A Toast to 90 Years: Celebrating the Brands That Shaped Our Journey
As we celebrate Heaven Hill Brands’ 90th anniversary, we honor not only the milestones of our past but the remarkable brands that have shaped our legacy. For nine decades, our commitment to quality, craft, and innovation has guided us—yet it is the rich stories, passionate communities, and enduring character of these brands that have brought us to where we are today. This collection highlights the origins, defining traits, and the voices behind the spirits that have carried us through 90 years and will continue to inspire our future.

Elijah Craig – Launched in 1986
Elijah Craig is credited as the first distiller to age his whiskey in charred oak barrels, earning his place in history as the ‘Father of Bourbon.’ The charred barrel transformed the clear liquid inside into an intense amber whiskey, made rich with the flavors of the wood which we now recognize as Bourbon.
“The flavor is always centered on oak, because Elijah Craig was the first person to use new charred oak for his whiskey.” – Adam Edwards, East Coast Whiskey Ambassador
Tequila Ocho – Acquired in 2022
Created by Carlos Camarena and Tomas Estes, Tequila Ocho is the world’s first single-estate, tequila, crafted using traditional and sustainable methods. Made with just three ingredients—agave, water, and natural airborne yeast—each bottle captures the unique terroir of our home in the highlands of Jalisco.
“The best high quality proof tequila I gravitate towards is Tequila Ocho’s Plata Puntas… the flavor cuts through the burn.” – Anonymous Customer
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Tequila Ocho personally since 2010… never compromising the integrity of single-estate production even as the category exploded. What continues to amaze me is how Tequila Ocho brings terroir to life… each harvest reveals a different expression.” – Philip Khandehrish, BOSS Emerging Markets and National Accounts
Lunazul – Launched in 2008
Hand-harvested, handcrafted, and made for moments that shine true. There’s a place where quality meets approachability. Where premium craftsmanship meets casual enjoyment. Where 250 years of tradition isn’t a phase; it’s a celebration that comes full circle.
“From day one what I appreciated about Lunazul was the quality, heritage, and value.” – Lynn House, Manager – National Accounts
“If it’s good enough for Julio Bermejo, it should be good enough for everyone’s first pour tequila.” – Simone Mims, SS Bar Ops Specialist
Evan Williams – Launched in 1957
As the #2 best-selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey in the U.S. and the World, Evan Williams is full of character and simply done right. Named after Evan Williams, who opened Kentucky’s First Distillery along the banks of the Ohio River in 1783, it’s aged longer than required by law. The result is a Bourbon that’s smooth, rich, and easy to enjoy.
“Just added Evan Williams Black Label to our well. Can’t beat it.” – Anonymous Customer
“Evan Williams shows the power of our grains… highlighting Evan as the first licensed distiller of American Whiskey.” – Adam Edwards, East Coast Whiskey Ambassador
Deep Eddy Vodka – Acquired in 2015
Deep Eddy Vodka is a high-quality vodka with an even higher purpose: to bring people together for good times. When we introduced our first vodka to Austin back in 2010 we named it after our favorite swimming hole, a place known locally for lively crowds and laid-back fun. Then we took everything we love about our hometown — sunshine, stellar vibes, ample excuses to get together with friends — and bottled it up for the world to enjoy.
“Deep Eddy hands down continues to beat Tito’s when I do side-by-side tastings… The flavors can’t be beat.” – Lynn House, Manager – National Accounts
Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond – Launched in 1939
This Kentucky Bourbon pays tribute to the earliest days of our distillery’s history, when in 1939 we released our first Bottled-in-Bond. This Bourbon was our namesake brand and quickly became the top-seller in the state of Kentucky.
“Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond Bourbon encompasses everything we stand for… It’s so good we put our name on it.” – Chris Smith, Brand Ambassador
Widow Jane – Acquired in 2022
Widow Jane makes award-winning, artisanal whiskeys in Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York. It is an urban yet rugged brand that produces whiskey with intense and original flavor.
“I love Widow Jane. I was drinking Widow Jane 10 when I was writing the pilot of She-Hulk.” – Anonymous Customer
“You guys are everywhere! I see your billboards and your bottles everywhere I go! I love you guys.” – Anonymous Customer
“Widow Jane Lucky 13 is my new favorite bourbon… bartenders loved it too.” – Anonymous Customer
Old Fitzgerald – Acquired in 1999
You don’t change a classic. You preserve it. Many things have changed since 1870, but good taste is always in style. In the beginning, Old Fitzgerald was served exclusively in private clubs and on steamship and rail lines. By mid-century, it became a mainstay of the bar and the first choice for entertaining.
“Wait—you guys are Old Fitz? It’s my favorite Wheated Bourbon… any chance you can get me a decanter bottle?” – Anonymous Customer
“Old Fitzgerald 7-Year has this amazing way of connecting you straight back to bourbon history… It takes you on a little flavor journey.” – Philip Khandehrish, BOSS Emerging Markets and National Accounts
Larceny – Launched in 2012
Larceny Bourbon is inspired by the infamous actions of John E. Fitzgerald, a U.S. Treasury Agent suspected of using his authority and superb taste to find and steal from the best barrels of Bourbon. Today, Larceny Bourbon honors his legacy with exceptionally smooth Wheated Bourbon.
“Larceny Small Batch is a sweeter bourbon, though punchy, peppery spice and toasted oak provide balance and ensure a strong backbone in cocktails” – VinePair
Hpnotiq – Acquired in 2003
Hpnotiq is an enticing blend of exotic fruit juices, premium vodka, and a touch of cognac bottled in France. The brand, which launched in 2001 in the New York City night club scene, has maintained a strong presence in the liqueur category and a place in pop-culture for over two decades, and continues to thrive.
“Hpnotiq brings me back to my college days, in all the best ways!” – Ashley Williams, SS Bar Ops Specialist
Rittenhouse – Acquired in 1993
With historic roots dating back to 1934, Rittenhouse Rye has long been a bartender’s favorite. That’s because at 100 proof, this Rye Whisky stands up in cocktails and brings an abundance of flavor that’ll harmonize with any mix.
“I’ve run a ton of bar programs and I’ve never used anything other than Rittenhouse for rye.” – Anonymous Customer
Bluecoat – Acquired in 2022
Bluecoat soldiers were free-thinking revolutionaries who boldly fought for independence. Embracing this spirit, Bluecoat American Dry Gin honors those proud and courageous soldiers. Distilled in the birthplace of America, Philadelphia, PA, in small batches to appeal to the American palate – Bluecoat pioneered what is now known as American Dry style gin.
“After 20 years as the creator of the American Dry Gin category… Bluecoat continues to provide that special moment for people across the globe.” – Canyon Shayer, BOSS Control States and National Accounts
PAMA – Launched in 2006
PAMA is the world’s first pomegranate liqueur, made from all-natural pomegranate juice, premium vodka, and a touch of tequila.
“Consumers are often surprised by its bright and juicy flavor… cocktails with PAMA tend to be the top sellers.” – Lynn House, Manager – National Accounts
Vago – Acquired in 2022
Mezcal Vago is a collection of fine, award-winning, traditional mezcals from deep within the southern mountains of Oaxaca, made by multi-generational producers – artists in their own right. Vago provides one of the most diverse assortments of mezcal available, representative of four producer styles and a multitude of agave varietals, both cultivated and wild.
“Mezcal Vago embodies the spirit of the category… balancing tradition with innovation.” – Amy Hosseinnian, SS Bar Ops Specialist
Admiral Nelson’s – Acquired in 2011
Admiral Nelson’s Premium Rum isn’t fancy – in fact it’s downright fun without the fuss. Enjoy a flavor fit for any occasion.
“Why settle for a captain when you could have an Admiral (Nelson’s)?!” -Aaron Wilke, Director Legacy Spirits
Burnett’s – Gin Acquired in 1989; Vodka Launched in 1991
Where the party starts! Burnett’s uses an uncompromising production process and filtering for superior smoothness.
“So many people drink Burnett’s here we call it Chico water!” – Anonymous Customer
Black Velvet – Acquired in 2019
From our smooth Black Velvet Original Canadian Whisky to extra-aged Reserve and our variety of Flavors, enjoy the classic characteristics that are uniquely Black Velvet.
“You can’t beat the value of Black Velvet!” – Anonymous Customer
Carolans – Acquired in 2017
Carolans has a unique taste profile that has allowed it to become the 2nd largest Irish Cream brand in the world. Developed in 1978, Carolans contains the finest Irish whiskey, premium, farm-fresh cream from Ireland, and naturally harvested honey- a differentiating ingredient that consumers love!
“Carolan’s is the best kept Irish Cream secret to Baileys!” – Anonymous Customer
Blackheart – Launched in 2010
She was strong and independent. Passionate and fun. Fierce and loyal. She worked hard and played hard — and once she put her mind to something, nothing and no one could stand in her way. Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum is what she drank to celebrate all of life’s conquests.
“I swapped my Sailor Jerry for Blackheart once and never looked back. Same spice, less price!” – Mike Smith, Brand Manager
Christian Brothers – Acquired in 1999
Since 1882, The Christian Brothers Brandy has earned a reputation as one of the most popular American spirits. Today, we continue the tradition with a variety of smooth, full-bodied brandies to enjoy.
“Christian Brothers has rich history… consumers have strong brand recognition and fond memories enjoying the brand with family.” – Lynn House, Manager – National Accounts
Ninety years of Heaven Hill Brands is more than a milestone—it is a testament to the strength, diversity, and spirit of the brands that define us. From historic bourbons to pioneering agave spirits, from iconic liqueurs to bold innovations, each brand contributes to a legacy built on craftsmanship and character. As we look ahead, we celebrate the brands that made the first 90 years possible and raise a glass to the next chapter of excellence still to come.