Heaven Hill Springs Distillery opens doors
Family-owned Heaven Hill Brands has officially opened its new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky.
The grand opening ceremony for the ‘state-of-the-art’ facility was held yesterday (4 September), marking Heaven Hill’s official return to Bardstown since 1996.
The original Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown was destroyed by fire on 7 November 1996, forcing the family to relocate its distilling operations to the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville in 1999.
The new US$200 million distillery commenced production in April 2025, thereby expanding Heaven Hill’s Bourbon production footprint alongside its existing Bernheim facility.
The first barrel at the new distillery was filled by Charlie Downs, the master distiller emeritus. Downs is the only Heaven Hill employee to have worked at all four of the company’s distilleries: the original Old Heaven Hill Springs, Bernheim, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, and now the new Springs facility.
The opening ceremony of the new distillery brought together elected officials, industry partners, media, employees, and the Shapira family, who have led the company since the first barrel was filled on Friday, 13 December 1935.
Kate Latts, co-president of Heaven Hill Brands, said: “As an independent, family-owned company, we’ve always had the freedom to take the long view. Heaven Hill Springs Distillery is a long-term, generational investment in our brands, our people, and our place in Kentucky. It’s designed not just for today’s whiskey, but for the future of American whiskey.”
To celebrate the grand opening, the company introduced Heaven Hill Master Distillers Unity, a limited-edition Bourbon that combines three distinct distilling eras.
The release features the last remaining barrel distilled at the original distillery in 1991 by master distiller Parker Beam, blended with barrels aged 14, 8, and 6 years produced at Bernheim. Together, the barrels are said to represent a 34-year timeline of craftsmanship and continuity.
The one-time release is limited to around 4,000 bottles at 53.5% ABV (107 proof) and is sold exclusively onsite for US$225.
Built to last
The facility commenced operations with an initial capacity of 150,000 barrels per year, with the potential for future scalability to 450,000 barrels.
Heaven Hill Springs features a 60-foot Vendome copper still, which is capable of producing more than 33,000 gallons of spirit per day, as well as an in-house live yeast propagation.
Representing a flagship of Heaven Hill’s 2030 Environmental Sustainability Strategy, the distillery features onsite wastewater pretreatment for renewable energy generation, a 22-gallon beer system, and integrated energy efficiency systems, which reduce the distillery’s water consumption by more than 24,000 gallons per day.
The site features onsite white oak woodlands and restored native prairie habitats, along with stormwater detention basins to minimise runoff.
Conor O’Driscoll, master distiller of Heaven Hill, commented: “You don’t lead a distillery like this without understanding the shoulders you stand on. This facility is a tribute to the craftsmanship and care that came before me and a promise that we will continue to live up to those standards, while advancing the science, sustainability, and innovation that today’s whiskey world demands.”
The architectural and interior design of the distillery was led by Joseph & Joseph and brought to life by Buzick Construction, with contributions from numerous local trades and subcontractors. Rustic Nail designed the public areas and visitor centre of the distillery.
Heaven Hill is also launching a new Heritage Rising Tour priced at US$55 per person, starting on 8 September.
The small-group experience will begin at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience and includes transportation to the new distillery. Participants will enjoy behind-the-scenes access and a guided tasting at the facility’s signature bar.
In July of this year, the company opened its new office in Louisville, bringing its team together under one roof for the first time in years.
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