Available only in New York, the expression is an homage to the Big Apple’s creative spirit, calls to mind flavors familiar to New Yorkers

RED HOOK, BROOKLYN, NY (JUNE 9, 2025) – Widow Jane, the Red Hook, Brooklyn born-and-bred distillery, announces today the release of Borough Blend Bourbon, an exclusive marriage of Widow Jane’s signature 10 year old bourbons selected by bartenders from across New York’s iconic boroughs that will be available only in New York.

A group of seven of New York’s best bartenders gathered at Widow Jane Distillery to taste through a range of blends and select the one that best represented New York City with its distinct flavors, aromas, and intensity. The final Borough Blend is highlighted by bright floral notes that push fruit flavors into new territories. Salinity amplifies the nuttiness, warm spice, and dark coffee.

Widow Jane Head Distiller Sienna Jevremov, who led the session, said, “For the 23 years I’ve been living in New York, I’ve never tired of the city. It is addictively full of potential; full of art to experience, new tastes and smells to perceive, and stories to live and learn. I feel much the same about the realm of whiskey. It’s only right to bring together these two complex, complicated and beautiful worlds with the help of some incredibly talented bartenders. After all, these are the people who make both communities the true wonders they are.”

The Whiskey

Widow Jane Borough Blend Bourbon marries straight bourbons from five barrels, a nod to New York City’s five boroughs. Each is aged for a minimum of 10 years in new American oak barrels and feature the intensity of flavor that has become a calling card for the distillery’s whiskeys through the years. In keeping with Widow Jane tradition, the liquid is non-chill filtered and proofed with Widow Jane’s own mineral water, which is transported regularly from the legendary Rosendale mines of New York located just 100 miles north of the distillery and yields a round mouthfeel and long finish.

• Aroma: Cinnamon raisin bagel, Caramel popcorn at a baseball game, Smoke from a warm pretzel cart in Soho, Cherry blossoms in spring at the Botanical Gardens, Sweet salty scent of mandarins on Mott St. during Chinese New Year
• Taste: Caramel apple dipped in peanuts, Maraschino cherries, Vanilla cherry dip in Coney Island, Coffee from that one great bodega
• Finish: Peppermint stick in front of the Rockefeller tree, Black & White cookie, Plum sauce from your go-to takeout spot, Chocolate egg cream at Eddie’s sweet shop

“So much of Widow Jane is quintessentially New York,” commented Brenton Land, owner of Madeline’s in Brooklyn. “Take the block the distillery is on – love em or hate em, cobblestone streets are such a tried and true New York thing that reflects history. Every time you encounter cobblestone, you are forced to think about why they’re there. That leads me to think about the rich history of the city. Nowadays, every time I hit cobblestone I think of Widow Jane. Happy to have this distillery as a part of my city and excited to be part of this project.”

Added Amy O’Neil, Bartender at Pier 17 in Queens, “The Statue of Liberty reminds me of Widow Jane; you can practically peek around the corner from the distillery and see her. She stands tall and is an iconic symbol of what can be achieved if you bring people together from different walks of life with the hope of making something beautiful. Widow Jane does this with their ability to recognize the small differences in each blend that complement each other.”

Widow Jane Borough Blend By The Numbers:

• Aged a minimum of 10 years in new American oak
• MSRP: $74.99/750ml
• 45.5% ABV; 91 proof
• Allocation: 2400 bottles/400 physical cases (6 packs)
• Availability: This is a New York-only release 

The Packaging:

Borough Blend’s label, designed in-house by Michele Clark, calls back to New York’s towering skyline when viewed at night. We see the Brooklyn Bridge and Empire State Building, each of which was built with cement from the legendary Rosendale Mines of NY, the very same place from which Widow Jane sources all of the mineral water used to proof its whiskeys.

To pay tribute to New York City’s legendary subway system, the bottle’s cork top features an inset metal token designed in the style of the historic subway token. Etched with ‘Widow Jane Distillery’, this token is reminiscent of the ‘bullseye’ subway token that was used from 1986 to 1995. 

Cocktails crafted with Widow Jane Borough Blend will be available at Botanica at Widow Jane throughout the summer.

State of Mind

By Ally Marone & Patty Dennison

Ingredients:

• 1 ¼ oz Widow Jane Borough Blend
• ¾ oz LoFi Sweet Vermouth
• ¼ oz Equal Parts Giffard Peach / Lazzaroni Amaretto 
• ¼ oz Matchbook Cinnamon Distillate 
• 1 dash Angostura Bitters
• 1 dash Absinthe
• 1 dash Saline 

Preparation instructions:

1.  Stir all ingredients over fresh ice
2. Strain into Nick & Nora glass

New York Sour

By Jacob Melinger

 Ingredients:

• 1½ oz Widow Jane Borough Blend
• ¾ oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¾ oz Maple syrup
• ½ oz Apple brandy
• ½ oz Port wine

Preparation instructions:

1. Add all ingredients except the port wine to a cocktail tin and top with ice
2. Shake until chilled
3. Strain over ice in a rocks glass
4. Add a float of port wine

About Widow Jane Distillery

Widow Jane is an award-winning artisanal distillery located in the New York City neighborhood of Red Hook, Brooklyn. Our whiskeys have drawn acclaim from some of the most prestigious names in the industry, including Whiskies of the World, the San Francisco Spirits Competition, World Whiskey Awards, and the Icons of Whiskey Awards.

The company is named in homage to one of the legendary mines of Rosendale in Upstate New York, from which the brand sources its proofing water. Before becoming a natural reserve of extraordinary mineral water, the mines produced the natural cement used to construct some of the most iconic American landmarks, such as the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building, among others. The pure, limestone-filtered water from the mine, plus one of the country’s largest holdings of long-aged Bourbons, and a refusal to compromise the product with chill-filtration, are just three elements that make Widow Jane a stand-out whiskey company. 

The facility in Red Hook includes mashing, fermentation, distillation, barreling, aging, blending, warehousing and bottling. Widow Jane Distillery is also open for tours and tastings. For more information, visit www.widowjane.com  or find Widow Jane on Instagram @widowjane.

Media inquiries:

Colin Baugh

Emblem Public Relations

Colin@EmblemPR.com 

323-219-3427

Kaitlynn West

Heaven Hill Brands

kwest@heavenhill.com

502-413-0230

Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-In-Bond is now the signature Whiskey from one of America’s most legendary Bourbon brands honoring its heritage, while ushering in a new era of modern hospitality

BARDSTOWN, Ky., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Heaven Hill Distillery today announced the release of the Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, which will be the legendary brand’s new signature expression. It comes 155 years after the trademark honoring John E. Fitzgerald, the namesake of Old Fitzgerald, was first introduced, as new generations of discerning Whiskey fans are embracing this eponymous, enduring brand.

Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond carries forward the brand’s reputation for best-in-class Bourbon made famous during the mid-1900’s and most recently with the beloved Old Fitzgerald Bottled-In-Bond Decanter Series that launched in 2018. After seven years spent aging in Level 3 charred new American oak barrels, this remarkably balanced Bourbon is an indulgence to the palate whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a favorite cocktail. Retailing at an approximate $59.99 per 700ml bottle, this expression of Old Fitzgerald is made easier to explore for new and old lovers of the brand.

Fans will recognize a familiar whisper of wheat in every sip of Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond, a 100-proof wheated Bourbon made from a mashbill of 68% corn, 20% wheat, and 12% malted barley. The liquid is bright copper in the bottle, offering an aroma of graham crackers and honey on the nose, with notes of fresh bread, brown sugar and baking spices on the palate. The richness lasts as brown sugar and cinnamon sweetness fades to oak on the finish.

“Seven years proved to be a sweet spot for a Whiskey that already transcends expectations for a wheated Bourbon,” said Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll. “This refined Bourbon carries the same layered elegance its longer-aged sibling made famous, and the same commitment to excellence found in every bottle from Heaven Hill Distillery. It was pulled from the barrels at just the right time to appeal to a wide array of palates, making it the ideal Bourbon for a new generation of Old Fitzgerald fans.”

A brand that honors legend and legacy, reawakened for a modern era 

Every aspect of the Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-In-Bond bottle, from liquid to packaging, was purposefully designed to both honor the brand’s longstanding appeal and delight today’s Bourbon drinkers.

Unmissable is the brand’s newly refreshed logo with “Your Key to Hospitality” featured prominently on the label and blown into the bottom of the bottle – a phrase that adorned many of the brand’s vintage ads and a sentiment that has been a part of its DNA since its inception in the late 1800s.

The Old Fitzgerald word mark in red appears in a diagonal fashion as it did in the original 1884 trademark. Elegant fluting on the bottle shoulder and diamond-faceted closure pay homage to the brand’s legendary 1950’s diamond Decanter Series.

Each bottle also proudly displays “Bottled-in-Bond” on the lower label and notes the distillation season and year on the neck wrap, marking quality and transparency. Heaven Hill owns more Bottled-in-Bond brands than any other distiller – a commitment to quality and craftsmanship that is second to none. Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond carries that reputation for excellence forward.

“This is a brand that’s near and dear to my heart. I remember some of the early ads the brand is now harkening back to – and what makes me most proud is that throughout decades of changes, Old Fitzgerald has stood the test of time and maintained its unwavering commitment to quality,” said Heaven Hill Executive Chairman Max Shapira. “It mirrors my family’s story in many ways, having emigrated to the U.S. around the same time the Old Fitzgerald brand was just starting out. It was even sold on steamships traveling to Europe and clubhouses, survived Prohibition, and eventually made its way into the Heaven Hill family. Today, we’re sharing Old Fitzgerald’s story, legacy and quality with a new generation of Whiskey lovers who will experience the key to hospitality.”

Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond’s rollout will be celebrated with a series of partnerships and experiences inviting fans to indulge in the ultimate expressions of hospitality. Details will follow shortly. Bottles will be available at retailers, restaurants, bars and other hospitality venues nationwide beginning early summer 2025. 

For more information, visit www.OldFitzgeraldBourbon.com. Additional photo assets can be found here.

ABOUT OLD FITZGERALD BOURBON
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 21^st century. Today, Old Fitzgerald is renowned for its signature wheated mashbill and diamond decanters. Its core Whiskeys include the coveted and highly-allocated twice-annual decanter series releases and its newest year-round offering, 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond, which has already been awarded a Gold medal at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

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 more than 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.

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

Evan Williams American Hero special edition bottles honor six veterans for their acts of service

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (May 29, 2025) – Evan Williams Bourbon today announced the 2025 class of veterans selected as American-Made Heroes. These individuals are recognized for their commitment to making a difference and exhibiting leadership in their communities and across the country. First launched in 2015, the American-Made Heroes program has honored more than 60 veteran heroes through the American Hero Edition bottles and donated $675,000 to nonprofits supporting veteran communities nationwide. This year, Evan Williams will honor six veterans and the nonprofit organizations they represent on limited-edition bottles of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch.

Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch, named for the year Evan Williams founded Kentucky’s first distillery, is an award-winning, extra-aged small batch Bourbon. This year’s batch of American Hero Edition was thoughtfully selected straight from the barrels by the 2025 Evan Williams American-Made Heroes. Each limited-edition bottle features a hang tag highlighting the six inspiring veterans. The Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch American Hero Edition is bottled at 90 proof. The suggested retail price is $23.99 for the 750-milliliter and $37.99 for the 1.75-liter.

Additionally, every star-spangled bottle of Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon highlights one of the six nonprofit organizations represented by the 2025 class of American-Made Heroes. The suggested retail price of the 1.75-liter bottle is $24.99.

Evan Williams embodies the American spirit as an American-owned and American-made brand, and values the leadership and sacrifice of all veterans who protect that spirit. Each of the six selected veterans is affiliated with organizations that were recipients of the 2024 Veteran Community Action Grants awarded by the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. First established in 2020, the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund builds on the brand’s support of veteran communities through the Evan Williams American-Made Heroes program.

“Each year, we are humbled by the incredible veterans who continue to lead and inspire their communities,” said Carrie Shain, senior brand manager at Evan Williams Bourbon. “This year’s American-Made Hero Editions bring their stories into the hands of Bourbon lovers nationwide, serving as a reminder of the bravery and resilience that define the American spirit.”

The 2025 Evan Williams American-Made Heroes are:

Ralph Galati – Wallingford, PA – Captain, ASTRA Officer, U.S. Air Force

After being held as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, Ralph came home and continued to serve his country, working at the Pentagon. Later, he became a board member for the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association, which stands to honor and celebrate local veterans.

Chuck Ziegenfuss – Decatur, TX – Major, U.S. Army

Fifteen years after joining the military, Chuck sustained life-threatening injuries in Iraq. His service dog, Major, helped him heal. This led him to found Hero Labradors, which provides purpose-bred puppies to service dog training programs at no cost to veterans.

Son Nguyen – Corona, CA – Petty Officer Second Class, U.S. Navy

Son fulfilled his dream of serving his country when he enlisted as a Navy Radioman. When injuries cut his military career short, he found a new way to serve. He started VETCares Inc., which helps veterans adjust to civilian life via therapy, financial aid, and education.

April Brown – Lexington, KY – Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army

After serving her country for nearly 30 years, advocating for her fellow veterans’ rights, April turned to serving her community. She volunteers for several veteran-focused nonprofits, including The Kentucky National Guard Memorial, a space to honor the sacrifices of local veterans.

Alvin King – Blythewood, SC – First Sergeant, U.S. Army

After numerous deployments over his 20 years of service, Alvin’s readjustment to civilian life was challenging. Wanting to help veterans in similar situations, he founded the Range Fore Hope Foundation, which promotes golf as a resource for improving their health and well-being.

Erica Walker – Alex, OK – Sergeant/E5, U.S. Army

Erica began her career as one of the first women in a combat-related military occupational specialty, and ended it as a HR specialist caring for 289 soldiers. She became the Executive Director of The Warriors for Freedom Foundation, providing mental health support programs to veterans.

To learn more about each of the 2025 American-Made Heroes and the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, visit american-madeheroes.com.

###

ABOUT EVAN WILLIAMS: The flagship Bourbon of Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams is among the leaders in the American Whiskey segment as the world’s second largest-selling Bourbon. In 1783, the brand’s namesake opened Kentucky’s First Distillery on the banks of the Ohio River. Many years and barrels later, Evan Williams Bourbon is still produced the right way, using the same time-honored methods. As an

American-made and American-owned brand, Evan Williams has recognized true American heroes through their exceptional stories of honor and bravery on special edition American-Made Hero labels for the past ten years, now supported by the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund. In 2024, the brand debuted ‘Evan Williams Bourbon Nation’ to celebrate college athletics through a partnership with Learfield making Kentucky’s 1st Distiller Game Day’s #1 Pour. The multi-year deal currently includes powerhouse teams at University of Florida, Syracuse University, TCU, Ohio State University and University of Alabama. The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (www.EvanWilliamsBourbonExperience.com) celebrates the legacy of Evan Williams through an immersive visitor’s center experience which brings to life the history and tradition of Kentucky’s native spirit as an official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Learn more at www.EvanWilliams.com.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN-MADE HEROES FOUNDATION FUND:

Evan Williams is honored to broaden its support of veteran communities across the country through the launch of the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, announced in April 2020. The American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund was established to show Evan Williams’ pride in being American-made and owned, and to give back to those who served. The foundation’s purpose is to provide a platform for sharing inspiring veteran stories; to raise public awareness for causes impacting the veteran community; and to support nonprofit organizations that help veterans through a specialized grant program.

Contact:

Lauren Burdette George

BCH Agency

lburdette@bch.com

Kaitlynn West

Evan Williams Bourbon

kwest@heavenhill.com

Photo and video assets can be downloaded here

Through the Family Farms First Initiative, Heaven Hill Grain to Glass is committing up to $300,000 through 2028 to support family farms in times of need.

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (May 6, 2025) – Heaven Hill Distillery, America’s largest family-owned and operated distillery, proudly announces the launch of Family Farms First, an initiative dedicated to supporting family-owned farms, in partnership with nonprofit organization Farm Rescue. Heaven Hill Grain to Glass is committed to celebrating and supporting the hardworking and passionate farm families who provide the high-quality ingredients essential to both America’s food supply and its finest whiskeys. 

This milestone moment coincides with the release of the highly anticipated Second Edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This small-batch bourbon represents the next chapter in a story that begins with the seed and ends in the glass, highlighting Heaven Hill’s deep-rooted commitment to family, quality and craft.

Each annual edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass features a unique corn seed varietal, chosen in collaboration with Beck’s Hybrids to grow well in the soils of Central Kentucky.  The 2025 release features corn seed varietal Beck’s 6225 and was grown by family-owned Peterson Farms on one of two sites in Nelson County, Kentucky. Made up of 52% corn, 35% rye and 13% malt, this unique mashbill, with a higher secondary grain content than Heaven Hill Distillery’s traditional bourbon recipe, was aged for six years at Heaven Hill’s Cox’s Creek rickhouse site. Non-chill filtered and bottled at barrel strength, the result is a 105 proof, richly layered spirit that showcases the integrity of family-farm-grown ingredients and the craftsmanship of Heaven Hill Distillery.

“In 2017, we embarked on a journey to create a one-of-a-kind Grain to Glass Whiskey by partnering with family-owned seed companies and farms,” said Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands. “These innovative mash bills feature hand-selected, unique grain varieties grown locally by Kentucky family farms. Heaven Hill Grain to Glass is a testament to the important legacy of family farmers, who are the lifeblood of our country.”

As Heaven Hill approaches its 90th anniversary in December 2025, the Family Farms First initiative underscores the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting fellow family businesses—especially those within the agricultural community. The initiative is launching with a partnership with Farm Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping farmers and ranchers overcome major hardships, injuries or natural disasters. Since 2005, Farm Rescue has provided free planting, harvesting, commodity hauling and livestock feeding assistance to over 1,000 farm families across eight states. 

“Farm Rescue’s mission is to keep family farms intact during times of crises,” said Bill Gross, Founder and President of Farm Rescue.“Family farms, which make up 97% of U.S. farms, are vital to sustaining our communities and our future. Our collaboration with Heaven Hill Grain to Glass will bolster our ability to provide essential support to more farm families, ensuring they can continue their operations and sustain their livelihoods.”

Tim Sullivan, Executive Director of Farm Rescue, added, “Support from companies like Heaven Hill profoundly impacts our capacity to assist family farms in need. Their commitment to quality and community resonates deeply with our mission, and we are grateful for their partnership.” A portion of every sale of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass – up to $100,000 annually – will be donated to Farm Rescue.

“We are honored to partner with Farm Rescue as part of our Family Farms First initiative,” continued Shapira. “Their efforts align perfectly with our values at Heaven Hill, where we understand the dedication and resilience needed to keep a family business thriving for generations. This investment will make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who sustain our communities and our way of life.”

With every bottle of the Heaven Hill Grain to Glass, consumers are not only enjoying a world-class whiskey but also directly supporting the families who cultivate the land it comes from—a bold spirit with a bold mission. Heaven Hill and Farm Rescue are working to ensure that American farm families don’t just survive, but thrive, for generations to come.

For more information about Heaven Hill Grain to Glass, visit: https://heavenhilldistillery.com/grain-to-glass/

For more information about Farm Rescue, visit: https://farmrescue.org/

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. Heaven Hill reminds everyone to think wisely, drink wisely®.

IMAGES & VIDEO: Download here

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

Julianne Johnston
Morgan Myers
515-669-0196
jjohnston@morganmyers.com

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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