FOR RELEASE: March 26, 2013
IMAGES: See directions at end of release.
Company Only the Second Continuously Operated Distillery to Reach Historic Number
BARDSTOWN, Ky. – Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the nation’s largest independent family-owned and operated distilled spirits producer and the world’s second-largest holder of aging Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, today celebrated the filling of Bourbon barrel number 6.5 million. Heaven Hill is only the second continuously operating Bourbon producer, and the only private family-owned company, 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. “We have throughout our history recognized the filling of our milestone barrels with a ceremony such as this, but the fact that it is less and less time between these occasions is a testament to the remarkable growth and popularity of Bourbon. And this has not only benefitted our company, but also Bardstown, Nelson County, and the Commonwealth in general. This occasion is made all the more special in that it is personally overseen by two generations of my family and two generations of the family of our Master Distillers, Parker and Craig Beam.”
No one could foresee the many changes and tremendous growth that lay ahead for both Heaven Hill and the Bourbon industry from when the company was founded just after Prohibition ended to their latest milestone barrel today, 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. Heaven Hill now has around one million aging barrels of Kentucky Bourbon in their inventory, the second most in the world, and their flagship Evan Williams brand is the second largest selling Bourbon in the United States and the world.
The 6.5 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. An acclamation from Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear was also presented. The barrel was then moved to Rickhouse “Y” where it will rest alongside the other Heaven Hill milestone barrels in a special display where visitors to Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center may view them.
IMAGE CUTLINE: Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. executives and local dignitaries commemorate the filling of barrel number 6,500,000. (L to R) Bardstown Mayor Bill Sheckles, Heaven Hill Master Distiller Craig Beam, Nelson County Judge Executive Dean Watts, Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam, Heaven Hill Distilleries Executive Vice President Harry J. Shapira, Heaven Hill Distilleries President Max L. Shapira, and Heaven Hill Distilleries Chief Operating Officer Allan Latts.
Founded in 1934, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and operated spirits producer and marketer and the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes Evan Williams Bourbon; Burnett’s Vodkas and Gin; HPNOTIQ and HPNOTIQ Harmonie Liqueurs; Admiral Nelson’s and Blackheart Rums; The Christian Brothers Brandies; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Lunazul Tequila and Rittenhouse Rye Whisky.
Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”
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CONTACT:
Larry Kass
Director of Corporate Communications
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
(502) 413-0220
lkass@heavenhill.com
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