Heaven Hill
Encyclopedia
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., is a private family-owned and operated distillery company headquartered in Bardstown, Kentucky
that produces and markets the Heaven Hill brand of Kentucky
Straight
Bourbon Whiskey
and a variety of other distilled spirits
. Its current distillery facility, called the Heaven Hill Bernheim distillery, is in Louisville, Kentucky
. It is the seventh-largest alcohol
supplier in the United States
, the second-largest holder of bourbon whiskey
in the world, the only remaining family-owned distillery in Kentucky
(not counting the Brown-Forman Corporation, which is publicly traded but more than two-thirds family-controlled), and the largest independent family-owned and operated producer and marketer of distilled spirits in the United States
.
in 1935 by several investors, including a prominent distiller, Joseph L. Beam, and a member of the Shapira family. As the company developed, the five brothers of the Shapira family bought out the other investors. Joe Beam remained as Master Distiller, along with his youngest son, Harry. Descendants of the Shapira brothers own and run the company to this day.
All of the Master Distillers at Heaven Hill since its founding have been members of the Beam family. The original Master Distiller was Joseph L. Beam, Jim Beam
's first cousin. He was followed by his son, Harry, who was followed by Earl Beam, the son of Jim Beam
's brother, Park. Earl Beam was succeeded by the current Master Distillers, Parker Beam and his son, Craig Beam.
The original name was "Old Heavenhill Springs" distillery. The company was founded as a bourbon
distillery, and for most of its existence has concentrated on its flagship bourbon labels, Evan Williams and Elijah Craig. However, in the past two decades the company has expanded its portfolio significantly, acquiring brands or obtaining import rights for gin
s, malt whiskey, vodka
s, and other drinks.
On November 7, 1996, Heaven Hill's production plant
was almost completely destroyed by fire
. Several of the company's warehouses were destroyed, and over 90,000 gallons of alcohol
were lost. The company survived the next several years through the provision of production capacity by its fellow local bourbon labels, Brown-Forman and Jim Beam
, until its purchase and adaptation of the new Heaven Hill Bernheim distillery in Louisville
, while fermenting, mashing, and distilling occurs at the new distillery, aging, bottling, and shipping still occur in Bardstown.
The Heaven Hill company strongly emphasizes the history and traditions of bourbon in its public relations, highlighting the company's location in the historical home of bourbon-making and its status as the only such company still under local ownership. In 2004, a Bourbon Heritage Center was opened on the old distillery grounds, featuring historical exhibits and guided tour
s of the plant
. The company also hosts the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and several of the company's brands are named after famous local distillers.
Bourbon Brands
Other Brands
Most of the company's labels are considered low to medium-priced. (Parker's Heritage Collection is an exception.)
Bardstown, Kentucky
As of the census of 2010, there were 11,700 people, 4,712 households, and 2,949 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 5,113 housing units at an average density of...
that produces and markets the Heaven Hill brand of Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
Straight
Straight whiskey
Straight whiskey is whisky created by distilling a fermented cereal grain mash to create a spirit not exceeding 80% alcohol content by volume and then aging the spirit for at least two years at an abv concentration not exceeding 62.5% at the start of the aging process.Filtering and dilution...
Bourbon Whiskey
Bourbon whiskey
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey – a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. The name of the spirit derives from its historical association with an area known as Old Bourbon, around what is now Bourbon County, Kentucky . It has been produced since the 18th century...
and a variety of other distilled spirits
Alcoholic beverage
An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits. They are legally consumed in most countries, and over 100 countries have laws regulating their production, sale, and consumption...
. Its current distillery facility, called the Heaven Hill Bernheim distillery, is in Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
. It is the seventh-largest alcohol
Alcoholic beverage
An alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits. They are legally consumed in most countries, and over 100 countries have laws regulating their production, sale, and consumption...
supplier in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, the second-largest holder of bourbon whiskey
Bourbon whiskey
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey – a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. The name of the spirit derives from its historical association with an area known as Old Bourbon, around what is now Bourbon County, Kentucky . It has been produced since the 18th century...
in the world, the only remaining family-owned distillery in Kentucky
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
(not counting the Brown-Forman Corporation, which is publicly traded but more than two-thirds family-controlled), and the largest independent family-owned and operated producer and marketer of distilled spirits in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
History
Heaven Hill was founded shortly after the repeal of ProhibitionProhibition
Prohibition of alcohol, often referred to simply as prohibition, is the practice of prohibiting the manufacture, transportation, import, export, sale, and consumption of alcohol and alcoholic beverages. The term can also apply to the periods in the histories of the countries during which the...
in 1935 by several investors, including a prominent distiller, Joseph L. Beam, and a member of the Shapira family. As the company developed, the five brothers of the Shapira family bought out the other investors. Joe Beam remained as Master Distiller, along with his youngest son, Harry. Descendants of the Shapira brothers own and run the company to this day.
All of the Master Distillers at Heaven Hill since its founding have been members of the Beam family. The original Master Distiller was Joseph L. Beam, Jim Beam
Jim Beam
Jim Beam is a brand of bourbon whiskey produced in Clermont, Kentucky. It is currently one of the best selling brands of bourbon in the world. Since 1795 , seven generations of the Beam family have been involved in whiskey production for the company that produces the brand, which was given the name...
's first cousin. He was followed by his son, Harry, who was followed by Earl Beam, the son of Jim Beam
Jim Beam
Jim Beam is a brand of bourbon whiskey produced in Clermont, Kentucky. It is currently one of the best selling brands of bourbon in the world. Since 1795 , seven generations of the Beam family have been involved in whiskey production for the company that produces the brand, which was given the name...
's brother, Park. Earl Beam was succeeded by the current Master Distillers, Parker Beam and his son, Craig Beam.
The original name was "Old Heavenhill Springs" distillery. The company was founded as a bourbon
Bourbon whiskey
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey – a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. The name of the spirit derives from its historical association with an area known as Old Bourbon, around what is now Bourbon County, Kentucky . It has been produced since the 18th century...
distillery, and for most of its existence has concentrated on its flagship bourbon labels, Evan Williams and Elijah Craig. However, in the past two decades the company has expanded its portfolio significantly, acquiring brands or obtaining import rights for gin
Gin
Gin is a spirit which derives its predominant flavour from juniper berries . Although several different styles of gin have existed since its origins, it is broadly differentiated into two basic legal categories...
s, malt whiskey, vodka
Vodka
Vodka , is a distilled beverage. It is composed primarily of water and ethanol with traces of impurities and flavorings. Vodka is made by the distillation of fermented substances such as grains, potatoes, or sometimes fruits....
s, and other drinks.
Factory
A factory or manufacturing plant is an industrial building where laborers manufacture goods or supervise machines processing one product into another. Most modern factories have large warehouses or warehouse-like facilities that contain heavy equipment used for assembly line production...
was almost completely destroyed by fire
Fire
Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products. Slower oxidative processes like rusting or digestion are not included by this definition....
. Several of the company's warehouses were destroyed, and over 90,000 gallons of alcohol
Alcohol
In chemistry, an alcohol is an organic compound in which the hydroxy functional group is bound to a carbon atom. In particular, this carbon center should be saturated, having single bonds to three other atoms....
were lost. The company survived the next several years through the provision of production capacity by its fellow local bourbon labels, Brown-Forman and Jim Beam
Jim Beam
Jim Beam is a brand of bourbon whiskey produced in Clermont, Kentucky. It is currently one of the best selling brands of bourbon in the world. Since 1795 , seven generations of the Beam family have been involved in whiskey production for the company that produces the brand, which was given the name...
, until its purchase and adaptation of the new Heaven Hill Bernheim distillery in Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
, while fermenting, mashing, and distilling occurs at the new distillery, aging, bottling, and shipping still occur in Bardstown.
The Heaven Hill company strongly emphasizes the history and traditions of bourbon in its public relations, highlighting the company's location in the historical home of bourbon-making and its status as the only such company still under local ownership. In 2004, a Bourbon Heritage Center was opened on the old distillery grounds, featuring historical exhibits and guided tour
Tour guide
A tour guide provides assistance, information and cultural, historical and contemporary heritage interpretation to people on organized tours, individual clients, educational establishments, at religious and historical sites, museums, and at venues of other significant interest...
s of the plant
Factory
A factory or manufacturing plant is an industrial building where laborers manufacture goods or supervise machines processing one product into another. Most modern factories have large warehouses or warehouse-like facilities that contain heavy equipment used for assembly line production...
. The company also hosts the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival, and several of the company's brands are named after famous local distillers.
Brands
As noted, Heaven Hill's traditional product has been bourbon; however, the company now oversees a broad range of labels. Below is a listing of the company's labels:- Cabin StillCabin StillCabin Still Bourbon is a Bourbon whiskey produced in Bardstown, Kentucky by the Heaven Hill company.It is sold in glass in 16 oz pint bottles, glass 750ml bottles, glass 1-liter bottles.-External links:***...
Bourbon - Echo Spring Bourbon
- Elijah CraigElijah CraigRev. Elijah Craig was a Baptist preacher in Virginia, who became an educator and capitalist entrepreneur in the area of Virginia that later became the state of Kentucky...
BourbonBourbon whiskeyBourbon is a type of American whiskey – a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. The name of the spirit derives from its historical association with an area known as Old Bourbon, around what is now Bourbon County, Kentucky . It has been produced since the 18th century...
12 year-old premium Bourbon - Elijah CraigElijah CraigRev. Elijah Craig was a Baptist preacher in Virginia, who became an educator and capitalist entrepreneur in the area of Virginia that later became the state of Kentucky...
BourbonBourbon whiskeyBourbon is a type of American whiskey – a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. The name of the spirit derives from its historical association with an area known as Old Bourbon, around what is now Bourbon County, Kentucky . It has been produced since the 18th century...
18 year-old single barrel super-premium bourbon that has a 66% 'Angel's Share'. - Evan Williams BlackEvan Williams (whiskey)Evan Williams is a brand of bourbon whiskey bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky at the Heaven Hill distillery. The product is aged for a minimum of four years and is sold for a relatively modest price.-Production:...
Bourbon - Evan Williams Single Barrel VintageEvan Williams (whiskey)Evan Williams is a brand of bourbon whiskey bottled in Bardstown, Kentucky at the Heaven Hill distillery. The product is aged for a minimum of four years and is sold for a relatively modest price.-Production:...
Bourbon - Fighting Cock Bourbon
- Heaven Hill Bourbon
- Henry McKennaHenry McKennaHenry McKenna Bourbon is a bourbon whiskey produced in Bardstown, Kentucky by Heaven Hill. The brand is sold as a straight bourbon.It is sold in glass in 16 oz pint bottles, glass 750ml bottles, glass 1-liter bottles and plastic 1.75L bottles.- History :...
Bourbon - J.T.S. BrownJ.T.S. BrownJ. T. S. Brown is a Kentucky bourbon whiskey produced by the Heaven Hill Distillery of Bardstown, Kentucky, USA and bottled by the distiller. It is 40% alcohol by volume , or 80 proof. There is also a 100 proof, bottled in bond version.-Reviews:...
Bourbon - J.W. Dant Bourbon
- Kentucky Supreme Bourbon
- Old Heaven HillOld Heaven HillOld Heaven Hill Bourbon is a bourbon whiskey produced in Bardstown, Kentucky by Heaven Hill. The brand is sold as a straight bourbon. Its label indicates that it is charcoal filtered....
Bourbon - Old FitzgeraldOld FitzgeraldOld Fitzgerald is a brand of sour mash bourbon currently distilled in Louisville, Kentucky by Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. Beginning in 1870, Old Fitzgerald was first produced for rail and steamship lines and private clubs primarily located in the south by John E. Fitzgerald in Frankfort,...
Bourbon - Parkers Heritage Collection
- T.W. Samuels Bourbon
Other Brands
- Ansac Cognac
- Arandas Tequila
- Aristocrat Vodka/Whiskey/Gin/Tequila (first marketed in 1991)
- Bernheim Original
- Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum
- Burnett's Gin/Vodka
- Christian Brothers Brandy/Holiday Nog/Ports & Sherries
- Copa De Oro Coffee Liqueur
- Coronet VSQ
- Du Bouchett
- DubonnetDubonnetDubonnet is a sweet, wine-based aperitif. It is a blend of fortified wine, herbs, and spices , with fermentation being stopped by the addition of alcohol....
- Georgia Moon corn whiskeyCorn whiskeyCorn whiskey is an American liquor made from a mash made of at least 80 percent corn.The whiskey is typically run off to high proof and cut to not less than 40 percent alcohol by volume. It does not have to be aged; but if so, it is aged in new uncharred oak barrels or in barrels previously used...
- Glen Salen Pure Malt Scotch Whisky
- Hpnotiq LiqueurHpnotiqHpnotiq liqueur is a blend of natural fruit juices, premium vodka and a touch of cognac. It is 34 proof and is available in over 70 countries worldwide.-History:...
- Kentucky DeluxeKentucky DeluxeKentucky Deluxe is an brand of blended whiskey . It is produced in Bardstown, Kentucky, by Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc....
Blended Whiskey - O'Mara's Irish Country Cream
- PAMAPAMAPAMA is a pomegranate liqueur produced PAMA Spirits Co. of Bardstown, Kentucky, United States, a subsidiary of Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., also based in Bardstown, Kentucky....
Pomegranate Liqueur - Pikesville Supreme Straight Rye Whiskey
- Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey
- Ron Leave Rum
- Two Fingers Tequila
- Whaler's Original Rum
Most of the company's labels are considered low to medium-priced. (Parker's Heritage Collection is an exception.)