Heaven Hill

Heaven Hill is one of the largest and most respected American whiskey producers, a family-owned distillery based in Bardstown, Kentucky, with a history dating back to 1935. Founded shortly after the repeal of Prohibition by the Shapira family, Heaven Hill has grown to become the largest independent, family-owned spirits producer in the United States, known for an extensive portfolio of bourbons, rye whiskeys, and other American whiskey styles.

From its inception, Heaven Hill has been committed to traditional whiskey-making methods. The original distillery was built on the outskirts of Bardstown — now considered the bourbon capital of the world — and began producing straight bourbon whiskey using Kentucky limestone-filtered water, locally grown corn, and charred new American oak barrels. While the original site was tragically lost in a fire in 1996, production continued uninterrupted thanks to long-term partnerships with other Kentucky distilleries, and a new Bernheim Distillery in Louisville now serves as the production hub.

Heaven Hill’s whiskey-making process follows the classic American model: a mash bill composed primarily of corn (at least 51% for bourbon), supplemented by rye or wheat and malted barley; open or closed fermentation; and distillation in copper column stills with a doubler to refine the spirit. Ageing takes place in large rickhouses across Kentucky, where the fluctuating climate helps mature the whiskey more rapidly than in cooler regions.

Flavour profiles across the range vary depending on mash bill and maturation, but Heaven Hill bourbons often share notes of caramel, vanilla, toasted oak, baking spice, and sweet corn, while their ryes lean towards peppery spice, herbal undertones, and citrus brightness. The use of different mash bills, including high-rye and wheated recipes, allows Heaven Hill to cater to a wide range of palates.

Heaven Hill remains proudly family-owned, now run by the second and third generations of the Shapira family. The company’s scale allows it to offer both everyday value bottles and rare, highly sought-after releases that attract collectors worldwide. Its reputation is built not only on quality and tradition but also on consistency, thanks to the expertise of Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll and his team.

Our Heaven Hill selection includes a variety of expressions, from the approachable Evan Williams and Larceny to the premium Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and rare Parker’s Heritage bottlings. Whether you’re new to bourbon or a seasoned American whiskey enthusiast, Heaven Hill offers a breadth of styles that reflect the heart of Kentucky whiskey-making, tradition, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the spirit’s heritage.