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Heaven Hill Announces Newly Renovated and Renamed Elijah Craig Speakeasy at the KFC Yum! Center

The rebranding of the Elijah Craig Speakeasy represents Heaven Hill’s long-term commitment to its partnership with the arena

– Heaven Hill Brands today announced the rebranding of the Elijah Craig Speakeasy at the KFC Yum! Center located on the Club Level of the facility as a continuation of its long-standing relationship with the Louisville Arena Sports and Entertainment Properties (LASEP). The space previously housed the Evan Williams Bourbon Bar, in place since the Yum! Center’s opening in 2010.  A locally owned, family run company in the Louisville community for the last 89 years, Heaven Hill is proud to support the evolution of the area’s premier sporting complex.

“This elevated space brings to life the top-shelf quality that Elijah Craig is known for and invites both Louisvillians and those traveling to the city to experience the essence of the brand,” said Max Stefka, Group Product Director for Elijah Craig. “We’re grateful to the Yum! Center and our partners at KNBA Architects and Bosse Construction for bringing our vision for the Elijah Craig Speakeasy space to life.”

The Elijah Craig Speakeasy, named after Eliah Craig, the Father of Bourbon, showcases a premium space with a sleek and timeless aesthetic utilizing the brand’s signature burgundy color accented by a stunning Carrera marble arched bar, larger-than-life lighted Elijah Craig signature sign, intricate wainscoting, natural wood accents, and inviting gallery walls. The project began in November 2022, with construction kicking off in June 2023. Project Managers at Heaven Hill Brands worked with K. Norman Berry Associates Architects (KNBA) PLLC on the architectural design of the bar as well as Bosse Construction on the build out of the space.  

“Designing this space was an incredibly rewarding project that embodies our mission to create, restore and sustain,” said Christopher Fuller, Principal with KNBA. “We know how important the Bourbon industry is to our city and state so using our talents to showcase one of its premier brands to the masses at the Elijah Craig Speakeasy meant a lot to our company.”

“Bosse Construction is deeply honored to have been selected as the general contractor for the Elijah Craig Speakeasy project and is proud to have contributed to its construction,” said Daniel Lawson, Vice President of Bosse Construction. “Our collaboration with Heaven Hill and K Norman Berry Architects was remarkable, and we appreciate the opportunity to work with such a respected client.”

Artwork featured in the Elijah Craig Speakeasy includes a barrel stave wall featuring Bourbon barrel charring levels ranging from a level one, which is just above a heavy toast, to a level four. It further calls out the level three char, which is the level used across the range of Elijah Craig Bourbons and Whiskeys to achieve the signature warm spice and subtle smoke flavor. The unique charring level feature walls were executed using barrel staves from Independent Stave Company.  

“You don’t expect to walk under the stands and there be this beautiful, premier and comfortable space,” said Sandra M. Moran, KFC Yum! Center Director of Marketing. “It was a nice upgrade that makes the fans enjoy their experience at the venue even more than they already did while also creating brand awareness for the 50% of fans that come from outside of Kentucky.” Speaking on the relationship with Heaven Hill, Moran said, “Before anyone really knew what the KFC Yum! Center was going to be, Heaven Hill was right there with us. This community is so important as it continues to reinvest and evolve with the facility.”  

The Elijah Craig Speakeasy will offer the brand’s signature Elijah Craig Small Batch Old Fashioned cocktail along with a classic Manhattan made with Elijah Craig Straight Rye. The full-bodied richness of Elijah Craig along with its 94-proof point makes it the perfect ingredient for spirit-forward cocktails such as these. Visitors can also try neat pours or cocktails made with some of the brand’s more limited release offerings including Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, Elijah Craig Toasted Rye, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Elijah Craig 18-year-old Single Barrel.

ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Known as “The Father of Bourbon,” Elijah Craig is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels to make Bourbon. The clear, unaged corn whiskey became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Elijah Craig’s community impact continues through Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week, providing total donations of up to $400,000 to date to organizations supporting the hospitality industry. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led distillery and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon, the Elijah Craig lineup includes: Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Elijah Craig’s accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon and Best Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon at Whisky Magazine’s 2023 World Whiskies Awards. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com.  

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 led spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur, plus the newly acquired Samson & Surrey portfolio.   

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

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Kaitlynn West
Heaven Hill Distillery
kwest@heavenhill.com

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A RARE UNEARTHING: WIDOW JANE BLACK OPAL STANDS AS CROWN JEWEL IN BROOKLYN DISTILLERY’S COLLECTION OF LONG-AGED BOURBONS

Extraordinary blend of 20-year-old bourbons finished in casks fashioned from the wood of old-growth Mizunara oaks

RED HOOK, BROOKLYN, NY (SEPTEMBER 30, 2024) – In the pursuit of rarer and more intense bourbons, and in a study of the art of patience, Red Hook, Brooklyn’s Widow Jane Distillery unearths Black Opal, the oldest whiskey in the brand’s history. A limited release on strict allocation, it is an artful blend of rare bourbons, each aged for a minimum of 20 years.

Beneath the oak-beamed ceilings, deep within the century-old brick walls of the Widow Jane rick house, Head Distiller and Blender Sienna Jevremov painstakingly tasted through more than 100 individual barrels, a multi-week process that yielded an initial sketch of what would become Black Opal.

The barrels selected, Jevremov painstakingly married the liquids – test after test – until she was satisfied with the blend. Finally, the liquid took on an extended finish in casks raised from prized, old-growth Mizunara oak (Quercus crispula). A single Mizunara cask can fetch up to $6,000 on the open market. Mizunara trees, which occur naturally in Japan’s mountainous Hokkaido island, are harvested, air-seasoned for 12 months, and crafted into casks that receive medium toast plus a light char. The casks are highly porous and low in tannins, imparting an intense and distinctive flavor on the bourbon.

Says Jevremov, “The 20-year-old whiskey found in this project is like a hefty tome of an epic tale, at first it is daunting in its immensity but the rich characters and surprising unseen twists pull you in. I chose one thread I found alluring and followed it to a whiskey that toys with bourbon’s sweetness, baking spice, and stone fruit. It has complex flavors of burnt sugar, smokey incense, herbal teas, and salted fruit. The Mizunara finish was a clear choice to achieve another layer that beautifully binds it all together. I advise you to take your time with each drop.”

Aroma: Tahitian Vanilla, Frankincense Smoke, Dried Apricot, Rose Hip

Taste: Walnut, Black Strap Molasses, Crème Brulé, Poached Plum, Burnt Sage, Brown Butter

Finish: Beeswax, Ginger Snap, Chocolate Ganache, Nutmeg, Caramelized Sugar

As is a signature of Widow Jane whiskeys, Black Opal is proofed with limestone water from the legendary Rosendale Mines of upstate New York. This mineral-rich, yet sweet water delivers a full, round, lavish mouthfeel and long finish, fitting for a bourbon 20 years in the making.

Widow Jane Black Opal by the numbers:

  • Aged 20 years
  • 49.5% ABV (99 proof)
  • SRP: $500/750 ml
  • Allocation: 5,000 bottles/1,700 physical cases (3 packs)
  • Availability: In select markets beginning in October

Packaging:

Inspired by Widow Jane’s roots in historically industrial Red Hook, the bold, black steel box that houses each bottle of Black Opal features metal stamped branding and rivets that recall the neighborhood’s shipping and warehouse history. Enclosed within, the subtle and elegant bottle presents a contrast to the rugged outer packaging. Crafted to be cherished, the bottle boasts details like an internal jeweled texture that is revealed as Black Opal is consumed. Every bottle of Black Opal also comes with a limited edition, numbered fine art print featuring one of seven ‘insider’ views of Widow Jane Distillery, giving consumers a first-hand look at the art of making Black Opal.

Widow Jane recommends experiencing Black Opal neat, patiently allowing the precious liquid to breathe in the glass. Sip slowly and discover the expanding notes that are revealed as the bourbon opens up.

About Widow Jane Distillery

Widow Jane is an award-winning artisanal distillery located in the New York City neighborhood of Red Hook, Brooklyn. The company is named in homage to one of the legendary mines of Rosendale in Upstate New York, from which the brand sources its proofing water. Before becoming a natural reserve of extraordinary mineral water, the mines produced the natural cement used to construct some of the most iconic American landmarks, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building, among others. The pure, limestone-filtered water from the mine, plus one of the country’s largest holdings of long-aged Bourbons, and a refusal to compromise the product with chill-filtration, are just three elements that make Widow Jane a stand-out whiskey company.

The facility in Red Hook includes mashing, fermentation, distillation, barreling, aging, blending, warehousing and bottling. Widow Jane Distillery is also open for tours and tastings. For more information, visit www.widowjane.com  or find Widow Jane on Instagram @widowjane.

Video:

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Media inquiries:

Colin Baugh

Emblem Public Relations

Colin@EmblemPR.com

323-219-3427

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Deep Eddy Vodka Announces Winner of the 2024 Craft the Fun Cocktail Challenge

A nationwide competition that celebrates creativity and passion within the bartender community awards its final winner in Austin

AUSTIN, Tx. (September 25, 2024) – Deep Eddy Vodka is proud to announce the winner of its 2024 Craft the Fun Cocktail Challenge – Natasha Van Duser of New York. The contest, which launched its second annual competition in May, drew over 470 entries from talented bartenders across the country. After a select 30 contestants were chosen for the rigorous semi-final rounds in Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, and San Diego, five exceptional finalists were picked to compete in Austin, Texas, the home of Deep Eddy Vodka, for the Grand Prize.

The finalists, Jarad Crowell of Austin, Texas, Jennifer Yim of Las Vegas, Nevada, Makenzie Helem of St. Louis, Missouri, Natasha Van Duser of New York, New York and Ruby Smith of Atlanta, Georgia, earned their spots after showcasing their creativity and skills in the regional competitions. Each finalist was invited to Austin with all expenses paid to compete in the mid-September finals round of the challenge.

“We launched the Craft the Fun Cocktail Challenge to remind bartenders why they fell in love with their craft—the ability to have fun while showcasing their creativity,” said Julie Cole, Brand Director. “The talent this year has been extraordinary, and we’re thrilled to celebrate these bartenders and their passion.”

The final round tasked the bartenders with creating an immersive, three-part cocktail experience that demonstrated their technique, hospitality and creativity to the judges. Judging the competition were industry leaders Lynn House, Jeffrey Morgenthaler, and Christine Wiseman. In the end, Natasha Van Duser emerged as the 2024 Craft the Fun Cocktail Challenge Winner. Natasha impressed the judges with her standout cocktails titles Hotel Transylvania, Nosferatu’s Cornbread, and The Jackie Daytona. She was awarded the grand prize of $5,000, along with the opportunity to be featured on Deep Eddy Vodka’s website, social media platforms, and an advertisement in Chilled Magazine. Second place went to Jennifer Yim of Las Vegas, whose performance also captivated the judges with her finesse and innovative ideas.

“What I loved about Natasha was that she showcased her authentic self,” said Lynn House, Craft the Fun judge and National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist for Heaven Hill Brands. “She celebrated Deep Eddy and told a great story while doing so. Natasha’s cocktails were delicious, well-balanced, and mindful.”

With a fantastic turnout and fierce competition, this year’s challenge highlighted the incredible talent and dedication within the bartender community. Deep Eddy Vodka looks forward to continuing its support for bartenders across the nation and is excited to create more opportunities for them to further showcase their skills and love for the craft.

About Deep Eddy Vodka: Deep Eddy Vodka is a high-quality vodka with an even higher purpose: to bring people together for good times. Created in Austin, Texas in 2010, it was named after a beloved city swimming hole, a place known locally for lively crowds and laid-back fun. The brand embodies everything essential to Austin— sunshine, stellar vibes, ample excuses to get together with friends — and bottles it up for the world to enjoy. The result is a refreshing family of real vodkas made with real ingredients for real fun. All meant to be enjoyed however, wherever and with whatever you like.  The company’s line of products includes Deep Eddy Original Vodka, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka, Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka, Deep Eddy Cranberry Vodka, Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, Deep Eddy Peach Vodka, Deep Eddy Orange Vodka, Deep Eddy Lime Vodka, Deep Eddy Vodka Hard Seltzers, and Deep Eddy Vodka Tea Hard Seltzers. An Established Growth Brand according to Beverage Information Group, Deep Eddy Vodka is recognized for its unique production process and incorporation of real, natural ingredients in its flavors. More information on the brand can be found at @DeepEddyVodka on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or at www.deepeddyvodka.com. 

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MEDIA CONTACT: 
Kaitlynn West 
Heaven Hill Brands
kwest@heavenhill.com 

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Larceny Bourbon Launches Bold, New National Campaign with “Seize Tonight” Ad and Community Ambassadors Program

The award-winning brand debuts partnerships with a curated group of high-profile influencers in the digital space to coincide with new advertising campaign.

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (September 24, 2024) – Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey today released an engaging new commercial to support the recently launched “Seize Tonight” campaign which encourages fans of Larceny to unleash their carefree spirit and get into some “good mischief”. The brand will also extend its reach with Community Ambassadors who embody this same spirit in the gaming, music and food scenes to create compelling content which highlights the craftsmanship behind Larceny Bourbon and their respective passions. The “Seize Tonight” campaign is centered around the idea that the most memorable moments happen when you let curiosity get the best of you and take a little risk – much like John E. Fitzgerald himself.

On the heels of its successful premium packaging redesign, the brand will debut an engaging new ad on premium streaming platforms directed by award-winning commercial film director André Betz. The spot shows how Larceny can be the catalyst for turning an ordinary evening into a memorable one. The hero seizes the opportunity to liven his friends’ night out by playing the piano after seeing a compelling vision of a keyhole ignite on the instrument. The crowd is surprised to hear the piano play, partly because the hero is so good, but also because the piano is clearly off limits. The spot reaches a pivotal moment when the stern bartender walks over to tell off the hero, only to reveal that she’s there to pour him a glass of Larceny in appreciation of his spontaneity. Both the 30-second video, as well as 15-second version, will be streamed on Connected TV and Online Video.

The “Seize Tonight” campaign’s manifesto will be brought to life by expanding the brand’s reach and appeal beyond the traditional bourbon drinker through influential Community Ambassadors in the gaming, music and food scenes. LP Giobbi is a celebrated DJ, producer, pianist, and activist, known for her innovative sound and impactful contributions to music and advocacy. BlackKrystel is a dominant force in in the world of gaming and has made her mark as an efficacious voice for carefree, authentic fun. Fabrizio Villalpando is a no-holds-barred home cook whose bold attitude towards entertaining through food has left a mark in the culinary scene. Justin Sajda is a self-described “average guy who makes above average cocktails” whose creative concoctions elevate the spirits he serves behind the bar and on social media where he can be found @thirstywhale_.

Unlike many other bourbons, Larceny is made with wheat instead of the traditional rye, using a mashbill of 68% corn, 20% wheat and 12% malted barley. The use of 20% wheat as the secondary flavor grain is 25% more than the leading competitor, resulting in exceptional smoothness. Larceny Small Batch is available nationwide at a SRP of $27.99 and the new, premium packaging is now shipping. Individual batches of Larceny Barrel Proof are released nationally on an allocated basis three times annually at a SRP of $64.99 and will be bottled in the new packaging starting this fall. Fans of Larceny are encouraged to enjoy it straight, on the rocks or in the classic Paper Plane cocktail.

ABOUT LARCENY BOURBON: The story of Larceny begins with John E. Fitzgerald, a bonded U.S. Treasury agent with a penchant for thievery of the best Bourbon. Using his keys to let himself into rickhouses at night, the “Fitzgerald Barrels”, as they came to be known, became one of America’s most beloved whiskeys after Prohibition with the launch of Old Fitzgerald. Today, the John E. Fitzgerald story continues through Larceny, an incredibly smooth and exceptional small batch Wheated Bourbon. First brought to market in 2012, Larceny is one of the most successful new-to-the-world Bourbons in the past decade. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the brand offers Larceny Small Batch and Larceny Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Since its inception, Larceny has been an award-winning, best in class Bourbon receiving accolades such as Double Gold at the 2024 San Franscisco World Spirits Competition and Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year in 2020. For more information, please visit www.larcenybourbon.com.

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

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IMAGES: Download here

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kaitlynn West
Heaven Hill Distillery
kwest@heavenhill.com

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WIDOW JANE ANNOUNCES THE VAULTS 2024; SEASONAL RELEASE FINISHED IN AMBURANA CASKS

Brooklyn Distillery’s latest exploration in unique wood finishes on well-aged whiskey

RED HOOK, BROOKLYN, NY (SEPTEMBER 16, 2024) – Widow Jane, the Red Hook, Brooklyn craft distillery led by head distiller and blender Sienna Jevremov, announces the release of The Vaults 2024, the latest in the brand’s annual exploration of wood finishes on select barrels from its old and rare whiskey collection. The 15-year-old blend, which is finished in Amburana wood casks, will hit shelves in October.

Since the original edition of The Vaults in 2019, Widow Jane has worked to source unique wood casks in which each year’s edition is finished. The Vaults 2024 began in the Widow Jane rick house, where Jevremov and the Widow Jane distilling and blending team painstakingly tasted through the brand’s old and rare casks, whittling their selections down to include only those whose flavor profile would match the complexity and striking flavors of the Amburana finishing casks. They then meticulously blended the liquid from these select casks in hyper small batches.

Once married, this luxurious whiskey was finished in the Amburana casks, which are renowned for yielding liquid with an unexpected combination of warm spices, floral, and tropical notes. Also known as ‘Brazilian oak’, Amburana grows in the dry jungles of southeastern Brazil and northern Argentina – challenging environments with soil scarce in nutrients and irregular rainfall which leads to slow growth and limited availability.

“The 2023 Vaults release was my first big project leading the blending team,” said Jevremov. “With that one, I wanted to explore the terroir of American oak while also gently pushing us to new flavor explorations. Now after a year as head blender I felt it was time to challenge myself. Ambruana is a bombastic wood, full of heady, rich aromatics. My first task was to create a gorgeous blend highlighting the earthy and textually robust qualities of 15- and 20-year-old whiskeys. My next imperative was to slowly introduce the Amburana to work with the whiskey’s notes in delicate harmony. I hope everyone can enjoy the dance of deeply aged whiskey and tropical spiced aromatics.”

Tasting notes:

  • Nose: Amaretto Cookie, Fig Leaf, Cherry Blossom, Honey Graham Cracker, Cinnamon Bark
  • Palate: Rosemary, Cinnamon Raisin, Olive Oil, Sencha Green Tea, Roasted Yam
  • Finish: Black Licorice, Honeysuckle, Coconut Macaroon, Caramelized Carrots, Satsuma

The Vaults 2024 by the numbers:

  • Age statement: 15 years
  • 49.5% ABV (99 proof)
  • SRP is $250/750 ml
  • 4000 total physical cases (6 packs)
  • Available in: October

As is the case with all Widow Jane whiskeys, The Vaults 2024 is non-chill filtered and proofed with the pure limestone mineral water from the legendary Rosendale Mines of New York, just 100 miles north of the distillery, which contributes to the round mouthfeel and exceptionally long finish.

About Widow Jane Distillery

Widow Jane is an award-winning artisanal distillery located in the New York City neighborhood of Red Hook, Brooklyn. The company is named in homage to one of the legendary mines of Rosendale in Upstate New York, from which the brand sources its proofing water. Before becoming a natural reserve of extraordinary mineral water, the mines produced the natural cement used to construct some of the most iconic American landmarks, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building, among others. The pure, limestone-filtered water from the mine, plus one of the country’s largest holdings of long-aged Bourbons, and a refusal to compromise the product with chill-filtration, are just three elements that make Widow Jane a stand-out whiskey company. 

The facility in Red Hook includes mashing, fermentation, distillation, barreling, aging, blending, warehousing and bottling. For more information, visit www.widowjane.com  or find Widow Jane on Instagram @widowjane.

Media inquiries:

Colin Baugh

Emblem Public Relations

Colin@EmblemPR.com 

323-219-3427

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Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience Expands with Exciting New Dining Option

Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen to Begin Serving Lunch and Dinner Celebrating Heritage and Local Flavors 

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (September 5, 2024) — Heaven Hill is excited to announce the grand opening of the Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen, adding a new dining option at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown, Kentucky. Starting today, the new restaurant located upstairs in the Five Brothers Bar will begin serving lunch and dinner to visitors from near and far. The bar and kitchen are named in honor of the five Shapira brothers who founded Heaven Hill in 1935.  The new menu offers unique and delicious offerings that reflect the Southern heritage and charm of the Bluegrass. 

The Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen is more than just a place to dine: it’s a tribute to the legacy of the Shapira brothers’ bold entrepreneurial spirit. Starting Heaven Hill at the height of the Great Depression and without any bourbon stock available to them, the five brothers took a calculated gamble that paid off in ways they could never have imagined. Today, Heaven Hill Brands stands as one of the largest family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer in the United States. 

The new dining experience has been curated by Jeff Crowe, the Director of Kentucky Visitor Experiences at Heaven Hill and General Manager Josh Holifield, along with Restaurant Manager Veronica Burger and Kitchen Manager Jeremy Brown. The team is bringing a new and unique dining tribute to the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience that appeals to visitors of all ages.  

The Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen features dishes that reflect Southern tradition and local flavors. Menu highlights include the savory Fried Chicken Sandwich, the comforting Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, and the playful and decadent Fluffernutter – a banana, peanut butter and marshmallow sandwich.  The menu also pays homage to Heaven Hill’s rich heritage like Max’s Garden Sandwich, a nod to Max Shapira, the longstanding leader and current Executive Chairman of the company.  Additional Southern staples, such as delicious fried Pimento Cheese balls and other traditional offerings like burgers, salads and sides round out a menu that has something for everyone. 

“We wanted to create a place where our guests can experience the warmth and hospitality that Kentucky is known for,” said Josh Holifield, General Manager of the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. “Every dish tells a story, and our menu exudes Southern charm, crafted to bring people together through great food.” 

Following a successful soft opening during which the restaurant fine-tuned its service and menu, Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen is now open for everyone on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and those living nearby to visit.  It will be open from 11:00AM – 5:00PM Monday through Saturday and 1:00PM – 5:00PM on Sunday. The team is eager to welcome visitors from near and far to enjoy this new dining experience. 

Adding to the excitement, the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience was recently named 2024 “Best Road Trip” Destination by the Kentucky Living, Best in Kentucky Awards.  This accolade, along with the exciting opening of Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen, offers even more reasons to visit and discover their craveable menu options.   

ABOUT THE HEAVEN HILL BOURBON EXPERIENCE:  The Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience™ (heavenhillbourbonexperience.com) celebrates the heritage and traditions of the fine art of American Whiskey in the heart of historic Bardstown, Kentucky. The state-of-the-art facility allows guests to experience a tasting in one of our three iconic tasting rooms, walk through the interactive exhibit gallery, have a drink at the Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen and take a piece of Bourbon country home from the gift shop. Participate in “You Do Bourbon,” an interactive elevated tasting experience, where visitors can taste, bottle and personalize their very own bottle of America’s Native Spirit. Named Whisky Magazine’s 2022 Global Visitor Attraction of the Year and winning Double Gold at the 2022 International Spirits Challenge Tourism Awards, guests will be immersed in the story behind Heaven Hill Distillery, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kaitlynn West
Heaven Hill Distillery
kwest@heavenhill.com
(502) 413-0230

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VIDEO: Download here

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Heaven Hill Distillery Announces 2024 Parker’s Heritage Collection® Limited Edition Bottling  

18th Edition of the annual ultra-premium release is a 14-year-old Malt Whiskey Finished in Reconstructed Heavy Toast Cognac Barrels

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (August 26, 2024) – Heaven Hill Distillery announced today the release of the 18th edition of the Parker’s Heritage Collection® featuring a 14-year-old Kentucky Straight Malt Whiskey Finished in Reconstructed Heavy Toast Cognac Barrels. The 18th Edition is an allocated product and will be available nationally and internationally in limited quantities at the suggested retail price of $169.99. Like previous editions, a portion of the proceeds will continue to support ALS research and patient care in honor of Parker Beam, late Master Distiller Emeritus.  

This edition is made possible due to the continued partnership with Master Blender Alain Royer, who Heaven Hill has partnered with on two previous Parker’s Heritage Collection releases. It is comprised of 14-year-old Malt Whiskey that was barreled in March 2009. The 128 Malt Whiskey barrels were dumped and then finished in 56 larger, reconstructed heavy toast Cognac barrels for almost four months. The original Malt Whiskey barrels are from the fourth floor of Rickhouse O and the sixth floor of Rickhouse Q. Once re-barreled, the Cognac barrels aged in Rickhouse H1 on the fifth floor. The mashbill for this edition is comprised of 65% malted barley and 35% corn and bottled at 107 proof.  The Whiskey is described as rich and velvety with flavors of molasses and bittersweet chocolate followed by cloves and nutmeg. At bottling, the liquid was non-chill filtered to preserve the natural flavors of the aging process.

“We are excited to continue to work with Alain Royer as we look for more ways to innovate with barrel finished products,” said Susan Wahl, Vice President of American Whiskey at Heaven Hill. “In honoring Parker’s enduring legacy, Heaven Hill Distillery remains steadfast in our commitment to uphold the high standards he set. With this latest expression, we celebrate Parker’s influence on and dedication to innovating outside of Heaven Hill’s traditional Bourbon mashbills by crafting a Whiskey that embodies his spirit as we continue to support ALS research and patient care.”

The late Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, for whom the acclaimed series is named, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 2010. Since 2013, proceeds from sales of the Parker’s Heritage Collection have raised more than $1.3 million dollars toward ALS research and patient care through contributions made by Heaven Hill for each bottle purchased. With this edition, Heaven Hill will again contribute a portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold to the ALS Association. To learn more about The Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund, please visit als.org/parker-beam-promise-hope-fund.

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous seventeen editions, but with a garnet-colored label, the newest Parker’s Heritage Collection is available in a three-bottle case and will arrive at retail locations starting in September. With previous releases having won multiple awards from Whisky Advocate, Whisky Magazine, the Ultimate Spirits Challenge and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the series stands as some of the most critically lauded American Whiskeys in recent memory. Past bottlings have won awards ranging from “Best Special Barrel Finished Bourbon” and “Best North American Whiskey” to “American Whiskey of the Year” and “Best of Show, Brown Spirits.”

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year and 2023 World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon from the Icons of Whisky, as well as the 2022 Large Spirits Producer of the Year from the Ascot Awards. Heaven Hill Distillery held the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

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

IMAGES: Download here

MEDIA CONTACT:  
Kaitlynn West
Heaven Hill Distillery
kwest@heavenhill.com

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TEQUILA OCHO RELEASES HIGHEST PROOF EDITION OF PLATA “PUNTAS”

At 108 proof, Tequila OCHO Plata Puntas 2024 ups the ABV

ARANDAS, JALISCO, MX (AUGUST 22, 2024) – Tequila OCHO announces today that it will release Plata Puntas 2024, the brand’s third release of the overproof expression, and its highest ABV to date. Puntas 2024 is slated to hit shelves beginning in August.

Already a highly-anticipated seasonal release, Tequila OCHO Plata Puntas debuted in 2022 with co-founder and 5th generation tequilero Carlos Camarena upping the ABV each year since. At 108 Proof (54% ABV), Puntas 2024 further demonstrates both Camarena’s expertise as a maker of artisanal tequila and, perhaps more crucially, the importance of quality, fully-mature agave in the creation of top-notch tequila. 

Agaves used to make the single-field Plata Puntas 2024 were harvested solely from Rancho Mirandillas, a field named after the small Highlands town in eastern Jalisco that it neighbors, which is just over an hour northwest from Arandas, home to OCHO’s new Tequilera Los Alambiques. With maximum sunlight and a robust rotation of crops previously, Rancho Mirandillas has produced the purest, ripest agave, with a very high 31% sugar content for the piñas, resulting in a truly exceptional tequila.

Says Tequila OCHO Commercial Director Fany Camarena, “Everything we do at OCHO, every decision, is made with intention and care. By separating only the end of the heads and beginning of the heart of the distillation – we call this the “neck and shoulders” – it gives us an incredibly aromatic and flavorful result, one that is an even closer reflection of the agaves at the time of harvest. Puntas 2024 is our highest proof in the Ocho line up, but the real significance of this is, by using less water to proof down the tequila, we can preserve even more character of the agaves. The result is an explosion of flavors that evoke all of the senses and a beautiful sipping tequila that expresses the unique terroir from which the agaves were harvested.”

Tequila Ocho Puntas 2024 by the numbers:

  • 54% ABV/108 proof
  • Available in 750 ml bottles
  • Cases: 3500 cases in the USA
  • SRP: $74.99
  • Availability: Coast to coast

Tasting notes: Cacao spiciness, butterscotch, and a long, creamy finish

Nose: Agave, dried fruits & salted chocolate

What are the “Puntas” of agave spirits and why does it matter?

The puntas, or “distiller’s cut,” of agave spirits are cut from the very end of the heads and the very beginning of the heart of distillation. They have long been considered the most coveted part of the distillate and are traditionally set aside by the distiller to be enjoyed with friends and family on special occasions. Other high-proof tequilas on the market only use the “heart” cut of distillation, rather than the highly selective cut known as Puntas.

Tequila Ocho Plata Puntas 2024 is a blend of high-proof cuts proofed to 108 using deep well water from nearby the Tequila Ocho distillery. It’s at this high proof that drinkers will discover the highest concentration of agave flavors, while still experiencing a spirit that is extremely enjoyable to sip and savor neat.

ABOUT TEQUILA OCHO

Tequila OCHO is the world’s first single estate tequila; curating, selecting and harvesting the very ripest agaves only from the world-renowned highlands, and distilled in the town of Arandas, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Complete control of raw materials from seedling to fermentation is quite unlike most other tequila makers who source on the open market, and leads to a liquid which is quite unparalleled.

The result of a dream shared by maestro tequilero Carlos Camarena and legendary tequila ambassador Tomas Estes, Tequila OCHO reflects the nuances of each and every agave field and is instantly recognizable by its annual vintages. Cooking, fermentation and distillation happen in the most traditional way in slow-cooking brick ovens, wooden vats, and copper pot stills, respectively. Such a painstaking approach has led Tequila OCHO Plata to be recognized by Forbes as the World’s Best Blanco Tequila.

As a tequila brand that prides itself on producing maximum agave flavor and essence, Ocho’s aged expressions, reposado, añejo and extra añejo, rest lightly in old bourbon barrels for a gentle rounding and smoothing by the wood – always complementing, yet never overshadowing, the pure, sweet, cooked agave notes. 

Every expression of Tequila OCHO is certified 100% additive free, respecting the traditional, artisanal methods used for generations.

For more information, visit www.ochotequila.com, or find Tequila Ocho through social media channels, IG/FB: @tequilaocho/@TequilaOcho.

Media inquiries:

Colin Baugh

Emblem Public Relations

Colin@EmblemPR.com 

Kaitlynn West

Heaven Hill Brands

kwest@heavenhill.com

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Evan Williams Bourbon Announces Partnership to Become Game Day’s #1 Pour with Learfield

‘Evan Williams Bourbon Nation’ platform aims to enhance the game day experience for collegiate sports fans around the country in a multi-year deal beginning this fall

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (August 20, 2024) – Evan Williams Bourbon today announced a new partnership with Learfield, the media and technology company with ties to more than 1,200 of the nation’s top collegiate properties across its enterprise, for a multiple-year dealbeginning this August.  As part of this sponsorship, Evan Williams will be one of the first Bourbons to partner with some of our nation’s top college athletic programs, including University of Florida, Syracuse University, TCU, Ohio State University and University of Alabama. Fans cheering from the stands, kicking back at a tailgate, or coaching from their couch can join ‘Evan Williams Bourbon Nation’ to celebrate their team now that Kentucky’s 1st Distiller is becoming Game Day’s #1 Pour.

“From pre-game rituals to post-win celebrations, Evan Williams is the bourbon that scores with college sports fans and alumni,” said Molly Vincent, Senior Manager of the Evan Williams Brand. “We’re thrilled to bring Evan Williams together with this very loyal and enthusiastic audience who appreciates the excitement of a great play as much as a great pour and knows how to celebrate responsibly.”

This unique and exciting partnership gives Evan Williams the opportunity to show up everywhere fans are and help the most avid supporters show their school spirit. The partnership will be activated through in-stadium signage, branded bar spaces, and tailgate activations at the five select schools, while also being promoted through local and regional media, in store and on-premise beginning with the 2024 NCAA football season.

The time and passion needed for crafting a great bourbon like Evan Williams is equal to the enthusiasm and dedication of die-hard fans supporting their teams. Touting some of the most wide-reaching, loyal fan and alumni bases in college sports, Evan Williams will cultivate new and exciting ways to give fans of these universities across the country the connection to the game day experience.

“By integrating Evan Williams into the game day experience, we aim to enhance how fans connect with their favorite teams,” said Shawn Hegan, Executive Vice President of Global Partnerships at Learfield. “We’re not just bringing a great bourbon to the fans – we’re creating new ways for people to enjoy and celebrate their passion for college sports. We’re looking forward to building and expanding this partnership for years to come.” 

The partnership also marks the debut of Evan Williams’ national college sports platform – ‘Evan Williams Bourbon Nation’.  Rolling out nationally this spring, the ‘Evan Williams Bourbon Nation’ platform will target all collegiate sports fans and the broad array of college sporting events across the country with a particular focus on football and basketball. The platform will be supported with prominent media placements in premium college sports programming along with high-reach digital advertising and social media efforts, on-premise activations, custom cocktails, consumer promotions and in-store displays to round out the 360-degree campaign. Evan Williams and Learfield are thrilled to bring Game Day’s #1 Pour to college sports enthusiasts across the country seeking to responsibly celebrate their favorite sports and teams.

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the rapidly growing American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. In 1783, the brand’s namesake opened Kentucky’s First Distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, Evan Williams Bourbon is still produced the right way, using the same time-honored methods. As an American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams has recognized true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery on special edition American-Made Hero labels for the past nine years, now supported by the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Learn more at www.EvanWilliams.com. Heaven Hill reminds everyone to think wisely, drink wisely®.

ABOUT LEARFIELD: Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.

IMAGES: Download here

MEDIA CONTACT:  
Kaitlynn West
Heaven Hill Brands
kwest@heavenhill.com

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WITH CHICAGO SMOKEWORKS WHISKEY, FEW SPIRITS COMMEMORATES THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE, LOOKS AHEAD TO 2024 TAILGATING SEASON

New release begins with FEW Malt Whiskey made from cherrywood smoked malted barley and rye grain

EVANSTON, IL (AUGUST 12, 2024) – FEW Spirits today announces the release of FEW Chicago
Smokeworks Whiskey, the latest innovation from the groundbreaking Chicagoland distillery
that has been redefining “Midwest whiskey” since its foundation nearly a decade and a half ago
as Evanston, Illinois’ first legal distillery since Prohibition. The release is an homage to the
rebirth of FEW’s home city after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The release is perfectly timed
for end-of-summer backyard barbecues and the beginning of the college and NFL football
seasons and the festive pregame tailgating that comes along with them.


The whiskey:
FEW Chicago Smokeworks (46.5% ABV/93 Proof) begins with FEW Malt Whiskey made from
cherrywood smoked malted barley and rye grain for a rich and complex whiskey bursting with
flavor. Rich and chewy with hints of smokey cherry, charred caramel, and smoked meat
barbecue, it’s a bold and soulful reimagining of a traditional malt whiskey.


Tasting notes:
● Aroma: Dark Molasses, honey graham cracker, cherry jam, campfire and vanilla
● Taste: Cereal grain, caramel apple, baking spice and mellow but complex smoke


“Chicago’s an old city with a proud history full of deeply ingrained traditions that loves any
excuse for a party,” said FEW Spirits Founder Paul Hletko. “With FEW Chicago Smokeworks, we
wanted to honor the grit and determination of our city by remembering how far we’ve come.”
He continued, “Fall in Chicago is also a time for wall-to-wall football, and this is a particularly
exciting season in our city. With that in mind, we wanted to create a liquid with rich flavors tempered by easy, round smokiness that are right at home at a great tailgate party.”


The label design:
When designing the label, FEW’s distilling team took samples of the whiskey and tasted Chicago
barbecue all over the city. The experience inspired an aesthetic full of smoke, cast iron, copper,
personality and happiness. What they saw while enjoying favorites like brisket and cornbread
became the inspiration for the label design. The design is a perfect melding of Chicago’s history,
architecture, no-nonsense barbecue scene and how whiskey just seems to complement it all so
well. After all, Chicago is a drinking town.


FEW Smokeworks (SRP $50) will begin rolling out in August and continue through the fall. The
whiskey will be available for sale in 34 markets, as well as nationally through the distillery’s
online ecommerce shop, at www.fewspirits.com/products/.


Suggested Cocktails:
FEW Kickoff Cocktail
● 2 oz FEW Chicago Smokeworks​
● 1/2 oz Campari​
● 1/2 oz Amaro Averna​
● Stir ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Strain into rocks glass over one large ice cube.
Garnish with a flamed orange twist.


FEW & A Brew: FEW Chicago Smokeworks & Amber Ale
● 1 Pour Chicago ​Smokeworks Whiskey​
● 1 Amber Ale Beer​
● Enjoy game day by pairing Chicago Smokeworks ​with your favorite craft Amber Ale.
Find FEW Spirits online at www.FEWspirits.com and use the hashtag #FEWspirits to find us on
Instagram @FEWspirits.

About FEW Spirits
A grain-to-glass distillery embracing innovation since 2011, FEW Spirits produces
award–winning craft whiskey in a tucked away alley located in Evanston, IL, a historical town
where Prohibition lasted until 1972. Founder & Master Distiller Paul Hletko changed the future
of Evanston when he opened FEW Spirits Distillery, the first (legal) alcohol-production facility of
any kind to ever open there. Since, he’s collaborated with rock stars, employed experimental
distillation and proofing methods, and more.


Hletko always knew he wanted to make craft spirits — produced in the local Chicago area —
that offered something that broke the rules of traditional whiskey making and offered
something rare and different. Living in Evanston, a town that was prime for change after being
dry for four decades post the repeal of prohibition, Paul felt it was the perfect home and
backdrop for FEW and the brand. Deeply integrated into the brand story, both Evanston and

Chicago are crucial elements of the FEW DNA and its inspiration. From its liquid, created from
locally grown or sourced ingredients, to the look & feel of the label design, which pays homage
to the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago — FEW is the true definition of a local Illinois craft spirit.

Media inquiries:
Colin Baugh
Emblem Public Relations
Colin@EmblemPR.com

Kaitlynn West

Heaven Hill Distillery

kwest@heavenhill.com