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Evan Williams Honey Reserve Flavored Bourbon to be Launched in September

New bottling leverages popularity of both flavored spirits and Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

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 Honey Reserve Kentucky Liqueur, a new product that marries extra-aged Evan Williams Bourbon with real, natural honey.  Bottled at 70 proof and available in both a 750ml and 50ml size, Evan Williams Honey Reserve will be shipping to select markets across the country in September at an average retail price of $14.99 for the 750ml bottle.

Evan Williams Honey Reserve takes advantage of several 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; second is the continued popularity of Bourbon,  especially Evan Williams which showed a double digit sales percentage increase in 2008; and thirdly the growth of mid-tier products, with ultra-premium brands down 2.5% and brands perceived as a better value up 5.4% year-to-date, according to AC Neilsen.  By combining 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 all-natural pure honey, Evan Williams Honey Reserve is the right product at the right time.

Packaged in the highly-recognizable square Evan Williams bottle, with a clear label carrying a striking and stylized rendition of a honey bee and a black and yellow capsule closure, Evan Williams Honey Reserve draws on the equity of the Evan Williams brand franchise, but with a contemporary flair.  At an approachable 70 proof, and with the addition of pure honey that gives it a sweet, easy-to-drink Bourbon flavor, Evan Williams Honey Reserve lives up to its tagline of “All Flavor.  No Sting.”

“We have seen remarkable success with Evan Williams Black Label and Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbons,” asserted Heaven Hill brand manager Susan Wahl.  “Given the strength of the Evan Williams brand franchise and the on-going success of the flavored spirits sub-category, we believe it is the perfect time in which to launch Evan Williams Honey Reserve.  And with a very approachable price point and a full range of retail and on-premise marketing materials available, we are expecting this to fly off the shelves.”

To create a “buzz”, Evan Williams Honey Reserve is supported by an array of retail display materials—including a permanent wire rack, floor bin, shelf talkers, case cards and a 50ml counter unit—allowing off-premise operators to create impactful displays that will capture consumer attention.  In order to generate sampling in bars and restaurants, on-premise POS including chiller machines, posters, table tents, T-shirts, shot glasses and buttons will be made available.  All POS materials utilize striking graphics and the “All Flavor.  No Sting.” positioning, rendered, appropriately, in yellow and black graphics.  Support materials also emphasize that Evan Williams Honey Reserve can be consumed as a shot or in a variety of delicious simple cocktails such as the Honey Splash and the Stinger 

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 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, and Lunazul Tequila.

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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Heaven Hill Distilleries Announces Release of the Third Edition of “Parker’s Heritage Collection” American Whiskey Series

2009 “Golden Anniversary” Bottling Celebrates Master Distiller Parker Beam’s 50 Years of Craftsmanship

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 third 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 third release, the 2009 “Golden Anniversary” edition, specifically celebrates Parker’s 50 years as a distiller, beginning in 1960, by marrying Bourbons from each of his five decades of craftsmanship in a rare and limited bottling. 

The 2009 release of Parker’s Heritage Collection comes on the heels of two of Heaven Hill’s most highly acclaimed whiskeys, the barrel-proof 11-year-old 2007 edition Bourbon that was named one of Malt Advocate “Top Ten New Whiskies of 2007” and placed #21 in F. Paul Pacult’s “111 Best Whiskeys, Brandies, Liqueurs and White Spirits in the World”, and the 27-year-old 2008 Bourbon that won Best of Show, Brown Spirits at the most recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition and was named “North American Whiskey of the Year” by Malt Advocate. The Golden Anniversary edition will be offered nationally in a 750ml bottle, like the previous two Parker’s Heritage Collection releases, and will be bottled at 100 proof with an average retail price of $150. The entire production run will only number 1500 three bottle cases, which will be allocated across the country and in select international markets and which will undoubtedly sell out as quickly as the previous editions.

Only Heaven Hill Distilleries, with the world’s second largest inventory of aging Bourbon and nearly 50% of the world’s supply of Bourbon barrels over 8 years old, could bring these 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. Aged in traditional open-rick warehouses in Nelson County, the Bourbons used to make the Golden Anniversary edition were personally selected and married together by Parker, with the majority of the whiskey aged 10 to 20 years, and much lesser amounts of older whiskey.

To create the rare marriage of whiskeys, barrels from the 1970’s and 80’s were pulled from a variety of 3rd floor locations where temperatures are more variable. Barrels from the 1990’s and 2000’s were pulled from the highest floors in the rickhouse where greater temperature swings promote the aging process. These were combined with a very small amount of Bourbon from the 1960’s to complete the five decade blend.

“This superlative Bourbon, a fitting tribute to an industry icon, has been 50 years in the making,” commented Susan Wahl, brand manager for whiskeys at Heaven Hill. “The superior quality of the whiskey, its scarcity, and the fact that it is in recognition of a beloved figure in the American distilling industry should combine to make this a highly-sought after bottling.”

Packaged in the same bottle as the 2007 and 2008 editions, the Parker’s Heritage Collection Golden Anniversary bottling carries a distinctive gold and buff face label rather than the black and gold label of the previous two releases. It also features the cork closure and black and gold capsule of the prior Cask Strength and 27-Year-Old versions.

“I’m honored that Heaven Hill is recognizing my 50 years with this bottling, and I’m also excited that I was able to select and combine Bourbons of such varying ages,” stated Parker Beam. “This was a fun and rewarding project and I hope everyone agrees with me that we have created a very special Bourbon, with blending unlike any other.”

Future editions of Parker’s Heritage Collection, to be released annually every Fall, will feature unique expressions of American Whiskey styles drawn from Heaven Hill’s inventory of more than 700,000 aging barrels. Heaven Hill, as the only remaining national distiller that produces Bourbon, Rye, Corn and Wheat Whiskeys (Tennessee Whiskey being the remaining straight whiskey type, which must by law be made in Tennessee), has in its rickhouses more American Whiskey styles/types than any other producer—barrels that would typically be dumped for acclaimed brands like Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Bourbon, Rittenhouse Rye, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey and Mellow Corn Corn Whiskey.

But Parker Beam, who oversees all aspects of whiskey production, aging and selection at Heaven Hill alongside his son Craig, much as Parker did with his father Earl, has earmarked select barrels of each of these styles to be dumped for future editions of Parker’s Heritage Collection.

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 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, Lunazul Tequila and La Certeza Tequila. Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

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

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Burnett’s Franchise Adds Cosmopolitan, Margarita and Mojito Ready to Serve Cocktails

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – In response to the growing cocktail craze, one of Heaven Hill Distilleries’ leading spirits franchises will introduce ready to serve Burnett’s Cocktails.   The line extension will initially include three of the most popular cocktail choices – Cosmopolitan, Margarita and Mojito.

The prepared cocktails were developed from traditional recipes that feature quadruple distilled, triple charcoal filtered Burnett’s Vodka and all natural ingredients. As a result, curious cocktail consumers can entertain or explore new tastes from a brand synonymous with flavor innovation. 

“Burnett’s Cocktails satisfy a broad range of consumer interests,” said Senior Brand Manager Reid Hafer. “In-home entertaining and flavor experimentation are incredibly popular trends today, particularly as the economy draws consumers away from the on-premise. Consumers may now embrace the cocktail culture off-premise with this new range of cocktails from the trusted Burnett’s family.”

The launch of Burnett’s Cocktails will include point-of-sale materials, trade media advertising in Beverage Dynamics, The Beverage Network, Market Watch and Stateways and mail-in rebates.  The Burnett’s website (www.burnettsvodka.com) will also provide more information on the new cocktails.

Burnett’s Cocktails are available in P.E.T. 1.75 liters and bottled at 15% alcohol by volume (30 proof).

Burnett’s is one of the leading franchises in the distilled spirits industry.  Now the 18th largest brand by case sale volume, the standard Burnett’s Vodka has been a regular Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” and Impact “Hot Brand” as one of the fastest growing products in the entire industry since 2000.  The entire line includes the Vodka, 19 Flavored Vodkas, Gin, Rums, Ultras and 100 proof varieties.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça and Lunazul Tequila.

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

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Heaven Hill Distilleries, Bardstown Whiskey Society to Host Independence Day Family Fun Cookout

BARDSTOWN, (Ky.) — The Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center is the place to be for this year’s celebration of independence.  On Saturday, July 4, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. and the Bardstown Whiskey Society will host the Independence Day Family Fun Cookout.  The event will include good food, live entertainment by Big Black Cadillac, and games for the whole family.

 

As a stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown is a great summer day trip to learn about the tradition of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

What:

Independence Day Family Fun Cookout

When:

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Time:

6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Where:

Bourbon Heritage Center

1131 Gilkey Run Road

Bardstown, Kentucky  40004

Who:

Invited Heaven Hill Distilleries Employees and Bardstown Whiskey Society members

Contact:

Jenny Goodman at jgodman@heavenhill.com  or 502-413-0235

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, and Lunazul Tequila.

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Burnett’s Adds Pink Lemonade to Flavor Franchise

For Immediate Release

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – The Burnett’s Flavored Vodka portfolio continues to grow with the addition of the 19th flavor – Pink Lemonade.  Burnett’s continues to expand the franchise with the development of innovative new flavors.

Now one of the largest flavor portfolios in the industry, there are 19 flavors in the line, including Blueberry, Cherry, Citrus, Coconut, Cranberry, Espresso, Grape, Lime, Mango, Orange, Peach, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Sour Apple, Strawberry, Sweet Tea, Vanilla and Watermelon, in addition to the new Pink Lemonade.

“Consumers continue to seek great new flavors in for their favorite drinks and new creations,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager. “We feel we have responded with some unique introductions like Sweet Tea and Pink Lemonade that do not necessarily conform to a standard fruit lineup.”

The launch of the new flavor will be supported by POS for floor displays and shelf facings, as well as sales education materials.  The Burnett’s website (www.burnettsvodka.com) will also provide information and appetizing drink recipes for all the flavors.

Burnett’s Pink Lemonade is available in P.E.T. 1.75 liter/50ml and glass 1.0 liter/750 ml sizes and bottled at 35% alcohol by volume (70 proof).

Burnett’s is one of the leading franchises in the distilled spirits industry.  Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has been an regular Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” and Impact “Hot Brand” as one of the fastest growing products in the entire industry.  The entire line includes the flagship Vodka, an array of Flavored Vodkas, Gin, Rums, Ultras and 100 proof varieties.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça and Lunazul Tequila.

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

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

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Evan Williams Bourbon extends Professional Bass Fishing tie-in through partnership with Toyota Texas Bass Classic

Nation’s second-largest selling Bourbon brand enters into two year sponsorship to become “Official Bourbon” of prestigious angling event

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Evan Williams, the nation’s second-largest selling brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, has announced a two year partnership agreement with The Toyota Texas Bass Classic (TTBC) that positions Evan Williams as “the official Bourbon of the Toyota Texas Bass Classic.”

Evan Williams Bourbon, produced in Bardstown, Kentucky, will receive significant exposure across all of TTBC’s promotional elements and on a nationally-aired CBS Sports broadcast. The multi-year agreement also provides Evan Williams with additional onsite exposure opportunities, including premier positioning and branded concessions areas at the exposition area.  The TTBC is being held October 16-18 on Lake Conroe in Montgomery, Texas, and is the world championship of the Professional Angler’s Association (PAA) Tournament Series.  It is open to the top 60 Professional Anglers Association competitors who earn spots based on PAA Tournament Series finishes.

Evan Williams began its involvement with professional bass fishing in 2003 through a sponsorship agreement with BASS, and the next year began sponsoring Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jason Quinn.  Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., producers of Evan Williams, increased their stake in both BASS and in the mediagenic Quinn in subsequent years; for 2009 the brand will be title sponsor of two Elite Series events, including the Evan Williams Dixie Duel on April 2-5; and Quinn’s boat, tow vehicle, hauler, RV and uniform prominently display Evan Williams logo and graphics. Quinn is also a two time TTBC qualifier.

“The Toyota Texas Bass Classic is happy to bring Evan Williams on board as the official Bourbon for 2009 and 2010,” said TTBC Tournament Director Lenny Francoeur. “Evan Williams has a reputation for making the finest Bourbon whiskey around and we are pleased that our legal-age spectators will be able to enjoy it as well as other Evan Williams’ branded items.”

“We at Evan Williams Bourbon continue to invest in bass fishing as a relevant and targeted way to reach both our customers and new prospects,” stated Susan Wahl, Brand Manager for Evan Williams.  “We have seen good returns on our investment in both bass fishing and angler Jason Quinn, our Team Evan Williams leader, since we first became involved seven years ago.  We are very enthusiastic about making a major impression among an audience that, research shows, has such a strong affinity for Bourbon.”

Evan Williams also utilizes national consumer print advertising in core Bourbon demographic titles such as Playboy and Sports Illustrated, but supplements the schedule with insertions in key fishing titles such as Field & Stream, Bassmaster and BASS Times.  The bass
fishing affinity is also carried through to point of sale display materials, which include fishing-themed case cards, on-packs and an in-store Jason Quinn standee display.  Quinn, a four-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier, will also be featured in an Evan Williams bass fishing mini-show on ESPN2 in the fall of 2009.  

About Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, Lunazul Tequila and La Certeza Tequila.  Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

About The Toyota Texas Bass Classic
The Toyota Texas Bass Classic is sanctioned by the Professional Anglers Association with technical assistance and support from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Inland Fisheries Division. Title sponsor for the event is Toyota, and Evan Williams is the official Bourbon. The tournament will be held on Buffalo Springs, a planned development in the City of Montgomery. Corporate partnership opportunities are available for 2009. For additional information, visit www.toyotatexasbassclassic.com.  

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

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

For Immediate Release

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

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

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

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

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

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, Lunazul Tequila and La Certeza Tequila.

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

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

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Heaven Hill Distilleries captures

America’s Largest Independent Family-Owned and Operated Distilled Spirits Company is the First to Win the Award in Back-to-Back Years

LOUISVILLE, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned and operated distilled spirits producer and marketer, was voted the best distiller in the United States for the second consecutive time during the presentation of Whisky Magazine’s U.S. Icons of Whisky America on November 11th in Louisville.  The Icons of Whisky “celebrate the people and places behind the greatest whiskies in the world,” according to the organizers, with the judging process taking place in regional heats including the U.S., Scotland, and Rest of the World.  The American winners will now go head-to-head with Scotland and Rest of the World winners, with the final World Icons being announced at a ceremony on the eve of Whisky Live London on February 25th.

In awarding “Distiller of the Year”, Whisky Magazine Editor Rob Allanson lauded Heaven Hill Distilleries for “quietly getting on with the job and releasing some stunning whiskies.”   Heaven Hill was also awarded the same honor last year, marking the first time a distillery has won the award in consecutive years           

The Bardstown-based company, the world’s second-largest holder of aging American Whiskey, produces such critically acclaimed brands as Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon, Elijah Craig Bourbon, Rittenhouse Rye, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey and the Parker’s Heritage Collection of American Whiskeys, all crafted under the watchful eyes of sixth and seventh generation Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam. 

Heaven Hill was also awarded “U.S. Visitor’s Attraction of the Year” last year for their Bourbon Heritage Center, which upon its opening in October of 2004 immediately raised the bar for all other hospitality facilities along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.  Heaven Hill went on to capture the worldwide “Visitor’s Attraction of the Year” award, beating out distilleries from America, Scotland, Ireland and Japan.

“It is a major honor to win this U.S. Distiller of the Year award, and to win it twice in a row is indeed affirmation that our commitment to the American Whiskey category is being recognized at the highest levels,” stated Heaven Hill Distilleries President Max L. Shapira.  “As the only remaining distiller that produces all the unique styles of American Straight Whiskey–bourbon, rye, wheat whiskey, and corn whiskey–we take great pride in this recognition and award from Whisky Magazine.  On behalf of my family, of Parker and Craig Beam, and all of our Heaven Hill employees, we are most humbled by and appreciative for this honor.”

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; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, and Lunazul Tequila.

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

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

 
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Parker’s Heritage Collection 27-Year-Old Bourbon Becomes First American Whiskey to be Awarded “Best of Show” at San Francisco Spirits Competition

Rare Bourbon from Heaven Hill Distilleries outscores all Scotch, Irish Whiskies/eys—and all brandies and Cognacs, as well

BARDSTOWN, KY—In what can be considered the spirits equivalent of the famed “Judgement of Paris” wine tasting of 1976, when American wines first beat out French wines in a major organized tasting, Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Parker’s Heritage Collection® 27-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon has captured the highest honor ever received for an American Whiskey at the just-completed 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  In naming the Parker’s Heritage Collection “Best of Show, Brown Spirits” the expert judges concluded that the super-premium, ultra-aged Kentucky Bourbon was superior not only to the full geographic range of the world’s great whiskies/eys—encompassing Scotland, Ireland, Canada and Japan—but also to the exclusive brandies, Cognacs and Armagnacs entered in the world’s foremost spirits tasting competition. 

The Parker’s Heritage Collection 27-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon, the most recent release in the annual series of rare, limited edition American Whiskeys honoring Heaven Hill Master Distiller and industry legend Parker Beam, is the first American Whiskey to be named “Best in Show, Whisky” and is a trailblazing heir to the last three august winners—Laphroaig (2006), Bowmore (2007) and Highland Park (2008).  But unlike those three legendary Scotch Single Malt Whiskies, the judges further elevated Parker’s Heritage Collection 27-Year-Old to Best of Show, Brown Spirits.  In order to even be considered for “Best in Show” trophies, entrants must first be designated Double Gold Medal winners in their respective spirits categories, meaning every judge on the blind tasting panels must unanimously award it a Gold Medal.

This marks the second major industry award bestowed on the Parker’s Heritage Collection 27-Year-Old Kentucky Bourbon in the past five months, with the brand capturing Malt Advocate Magazine’s “American Whiskey of the Year” at New York WhiskyFest in November.  It is also the third time Heaven Hill Distilleries has captured a “Best of” trophy in San Francisco, having won “Top North American Whiskey Trophy” with Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond Rye Whiskey in 2006, and “Best Rye Whiskey” with Rittenhouse 23-Year-Old Single Barrel Rye Whiskey in 2008.    

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

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, and Lunazul Tequila.

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

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

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Hpnotiq Unveils New Packaging

Bardstown, Ky. – Hpnotiq Liqueur will launch a new package design this spring.  The new design is an evolution for the brand which coincides with a new “Girls Night Out” marketing program.

The bottle evolution is a clean, sophisticated presentation of the brand name and ingredients. It is highlighted by the iconic Hpnotiq swirl – a key strategic asset of the brand. The back of the bottle now also provides suggestions for use and an expanded variety of additional cocktail suggestions. The brand maintains many of its key equities including the frosted blue ACL-decorated glass and premium capsule. The update will be made across all product sizes and does not affect the formula for the product.

“Hpnotiq has enjoyed wonderful growth since we acquired it in 2003,” said Justin Ames, Senior Brand Manager. “We took this opportunity to evolve our marketing direction and the product design.  As a result, we have highlighted the most identifiable characteristics without compromising key equities. ”

The new package coincides with the launch of a new marketing program for Hpnotiq.  This spring, Hpnotiq Liqueur will feature a new marketing concept targeting “Girls Night Out” nationwide.  The program is designed to position Hpnotiq as the drink of choice for a fabulous night on the town.  The “Girls Night Out” concept will feature an on- and off-premise marketing mix with support elements delivered via high-energy promotions, POS and print, online and radio advertising.

Hpnotiq, the fourth-largest selling imported liqueur, is the aqua blue liqueur with a refreshing blend of natural exotic fruit juices, super premium Vodka and a touch of Cognac.  The brand’s celebrated launch in 2003 signaled the emergence of the popular fusion liqueur market.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Hpnotiq Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça and Lunazul Tequila.

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

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CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Corporate Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0219
jhafer@heavenhill.com