John Dewar & Sons Launches “Last Great Malts” Collection: New Expressions and Never-Before-Released Single Malts

GLASGOW, Scotland, Sept. 24, 2014 – John Dewar & Sons Ltd., one of the most respected names in the world of Scotch whisky, today announced plans to release a range of new expressions and never-before-released single malts – the hidden gems of its single malt portfolio. This bold move, unprecedented in recent years, will introduce a treasure trove of top-shelf whiskies to consumers around the world.

The distinguished drams of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA® are launched under the title of the “Last Great Malts,” each with a compelling story and character.

For generations, these distinctive whiskies have been distilled and left to mature undisturbed in oak casks. Now, at last, whisky aficionados the world over will be able to taste the single malts from these distilleries in their authentic form. “The single malt category is one of our industry’s great growth opportunities. We are blessed with five of Scotland’s finest, high-quality whiskies,” says John Burke, dark spirits category director. “We have great respect for the category and are confident that each of the Last Great Malts will be a fitting addition to the repertoire of the most discerning single malt enthusiast.”

The “Last Great Malts”
ABERFELDY, known as the “Golden Dram,” draws its water from the Pitilie Burn. Pure and fresh, its waters are famed for containing deposits of alluvial gold. The dram is much admired for its honey notes, displaying a classic Central Highland style rarely tasted in single malts today. Named “Highland Whisky of the Year 2014” by Whisky Magazine, ABERFELDY is repackaged and available globally as a 12-year-old and a 21-year-old, with an 18-year-old exclusively available in Travel Retail. The Company plans to launch a 16-year-old sherry finish and a 30-year-old in 2015.

AULTMORE is a rare Speyside malt known locally as “a nip of the Buckie Road.” The distillery’s water filters down through the misty, mysterious area called the Foggie Moss. AULTMORE is rated top-class and is a dram sought after for its gentle grassy notes. AULTMORE will be available from November with a 12- year-old, a 21-year-old in Travel Retail, and a 25-year-old in limited quantities.

CRAIGELLACHIE has released a portfolio of single malts for the first time in history. The distillery stays true to its traditions of whisky-making, including the use of worm tubs – so called for their coiled copper tubing – to cool the spirit. A challenging Speyside whisky, it was described as “old-fashioned” even in 1891 as it makes no concessions to modern-day trends. Single malt fans appreciate CRAIGELLACHIE for its remarkable sulphuric, savoury, meaty character. CRAIGELLACHIE makes its way from the distillery doors this month, with a 13-year-old, 17-year-old, a travel retail exclusive 19-year-old, and a limited 23-year-old.

Coming in summer 2015, THE DEVERON, a new range of 12-, 18- and 25-year-old single malts, made where the River Deveron meets the open seas. Offering “calm from the storm,” it’s the perfect fireside malt. Soft fruity notes combine with an easy drinking style to make THE DEVERON a favourite with the work force of the distillery.

With a previous limited edition release of a 35-year-old £10,000 (US$15,000) a bottle, ROYAL BRACKLA is a truly regal malt. Founded in 1812, in the northern Highlands, it hails from the first distillery bestowed with a royal warrant and has since been lauded as “The King’s Own Whisky.” Heavily sherried, rich, fruity and full, ROYAL BRACKLA is a fine dram to savour as it slowly reveals its complexity. To be released in March as 12-year-old, 16-year-old and 21-year-old expressions.

“We have been patiently reserving casks and we are now ready to share the five distinguished malts with whisky lovers around the world – each release features an age statement,” adds Stephen Marshall, single malts global marketing manager. “Up until now, these amazing liquids have been Scotland’s best-kept secret, known only to a few. Now we’re appealing to single malt drinkers – people who like stories and enthusiasts who are interested in exploring the aromas of the world’s most complex spirit.”

Market Availability
The single malts, which will be released in phases, will be available as a complete set of five or in various combinations of the expressions in 10 initial markets around the world including Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Russia, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States and Global Travel Retail.

The first public showing of the Last Great Malts single malt Scotch collection will be at the Stockholm Beer & Whisky Festival starting September 25 (2014).

For more information on the new single malt expressions, the five distilleries, tasting notes, crafting, and heritage, please visit http://www.LastGreatMalts.com.

About John Dewar & Sons Ltd.
John Dewar & Sons Ltd. employs 300 people at seven locations throughout Scotland. The Company currently operates whisky distilleries in Aberfeldy, Macduff, Aultmore, Craigellachie and Nairn with ageing, blending, bottling and packaging facilities in Glasgow and additional maturation facilities in Poniel in Central Scotland.

The single malt brands of ABERFELDY®, AULTMORE®, CRAIGELLACHIE®, THE DEVERON® and ROYAL BRACKLA® are part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited.

Whisky Intelligence is publishing this press release later than the original publication date in an effort to play catch up during this traditionally slow news period.

Unveiling the World’s First ‘Crowd-Sourced’ Whisky – Glenmorangie Taghta

Heaven Hill Distilleries Named 2014 Very Large Business of the Year by Louisville Business First

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – In a ceremony recognizing the leaders in the Louisville business community, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. was named Louisville Business First’s 2014 Very Large Business of the Year last night at the Kentucky International Convention Center. The awards are given annually by the city’s only dedicated business publication “to celebrate excellence in business.” Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. was nominated alongside Delta Dental of Kentucky and Texas Roadhouse Restaurants. It was the second straight year in which the company was nominated for the award.

“We are particularly honored to be recognized by the Louisville Business Community as one of the leading businesses in Louisville and Southern Indiana,” said Max L. Shapira, President, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “As we begin to celebrate the 80^th anniversary of our company’s founding, this award is particularly appreciated. Our third generation of family ownership is committed to upholding the values and qualities shared by all of the community’s leading businesses.”

Heaven Hill Distilleries was recognized by the publication for the development of Louisville’s first stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience® on Main St., sales growth of key spirits brands such as Evan Williams Bourbon and Burnett’s Vodka, and a host of new product innovations and acquisitions.

The selection process began with Business First readers, who nominated companies and nonprofit organizations which achieved excellence in the last year to 18 months. The Business First editorial team chose 18 finalists — three each in six categories.  The final job of choosing the winners in each category was entrusted to a panel of outside expert judges.

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons, Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

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

Whisky Industry Stalwart Douglas Cruickshank Retires After Career Spanning 47 Years

Chivas Brothers employees bade a fond farewell to their colleague Douglas Cruickshank recently, as he retired following a distinguished 47-year career in the Scotch Whisky industry.

Douglas stepped down from his role as Production Director last year to oversee the development of the company’s new Dalmunach Distillery in Speyside. Fittingly, the new distillery was built on the site of the company’s since-demolished Imperial distillery – where Douglas began his career as a 15-year-old labourer in 1967.

Following his beginnings at Imperial, Douglas progressed through various roles with then-owner Distillers Company Ltd, as well as a spell working for J&G Grant at Glenfarclas, before joining Campbell Distillers in 1992 as Distilleries Director.

In 2002 following the acquisition of Chivas Brothers by Pernod Ricard, Douglas was appointed Production Director responsible for all distillation as well as warehousing and inventory, a role that was significantly enhanced with the acquisition of Allied Distillers in 2005. In 2007 he was promoted to Operations Director, which included responsibility for bottling and procurement.

In 2012 Douglas’s role changed to again focus solely on Production, with responsibility for Chivas Brothers’ distillery expansion programme. On completion of this Douglas relinquished his role as Director, whilst agreeing to stay on to oversee the design and build of Dalmunach, which commenced production in October this year.

Under Douglas’ stewardship the company won ‘Distiller of the Year’ at the International Wine & Spirits Competition on several occasions between 2002 and 2010. In 2004 he was named ‘Master of the Quaich’ – a title held by fewer than 200 people worldwide, and a mark of recognition by the whisky industry of ‘an exceptional personal contribution.’

During his career with Chivas Brothers, Douglas made a significant contribution to the business, as its distilleries reached record production levels and ever-higher efficiencies. A major warehouse rebuilding programme was successfully completed, and on the Manufacturing side he oversaw record volumes at each of the company’s bottling sites.

Speaking about his career, Douglas said: “Managing two major acquisitions – Chivas Brothers in 2002 and Allied Distillers in 2005 – was a significant highlight for me and Pernod Ricard. During my time in the industry there have been huge improvements in technology, driving improvements in Production, particularly in relation to energy efficiencies.

“Within Manufacturing we made significant steps forward in line efficiencies, and in the integration of our two major bottling halls in Paisley and Dumbarton. I attribute both my success, and that of Chivas Brothers, to the quality of the various teams I have built during my time as a Director.”

Paying tribute to Douglas’ remarkable and diverse career, Chivas Brothers Chairman and CEO Laurent Lacassagne said: “I have greatly enjoyed working with Douglas for nearly 20 years, and would like to thank him very warmly for his pivotal role in developing our Scotch whisky business during a dynamic period of growth and change in the industry.

“Most recently, I’d like to commend him for his excellent work bringing Dalmunach Distillery into production – a fitting end to such a distinguished career, in the place where it all began. On a personal level, I have greatly enjoyed working with Douglas and I know I speak for everyone at Chivas Brothers when wishing him a long and happy retirement.”

Douglas lives close to Aberlour distillery and has two adult children – one an artist and the other who has followed in the family footsteps to work in distilling at Chivas Brothers.  Douglas is a keen golfer and golf follower, and counts Spain, Portugal and the USA among his favourite holiday destinations.

Notes to editors:
Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard – the world’s co-leader in wine and spirits.  Chivas Brothers is the global leader in luxury Scotch whisky and premium gin. Its portfolio includes Chivas Regal, Ballantine’s, Beefeater Gin, The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Aberlour, Plymouth Gin, Longmorn, Scapa, 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport.

Heaven Hill Brands Elevates Lynn House to National Brand Educator

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Brands has promoted Lynn House to the role of National Brand Educator. In her new role, Ms. House will be responsible for on-premise support, training and mentoring with a primary emphasis on Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur and PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur. For two years, Lynn has served as the PAMA Liqueur Brand Ambassador for Heaven Hill Brands. In that role, she worked nationally to support the on-premise brand objectives through marketing and sales support.

Prior to joining Heaven Hill, Lynn served as Chief Mixologist and Beverage Director at Blackbird Restaurant in Chicago. At Blackbird, she organically developed the first mixology program for the James Beard Award culinary nominee. Previous experience in her 25 years in hospitality includes Chief Mixologist/Beverage Director at Michelin two star restaurant Graham Elliot. She is, also, the original Master Bartender at The Drawing Room and was named one of the 2011’s Top 20 Most Fabulous Bartenders in the World by Gary Regan.

“Lynn is a talented bartender whose experience and credibility have benefited PAMA Liqueur and Heaven Hill Brands tremendously,” said Kate S. Latts, Vice President of Marketing. “Based on her success with PAMA, she was a natural fit to support the newly-acquired Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur. We are excited to have her passion and creativity guiding these important on-premise efforts.”

The National Brand Educator is a newly established position for Heaven Hill supporting all forms of on-premise efforts including National Accounts, distributor efforts and national events.

About Heaven Hill Brands: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons, Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

THE BENRIACH DISTILLERY COMPANY WINS AWARD AND 11 MEDALS AT 2014 “MALT MANIACS” COMPETITION

A 29 year-old BenRiach single malt has been voted “Best Peated Whisky” in the Ultra Premium category of the 2014 Malt Maniacs Awards. 

In addition, the BenRiach Distillery Company won a further two silver and eight bronze medals at the annual awards which over the years have evolved into one of the most influential and independent whisky competitions in the annual whisky calendar.

Distilled in Elgin in 1984 and bottled in July 2014 at 50.3% vol, the 29 years old BenRiach Peated Tawny Port Finish from cask no. 4051 was released in August as part of the award-winning distillery’s eleventh batch of single cask bottlings, with just 269 bottles produced.

And the effects of the second period of maturation in a Tawny Port Hogshead are sensational, as Master Distiller Billy Walker’s tasting notes show.

COLOUR: Deep crimson velvet.

NOSE: Sweet wild strawberries and dark blackcurrants infused with gentle charcoal smoke, delicate garden herbs and distant hints of mint.

PALATE: A mouth-watering explosion of burning hillside heather smoke merges with sharp cranberry and wild meadow honey. Earthy and grassy peat lingers satisfyingly on the long palate.

The annual Malt Maniacs competition has three categories – Daily Drams, Premium Whiskies and Ultra Premium Whiskies – and within each category it offers five awards, including Best Peated Whisky. The judges also acknowledge quality whiskies by awarding gold, silver and bronze medals.

The silver medals are:

BenRiach 1984, cask # 4051, 29 Years Old, Peated, Tawny Port Finish, Batch 11

GlenDronach 1993, cask # 475, 21 Years Old, Customer Exclusive

GlenDronach 1995, cask # 1563, 19 Years Old, Customer Exclusive

It also scooped eight bronze medals for all three of its brands – BenRiach, GlenDronach and Glenglassaugh:

GlenDronach 18 Years Old Allardice

GlenDronach 1991, cask # 1346, 22 Years Old, Batch 10

BenRiach 15 Years Old Pedro Ximenez Finish

Glenglassaugh Torfa

BenRiach Solstice, 17 Years Old, Peated, Tawny Port Finish

GlenDronach 18 Years Old Tawny Port Finish

Glenglassaugh 1968, cask # 1601, 45 Years Old, Batch 1

Glenglassaugh Evolution

Sales Director Alistair Walker said: “We are delighted to win these terrific awards because they are given by true whisky lovers who are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about whisky. They devote a massive amount of time and effort to nosing, tasting, sampling and re-sampling all the entries, so to win one of their awards and a total of eleven medals is a huge compliment.“

The Malt Maniacs Awards cap a very successful year for the company. Earlier this month Whisky Magazine voted the BenRiach Distillery Company “Whisky Distiller of the Year” and it celebrated its tenth anniversary as an independent company.

Heaven Hill Unveils New Corporate Name, Logo Ahead of Company’s 80^th Anniversary

BARDSTOWN, KY. – On the eve of its 80^th year, the country’s largest family owned and operated distilled spirits company unveils a new corporate name, Heaven Hill Brands, and a new logo that capture the company’s evolution from a leader in American Whiskey production – a position it continues to hold today – to the nation’s sixth-largest distilled spirits supplier.

“Although some people may still think of us primarily as a Bourbon distiller, in reality, we are tremendously diverse, with brands in virtually every distilled spirits category,” said Heaven Hill Brands President Max L. Shapira. “Our new name and logo illustrate that broader identity and will properly position us for the next 80 years.”

Over the last three decades through internal product development and strategic brand acquisitions Heaven Hill has built on its foundation of American Whiskeys to become a broadly diversified supplier of whiskeys, liqueurs, vodkas, rums and other spirits. Heaven Hill’s portfolio includes the world’s second-largest selling Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, and category leaders Christian Brothers Brandy, Burnett’s Vodka and Admiral Nelson’s Rum. The portfolio also includes a growing line of leading imported brands from around the world, such as Hpnotiq and Domaine de Canton liqueurs.  Likewise, the company has a stable of innovative brands including PAMA Liqueur, Blackheart Spiced Rum and Evan Williams Flavors.

Brands are identified and developed to take advantage of the many, varied consumer tastes and are sold domestically and worldwide in more than 40 countries through innovative and aggressive marketing and sales initiatives.

While the new name reflects the company’s more diversified direction, it retains ‘Heaven Hill’ at its core, in reference to the company’s original American Whiskey distillery and longstanding history. The company is headquartered in Bardstown, Ky., on land once owned by William Heavenhill in the 18^th century. The new logo features an elegant, timeless silhouette of a bottle and rocks glass rendered in the company’s signature blue palette.

The new name and logo announcement kick off what will be a year-long celebration of the company’s 80^th anniversary. Founded in 1935 by the five Shapira brothers to produce and market Bourbon and premium American Whiskeys, the company expects to soon fill its seven millionth whiskey barrel and is run today by the second and third generations of the Shapira family. Together, they’re proudly leading the country’s largest family owned and operated distilled spirits company into a new era.

About Heaven Hill Brands: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons, Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

THE LAKES DISTILLERY THROWS OPEN ITS DESIGNER GATES 

The highly anticipated Lakes Distillery will open on its idyllic rural site near Bassenthwaite Lake in Cumbria, with the unveiling of a pair of bespoke entrance gates designed by internationally renowned Workington-based metal work artist Alan Dawson.

The spectacular gates were thrown open on Monday the 15^th of December to reveal the fruits of the distillery’s £6m investment – a world class Visitor Centre, artisan bar and bistro – The Bistro at the Distillery, and a shop selling distillery products as well as locally produced fare.

The state of the art Visitor Centre will take guests on an atmospheric tour of how the Lakes Malt, Lakes Gin and Lakes Vodka are made as well as including a visit to the distillery’s warehouse where the whisky matures. Visitors will be taken on a high definition cinematic journey following the water used within the spirits from the River Derwent as it flows down from Sprinkling Tarn through Keswick into Bassenthwaite Lake and on to the Irish Sea.  It will also tell the story of Cumbria’s most notorious distiller and smuggler Lanty Sleek, who plays a key role in the unique tour. Tours conclude in the Tasting Room where guests can raise a glass and be taken on a concluding journey of the palate.

The Bistro at the Distillery will offer delicious honest food served in relaxed but chic surroundings. Overseen by nationally renowned chef and restaurateur Terry Laybourne, the casual bar and bistro will be a vibrant eatery seating a total of 130 guests both inside and out. The bistro will also house the distillery’s Board Room, a stylish private dining area for 30 people where the casks of maturing whisky can be viewed.

The Lakes Distillery has evolved throughout an amazing three year journey and Managing Director Paul Currie can’t wait to unveil what’s behind its designer gates. Paul said:

“The Lakes Distillery is set to be a key attraction for the Lake District and we estimate that we will accommodate approximately 55,000 visitors each year.  It is wonderful to see everything come together, from the sympathetic renovation of our stunning Victorian farm and the formation of our highly skilled team, to the start of production of our spirits and the development of the menu and style of our bistro. We are so excited to open and can’t wait to see the response of our visitors.”

The Lakes Distillery will be England’s largest and is set to produce up to one million bottles of The Lakes Single Malt each year making it a veritable challenger on Scotland’s doorstep and the closest English whisky distillery to the border.

Perfectly dressed for the festive season with a 20ft Christmas tree, the Lakes Distillery will be open every day except Christmas Day. Standard tours will be priced at £12.50 for adults and £5 for 13-17 year olds accompanied by an adult.  Bespoke tours hosted by the management team are available on request.

To find out more about the Visitor Centre, The Bistro at the Distillery and all the Lakes Distillery’s products, please visit www.lakesdistillery.com. 

Notes:

The ONE, the Lakes Gin, The Lakes Vodka and both the Connoisseurs’ Club and Founders’ Club are available to buy online at www.lakesdistillery.com/shop 

The Lakes Distillery

Close to Bassenthwaite Lake, in an area of unimaginable beauty encircled by Cumbrian fells, is the perfect home for the first-ever Lakes Distillery.

The experienced team behind the Lakes Distillery, which includes managing director Paul Currie who co founded the Arran Distillery, Master Distiller Chris Anderson with over 30 years’ experience and Alan Rutherford a former Production Director of Diageo, are renovating the historic buildings of an old Victorian Model Farm next to the famous river Derwent and close to Bassenthwaite Lake, with the aim to produce a new world-class single malt whisky.

The water from the famous River Derwent, with its source high up in the fells, a team steeped in whisky experience, and perfect conditions for distilling are set to create a very special malt.

The Lakes Distillery opened to the public in December 2014. The Lakes Single Malt began production November 2014 and will be available late 2017, and its blended whisky from the British Isles, called The ONE, the Lakes Gin and the Lakes Vodka are available to buy now.

Beam Suntory To Bring Unique New Visitors Experience To 4th Street In Downtown Louisville

Louisville, KY, December 10, 2014 – Beam Suntory, the world’s leading Bourbon maker, today announced plans to open a unique new visitors experience in the heart of Louisville’s 4th Street entertainment district in 2015.

The Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse will establish a highly visible presence for the world leader in bourbon in the most vibrant tourist destination in Louisville.  The Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse will include a small working distillery, a bottling line, a tasting experience and a variety of branded merchandise available for sale.

“The Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse will be a must-stop destination in the heart of Louisville that will complement the experience offered at our Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Clermont,” said Kevin Smith, Vice President, Kentucky Beam Bourbon Affairs.  “In Louisville’s most exciting downtown area, the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse will provide a unique hands-on opportunity to experience the heritage and craftsmanship of bourbon on weekdays, weekends and evenings, and we believe it will serve as a trailhead for the increasing number of visitors to Kentucky’s bourbon distilleries.”

“This project is another example of the growth of bourbonism in Louisville,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer.  “Our city’s bourbon experiences are attracting a new type of tourist and that leads directly to economic growth and job creation. The Urban Stillhouse also expands the bourbon experience down Fourth Street, creating a density of spirits tourism locations downtown.”

The Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse represents a multi-million dollar investment and will be located in 4,300 square feet of space on the street level beneath Beam Suntory’s Louisville office.

HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES NAMES DENNY POTTER CO-MASTER DISTILLER

Industry veteran to work alongside Master Distiller Craig Beam

LOUISVILLE, KY—Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the largest family owned and operated distilled spirits company in the country, has announced the appointment of 17-year industry veteran Denny Potter as co-Master Distiller.  Potter currently serves as Distillery Plant Manager at Heaven Hill’s historic Bernheim facility, overseeing production of the world’s second largest inventory of aging Bourbon.  He will continue to work with Master Distiller Craig Beam overseeing Heaven Hill’s world-renowned portfolio of American Whiskeys, which includes Evan Williams, the second largest selling Bourbon in the United States and the world.

Potter has spent 13 years in distillery operations, having served both as Plant Manager of Heaven Hill’s historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, and, previously, as Operations Manager at Beam Global’s Frankfort, KY facility. Prior to that, Potter served as General Manager of Cruzan Rum’s distillery in St. Croix, USVI, and as Director of Distillery and Environmental Operations at Maker’s Mark Distillery in Loretto, KY.

“We are very pleased to have Denny continue his growth with the company and within the industry,” Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira said.  “His knowledge of Bourbon production and aging—and his ability to teach and relate these subjects to the trade and consumers—make him an ideal person to help carry forth Heaven Hill’s leadership position and reputation into the future. Denny is grounded in the traditions of our company and industry yet has a keen eye for innovation and emerging trends.”

A native of Louisville, Potter holds an undergraduate degree from Indiana University in Bloomington and an MBA from Indiana University-Southeast.

Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny , Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons, Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.