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Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Bourbon Heritage Center Captures

Attraction Acclaimed as “Beacon for Kentucky Bourbon”

LOUISVILLE, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned and operated distilled spirits producer and marketer, won the “Visitor Attraction of the Year” award during the presentation of Whisky Magazine’s Worldwide Icons of Whisky on February 28th in London. 

 

The Icons of Whisky are “designed to celebrate the people and places behind the greatest whiskies in the world,” according to the organizers, and the winners are drawn from industry nominations who then are “shortlisted” by an independent editorial panel from which the winners are voted.  In order to be considered for the worldwide final, entrants must first win in one of three “regional” finals—in the United States, Scotland and “Rest of the World (including Japan, Canada and Ireland)”.  In October, Heaven Hill captured not only the “Visitor Attraction of the Year” in the US Icons of Whisky regional, but also captured “Distiller of the Year” for the United States as well.  Winners of the three regional Icon Awards then went on to the worldwide final, announced at a gala awards ceremony at the Hurlingham Club in London coinciding with the opening of Whisky Live London.

Heaven Hill was awarded “Visitor Attraction of the Year” for their Bourbon Heritage Center, which according to the citation, “upon its opening in October of 2004 immediately raised the game for all other visitor facilities along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.”  The Icon of Whisky award further praised Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center for “continually educating an increasing number of visitors in its barrel tasting room and offering a wide range of tours to suit novice to expert. It is a beacon for Kentucky Bourbon…in 2007 the Bourbon Heritage Center welcomed nearly 50,000 visitors to Bardstown, making it the most visited attraction in the historic Nelson County city.” 

 

Bardstown-based Heaven Hill, 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.

 

“It was a great honor to have won the Icons of USA awards for both ‘Visitor Attraction of the Year’ and ‘Distiller of the Year’ back in October,” stated Heaven Hill Distilleries Executive Vice President Harry J. Shapira.  “But to come back in the worldwide competition and beat out all the spectacular visitor attractions in such traditional regions as Scotland and Ireland is indeed a very exciting accomplishment for us at Heaven Hill.”

 

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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Cutline: Whisky Magazine Editor Rob Allanson (left) and Contributing Editor Dave Broom (right) present the 2008 Icons of Whisky “Visitor Attraction of the Year” to Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center Director of Guest Services Lynne Grant (center).

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

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Evan Williams Bourbon Extends Professional Fishing Tie-in Through Increased Sponsorship with BASS Organization

Enhanced presence for nation’s second-largest selling Bourbon brand to include event sponsorships, exposure through ESPN Outdoors media properties and on-site exposure

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Evan Williams, the nation’s second-largest selling brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, has increased its investment and sponsorship presence with BASS, the worldwide leader on bass fishing, for the upcoming 2009 season.

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.  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.  Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., producers of Evan Williams, will also enjoy enhanced exposure for the brand across all of ESPN Outdoors multi-media assets including ESPN2, Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Bassmaster.com.

The multi-year agreement also includes sponsorship of the Bassmaster Classic, Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, and BASS Federation Nation.  Evan Williams will also augment its long-time support of the BASS Federation Nation through the BASS Federation Nation Championship and Divisionals, both presented by Yamaha Outboards and Skeeter Boats.

“Evan Williams Bourbon is excited about extending our involvement with BASS through the official sponsorship,” stated Susan Wahl, Brand Manager for Evan Williams at Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the producer of the brand.  “We have continuously upped our stake in professional bass fishing, through our sponsorship of both BASS and angler Jason Quinn, our Team Evan Williams leader, since we first became involved seven years ago.  We feel we are supporting an important and growing sport and that we are reaching many of our customers and prospects in a relevant way—research shows that fully 25% of all fishing enthusiasts drink 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. 

“We are pleased with Evan Williams’ multi-year commitment to BASS and we will provide increased exposure opportunities across all of our event levels,” said Tom Ricks, vice president and general manager, BASS and ESPN Outdoors. “It takes companies like Evan Williams who are committed to BASS and the outdoors to grow the sport.”

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 BASS
For 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.

The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.  BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 500,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.

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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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Heaven Hill Distilleries Releases 1999 Vintage of Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon

The 14th Annual Edition of the Award-Winning Vintage-Dated Bourbon Makes Its Debut in Event for Bardstown Bourbon Society

LOUISVILLE, Ky. –   Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. unveiled its newest vintage of Evan Williams Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the 1999 Vintage, in a private event for the company’s Bardstown Bourbon Society members.

Heaven Hill, the nation’s largest remaining family-owned, independent spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Bourbon, offered a sneak peak of the 14th vintage in the landmark series for 500 society members in an elegant setting at Louisville’s Palace Theater.

The members of the Bardstown Bourbon Society, Heaven Hill Distilleries’ consumer Bourbon aficionado group, came from sixteen different states, all for an opportunity to sample the latest offering from 6th and 7th generation Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam, tasted both straight from barrel #1 and in its final bottled form.

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 Parker Beam.  “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.”

As with the previous 13 vintages, which are now highly sought after collector’s items, each bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel 1999 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.  The 1999 Vintage will be available nationally beginning in January 2009 at an average retail price of $25.99 for a 750 ml bottle, leading one noted spirits publication to confess, “Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon may be the best value of any whiskey, anywhere.”

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio 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 Tequilas, Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, KY.
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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Lunazul 100% Agave Tequilas Enjoy Huge Sales Success After First Year of Launch

Industry awards, critical acclaim, remarkable sales numbers demonstrate timeliness of price-competitive 100% Agave bottlings

BARDSTOWN KY—Lunazul 100% Agave Tequilas, launched one year ago through a joint venture between Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. and Tierra de Agaves S.A. de C.V., has turned in a remarkable first year sales performance.  After only 11 months in the market, it was just named a “Rising Star” Growth Brands award winner by the Beverage Information Group, awarded to brands “less than five full years of age that have exhibited notable growth”. Also, this past spring, Lunazul was awarded a Gold Medal for the Reposado variety and a Silver Medal for the Blanco by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the foremost spirits competition held in the United States, besting other 100% agave bottlings costing two to three times as much.

“With depletions totaling over 20,000 nine liter cases in less than one year on the market, it is clear that Lunazul Tequila is the right product at the right time,” asserted Heaven Hill Senior Brand Manager Reid Hafer. “The combination of an award winning 100% agave taste profile and the incredible price point have made Lunazul’s launch an unprecedented success in the Tequila category. At a time when consumers still seek quality and heritage, but are financially squeezed, Lunazul’s incredible first year track record is not at all surprising to us.”

Lunazul is a super-premium 100% agave Tequila offered in both Blanco and Reposado bottlings. While its pedigree and taste profile are top-tier, at $21.99 for a 750ml bottle, Lunazul is actually priced at parity with premium “mixto” Tequilas—those that use only 51% agave in their recipe and replicate the golden hue of barrel-aging through the use of coloring agents. Produced at Tierra de Agaves, the Mexican spirits company founded by Francisco Beckmann and sons, former co-owner of Jose Cuervo, Lunazul gives consumers an affordable means to enjoy a top quality 100% agave Tequila, a great selling point given today’s economic climate and its negative effect on ultra-premium spirits sales.

Lunazul is also available in the 1.75L, 1.0L and 50ml sizes. It is supported by retail and on-premise point of sale that leverages the meaning of Lunazul (“blue moon”) and the wolf imagery with the tag line, “When the night calls.” Lunazul will be increasing marketing activities in the coming year to support the expanded distribution and sales success of the brand.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second largest holders 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; and Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça.

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

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

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O’Mara’s Irish Cream Adds Flavors To Irish Cream Liqueur Segment

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries has introduced Mint Chocolate and Caramel flavors for its popular O’Mara’s Irish Country Cream. The rich cream of imported O’Mara’s Irish Country Cream is now enhanced by the decadent flavor of mint chocolate and caramel flavoring – a pairing served well after dinner or over ice.

“Growth for O’Mara’s has been exceptional since its introduction,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “The addition of these flavors should serve to expand our shelf presence nationally and stimulate interest in a quietly strong segment.”

O’Mara’s Mint Chocolate and Caramel Irish Country Creams are available nationally in 750 ml and bottled at 13.9 percent alcohol by volume (27.8 proof).

O’Mara’s Irish Country Cream is the first Irish cream to incorporate fine wine in its unique blending process which provides a distinctly smooth flavor without a hint of harsh aftertaste. The wine base opens up additional retail distribution opportunities in non-traditional outlets including wine-only on-premise locations and grocery stores.

The brand is hand-crafted in the heart of Ireland’s dairy region by Pat O’Mara & Co., of Abbyleix, Ireland, an independent Irish-owned beverage company, using only the freshest cream from the neighboring dairy.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second largest holders 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; and Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça. 

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

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

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Burnett’s Launches Sweet Tea, Espresso Flavors

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., has added two new flavors to the Burnett’s Flavored Vodka portfolio as the Flavored Vodka category remains one of the most vibrant category segments in the distilled spirits industry.  Sweet Tea and Espresso Flavored Vodkas are now available nationally.

Since the introduction of its first flavor, Burnett’s Vodka Flavors have grown to become one of the largest portfolios in the entire industry.  The franchise now includes 18 flavors in the line, including Blueberry, Cherry, Citrus, Coconut, Cranberry, Grape, Lime, Mango, Orange, Peach, Pomegranate, Raspberry, Sour Apple, Strawberry, Vanilla, Watermelon and now Sweet Tea and Espresso.

“These newest flavors are the result of considerable interest among consumers and retailers alike,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager. “We have generally tried to push the envelope of innovation but always within the desires of our truest focus groups.”

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 Sweet Tea and Espresso Vodkas are available in P.E.T. 1.75 liter and glass 1.0 liter/750 ml sizes and bottled at 30% alcohol by volume (60 proof).

Burnett’s is one of the leading franchises in the distilled spirits industry.  Since 2000, Burnett’s Vodka has been an annual Beverage Information Group “Growth Brand” and one of the fastest growing products in the entire industry.  The entire line includes the flagship Vodka, an array of Flavored Vodkas, 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 spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second largest holders 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; and Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça.

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

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CONTACT:
Josh Hafer
Corporate Communications Manager
Heaven Hill Distilleries
(502) 413-0219

jhafer@heaven-hill.com

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Parker’s Heritage Collection Wins “American Whiskey of the Year” At 2008 Malt Advocate Whisky Awards

27-Year-Old bottling lauded as “What ultra-mature Bourbon should taste like…”

New York, NY. – 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, was awarded “American Whiskey of the Year” during the Malt Advocate 2008 Whisky Awards held in conjunction with WhiskyFest New York at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square.  The award was given for the 2008 edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection, a 27-Year-Old Bourbon bottled at 96 proof and released this past September.

The Malt Advocate Whisky Awards exist to recognize excellence in the world of whisky. Now in their fourteenth year, these awards are the oldest and longest-running annual whisky awards program. They honor the world’s greatest whiskies and distilleries, and the individuals who make and promote whisky. To be eligible, products must be sold in the U.S. in the 2008 calendar year.

In awarding the honor to Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, Malt Advocate Publisher and Editor John Hansell called the Parker’s Heritage Collection bottling “what ultra-mature bourbon should taste like: all the depth and complexity that comes with this much aging without all the excessive oak…outstanding!”  The limited edition release of the 27-Year-Old Parker’s Heritage Collection is available in major metro markets nationally for an average retail price of $200 for a 750ml bottle.  But only 100 barrels of the highly sought after Bourbon were selected by Parker Beam, so the remaining stock will now be even more in demand among whiskey aficionados.

“It is an honor to win this prestigious award, especially with so many great Bourbons and Rye Whiskeys now on the market given the resurgence of American Whiskey,” stated Parker Beam, Heaven Hill’s sixth generation Master Distiller.  “I felt these barrels were outstanding when I selected them for this release, and it’s nice to know that others agreed with me on that.” 

The award for the Parker’s Heritage Collection bottling marks the second time that Heaven Hill Distilleries has captured the Malt Advocate “American Whiskey of the Year” award, having won in 2001 for its Evan Williams Single Barrel 1991 Vintage.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second largest holders 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; and Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça.

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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Heaven Hill Distilleries Releases 1999 Vintage of Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon

The 14th Annual Edition of the Award-Winning Vintage-Dated Bourbon Makes Its Debut in Event for Bardstown Bourbon Society

LOUISVILLE, Ky. –   Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. unveiled its newest vintage of Evan Williams Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the 1999 Vintage, in a private event for the company’s Bardstown Bourbon Society members.

Heaven Hill, the nation’s largest remaining family-owned, independent spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Bourbon, offered a sneak peak of the 14th vintage in the landmark series for 500 society members in an elegant setting at Louisville’s Palace Theater.

The members of the Bardstown Bourbon Society, Heaven Hill Distilleries’ consumer Bourbon aficionado group, came from sixteen different states, all for an opportunity to sample the latest offering from 6th and 7th generation Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam, tasted both straight from barrel #1 and in its final bottled form.

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 Parker Beam.  “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.”

As with the previous 13 vintages, which are now highly sought after collector’s items, each bottle of Evan Williams Single Barrel 1999 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.  The 1999 Vintage will be available nationally beginning in January 2009 at an average retail price of $25.99 for a 750 ml bottle, leading one noted spirits publication to confess, “Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon may be the best value of any whiskey, anywhere.”

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio 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 Tequilas, Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, KY.
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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Heaven Hill Distilleries Fills Milestone 5.5 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 5,500,000.  Heaven Hill is only the second continuously operating Bourbon producer to reach the historic benchmark.

“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 is personally overseen by two generations of my family and two generations of the family of our Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam makes this occasion all the more auspicious and historic.”

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.  

The 5.5 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.  Bardstown Mayor J. Richard Heaton also spoke at the brief ceremony and congratulated the company on their latest accomplishment.  The barrel was then moved to Rickhouse “Y” where it will rest alongside the other Heaven Hill milestone casks in a special display for touring visitors to Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center.

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second-largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio includes: the full line of The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Agua Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça; Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.

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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Heaven Hill Distilleries Captures “Distiller of the Year” and “Visitor Attraction of the Year” Awards at Whisky Magazine’s 2008 Icons of Whisky USA Presentations

America’s Largest Independent Family-Owned Distilled Spirits Company Is the Only Multiple Award Recipient

LOUISVILLE, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned distilled spirits producer and marketer, won both the “Distiller of the Year” and “Visitor Attraction of the Year” awards during the presentation of Whisky Magazine’s “Icons of Whisky-USA” on October 21 in Louisville.  The Icons of Whisky are “designed to celebrate the people and places behind the greatest whiskies in the world,” according to the organizers, and the winners of the three regional Icon Awards—USA, Scotland and the rest of the world—go on to the final worldwide Icons of Whisky.  These are announced at an awards ceremony at the Hurlingham Club in London on February 26, 2009, coinciding with the opening of Whisky Live London.

In awarding “Distiller of the Year”, Whisky Magazine Editor Rob Allanson cited Heaven Hill’s “launch of the Parker’s Heritage Collection (of rare whiskeys), their continuing commitment to producing five distinct styles of American Whiskey, and for continuously investing in their operations and brands.”

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 awarded “Visitor’s Attraction of the 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.  The Icon of Whisky award praised Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center for “continually educating an increasing number of visitors in its barrel tasting room and offering a wide range of tours to suit novice to expert. (It is) a beacon for Kentucky Bourbon.”  In 2007 the Bourbon Heritage Center welcomed nearly 50,000 visitors to Bardstown, making it the most visited attraction in the historic Nelson County city. 

“It would have been a great accomplishment and honor to have won just one of the Icons of Whisky awards,” stated Heaven Hill Distilleries President Max L. Shapira.  “But to have won not only Distiller of the Year, but also Visitor Attraction of the Year, is like the grand slam of accolades.  On behalf of my family, of Parker and Craig Beam, of the staff of the Bourbon Heritage Center and all our Heaven Hill employees, we can only say that we are humbled and most appreciative.” 

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second-largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio includes: the full line of The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Agua Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaca; Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.

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