Johnnie Walker: A global giant with a local voice

Johnnie Walker is the world’s number one Scotch whisky brand.¹ Following the celebration of the brand’s 200th year in 2020, this year we’ve taken the first bold steps into a new chapter of Johnnie Walker’s remarkable journey. We also welcomed over 235,000 visitors to Johnnie Walker Princes Street,² our newly opened visitor experience in Edinburgh, and unveiled a new era of the brand’s iconic ‘Keep Walking’ story.

During the pandemic, people around the world experienced dramatic shifts in their everyday lives. At Johnnie Walker, these changes, combined with our consumer insight, created an opportunity to instil the iconic ‘Keep Walking’ line with contemporary meaning, continuing to build this global giant through new, local connections. Hot on the heels of unveiling a bold new look for Johnnie Walker, we launched our new ‘Keep Walking’ campaign in October 2021. For more than 20 years, Johnnie Walker has inspired people with these two simple words, and this next chapter will continue to build cultural relevance for the brand among the next generation of whisky drinkers.

Our campaign burst onto screens, into venues, social feeds and advertising spaces in over 50 countries. Through partnerships with local changemakers, including CL, the South Korean rapper; Burna Boy, the Nigerian singer, songwriter and performance artist; and DJ Alok, the Brazilian DJ and record producer, we reconnected people with the socialising spaces they had missed for so long. We broke away from more conventional communications, telling the story of African creativity in an award-winning documentary, ‘The Ones Who Keep Walking’, which was made with the Forbes 30-under-30 director, Amarachi Nwosu. We shared inspiring quotes on progress from famous personalities, such as Grace Jones, Mark Twain and Mae West, across city skylines and cultural hot spots. And our television and cinema advertisement ‘Anthem’ brought Johnnie Walker’s charismatic spirit and the power of ‘Keep Walking’ to life with energy and optimism.

Johnnie Walker organic net sales grew 34% this year, surpassing 21 million nine-litre cases. And the ‘Keep Walking’ campaign’s success speaks for itself. We’re proud that, judged against 13,000 other advertisements, ‘Keep Walking’ won three top 10 places in Kantar’s Creative Effectiveness Awards 2022.

Green roof at The Cairn Distillery becomes haven for bees

The “green” sedum roof at The Cairn Distillery near Grantown on Spey is proving to be a haven for bees.

Since its installation in April this year, the roof has thrived and is now carpeted with wildflowers. And as a result, it has attracted thousands of bees, according to the Ecological Clerk of Works on the site.

Ecologist Peter Cosgrove carries out weekly monitoring at the site to ensure wildlife and habitats are being protected and enhanced. On a recent visit he had the opportunity to inspect the roof and highlighted the progress that has been made, saying: “The roof has clearly thrived, is growing profusely and now flowering. From my professional point of view, it’s been a complete success, with no bare patches apparent.

“There is an abundance of colour and smell from the plants, and I’d estimate there were at least 10 to 15 bees for every square metre. There was a noticeable hum from the thousands of bees present on the roof.”

A key feature of the design, the 900 square metre sedum roof is one of the largest green roofs ever installed in Cairngorms National Park. It was incorporated into the design to allow the building to blend into its local environment.

Gordon & MacPhail, owner of the new distillery was always determined to ensure the new distillery reflected its stunning surroundings. As Managing Director Ewen Mackintosh explained: “We knew this was a truly special site, sitting on the banks of the River Spey and looking towards the Cairngorms. We’ve taken special care to protect and enhance the local environment during construction and it’s wonderful to hear our green roof is already proving to be such an attraction for bees.”

The green roof uses sedum – a plant which is easy to maintain and requires little water and few nutrients. It is ideal for use in green roofs as it is very resilient and can survive in the harshest of weather.

Following installation, the plants have been carefully monitored and watered once or twice a week and more often in the recent dry weather, while it gets established..

The Cairn is a second distillery for renowned whisky experts Gordon & MacPhail. The family firm, who own Benromach Distillery at Forres, announced their intention to build a second distillery in 2018. Work started on site once restrictions on construction were lifted in July 2020.

The sedum roof was installed by Inverness based Wyvis Roofing. Founded in 2012, they have grown to become one of the largest roofing contractors in the region, undertaking roofing projects across the Highlands, Islands, Grampian, and Perthshire. They install a range of roof types for both commercial and residential customers.

The Cairn Distillery, which includes a visitor experience, tasting rooms, The Gathering restaurant and retail space, is due to open later in the year.

Gordon & MacPhail has been working with the local community in Grantown-on-Spey, building on its existing relationships with the local communities in Forres and Elgin. It’s match funded money raised in the local community to support their annual events programme for locals and visitors alike.  The distillery will become a major tourist destination on the outskirts of the town and will act as a gateway to Speyside.

Gordon & MacPhail is a family-owned premium spirits company based in Elgin, Scotland. Owner of Scotch whisky distilleries, Benromach and The Cairn, Gordon & MacPhail is also a Scotch whisky maturation expert, the owner of Scottish Gin brand, Red Door and the operator of a wholesale business in the United Kingdom selling premium Scotch whiskies and spirits, along with a high-quality retail outlet.

The company owns Benromach Distillery located in Forres in Moray.  Benromach Single Malt Scotch Whisky is handcrafted using traditional methods by a small team of distillers using the finest Scottish barley and the purest spring water from the nearby Romach Hills. The multi award-winning portfolio of single malts is enjoyed by whisky drinkers worldwide.

The company launched Red Door in the summer of 2018. Created at Benromach Distillery, this award winning, small batch Scottish gin now forms a strategic part of the company’s product portfolio.

Work commenced in July 2020 on The Cairn, the company’s second distillery, overlooking the River Spey towards the Cairngorms.  The new site will add further distillation capacity and brand ownership to the company’s asset base and is a key part of the plans to continue building a long-term sustainable business.  A high-quality visitor experience offering tours and tastings will also attract visitors from around the world.

Since the founding of the business in 1895, Gordon & MacPhail has sent casks to Scotch whisky distilleries throughout Scotland to be filled with new-make spirit, before being left to mature for many years either at the distillery or in their bonded warehouses in Elgin.  The Gordon & MacPhail portfolio offers some of the world’s rarest and most sought-after Single Malt Scotch Whiskies to discerning whisky drinkers globally.

The company’s wholesale business serves customers throughout the United Kingdom selling Benromach Single Malt, Red Door gin and Gordon & MacPhail whiskies into the on and off trade. The business also exclusively represents a number of ‘distributor’ brands and stocks premium whiskies and spirits.

The retail shop in Elgin remains the ‘spiritual home’ of the business, 127 years after it was first established in 1895.  The shop is home to a large selection of Single Malt Scotch Whiskies and is a destination for many whisky aficionados from around the world.

Black Velvet Whisky Announces Launch of Black Velvet Peach

Bardstown, Ky. (August 1, 2022) — Black Velvet, the second-largest selling Canadian whisky, announced today the launch of Black Velvet Peach to its portfolio of flavored whiskies. The new flavor will be available this August in stores across the country.

Black Velvet Peach blends the fresh and sweet taste of peaches with smooth Black Velvet whisky. The rich, amber-colored whisky promises to be a keen pick for peach lovers and whisky fans alike. As the fastest growing flavor for brown spirits, Peach is a natural addition to already popular flavor expansions, Black Velvet Apple and Toasted Caramel.

“Whether you’re tasting Black Velvet for the first time, or you’re a loyal fan of the brand, we feel confident Peach will be a hit with consumers,” said Molly Vincent, Heaven Hill Senior Brand Manager. “We’re excited to continue to expand upon our flavor offerings —and with one of our hottest summers coming to a close, we feel this refreshing addition couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Since tapping their first barrel in 1951, the Black Velvet team has earned its reputation for crafting first-in-class whisky. Headquartered in Lethbridge, Canada, the company credits crystal clear Canadian water and the freshest grains for their whisky’s iconic smooth taste. Black Velvet is now available in 55 countries, and the brand continues to expand the with strategic brand extensions to appeal to a growing audience. Black Velvet was awarded Whisky Value of the Year for the Export Market at the 2022 Canadian Whisky Awards.

Black Velvet Peach will be supported by point-of-sale displays and tastings in some retail locations. Bottled at 70 proof, the product will be available in 50 ml, 750 ml, and 175 ml sizes with an SRP of $10.99 for the 750ml.

Serve on the rocks, as a chilled shot, or with your favorite mixer. For a twist, try one of these recipes:

Peach Lemonade Smash:

1.5 oz Black Velvet Peach
3 oz Lemonade
Top with soda (optional)

Combine ingredients and stir. Garnish with a lemon or peach.

Canadian Peach Tea:

1.5 oz Black Velvet Peach
6 oz Iced Tea

Combine ingredients and stir. Garnish with mint if desired.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur, plus the newly-acquired Samson & Surrey portfolio.

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

KENTUCKY SENATOR BOURBON BRAND WINS TOP MARKS

Kentucky Senator Spirits LLC wins a second
Ascot Award for the Kentucky Senator brand.

LEXINGTON, KY — Kentucky Senator Bourbon has been honored a second time by the famed ASCOT Awards, receiving top marks for logo design and overall marketing. This honor coincides with the release of Kentucky Senator Spirits’ third limited-edition Bourbon whiskey, named the John G. Carlisle release.

The ASCOT judges had previously recognized Kentucky Senator Bourbon with a Gold Award for taste. This second achievement honors Kentucky Senator’s brand marketing through a Double Platinum Award. The ASCOT Awards is a highly regarded spirits competition where distillers have products blind tested against thousands of other spirits on an international scale.

“It is an honor for all of us at Kentucky Senator Bourbon to win an ASCOT Double Platinum Award for marketing,” said co-founder Damon Thayer, who is the brand manager for Kentucky Senator Spirits, the brand’s parent company. “A big thank you to the team at Frankfort, Kentucky-based Grit Creative, who handles our design, communications, and website, along with videographer Blake Judd and great photographers like Richie Wireman, Mark Mahan and Victor Sizemore who have provided us with stunning photography to promote our brand in social media. They have all helped tell our story of serving great Kentucky bourbon with a side of Kentucky history.”

The ASCOT Awards are bestowed by the American Spirits Council of Tasters. Kentucky Senator Bourbon’s small batch offerings have also been highlighted by Forbes.

The John G. Carlisle release is available at liquor stores, bars and restaurants throughout Kentucky, with single barrel private selections at Liquor Barn, Party Mart and DEP retail outlets. It is also available at BourbonOutfitter.com and is featured at Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, D.C.

Each new release of Kentucky Senator Bourbon is named after a U.S. Senator from Kentucky. To learn more about why John G. Carlisle was chosen for Kentucky Senator’s third release, visit the company website at KentuckySenatorBourbon.com

Adventurers Ross Edgley and Katie Tunn open doors at new Talisker visitor experience

Isle Of Skye, Scotland, 4th August 2022 – Iconic Scotch whisky, Talisker, is today opening the doors to its newly renovated visitor experience. To mark the opening, and to celebrate Talisker’s special connection to the rugged sea and coastline of Skye, the distillery welcomed multi-record-breaking wild swimmer Ross Edgley, and Skye based artist, adventurer and conservationist Katie Tunn.

Having stood on the rugged coast of the isle of Skye for more than a century and a half, the new visitor attraction has been completely transformed as part of Diageo’s £185 million investment in Scotch tourism. Boasting a new interactive experience and revamped distillery tours, the new space demonstrates how Talisker is made by the sea.

Showcased within the new visitor experience on Skye is a snapshot of Talisker’s ground-breaking partnership with ocean conservation organisation, Parley for the Oceans. Previously embarking on long-distance swims in support of this work is adventurer and long-distance swimmer Ross Edgley, and one of the first through the doors at the distillery.

Ambassador Ross Edgley commented:

“It’s impossible to visit Skye and not feel like you’re on an adventure, it just oozes out of the place. The experience at Talisker embodies this adventurous spirit and is truly worth a visit. What you’ve got here is a truly unique whisky experience in a stunning setting, with its opportunity to get out into the wild and come back here to one of the many tastings and tours, there are so many reasons to keep returning to this beautiful island.”

When visiting Talisker, guests will have the opportunity to embark on three newly created tours:

• The Distillery Tour: Visitors will discover how the island influences the flavour of the whisky whilst exploring the making Talisker room and mash house before enjoying three tastings of the beloved single-malt.
• Made by the Sea Tasting Experience: Whisky lovers will have the chance to immerse themselves in a multi-sensory tasting session that explores the story of Talisker followed by a tasting.

Talisker Cask Draw and Tasting Experience: Designed with the whisky connoisseur in mind, this experience will see guests visit Talisker’s maturation warehouse where they’ll get the rare opportunity to draw and taste five unique cask-strength distillery exclusive whiskies – set to open at a later date.

Barbara Smith, Managing Director of Diageo’s Scotland Brand Homes, added:

“Talisker is inseparable from the unique Isle of Skye landscape and its whisky is inherently shaped by the sea and landscape that surrounds it. Our new brand home celebrates that deep connection with the sea and Talisker’s commitment to preserving the wonderful marine environment in Scotland and around the world.

“From the tours to the bars and retail space, there’s so much to experience at Talisker whether you’ve travelled two miles or two hundred miles to be there and whether you’re already familiar with this wonderful whisky, or discovering it for the first time.”

Two bars, a self-guided exhibition and retail space packed with local products complete the new Talisker experience, creating a place where both tourists and Skye residents can gather. Local artists, crafts and tradespeople have been employed wherever possible during the renovation.

Katie Tunn is one such local artist who has collaborated with the team, she said:

“There’s no arguing that Talisker is one of our country’s most iconic whiskies, and it’s been a joy to watch the space come alive as we’ve worked through the project. It’s sure to quickly become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.  The team’s commitment to working with the local community is truly commendable. I’m already working on my next project with Talisker, which will add yet another reason to visit our beautiful island.”

Talisker is the sixth site to undergo a transformation as part of Diageo’s investment. The Singleton, Glenkinchie, Clynelish and Cardhu distilleries have recently opened as part of the ambitious project which re-imagines the traditional whisky tour experience. The centrepiece of the investment programme, the Johnnie Walker Princes Street global visitor attraction, opened in Edinburgh in September last year.

Along with Diageo’s other 13 visitor experiences in Scotland, Talisker holds a Green Tourism Gold Award – the highest sustainability accolade for a visitor attraction.

To book your tour, please visit: taliskerdistillery.com

Lux Row Distillers launch Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Lightly Toasted American Oak Barrels

New, limited-edition bourbon is first in a series of annually offered toasted-barrel finishes for the Daviess County Bourbon brand family

ST.LOUIS (August 1, 2022) – Lux Row Distillers announced the newest member of the Daviess County Bourbon brand family: Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Lightly Toasted American Oak Barrels. A limited allocation of 3,000 six-pack cases of Daviess County Lightly Toasted will reach retail shelves across the country later this month at a suggested retail price of $49.99 per bottle.

Daviess County Lightly Toasted features its namesake brand family’s signature combination of ryed and wheated bourbon mashbills, which is aged four-plus years in charred-oak barrels and comes in at 96 proof (48% ABV). The lightly toasted barrel finish is what gives this limited-edition release its own unique flavor profile, while giving consumers additional options within the Daviess County family.

“I’m proud to honor the rich history and tradition started in 1874 by the Daviess County Distilling Co. with this latest expression of our Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon,” said Lux Row Distillers master distiller John Rempe. “Finishing our traditional Daviess County bourbon in lightly toasted American oak barrels imparts aromas of caramel, vanilla and hints of oak on the nose, while delivering flavors of sweet caramel with notes of vanilla and coconut on the palate. This unique flavor profile is certain to become a fast favorite among fans of the brand”

Daviess County Lightly Toasted is the first in a series of annually offered toasted-barrel finishes for the Daviess County brand family, which also includes perennial variants Daviess County Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Daviess County Cabernet Sauvignon Finish and Daviess County French Oak Finish.

About Luxco

Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora González Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; and Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where the George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, Green Hat Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

Whisky.Auction reunites historic John Walker & Sons records with the Diageo Archive

The world-famous Diageo Archive is home to a new piece of Johnnie Walker history thanks to the work of auction house Whisky.Auction and willing donator Andrew Welford.

An historic ledger detailing the transfer of shares in the John Walker & Sons company during World War II was brought to the team at Whisky.Auction by Mr Welford who was looking for advice on the book’s significance and whether it was of value to anyone. Eagle-eyed auction director Isabel Graham-Yooll recognised the historic importance such a record and knew the value this could bring to the Diageo Archive.

She explains: “This is one of those artefacts that holds so much value to a company archive, but little value to an individual, and so it felt right to reunite the ledger with the company owners. We often see old documents and labels from private individuals coming up at auctions and sometimes they simply need to find the right home rather than make money.”

Diageo Archive Manager Christine McCafferty comments: “I was so pleased that this book has been reunited with our Archive collection for John Walker & Sons, which is our pride and joy. I cannot thank Andrew enough for his kind donation and Isabel for seeing the value of having items like this kept within the business which created them. It helps us to build a full picture of our story to date, and we certainly hope to find some interesting stories buried in the pages.”

The ledger was delivered to the Diageo Archive by Andrew Welford who, alongside Isabel Graham-Yooll, was given a tour of the archives and saw the book laid down in its new home.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s Chief Design Officer commended by President of Portugal as the world’s #1 luxury designer in recognition of his service to design and Portugal as part of Day of Portugal celebrations

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s Chief of Design, Tiago Russo, is personally commended by the President of Portugal, his Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, at a special reception held at the Portuguese Embassy, London, as part of celebrations of the Day of Portugal on 10 June 2022.

Following on from recent historic wins at the A’Design Awards that cemented his reputation as the world’s #1 luxury designer,  Russo was personally invited by the President of Portugal to a special reception  celebrating the cultural community, with the best Portuguese artists, musicians, actors and creatives with Tiago chosen to represent design.

During his visit, the President met with the most successful Portuguese citizens abroad, to congratulate them on their achievements. Tiago spoke with the President, Portuguese ambassadors and top ranked state representatives about his work and achievements at The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. The President praised Tiago’s successes, awards and recognition, as well as the recent opening of The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.’s design department in Lisbon, which has brought jobs and opportunities to the country. He also praised Tiago’s return to Portugal, bringing a skill set obtained abroad and passing that knowledge to Portugal’s young designers.

Tiago’s personal invitation from the President of Portugal came after his recent wins at the prestigious A’Design Awards; a perfect score to win Platinum for The Emerald Isle, a Gold for The Taoscán – only the second single malt to win Gold, the first being The Devil’s Keep – and a rare Limited Edition award for The Aodh. These unprecedented wins made Tiago Russo the world’s number one designer.

Commenting on the meeting, Tiago Russo said “It was an absolute honour and a privilege to be invited by his Excellency Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa himself, and to be able to speak to him and some of the highest Portuguese representatives about my career so far; design, awards, whiskey and the added value of using my skill set and know-how to bring it back to Portugal and further develop the design field in my native country. This truly represented a unique moment in my years as a designer, and one of the highlights of my career, to see my own work highly recognised by my country.”

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is on a mission to reinvent Irish whiskey, elevating its potential as a luxury product and restoring Ireland’s reputation for crafting the finest whiskeys in the world.

Formed in 2018 by Irish entrepreneur Jay Bradley, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. was born from a desire to return Irish whiskey to the heights it once enjoyed. To achieve such a goal has taken a complete reimagining of the craft; honouring centuries of tradition but questioning convention and adding scientific understanding to reinvent the maturation of the whiskey. No expense is spared, no corners are cut.

In 2021, The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. became the most highly awarded new company of the year amassing a total of seventeen awards across both Taste and Design for four of its ultra-rare whiskey releases. In 2022, the company continued this award-winning streak, adding the world’s Best Irish Single Malt at the World Whiskies Awards for The Devil’s Keep, and a perfect score to achieve Platinum at the A’Design Awards for The Emerald Isle.

The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is the exclusive Michelin Plaque Distribution Partner for The Michelin Guide Star Revelation Great Britain and Ireland 2022.

For more information visit www.craftirishwhiskey.com

Visit The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. to see Tiago’s award-winning designs, including the world’s #1 luxury design of 2022, The Emerald Isle.

Heaven Hill National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist Lynn House named “Best U.S. Brand Ambassador” at the 2022 Spirited Awards Ceremony in New Orleans

BARDSTOWN, KY (JULY 29, 2022) – Yesterday, the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation recognized Heaven Hill’s Lynn House as the “Best U.S. Brand Ambassador” at the 16^th Annual Spirited Awards in New Orleans. Since its founding in 2007, the Spirited Awards is one of the industry’s most outstanding awards events, recognizing premier beverage professionals, products, establishments, journalists and media across the multi-faceted spirits and cocktail community.

“I love being a part of the Heaven Hill Brands family where I have the unique pleasure of being my authentic self,” said Lynn. “In my role, I have been able to collaborate with individuals and groups around the country. This job has also given me a platform to promote visibility, inclusion and create opportunities for the generations to come.”

The Spirited Awards are composed of both U.S. and international industry accolades, media awards, and a few highly esteemed awards that are accessed in a global scale, transcending regionality. The “Best U.S. Brand Ambassador” honor is awarded to an individual whose creative use of brand communication and exceptional personality has had a prominent impact on the promotion of drink brands through engaging the trade and executing compelling educational seminars. Recipients of this award are assessed on their trade engagement, quality of education and seminars, creativity in brand communication and their title as a Brand Ambassador in the field with a focus on education for the trade. Learn more about the 2022 Spirited Awards winners here.

Lynn House is Heaven Hill’s National Spirits Specialist and Portfolio Mixologist. She is responsible for support of the entire Heaven Hill Portfolio with emphasis on on-premise focused brands. Specifically, she implements brand and spirit category education, cocktail development for both national and local programming and identifies current and upcoming cocktail trends. Lynn is a resource and mentor to external distributors and trade personnel as well as internal field sales and brand teams, working on programs like Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week.

Previously at Heaven Hill, Lynn has served as the PAMA Liqueur Brand Ambassador and the National Brand Educator, covering all Heaven Hill Liqueur brands. She was a finalist for “Best American Bar Mentor” in the 2020 Spirited Awards. In 2017 and 2018, she was recognized as a finalist in the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards Best American Brand Ambassador category. Additionally, Lynn is an inaugural inductee to the Dame Hall of Fame and has been featured in many industry publications. Her knowledge of Heaven Hill’s large and diverse portfolio of brands and her dedication to education of various spirits has led Lynn to great success in this field. She is creative, diligent and serves as a strong resource and mentor to all who she works with.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY -based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul Tequila; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur, plus the newly-acquired Samson & Surrey portfolio.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL® TOUR ADDS 21c MUSEUM HOTELS IN LOUISVILLE & LEXINGTON AS TOP-LEVEL SPONSORS

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Distillers’ Association announced today that 21c Museum Hotel’s original Louisville location is now joined alongside 21c Lexington as an official, top-level Barrel sponsor of the world-famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure.

Andrew Carter, Area General Manager for both 21c Louisville and 21c Lexington, said partnership with the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® is a natural fit.

“We are honored to be an official sponsor of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® tour. We look forward to being a place for Bourbon travelers to recharge, refuel and reflect between tours,” Carter said. “This will also enhance our presence as a destination for Bourbon explorers and is a great way to collaborate with our local distilleries and the Kentucky Distillers’ Association.”

Located in the heart of downtown at 700 W. Main St., 21c Museum Hotel Louisville is the flagship property for the locally founded boutique hotel chain bolstered by world-class art collections and acclaimed chef-driven restaurants, including Lockbox in Lexington and Proof on Main in Louisville.

What began in 2006 as an effort by local preservationists and contemporary art collectors Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson to restore and revitalize their beloved hometown has since developed into an award-winning boutique hotel brand with properties across the country. Currently, there are nine locations with plans for more to come.

“21c Museum Hotels are well known in Kentucky and beyond for providing unique, elevated experiences for hotel guests, restaurant diners, locals and travelers alike interested in visiting the museum galleries,” said Mandy Ryan, Director of the KDA’s Kentucky Bourbon Trail® experiences.

“Visitors to the Bourbon Trail™ are always looking for ways to round out their trips to our legendary distilleries by choosing the best dining, accommodations, and attractions Kentucky has to offer,” Ryan continues, “and our partners at 21c deliver all three in spades.”

For more information about 21c Museum Hotels, go to www.21cmuseumhotels.com.

The hotels join the Butchertown Grocery Bakery, Campbell House Hotel, Independent Stave Co., Marriott Louisville East, Mint Julep Experiences, Pegasus Distillery Experiences, Seelbach Hotel and VisitLex as Barrel level sponsors.

There are eight KBT® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® distilleries in Louisville including, Angel’s Envy, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, Michter’s at Fort Nelson, Old Forester, Rabbit Hole Distillery, Stitzel-Weller Distillery, Kentucky Peerless Distilling, and Copper & Kings Distillery. There are four KBT® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour® distilleries in Louisville including, Town Branch Distillery, Barrel House Distilling Co., Bluegrass Distillers and James E. Pepper Distillery.

Louisville is an official Gateway of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® and home to the Frazier Museum at 829 W. Main St. on historic Whiskey Row, which also serves as the KDA’s official Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center®. Lexington is an Official Trailhead to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®.

Kentucky Bourbon is one of the Commonwealth’s most historic and treasured industries, a thriving $9 billion economic engine that sustains more than 22,500 jobs. Bourbon-related tourism and hospitality jobs are vital to Kentucky’s economy.

Bourbon visitors took 1.5 million distillery tours in 2021 – down only 14% from the pre-pandemic record in 2019 of 1.72 million tours. Total attendance would have set a new record in 2021 if not for distillery closure and tour limits due to Covid.

The KBT Craft Tour® set their own record in 2021 clocking in over 600,000 distillery stops – that’s a 35% increase from the previous 2019 record.

Learn more at www.kybourbon.com and www.kybourbontrail.com.

About 21c Museum Hotels

21c Museum is a multi-venue museum located in nine cities. One of the largest contemporary art museums in the U.S., and North America’s only collecting museum dedicated solely to art of the 21st century, each property features exhibition space open free of charge to the public, combined with a boutique hotel and restaurant. It was founded in 2006 by Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson; philanthropists, preservationists, and collectors, committed to expanding access to contemporary art as a means of catalyzing revitalization and civic connection. 21c presents a range of arts programming curated by Museum Director, Chief Curator Alice Gray Stites, including both solo and group exhibitions that reflect the global nature of art today, as well as site-specific, commissioned installations, and a variety of cultural events. The organization collaborates on arts initiatives with artists and organizations worldwide, including Speed Art Museum, North Carolina Museum of Art, MASS MoCA, Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati, Creative Capital Foundation, Creative Time, and others.

For more information visit 21cMuseumHotels.com