Papa’s Pilar^™, the new super-premium rum inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s spirit of adventure that’s hell-bent on returning rum to its gutsy roots, is expanding its footprint in the U.S.A.  Following a sold-out launch in Florida, the brand will be introduced this summer into Northern California, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas (Austin & San Antonio) and Washington, DC.  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 finishing in Spanish Sherry casks.

Papa’s Pilar Dark, which was awarded “a Double Gold” Medal at the 2013 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 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 3-7 years old.  At 84-proof, it has a layered and exceptionally smooth finish.  Papa’s Pilar Blonde was awarded “Best in Class” White Rum at the 2013 Rum Renaissance Festival in Miami, Florida.

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 Lincoln Henderson, a seasoned bourbon innovator 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 rums will be available in 750ml bottles in both on- and off-premise accounts in Northern California, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas (Austin & San Antonio) and Washington, DC.  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.  In May, the Family made a $30,000 donation to the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), 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.

“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 a man who inspired us all to never be a spectator.”

“Two of my Dad’s favorite rituals were hunting buffalo and enjoying rum, especially a Papa Doble,” said Patrick Hemingway, the second son of Ernest.  “From the liquid to the intricacies of the bottle, Papa’s Pilar pays homage to a great man and arguably the world’s greatest adventurer.  My Papa would be proud.”

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

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).

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Chicago, IL – (July 22, 2013) – Better Brands Beverage Co. announced that it has chosen Florida to be among the first states to launch Salute American, a new brand with a purpose.  The Company’s inaugural offering is an American-made, premium vodka that’s committed to investing in the future of U.S. veterans who have proudly served their country.  To that end, the Company will donate one-dollar for every 750ml bottle sold to approved veterans’ charities – a declaration etched on every bottle.

Earlier this year, Salute American made its first donation in the amount of $25,000 to Veteran’s Farm through Work Vessels for Veterans (WVFV), an all-volunteer movement that assists returning veterans with the necessary start-up tools to begin their civilian career or educational pursuits.  This donation will enable Adam Burke, Veteran’s Farm Founder, a veteran and now blueberry farmer in Jacksonville, FL, to purchase farm equipment, supplies and housing for more U.S. Veterans to work on their farms.

“Veteran’s Farm is grateful to Better Brands Bevco. for their unwavering commitment to help and support Veterans,” said Adam Burke.  “Salute American Vodka demonstrates our ‘By Americans, For Americans to help Americans’ motto and will inspire millions across this country to take action.”

In addition, Salute American has partnered with Purple Heart Homes (PHH) to renovate a home in Jacksonville, Florida, for Service Connected Disabled Army Veteran PFC Jeffery Taylor and his family.  PHH provides personalized housing solutions for Service Connected Disabled Veterans and their families that are substantial in function, design and quality.

“Purple Heart Homes is proud to partner with Salute American to assist those veterans who have covered our backs and been tragically wounded while fighting for our nation’s freedom,” said co-founders, Dale Beatty and John Gallina.  

Salute American is the brainchild of CEO-founder Pete Kelly, a passionate entrepreneur who wanted to make a difference in people’s lives through the ‘pay-it-forward’ philosophy.  Pete couldn’t think of a more deserving group than U.S. Veterans – a band of brothers with increasingly high unemployment and homelessness rates*.  Salute American became a practical way to help maintain and create jobs in the US for veterans, and to generate ongoing economic success, stronger families and stronger communities.

“Salute American is more than a name – it’s our mission,” said Pete Kelly, CEO-founder, Better Brands BevCo.  “We prove our patriotism by giving back and paying it forward.”

Salute American Vodka is pure American from start to finish.  The vodka, which was approved for the USA Certified™ Seal, is made from corn and wheat grains straight from the heartland.  It’s then four times distilled for a smooth and sweet taste that works well mixed or neat.  The canteen-shaped bottle bearing the red, white and blue, was manufactured in Park Hills, Missouri, by Piramal, and distilled and bottled at Lidestri Spirits in Rochester, NY.

In addition to Florida, the brand is available in on- and off-premise accounts in Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri and Southern Illinois.  The suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle is $19.99, which may vary by market.  Salute American Vodka is 80-proof and 40% alcohol by volume.  The brand recently received a Silver Medal and an 87-point “highly recommended” rating from the prestigious Beverage Testing Institute in the category of “Best Value Vodka $20 and under.”  For more information, please visit www.saluteamerican.com “like” us on facebook www.facebook.com/SaluteAmericanVodka and follow us on twitter @SaluteAmerican.

* According to Labor Department Data, the unemployment rate among male veterans, ages 18-24, is nearly 27%.  There are currently more than 100,000 homeless Vets in the US.

About Better Brands BevCo.

Privately owned and Midwest-based, Better Brands Beverage Co. is a for-profit company committed to investing in Veterans Charities that create jobs for Veterans.  The Company was founded in 2012 by CEO Pete Kelly who passionately believes in making a difference in people’s lives through the ‘pay-it-forward’ philosophy.

About Purple Heart Homes

Purple Heart Homes is a 501 c3 founded by Dale Beatty and John Gallina, two Iraq combat wounded veterans that remain on a mission to provide housing solutions to service connected disabled veterans and their families. Driven by the belief that no Veteran should be left behind, Purple Heart Homes, together with community, is committed to ensuring quality of life solutions for disabled American Veterans from all eras. For more information see: www.purplehearthomesusa.org or call 855-PURPLE9

About the Project

Purple Heart Homes, Bank of America, GE Aviation, Salute American Vodka and Lifetime’s TV Show Designing Spaces are engaged in renovating a home at 10958 Horse Track Road.

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(July 9, 2013) – Louisville Distilling Co. LLC, producers of the highly celebrated Angel’s Envy bourbon, announced today that it will construct a new state-of-the-art distillery and brand experience center in downtown Louisville.

The company has concluded a deal with the State of Kentucky for the purchase of property on the corner of Main Street and Jackson, formerly known at the Vermont American Building and Baer Fabrics. An official ribbon cutting ceremony, welcoming special guests Governor Steve Beshear and Mayor Greg Fischer, is planned for Tuesday, July 9 at 1:00pm.

“We are thrilled to have such an amazing location for our new distillery,” said Marc Bushala, President and CEO of Angel’s Share Brands LLC, the parent company of Louisville Distilling Co. LLC. “We have spent the past two years evaluating potential sites in downtown Louisville, looking for the perfect property. The City has been great to work with and very supportive in our efforts to find the ideal location.”

Louisville Distilling Co. plans to invest approximately $12MM in the renovation of the Vermont American and Baer Fabrics buildings and equipment. LDI has hired Louisville-based Joseph & Joseph Architects to manage the project, which will house the Angel’s Envy distillery operations, as well as a “brand experience” center that will be open to the public and include guided tours of the distillery.

Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson noted, “I feel blessed to do what I truly love to do. It is a dream come true to have my own distillery on Main Street in downtown Louisville.”

Wes Henderson, son of Lincoln Henderson and C.O.O. for Angel’s Share Brands added, “We are constructing a fully functioning distillery, from milling of grains to blending and bottling on site. The Angel’s Envy distillery will be a must-see experience on the Urban Bourbon Trail.”

The Company also announced today that Louisville based private equity firm Blue Equity, LLC has made a significant investment in its parent company, Angel’s Share Brands. Blue Equity, LLC Chairman and Managing Director Jonathan Blue said, “We are very pleased to have joined the investment group at Angel’s Envy. In just a few years, Angel’s Envy has been recognized as one of the best bourbons on the market. With the launch of the new distillery and brand experience center, the future looks even brighter for this incredible brand.”

“This is an exciting addition to Kentucky’s vibrant bourbon industry, with Angel’s Share Brands creating 40 new jobs and investing $10 million in a new distillery,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “As bourbon continues to gain in popularity across the world, we will continue to work hard to foster new opportunities for jobs and investment. We take a lot of pride in this signature product, and the industry’s global success shows the type of dedication and craftsmanship that makes Kentucky stand out.”

“We are delighted that Angel’s Envy has selected Main Street for its Louisville distillery,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “It is exciting that we will have an iconic bourbon brand as part of the history and culture that makes up this vital corridor of Louisville’s downtown. Angel’s Envy’s dedication to its quality product and economic commitment to the Louisville community are both representative of what makes Louisville and Kentucky the bourbon capital of the world.”

Louisville Distilling Company expects the new distillery to be up and running in 2014.

Angel’s Envy has released three Expressions to-date, each of which exhibits Lincoln Henderson’s passion for experimenting outside of conventional norms and producing unique whiskey steeped in tradition, but finished with a twist.

– Bourbon Port Cask Finish, which is distilled for an unparalleled smoothness, aged for 4-6 years in American white oak barrels and finished in hand-selected port casks for an incremental 3-6 months. Now available in more than 20 U.S. markets and China, the expression earned a 98/100 points from Wine Enthusiast magazine – the highest-ever rating for a bourbon – and five stars (highest recommendation) from F. Paul Pacult’s Spirit Journal

– Cask Strength, a sold-out November 2012 limited release in Kentucky and Nashville, Tenn., which is aged to the perfect level of richness and maturity in the few American white oak barrels that made the cut. Paul Pacult of Spirit Journal named the Cask Strength “Best Spirit in the World” in the June 2013 issue, giving it five stars and noting it “deserves a sixth rating star”

– Rye Whiskey, a new Expression made with 95% rye and 5% malted barley that’s aged for at least six years in new American, charred oak barrels and finished in hand-selected Caribbean rum casks for up to 18 months. Now available in select markets, including Kentucky

For more information, please visit us at www.angelsenvy.com or on facebook https://www.facebook.com/AngelsEnvyBourbon and twitter (@angels_envy).

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

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Full-Service Neighborhood Grocery Store’s First Chicago Location Hosts Grand Opening Ceremony in Old Town on June 26 at 9:00am

Chicago, IL (June 26, 2013) – Plum Market, Old Town’s new neighborhood grocer for natural, organic, local and specialty items, will officially open its first Chicago location at 1233 N. Wells Street on Wednesday, June 26 at 9:00am.  The grand opening ceremony, which is open to the public, will include a celebratory toast and an official ribbon cutting by Alderman Michelle Smith of Chicago’s 43^rd Ward, and brothers Matt and Marc Jonna, the store’s co-founders.

All attendees will be treated to a variety of food demonstrations and free samples and can enjoy complimentary coffee between 9:00-11:00am at the new 1,200 square foot Intelligentsia coffee bar, which is situated adjacent to Plum Market.  Guests can also sign-up for a Plum Market myRewards Card, which allows members to earn 2% back on purchases and to receive special offers and invitations to upcoming events and promotions.

The fun continues throughout the weekend with in-store raffles and entertainment provided by local jazz singer Elaine Dame and musicians from the Old Town School of Folk Music.

The neighborhood grocer, who operates three additional stores in southeast Michigan, couldn’t be more thrilled to open their first Chicago store.  Privately owned and Midwest based since 2007, Matthew and Marc Jonna are third-generation retailers who grew up working in their father’s store and gained valuable industry experience.

“Old Town shoppers need more convenient neighborhood grocery store options,” said Matt Jonna, the store’s President & Co-Founder.  “Plum Market provides a high-quality selection of fresh product at competitive prices in a revolutionary and rewarding grocery shopping experience.”

Plum Market inspires guests to Live Well, with Taste.  The team works with local producers and growers to feature seasonal and hard-to-find products in each department, including a large selection of organic produce.  Along with full-service grocery accommodations and the highest-quality selection of natural, organic, local and specialty items, the store includes:

• Seasonal produce that’s purchased directly from the farm and tasted for optimal freshness including apricots, asparagus, beets, blueberries, peaches, plums, strawberries, summer squash, tomatoes, watermelon and locally-sourced herbs
• Local favorites from 100 Chicago-area businesses including Terry’s Toffee, Milk & Honey Granola, Red Hen Bread, Skinny POP, Mama Jess Pasta Sauce
• Vast assortment of hot and cold restaurant-caliber cuisine made fresh daily by in-house chefs for dining in-house, on the store’s outdoor patio or taking on-the-go
• All natural meats and sustainable seafood

• Bakehouse highlighting breads, coffee and pound cakes, cupcakes and desserts
• Green Living, Eco-family products and an Apothecary that houses a huge selection of vitamins and supplements and all natural body care
• Beverage program with an extensive selection of domestic and imported craft beers, premium and hard-to-find spirits and popular and boutique wines
  • Madeline Triffon, the first lady of wine, will contribute to the store’s wine selection and monthly ‘Mad Picks’.  An in-house wine bar will also feature an ongoing series of educational tasting events
• “Tabo Sushi by Takashi,” an in-store sushi kitchen overseen by Chef Takashi Yagihashi, featuring made to order cuisine, sushi rolls and maki
• 1,200 square foot Intelligentsia coffee bar situated adjacent to Plum Market
• Swirlberry tart frozen yogurt
• Everyday items to fully complete any shopper’s list

The family owned company is also excited to bring unique specialty items to Chicago including Zingerman’s Company of Businesses (Bakehouse, Candy and Creamery) and See’s Candies delicious sweets and chocolates.

Plum Market proudly hired 160 employees from the Chicago community to work in the new 27,000 square foot store, which provides an intimate and convenient neighborhood shopping experience.  The store features a sophisticated, yet minimal design and a layout that’s easy for guests to navigate.

Plum Market will operate with daily hours from 8:00am to 10:00pm.  The store’s friendly and knowledgeable team members are committed to delivering the best possible experience through extraordinary service.  Guests will enjoy free parking on the second level and then can easily gain access to the store by escalator, elevator and cart-a-lator.

For more information, visit www.plummarket.com join us on facebook http://www.facebook.com/PlumMarketChicago and follow us @PlumMarket on twitter (#PlumMarketCHI).  Plum Market is also active on Pinterest and Instagram.

About Plum Market^®

Plum Market^® offers a full-service shopping experience to inspire guests to live well, with taste.  The privately owned company is 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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