Rittenhouse Rye Whisky Wins Prestigious ''North American Whiskey of the Year'' Trophy at San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

BARDSTOWN, Ky. -- In what can only be termed an upset of Final Four proportions, Heaven Hill Distilleries' Rittenhouse Bottled-In-Bond Rye Whisky was named "North American Whiskey of the Year" at the recently-completed 2006 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The annual competition, among the most prestigious spirits competitions in the global distilled spirits industry, is judged by a panel of industry luminaries.

In capturing the trophy for top North American Whiskey, Rittenhouse was unanimously awarded gold medal by all judges in a blind tasting, leaving much more heavily advertised and merchandised Bourbons and Canadian whiskies in the dust on its way to the title.

"Historically, rye whiskey has been the ultimate expression of classic American whiskey style, and we at Heaven Hill Distilleries were one of only three remaining producers to keep the style alive during the years when rye was overshadowed by other whiskeys," said Kirstin Jackson, brand manager. "This award properly affords rye whiskey the recognition it deserves, and is a tribute to the fact that things don't necessarily have to be 'new and improved' to be judged the very best."

Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, available in limited supply in select areas of the United States, was also named "Whiskey of the Year" for 2005 by Wine & Spirits Magazine, and last summer Esquire called it "one of the best American Whiskeys at any price."

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 American whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill's diversified portfolio includes The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Burnett's Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; and PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.