Heaven Hill Opens New $200 Million Distillery in Bardstown
Heaven Hill Brands has officially opened the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, marking the return of distilling to Bardstown for the first time since 1996. The $200 million project began production in April 2025 and now operates alongside the company’s Bernheim facility in Louisville, strengthening Heaven Hill’s standing as the largest independent Bourbon producer in the world.
A Generational Investment
At the ribbon cutting, Co-President Kate Latts described the distillery as a long-term investment in Kentucky whiskey: “Heaven Hill Springs Distillery is a long-term, generational investment in our brands, our people, and our place in Kentucky. It’s designed not just for today’s whiskey, but for the future of American Whiskey.”
The ceremony was attended by the Shapira family, who have owned the company since 1935, as well as state officials, industry partners, and employees.
Designed for Scale and Sustainability
The new distillery began operations with a capacity of 150,000 barrels per year, with room to expand to 450,000 barrels. Key features include a 60-foot Vendome copper still, proprietary yeast propagation, wastewater pretreatment to generate renewable energy, and energy efficiency upgrades. A 22-gallon beer system is projected to save more than 24,000 gallons of water per day. Habitat restoration, stormwater detention, and forestry initiatives tie the facility to Heaven Hill’s 2030 Environmental Sustainability Strategy.
Honoring Tradition and Craft
Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll emphasized that the new facility honors the past while advancing innovation: “This facility is a tribute to the craftsmanship and care that came before me and a promise that we will continue to live up to those standards, while advancing the science, sustainability, and innovation that today’s whiskey world demands.”
The first barrel at the site was filled in April by Charlie Downs, Master Distiller Emeritus, who has worked at all four of Heaven Hill’s distilleries over the course of his career. The facility also features tributes to the late Parker Beam, whose 56-year tenure helped shape the company’s identity.
Limited-Edition Unity Bourbon
To commemorate the opening, Heaven Hill released Heaven Hill Master Distillers Unity, a special one-time bottling that mingles whiskey distilled across three eras. The release includes the final barrel from the original Bardstown distillery (1991), mingled with 14-, 8-, and 6-year-old barrels distilled at Bernheim. Bottled at 107 proof, approximately 4,000 bottles are available exclusively onsite for $225.
Storytelling Through Design
The facility’s architecture, led by Joseph & Joseph and Buzick Construction, incorporates historic and natural details, including reclaimed bricks and wood from the Thomas Speed House, a two-story bar, custom copper tanks, and handcrafted brass accents. Benches made from salvaged Speed House wood pay tribute to Parker Beam and the original Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery.
Heritage Rising Tour Launches
A new visitor program, the Heritage Rising Tour, will open September 8. The $55 ticketed experience begins at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience and includes transportation to the new distillery, behind-the-scenes access, and a guided tasting at the distillery’s feature bar.
Commitment to Bardstown
As part of its investment, Heaven Hill pledged $500,000 to support the Bardstown Aquatic and Sports Center, alongside ongoing initiatives in forestry education, pollinator habitats, and native landscaping. Co-President Allan Latts summed up the company’s vision: “We’re building for the next 90 years the same way we’ve led for the past 90, by staying true to our values, investing in our people, and committing to the communities that make Bourbon possible.”
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