Kentucky industry leaders unite at Heaven Hill
Last week, Heaven Hill hosted a barrel selection event in Bardstown, attended by Kentucky Senate president Robert Stivers and hospitality leaders, to highlight the state’s Bourbon heritage and tourism.
Leaders from across Kentucky gathered at Heaven Hill’s new distillery in Bardstown for a special Elijah Craig barrel selection on 16 September, hosted by the company’s executive chairman, Max Shapira.
During the event, Steve Poe, co-owner of Hotel Distil in Louisville, joined Kristin M Smith, owner of The Wrigley in Corbin, to select a single barrel for bottling under a custom label, linking the two restaurants.
Kentucky’s reputation as the birthplace of Bourbon set the stage for a larger narrative about unity, culture, and the future of tourism. The event brought together voices from both Louisville and Corbin in a celebration of Kentucky’s shared identity.
Senate president Robert Stivers, Louisville mayor Craig Greenberg, Corbin mayor Suzie Razmus and other industry leaders attended the event.
Stivers said: “For those of us who call Kentucky home, the blessings of this state are no surprise. But for those visiting, even a small glimpse of our commonwealth is an exceptional experience. The opportunities before us are great, with growth rooted in our signature industries, our diverse landscapes, and our welcoming spirit. Kentucky has no shortage of stories to tell, and we are ready to share them with the world.”
The event highlighted the unity of Kentucky’s urban and rural communities, which are linked by shared history, food, culture, hospitality, and the storytelling opportunities that Kentucky has to offer.
Stivers added: “What begins in a barrel here in Bardstown will soon be poured for visitors in one of our most urban centres and in one of our most rural communities. That’s the spirit of Kentucky’s farm-to-table story. From field to kitchen, from still to glass, our work connects people across the commonwealth and gives them a taste of who we are.”
Driven by tourism
According to a report by Kentucky Tourism, the state’s tourism sector generated US$14.3 billion in 2024, supporting more than 97,000 jobs and attracting 80 million visitors.
This marked the third consecutive year of ‘record-breaking growth’ for the sector. A significant portion of this spend – US$2.6 billion – was directed towards Kentucky’s restaurants, farms, and distilleries.
Razmus, mayor of Corbin, reflected: “This event is a wonderful opportunity to showcase two very distinct cities and the restaurants that anchor them, highlighting not what separates us but what connects us: our shared love of Bourbon, food, and community.
“Communities like Corbin are not apart from Louisville, but tied to it. Together, we reflect the best of Kentucky’s culture and history, and we share a story bigger than any one city. May today’s barrel selection capture with every sip the spirit of unity and the traditions that connect us.”
Greenberg, mayor of Louisville, added: “As Kentuckians, we often say Bourbon is in our blood. Nowhere is that more true than in Louisville, where the industry fuels jobs, tourism, and our city’s global reputation.
“But the story does not stop here. Louisville’s success is tied to the hard work, hospitality, and traditions of rural communities like Corbin and Bardstown, just as their success is connected to ours. Together we are stronger, and together we are building a Kentucky that honours its history while creating an even brighter future.”
In July, Heaven Hill opened its new office in Louisville, bringing its local teams under one roof for the first time in years.
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