Category: Press Releases

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EVAN WILLIAMS CINNAMON RESERVE™ FLAVORED BOURBON TO BE LAUNCHED IN FEBRUARY

FOR RELEASE:  January 23, 2012
IMAGES:  See directions at end of release.   

New Cinnamon flavor closely follows the runaway success of Evan Williams Honey and Cherry Reserves

BARDSTOWN, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, announces the release of Evan Williams Cinnamon Reserve Kentucky Liqueur, a new product that marries extra-aged Evan Williams Bourbon with natural hot cinnamon flavor.  Bottled at 70 proof and available in both a 750ml and 50ml size, Evan Williams Cinnamon Reserve will be shipping nationally in February at a suggested retail price of $14.99 for the 750ml bottle.

The launch of Evan Williams Cinnamon Reserve follows closely on the heels of the hugely successful introduction of Evan Williams Honey Reserve, which launched in the Fall of 2009, and Evan Williams Cherry Reserve, which debuted in 2010. Since that time, both have enjoyed great sales success and critical acclaim, including winning a Silver Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and being named a “Hot Prospect” brand. Evan Williams Cherry and Honey Reserves, and now Cinnamon Reserve, take advantage of established trends in the distilled spirits industry in general and the American straight whiskey category in particular.  Among these is the ongoing success and growth of flavored spirits, as well as the continued popularity of Bourbon, especially Evan Williams, which showed the greatest sales percentage increases among high volume brands since 2008, according to A.C. Neilsen. Heaven Hill fully anticipates that infusing Evan Williams extra-aged Bourbon, the second largest selling Bourbon brand in the United States and the world and a “Best Buy Whiskey of the Year” winner, with natural hot cinnamon flavor will yield similar success as that achieved with Evan Williams Honey and Cherry Reserves.

Like the Honey and Cherry Reserves, Evan Williams Cinnamon Reserve is packaged in the highly-recognizable square Evan Williams bottle, with a clear label carrying the Evan Williams logo and a stylized rendition of cinnamon sticks bursting through flames. With a black and orange capsule closure, the packaging draws on the equity of the Evan Williams brand franchise, but with a contemporary flair.  Bottled at an approachable 70 proof, and infused with natural hot cinnamon taste that complements the easy-to-drink Bourbon flavor, Evan Williams Cinnamon Reserve lives up to its tagline of “Intensely cinnamon.  Incredibly smooth.”

“The launch of Evan Williams Honey and Cherry Reserve has exceeded our expectations,” stated Assistant Brand Manager Hannah Venhoff.  “Given the strength of the Evan Williams brand franchise and the proven success of the flavored Bourbon sub-category, we believe it is the perfect time in which to launch Evan Williams Cinnamon Reserve.  And with a very approachable price point and a full range of retail and on-premise marketing materials available, we are expecting this brand launch to be red-hot!”

To help merchandise the brand, Evan Williams Cinnamon Reserve is supported by an array of retail promotional materials—including shelf talkers, case cards, and a 50ml counter unit—allowing off-premise operators to create impactful displays that will capture consumer attention.  In order to generate sampling in bars and restaurants, on-premise POS including T-shirts and shot glasses will also be made available.  A targeted trade advertising schedule will also help create awareness among the key retail and on-premise audiences, and a consumer ad schedule in popular consumer magazines such as Sports Illustrated, Maxim and Rolling Stone will feature the flavored Evan Williams Reserves, including the new Cinnamon Reserve, in national print ads alongside Evan Williams Bourbon.  All materials utilize striking visuals and the “Intensely cinnamon.   Incredibly smooth.” positioning, rendered in fiery orange and black graphics.  Support materials also emphasize that Evan Williams Cinnamon Reserve can be consumed as a shot or in a variety of delicious simple cocktails such as the Southern Cin, Blazin’ Ale and Sweet Apple Spice. 

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 The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

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

Password: bourbon

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Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Adds Joe Fraser, Vice President of Operations

FOR RELEASE:  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMAGES:  See directions at end of release

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries has hired Joe Fraser to be its new Vice President of Operations. In the position, Fraser leads Heaven Hill’s manufacturing and supply chain operations, including overall responsibility for the Bardstown bottling plant, Bernheim distillery and barrel warehouse operations.

“Joe brings extraordinary  experience and knowledge in food and beverage manufacturing to our company,” said Chief Operating Officer, Allan Latts. “It is talent like Joe’s that will enable us to continue to grow our business and enhance the effectiveness of our operations platform.”

Previously, Fraser was Director of Packaging Operations at Treasury Wine Estates in Napa, California where he managed the bottling and logistics for this top three global wine producer.  Prior to that, he served as Vice President, Operations and Supply Chain at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, a top ten North American wine company.

Fraser succeeds current Vice President of Operations David Hobbs who is retiring from Heaven Hill in December after 41 years with the company.

Fraser is a graduate of the Canadian School of Management and Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. He and his wife, Linda, reside in Bardstown.

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 The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskeys; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Hpnotiq Liqueur; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul and Two Fingers Tequilas, and Dubonnet Aperitif.

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CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Corporate Communications Manager
jhafer@heavenhill.com
502-413-0219

 

 

 

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Burnett’s Launches Hot Cinnamon Vodka

FOR RELEASE:  For Immediate Release
IMAGES:  Please see directions at end of release

BARDSTOWN, Ky. –Burnett’s Flavored Vodka has added Hot Cinnamon to its family of flavors – an addition that establishes Burnett’s as the leader in flavor innovation with 25 high quality flavors in the portfolio.

Burnett’s Hot Cinnamon is a new idea which reflects continuing interest among consumers for flavor variety.  “It is always important for us to introduce flavors that are relevant to our core consumers,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager, Burnett Flavored Vodkas. “Hot Cinnamon is simply a natural extension of that interest.”

The new flavor brings the Burnett’s portfolio of natural flavors to 25 – Blueberry, Cherry, Citrus, Coconut, Cranberry, Espresso, Fruit Punch, Grape, Hot Cinnamon, Lime, Limeade, Mango, Orange, Orange Cream, Peach, Pineapple, Pink Lemonade, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Sour Apple, Strawberry, Sweet Tea, Vanilla, Watermelon and Whipped Cream.

The launch of the new flavor 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.

Burnett’s Hot Cinnamon Flavored Vodka is available in 1.75L, 1.0L, 750ml, and 50ml sizes, bottled at 35% alcohol by volume (70 proof).  The product is available for a suggested retail price of $9.99 for a 750ml.  

Burnett’s is one of the leading franchises in the distilled spirits industry.  Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has been a regular Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” and Impact “Hot Brand” as one of the fastest growing products in the industry.  The entire line includes the regular 80 proof Vodka, an array of Flavored Vodkas, Gin, Rums, Ultras, 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
Corporate Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com

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

Username (case sensitive): Vodka
Password (case sensitive): Flavors

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Heaven Hill Distilleries and Tierra de Agaves Claim Multiple Gold and Silver Medals in San Francisco for La Certeza, Lunazul 100% Agave Tequilas

Outstanding Sales Results, Critical Acclaim Continue for Partnership Between Leading Independent Spirits Companies

For Immediate Release

IMAGES: See end of release

BARDSTOWN, KY–La Certeza and Lunazul 100% Agave Tequilas added numerous Gold and Silver Medals at the most recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition to their outstanding first year sales results. Distilled at the Tierra de Agaves Distillery, the Mexican spirits company founded by Francisco Beckmann and sons, former co-owner of Jose Cuervo, La Certeza, the super-premium range of tequilas, captured Gold Medals for both the Reposado and Blanco bottlings and a Silver Medal for the extra-aged Anejo. And Lunazul, the line of 100% Agave Tequilas priced just above the mixto category leader–just recently named a “Rising Star” Growth Brands award winner by the Beverage Information Group–won Silver Medals for both the Blanco and Reposado varieties. Both Lunazul and La Certeza are distributed in the United States through a partnership between Tierra de Agaves and Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., bringing together two of the largest and most recognized independent players in the worldwide spirits industry.

“These medals at the world’s foremost spirits tasting competition is further proof of the recognition and impact that Lunazul and La Certeza are having within the tequila category today,” asserted Max L. Shapira, president of Heaven Hill Distilleries. “Having won the Growth Brand Award after depleting over 20,000 cases in its first year, and given its remarkable $22 dollar average retail price, Lunazul is clearly drawing many former mixto consumers upward into the 100% agave range. And medals just won in San Francisco for both Lunazul and La Certeza underscore the quality and value of the Beckmann heritage.”

Lunazul and La Certeza are estate-grown, small-batch distilled and bottled approximately 5 kilometers from the town of Tequila in Jalisco province. Tierra de Agaves is one of the few Tequila distilleries that actually own the land on which the agave is grown and harvested, carefully selected from the 3,500 acres of Weber Blue Agave plants that the Beckmann family and their past generations have controlled since 1758.

“The medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, along with outstanding sales results on Lunazul and La Certeza, lend credence, we feel, to the mission that my family undertook when we founded Tierra de Agaves…to use our family heritage and tradition, along with state-of-the-art production methods and our sizable Agave holdings, to bring the finest tequilas to market at a broad range of price points,” added Jorge Beckmann, president of Tierra de Agaves.

The 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition was held on March 21st and 22nd at the Hotel Nikko in San Francisco and is the first comprehensive, international spirits judging ever held in the United States on an annual basis. Founded in 2000 by Anthony Dias Blue, the Executive Director of the San Francisco International Wine Competition and Carol Seibert, the Managing Director of the San Francisco International Wine Competition, the Spirits Competition continues to grow each year in entrants as well as in stature within the industry. This year over 900 spirits were submitted and evaluated, up from 847 last year, and six out of the seven continents (only Antarctica was missing) were represented, making it a globally influential spirits competition. Judging is based on blind taste tests and medals are awarded based on taste alone. To learn more about the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, visit www.sfspiritscomp.com.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.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 The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, Lunazul Tequila and La Certeza Tequila.

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

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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Corporate Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heaven-hill.com

To download an image for this press release, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at http://download.heaven-hill.com.

Username (case sensitive): Tequila
Password (case sensitive): Agave

If you would prefer to receive press releases via regular mail or wish to be removed from this list, please contact Josh Hafer at jhafer@heaven-hill.com. You may also contact Heaven Hill at 502-413-0200.

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Evan Williams

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, #2-selling Bourbon in the U.S., announces the Big, Bad Bass Sweepstakes beginning January 15. The sweepstakes is an extension of the brand’s ongoing strategic campaign targeting anglers.

Grand Prize for the sweepstakes is a $10,000 Bass Pro Shop® gift card. Multiple first, second and third prize winners will be awarded $1,000, $500 and $100 gift cards to the outdoors retail giant, respectively.

The primary entry method for the sweepstakes is through the web at www.evanwilliams.com. Tearpads on case cards and shelftalkers will also provide a mail-in means of entry available at retail.

The sweepstakes is supported through retail point of sale and 1/3 page sweepstakes ads opposite standard full page consumer advertisements. The ads, with reach expected to exceed two million impressions, run from January through April in Sports Illustrated, Bassmaster, Field & Stream, Outdoor Life and Popular Mechanics. Both ads will run in the style of the popular Evan Williams Before/After aging campaign. Field & Stream Online will provide additional access via the internet.

In 2003, Evan Williams was named Malt Advocate Magazine’s “Best Buy Whiskey of the Year” for it’s combination of exceptional value and quality. It also won a gold medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio includes: the full line of The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; Scotch Whiskies; Irish Whiskeys; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.
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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 348-3921
lkass@heaven-hill.com

To download an image for this press release, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at http://download.heaven-hill.com.

Username (case sensitive): Sweepstakes
Password (case sensitive): Bourbon

If you would prefer to receive press releases via regular mail, please contact Josh Hafer at jhafer@heaven-hill.com. You may also contact Heaven Hill at 502-348-3921.