February 2013 – Louisville Distilling Company is giving whiskey enthusiasts something unique to look forward to this Father’s Day with the new release of Angel’s Envy™ Rye.  A super-premium whiskey of uncompromising character and quality, this divine creation displays famed Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson’s passion for experimenting outside of conventional norms and producing unique expressions steeped in tradition, but finished with a twist.

Angel’s Envy Rye is aged and conditioned according to Lincoln’s specific direction and intuition.  A self-proclaimed malcontent, Lincoln chose to use 95% rye and 5% malted barley and then aged the whiskey for six years in in American new charred oak barrels.  He then finished the whiskey in hand-selected Caribbean rum casks, which began as small French cognac barrels, for up to 18 months.  The mingling of raw, spicy and earthy rye notes paired with the sweetness imparted by rum finishing, results in an ultra smooth and accessible ultra-rye whiskey, even at 100 proof (tasting notes below).

“We considered finishing a spirit in rum casks for some time and ultimately felt that the spiciness of a well-rounded Rye provided the best pairing,” said Lincoln Henderson, Master Distiller, Angel’s Envy.  “We sourced and sampled more than 100 different rums, before unanimously choosing one with extraordinary richness that perfectly marries with our rye whiskey.”

The Louisville Distilling Company gave Lincoln complete creative freedom to achieve a specific taste profile for Angel’s Envy Rye.  An inaugural member in the Bourbon Hall of Fame, he prefers the original way of producing whiskey – making decisions based on the specific taste profile he wants to achieve.  So far, it has served him well.  Wine Enthusiast Magazine awarded Angel’s Envy 98 points – the highest-ever rating for a bourbon.  The world’s best bourbon also received a 93 rating from Whisky Advocate and was named the 2013 Editor’s Top Pick Award Of Excellence by Beverage Industry News.

Rye is a natural progression for Angel’s Envy, the super-premium artisan port finished bourbon.  Its’ success proves that whiskey enthusiasts will embrace non-traditional, one-of-a-kind expressions of whiskey.  As one of the original pioneers of the premium bourbon and whiskey categories in the U.S. with more than 40 years of experience, the living legend has one simple desire – to enjoy the art of making whiskey and to not rest on his laurels.

“Dad always says he’s not trying to fix bourbon – he’s just fine tuning it,” said Wes Henderson, Chief Operating Officer and Master Ambassador, Angel’s Envy.  “The true Renaissance of bourbon is just now arriving.  We’re proud to be trailblazers and feel fortunate to have hit the sweet spot again with Rye.”

Angel’s Envy Rye will be available in select states including: California, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.

The suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle, which may vary by market, is $79.99.  Angel’s Envy Rye is 100 proof and 50% alcohol by volume.  Please visit us at www.angelsenvy.com or on facebook or twitter (@angels_envy).

The iconic bottle, made from perfume-grade glass in Italy and then ceramic stamped with the brand’s iconic wings, is hand-filled, corked and crated in Louisville, Kentucky.

As far as the name, tradition has it that for every year whiskey is aged, a little spirit is lost to evaporation.  This is known as the “Angel’s Share.”  Lincoln reckoned that he might be willing to lose a little more for his finest creation leaving behind the Angel’s Envy.

Tasting Notes:

Appearance: crystal clear, slight reddish amber

Nose: citrus, caramel candy, maple sugar, vanilla oak, hazel nut, spice, sherry wood

Palate: sweet/dry, rum sherry wood, soft rum sweetness

Finish: sweet/dry, rum, soft oak, quick and easy

Angel’s Envy 2013.  Heaven Can Wait.  Please Drink Responsibly.

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February 2013 – Pure Via^®, the all-natural, zero-calorie sweetener that’s made from the sweetest part of the stevia plant, now has a sweet new look.  Moving forward, both the brand’s packaging and website will feature a natural look and feel that better reflects the health-conscious and active lifestyle of the Pure Via user.

The new packaging features inviting earth tones, including warm and welcoming shades brown and green, which breathe new life into the brand.  The consumer’s eye is quickly drawn to the mouth-watering blueberries and raspberries dusted with Pure Via that sit atop a soft bed of stevia leaves.  While the brand was crafted to be perfect in coffee, Pure Via can also be used to sweeten other hot or cold drinks or sprinkled on cereal, fruit or yogurt.  The increased number of stevia leaves that now appear on the carton and in the brand’s logo communicate the circle of life, energy and movement.  As before, the eco-friendly packaging is made from 100% recycled fiber, with 35% post-consumer content, to help reduce the planet’s carbon footprint and save its forests.

The new Pure Via website contains similar earth tones along with striking photographs that portray the simple beauty of a bohemian lifestyle.  Easier navigation allows users to quickly find product information, healthy lifestyle tips, traditional recipes and tasty treats, as well as offers and promotions.  Visitors to the site can now also visit the “you” section to take a ‘Lifestyle Quiz,’ or use the sugar and body mass index (BMI) calculators to learn about their weight category and the amount of sugar they’re adding to their diet.

Pure Via^® is available in 40ct. and 80ct. boxes and a 4oz. jar for suggested retail prices of $2.49, $4.29 and $4.99 respectively.  Consumers can purchase Pure Via^® in the sweetener aisle at grocery, club and mass merchandise stores across the U.S. and online at www.purevia.com.   Pure Via^® is a registered trademark of Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC.

Discover more at the newly designed www.purevia.com or www.facebook.com/PureViaUS   

About Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC

Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC is committed to providing natural sweeteners and to helping people eat better and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.  Formed in 2006, Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC launched its first all-natural sweetener brand, Sweet Simplicity®, in 2007, and the company continues to develop products that are perfectly natural and naturally pure.  Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Merisant Company, the maker of Equal® and Canderel® and a global leader in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of tabletop sweeteners, with sales in over 90 countries.  For more information, visit www.wholeearthsweetener.com

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February 2013 — Plum Market, Old Town’s neighborhood connection to natural, organic, local and specialty items, is proud to announce a partnership with Chef Takashi Yagihashi, who will oversee the new store’s sushi station.

In addition to full-service grocery accommodations, Plum Market features a vast eat-in and carryout assortment of foods made fresh daily in a designated area of the store known as Plum Kitchen.  “Tabo Sushi by Takashi” will make an exciting addition to the store’s offerings, featuring made to order restaurant-caliber cuisine and a variety of sushi rolls and maki, that are perfect for health-conscious foodies on-the-go.  “Tabo” comes from a nickname Takashi had as a “turbo-charged” child.

“We’re very excited to begin working with Plum Market Old Town Chicago upon their opening this June,” said Chef Takashi Yagihashi of Takashi and Slurping Turtle.  “Our house-made sushi will be the perfect choice for locals looking for high-quality, natural and organic offerings in their neighborhood.”

Chef Yagihashi adds Plum Market to an impressive culinary career.  His experiences have brought him from Japan to Chicago, Detroit, Las Vegas and ultimately back to Chicago where he opened Bucktown’s Takashi, Noodles by Takashi Yagihashi, and River North’s Slurping Turtle.  Chef Yagihashi has been recognized by the esteemed James Beard Foundation as well as Gourmet, Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, Esquire and has received numerous awards including “Best Chef: Midwest,” a three-time Michelin star recipient including the recent 2013 honor for Takashi and a Michelin Bib Gourmet Award for Slurping Turtle.  He also competed on Bravo Top Chef Masters and won the “Fan Favorite” award.

Plum Market is located at 1233 N. Wells St. at Division in Old Town.  The new 27,000 square foot store opens to the public on Thursday, June 13, with daily hours from 8:00am to 10:00pm.  Guests have access to free parking on the second level (validation required).

For more information, visit www.plummarket.com join us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/PlumMarketChicago and follow us @PlumMarket on twitter.

About Plum Market

Plum Market offers a full-service shopping experience to inspire guests to live well, with taste.  The company is a privately owned company based in Farmington Hills, Michigan and has full-service grocery stores in Bloomfield Township, Michigan; Ann Arbor, Michigan; and West Bloomfield, Michigan. Matthew Jonna and Marc Jonna are third generation retailers who grew up working for their father’s store, Merchant of Vino Marketplace, a natural, organic, and specialty food and wine store with six locations across the Midwest.  The chain attracted significant attention from competitors and in 1998 Whole Foods Market acquired the company. Both Jonna’s continued to work with the Whole Foods Market executive leadership team. Matt and Marc left Whole Foods Market to pursue developing a new grocery concept, later to become Plum Market with the first store location opening in 2007.

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February 2013 – Papa’s Pilar™, a new super-premium rum inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s spirit of adventure that’s hell-bent on returning rum to its gutsy roots, will be introduced in Florida beginning this week. The inaugural Dark & Blonde varieties are born from the finest rums of the Caribbean, Central America and the U.S.A. and then solera aged and blended in a unique process here in the states.

Papa’s Pilar is meant to rekindle a sense of adventure in us all and replace the Hawaiian shirts and umbrella drinks with which rum has become associated. “Papa” as Ernest Hemingway was known, was possibly the world’s greatest adventurer. Papa’s Pilar was crafted to be near that same adventure, accompanying rum enthusiasts as they sink their teeth into life. Named for his muse and one true constant, Pilar is the vessel that allowed America’s literary giant to reach beyond the shoreline, feast on life and remind us to never be a spectator.

BOLD. WELL-TRAVELED. DEEPLY NUANCED.

Papa’s Pilar Dark and Blonde are born of the finest rums and pay homage to Hemingway’s exploits on land and sea, respectively. Each is hand-selected from ports-of-call throughout the Caribbean, Central America and the U.S.A. for their age and distinct character. Once brought to the U.S.A., the Papa’s Pilar team of Master Blenders artfully marry the rums in a unique solera aging and blending process, using American Oak Bourbon barrels, Port Wine casks, and Spanish Sherry casks.

Papa’s Pilar Dark is a bold and complex rum. At 86-proof, it is both pot and column stilled and boasts hand-selected rums up to 24 years old, and a long, velvety finish. Papa’s Pilar Blonde is a crisp and nuanced rum, which includes column stilled aged rums 3-5 years old. At 84-proof, it has a layered and exceptionally smooth finish.

Leading the creation expedition is rum importer and supplier Jay Maltby, known best for his executive roles at Bacardi USA, Cruzan Rum, and IncuBrands LLC. He is joined by Richard Seale, a 4thgeneration Barbados Rum Distiller who is well recognized in the rum community for both his boundary breaking and R.L. Seale rums; and Lincoln Henderson, a seasoned bourbon innovator and a friend of Papa’s Pilar, who was enlisted to advise on formula creation.

“Papa’s Pilar is the only rum supplier utilizing a solera that contains rums of various ages and sources of supply – each unique in their own right,” said Jay Maltby, lead master blender, Papa’s Pilar. “This exclusive process creates a one of kind liquid that is singular in its creation and final product.”

Every aspect of Papa’s Pilar is thoughtful and purposeful. The distinct bottle evokes Papa’s exploits through a form factor reminiscent of an iconic WWII canteen. The etched compass closure reflects that same sense of adventure on either land or sea, and the chain link makes it practical for any excursion. The lion heads represent nobility while the Rooster on the Medallion pays homage to Key West, an island where Hemingway and his boat Pilar once resided and remain celebrated fixtures within the community.

“Papa’s Pilar is a complex rum with bold, robust flavor and real integrity, said Robert Burr, rum expert and editor of Rob’s Rum Guide. “I’m honored to be among the first to sample this masterpiece from a best-in-breed blending team and eager to pass along the story and a very strong recommendation.”

Beginning in March, Papa’s Pilar rums will be available in 750ml bottles in both on- and off-premise accounts in Florida – Key West, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale as of March 1, and Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville later in the month. The suggested retail price of the Dark and Blonde are $39.99 and $29.99, respectively. Prices may vary by market.

Papa’s Pilar was developed in conjunction with Ernest Hemingway’s estate. The Hemingway family will donate 100 percent of their royalty profits to organizations that embody the likes of adventure, literacy, and conservation, causes dear to Hemingway and his heirs. Later this month, for example, the Family will make a $30,000 donation to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) in Dania, Florida, a highly reputable worldwide organization that embodies many of Ernest Hemingway’s core values, from sport and adventure to protection of natural resources. As one of the founding members and a member of the IGFA Hall of Fame, Hemingway contributed greatly to the sport – while marrying his passions for angling and writing. Papa’s Pilar will also work with local charitable foundations that serve Hemingway’s legacy and underscore the true spirit of adventure.

“We worked closely with the Hemingway family to ensure the brand and product captured Hemingway’s true essence,” said Lindsey Kops, brand manager, Papa’s Pilar. “Today, we raise a glass to this exciting new adventure and to arguably the world’s greatest adventurer who inspired us all to never be a spectator.”

For more information, please visit www.papaspilar.com “like” us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/PapasPilarRum and follow us on twitter @PapasPilar

About Hemingway Rum Company, LLC

Hemingway Rum Company, LLC is a distilled spirits company based in Florida that’s dedicated to producing super-premium multi-sourced solera blended artisanal rums. The Company’s inaugural offerings are Papa’s Pilar™ Dark and Blonde rums, incepted and crafted by a seasoned team of best-in-class partners.The Company encourages consumers of legal drinking age to Live Courageously and Drink Responsibly and proudly supports local organizations that serve Ernest Hemingway’s adventurous, literary and conservational legacy.  Papa’s Pilar™ is a proud member of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).

Chicago — February 18, 2013 – Now Dallas residents can have their cake and eat it too.  This month, Whole Earth Sweetener Company introduces Pure Via® Turbinado Raw Cane Sugar and Stevia Blend, a new, all natural sweetener that’s deliciously sweet, but with ½ the calories of white granulated sugar.

According to a recent study , 72% of consumers are looking to cut back on their sugar intake.  With only five calories per serving, Pure Via® Turbinado Raw Cane Sugar and Stevia Blend offers a lower calorie alternative for those with a sweet tooth to make foods and beverages taste naturally delicious.  The blend is made from the pure sweet extract of the stevia plant and turbinado raw cane sugar, which comes from the first press of raw cane sugar.

Consumers can use this new blend like sugar – they simply spoon, sprinkle, dip or mix the sweetener in coffee, tea and iced tea or in their favorite recipes.  Molasses in color, these large golden crystals also make for a popular topping on fresh fruit and cereal.  A sweet addition to a healthy lifestyle, Pure Via® Turbinado Raw Cane Sugar and Stevia Blend is kosher and also suitable for individuals with a gluten intolerance.

“According to AC Nielsen , the natural sweetener category continues to grow at an unprecedented rate driven in large part by stevia,” said Cheryl Gill, director, North America Marketing, Merisant US, Inc.  “Pure Via® Turbinado Raw Cane Sugar and Stevia Blend offers a new choice that gives consumers the best of both worlds.”

“Many consumers continue to look for ways to reduce their sugar and overall caloric intake,” says Lael Edelstein, registered dietitian.  “With only ½ the calories of white granulated sugar, Pure Via® Turbinado Raw Cane Sugar and Stevia Blend is a tasty solution to naturally sweeten foods and beverages.”

Pure Via® Turbinado Raw Cane Sugar and Stevia Blend is now available in Dallas, Texas, in 100-ct boxes for a suggested retail price of $2.98.  Retail prices may vary.  Each packet (100 per box) sweetens like one teaspoon of sugar.  Discover more at www.purevia.com or facebook.com/PureViaUSA

About Pure Via®

Pure Via® is an all-natural, zero-calorie sweetener this is made from Rebaudioside A (Reb A), the sweetest, best-tasting part of the stevia leaf.  Reb A is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  Handcrafted to be perfect in coffee, Pure Via® is available in 40- and 80ct. boxes and a 4-oz. jar for a suggested retail price of $2.49, $4.29 and $4.99, respectively.  You can purchase Pure Via® in the sweetener aisle at grocery, club and mass merchandise stores across the U.S.  Pure Via® is a trademark of Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC, for tabletop sweeteners.

About Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC

Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC is committed to providing natural sweeteners and to helping people eat better and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.  Formed in 2006, Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC launched its first all-natural sweetener brand, Sweet Simplicity®, in 2007, and the company continues to develop products that are perfectly natural and naturally pure.  Whole Earth Sweetener Company LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Merisant Company, the maker of Equal® and Canderel® and a global leader in the manufacture, marketing and distribution of tabletop sweeteners, with sales in over 90 countries.  For more information, visit www.wholeearthsweetener.com

Illuminas March 2012 n=1000

AC Nielsen, Total XAOC – current 52 weeks through 12/15/12