Heaven Hill Scores perfect 18 for 18 at san francisco World Spirits Competition

[jbutler]

FOR RELEASE: April 12, 2006

Heaven Hill Scores perfect 18 for 18 at san francisco World Spirits Competition

Rittenhouse Rye Whisky named “North American Whiskey of the Year”

BARDSTOWN, <state w:st="on">

Ky.</state> – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. recently tallied a perfect score at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Of the 18 brands entered, all were awarded medals, with Rittenhouse Rye Whisky named the “North American Whiskey of the Year.”

Heaven Hill’s winnings include the Double Gold for Rittenhouse Rye Whisky which led to the North American Whiskey of the Year title and Gold Medal for Whaler’s Vanille Rum along with 12 Silver Medals and four Bronze Medals. The company entered products in categories for American Whiskey, Scotch Whisky, Liqueurs, Vodkas, Rum and Tequilas

The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the nation’s premier spirits judging competition. Founded in 2000 by Anthony Dias-Blue, the Wine and Spirits editor of Bon Appetit Magazine and Carol Siebert, the managing director of the San Francisco International Wine Competition, it is the first and only comprehensive, international spirits judging held in the US on an annual basis.

“Look no further than the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for proof of Heaven Hill’s broadly diversified portfolio of leading brands,” said Max L. Shapira, President, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. “The high quality of our product range is illustrated in this overwhelming display of awards. We could not be happier with this performance.”

Aside from the Double Gold and Gold Medals already mentioned, Heaven Hill took Silver Medals for El Conquistador 100% Agave Blanco Tequila, El Conquistador 100% Agave Anejo Tequila, Evan Williams Bourbon, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey, Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon, Elijah Craig Single Barrel Bourbon, Isle of Jura Superstition Single Malt Scotch Whisky, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, O’Mara’s Irish Country Cream Liqueur, Two Fingers Lime Flavored Tequila and Two Fingers Berry Flavored Tequila. Bronze Medals were earned for Burnett’s Peach Flavored Vodka, Isle of Jura 21 year old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, El Conquistador 100% Agave Reposado Tequila, and Lazzaroni Amaretto.

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 <state w:st="on">

Kentucky</state> 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

<city w:st="on">Bardstown</city>, <state w:st="on">KY.

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CONTACT:

Larry Kass

Director of Corporate Communications

Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.

(502) 348-3921

lkass@heaven-hill.com</state>