HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERIES' EVAN WILLIAMS HONORED AS INAUGURAL "BEST BUY WHISKEY OF THE YEAR" AT WHISKYFEST NEW YORKNEW YORK (N.Y.) - WhiskyFest New York at the Marriott Marquis in Times Square annually draws whiskey/ky lovers from all over the globe and whiskey/ky makers from the world's distilling centers-Kentucky, Scotland and Ireland. One of the highlights of the event is the presentation of the "Best of the Year" awards, given by WhiskyFest organizer Malt Advocate magazine.
This year, a new category-Best Buy Whiskey of the Year-was added to the awards proceedings, and the inaugural winner, who also enjoys the distinction of being the number two selling Bourbon brand in America, was Heaven Hill Distilleries' Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
In presenting the honor to Heaven Hill seventh generation Master Distiller Parker Beam, Malt Advocate publisher and editor John Hansell defined the criteria for the award: "...a Bourbon delicious enough to sip neat or with a little water. It must also be inexpensive enough so you won't feel guilty mixing it with anything or sharing it with anyone." Noting Evan Williams' qualities at a $10.99 national average retail for a 750ml bottle, Hansell praised Evan Williams as "...well-balanced and mature-I have no problems drinking it neat. It's a Bourbon with a traditional flavor profile, so there won't be any surprises when you're making yourself a Manhattan."
In accepting the award, Heaven Hill's Master Distiller Parker Beam pointed out that Evan Williams, Heaven Hill's flagship brand, has remained relatively unchanged through the years and is based on the time-honored processes pioneered by Evan Williams himself when he set up Kentucky's first commercial distillery on the banks of the Ohio River in 1783. "The combination of the Evan Williams heritage, with my family's eight generation old yeast strain and mashbill, produces an unparalleled Bourbon. No other Bourbon near its price offers this combination of age and recipe."
Evan Williams, bottled at 43% alcohol by volume or 86 proof, is available nationally in 1.75 liter, 1 liter, 750ml, 375ml, 200ml, 100ml and 50ml sizes. The brand recently underwent a packaging upgrade with a more contemporary face label and just introduced a companion proprietary 1.75 liter bottle design.
Founded in 1935, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. 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; Scotch Whiskies; Irish Whiskeys; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.
