Heaven Hill Celebrates Filling of 10 Millionth Barrel of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
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 Gov. 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," said Heaven Hill Co-President Allan Latts. "This milestone underscores the unwavering commitment of our employees and shows how beloved our brands are in the hearts of our consumers.”
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.
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.”