Category: Press Releases

Regional Semifinalists Chosen for Heaven Hill Brands, Liquor.com 2017 “Bartender of the Year”

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com announced today the 64 regional semifinalists competing for the 2017 Bartender of the Year competition. Semifinalists will compete in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Miami, Dallas, Nashville, Denver, Chicago and New York beginning January 2017.

Over 844 original cocktail recipes using Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky were submitted online nationwide beginning August 1, 2016. Preliminary entries required two original cocktail recipes, one classic and one innovative, along with a short description of what hospitality means to the contestant.

“The inaugural Heaven Hill Bartender of the Year competition showcased those on the forefront of ingenuity and creativity in the hospitality realm – the bartenders who craft our diverse products in inspiring and new ways,” said Kate S. Latts, Vice President, Marketing for Heaven Hill Brands. “As we forge onward in the second annual competition this year, our portfolio of spirits filled with pioneer brands will continue to raise the bar for talent in the industry. Our 2017 Bartender of the Year regional contestants have shown their aptitude for both classic and innovative cocktails, and we look forward to learning the depth of their skills and passion throughout the next few months.”

National Brand Educator for Heaven Hill Brands Lynn House, Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Owner/Bartender of Pouring Ribbons Joaquín Simó evaluated the online submissions and chose eight semifinalists for each region based on highest scores. Cocktail submissions were scored on name, appearance and presentation, inspiration, balance of flavors, aroma and character, 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 vie for the title of Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at the St. Regis Bahia Resort in Puerto Rico in June 2017.

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. Abigail Gullo of Compere Lapin in New Orleans set the bar as the champion of the inaugural Bartender of the Year in 2016. Visit the official competition website at www.bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com for complete competition details.

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.

San Francisco, January 22
First	Last	City
Elliot	Clark	San Francisco, CA
Jesse	Peterson	Livermore, CA
Ethan	Samuels	Santa Cruz, CA
Joshua-Peter (J.P.)	Smith	San Francisco, CA
Onofre	Estrada	San Luis Obispo, CA
Scott	Diaz	Seattle, WA
Nick	Rementeria	Ashland, OR
Jason	Seele	Mountain View, CA
Las Vegas, January 30
First	Last	City
Cari	Hah	Los Angeles, CA
Adam George	Fournier	Santa Monica, CA
Shana	Leachman	Los Angeles, CA
Raul	Pool	Los Angeles, CA
Juyoung	Kang	Las Vegas, NV
Tobin	Shea	Los Angeles, CA
Evan	Charest	Los Angeles, CA
Timothy	Baer	Las Vegas, NV
Miami, February 13
First	Last	City
Tatiana	Rotari	Rosemary Beach, FL
Brenda	Terry	Tampa, FL
David	Perez	Miami, FL
Aaron	Butler	Palm Beach, FL
Richard	Dombrauskas	Longboat Key, FL
Emma	Kuhl	Orlando, FL
Amanda	Gibbons	Orlando, FL
Courtney	Lane	Miami, FL
Dallas, February 20
First	Last	City
Jonathan	Garcia	Dallas, TX
Amber	Harris	Oklahoma City, OK
Chris	Morris	Houston, TX
Cesar	Perez II	El Paso, TX
Caer	Ferguson	Austin, TX
Justin	Ware	Houston, TX
Jonathan	Van Orne	Austin, TX
Luiggi	Uzcategui	Little Rock, AR
Nashville, March 5
First	Last	City
Ted	Kilgore	Saint Louis, MO
Kaleena	Goldsworthy	Chattanooga, TN
Brian	Keeler	New Albany, IN
Alicia	Orgel	Louisville, KY
Toby	Darling	Chattanooga, TN
Jesse	Carr	New Orleans, LA
Adam	Mitchell	Cincinnati, OH
William	Patton	New Orleans, LA
Denver, March 13
First	Last	City
McLain	Hedges	Denver, CO
Rena	Tedeschi	Denver, CO
Mikey	D’Amato	Santa Fe, NM
Dave	Woodruff	Durango, CO
Miles	Mazey	Denver, CO
Rachel	Stein	Park City, UT
Matt	Cowan	Denver, CO
Chris	Clewell	Denver, CO
Chicago, March 20
First	Last	City
Joe	Robinson	Detroit, MI
Julia	Momose	Chicago, IL
Matty	Eggleston	Chicago, IL
Brian	Maxwell	Columbus, OH
Rachel Sandra	Johnson	Chicago, IL
Alexandra	Belton	Chicago, IL
Aaron	Pollack	Chicago, IL
Mike	Eisenberg	Detroit, MI
New York, April 9
First	Last	City
Nathan	O’Neill	New York, NY
Michael	Anderson	Pittsburgh, PA
Stephen	Wood	Lancaster, PA
Crystal	Chasse	New York, NY
Greg	Wasserman	New York, NY
Hemant	Pathak	New York, NY
Carlo	Caroscio	Somerville, MA
Brian	Callahan	Boston, MA

CONTACT:

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

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Folder: Bartender of the Year

 

Limited Edition Bottling Commemorates the Persevering Spirit of Renowned Whiskey Producer

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of Heaven Hill Select Stock 20^th Anniversary Fire Edition, a 20-year-old bottling produced at the original distillery in Bardstown that commemorates the perseverance of Heaven Hill after the 1996 fire. The limited edition bottling will be available on the anniversary of the fire, Monday, Nov. 7, at the Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown and at limited Kentucky retailers. The Bourbon Heritage Center will also offer half price tours and 10 percent off merchandise (excluding alcohol) from Saturday, Nov. 5 through Monday, Nov. 7, as part of their commemoration events.

On the afternoon of Nov. 7, 1996, a fire started at Heaven Hill’s Warehouse I. Fueled by 75 mph winds, the rapidly growing fire ravaged the warehouse, with flames reaching heights of 350 feet. A river of fire spread downhill towards other warehouses and the distillery as the warehouse collapsed from the heat. Flaming Bourbon crawled across the Heaven Hill campus and through a nearby creek, burning seven warehouses, the original Heaven Hill distillery and several other buildings in its path. Over 90,000 barrels of Bourbon were lost, two percent of the world’s whiskey at the time.

On Nov. 8, 1996, Heaven Hill resumed business as usual, with no lives lost in the fire and no employees losing their job. 20 years later the company has undergone tremendous growth and still commits to the same time-honored values that stood through the fire two decades ago – a dedication to quality, independence and passionate family ownership. The historic Bernheim Distillery was purchased in 1999, where Heaven Hill now produces its award-winning Bourbon and American Whiskey in downtown Louisville. The company recently filled its 7.5 millionth whiskey barrel, is undergoing an $80 million expansion, and is run today by the second and third generations of the Shapira family, which founded the company in 1935.

“As we move forward into the next decades of our company, we’re reminded of the over 80 years of perseverance that marks Heaven Hill’s heritage,” said President Max L. Shapira. “We remain just as committed to our employees and the spirits industry as we were through the days after November 7, 1996.”

Bottled at 96 proof (48% abv), in honor of the year of the fire, this Bourbon aged in Warehouse V for 20 years, just adjacent to the site of the fire. A small batch blend of four pre-fire barrels, this historic Bourbon celebrates the persevering spirit of the Shapira family and Heaven Hill Distillery. Packaged in a 750 ml bottle, the Heaven Hill Select Stock 20^th Anniversary Fire Edition is available for a suggested retail price of $199.99.

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

Two legends of Bourbon running as American-made Independents

Bardstown, KY – Evan Williams and Elijah Craig kicked off their presidential campaign today from the Bourbon Capitol of the World – Bardstown, Ky. The historical figures started the Bourbon movement campaigning on support for America’s Military, smoothness and responsibility.

“In the current political climate, Rev. Craig and I believe that America’s Future is grounded in our past. As forefathers of the American Whiskey movement, we are seriously good alternatives to the current candidates,” said Mr. Williams.

To kick off their campaign, the two candidates made yard signs available imploring people to “Make American Thirsty Again.” The signs are available at evanwilliams.com beginning today. Proceeds from the sale of the yard signs will support our American Heroes, veterans.

Mr. Williams has been a staunch advocate of veterans through his American Heroes program which supports and highlights the stories of our brave military veterans. He is also an advocate of enjoying Bourbon democratically. “Since 1783, I’ve believed that the best way to enjoy whiskey…is the way you like it.”

Rev. Craig appeals to a sense of good taste grounded in his Southern roots. Always budget conscious, the good reverend is credited with using burned barrels to store his distillate thereby starting an American Whiskey revolution.

“I would appeal to everyone’s sense of good taste and personal responsibility this evening, in particular,” said candidate Williams. “Tonight, enjoy an alternative to the incivility of the presidential campaign with me and perhaps a couple cubes of ice in front of the TV watching America’s pastime.”

The candidates request you make your vote count throughout the campaign at your local beverage retailer. Thanks to twitter.com/brownwaterguy and Louisville-based Ashton Advertising (www.ashtonadvertising.com) for kicking off the Williams-Craig Campaign.

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

CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Williams-Craig 2016
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com

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Burnett’s Vodka is kicking off the second half of the More Fun Tour by road tripping to the season’s biggest college rivalry games to throw the ultimate tailgate experience. One fan will also score an ultimate tailgate experience with Burnett’s through the Ultimate Tailgate Sweepstakes presented by Sports Illustrated.

The tailgate tour cruised to Orlando on Sep. 5 and Pittsburgh on Sep. 10, offering fans free drink samples, food, tailgate games and a photo booth. Upcoming tour dates include Dallas on Oct. 8, Jacksonville on Oct. 29, and a fifth game to be announced. Tailgate events will be promoted locally in each city on Burnett’s social channels, as well as in Pandora advertisements.

Burnett’s Vodka announced the Ultimate Tailgate Sweepstakes presented by Sports Illustrated on Aug. 30. Fans can enter at www.morefuntour.com until Oct. 30 for a chance to score $10,000 to throw the ultimate tailgate. The sweepstakes is supported nationally by digital advertisement on Sports Illustrated’s college football site, www.campusrush.com, along with banner and digital video spots featuring Burnett’s Tailgate Champs commercials.

“Burnett’s Vodka has the spirit this season for college football fans across the country,” said Senior Brand Manager Reid Hafer. “We’re excited to kick off the next phase of this tour by bringing the ultimate tailgate experience directly to the fans through more fun and engagement at each stop.”

Burnett’s Vodka is one of the top-selling vodkas in the nation and the 12th largest selling distilled spirits brand in the US. Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has consistently won Beverage Information Group’s “Growth Brand” and Impact’s “Hot Brand” awards as one of the fastest growing products in the industry. In 2015, Burnett’s Vodka was named to Beverage Information Group’s inaugural “Growth Brands Hall of Fame.” The entire line includes the Classic Vodka, an array of Flavored Vodkas, Gin, Rums, and 100 proof varieties. Learn more at www.burnettsvodka.com.

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.

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

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

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

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Password: Guest
Folder: Burnett’s Vodka

Winner will receive $15,000 at finals in Puerto Rico in June 2017

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com are searching for the 2017 Bartender of the Year. The event includes online submissions, regional semifinals and the crowning of the 2017 Bartender of the Year in June 2017 at the St. Regis Bahia Beach in Puerto Rico. 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.

Abigail Gullo of Compere Lapin in New Orleans set the bar as the champion of the inaugural Bartender of the Year in 2016. The 2017 Bartender of the Year contest will identify the bartender who best embodies the range of qualities to which all bartenders aspire to be, as Gullo expertly showcased throughout each round of the competition. From service to history and skills to quality preparation, the 2017 Bartender of the Year will be a celebrated example of what it means to be a hospitality professional behind the bar.

“The inaugural year of the Bartender of the Year competition showcased supreme craft across the bartending industry,” said Kate S. Latts, Vice President, Marketing for Heaven Hill Brands. “Our exemplary lineup of featured Liqueurs and Whiskeys provide a base for identifying the strong talent in the U.S. We are excited to continue this new tradition of elevating the craft of bartending and supporting the history and traditions that characterize its culture.

Over ten months, Heaven Hill Brands and Liquor.com will identify candidates for Bartender of the Year, first by online submissions received from August 1 to October 31. Submissions will be evaluated throughout November by returning judges Heaven Hill National Brand Educator Lynn House, Director of Mixology & Spirits Education for Southern Wine & Spirits of New York Allen Katz, and Bar Manager of Clyde Common & Pépé Le Moko Jeffrey Morgenthaler. The regional semifinals will be expanded to eight host cities including San Francisco, Las Vegas, Dallas, Denver, Chicago, Nashville, Miami and New York City beginning in January 2017 and continuing through March 2017. The finalist from each regional competition will vie for Bartender of the Year and $15,000 at the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico in June 2017.

Submissions for the contest will open at bartenderoftheyear.liquor.com on August 1. Judges for the regional semifinals will be announced throughout the duration of the contest. Gullo will also return to Puerto Rico as a judge for the beachside finals.

Grounded in the original Bartender of the Year hosted by Domaine de Canton starting in 2009, Heaven Hill Brands resurrected the competition in 2015 due to strong demand from bartenders worldwide. Past winners of the Domaine de Canton competition include John Lermayer, Sean Kenyon and Dennis Gobis.

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.

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

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

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Folder: Bartender Of The Year

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Hpnotiq Liqueur, the storied spirits brand known for its electric blue hue, is launching the second phase of the #SINCE2001 campaign this summer, partnering with rapper 2 Chainz. The second phase of the brand makeover also adds promoter YesJulz and broadcasters Bodega Boys to the “Class of 2001” partnerships.

The new phase of this campaign officially launches mid-July 2016 on Hpnotiq’s Instagram with the release of 2 Chainz new music video “Not Invited,” featuring the rapper’s French bulldog Trappy’s point of view of an iconic hip-hop party straight out of 2001. YesJulz, one of the top Snapchat celebrities of 2016, will partner with the brand at her 1 AM parties across the country, along with regular features on her social media channels.

“Hpnotiq is a brand renowned for creating a lifestyle and cultivating a celebrity following that defined the early 2000’s,” said Brittany Capito, Senior Brand Manager, Hpnotiq Liqueur. “That same pop culture phenomenon from 2001 is encapsulated in the iconic bright blue bottle today as we see a resurgence among markets with the brand. We’re excited to usher in the next phase of Hpnotiq with high caliber roster additions to the #SINCE2001 campaign.”

Hpnotiq will continue to partner with artist Naturel to curate new brand designs for a custom coloring book and other unique assets to be featured throughout the campaign. The Bodega Boys, Desus Nice and The Kid Metro, are partnering with the brand to create a live podcast experience in New York City. From Atlanta to Chicago, Hpnotiq will also be collaborating with the hottest radio DJ’s to sponsor events and social media experiences.

Hpnotiq (www.hpnotiq.com) is a refreshing blend of natural exotic fruit juices, premium vodka, and a touch of cognac.  This perfect fusion, along with its aqua blue color and incredible mixability, made Hpnotiq one of the fastest growing products in the history of the distilled spirits industry.  Today the brand is a staple in retail stores and nightlife accounts across the country. Marketed and Distributed by Heaven Hill Brands, Hpnotiq is an integral part of a family of spirits that have stood for quality since 1934.

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.

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

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

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

Username: Heaven Hill
Password: Guest
Folder: Hpnotiq

BARDSTOWN, KY – Burnett’s Vodka is bottling up the summer’s hottest party in a custom package celebrating the red, white and blue. The limited edition packaging will be available nationally in May.

USA Party Edition, offered through summer 2016 only, is a stand out among other spirits with its bold label celebrating the American spirit and superior smoothness. With its ode to the stripes, mixed with a paint splattering across the middle, the USA Party Edition will be the champion atop bars at summer parties.

“It’s all in the name – Burnett’s Vodka is bringing more fun with a revamped look to celebrate the stars and the stripes,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager. “From rooting on the USA to celebrating independence, there’s no shortage of ways to experience the American spirit this summer. The Burnett’s USA Party Edition is your ticket to a nationwide party for the red, white and blue.”

The USA Party Edition is available for a suggested retail price of $15.99 for the 1.75L and is bottled at 40% alcohol by volume (80 proof). The launch of the new custom label, on the 1.75L only, is supported by custom shippers, case card and shelf facings. The Burnett’s website (www.burnettsvodka.com) and the Burnett’s ‘More Recipes, More Fun’ Mobile App (available on Apple and Android devices) provide information and drink recipes.

Burnett’s Vodka is one of the top-selling vodkas in the nation and the 12th largest selling distilled spirits brand in the US. Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has consistently won Beverage Information Group’s “Growth Brand” and Impact’s “Hot Brand” awards as one of the fastest growing products in the industry. In 2015, Burnett’s Vodka was named to Beverage Information Group’s inaugural “Growth Brands Hall of Fame.” The entire line includes the Classic Vodka, an array of Flavored Vodkas, Gin, Rums, and 100 proof varieties.

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.

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

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

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

Username: Heaven Hill
Password: Guest
Folder: Burnett’s Vodka