Posts

Posted on

Christian Brothers Adds Honey to Portfolio

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – The Christian Brothers Brandy will launch a Honey line extension to one of the strongest consumer franchises in the distilled spirits industry.  The flavor concept combines real, natural honey with the rich taste of Christian Brothers Brandy. 

The new Christian Brothers Honey launched nationally in February and features the traditional Christian Brothers’ cathedral bottle with a vibrant gold label and iconography familiar with honey, including a bear silhouette and honey comb background. The new product appeals to existing Brandy consumers and can be enjoyed straight, on the rocks, or in a variety of mixed drinks.  Additionally, Christian Brothers Honey will enjoy broad appeal to include non-brandy consumers who are looking for an easy to drink, flavored alternative to traditional Brandy.

“The growing consumer interest in honey flavor is a natural extension for Christian Brothers Brandy,” said Justin Ames, Senior Brand Manager, Christian Brothers Brandy.  “Combining a storied mark with new and innovative flavor profiles is a proven combination in other segments of the spirits industry.  As consumers seek new and innovative flavor profiles, Christian Brothers Honey is well served by being the leading flavor innovator in the Brandy category.”

Marketing materials will utilize the Christian Brothers’ “CB & …” tagline by adding “CB &…a taste of honey.”  The flavor extension will be supported by a trade media schedule with insertions in Beverage Network.  In addition, the product features an array of in-store and on-premise POS.  For more information, go to www.christianbrothershoney.com.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes 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.

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

-30-

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

Posted on

Heaven Hill Distilleries Fills Milestone 6 Millionth Barrel of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Company Only the Second Continuously Operated Distillery to Reach Historic Number

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned distilled spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, today celebrated the filling of Bourbon barrel number six million. Heaven Hill is only the second continuously operating Bourbon producer to reach the historic benchmark. And in an historic coincidence, the filling of barrel number six million took place on the exact same day, 75 years later, that Heaven Hill filled their first barrel of Bourbon in 1935.

“It is indeed a proud day for our company and our extended Heaven Hill family,” said Heaven Hill Distilleries President Max L. Shapira. “That the filling of this historic barrel fell on the 75th anniversary of the day that my father and his four brothers filled Heaven Hill’s very first Bourbon barrel makes this day monumentally important for us. And it is made all the more special that it is personally overseen by two generations of my family and two generations of the family of our Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam.”

No one could foresee the many changes and tremendous growth that lay ahead for both Heaven Hill and the American Whiskey industry in between the filling of their first barrel– ironically on Friday, December 13th, 1935–and their latest milestone barrel, but the company remains true to its original mission as a family-owned and operated independent Kentucky company, the last remaining in the Bourbon business today. Heaven Hill now has over 900,000 aging barrels of Kentucky Bourbon in their inventory, and their flagship Evan Williams brand is the second largest selling Bourbon in the United States and the world.

The 6 millionth barrel was “bunged off” by sixth- and seventh-generation father and son Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam in a brief ceremony at Heaven Hill’s cistern room attended by company executives and local dignitaries. Congressman Brett Guthrie, Bardstown Mayor J. Richard Heaton and Mayor Elect Bill Sheckles, State Rep. David Floyd and Nelson County Judge Executive Dean Watts attended the brief ceremony and offered congratulations to the company on their latest accomplishment. The barrel was then moved to Rickhouse “Y” where it will rest alongside the other Heaven Hill milestone barrels in a special display where visitors to Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center may view them.

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.

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

-30-

CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heaven-hill.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: Six (case sensitive)
Password: Million (case sensitive)

Posted on

Heaven Hill Distilleries Announces Release of 2001 Edition of Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon

The 16th Annual Edition of the Award-Winning Vintage-Dated Bourbon to Begin Shipping After Holidays

LOUISVILLE, Ky. –   Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. announces the release of the 2001 edition of its highly acclaimed Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the 16th annual release of the series.

The world-renowned Single Barrel Bourbon has garnered many prestigious awards, including “Spirit of the Year – American Whiskey” from Food & Wine; “Domestic Whiskey of the Year” by Malt Advocate; and “Whiskey of the Year” by The Spirit Journal, the first Bourbon upon which the publication has bestowed this prestigious title. “Even though the mashbill–the grain recipe–is the same from year to year, we try to achieve a particular flavor profile with each vintage,” noted Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, who along with his son Craig produces and selects each vintage from among Heaven Hill’s 900,000 barrels of aging Bourbon.  “And judging from the critical acclaim it’s received, it seems like we’ve been pretty successful with the vintage-dated concept behind Evan Williams Single Barrel.”
 
Heaven Hill, the nation’s largest remaining family-owned and operated, independent spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Bourbon, offered a sneak peak of the latest vintage in the landmark series for 500 members of its Bardstown Whiskey Society in an elegant setting at Louisville’s famed Derby Museum at Churchill Downs back in November.
   
As with the previous 15 vintages, which are now highly sought after collector’s items, each bottle of the 2001 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 father and son Master Distillers, who monitor the progress of each year’s vintage to ensure it maintains its intended flavor profile and superb quality.  This new edition features the traditional corn, malted barley and rye mashbill, and stringent selection of barrels from the top three floors of the rickhouse, that are the hallmarks of all of Parker and Craig Beam’s Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbons.  The 2001 edition will be available nationally beginning in January 2011 at an average retail price of $25.99 for a 750 ml bottle, which is why it has also been named a “Best Buy” award winner by Malt Advocate and Wine Enthusiast magazines, among others.  

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.

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

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

Posted on

Byron White Wins Top Prize for Original Bourbon Cuisine at 25th Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest

LOUISVILLE, (Ky.) – The 25th annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest kicked off the culinary competitions at the Kentucky State Fair on Friday, August 20th, showcasing many of the most creative Bourbon dishes in the Commonwealth.  Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., producers of Evan Williams Bourbon, awarded the coveted Blue Ribbon top prize to Byron White of Louisville, Kentucky for his Evan Williams Fruit Chutney Beef Spring Rolls.

A distinguished panel of local judges selected the entrée from over 32 entries this year. Red (second place) and White (third place) ribbons were awarded to Mary G. Applegate of Salem, Indiana for Peach and Pecan Bourbon Pork Tenderloin and April Ravenscroft of Louisville, Kentucky for Drunken Baby Backs, respectively.

Judges for the contest included Ron Mikulak, Assistant Food Editor at The Courier-Journal; Ed Nolan, Executive Chef, Mitchell’s Fish Market; Jason Brauner, Owner, Bourbon’s Bistro; Bret Donaldson, President of the KY Chapter of the American Culinary Federation; Barry Bernson, Fox 41 TV News “Fox In the Morning” anchor; and Heaven Hill Master Distiller Craig Beam.

During the judging, contestants and spectators were treated to a cooking with Bourbon demonstration by Chef G. Allen Akmon, Chairman for the Culinary Arts Departments at the Louisville and Lexington campuses of Sullivan University.  Chef Akmon performed the demonstration using Evan Williams Bourbon, America’s second-largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.  Also on hand to assist Chef Akmon and keep the crowd on its toes was host Kelly K. from the “Ben Davis and Kelly K. Morning Show” on 99.7 WDJX.

Heaven Hill Distilleries, the Bardstown, Ky.-based maker of distilled spirits, produces Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – named for the Commonwealth’s first distiller who set up his distillery on the banks of the Ohio River in 1783.  “The unique heritage of America’s Native Spirit, coupled with the Commonwealth’s flagship exposition, presents a grand stage for some of the finest amateur chefs,” said Max L. Shapira, president of Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “In this celebratory 25th year we are inspired by their creativity and enthusiasm.”

The recipes were rated on originality, ease of preparation, appearance, name and the contribution of Evan Williams Bourbon to the taste and aroma of the dish. In addition to receiving a coveted Kentucky State Fair prize ribbon and a cash prize, each of the winning entries will be considered for publication in the next “Cooking with Bourbon” recipe booklet, published periodically by Heaven Hill Distilleries.

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.

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

25th Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest Winning Recipe
August 20, 2010

EVAN WILLIAMS FRUIT CHUTNEY BEEF SPRING ROLLS

2 heads Boston lettuce, leaves separated, rinsed and patted dry
2 lbs thin top steak
½ cup Evan Williams Bourbon
16 rice paper (spring roll) wrappers (81D2 inches in diameter)
small sprigs cilantro
Ginger-Soy-Cilantro Sauce
Fruit Chutney

Place steak and Evan Williams bourbon in a bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes.  Remove any tough veins from the center of the lettuce leaves and discard; set lettuce aside.  Grill steak and slice thinly.  Dip a rice paper into a bowl of water for 5 seconds; shake off excess water and place on a clean kitchen towel.  Stack several lettuce leaves on the lower third of the rice paper.  Top with steak and chutney.  Fold the bottom of the rice paper up over the chutney.  Fold in the sides, then roll up. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.  Serve the rolls on a platter with Ginger-Soy-Cilantro Sauce.

Ginger-Soy-Cilantro Sauce

1 ½ teaspoon Oriental sesame oil
1/3 cup minced green onion
1 tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1 cup canned low-sodium chicken broth
¼ cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Evan Williams Bourbon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.  Add shallots and ginger and sauté 2 minutes.  Add broth, orange juice concentrate and vinegar.  Boil until mixture is reduced to ¾ cup, about 6 minutes.  Stir in soy, bourbon and cilantro.  Simmer one minute.  Strain.

Fruit Chutney

½ cup sugar
½ medium red onion, diced
1 ¼ cups diced mango
1 ½ cups diced golden pineapple
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced
1 Asian pear, peeled, cored, and diced
1 cup Evan Williams Bourbon
1 tablespoon ground allspice
¼ cup peeled and finely chopped ginger
1 tablespoon Jalapeno hot sauce
½ teaspoon Kosher salt
½ teaspoon Jamaican Jerk Blend seasoning
3 tablespoons allspice berries, toasted
1 cup apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar

In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients except the allspice and the vinegar.  Allow to stand for 30 minutes.  Meanwhile, toast the allspice berries in a small saucepan until they just begin to smoke.  Add the vinegar, bring to a simmer and reduce to ¼ cup.  Strain, and discard the allspice berries.  Combine the reduced vinegar with the fruit mixture in a large heavy saucepan and simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 30 minutes until the liquid is almost syrupy.  Refrigerate.

-30-

CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Corporate Communications Director
Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc.
(502) 348-3921
lkass@heaven-hill.com

Posted on

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. appoints Steven E. Feller Vice President of North American Sales

Elected Officer of Company After Guiding Sales Efforts for 18 Years

LOUISVILLE, KY–Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. announced today that current Director of North American Sales Steve Feller has been elected as a Vice President, recognizing his 18 years of service to the company and his last five years leading sales efforts in the U.S. and Canada.

Heaven Hill Distilleries, the largest independent family-owned and operated distilled spirits supplier, is the producer of such renowned category leading brands as Evan Williams Bourbon, Christian Brothers Brandy, Burnett’s Vodkas and Hpnotiq Liqueur, and under Feller’s guidance has leveraged strong sales growth to become the nation’s seventh largest spirits supplier.

Feller, who will continue to lead the company’s overall sales efforts in North America and report to Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira, joined Heaven Hill in 1992, progressing in the sales organization to become Director of North American Sales in 2005.  Prior to coming to Heaven Hill, Feller was with Glenmore Distilleries and United Distillers.  He is a graduate of the University of Louisville and holds an MBA from Bellarmine University.

“In his new position, Steve will continue to provide the leadership that has driven our robust growth during his tenure,” commented Heaven Hill President Shapira.

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.

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@heaven-hill.com

Posted on

Rob Rubinstein joins Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. as National Operations Manager

Industry veteran to fill new role at nation’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits supplier

LOUISVILLE, KY–Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. announced today that distilled spirits industry veteran Robert F. Rubinstein has joined the company, effective August 9th.  Rubinstein was named to the newly-created position of National Sales Operations Manager, reporting to and working with Heaven Hill Director of North American Sales Steve Feller to optimize the company’s growing sales infrastructure.

Heaven Hill Distilleries, the largest independent family-owned and operated distilled spirits supplier, will be utilizing Rubinstein’s sales management experience to further the company’s ongoing alignment of sales processes and resources with short and long-term performance goals.  Heaven Hill is the producer of such renowned category leading brands as Evan Williams Bourbon, Christian Brothers Brandy, Burnett’s Vodka and Hpnotiq Liqueur, and has leveraged strong sales growth to become the nation’s seventh largest overall spirits supplier.

Rubinstein joins Heaven Hill after 13 years with Sidney Frank Importing Company as Director of Sales Analysis and Planning.  Prior to that, he served as a Senior Business Analyst for Bacardi USA’s Eastern and Mid-Atlantic Divisions.  Originally from the New York area, Rubinstein is a graduate of Binghamton University/State University of New York, and holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut.  He will be relocating from New York with his wife Jennifer and two children to Louisville, where he will be officed.

“We are extraordinarily pleased to have an executive with Rob’s track record join us at this time of such robust growth for the company,” commented Heaven Hill Distilleries Director of North American Sales Steve Feller. “He and I, along with our Sales Division Managers, will be refining and building our sales organization for even greater success in the ever-changing distilled spirits landscape.”

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.

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@heaven-hill.com

Posted on

Heaven Hill Distilleries Announces Release of the Fourth Annual Edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection

Cask strength, wheated 10-year-old Bourbon promises to be worthy next entrant in highly decorated whiskey series

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 fourth 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 fourth release is a cask-strength, non-chill filtered wheated Bourbon, meaning it uses soft winter wheat instead of rye as the “small grain” to produce a less spicy, rounder Bourbon.

This year’s release of Parker’s Heritage Collection follows last year’s “Golden Anniversary” Bourbon edition, which captured the “American Whiskey of the Year” award from Malt Advocate Magazine, in addition to being named “World’s Best New Release” in Whisky Magazine’s annual 2010 World Whiskey Awards. The 2009 release, a 27-year-old Bourbon, was the first American Whiskey to ever win “Best of Show, Brown Spirits” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The new release marks the first in the Parker’s Heritage Collection to depart from the traditional Heaven Hill rye-based Bourbon mashbill.  Instead of the more commonly used corn/malted barley/rye recipe, the newest edition uses corn, malted barley and Kentucky winter wheat.  This recipe was first used at Heaven Hill in the spring of 1999, after the company acquired the wheated Old Fitzgerald line of Bourbons.  This new bottling of Parker’s Heritage Collection will mark the first release of Heaven Hill made, extra-aged wheated Bourbon.  And it will delight whiskey connoisseurs because not only is it non-chill filtered, but it also is being released in two very small batch dumps at barrel proof.  And like the previous three editions, it is being released in very limited quantities–only 52 barrels, kept in high storage in open rick warehouses, were dumped for this edition, yielding approximately 4,800 bottles for the United States and limited international distribution.

And in what will be welcome news in still-unsettled economic times, the fourth release, at $79.99, is priced considerably lower than previous releases, which carried an average national retail price of $150 for last year’s “Golden Anniversary” bottling and$200 for the 27-year-old Bourbon released two years ago.  Whiskey aficionados will also appreciate that the natural esters and fatty acids, which are by-products of whiskey distillation and aging, are not stripped away from the Bourbon in a process known as chill filtering, but are left in the whiskey to provide a fuller taste profile and richer mouthfeel.

Packaged in the same upscale 750ml bottle as the previous three editions, the Parker’s Heritage Collection Wheated Bourbon is available in a three bottle case that should start hitting retail shelves during September, nationally recognized as the start of the Bourbon season.

“I am genuinely excited to introduce a nicely aged, cask-strength wheated Bourbon for this next version of my Parker’s Heritage Collection,” noted Heaven Hill’s Parker Beam.  “At this age and barrel-proof, is how a wheated Bourbon shows best…it has the caramel and smoke notes that only ten years in the top floors of our rickhouses can produce.  And it has the long, smooth finish that I always look for in a Bourbon, with that softness that wheat brings to the recipe. I am very pleased that we now have wheated Bourbon that I feel has aged long enough to wear my name on the label.”

Only Heaven Hill Distilleries, with the world’s second largest inventory of aging Bourbon and over 50% of the world’s supply of Bourbon barrels over 8 years old, could bring such rare and aged whiskeys to market.  Parker Beam, along with his son Craig, oversees one of the world’s most highly esteemed distilling operations, where renowned brands such as Elijah Craig, Old Fitzgerald, and Evan Williams, the world’s second largest selling Bourbon, are produced according to Parker and Craig’s seven-generation-old family recipe and yeast strain.

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.

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@heaven-hill.com

Posted on

Governor Beshear announces expansion of Heaven Hill Distilleries in Bardstown

Company to invest $4.2 million, add two new Bourbon barrel aging warehouses

FRANKFORT, Ky. (August 5, 2010) – Gov. Steve Beshear today announced an expansion at Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc. in Bardstown.  Due to an increase in demand for the company’s Bourbon and American Whiskeys, Heaven Hill is expanding its barrel storage and aging operations in Nelson County with the construction of two new Bourbon barrel storage warehouses, or rickhouses.  The project entails a capital investment of $4.2 million in the Commonwealth.

“Kentucky is pleased to be part of the continued growth of one of our signature industries,” said Gov. Beshear. “The additional barrel storage and aging facilities at Heaven Hill will only further enhance the company’s standing as the world’s second-largest Bourbon producer and Bardstown’s reputation as the Bourbon Capital of the World.”

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries is the nation’s largest independent family-owned and operated producer and marketer of distilled spirits.  The company produces globally recognized brands such as Evan Williams, the world’s second-largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and Christian Brothers Brandy, one of the top three-selling brandies in the United States.

The planned expansion at Heaven Hill will consist of two nearly 20,000 square-foot Bourbon barrel aging warehouses, increasing the company’s aging capacity in Nelson County by 45,936 barrels per year and giving Heaven Hill a total storage capacity of nearly one million barrels.  Construction will begin immediately and is expected to be complete by late January 2011.

“The construction of these new warehouses is just another indication of not only the continued growth of our Evan Williams, Elijah Craig and other Bourbon brands but attests to the vitality of the Bourbon category around the world,” said Max Shapira, president of Heaven Hill Distilleries.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority preliminarily approved Heaven Hill Distilleries for tax incentives up to $88,200 through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act.  The incentive program allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on building and construction materials, equipment used for research and development and electronic processing systems.

“Heaven Hill Distilleries is one of Nelson County’s anchor manufacturers, and we thank the Shapira family for their continued investment in our community,” said Dean Watts, Nelson County Judge Executive.

“Heaven Hill Distilleries is one of our key industries and continues to gain market share, resulting in this great news of expansion of the Bourbon industry here in Bardstown and Nelson County,” added Bardstown Mayor Dick Heaton.

A detailed community profile for Bardstown (Nelson County) can be viewed at http://thinkkentucky.com/EDIS/cmnty/index.aspx?cw=032. Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com.

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 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.

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

-30-

CONTACT:
Kerri Richardson
502.564.2611
502.330.6633

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

Posted on

Evan Williams Honey Reserve to release new sizes

Sales growth drives addition of 1.75 liter and 750ml “Carry-Pack” sizes

BARDSTOWN, KY–Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, announces the release of two new sizes of Evan Williams Honey Reserve Kentucky Liqueur, a product launched last Fall that marries extra-aged Evan Williams Bourbon with natural honey.  Bottled at 70 proof, and previously available in only a 750ml and 50ml size, Evan Williams Honey Reserve will now be available in a 1.75 liter and a 750ml Carry-Pack bottle.

The remarkable sales success of Evan Williams Honey Reserve, has led to consumer and trade demand for an economical 1.75 liter and a convenient, shatter-proof 750 ml Carry-Pack, both of which carry the same clear label, black cap and black and gold honeybee graphics as the existing sizes.  The 1.75 liter and 750ml Carry-Pack are also packaged in the same physical bottle as the Evan Williams Black Label 1.75 liter and 750ml Carry-Pack, further leveraging the remarkable sales success of the country’s second-leading selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

The 1.75 liter, with a suggested retail price of $28.99, and the 750ml “Carry-Pack”, at a $14.99 suggested price, are both bottled at 35% alcohol/volume or 70 proof.  Evan Williams Honey Reserve is now available in nearly every national market, and is quickly gaining a large following of loyal consumers.  In addition to its remarkable sales success, it has won critical acclaim as well, winning a Silver Medal in the prestigious 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

“The launch success of Evan Williams Honey Reserve has necessitated that we look at additional sizes, and the 1.75 liter and 750ml Carry-Pack were the most logical extensions,” stated Susan Wahl, Brand Manager for Evan Williams at Heaven Hill.  “Aside from giving the consumer more convenient options at the shelf, the additional sizes help create more facings and improve our display power.”

Evan Williams Honey Reserves takes advantage of established trends in the distilled spirits industry in general and the American straight whiskey category in particular.  First is the ongoing success of flavored spirits, whose growth is more than double that of unflavored spirits; and second is the continued popularity of Bourbon, especially Evan Williams, which according to A.C. Nielsen Scantrack 2010 data is the fastest growing top volume Domestic Whiskey.

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.

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

Posted on

Evan Williams Cherry Reserve Flavored Bourbon to be launched in September

New Cherry flavor closely follows the runaway success of Evan Williams Honey Reserve

BARDSTOWN, KY–Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer, announces the release of Evan Williams Cherry Reserve Kentucky Liqueur, a new product that marries extra-aged Evan Williams Bourbon with natural cherry flavor.  Bottled at 70 proof and available in both a 750ml and 50ml size, Evan Williams Cherry Reserve will be shipping to select markets across the country in September at an average retail price of $14.99 for the 750ml bottle.

The launch of Evan Williams Cherry Reserve follows closely on the heels of the hugely successful introduction of Evan Williams Honey Reserve, which began in test markets in September 2009 and completed its national rollout in February of 2010.  Since that time, it has had both great sales success and critical acclaim, including winning a Silver Medal at the most recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Both the Evan Williams Cherry and Honey Reserves take advantage of established trends in the distilled spirits industry in general and the American straight whiskey category in particular.  Among these is the ongoing success of flavored spirits, whose growth is more than double that of unflavored spirits; as well as the continued popularity of Bourbon, especially Evan Williams, which showed double digit sales percentage increases in both 2008 and 2009. Heaven Hill fully anticipates that infusing Evan Williams extra-aged Bourbon, the second largest selling Bourbon brand in the United States and the world and a “Best Buy Whiskey of the Year” winner, with natural cherry will yield similar success as that achieved with Evan Williams Honey Reserve.

Like the Honey Reserve, Evan Williams Cherry Reserve is packaged in the highly-recognizable square Evan Williams bottle, with a clear label carrying the Evan Williams logo and a stylized rendition of cherries. With a black and red capsule closure, the trade dress draws on the equity of the Evan Williams brand franchise, but with a contemporary flair.  Bottled at an approachable 70 proof, and infused with natural cherry taste that complements its sweet, easy-to-drink Bourbon flavor, Evan Williams Cherry Reserve lives up to its tagline of “Smooth Bourbon. Cherry Zing.”

“We have seen remarkable success with Evan Williams Black Label and now Evan Williams Honey Reserve,” stated Heaven Hill brand manager Susan Wahl.  “Given the strength of the Evan Williams brand franchise and the proven success of the flavored Bourbon sub-category, we believe it is the perfect time in which to launch Evan Williams Cherry Reserve.  And with a very approachable price point and a full range of retail and on-premise marketing materials available, we are expecting our customers to do some real ‘cherry picking’!”

To help merchandise the brand, Evan Williams Cherry Reserve is supported by an array of retail promotional materials–including a permanent wire rack and header card, shelf talkers, case cards, cold box clings and a 50ml counter unit–allowing off-premise operators to create impactful displays that will capture consumer attention.  In order to generate sampling in bars and restaurants, on-premise POS including T-shirts and shot glasses will also be made available.  A targeted trade advertising schedule will also help create awareness among the key retail and on-premise audiences.  All materials utilize striking visuals and the “Smooth Bourbon. Cherry Zing.” positioning, rendered in red and black graphics.  Support materials also emphasize that Evan Williams Cherry Reserve can be consumed as a shot or in a variety of delicious simple cocktails such as the Cherry Breeze, Cherry Twist Margarita and Cherry Cola.

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