Gig Harbor, Washington-based Heritage Distilling Co. announced that in response to its initial release of 2,200 bottles of its Salute Series: “Battle of Iwo Jima: 80th Anniversary Edition” in partnership with the Marine Raider Foundation (MRF), it will be releasing one final batch of 2,000 bottles commemorating the battle, which took place over five weeks between February 19, 1945 and March 26, 1945.
“The response to our initial release of 2,200 bottles of this 80th Anniversary bourbon commemorating the Battle of Iwo Jima was greater than we anticipated, selling out in a matter of a few weeks. Given the response and request for more, we’ve elected to complete one final run of bottles to service the expressed requests for our customers,” said Sara Kellerman, military veteran, co-founder and vice president of Heritage Distilling Co.’s Salute Series line of spirits.
In just the first three weeks of sales from the initial bottling run, the product generated nearly $200,000 in retail sales value and nearly $20,000 in donations for the Marine Raider Foundation to support their mission of addressing unmet needs, building resiliency and preserving the legacy of Raiders, past and present.
“This latest release under our Salute Series line of products shows we are able to create compelling products that resonate with active duty and retired military and first responder communities,” said Justin Stiefel, CEO and co-founder of Heritage Distilling. “The margins on this product line are industry leading, led by our direct-to-consumer route to market, followed by the increasing demand we are seeing from the wholesale distribution channel as word of the product grows. This approach allows us to direct a significant portion of the sales to carefully vetted non-profit charities who do great work every day to support our active duty and retired military and first responders and their families.”
The Salute Series is the first-of-its-kind spirits line branded and marketed for the people on the front lines, those who have retired from previous service and their families. The Salute Series brand stands as its own full line of premium whiskies and bourbons in the broader HDC portfolio, and is the fastest growing piece of the Company’s volume and revenue. Each label is geared towards specific operators in the military and first responder community, allowing those who have been on the ground, or worn specific badges or insignias, to claim as their own the product that speaks the most to them and tells their story. Each bottle sold raises money for non-profit charities supporting the military and first responder communities. Since the launch of the Salute Series, more than $200,000 has been raised for these worthy charities under HDC’s program.
The latest 80th Anniversary of Iwo Jima bottle hints at the iconic Pulitzer Prize-winning image of the American flag on Mount Suribachi, a symbol of American resilience and determination, while focusing on the intensity of the warriors who were on the ground executing the mission.
Exclusive features of the “Iwo Jima: 80th Anniversary Edition” include:
● Bottled at “Howitzer strength,” this 105-proof straight bourbon whiskey has been aged for 5 years, offering a bold and robust flavor profile.
● The label features exclusive art by Michael Solovey, whose work helps bring the Salute Series to life. The design reflects the black volcanic ash that covers Iwo Jima, tying the whiskey to the battle’s historical context.
● Customers who purchase two bottles will receive a frameable lithograph by Michael Solovey titled “GUNG HO,” inspired by the iconic flag-raising and designed to honor the Marine Corps’ enduring spirit.
For more information and to purchase Heritage’s award-winning spirits, visit heritagedistilling.com.