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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

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: Heaven Hill
Password: Guest
Folder: Bernheim Wheat Whiskey

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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

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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Password: Guest
Folder: Burnett’s Flavored Vodkas

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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

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: Heaven Hill
Password: Guest
Folder: Rittenhouse Rye

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Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Releases 2004 Edition of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon

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The 19th Annual Edition of the Award-Winning Vintage-Dated Bourbon Begins Shipping to Trade

LOUISVILLE, KY – The latest vintage of the highly anticipated Evan Williams Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the 2004 edition, is now shipping to select retailers and on premise operators nationwide.

Heaven Hill Distilleries, the nation’s largest family-owned and operated independent spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Bourbon, annually releases the newest edition in the series that goes back 19 years and has in that time become one of the most highly anticipated American Whiskey releases of the year.

The world-renowned Single Barrel Bourbon has garnered many prestigious awards since it was introduced in 1994. These include “Spirit of the Year – American Whiskey” from Food & Wine Magazine; “Domestic Whiskey of the Year” from Whisky Advocate; and “Whiskey of the Year” from The Spirit Journal, the first Bourbon upon which the publication bestowed this prestigious title. And just last year, Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon was named to The Spirit Journal “Hall of Fame,” just the eighth spirit to ever receive this honor.

“As many Bourbon fans know, we try to achieve a particular taste or flavor profile with every year’s vintage of Evan Williams Single Barrel, and then we select barrels that fit with that profile,” Heaven Hill’s legendary 6th generation Master Distiller Parker Beam observed. “For this 2004 vintage, we went with a character that is maybe a bit more assertive and bold than in years past, as consumer tastes seem to be leaning more toward robust whiskeys. We therefore have selected barrels that sit a bit higher up in the warehouses where the temperature gradients over the 9 or 10 years of aging were a bit more extreme.”

As with the previous 18 vintages, many of which are now highly sought after collector’s items, each bottle of the 2004 edition of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon is marked with the exact date that it was placed in oak and bottled, in addition to the exact serial number of the single barrel from which it was drawn.

The 86.6 proof Bourbon is matured in natural open-rick warehouses under the careful supervision of Heaven Hill’s Master Distillers, who monitor the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality. The 2004 Vintage is available nationally at an average retail price of $26.99 for a 750 ml bottle, making it a multiple “Best Buy” award winner as well.

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

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

Username: EWSB 2004
Password: Guest

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Kelly Hubbuch Named Communications Coordinator for Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

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Kelly Hubbuch Named Communications Coordinator for Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has hired Kelly Hubbuch as Communications Coordinator.  She will be responsible for supporting internal and external communication efforts for Heaven Hill’s extensive portfolio of spirits brands. The position reports to Josh Hafer, Communications Manager.

Prior to joining Heaven Hill, Hubbuch worked for four years as the Sales & Marketing Coordinator at Louisville, KY‐based Dant Clayton Corporation. She was also previously employed by the Louisville Marriott Downtown as a Sales Manager, and worked as a News Producer for WAVE‐3 TV.

“We are very pleased to have someone with Kelly’s background and level of Marketing Communications experience,” said Josh Hafer, Communications Manager for Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “She will be a valuable addition to the Heaven Hill team.”

Kelly is a graduate of the University of Louisville with a B.A. in Communications. She resides in Taylorsville, KY with her husband.

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. Adds Travis Zinkel as Alaska/Washington Regional Sales Manager

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Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Adds Travis Zinkel as Alaska/Washington Regional Sales Manager

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has hired Travis Zinkel as the Alaska/Washington Regional Sales Manager.  He will be responsible for management of the entire Heaven Hill portfolio throughout both states.  The position reports to Andy Shapira, Western Division Manager.

Prior to joining Heaven Hill, Zinkel worked in several capacities for Palm Bay International, including Regional Chain Manager, Alaska/Washington Area Manager, Washington State Manager, and Illinois Off-Premise Field Sales Manager.  He also spent three years in Sales and Merchandising roles at Southern Wine & Spirits of Illinois.

“Travis’ industry knowledge and experience, specifically in the states of Alaska and Washington, will be a tremendous asset to the company,” said Steve Feller, Vice President of North American Sales for Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.  “We are thrilled to have him as the newest member of our Sales Force.”

Travis is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.B.A. in Marketing.  He resides in Seattle, WA 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; 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.

Username: TravisZinkel
Password: heavenhill

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Opening of Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ Brings Bourbon Back to Louisville’s Whiskey Row

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Opening of Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Evan Williams Bourbon Experience™ Brings Bourbon Back to Louisville’s Whiskey Row

Kentucky Governor Beshear, Lt. Governor Abramson and Louisville Mayor Fischer help company officials cut the ceremonial ribbon and “bung off” the first Bourbon barrel.

LOUISVILLE, KY—The Bourbon industry returned to Louisville’s historic Whiskey Row tonight with the opening reception for Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Thursday November 14. The debut of the $10.5 million dollar artisanal distillery and immersive tourism experience was presided over by Kentucky Governor Beshear, Lieutenant Governor Abramson and Louisville Mayor Fischer. They joined Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira in cutting the ceremonial ribbon and hammering the bung in the first barrel of Bourbon produced on Whiskey Row, the historic district that was the center of whiskey commerce in the 19th century, since colonial times.

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.evanwilliamsbourbonexperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first commercial distiller and namesake of Heaven Hill’s flagship Bourbon brand. Heaven Hill Distilleries—the largest family owned and operated distilled spirits company in the country—have overseen the growth of Evan Williams to the second largest selling Bourbon in the United States and the world. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience was also officially named the 8th stop on the world famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, and the first in Louisville, at a ceremony in May.

Evan Williams, who also served as an early Trustee of the City of Louisville, served as wharfmaster, and built the first county clerk’s office and city jail, set up his early distillery in 1783 near what is now 6th and Main Streets in downtown Louisville—only steps from 528 West Main Street, where the new attraction is located.

The highlight of The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is a fully functioning, artisanal pot still distillery, viewable to visitors and capable of producing a range of American Whiskey types and styles. The gleaming copper pot stills are a modern version of the same type of equipment Evan Williams himself set up in his distillery along the Ohio River over 200 years ago.

The signature feature of The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is the façade of the building, which features a five story high Evan Williams Bourbon bottle. The pouring bottle is reproduced as window graphics in the top three floors, but becomes three dimensional in the two lower floors as the neck of the bottle and a nearly 1500 gallon lowball glass in the lobby form a flowing “Bourbon fountain.”

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience offers guests guided, immersive tours where they are brought back in time to see Evan Williams’ original distillery, high definition video recreations of the Louisville wharf and Main Street in the late 18th Century and recreations of Whiskey Row building facades along Main Street from the 1890’s through the present. A dioramic video wall display allows guests to see how Heaven Hill’s modern Bernheim Distillery operates and how it is different from those in Evan Williams’ era, and then visitors get to see a combination of the two—a state-of-the-art modern distillery using the same types of pot stills used in early Bourbon-making days.

Displays on warehouses and aging are also included, and guests of legal drinking age have the opportunity to enjoy a tutored tasting of premium Bourbons in two different themed tasting rooms. One of these tasting rooms is modeled after the interior of the Philip Hollenbach Co. Whiskey Distributor that occupied the building prior to Heaven Hill’s acquisition over 70 years ago. In addition, a large retail area will offer a range of Evan Williams branded merchandise, specialty food products, and a number of Heaven Hill’s premium Bourbons and American Whiskeys for sale to the public. Finally, a “speakeasy” themed space in the lower level, accessible through a faux safe door in the wall, will be available for special paid tours, as well as public rental for special functions.

“Heaven Hill Distilleries is proud to be bringing the Bourbon industry back to Louisville’s Whiskey Row, and to be bringing the Kentucky Bourbon Trail to Louisville, with the opening of the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience,” stated Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira. “We are confident that our historically significant location, the quality of the visitor experience, and the ascendance of Evan Williams as the nation’s and world’s second-largest selling Bourbon brand will make this facility a significant new addition to downtown Louisville’s attractions.”

In helping the dedicate the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, which is expected to attract over 110,000 visitors in its first year and has created 17 full time jobs, Governor Beshear noted that “Kentucky is already well-known for its rich Bourbon tradition, and this newest stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail will only enhance that legacy. Bourbon is a big business, but more than industry, Bourbon is a culture, a history and a heritage built by generations of Kentuckians. I’m very excited to see this tradition grow.”

“This is a landmark day for Louisville and a tremendous milestone in the growth of our legendary Bourbon industry,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “Having an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is central to our tourism efforts and our partnership with the historic distilleries that make up this popular adventure. We are honored that Heaven Hill and the Shapira family have chosen to make this important investment downtown and helped spark the revitalization of our famed Whiskey Row.”

The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, which officially opens its doors to the public at 10:00 am on Friday, November 15th, will be open Mondays through Saturdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Tours last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and include a historical tour, viewing of the artisanal still and a guided tasting of two premium Bourbons, including Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage and Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch. The admission fee for adults aged 21 and over is $12, with reduced rates for groups, active military and accompanied minors.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail (www.kybourbontrail.com), which includes Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center® in Bardstown, takes visitors through the heart of the Bluegrass and a stop in on the state’s distilleries. Guests experience the bourbon making process, view the facilities and amazingly beautiful surrounding landscapes, and stick around for an after-tour bourbon tasting. More than 2.5 million people have visited Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries in the past five years, including more than a half-million guests in 2012.

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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Cutline: Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and Kentucky Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson cut the ceremonial ribbon for the opening the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Downtown Louisville, Ky. The $10.5 million Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.evanwilliamsbourbonexperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams, Kentucky’s first commercial distiller and namesake of Heaven Hill’s flagship Bourbon brand. Heaven Hill Distilleries—the largest family owned and operated distilled spirits company in the country—have overseen the growth of Evan Williams to the second largest selling Bourbon in the United States and the world. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience was officially named the 8th stop on the world famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour, and the first in Louisville, at a ceremony in May.

CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Trade Relations
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: EWBE
Password: bourbon

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Appoints Randy Strand as Indiana Regional Manager

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Appoints Randy Strand as Indiana Regional Manager

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has named Randy Strand as Indiana Regional Manager. In this role, Strand will be responsible for managing the sales, distribution, and merchandising goals for the Heaven Hill portfolio.  He will report to John Smart, Central Division Manager.

Strand joins Heaven Hill with more than 30 years of experience in the spirits industry.  Previously, he was Regional Manager for Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits.  He has also worked in similar positions with Joseph E. Seagram & Sons and Schieffelin & Sommerset.

“Randy has an extensive background in our industry,” said Steve Feller, Vice President, North American Sales.  “We are pleased to have someone with Randy’s experience joining our team.”

Strand is a graduate of Michigan State University.  He resides in Indianapolis.

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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Password: heavenhill

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Rachel Machkowsky Named Heaven Hill Distilleries Northeast Area Manager

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Rachel Machkowsky Named Heaven Hill Distilleries Northeast Area Manager

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries is pleased to announce the promotion of Rachel Machkowsky to the position of Northeast Area Manager.  She previously held the position of Boston On-Premise Area Manager.

In her new position, Machkowsky will be responsible for the execution of Heaven Hill brand strategies in partnership with the wholesalers in the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.  Machkowsky will continue to report to Charles Yarman, the Northeast Regional Manager.

“Rachel has done an outstanding job as the On-Premise Area Manager in Boston and we are thrilled that she is going to take that same level of passion, commitment, and execution to the entire Northeast Region,” said Steve Feller, Vice President Sales, North America.

Machkowsky has been with Heaven Hill since July of 2007.  She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Westfield State College.  She resides in the Boston, MA area.

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 Announces Release of 2013 Parker’s Heritage Collection “Promise of Hope” Bottling

FOR RELEASE: For Immediate Release

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7th Edition of annual super-premium release will earmark $20 per bottle for ALS research and patient care in honor of Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam

BARDSTOWN, KY—For Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the fall release of the annual Parker’s Heritage Collection bottling is always a labor of love, but this year’s release could more accurately be described as a labor for love.

Heaven Hill Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam, who has recently been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also called ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease), and for whom the acclaimed series is named, has selected special barrels of Bourbon for this year’s edition that mirror his own personal preference for age, proof and warehouse location. Called the “Promise of Hope” bottling, this seventh in the acclaimed series will feature a remarkable cause-related component—for each bottle of the “Promise of Hope” edition sold, Heaven Hill will contribute $20 to the Parker Beam Promise of Hope Fund, a fund established through the ALS Association in honor of the legendary 6th Generation Master Distiller (www.alsa.org/ParkerBeamPromiseofHope). Heaven Hill is estimating the overall contribution to the Promise of Hope Fund will be in excess of $250,000.

In addition to being the first cause-related bottling in the Parker’s Heritage Collection series, the Promise of Hope bottling will mark the first time that a single barrel American Whiskey has been offered in the collection. Parker Beam, a past recipient of Whisky Advocate’s Lifetime Achievement Award and a charter member of the Bourbon Hall of Fame who is in his 53rd year at Heaven Hill, painstakingly sampled and selected Bourbon barrels that met his own personal “wish list” criteria. From among Heaven Hill’s nearly one million barrels in storage, Parker selected approximately 100 barrels of ten-year-old rye-based Bourbon from one of his favorite warehouses, the tiered 80-year-old Rickhouse EE in Deatsville, where they sat in high storage for 40 seasons. Each of the chosen barrels was dumped and bottled, with no chill-filtering, in 750ml bottles at Parker’s preferred bottling proof of 96° (48% alcohol/volume). The 7th Edition Parker’s Heritage Collection Promise of Hope will be available on select retail shelves and at fine bars and restaurants nationwide starting in mid-September at an average retail price of $90 for the 750ml bottle.

This year’s release of Parker’s Heritage Collection promises to be a worthy successor to the previous six releases, which, having won multiple awards from Whisky Advocate Magazine (formerly Malt Advocate Magazine), Whisky Magazine and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, stand as some of the most critically lauded American Whiskeys in recent memory. Past bottlings have won awards ranging from “Best North American Whiskey” to “American Whiskey of the Year” to “Best of Show, Brown Spirits.”

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous six editions, the Parker’s Heritage Collection Promise of Hope bottling is part of a number of cause-related efforts Heaven Hill and Parker Beam have recently taken on to help in the fight against ALS, a neurological disease which affects approximately 30,000 Americans at any time. Also part of this effort is the recently announced Master Distillers’ Unity, a special crystal two bottle set of Bourbon from all the major Kentucky heritage distilleries blended together which will be offered at the Bonham’s Whisky, Cognac and Rare Spirits auction in New York City on October 13th. All proceeds from the auction of this one-time bottling will also go toward the Promise of Hope Fund.

“I, my wife Linda, my son Craig and all my family are honored and enthusiastic about our efforts toward helping those affected by ALS”, stated Parker Beam, “and the new Promise of Hope edition of my Parker’s Heritage Collection represents a great way for Bourbon fans and even novices to enjoy a great single barrel Bourbon while helping make a real difference in the fight against ALS. I enjoyed developing the profile and selecting these barrels that represent ‘my favorite things’ in a Bourbon, and I feel sure that anyone who purchases a bottle will get an outstanding single barrel Bourbon and the satisfaction of knowing they are helping with this worthy cause.”

The 2013 Parker’s Heritage Collection Promise of Hope is a very limited release, as all of the previous six editions have been, but Heaven Hill will be releasing more cases than in the past to maximize fund raising. And as always, once these are shipped from Bardstown, no more will be available.

About Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

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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