Leaders from Heaven Hill Distillery in Nelson County celebrated the filling of the company’s 10 millionth barrel.
“Congratulations to the Shapira family and the 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 rise from the ashes of the devastating November 1996 fire that took so much. Heaven Hill has emerged stronger than ever, and I look forward to their continued success.”
Today’s celebration comes just over a year after the Governor joined Heaven Hill leaders to break ground on the company’s new $135 million Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, creating 38 full-time jobs for Kentuckians. That project marked the return of the company’s distilling operations to Bardstown for the first time since 1996 when a major fire resulted in a total loss of the company’s distillery, seven rickhouses and nearly 100,000 barrels of whiskey.
“This achievement reinforces Heaven Hill’s enduring strength and legacy,” said Heaven Hill co-president Kate Latts. “As the only family-owned and -led spirits company in the world to reach this incredible milestone, we take great pride in our accomplishment.”
Headquartered in Bardstown since 1935, Heaven Hill maintains over 2 million barrels of whiskey, aging in more than 70 rickhouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson counties. Recognizable Heaven Hill American whiskey brands include Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky and Parker’s Heritage Collection.
The new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery augments the company’s distilling capacity to meet increased global whiskey demand. It has been designed to create a more environmentally conscious distilled spirits industry and ensure a thriving environment for future generations.