Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. of Bardstown , KY , the country�s largest independent family-owned spirits producer and marketer, is introducing the first edition of its new Parker�s Heritage Collection -- a cask-strength 1996 Kentucky Straight Bourbon.  It is the first in a limited annual series of rare, aged American whiskeys that pays tribute to a 6^th Generation Master Distiller Parker Beam.

To deliver a distinctive and bold look in packaging that reflects the sophistication and continuity of the series, the company engaged the services of Saxco-International, Inc. of Horsham , PA , long-time worldwide packaging specialists for the wine and spirits industry.  Each edition of the series will be featured in the same dramatic stylish bottle, each carrying a special version of the label identifying the type of American whiskey, along with the age and proof information. 

Saxco-International sourced and supplied a 750ml flint bottle with a short neck, round shoulders and heavy bottom from Saint Gobain, in France, one of the quality and reliable sources in its global network.  According to Larry Coomes, regional sales representative for Saxco-International, �this is the first time this bottle is being used in a commercial application.  It features the distinctive and unique shape that Heaven Hill was seeking for its special Heritage Collection.�

In addition, Saxco arranged for the Parker�s Heritage gold and black logo to be silk-screened on the front and back of the bottle.  Serigraphie of Montreal, Canada completed that aspect of the project.  The pressure sensitive black, gold and yellow paper label on the front of the bottle was produced and applied by Heaven Hill Distilleries.

Saxco also supplied an embossed black top cork stopper from J.C. Ribeiro, of Portugal , another quality source in its broad worldwide network.  The stopper was overfitted with a matt black PVC capsule possessing a gold band with the Parker�s Heritage logo prominently displayed.  Maverick Enterprises, Inc. of Ukiah , CA was the Saxco vendor employed to complete the work.

The first bottling of Parker�s Heritage Collection will be available nationally in major metropolitan markets at a retail price of $80 for a 750ml bottle.  �This new series represents a real boon for lovers of American Whiskey and a well deserved tribute to Parker Beam,� states Heaven Hill President Max L. Shapira.

The cask-strength 1996 Bourbon has mellowed over 48 Kentucky seasons on the fifth floor of Rickhouse Y in Bardstown.  The bottling was drawn from a lot of 68 carefully selected barrels which were dumped in three very small batches of 22, 22, and 24 barrels each.  The Bourbon is then barrel-proof, marking the first time that Heaven Hill has released a barrel-proof Bourbon in the United States .  �The barrels I have selected for this special series represents some of the most diverse whiskeys I have produced in my 45 years as a Master Distiller,� relates Parker Beam.  �I think we will pique the interest of many of today�s whiskey aficionados.�  Heaven Hill is the world�s largest holder of Aging American Whiskey with more than 700,000 barrels, including many world-renowned brands rich in the history of the American Whiskey industry.  Over the course of several years the company plans to release a select number of that inventory representing the full span of American Whiskey styles.

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 Apertif, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, Agua Luca Brazilian Rum Cacha�a, Scotch Whiskies, Canadian Whiskies, vodka, gins, rums, tequilas, cognacs, liqueurs, cordials and dessert wines.  Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown , Kentucky .