Heaven Hill introduces bottled-In-bond brandy

Heaven Hill Brands has introduced Christian Brothers Sacred Bond brandy, the first grape bottled-in-bond brandy. Aged in Heaven Hill white oak bourbon barrels, the California brandy is small batch distilled in copper pot stills just as the Christian Brothers first crafted it over 75 years ago.

At four years old and 100 proof, Sacred Bond is an opportunity to create masterful old school cocktails at a reasonable price. Sacred Bond was the highest scoring American Brandy at 2016 Ultimate Spirits Challenge as a Chairman’s Trophy winner in the Brandy category, earning a 93 score and the “Great Value” accolade. The brandy was also awarded a gold medal by the 2016 World Spirits Competition.

Only the finest grape varietals are still used in production today to honour the quality the Brothers originally established as one of the first major vintners to settle in the prime vineyard land of Napa Valley. The time-honoured copper pot-still production method traditionally used for cognac contributes a full-bodied mouthfeel, perfect for adding depth and weight to cocktails.

“As is tradition, Heaven Hill is keeping this storied brand alive by introducing an expression that honours the original sacred bond once formed by the Christian Brothers with the California soil,” says brand manager MaryCrae Guild. “Sacred Bond is a high proof brandy perfect for creating classic cocktails like the French 75. Crafted in the name of the Christian Brothers, the final product is a noble spirit whose superb quality and sacred heritage are revealed in every sip.”

The bottle label pictures the original monastery in California where cellar master Brother Timothy crafted the first Christian Brothers brandy. In 1882, the Brothers planted their first vineyards, making altar wine for sacramental use. The Brothers expanded production as word spread of the wine’s excellent quality, eventually selling table wine to profit the Order’s schools.

Christian Brothers Sacred Bond Brandy is available in limited markets for a suggested retail price of US$25.99 for the 750ml and is bottled at 50% ABV (100 proof).

Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation's largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world's second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill's diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Larceny, Elijah Craig and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Deep Eddy Vodka; Burnett's Vodkas and Gin; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila; Cinerator Hot Cinnamon Flavored Whiskey and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.

28 June 2016 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor