As a part of National Bourbon Heritage Month, the third week in September marked the 28th Annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival (KBF) in rural Bardstown, Kentucky, home to the biggest names in Bourbon.  Since the festival’s origination, Heaven Hill has sponsored several notable events and is highly involved in many of its festivities, which are enduring celebrations of Heaven Hill’s true foundation and passion, Bourbon.​

This year, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and the KBF inducted Heaven Hill’s former Director of Trade Relations, Larry Kass, into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. The award, proclaimed the highest honor earned from the signature industry, recognizes individuals that have left a significant impact on Bourbon’s stature, growth and awareness.

“Larry set the course for our award-winning whiskeys to thrive in the Bourbon Renaissance and laid the foundation for brands built on stories of authenticity and legacy”, said President Max Shapira.

Kass, who is a ‘treasure trove’ of company history, retired last November after 20 years with Heaven Hill. Kass served in several capacities during his time with the company, including as a face for media, an instigator for innovation, a helping hand in the community, and a voice for the future.

Heaven Hill also participated in arguably the most popular event at the KBF, the World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay. The relay allows men and women from competing distilleries to face-off for the coveted title by going against the clock as they roll 500lb barrels around a 40-foot course and swiftly assemble them into a mini rickhouse structure. This year, Heaven Hill’s men’s and women’s teams both secured the first-place title while many employees showed up for support. Heaven Hill also won first place in the men’s and women’s individual roll offs.​

On Friday night, Heaven Hill sponsored the elegant Bourbon, Cigars & Jazz event where Bourbon aficionados reveled in a night of sipping select Heaven Hill Bourbons and smoking fine cigars. A VIP event preceded the Bourbon and jazz which included a panel discussion with President Max Shapira and Whiskey Ambassador Bernie Lubbers.  On Saturday, Heaven Hill was one of several sponsors of the Great Kentucky Bourbon Tasting & Cocktail Party where guests sampled Bourbons and engaged with Master Distillers from across the industry.

A Heaven Hill booth on the Great Lawn also served cocktails and tastings to festival-goers and a decorated window display titled ‘Heaven Hill Making Headlines’ fascinated guests strolling the area Downtown Bardstown.

As always, Kentucky Bourbon Festival would not have been possible without dedicated team members, dedicated consumers, and of course good Bourbon.