We recently welcomed members of the Publix alcoholic beverage team and Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits to Kentucky for a private barrel selection experience centered around great Whiskey, shared history and an important partnership.

Publix has been a longstanding retail partner of ours, with more than 400 liquor stores east of the Mississippi and a growing presence in Kentucky. Their visit gave us the chance to spend time together and continue building on that relationship.

During the visit, the Publix team joined members of our team and Southern Glazer’s to select private barrels of Heaven Hill 7 Year Bottled-in-Bond and Larceny Barrel Proof. The group originally planned to select one barrel of each expression, but after tasting through the selections, they asked to purchase two of each. Senior Specialist, Private Barrel Selection Sylvia Hans guided the group through the process, presenting barrels from different warehouse locations and a variety of flavor profiles to consider.

The group was also joined by Heaven Hill Whiskey Ambassador Bernie Lubbers, who provided additional insight into Bottled-in-Bond Whiskey and our history within the category. Executive Chairman Max Shapira spent time with the group during the barrel selection and later joined them for lunch at Five Brothers, giving the Publix team the chance to hear firsthand about our Whiskey, our history and the family behind it.

“We provided this key group with an inside look at Heaven Hill and our portfolio, but more importantly, an opportunity to build on the strong relationship we’ve established over many years,” says Max.

For several members of the Publix team, it was their first time visiting our facilities. The experience gave them a closer look at where our products come from and the people and craftsmanship behind the brands they bring to their customers.

Following the visit, Publix Category Manager Erik Shapiro said each experience with us gives their team “an even greater appreciation for the people, passion, and craftsmanship that make Heaven Hill such a special organization.”

Bringing Publix, Southern Glazer’s and our team together also created time for conversations beyond the day-to-day business, from what is happening across the industry to opportunities ahead.

The four barrels selected during the visit will eventually make their way to Publix customers, but the experience was about more than what ends up on the shelf. It was another opportunity to deepen an important partnership and give the Publix team a firsthand look at what makes Heaven Hill special.