Personal Favorites from our Distillery Team
Check out which Heaven Hill products our Distillery Team members reach for first
We asked some of our Heaven Hill Distillery team members about their personal favorites across our portfolio. Because who knows our American Whiskey better than the people who make it?
Conor O’Driscoll | Master Distiller
FAVORITE WHISKEY:
Pikesville Rye. It’s a big-bodied, full-flavored Rye Whiskey that goes down incredible smooth at 110 proof. At six years old, the balance between smoke and oak notes with the rye spice notes is just about perfect. I drink it on the rocks, but it makes a great Manhattan as well.
BEST VALUE WHISKEY:
Where do I start? Heaven Hill is known for having a lot of attractively priced whiskeys. My pick would be Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond.
WHICH WHISKEY DO YOU TAKE TO PARTIES?
The best response I’ve ever had was when I brought Mellow Corn to a friend’s house for a Super Bowl party. He’s since become a huge fan Note to self: get him a Mellow Corn t-shirt!
Jodie Filiatreau | Artisanal Distiller, Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
FAVORITE WHISKEY:
The 18-year-old Elijah Craig. I can’t get enough of it. It’s a good combination of age and flavor profile. If I had unlimited means and money, that would be my everyday go-to Bourbon.
WHAT WOULD YOU USE TO INTRODUCE PEOPLE TO AMERICAN WHISKEY?
I really like Larceny. Being a Wheated Bourbon, it’s easy to drink and helps familiarize you t the delicious barrel-aged flavors. You can build on it after that.
Tawnie Gootee | Quality Assurance: Bottling Specialist
FAVORITE WHISKEY:
Right now, it’s Old Fitzgerald 9-year-old Bottled-in-Bond. It’s full of sweetness, vanilla, and caramel. I get to taste it four times a day while it’s running on the production line. It’s mild even fr having a proof of 100. It’s great neat or on the rocks.
BEST VALUE WHISKEY:
Evan Williams Black Label is tough to top for taste and price. After 30 years with Heaven Hill, it still impresses me.
Mike Sonne | Process Engineer
FAVORITE WHISKEY, REGARDLESS OF PRICE:
Henry McKenna Single Barrel Bottled-in-Bond, without question. Ten years is the perfect amount of time spent in the barrel. I have said this for years it’s our best product. All the awards in the last couple of years have proved it.
WHICH WHISKEY DO YOU TAKE TO PARTIES?
Usually Elijah Craig Small Batch. It never disappoints.
Frankie Clark | Warehouse Supervisor
FAVORITE WHISKEY:
Chris Briney | Director of New Product Development
FAVORITE WHISKEY, REGARDLESS OF PRICE:
Elijah Craig Small Batch. It’s consistent, high-quality Bourbon. I pour it over half a glass of crushed ice and let it chill for a few minutes before enjoying it.
WHICH WHISKEY DO YOU TAKE TO PARTIES?
For a really special occasion, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or the new Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond. For a regular gathering, Evan Williams Single Barrel or 1783.
Jerimy Fletcher | Barrel Dumping Manager
FAVORITE WHISKEY:
I am a huge Evan Williams Single Barrel fan, but the Henry McKenna Single Bareel is my absolute favorite! It’s smooth, sweet, and easy on the palate.
WHAT WOULD YOU USE TO INTRODUCE PEOPLE TO AMERICAN WHISKEY?
I would recommend Larceny Bourbon, which uses wheat in the recipe. Rye has that bite that people love, but it can take some time to get used to. Beginners initially prefer something smooth and sweet, and Larceny is perfect for that.
