~ Company broke ground on new $135 million distillery in June 2022 ~
Gov. Andy Beshear celebrated another major milestone within Kentucky’s signature bourbon industry as he joined local officials and leaders at Heaven Hill Distillery in Nelson County to celebrate the filling of the company’s 10 millionth barrel.
“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. 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. 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, which is 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 generations to come.
Nelson County Judge/Executive Tim Hutchins congratulated the company on this historic achievement: “The filling of the 10 millionth barrel at Heaven Hill signifies the strength of Kentucky’s signature spirit and the importance of Nelson County as the epicenter of bourbon production in the commonwealth. I congratulate the hard-working employees of Heaven Hill on this historic achievement, and I look forward to partnering with our distillers to make our community stronger for the future.”
Bardstown Mayor Dick Heaton highlighted the significant achievement and continued partnership between the company and community: “We congratulate and express our appreciation to Heaven Hill Brands for this significant milestone in their bourbon production. The 10 millionth barrel demonstrates Heaven Hill’s continued commitment and long-term investment in Bardstown. The city of Bardstown is grateful to be part of the success of this company and to work side by side with them to facilitate their tremendous growth. Today’s event further qualifies our position as ‘The Bourbon Capital of the World’ of which we are so proud.”
Kim Huston, president of the Nelson County Economic Development Agency, noted the hard work and dedication required by the company to reach this milestone: “Every single barrel that is filled by Heaven Hill is a celebration and a testament of what great leadership and skilled and committed workers can accomplish over decades of time. The filling of their 10 millionth barrel is a historic milestone for Heaven Hill, and we celebrate this with them and acknowledge the significant economic impact that this company has had on our communities and county.”
For more information on Heaven Hill, visit HeavenHillDistillery.com.
A detailed community profile for Nelson County can be viewed here.
Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.
Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Contacts:
Crystal Staley
502-545-3714
Brandon Mattingly
502-782-2006
