Company Only the Second Continuously Operated Distillery to Reach Historic Number
BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned distilled spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, today celebrated the filling of Bourbon barrel number 5,500,000. Heaven Hill is only the second continuously operating Bourbon producer to reach the historic benchmark.
“It is indeed a proud day for our company and our extended Heaven Hill family,” said Heaven Hill Distilleries President Max L. Shapira. “That the filling of this historic barrel is personally overseen by two generations of my family and two generations of the family of our Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam makes this occasion all the more auspicious and historic.”
No one could foresee the many changes and tremendous growth that lay ahead for both Heaven Hill and the American Whiskey industry in between the filling of their first barrel— ironically on Friday, December 13th, 1935—and their latest milestone barrel, but the company remains true to its original mission as a family-owned and operated independent Kentucky company, the last remaining in the Bourbon business today.
The 5.5 millionth barrel was “bunged off” by sixth- and seventh-generation father and son Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam in a brief ceremony at Heaven Hill’s cistern room attended by company executives and local dignitaries. Bardstown Mayor J. Richard Heaton also spoke at the brief ceremony and congratulated the company on their latest accomplishment. The barrel was then moved to Rickhouse “Y” where it will rest alongside the other Heaven Hill milestone casks in a special display for touring visitors to Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center.
Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second-largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio includes: the full line of The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Agua Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça; Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, Ky.
Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”
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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries
(502) 413-0220