Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Appoints Tracy Moore as California Area Sales Manager

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Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Appoints Tracy Moore as California Area Sales Manager

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has promoted Tracy Moore to California Area Sales Manager. In her new role, Moore will be responsible for managing the On-Premise sales efforts for the state of California. This position reports to Mark Hurwin, California Regional Manager.

Moore joined Heaven Hill in 2007 as the On-Premise Area Manager for Northern California, where she was instrumental in developing and executing on-premise strategic initiatives in her market. Prior to her employment with Heaven Hill, Moore worked for Young’s Market Company.

Moore is a graduate of San Francisco State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. She currently resides in Brentwood, California.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky. Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

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CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Adds Joe Neal as Strategic Chain Account Regional Manager

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Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Adds Joe Neal as Strategic Chain Account Regional Manager

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has added Joe Neal as Strategic Chain Account Regional Manager. In this role, Joe will be responsible for managing the sales, distribution, and merchandising goals for Walmart and Sam’s Club in the United States. The position reports to Mike Sporich, U.S. National Accounts Division Manager.

Prior to joining Heaven Hill, Joe worked in several capacities for Constellation Brands over the course of seven years, including his most recent position as Category Manager for Walmart and Sam’s Club.

“Joe brings with him a wealth of knowledge and relevant experience from his previous role with Walmart and Sam’s Club,” said Mike Sporich, U.S. National Accounts Division Manager for Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “He will be a valuable addition to our Off-Premise National Accounts team.”

Joe is a graduate of the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance. He resides in Northwest Arkansas with his family.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

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CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@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.

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Burnett’s Vodka Looks For Consumers To Have “more fun with every flavor”

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Burnett’s Vodka Looks For Consumers To Have “more fun with every flavor”

New Campaign for #5-selling US Vodka focuses on sociability of core consumer

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Burnett’s Vodka and Flavored Vodka launched a fully integrated, multi-platform “more fun with every flavor” campaign highlighting festive party occasions that the Burnett’s consumers enjoy. The multi-million dollar campaign includes national print and digital advertising, on- and off-premise programming, digital marketing and social media programs.

Developed to support one of the fastest-growing products in the spirits industry, the colorful Burnett’s campaign raises the Burnett’s Vodka and Flavored Vodka brand by showing the occasions in which it makes a good time even more of a party.  From birthdays to beaches, Burnett’s Vodka and its flavors are a part of great times.

“The message and tone of the new Burnett’s campaign speak to the fun-loving and social Burnett’s fan,” said Senior Brand Manager for Burnett’s Vodkas, Reid Hafer. “They recognize the value of good times spent with family and friends at birthdays, cookouts, holidays or the beach. Burnett’s Vodkas contribute to these memorable occasions in an exciting, easy and versatile way.”

National print advertising will target Burnett’s consumers via Cosmopolitan, US Weekly, People Country and OK! In addition, the Vodka will be featured in a dynamic digital campaign that includes Break.com, Thechive.com, Facebook, Tumblr and a mobile app. The key campaigns are tailored to each of the delivery mediums including dynamic digital ads, sharable and downloadable content and mobile engagement.

The executions for the programming depict a variety of fun occasions experienced with friends and family including birthdays, cookouts, holidays and the beach. The ads also highlight flavor variety and the ease with which the product can be enjoyed in a mix of social settings.

The new “more fun with every flavor” program will also be executed at retail and on-premise with POS that supports the brand’s key messaging with large scale display materials, seasonal items and impactful premium items.

Burnett’s Vodka (www.burnettsvodka.com) is one of the leading franchises in the distilled spirits industry.  Since 2000, Burnett’s has been a consistent winner of Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” and Impact “Hot Brand” awards as one of the fastest growing products in the industry.  The entire line includes the 80 proof Vodka, an array of Flavored Vodkas, Gin, Rums, and 100 proof varieties.

The full line of 37 Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas is available in 1.75L, 1.0L, 750ml, and 50ml sizes, bottled at 30-35% alcohol by volume (60-70 proof).  The product is available for a suggested retail price of $10.99 for a 750ml.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”
 
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CONTACT: 
Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@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.

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Bourbon Is Hot, So Is Summer – Evan Williams Kentucky Slush To Cool Down Consumers In Select Test Markets

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BOURBON IS HOT, SO IS SUMMER—EVAN WILLIAMS KENTUCKY SLUSH TO COOL DOWN CONSUMERS IN SELECT TEST MARKETS

Evan Williams Introduces the Coolest Way for Bourbon Drinkers to Refresh Their Summer

LOUISVILLE, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, producers of Evan Williams, are giving Bourbon lovers in select markets a new way to chill out this summer—Evan Williams Kentucky Slush.  The only Bourbon-based pre-mixed cocktail, Evan Williams Kentucky Slush is made with real Evan Williams Bourbon and the natural flavors of Lemonade, Orange Juice, and Sweet Tea, and can be frozen, poured or blended.  It is best served frozen in the bottle or any personal container, blended with ice for an instant frozen Bourbon Slush, or simply poured straight on the rocks.

As the Bourbon category grows year after year, now surpassing 16 million cases in the US and topping the $1 billion mark in exports for the first time, traditional seasonal trends, whereby consumers trade in their whiskeys for “white goods”—Gin and Vodka—during the summer months, have largely gone by the wayside. In fact, share of Bourbon consumption is now as high in July and August as January and February.  Given this trend, and given the dynamic growth of Evan Williams Bourbon, named both an Impact “Hot Brand” and a Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” this year, Heaven Hill is test marketing Evan Williams Kentucky Slush in 11 markets this summer. Test markets will include Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

Evan Williams Kentucky Slush will be shipping mid to late May, and is to be available in market at off-premise accounts from June until August in a 1.75 liter PET bottle suitable for storage in the freezer.  Strongly branded with the Evan Williams logo and graphic theme, Evan Williams Kentucky Slush is intended to be merchandised and displayed within the Bourbon aisle using the POS materials made available, either on the shelf or as part of an impactful floor display.  All marketing materials, from case cards to posters and bottle neckers, use the tagline “For Seriously Refreshing Bourbon…Just Chill.”  Evan Williams Kentucky Slush is bottled at 25 proof or 12.5% alc./vol, which is a higher proof than other similar slush-type products, with an average national suggested retail price for the 1.75 liter bottle of $14.99.

“As the Evan Williams brand franchise grows, we have identified additional usage opportunities, and one of these is clearly to expand Bourbon as a refresher during the hot summer months,” said Susan Wahl, Senior Brand manager, Whiskeys, at Heaven Hill.  “We know through both research and anecdotal evidence that many of our newer Evan Williams consumers look for different, more refreshing ways to drink Bourbon in the summer, whether at backyard cookouts, at the lake, or other summer gatherings.  We feel that we have a great taste profile, and with the flexibility to freeze it straight in the bottle, blend it with ice, or simply pour it on the rocks, we look for great results in our 11 test markets.”   

Founded in 1934, Bardstown,KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

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CONTACT: 
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

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Folder: Evan Williams Kentucky Slush

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Appoints Bob Fiore New York Regional Manager

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Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Appoints Bob Fiore New York Regional Manager

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has promoted Bob Fiore to New York Regional Manager. In this role, Fiore will be responsible for managing the sales, distribution, and merchandising goals for the Heaven Hill portfolio in both Metro New York and Upstate. He will report to Steve Alexander, United Division Manager.

Since 2009, Fiore has served Heaven Hill as the Upstate New York Area Manager working closely with Southern Wine & Spirits of New York. Prior to Heaven Hill, he worked for Southern Wine & Spirits Upstate New York.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

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CONTACT: 
Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com 

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Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Appoints Tyler Tramuta Southwest Regional Manager

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Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Appoints Tyler Tramuta Southwest Regional Manager

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has promoted Tyler Tramuta to Southwest Regional Manager. In this role, Tramuta will be responsible for managing the sales, distribution, and merchandising goals for the Heaven Hill portfolio in Colorado, where he is now Regional Manager, with the additional responsibility for Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico. He will continue to report to Steve Alexander, United Division Manager.

Tramuta joined Heaven Hill in February 2010 as Colorado Area Manager. In 2013, he was promoted to Colorado Regional Manager.

Tramuta will continue to be based in Denver, CO.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

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CONTACT: 
Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@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.

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Lunazul Primero Available Nationally

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Lunazul Primero Available Nationally

Newest Addition to 100% Agave Lunazul Tequila family is Clear Añejo Tequila

BARDSTOWN, KY – The newest addition to the 100% Agave Lunazul Tequila family is Lunazul Primero. Filtered eight times to achieve a crystal clear color, Primero is a unique Añejo Tequila with flawless color and unusual maturity.

The entire family of small batch Lunazul Tequilas are estate grown, distilled and bottled in the heart of Tequila country by Tierra de Agaves. Lunazul’s spirit of hand-crafted perfection is reflected in Lunazul Primero as the Master Distiller carefully ages the Añejo in order to attain the flavors earned through 18 months of maturation. The filtering process then balances those flavors with the crispness of agave sugars seen in Blanco. The result is crisp Tequila that retains the oak notes and smoothness of a barrel aged Tequila.

“Lunazul Primero reflects the growing passion for variety among Tequila consumers,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager, Lunazul Tequila. “Whether it is aging, proof or filtering, Tequila offerings are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Primero delivers on the cutting-edge of innovation with incredible quality.”

Lunazul Tequila is among the best-selling and the most critically-acclaimed 100% Agave Tequilas in the category. The Lunazul Tequilas have been honored with Double Gold recognition at the San Francisco Spirits  Competition and as Category Finalists at the Ultimate Spirits Competition. Further, the brand is regularly recognized as Impact “Hot Prospect” and Beverage Information Group “Rising Stars.”

Lunazul Primero is available at $24.99.  Lunazul Tequilas are available in four varieties, Blanco, Reposado, Añejo and Primero.  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 and Primero are available in the 750ml size only.  All are bottled at 40% alcohol by volume. Learn more at www.lunazultequila.com.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”

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CONTACT: 
Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com 

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

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Folder: Lunazul Tequila

Bernheim Original Straight Wheat Whiskey Package Redesign Highlights 7 Year Age Statement

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Bernheim Original Straight Wheat Whiskey Package Redesign Highlights 7 Year Age Statement

A Whiskey Actually Gets an Age Statement Instead of Dropping One

LOUISVILLE, KY— In today’s world of premium American and Scotch Whiskeys/ies, the trend is to remove age statements from existing labels, or release new labels with no age statement (or “NAS,” in whiskey parlance).  This reality is bemoaned in whiskey industry trade media, consumer magazines, and forums and blogs here and abroad.

So it is indeed newsworthy when a renowned brand that previously had no age statement decides to add one.

But that is in fact the case with Bernheim Original Straight Wheat Whiskey, a specialty American Whiskey that has been produced by Heaven Hill Distilleries since 2005.  When it was launched, Bernheim was the first new style of American Whiskey to be introduced since Prohibition, and though other straight wheat whiskeys have since been released in limited quantities by craft or micro-distilleries, Bernheim remains the only nationally distributed brand and the most critically acclaimed.

From its introduction in 2005 until now, Bernheim carried no age statement on the label, but while it is still bottled at 90 proof, and still available at the same national average retail price of $29.99 for the 750ml size, the whiskey now carries a prominent “Aged 7 Years” statement on the redesigned face label.  The descriptive term “Small Batch”—which reinforces the fact that the bottling has always been made from a dump of 100 or fewer carefully chosen barrels aged at the top of one of Heaven Hill’s best rickhouses—has been moved next to the age statement on the label.

Bernheim Straight Wheat Whiskey was named “Pioneer Whiskey of the Year” by Whisky Advocate Magazine when it was released in 2005, and since that time has won 3 “World Whisky Awards” from Whisky Magazine, Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, a Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge, and most recently scored 92 out of 100 points and was named “Finalist—Highly Recommended” at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge.  The brand is a particular favorite of mixologists, who find its soft, round taste profile eminently well-suited to new or classic whiskey cocktails.

“With the success and critical acclaim we have been seeing with Bernheim since its introduction nearly a decade ago, we think the change to a new label with a prominent age statement will continue to lift the brand profile,” asserted Susan Wahl, Senior Brand Manager for American Whiskeys at Heaven Hill. “As the American Whiskey category continues to grow and today’s well educated consumers seek out distinctive styles of American Whiskeys—such as rye, wheat and corn—we feel Bernheim is well-positioned to benefit, particularly with the added gravitas of the ‘aged 7 years’ designation.”  

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”
 
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CONTACT: 
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

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Folder: Bernheim Wheat Whiskey

Burnett’s Flavored Vodka Increases Product Portfolio with Three New Flavors

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Burnett’s Flavored Vodka Increases Product Portfolio with Three New Flavors

BARDSTOWN, KY – Ruby Red Grapefruit, Mango Pineapple, and Red Berry are the latest additions to the industry-leading Burnett’s Flavored Vodka product line.  The new flavors will be available nationally beginning in May.

As with all Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Mango Pineapple, and Red Berry are quadruple distilled, triple charcoal filtered, and made with natural flavor, placing them among the purest Vodkas on the market.  Launching the three new flavors is reflective of the continued growth of the competitive subcategory of flavored Vodka. 

“For more than ten years, Burnett’s has been recognized for delivering quality Vodka and a wide variety of flavors,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager, Burnett’s Vodka.  “Adding Ruby Red Grapefruit, Mango Pineapple, and Red Berry to our innovative product portfolio provides consumers with even more highly mixable and popular flavors that they recognize and appreciate.”

The new flavors increase the Burnett’s portfolio of natural flavors to 37 – Blue Raspberry, Blackberry, Blueberry, Candy Cane, Cherry, Cherry Cola, Citrus, Coconut, Cranberry, Fruit Punch, Grape, Hot Cinnamon, Lime, Limeade, Mango, Mango Pineapple, Maple Syrup, Orange, Orange Cream, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Pink Lemonade, Pomegranate, Pumpkin Spice, Raspberry, Red Berry, Ruby Red Grapefruit, Sour Apple, Strawberry, Strawberry Banana, Sugar Cookie, Sweet Tea, Tropical Fruit, Vanilla, Watermelon and Whipped Cream.

The launch of the new flavors is supported by POS for floor displays and shelf facings, as well as sales education materials.  The Burnett’s website (www.burnettsvodka.com) also provides information and drink recipes for all the flavors.

The full line of Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas is available in 1.75L, 1.0L, 750ml, and 50ml sizes, bottled at 30-35% alcohol by volume (60-70 proof).  The product is available for a suggested retail price of $10.99 for a 750ml.

Burnett’s is one of the leading franchises in the distilled spirits industry.  Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has been a winner of consistent Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” and Impact “Hot Brand” awards as one of the fastest growing products in the industry.  The entire line includes the 80 proof Vodka, an array of Flavored Vodkas, Gin, Rums, and 100 proof varieties.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.
Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely.  Drink Wisely.”
 
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CONTACT: 
Josh Hafer
Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com

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Folder: Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Unveils New Packaging for Its World Renowned Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond Straight Rye Whisky

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Unveils New Packaging for Its World Renowned Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond Straight Rye Whisky

New “Retro” Labels Inspired by Original Rittenhouse Packaging of the 1930’s

LOUISVILLE, KY — One of the most iconic brands in the American Whiskey category is getting a total makeover—and everything old is new again.

Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond Straight Rye Whisky, a favorite of mixologists and whiskey aficionados and a brand at the forefront of the rye renaissance, is getting a label redesign, using graphic elements from its original post-Prohibition packaging. Designed to create a more premium look that reinforces the authenticity and historic significance of the brand, the new labels and capsule closure evoke the Art Deco style of the 1930’s, when the brand was first introduced.

Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond is a longtime favorite of mixologists who consider it the “go to” brand for classic rye cocktails such as original Old Fashioneds, Manhattans or Sazeracs. With a spicy, bold 100 proof flavor, and aged according to “Bottled-In-Bond” government regulations, Rittenhouse provides a cocktail with rye “backbone” which stands out among mixers and modifiers. The brand was in short supply for several years, as the sudden resurgence of traditional straight rye whiskey saw much of the existing stock snapped up, primarily by on-premise accounts, while new barrels were waiting to come of age. Now that inventories of barrels laid down during that shortage are maturing, additional cases should be made available to the retail or off-premise segment. And given the number of new rye brands introduced since the rye boom began some 8-10 years ago—many of whom are non-traditional “blending” ryes or even Canadian variants—the need to stand out on retail shelves as a classic American Straight Rye becomes more important, making the redesign of the Rittenhouse package very timely.

The new labels maintain some of the key graphic elements of the previous packaging, such as the burgundy and black color palette and the brand logotype, but utilizes it in a completely redesigned face label that is based on classic Art Deco Rittenhouse Rye labels of the 1930’s, when the brand was known as Rittenhouse Square Rye. The main graphic motif that has been revived from the original packaging is the diamond geometric design around the logotype, which also contains the “100 proof” and the “Straight Rye Whisky” designation, as in the original post-Prohibition labels. The new redesign also brings back the tax stamp, which was originally mandated as proof of the “bottled-in-bond” status, with a printed neck capsule that adds a classic and more upscale feel.

The new packaging will be unveiled on the 750ml size, which will remain at the national suggested retail price of $24.99, and will begin appearing on retail shelves and back bars in June.

“Rittenhouse, like several other traditional American Straight Ryes, has probably seen more activity and interest in the past 8 or 10 years than it saw in the 70 years prior,” noted Susan Wahl, Senior Brand Manager for American Whiskeys at Heaven Hill. “There has been an amazing and truly unprecedented resurgence in straight rye, and for those few of us who have made it for decades in limited quantities, it is both an opportunity and a challenge to produce enough to meet sudden record demand. We are now starting to see our stocks come in line, so we can begin to more aggressively pursue new distribution, and this package redesign is the best evidence of that growth.”

Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whisky (traditionally spelled without the “e”) was founded immediately after Prohibition as a traditional, Pennsylvania style rye, a style that was originally far more popular than Bourbon. Spicier and fruitier than the more grassy and vegetal Maryland style ryes of the day, Rittenhouse was an important brand during the early years of the modern distilled spirits business, and production was suspended during World War II so the distillery could make alcohol for the war effort. After resuming production, the straight rye category began a slow decline due to the increasing popularity of Scotch Whisky and Bourbon. Some ten years ago, after Single Barrel and Small Batch Bourbons began to capture consumer interest, mixologists and American whiskey aficionados rediscovered straight rye, leading first to a shortage, and now to a boom.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (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; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky. Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com

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Folder: Rittenhouse Rye