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

Bourbon Heritage Center Cited as a “Beacon for Kentucky Bourbon”

LOUISVILLE, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned distilled spirits producer and marketer, won the “Visitor Attraction of the Year” award 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.

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. 

“We are of course thrilled to be recognized and honored by the Icons of Whisky Awards and Whisky Magazine for this highly coveted distinction,” noted Lynne Grant, Director of Guest Services at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center.  “To have won, particularly now that the Kentucky Bourbon Trail has become so popular and so many of our competitors have invested heavily in their own visitor’s facilities, makes it even sweeter.”

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

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Heaven Hill Distilleries’ Bourbon Heritage Center Releases Limited Edition William Heavenhill Signature 225th Birth Date Commemorative Bourbon Bottling

Only 225 Bottles of 225-Month-Old Bourbon To Be Sold at Bardstown, Kentucky Visitor’s Center

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned distilled spirits producer and marketer, announces the release of a special limited edition Bourbon bottling commemorating the 225th anniversary of the birth date of William Heavenhill, the Nelson County farmer and distiller after whom the company is named.  The William Heavenhill Signature 225th birth date special limited edition, available only at the retail gift shop at Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center in Bardstown, KY, is a small batch Bourbon aged for 225 months (18 years, 9 months) and bottled at the barrel proof of 127.6 (63.8% alcohol by volume).

 

William Heavenhill was born on September 15, 1783 (according to local legend, he was born in the midst of a surprise Indian attack which forced his mother to give birth underneath a waterfall where she was hiding) and became a Bardstown farmer and distiller of repute. His limestone spring is the same that inspired the name of Heaven Hill Distilleries, which has since grown to become the world’s second largest holder of aging American Whiskey with over 700,000 barrels in inventory, on the very same land where William once grew corn for his whiskey.

 

It is only fitting then that the bottling that marks his 225th birthday should be rare and unique, with each bottle filled and assembled completely by hand.  The antique-style round shouldered 750ml bottle is thick and heavy, finished with a cork and sealed with hand-dipped metallic copper wax.  The labels use a textured paper stock with deep red and matte metallic copper inks.  The barrel proof and bottle number are each individually written on a separate label.  The entire bottle is then nestled in an elegant gift box

made of oak, laser engraved with the logo and bearing a label telling the story of William Heavenhill and his connection to Heaven Hill Distilleries.

 

The William Heavenhill Signature Commemorative Bourbon bottling will only be available as long as the stock of 225 bottles remains at the Bourbon Heritage Center at a price of $500 per 750ml bottle.  Each bottle will also be individually autographed by Heaven Hill Distilleries Master Distiller Parker Beam.  This special limited edition bottling will be the second exclusive, rare bottling available only at the Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center—the other being the export-only Evan Williams 23-year-old, which sells for $350 at the 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 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.”

 

CONTACT:

Larry Kass

Director of Corporate Communications

Heaven Hill Distilleries

(502) 413-0220

lkass@heaven-hill.com

 

 

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Evan Williams Bourbon Awards Grand Prize in “Hook Your Dream Boat” Sweepstakes

Top prize of pro angler Jason Quinn’s 21 foot tournament bass boat personally awarded by Quinn to John Oden of Alabama

 

LAKE LOGAN MARTIN, AL. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., producers of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the country’s second largest selling Bourbon brand, announces the awarding of the Grand Prize in the Evan Williams “Hook Your Dream Boat” Sweepstakes.  The Grand Prize, won by John Oden of Birmingham, Alabama, is the actual 21-foot 250 horsepower 2007 tournament bass boat used by professional bass fisherman Jason Quinn during last year’s Elite Bassmaster Tournament season, plus a day of fishing with Jason in the Grand Prize craft.  Quinn himself personally presented the boat to Mr. Oden near Oden’s home at Lake Logan Martin on August 21st.

The sweepstakes, which ran where legal from February until May, was offered to consumers through the Evan Williams website (www.evanwilliams.com) and through entry forms offered at Elite Series expo shows.  An extensive print ad schedule in Field & Stream, Bassmaster, Sports Illustrated, and Playboy also drove readers to the website to enter.  The “Hook Your Dream Boat” promotion, also sponsored by Costa del Mar Sunglasses and Storm Crank Bait Lures, offered 5 GPS navigational units for First Place prizes, 10 pair of Costa Del Mar Fishing Sunglasses for Second Place winners, 25 Storm Crank Baits for Third Place, and 50 Evan Williams Hats for Fourth Place winners.

Team Evan Williams Bassmaster Elite Series professional anglers Jason Quinn and Russ Lane, who fish in Evan Williams Bourbon wrapped bass boats, are the centerpiece of the bass fishing promotion that has helped drive Evan Williams to the number two selling Bourbon in the United States.  “This sweepstakes, in concert with the targeted advertising, web promotions, retail activity and event sponsorship we are continuing with, is serving to keep Evan Williams top-of-mind among the avid Bourbon drinking and highly brand-loyal bass fishing community,” asserted Heaven Hill Brand Manager Susan Wahl.  “We have seen and fully expect to continue to see great results from this endeavor.”

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.”

 

CONTACT:

Larry Kass

Director of Corporate Communications

Heaven Hill Distilleries

(502) 413-0220

lkass@heaven-hill.com

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Heaven Hill Distilleries Unveils New Design for Two Fingers® Tequila Line

BARDSTOWN, KY – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. announces a new package design for its Two Fingers Tequila line.  The new Two Fingers look is more in line with the Tequila category while maintaining the brand’s unique flair.  The package redesign includes a clear bottle and a more streamlined black label prominently featuring a Blue Agave plant.

“Because there are two decades of equity in the package design, we wanted to maintain the black iconography but make it more contemporary,” said Reid Hafer, Senior Brand Manager for Two Fingers Tequila.

Along with the new package design, point of sale material has been developed to support the new look. The new marketing materials will feature the revamped tagline, “It Takes Two” in keeping with the identity of the brand.  The POS also compliments the authentic look of the new package.

Two Fingers Silver and Gold varieties are made in Mexico’s largest family-run distillery from blue agave plants that grow in the mountainous Los Altos region of Mexico’s Jalisco Province. The area is well-known for deep natural springs and the ideal climate for growing the biggest, most flavorful blue agave plants.

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.”

 

CONTACT:

Larry Kass

Director of Corporate Communications

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

(502) 413-0220

lkass@heaven-hill.com

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

2008 release is a 27-year-old Bourbon hand selected by legendary Master Distiller Parker Beam

 

BARDSTOWN, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned spirits producer and marketer, announces the release of the second 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 second release, a very small batch of 27-year-old barrels bottled at 96 proof, follows on the heels of the sold-out 2007 first edition, a barrel-proof Bourbon which was named as the 21st top spirit in the world by renowned expert F. Paul Pacult in his 2008 book Kindred Spirits 2.

This second edition, which will be appearing on retail shelves in October and November, will be drawn from 100 barrels hand selected by legendary Master Distiller Parker Beam.  Even though these barrels will have matured for a full 27 years in Heaven Hill’s Warehouse U in Bardstown, Parker intentionally selected barrels that matured on the lower floors of the rickhouse (the third floor of seven), meaning that the low storage, where high temperatures can run 6 to 10 degrees below those on the sixth and seventh floors, mitigated the potential effects of overaging.   This 2008 Parker’s Heritage Collection will be available in limited quantities nationally in major metro markets for an average retail price of $200 per bottle.

 

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, the world’s second largest holdings.  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 be law be made in Tennessee), has in its rickhouses more whiskey styles/types than any other producer, barrels that would typically be dumped for acclaimed brands like Evan Williams and Elijah Craig Bourbon, Rittenhouse and Pikesville Ryes, Mellow Corn Corn Whiskey and Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey. But Parker Beam, who oversees all aspects of whiskey production 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.

 

“This second release is a Bourbon that only Heaven Hill could offer,” commented Parker Beam.  “Today’s American Whiskey connoisseur is looking for exceptional characteristics in their products, and clearly this Bourbon delivers a lot of age.  But I wanted to make sure that the barrel didn’t overwhelm the grain notes of this bottling, so I intentionally sought out barrels from the lower floors.  This Bourbon is 27 years old, but in my opinion drinks more like our 18-year-old Elijah Craig Single Barrel, drawn from the top floors, or even some of our 15-year-old export Bourbons.”

 

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, Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, KY.     

 

 

CONTACT:

Larry Kass

Director of Corporate Communications

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

(502) 413-0220

lkass@heaven-hill.com

 

 

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“Bayou Beans and Andouille Sausage” Wins Top Prize for Bourbon Cuisine at 23rd Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest

LOUISVILLE, (Ky.) – The 23rd annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest kicked off the culinary competitions at the Kentucky State Fair today, showcasing many of the most creative Bourbon dishes in the Commonwealth.  Heaven Hill Distilleries, producers of Evan Williams Bourbon, awarded the coveted Blue Ribbon top prize to Kandace Kanzler of Louisville for her Bayou Beans and Andouille Sausage.

A distinguished panel of local judges selected the entrée from over 35 entries this year. Red (second place) and White (third place) ribbons were awarded to Rusty Portman of Louisville for “Tipsy Beef Chowder” and Debbie Flores of Louisville for “Sweet Cajun Shrimp”, respectively.

Judges for the contest included Roberta Cattan, Executive Chef, Atria; Ed Nolan, Executive Chef, Mitchell’s Fish Market; Jason Brauner, Owner, Bourbon’s Bistro; Mike Cunha, Executive Chef, Limestone Restaurant; Barry Bernson, Fox 41 TV News “Fox In the Morning” anchor; James Lindsay, Executive Chef, Kentucky Dam Resort; and Heaven Hill Master Distiller Craig Beam. The event is presented annually by Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

During the judging, contestants and spectators were treated to a cooking with Bourbon demonstration by Chef John Varanese, Owner, Varanese Restaurant. Chef Varanese performed the demonstration using Evan Williams Bourbon, American’s second-largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.  Also on hand to assist Chef Varanese and keep the crowd on its toes was popular morning show host Kelly K., from the “Ben Davis and Kelly K. Show,” heard on 99.7 WDJX Radio.

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the Bardstown, Ky.-based maker of distilled spirits, produces Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – named for the Commonwealth’s first distiller.  “We’ve always known here in the Bluegrass that the taste of Bourbon adds an appealing quality to any special entrée.  The Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest affords local culinary enthusiasts the opportunity to showcase their creativity with Bourbon each year,” said Max Shapira, president of Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

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, 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; PAMA Pomegranate Liquer; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; Scotch Whiskies; Irish Whiskeys; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.


23rd Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest Winning Recipe

August 15, 2008

1 lb of Andouille Sausage Sliced ½ inch rounds ++
2 cups diced onions
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 lb dried northern beans, soaked overnight and drained
10 cups chicken stock, plus more if needed
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup molasses
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1/2 cup Bourbon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Heat a large pot, cook the Andouille Sausage till lightly browned pull out of pan in Crock-Pot. Add the onions and 1 cup chicken stock cook until softened 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and beans and cook for 1 minute. Transfer to Crock-Pot on high, stir in chicken stock and other ingredients. Put top on Crock-Pot and let cook about 2 hours, or until beans are tender, stirring occasionally.

++ Substitution – Smoked Kielbasa Sausage

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

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23rd Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest Will Award Coveted Blue Ribbon to Top Culinary Creation

MEDIA ADVISORY – PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

FOR RELEASE:        August 13, 2008

23rd Annual Evan Williams bourbon cooking contest will award coveted blue ribbon to top culinary creation


LOUISVILLE, (Ky.) – Cooking with Bourbon will take center stage once again at the annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest at the Kentucky State Fair.  On Friday, August 15, area culinary enthusiasts will gather to compete for the coveted first place prize in the 23rd annual Bourbon Cooking Contest, presented by Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

This year’s contest will undoubtedly prove to be a memorable and enjoyable event for all.  On hand will be notable chefs, local celebrities and a special cooking demonstration by Chef John Varanese, owner Varanese restaurant, all of which add up to an excellent opportunity for photography and interviews.

The entries will be rated on originality, ease of preparation, appearance, name and the contribution of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey to the taste and aroma of the dish.

Evan Williams Bourbon is the country’s second-largest selling brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

What:

23rd Annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest

When:

Friday August 15, 2008

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. EDT (approx.)

Where:

Kentucky State Fair, Gourmet Garden culinary stage,

South Wing Lobby A.

 

Contact:                    

Larry Kass

Director of Corporate Communications

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

(502) 413-0220

lkass@heaven-hill.com

 

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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Heaven Hill Distilleries Releases Two Flavored Line Extensions of Georgia Moon, the Country’s Top Selling Corn Whiskey

Georgia Moon Peach and Lemonade flavors leverage trend to infuse fruit into clear spirits

For release:   July 31, 2008

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the country’s largest independent family-owned spirits producer and marketer and the second-largest holder of aging American Whiskey, has added two new flavored line extensions to its Georgia Moon Corn Whiskey Brand, the top selling Corn Whiskey in the US.  Taking advantage of the unprecedented popularity of American Whiskeys, and the growing Corn Whiskey sub-segment, as well as the trend toward infusing fresh fruits into clear spirits, Heaven Hill is launching Georgia Moon Peach and Georgia Moon Lemonade Flavored Corn Whiskeys nationally.  The new flavors will be offered in September at 70 proof in the highly recognizable 750ml glass mason jar.

Made with real natural peach and lemon flavors, respectively, Georgia Moon Peach and Lemonade Flavored Corn Whiskey take advantage of heightened consumer interest in both unique American Whiskey products and flavored spirits.  “We have seen strong resurgence in Georgia Moon and Corn Whiskey sales as consumers really explore American Whiskeys,” noted Heaven Hill Brand Manager Susan Wahl.  “And of course interest in flavored spirits has remained strong across a number of categories, so we felt like the convergence of these trends was natural in Georgia Moon Peach and Lemonade.  Though the category is small, Georgia Moon is the top selling Corn Whiskey in the nation, and is growing at a nice clip.  This will be a strong seller for us in traditional and in developing markets.”

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, 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.”

 

CONTACT:
Larry Kass

Director of Corporate Communications

Heaven Hill Distilleries

(502) 413-0220

lkass@heaven-hill.com

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Evan Williams Bourbon Responds to Accusations of “Playing Politics”

America’s second-largest Bourbon brand dismisses criticism from Jeremiah Weed Liqueur as erroneous and disingenuous

BARDSTOWN, KY–Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., makers of Evan Williams Bourbon, today responded to public criticism from Jeremiah Weed Bourbon Liqueur. 

Craig Beam, 7th generation Master Distiller at Heaven Hill, America’s largest independent family-owned spirits producer, recently sent bottles of Evan Williams, America’s second-largest selling Kentucky Bourbon, to Democratic Presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama and presumptive GOP nominee John McCain.  Beam could not bear to see a repeat of “Crown Royal-gate”, during which Sen. Clinton downed a shot of Crown Royal Canadian Whisky at a campaign appearance in Indiana.

The Jeremiah Weed website just “blasted Evan Williams” for sending bottles to the candidates.  “Mr. Weed, or the blogger that assumes his identity, accuses us of trying to ‘unfairly influence’ Kentucky voters by ‘trying to win the favor of Senators Obama and Clinton,” commented Heaven Hill’s Beam.  “They fail to mention that we also sent a bottle of Evan Williams to Senator McCain, specifically to make the gesture evenhanded and bi-partisan.  So clearly the only favor I’m trying to win is preventing the appearance of a bottle of Canadian Whisky on the Kentucky campaign trail.  This also all sounds a bit suspect, considering that the folks with Jeremiah Weed also sent bottles to the candidates, according to their spokesman in an April 17th article in Advertising Age.”

Beam further noted that the Jeremiah Weed website, where the accusations were first leveled, appears to be embodied by a shadowy figure who claims to have “labored in obscurity for 25 years.”  “Well my family has been laboring at distilleries since the 1780’s,” Beam mused.  “Even if Weed does exist, he is trying to blur the line between real Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, declared America’s native spirit by a 1964 act of Congress, and a Bourbon Liqueur, which adds sugar and flavorings to the whiskey.  It would be less insulting, I think, for the candidates to drink the Crown Royal here–at least it’s whiskey of some sort–and lo and behold, the same company that owns Crown Royal also happens to own Jeremiah Weed.  And on top of it all, Evan Williams is a product of a family-owned American company.  Jeremiah Weed is owned by a British based company!”

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 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@heaven-hill.com

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Evan Williams Bourbon Sent to Candidates to Prevent Future Whiskey Faux Pas

America’s second-largest Bourbon brand offered as a better choice then Candian Whisky for campaign photo ops

BARDSTOWN, KY–Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., makers of Evan Williams Bourbon, today sent a bottle to each presidential candidate to prevent a repeat of “Crown Royal-gate”. 

The Wall Street Journal recently ran an article on Bourbon, including a tasting which named Evan Williams “Best of Tasting and Best Value”.  In it, the columnist opined that Senator Clinton “made the mistake of drinking…a Canadian import” and that “such a faux pas would never do in Kentucky, site of one of the few remaining presidential primaries.”  In an attempt to preempt such a heretical occurrence in the Commonwealth, Craig Beam, 7th generation Master Distiller at Heaven Hill, took it upon himself to autograph and send a bottle of Evan Williams, accompanied by a letter from Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira, to each candidate. 

With the Kentucky primary approaching on May 20th, Beam couldn’t bear the thought of any whiskey other than Kentucky Bourbon appearing on the Bluegrass campaign trail.  “Since it just won the Journal’s tasting competition, I thought we should send each candidate a bottle of Evan Williams so they could familiarize themselves with what to drink when they’re here for the primaries and general election,” he reasoned.  “After all, bourbon was declared America’s native spirit by a 1964 act of Congress, and my ancestors, and probably Evan Williams himself, would roll over in their graves if a bottle of Canadian Whisky gets top billing here in Kentucky.”   

Evan Williams is the nation’s second-largest selling Bourbon brand and is named after Kentucky’s first distiller.  Evan Williams was also a councilman in Louisville in the late 18th century, who was routinely censured for bringing a jug of his wares to council meetings (but who reportedly always left with an empty jug).

Text for the letters is available here.

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, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heaven-hill.com