will be sold nationwide beginning September 1.

First launched in twelve markets in September 2012, Larceny has garnered national attention over the past five years as a three-time “Excellent, Highly Recommended” Bourbon at F. Paul Pacault’s Ultimate Spirits Challenge, Top 20 Spirit in the World by the Spirit Journal, and a Double Gold Medal recipient at the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. 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 Old Fitzgerald and other wheated Bourbons.

“At Heaven Hill Distillery, we nurture and innovate brands with a historical connection that is worth telling within the industry, such as that of John E. Fitzgerald,” said Denny Potter, Master Distiller Heaven Hill Distillery. “Larceny Bourbon has an authentic brand history and familiar taste to that of its lineage, one that consumers will appreciate just as they have Old Fitzgerald.”

The tagline, “A taste made famous by an infamous act,” is drawn from John E. Fitzgerald’s history as a treasury agent who used his keys to the rickhouses to pilfer Bourbon from the finest barrels. His discerning palate led those barrels from which he chose to help himself being referred to as “Fitzgerald barrels.” Packaged in a proprietary pinched waist flask shaped bottle, the label utilizes a skeleton key as its symbolic logo element, which supports not only the brand story but also pays homage to the iconic key logo and tagline of Old Fitzgerald. The face label of Larceny features a die cut keyhole through which a skeleton key printed on the back label can be seen.

At an average national retail price of $24.99 for the 750ml size, Larceny is a true small batch Bourbon produced from dumps of 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.

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

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CONTACT:

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

To download images from this press release, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at http://connect.heavenhill.com and enter the username and password below.

Username: Heaven Hill
Password: Guest
Folder: Larceny

 

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Simmons College of Kentucky, Heaven Hill Brands Announce Charitable Partnership

Donation of  $30,000 goes to support students and programs

(Louisville, KY) – Heaven Hill Brandsm is proud to announce a charitable partnership with Simmons College of Kentucky.  This new partnership will donate student scholarships, support of the West Louisville Forum, and funding of a new food service program – a value of $30,000. Community members gathered today at Simmons College to unveil the partnership and announce the first scholarship recipients.

“Heaven Hill is proud to give back to the community in which our facility has been located since 1871 and support the students of Simmons College of Kentucky,” said Max Shapira, President, Heaven Hill Brands. “We see this as building a relationship between our two organizations as our footprint grows in the West End community.”

The details of the donation include funding for two (2) student Heaven Hill Scholars scholarships to help increase retention rate of students and encourage degree completion. Martious White of Louisville, Ky. and Terri Turner of Nashville accepted the scholarships. Applicants for the scholarships must meet specific requirements, including a 3.0 GPA, an essay on the topic of “How to Help My Community,” and full-time enrollment.

The donation also includes support for the West Louisville Forum and a new food service program for students.  The West Louisville Forum takes place every first Wednesday of each month at noon and highlights community issues and concerns of the West Louisville community. Funds for the food program will help ensure that students are provided the convenience of having a stable meal each day.

“Investment in Simmons College of Kentucky and our students is exactly what’s needed to turn things around in the West End community,” said Dr. Kevin Cosby, President of Simmons College of Kentucky. “Our students live in a food desert in the West End. We are delighted that business leaders in our community, such as Heaven Hill Brands, understand the significant impact they can make for positive change in the West End.”

 

About Simmons College of Kentucky

 Simmons College of Kentucky was founded in 1879 by former slaves.  The mission of Simmons College is to educate students in the urban context.  Simmons College of Kentucky is the 107th Historically Black College & University (HBCU) and holds degrees in General Studies, Business (Entrepreneurship), Communications, Sociology, and Religious Studies.  It is the only private HBCU in the state of Kentucky and prides itself in graduating students with no Federal student loan debt.

 

About Heaven Hill Brands
Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is he 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 include Evan Williams Bourbon; Larcency, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Deep Eddy Vodka; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liquer; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomergrante Liquer; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liquer; Lunazul Tequila; and Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey.