You might have seen the Courier Journal’s recent story about rickhouse cats throughout the Kentucky Bourbon industry. Unfortunately, Heaven Hill did not have a resident cat at the time that the story was published. While that might still be the case, we recently discovered we have something even more unique: a rickhouse PIG!

Philip Ritchie, the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience Facility Manager, recently took in a pig that was found at the Heaven Hill rickhouses in Bardstown, KY. ​​​​​​​

Since going home with Philip, the pig has been affectionately named “Fitz,” inspired by the unique story of John E. Fitzgerald and Heaven Hill’s Larceny Bourbon. During Fitz’s time at the Heaven Hill facilities, he gained many nicknames, including a fan favorite, “Piggly Wiggly.”

There is no way to confirm how Fitz ended up in the rickhouses, but it is suspected that his previous owners left him somewhere near the area. Based on Philip’s farming expertise, Fitz is estimated to be a two to three-month-old potbelly pig.

“He is not matured and is small for his breed, this leads me to believe he is fairly young,” –Philip said.

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During his time at the facilities, Fitz got to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the rickhouses and the cistern room. During his time in both locations, he was fed and looked after by Heaven Hill team members.

At a certain point, employees came to the conclusion that while they loved having Fitz around, it might be time for him to find a permanent place to live. Philip came to the rescue, offering Fitz a new (and still near!) home at his family’s farm.

Philip has designated a stall in his barn as Fitz’s “executive suite.” The pig happily coexists with a variety of farm animals including cows, chickens and horses. Some fellow Heaven Hill team members even helped Phillip out by providing supplies to help Fitz adjust to his new lifestyle