Heavenhill

Milestone marks return of distilling to Bardstown for the first time since 1996

Bardstown, Ky. (April 7, 2025) – Heaven Hill marked a historic milestone today with the first barrel filled at the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown. Nearly three decades after a fire destroyed the original facility, the event celebrates the return of distilling to the Bourbon Capital of the World and ushers in a new era for Heaven Hill as the largest independent Bourbon producer in the world.

This first barrel also signals the start of production at the new $200 million facility, with full completion of the project anticipated in September. The project sets the foundation for Heaven Hill’s next chapter as the company approaches its 90th anniversary on December 13, 2025—exactly 90 years after the Shapira brothers filled their first barrel in 1935.

“Filling this first barrel is both a homecoming and a major step into the future of Heaven Hill,” said Allan Latts, co-president of Heaven Hill Brands. “The Heaven Hill Springs Distillery reflects our deep roots in Bardstown, our long-term commitment to American Whiskey, and our investment in building for the next 90 years with care, intention and pride.”

The Heaven Hill Springs Distillery will initially produce 150,000 barrels annually, with capacity scalable up to 450,000 barrels. It joins the company’s historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, which has remained a cornerstone of Heaven Hill’s distilling operations since 1999. As the largest single-site Bourbon distillery in the country, Bernheim has played a critical role in carrying forward Heaven Hill’s legacy, producing award-winning whiskeys such as Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection and Elijah Craig. Together, these two world-class distilleries position Heaven Hill for continued leadership in American Whiskey.

With this expansion, Heaven Hill cements its position as the largest independent Bourbon producer in the world, a result of their dedicated leadership in the industry and decades of intentional growth—combining new investment in Bardstown with an established footprint in Louisville to support long-term flexibility, innovation and American Whiskey stewardship.

The new facility was designed with sustainability at its core, incorporating highly efficient production systems, advanced wastewater pretreatment, stormwater management and habitat restoration. Onsite energy creation and recovery systems further reduce environmental impact. These features reflect Heaven Hill’s commitment to protecting the natural resources that make Bourbon possible. That leadership was recently recognized when Rachel Nally, Heaven Hill’s director of environment and sustainability, was named Sustainability Officer of the Year at the 2025 Global Icons of Whisky Awards.

A full-circle moment rooted in history

To commemorate the occasion, Heaven Hill invited Charlie Downs, Master Distiller Emeritus, to serve as honorary master distiller for the day leading up to the first barrel filling. Downs is the only employee in company history to have worked in operations at all four of Heaven Hill’s distilling sites: the original Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown where he began his career in the 1970s, the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distillery, and now the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery.

From overnight shifts in Bardstown to crafting one barrel a day for visitors on Whiskey Row, Downs spent more than four decades shaping Heaven Hill’s distilling legacy. His return for the first barrel filling at the new Springs Distillery serves as a powerful bridge between the company’s past and its future.

“Filling this first barrel brings full circle a journey nearly 90 years in the making,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Heaven Hill master distiller and 2025 Icons of Whisky America Master Distiller/Master Blender of the Year. “Having Charlie here to mark this moment connects our heritage to our future in the most meaningful way. It reflects the craftsmanship and commitment of the Springs team, whose work brought this facility to life and set the tone for the next chapter of Heaven Hill whiskey.”

The return to Bardstown represents more than the opening of a new facility—it is a legacy investment that honors Heaven Hill’s past, strengthens American Whiskey production today, and ensures continued leadership for decades to come.

About Heaven Hill Distillery

Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 2 million barrels aging in nearly 70 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year and 2023 World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon from the Icons of Whisky, as well as the 2022 Large Spirits Producer of the Year from the Ascot Awards. Heaven Hill Distillery held the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

Contact:
Kaitlynn West
Heaven Hill Brands
kwest@heavenhill.com
(502) 413-0230

Lauren Burdette
BCH Agency
lburdette@bch.com
(502) 435-6684

Limited releases are latest in Ocho’s Barrel Select range and provide an exploration of how prized aging casks bring nuance and variation to the agave-forward profile of Tequila Ocho

ARANDAS, JALISCO, MX (MARCH 25, 2025) – Tequila Ocho, the world’s original single estate tequila, today announces the latest releases in its range of barrel select vintages, a collaboration with legendary Kentucky Bourbon brand, Old Fitzgerald, crafted by Heaven Hill Distillery.

In a partnership that brings together a pair of the spirits industry’s most revered brands, two 2023 vintages of Tequila Ocho Añejo Barrel Select Old Fitzgerald will be released simultaneously: one made with agaves harvested from the deep, clay-like soil of low-altitude Rancho Corralillos, and another with agaves harvested from Rancho Potrero Grande, near Jesus Maria, the town of origin for the family of third-generation tequilero and fifth-generation agave farmer Carlos Camarena. Both fields are overseen by the Camarena family and feature microclimates that produce agaves with nuanced flavor variations.

Visual assets can be found here.

The Liquid And The Barrels

Tequila Ocho Añejo Barrel Select Old Fitzgerald marries the finest agave-forward tequila with the heady aromas and rich caramel notes from prized casks that once held Old Fitzgerald Bourbon’s 10-Year-Old Spring 2023 Decanter Series, among the brand’s famed wheated bourbons. 

For a wheated bourbon, the secondary ingredient in the mashbill, behind corn, is wheat rather than the more traditional rye, bringing a touch of softness to the sweetness of the corn. The flavors held in the wood of the recently emptied bourbon casks integrate into the tequila as it ages, building on and complementing the subtle sweetness that occurs naturally in Ocho’s overripe agave.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Toasted coconut, nuts, cherries, dark chocolate, whisper of wheat, maple syrup, roasted pineapple and light minerality
• Palate: Coffee, toffee, toasted oak, orange peel and lots of cacao

The drinker will discover nuances of variation between the two vintages, due to the microclimates in which those agaves grew. Surely, a coveted sipping experience for those who can get their hands on both. 

“Tequila Ocho has always been deeply rooted in tradition, heritage and legacy, while also constantly pushing the tequila category forward with innovative production techniques such as aging our tequila in a variety of casks sourced from around the world,” said Jesse Estes, Tequila Ocho’s Global Brand Ambassador. “Tequila Ocho Añejo Barrel Select Old Fitzgerald displays flavor profiles from Old Fitzgerald wheated bourbon, while still retaining agave as the primary flavor profile, thereby staying true to our core brand philosophy.”

“Aging the agave in Old Fitzgerald barrels brought a unique, subtle sweetness and rich, but mellow note of toasted oak into the agave,” said Heaven Hill Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll.  “Bringing together two storied, premium spirits brands has given us an exceptional product that we’re excited for everyone from enthusiasts to collectors to bartenders and beyond to enjoy.”  

Tequila Ocho Añejo Barrel Select Old Fitzgerald by the numbers:

• 48% ABV/96 proof
• Agave: Harvested from Rancho Corralillos and Rancho Potrero Grande
• Aging: 12 months in recently-emptied Old Fitzgerald bourbon barrels
• SRP: $110/750ml
• 3200 physical cases in US

ABOUT TEQUILA OCHO

Tequila Ocho is the world’s first single estate tequila; curating, selecting and harvesting the very ripest agaves from the world-renowned highlands, and distilling in the town of Arandas, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Tequila Ocho retains complete control of raw materials, from seedling to agave selection, fermentation & beyond, quite unlike most other tequila makers, leading to a liquid which is unparalleled.

The result of a dream shared by maestro tequilero Carlos Camarena and legendary tequila ambassador Tomas Estes, Tequila Ocho reflects the nuances of each and every agave field and is instantly recognizable by its annual vintages. Cooking, fermentation and distillation happen in the most traditional way in slow-cooking stone ovens, wooden vats, and copper pot stills, respectively. Such a painstaking approach has led Tequila Ocho Plata to be recognized by Forbes as the World’s Best Blanco Tequila.

As a tequila brand that prides itself on producing maximum agave flavor and essence, Ocho’s aged expressions, reposado, añejo and extra añejo, rest lightly in old bourbon barrels for a gentle rounding and smoothing by the wood – always complementing, yet never overshadowing, the pure, sweet, cooked agave notes. 

Every expression of Tequila Ocho is made from only three ingredients: agave, water & natural airborne yeast, respecting the traditional, artisanal methods used for generations.

For more information, visit www.Ochotequila.com, or find Tequila Ocho through social media channels, IG/FB: @tequilaOcho/@TequilaOcho.

ABOUT OLD FITZGERALD

Old Fitzgerald’s line of legendary, award-winning wheated bourbons dates back to the late 1800s. Inspired by John E. Fitzgerald, a treasury agent famous for thieving whiskey from the barrels in his care. First trademarked in 1884, the brand’s whiskey earned worldwide acclaim, through sales on rail cars, steamships and private clubs. More than a century later in 1999, Heaven Hill acquired, along with the purchase of the Bernheim Distillery, the Old Fitzgerald brand and aging stocks of wheated bourbon, ushering the brand into the 21st century. Today, Old Fitzgerald is renowned for its signature wheated bourbon mashbill and diamond decanters.

Media inquiries:

Colin Baugh

Emblem Public Relations

Colin@EmblemPR.com 

323-219-3427

The standout 8-year-old pick will be released in extremely limited quantities with less than 200 bottles available exclusively for the most discerning golf and Bourbon fans

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 18, 2025) – PGA TOUR® pro Max Homa, known for his humor and strong performance on the golf course, has teamed up with Elijah Craig to create a one-of-a-kind Bourbon expression. When he’s not perfecting his swing, Homa can be found enjoying the rich, sweet oak notes of Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel, which he has dubbed his “hands-down favorite.” So, when the opportunity arose to collaborate on a private barrel pick for his fans, he jumped at the chance.

The result is a truly exclusive Toasted Barrel pick that captures Homa’s love for craftsmanship, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence. The process begins with Elijah Craig’s renowned Small Batch Bourbon, which is then elevated by a second, custom toasted barrel. This step imbues the Bourbon with an additional layer of sweet oak complexity, creating a rich, full-bodied profile.

“Since the beginning of my partnership with Elijah Craig, fans have been asking for a barrel pick,” said six-time PGA TOUR® winner Max Homa. “All of the barrels I sampled were delicious which made the decision very difficult, but in the end my Toasted Barrel pick ultimately stood out with its rich creamy notes of butterscotch and vanilla alongside the classic oak smokiness and spice Elijah Craig is known for.”

For Max’s signature sip, the team followed the same finishing process, but with a unique twist—working with single barrels that were uncut and bottled at barrel proof. After sampling four carefully curated options alongside Elijah Craig Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll, Homa stepped into the role for the day, ultimately selecting a standout 8-year-old Bourbon. This Bourbon, initially aged on the fifth floor of Heaven Hill’s Rickhouse M and finished for six months on the fifth floor of Warehouse H1, boasts an impressive 126.6 proof.

The result is a Bourbon with a depth of flavor that begins with the unmistakable aroma of toasted oak and sweet caramel. The finish is warm and satisfying, with lingering hints of chocolate and baking spices—perfectly embodying the signature toasted finish Elijah Craig fans know and love, while amplifying every rich note.

Max Homa’s exclusive Toasted Barrel pick is exclusively available to residents of Max’s home state of California, providing an opportunity for fans to enjoy a truly exceptional expression of Bourbon crafted by one of the game’s most talented athletes. Fans of both Elijah Craig and Max Homa can sign up to be the first to know when the release will be available for sale by visiting the Elijah Craig website. By providing contact information on the sign-up page, fans will receive an exclusive email with the limited opportunity to purchase the product. Note that joining the list is not a guarantee of purchase and product will be sold on a first come, first served basis.
Please note that joining the list is not a guarantee of purchase.

ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the family of whiskeys includes Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon and Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Rye, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. First brought to market in 1986, Heaven Hill Distillery’s Master Distillers were selecting a small number of barrels of the finest Bourbon to make Elijah Craig Small Batch long before the term “small batch” even existed. It is this attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that give Elijah Craig an ideal balance of age, robust body, and rich flavor. Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon, Best Single Barrel Bourbon (aged 11+ years) and Best Straight Bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kaitlynn West
Heaven Hill Brands
kwest@heavenhill.com
(502) 413-0230

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Award-winning Bourbon strengthens golf alignment with the addition of two fan favorite PGA TOUR® pros and caddies to its roster

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 11, 2025) – Elijah Craig Bourbon today announced a new partnership with PGA TOUR® professional golfers Robert MacIntyre and J.T. Poston in multi-year sponsorship deals. Both MacIntyre and Poston, known for their consistent performances on the course, will now be supported by Elijah Craig as the “Official Bourbon of Robert MacIntyre” and “Official Bourbon of J.T. Poston.”

Robert “Bob” MacIntyre, currently ranked 16th in the Official World Golf Rankings, has two PGA TOUR® victories and three international wins, including his most recent triumphs at the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open and the 2024 RBC Canadian Open. A Scotland native from humble roots, Bob turned pro in 2017 and has consistently risen the ranks to become one of the brightest talents in the game including a 2023 appearance representing Team Europe in the Ryder Cup. As a sponsor, Elijah Craig will have prominent logo placement on the front of MacIntyre’s golf bag and will also sponsor his caddie, Mike Burrow. MacIntyre’s international presence will allow Elijah Craig to bring the partnership and a love of Bourbon to golf fans worldwide through integrated marketing campaigns, social media collaborations, and public appearances.

J.T. Poston, a three-time PGA TOUR® winner, most recently captured his third PGA TOUR title at the 2024 Shriners Children’s Open. Known for his easy-going nature and love of family and the outdoors, Poston’s achievements embody the same values of care and dedication that are at the heart of Elijah Craig Bourbon. As part of the sponsorship, Elijah Craig will have prominent logo placement on J.T.’s right chest and work closely with Poston through integrated campaigns, social media partnerships, and public engagements, where he can share his love for Bourbon with fans across the country. Elijah Craig will also sponsor J.T.’s caddie, Aaron Flener, a Kentucky native, and will have logo placement on his left sleeve.

“Bob MacIntyre and J.T. Poston embody the same level of ambition that goes into crafting our award-winning bourbon,” said Max Stefka, AVP, Global Whiskey Brands. “We are proud to support them on their pursuit of greatness and look forward to celebrating many victories alongside these two world class athletes and golf fans everywhere.”

“I’m proud to join the Elijah Craig family,” said Robert MacIntyre. “The game of golf teaches you that consistency and quality are key, and that’s exactly what you find with Elijah Craig. I’m looking forward to sharing some great moments with this incredible bourbon whiskey both on and off the course.”

“As a Bourbon lover myself, it’s a privilege to team up with Elijah Craig,” said J.T. Poston. “In golf, like in making Bourbon, it’s all about chasing perfection of our craft. Elijah Craig is the kind of brand that stands for excellence, and I’m excited for the experiences we’ll create together over the next few years.”

As the Official Bourbon and Worldwide Supplier of the 2025 Ryder Cup, this spring, Elijah Craig will launch its “Road to the Ryder Cup” campaign leading to one of golf’s greatest events when the Ryder Cup returns to U.S. soil at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York this September. In addition to a speakeasy bar activation open to all fans on site at the Ryder Cup, Elijah Craig will extend the fan experience beyond the golf course. This 360-degree initiative will include premium media placements in golf publications, digital and social media engagement, consumer contests, Elijah Craig limited time offerings, in-store displays, among other multi-media marketing efforts.

ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the family of whiskeys includes Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon and Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Rye, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. First brought to market in 1986, Heaven Hill Distillery’s Master Distillers were selecting a small number of barrels of the finest Bourbon to make Elijah Craig Small Batch long before the term “small batch” even existed. It is this attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that give Elijah Craig an ideal balance of age, robust body, and rich flavor. Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon, Best Single Barrel Bourbon (aged 11+ years) and Best Straight Bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kaitlynn West
Heaven Hill Brands
kwest@heavenhill.com
(502) 413-0230

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Austin neighbors join to delight fans at perpetually sold-out Q2 Stadium with all-time favorite Deep Eddy Vodka, rotating frozen cocktail series and more

Austin FC, the MLS franchise that has taken its city by storm, today named hometown neighbor Deep Eddy Vodka the team’s Official Vodka. The multiyear partnership makes the iconic vodka brand the exclusive vodka served throughout Q2 Stadium, the team’s home field, starting in 2025.  

Deep Eddy’s lineup at Austin FC home games will feature the brand’s all-star varieties – Original, Ruby Red, Lemon and Lime – along with a full menu of specialty cocktails and a rotating series of frozen cocktails.  Imagine a cool-me-down Limeade or Strawberry Lemonade, or a frosty frozen cocktail on a mid-Summer Austin game day, and you get the feeling that Deep Eddy Vodka will bring to passionate adult Austin FC fans all season long.

“Austin FC and Deep Eddy Vodka share a passion for soccer and for the city we both call home,” said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. “We look forward to offering our fans some familiar favorite Deep Eddy adult beverages on matchdays at Q2 Stadium.”

Austin-born Deep Eddy Vodka handcrafts its award-winning vodkas with a commitment to all things real, from using only real fruit and ingredients to distilling its vodka no fewer than ten times. That commitment to quality has resulted in nine varieties, including Pineapple Vodka, its newest flavor, crafted with real pineapple juice.

“A partnership between Austin FC and Deep Eddy is such a natural fit. Our brand is all about bringing people together, helping them make the most of that time and amp up fun wherever it’s being had. Taking Austin FC game day excitement to new heights is something we’re fully equipped to deliver on, especially as passionate, hometown fans ourselves,” said Julie Cole, Brand Director for Deep Eddy Vodka.

Deep Eddy’s presence will be prevalent throughout Q2 Stadium, pouring at nine locations and visible on digital signage throughout the venue. The brand will also bring the partnership to life by intentionally engaging with fans through exciting activations in the community. More details will be shared as the season progresses.

About Austin FC

Austin FC joined Major League Soccer (MLS) as the League’s 27^th club in January 2019. Austin FC officially began competing in MLS in April 2021 and is playing its fifth season in 2025.  Austin FC plays its home matches at Q2 Stadium, a 100% privately financed, state-of-the-art stadium which earned certification as a zero-waste venue in 2024. Austin FC sold out all 70 MLS home matches it played at Q2 Stadium during its first four seasons in the league, including two home MLS Cup Playoff matches in 2022 as the team reached the Western Conference Final.

Austin FC also operates Austin FC II, a professional-level development team competing in MLS NEXT Pro which won the league title during its inaugural season in 2023. In addition, Austin FC operates Austin FC Academy which is the fully funded developmental academy representing the highest level of competition for elite youth soccer players in Central Texas, while serving as the exclusive developmental pathway to MLS for the region’s most talented young players. Combined, Austin FC II and Austin FC Academy teams complete the pro player pathway between elite youth soccer (MLS NEXT) all the way to MLS, and allow for players to develop, improve, and move up to Austin FC or Austin FC II.

About Deep Eddy Vodka

Born in Austin, Texas in 2010, Deep Eddy Vodka was named after a beloved local swimming hole, a place known and loved among locals for real, laid-back good fun. The brand embodies a commitment to REAL in everything they do – from only using real fruit and ingredients (no high fructose corn syrup here!) to handcrafting vodka in small batches right in its birthplace, Austin. The result is a refreshing family of real vodkas made with real ingredients for real fun. All meant to be enjoyed however, wherever and with whatever you like. An Established Growth Brand according to Beverage Information Group, Deep Eddy Vodka is recognized for its unique production process and incorporation of real, natural ingredients in its portfolio of flavors. More information on the brand can be found at @DeepEddyVodka on Facebook and Instagram, or at www.deepeddyvodka.com.