Heaven Hill Distillery Expansion: Bardstown’s Bourbon Boom

Bourbon‘s Homecoming to Bardstown – Heaven Hill Rises like a Phoenix

Let’s take a stroll down the memory lane to Bardstown, Kentucky, where spirits soar higher than the bluegrass is green. Ninety years ago, the American whiskey world witnessed the rise of a soon-to-be titan amongst distilleries—Heaven Hill Distillery. Since then, it’s been nothing short of an epic saga, filled with fire, resilience, and liquid gold (I mean bourbon, not actual gold, although that’d be quite a sight!).

So, gather ’round, bourbon aficionados and tale-lovers alike, as we spill the beans—or should I say grains?—on the latest chapter of the Heaven Hill Distillery Expansion. Buckle up, because this whiskey ride is about to get wild!

Rising from the Ashes – The Expansion that’s Making Waves

Flash forward to recent times, and we’ve got a scoop hotter than Kentucky in July. Heaven Hill is pouring a cool $135 million into crafting a brand new state-of-the-art distillery, set to fling open its doors by 2024. This swanky setup isn’t just about keeping your liquor cabinets stocked (though that’s certainly a delightful side effect); it’s about meeting the global surge in American whiskey demand.

But let’s not forget, Bardstown isn’t just any old spot on the map. It’s the beating heart of bourbon country, the backdrop of Heaven Hill’s origin story. So when Heaven Hill says they’re bringing distilling back to Bardstown since their 1996 heartbreak involving fire, rickhouses, and a tragic loss of amber-hued treasures, think of it as the most heartwarming homecoming dance ever—minus the awkward slow dances and punch bowl shenanigans.

Max Shapira, president and high priest of the Bourbon Brotherhood, couldn’t be prouder, waxing poetic about the brand’s Bardstown roots and Heaven Hill’s new shiny toy, promising the finest of whiskeys. The plan? Infuse traditional art with a dash of state-of-the-art wizardry, making sure every drop of nectar they conjure is eco-friendly and neighborly, because nobody wants their whiskey with a side of guilt.

Bardstown Beckons – A New Era of Bourbon Begins

So, where’s this magical place of concoction, you ask? Nestled on a cozy 61-acre plot at 1015 Old Bloomfield Pike, just a stone’s throw from KY 245. Trowels will hit the soil this spring, and by the tail end of 2024, the distillery will come alive, initially churning out 10 million proof gallons per annum (that’s 150,000 barrels for those counting at home) with room to triple that number. And fear not, while Heaven Hill’s Bernheim distillery in Louisville will continue to work its magic, the aging and pampering of their precious bourbon will carry on in and around Bardstown.

Conor O’Driscoll, the Master Distiller and bourbon whisperer, assures us that this bourbon-making ballet will be a sight to see—effortless, eco-conscious, and ready to be sipped, savored, and sung about. You’re not just getting a drink; you’re imbibing a culture, a craft, and a legacy wrapped in a snug barrel.

Heaven Hill and Bardstown: A Tippling Tale of Togetherness

Let’s tip our hats to the year 1935 when the Shapira brothers, along with a gaggle of Bardstown’s finest, created the “Old Heavenhill Springs” distillery. Their maiden barrel emerged into the world, and since then, it’s been quite the ballad of boozy success—with multiple lauded brands, shiny medals, and plenty of industry nods, including the coveted titles of “Whiskey of the Year” and “Distillery of the Year.”

Millions of bourbon tourists, attracted like bees to a honeypot, have visited this mecca of distilled delights, all while Heaven Hill was busy filling more than 9.5 million barrels. That’s a lot of whiskey, folks!

Support and Spirits Soar as Kentucky Backs Bourbon Boom

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority isn’t just sitting on its laurels while Heaven Hill takes Bardstown bourbon to new heights. They’re throwing their full weight behind this expansion with lucrative incentives. True to Kentucky’s spirit, they know that when it comes to bourbon, you go big or you go home—and they’re not going home.

About Heaven Hill Distillery – The Haven of Whiskey Wonders

Founded by the fearless Shapira family among the gentle rolls of Kentucky’s hills, Heaven Hill has been keeping it in the family and fiercely independent since 1935. Their devotion to quality and innovation is as strong as the aged oak of their barrels, aging contentedly in 63 warehouses across Nelson and Jefferson Counties.

Home to a star-studded lineup of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, and Evan Williams, they’re no strangers to acclaim. With over 1.9 million barrels aging like fine wine, Heaven Hill holds titles such as the 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year and San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year. We’re not saying they’re whiskey royalty, but if crowns were made out of bourbon barrels, they’d be wearing one.

So, to all bourbon buffs and whiskey wanderers, the next time you’re in Kentucky, pay homage to the land where dreams are distilled, and history is soaked in spirit. And remember, Heaven Hill isn’t just expanding a distillery; they’re fermenting the future of bourbon, one barrel at a time.

As for us, we’ll be watching, tasting, and toasting to this Boozy Bardstown Revival. May the barrels keep rolling, the whiskeys keep flowing, and the bourbon lovers keep growing. Cheers!