WADDINGTON -- Heaven Hill Distilleries, a premier-level sponsor of Bassmaster events, has taken on the title sponsorship of the Aug. 8-11 Bassmaster Elite Series competition in Waddington.

The Waddington venue is a first for the Elite Series, the most visible circuit of pro bass fishing. The Evan Williams Bourbon Showdown at St. Lawrence River is the seventh of the eight-event 2013 series.

“We have continuously increased our stake in the sport since first becoming involved years ago,” said Susan Wahl, brand manager for Evan Williams Bourbon at Heaven Hill Distilleries., “and we feel that we are supporting an important and growing sport that reaches our consumers in a relevant way.”

Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is the second-largest-selling brand of Kentucky straight Bourbon whiskey in the world. Named for Kentucky’s first distiller of 1783, the product is recognized for its extra aging, which gives it a richer, smoother Bourbon taste. The brand is available nationally in Black, White, Green, 1783, Single Barrel varieties. All Evan Williams products are distilled and bottled in Kentucky.

The Evan Williams Bourbon Showdown at St. Lawrence River will pit 100 of the world’s best anglers against each other for a first prize of $100,000 and an instant entry in the 2014 Bassmaster Classic out of B.A.S.S.’ home city, Birmingham, Ala.

Although the Elite Series has never before competed on the St. Lawrence, and no Bassmaster event has been hosted by Waddington, the river is no stranger to professional fishing. One example is the 1980 Bassmaster Classic, which was on the St. Lawrence.