Heaven Hill Distillery Celebrates 10 Million Barrel Milestone

Posted on by Scott Dilley

“This achievement reinforces Heaven Hill’s enduring strength and legacy.  As the only family-owned and led spirits company in the world to reach this incredible milestone, we take great pride in our accomplishment.”  – Co-President Kate Latts

Today Heaven Hill Distillery, the world’s 2nd largest holder of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, celebrated the filling of its 10 millionth barrel. Company leaders and staff welcomed Governor Andy Beshear, local Bardstown officials and community members for the celebration. Heaven Hill is the only family-owned and led company in the world to achieve this historic milestone. 

This is a momentous occasion for Heaven Hill and is a testament to nearly nine decades of distilling excellence. This milestone underscores the unwavering commitment of our employees and shows how beloved our brands are in the hearts of our consumers.

Allan Latts, Heaven Hill Co-President

Executive Chairman Max Shapira’s father and his four uncles, along with a group of Bardstown-area investors, founded “Old Heaven Hill Springs” distillery in 1935, and filled its first barrel on December 13th of that year. As the company grew over the years, it added several acclaimed brands, including Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, Henry McKenna and more, which have earned numerous spirits-industry accolades and awards. 

Notably, this achievement comes just over a year from the date Heaven Hill broke ground on the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, marking the company’s return to distilling in Bardstown where it has its roots. The new, state-of-the-art distillery is being built in the heart of the “Bourbon Capital of the World” and is expected to be operational by the end of 2024. Initial production capacity is slated for 150,000 barrels per year, and over time will have the potential to ramp up to 450,000 barrels annually. This will be in addition to the company’s distilling operations at the historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, which will continue producing at its full capacity of 450,000 barrels annually.

Heaven Hill Partners with 10 Local Non-Profits

In the spirit of giving back to the communities where Heaven Hill employees live and work, the company is partnering with 10 local Bardstown and Nelson County-based non-profit organizations and is making donations to support their respective missions. These charitable organizations support a broad range of health, social services and educational needs in the community. 

“Bethany Haven is incredibly grateful for Heaven Hill’s unwavering support for this community.  Their dedication to uplifting local non-profits, including ours, has been instrumental in creating a positive impact on the lives of those we serve.  We are honored to stand alongside them in making a lasting difference in Bardstown and Nelson County.” said Treasure Davidson, Bethany Haven Executive Director.

The 10 millionth barrel will be put up to age in historic Rickhouse Y, where it will be displayed amongst Heaven Hill’s other milestone barrels.  Co-President Kate Latts proudly emphasized the significance of the event saying, “This achievement reinforces Heaven Hill’s enduring strength and legacy.  As the only family-owned and led spirits company in the world to reach this incredible milestone, we take great pride in our accomplishment.” 

The bourbon industry has been on a long upward trajectory and according to the Kentucky Distillers Association is now an $9 billion state industry, supporting more than 22,500 jobs and generating more than $1.8 million in tax revenues annually.   In addition, Kentucky distilleries produce 95% of the world’s bourbon supply. 

Governor Andy Beshear Celebrates with Heaven Hill

“Congratulations to the Shapira family and the entire Heaven Hill team on reaching the incredible milestone of filling their 10 millionth barrel of bourbon!” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Heaven Hill has long been an industry leader, and I’ve been proud to watch them literally rise from the ashes of the devastating November 1996 fire that took so much. Like our entire bourbon and spirits industry, Heaven Hill has emerged stronger than ever, and I look forward to their continued success.”

Heaven Hill Brands (Heaven Hill) is the largest independent, family-owned and led distilled spirits company in the United States. The company, founded in 1935, is the fifth largest distilled spirits company in the US by volume. Members of the founding family’s second and third generations are now leading the company. With many award- winning brands, Heaven Hill has operated successfully both in good and bad economic times, doubling in size over the last six years.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: 

Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in more than 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year and 2023 World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon from the Icons of Whisky, as well as the 2022 Large Spirits Producer of the Year from the Ascot Awards. Heaven Hill Distillery held the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

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