Heaven Hill Announces Release of the Sixth Annual Edition of “Parker’s Heritage Collection” American Whiskey Series
FOR RELEASE: For Immediate Release
IMAGES: See directions at end of release.
HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF THE SIXTH ANNUAL EDITION OF “PARKER’S HERITAGE COLLECTION” AMERICAN WHISKEY SERIES
“Master Distiller’s Blend of Mashbills” to Feature a Marriage of Select Mature Wheated and Rye-Based Bourbons
BARDSTOWN, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, announces the September release of the sixth edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection, a limited annual series of rare, aged American Whiskeys that pays tribute to 6th Generation Master Distiller Parker Beam. The 2012 release will feature select barrels of 11 year old Heaven Hill rye-based Bourbons, used for such renown brands as Elijah Craig and Evan Williams, mingled with select barrels of the wheated mashbill Heaven Hill uses for the Old Fitzgerald line, also aged for 11 years. Bottled at cask strength, this bottling, much like the highly acclaimed “Golden Anniversary” bottling of 2009, showcases not only the individual whiskeys, but also the skill of the Master Distiller in selecting and marrying them together in the right proportions.
The rye-based Bourbon was pulled from the 4th floor of Rickhouse “R” in Bardstown, while the wheated Bourbon aged on the topmost 7th floor of nearby Rickhouse “T”. Like previous Parker’s Heritage Collection releases, the “Master Distiller’s Blend of Mashbills” will not be chill-filtered as is the custom for many Bourbon brands, thereby helping to maintain the natural esters and compounds which provide a rich texture and mouthfeel. The release will comprise of 3 “dumps”, with each having a slightly different barrel proof. The first dump will carry a proof of 131.6, or 65.8% alcohol by volume.
This year’s release of Parker’s Heritage Collection promises to be a worthy successor to the previous five 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 five editions, the Parker’s Heritage Collection Master Distiller’s Blend of Mashbills Bourbon is available in a three bottle case that should start hitting retail shelves and back bars in September, in time for the cooler weather that traditionally signals “whiskey season”. And this year’s edition, like last year’s highly regarded Cognac finished Bourbon, will retail for an average of $80 for the 750ml bottle, welcome news for whiskey connoisseurs in these still-unsettled economic times.
“It is always an enjoyable challenge to plan out the annual releases of the Parker’s Heritage Collection, and this year’s was no different” noted Heaven Hill’s Parker Beam. “We’ve always traditionally used a rye-based Bourbon mashbill, but we’ve been making wheated Bourbon for over a decade now, and the way they blend with each other has always intrigued me. We’re very pleased with the taste and finish of this year’s edition, and releasing it at barrel proof allows consumers to have some say in how it presents itself. “
The 2012 Parker’s Heritage Collection Master Distiller’s Blend of Mashbills is a very limited release, as all of the previous five have been. Only about 7,500 bottles are available for national distribution and limited international sales, and as always, once these are shipped from Bardstown, no more will be made available.
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.”
-30-
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: PHC2012
Password: heavenhill
Heaven Hill Launches Peppermint Chocolate Flavor for Evan WIlliams Original Southern Egg Nog
FOR RELEASE: September 10, 2012
IMAGES: See directions at end of release.
HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES LAUNCHES PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE FLAVOR FOR EVAN WILLIAMS ORIGINAL SOUTHERN EGG NOG
First flavor extension of top selling seasonal nog to be available for 2012 holidays
BARDSTOWN, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, announces the October launch of Evan Williams Peppermint Chocolate Egg Nog, the first flavored companion to one of the top selling seasonal spirits, Evan Williams Original Southern Egg Nog. Just in time for the upcoming holiday season, Evan Williams Peppermint Chocolate Egg Nog, made with real Evan Williams Bourbon, adds a distinctly contemporary and flavorful spin to the traditional Evan Williams Egg Nog that has grown to be a holiday tradition.
Now holiday entertaining and get togethers will be better and easier with the spirits—and special flavors—already blended into the Egg Nog. For generations, southerners have blended real Kentucky Bourbon into Egg Nog as part of their seasonal celebrations, and for the past 18 years Evan Williams Southern Style Egg Nog has become a holiday tradition. It is pre-sold and pre-ordered by market and always sells out from Heaven Hill’s warehouses, growing to become the nation’s top selling Bourbon-based Egg Nog and one of the top overall seasonal products. Evan Williams Egg Nog is offered to consumers from October through New Year’s Day in both the 750ml and 1.75 liter sizes.
The new Peppermint Chocolate flavor will ship in September and will be offered initially in the 750ml size, packaged in the familiar Evan Williams square bottle and closely mirroring the labeling of the traditional Egg Nog, but with the addition of a red neck wrap and cap instead of the green accents of the standard Nog. It also carries an appetizing visual of peppermint chocolate bark and peppermint candies on the face label, below the familiar Evan Williams logotype. Like the traditional Egg Nog, the Peppermint Chocolate Egg Nog is best served chilled or in a variety of holiday cocktails.
Bottled at a modest 30 proof or 15% alcohol by volume, the 750ml of Evan Williams Peppermint Chocolate Egg Nog will carry an average national retail price of $11.99 and will be available in most markets across the country. It will be supported by special dedicated point of sale that exhorts consumers to “Add Flavor to the Holidays” and appetizingly depicts a frothy mug with whipped cream and peppermint sticks.
“With Evan Williams Original Southern Egg Nog becoming one of the nation’s biggest selling seasonal spirits, we wanted to introduce a flavored extension that would continue that popularity and introduce some variety into the brand family,” stated Heaven Hill Senior Brand Manager Susan Wahl. “The Peppermint Chocolate version is not only consistent with the positioning and profile of the original, but it also gives consumers a choice for holiday entertaining and gift giving that is in keeping with current taste trends. And it provides additional facings and impulse purchase opportunities for consumers and trade alike.”
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.”
-30-
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: EW_Peppermint_Chocolate
Password: heavenhill
Heaven Hill Names Bernie Lubbers American Whiskey Brand Ambassador
FOR RELEASE: For Immediate Release
IMAGES: See directions at end of release.
HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES, INC. NAMES BERNIE LUBBERS AMERICAN WHISKEY BRAND AMBASSADOR
Renowned “Whiskey Professor” to Promote Heaven Hill’s Diverse Collection of Bourbons and American Whiskeys
BARDSTOWN, (Ky.) – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has hired Bernie Lubbers as American Whiskey Brand Ambassador, supporting the sales and marketing efforts of its portfolio of award-winning specialty whiskey brands.
In his new role, Lubbers will further enhance the ascending profile of the Heaven Hill American Whiskey Collection among both consumers and trade. In addition, he will educate these parties on history, production, laws and standards of the products in the Heaven Hill American Whiskey family. He will be concentrating on Heaven Hill’s specialty bourbons including Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage, Elijah Craig, Parker’s Heritage Collection, the just-launched Larceny brand, as well as critically-acclaimed Rittenhouse Rye, and Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey. Heaven Hill’s American Whiskey portfolio has been recognized with “Distiller of the Year” awards by both Whiskey Advocate and Whisky Magazine.
Before joining Heaven Hill, the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated marketer and producer of distilled spirits, and the world’s second largest holder of aging Bourbon, Lubbers spent 7 years in the supplier tier implementing special training and educational programs with consumers and trade. He is widely known as “The Whiskey Professor”, having authored the 2011 book Bourbon Whiskey—Our Native Spirit, and hosting the popular website www.whiskeyprof.com. Lubbers is a past winner of the “Global Ambassador of the Year” award in Whisky Magazine’s “Icons of Whisky” presentation, is cited in numerous trade publications and has served as judge at whiskey competitions.
“Bernie brings a tremendous amount of industry and brand ambassador experience and will be invaluable in furthering our American Whiskey Brand Ambassador program,” noted Steve Feller, Vice President of North American Sales for Heaven Hill Distilleries. “Having someone of his knowledge and reputation in the market to educate consumers and both on- and off-premise trade will be a great asset as we continue to grow our portfolio of world-renowned American Whiskeys.”
Originally from Louisville, KY, Lubbers graduated with a B.A. in Business from the University of Kentucky. He resides full time in Louisville, where he is also a musician and comedian.
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.”
-30-
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: Bernie_ Lubbers
Password: heavenhill
Rob Hutchins Named Kentucky/ Tennessee Regional Manager
For Release: For Immediate Release
Images: See directions at end of release
Rob Hutchins Named Kentucky/Tennessee Regional Manager
BARDSTOWN, KY – Rob Hutchins has been named Kentucky/Tennessee Regional Manager for Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. In his new position, Hutchins will report to Divisional Manager Steve Alexander.
For the past three years, Hutchins served as the company’s North American Whiskey Ambassador. The role supported the company’s extensive American Whiskey portfolio. Prior to joining Heaven Hill, Hutchins spent 14 years in the industry with both the wholesale and supplier tiers.
“Rob has been a valuable member of our team as our first North American Whiskey Ambassador,” said Steve Feller, Vice President – North American Sales. “His experiences in that role over the past three years will serve him well in Kentucky and Tennessee. We are fortunate to have him in this position.”
Originally from Danville, Ky., Hutchins graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Kentucky. He continues to reside in Louisville, Ky. 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.”
-30-
CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Corporate Communications Manager
(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: Rob_Hutchins
Password: heavenhill
Burnett’s Flavored Vodka Introduces First Seasonal Favor- Candy Cane
For Release: For Immediate Release
Images: See directions at end of release
Burnett’s Flavored Vodka Introduces First Seasonal Flavor – Candy Cane
BARDSTOWN, KY – Burnett’s Candy Cane Flavored Vodka is now available as unique seasonal flavored Vodka. The first-of-its-kind Candy Cane flavored Vodka is the 29th addition to the flavor portfolio and is available only from September through the end of December.
Following the success of the traditional range of Burnett’s flavors, Burnett’s Candy Cane Flavored Vodka is an innovative new addition to the category. With exceptional taste and quality as a hallmark the franchise is growing at an exceptional pace.
“Burnett’s Candy Cane is a great addition to our flavored Vodka line,” said Reid Hafer, Burnett’s Vodka Senior Brand Manager. “The seasonal approach enables retailers to stock a great new flavor for impulse purchases.”
The new flavor is supported by unique holiday 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 new flavor puts the Burnett’s portfolio of natural flavors to 29 – Blue Raspberry, Blueberry, Candy Cane, Cherry, Citrus, Coconut, Cranberry, Fruit Punch, Grape, Hot Cinnamon, Lime, Limeade, Mango, Maple Syrup, Orange, Orange Cream, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Pink Lemonade, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Sour Apple, Strawberry, Sugar Cookie, Sweet Tea, Vanilla, Watermelon and Whipped Cream.
Burnett’s Candy Cane Flavored Vodka is available in 1.75L, 1.0L and 750ml sizes, bottled at 35% alcohol by volume (70 proof). The product is available for a suggested retail price of $9.99 for a 750ml.
Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; 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.”
-30-
CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Corporate Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
502-413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com
To download images, please visit the Heaven Hill “Press Room” at www.connect.heavenhill.com and enter the username and password below.
Username: Candy_Cane
Password: heavenhill
Heaven Hill Distilleries Announces the Launch of Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
FOR RELEASE: July 26, 2012
IMAGES: See directions at end of release.
HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF LARCENY KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
New Wheated Super Premium Bourbon Celebrates the “Taste Made Famous By An Infamous Act”
BARDSTOWN, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, announces the initial launch of Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey into 12 markets in September 2012. A super-premium 92 proof Bourbon, Larceny is the heir to the wheated Bourbons that make up the historic Old Fitzgerald franchise that Heaven Hill acquired in 1999. In fact, it is the somewhat controversial history of John E. Fitzgerald and his eponymous Bourbon brand that provides the story, and name, to Larceny Bourbon, the latest new label from the venerated distillery that produces Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Bourbons and Rittenhouse Rye.
Larceny Bourbon continues the Old Fitzgerald tradition of using wheat in place of rye as the third or “small” grain in the whiskey’s grain recipe, or mashbill as it is commonly known. The use of winter wheat replaces the spicier, fruitier flavor notes that rye provides with a softer, rounder character that is the hallmark of Old Fitzgerald and other “wheated” Bourbons such as Maker’s Mark and the Van Winkle line.
It is actually the story of the Old Fitzgerald brand, made famous by the late Julian “Pappy” Van Winkle Sr., that forms the historical basis for Larceny Bourbon. According to industry lore, John E. Fitzgerald had founded his distillery in Frankfort , KY shortly after the Civil War ended, making his Bourbon available only to steamship lines, rail lines and private clubs. This story was furthered by S.C Herbst, who owned the “Old Fitz” brand from the 1880’s through Prohibition, and “Pappy” Van Winkle, who purchased the brand during Prohibition and made it his signature label. However, it was revealed by Pappy’s granddaughter, Sally Van Winkle Campbell, in her 1999 book But Always Fine Bourbon—Pappy Van Winkle and the Story of Old Fitzgerald, that in fact John E. Fitzgerald was not a famous distiller at all. He was in reality a treasury agent who used his keys to the warehouses to pilfer Bourbon from the finest barrels. His discerning palate led those barrels to which he chose to help himself being referred to as “Fitzgerald barrels”.
Now Heaven Hill has launched Larceny, whose tagline—”A taste made famous by an infamous act”—sets history straight.
For 2012, Larceny will be available in the 1.75 liter, 1 liter, 750ml and 50ml sizes in California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, North Carolina, New York, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. At an average national retail price of $24.99 for the 750ml size, Larceny is a true small batch Bourbon produced from dumps of 100 or fewer barrels that have been selected from the 4th, 5th and 6th floors of Heaven Hill’s open rick warehouses in Nelson County, Kentucky. Larceny is drawn from barrels that have aged from 6 to 12 years at this high storage, and is bottled at a full-bodied 92 proof, or 46% alcohol by volume.
All barrels of Larceny, just like all other barrels of Bourbon, rye, wheat and corn whiskey from Heaven Hill, are produced under the skilled hand and watchful eye of 6th and 7th generation father and son Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam. The last special release of wheated Bourbon from Heaven Hill, the sold out 2010 edition of the ultra-premium Parker’s Heritage Collection, is one of the most highly regarded and sought out bottlings in Heaven Hill’s 75 years of distilling.
Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon will be introduced in a striking and attractive package, featuring a proprietary pinched waist flask shaped bottle and a contemporary but classic label. Utilizing a skeleton key as its symbolic logo element, which supports not only the brand story but also pays homage to the iconic key logo and tagline of Old Fitzgerald (“Your Key to Hospitality”), the face label of Larceny features a die cut keyhole through which a skeleton key printed on the back label can be seen, as well as prominent emphasis on the brand name, the Fitzgerald legacy and history, the 92 proof designation and the small batch statement. The cork closure has a shrink wrapped tamper-evident seal which also carries the skeleton key icon.
Larceny’s high quality brand attributes and edgy design will appeal to the brand’s primary target audience, 30-50 year old male consumers with refined taste and an appreciation for heritage and tradition. The brand will be available at both fine retail spirits accounts and at on-premise establishments that cater to the Bourbon and whiskey connoisseur. A full range of retail POS items, from attractive floor and shelf displays for retailers, to bottle glorifiers and premium items for bars and restaurants, will be made available, all branded with the Larceny logo, skeleton key icon and tagline “A taste made famous by an infamous act”.
For Heaven Hill, the holder of the world’s second largest inventory of Bourbon and producers of the nation’s and the world’s second largest selling Bourbon brand, Evan Williams, the launch of Larceny “gives the company a new, viable volume entrant in the growing premium price segment, and gives us a go-to on premise brand,” according to Senior Brand Manager Susan Wahl. “Larceny combines an authentic brand history and intriguing story with outstanding, extra aged wheated Bourbon, making for a very attractive alternative for the more sophisticated American Whiskey consumer. And they will have the opportunity to hear about Larceny from some of the foremost whiskey writers in the world, and see it advertised in top specialty whiskey media.”
Larceny will be making its trade debut later this month at the annual Tales of the Cocktail event in New Orleans, and will be featured heavily in trade, on line and social media, creating valuable word of mouth among influencers.
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.
-30-
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: Larceny
Password: heavenhill
Michelle Shaw Joins Heaven Hill Distilleries Florida Sales Team
FOR RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MICHELLE SHAW JOINS HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES FLORIDA SALES TEAM
BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has added Michelle Shaw as the On-premise Area Manager for South Florida. In her position, Shaw will be responsible for executing on-premise sales and marketing programs.
For two years, Shaw has worked with Heaven Hill as a Promotional Assistant executing events for a variety of products in the Heaven Hill portfolio. Her background includes work with Southern Wine & Spirits and on-premise wine sales.
“Florida is an important market,” said said Steve Feller, Vice President, North American Sales. “Having someone with Michelle’s experience in the market and industry is a valuable addition for Heaven Hill.
Shaw attended University of Central Florida and will be based out of Miami.
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.”
-30-
CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Corporate Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com
Heaven Hill Hires Shane Colwell in National Account Sales Division
FOR RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HEAVEN HILL HIRES SHANE COLWELL IN NATIONAL ACCOUNT SALES DIVISION
BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. has added Shane Colwell as Chain Account Regional Manager to the off-premise national accounts sales team. In his role with Heaven Hill, he will manage sales and marketing programs for Midwest-based national accounts, reporting to Mike Sporich, U.S. National Account Divisional Manager.
Colwell previously managed chain accounts in Michigan for Great Lakes Wine & Spirits. His background includes on- and off-premise sales throughout Michigan.
“National Accounts are a source of great opportunity for Heaven Hill,” said Steve Feller, Vice President, North American Sales. “We are confident that Shane will help us grow this important area of business in the long term.”
Colwell resides in Rochester Hills, MI with his wife Shannon and two children.
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.”
-30-
CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Corporate Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com
Heaven Hill Introduces Evan Williams Apple Orchard™ Seasonal Liqueur for Fall 2012
FOR RELEASE: June 19, 2012
IMAGES: See directions at end of release.
HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES INTRODUCES EVAN WILLIAMS APPLE ORCHARD™ SEASONAL LIQUEUR FOR FALL 2012
New Ready-to-Serve Fall Product is the first Bourbon-Based Apple Cider Liqueur
BARDSTOWN, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, announces the newest addition to the Evan Williams Bourbon family—Evan Williams Apple Orchard Seasonal Liqueur. Available nationally starting in September, Evan Williams Apple Orchard is the first Bourbon-based apple cider liqueur and leverages the popularity of this seasonal flavor and the popularity of the growing Evan Williams brand franchise.
Designed to be available to consumers during the fall months of September through November, Evan Williams Apple Orchard marries flavor and heritage by using real apple cider and Evan Williams Bourbon, the nation’s, and the world’s, number two selling Bourbon brand. This unique ready-to-serve seasonal specialty can be enjoyed right out of the bottle, or for a real treat can be warmed for a more traditional usage.
Heaven Hill is taking advantage of the remarkable popularity and growth of the Evan Williams brand and the recently introduced Evan Williams flavored Reserves—Honey Reserve, Cherry Reserve and the newest, Cinnamon Reserve—to create a truly new type of Bourbon-based liqueur, but one which has a long and storied tradition. For many years southerners have combined warmed apple cider or applejack with some good straight Bourbon for what is sometimes called a ciderhouse whiskey cocktail. Now Evan Williams Apple Orchard makes that tradition easy and fun to replicate.
Like Evan Williams Original Egg Nog, another seasonal product intended to be sold from November through the new year, Evan Williams Apple Orchard will be pre-sold by Heaven Hill’s national network of wholesalers, and will be only available for the limited September through November time period. Once shipments are depleted, no more will be made available until the next fall season. And because it contains real apple cider, it should be refrigerated by consumers after opening, and shaken well before being poured.
Evan Williams Apple Orchard will be available in the 750ml size initially at an average national retail price of $11.99, and is bottled at a modest 17% alcohol/volume or 34 proof. It will be packaged in the familiar Evan Williams proprietary square bottle, and will leverage the equity of the Evan Williams logotype, but the label will be an autumnal russet, red and brown variation which features stylized apple illustrations and a descriptor that reads “the smoothness of Evan Williams with the taste of spiced apple cider.” The capsule closure also features the Evan Williams Apple Orchard logo in a step and repeat pattern, with the apple renderings, on a deep maroon background. Copy along the sides of the label tells the story of Evan Williams, describes how apple cider has been mixed with Bourbon since colonial days, and suggests to consumers that they “heat and enjoy.”
Evan Williams Apple Orchard will be supported at retail with a number of highly functional and attractive point of sale pieces, all of which utilize the same attractive fall apple graphics and all of which carry the tag line “A Bushel of Flavor Meets a Barrel of Smoothness”. A case card, which also carries the call to action “Savor it this Fall”, will make an arresting centerpiece for a multiple case floor stacking, and the attractive decorated case shippers will draw in consumer’s attention. A recipe card, featuring tempting cocktails such as a Bourbon Cider Twist and a Hot Cider Nog, will also be available for retail or on-premise use.
“We believe that Evan Williams Apple Orchard will be a major consumer sensation this fall,” asserted Evan Williams Senior Brand Manager Susan Wahl. “There are no other ready-to-serve products like it available today, and we believe the combination of an authentic apple cider and real Evan Williams Bourbon, warmed and served in a mug, will be one of the biggest new seasonal spirits launches this fall.”
As the nation’s second largest selling Bourbon, Evan Williams already commands a great deal of retail shelf space and an increasing share of the on-premise back bar as well. With the national roll out of the Evan Williams Honey Reserve, Cherry Reserve, Cinnamon Reserve, and now the Evan Williams Apple Orchard, there will be many facings of the familiar square Evan Williams bottle on retail shelves nationwide this fall.
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.
-30-
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 connect.heavenhill.com and enter the username and password below.
Username: EW_Apple_Orchard
Password: heavenhill