Through the Years
From a single barrel in 1935 to a global portfolio today, our story is one of family, resilience, and a legacy built to last.
Heaven Hill’s history is one of heritage, craft, and a pioneering spirit. What began with one barrel and a bold vision has grown into one of the largest family-owned and led spirits companies, thanks to the people, partnerships, and purpose that have shaped every step. Since 1935, we’ve expanded our portfolio, weathered challenges, and stayed true to our values, building a business where great spirits—and even better people—thrive together. This timeline captures the milestones that define our past and continue to inspire our future.
1935-1960s
The Early Years
Rooted in family and forged by resilience, these early decades laid the foundation for what would become one of America’s most storied spirits producers.
1935
Heaven Hill is Founded
“Old Heavenhill Springs” distillery is founded by a group of Bardstown-area investors and the five Shapira brothers, David, Ed, Gary, George and Mose. The company has 12 employees.
1940s
- Bottled-in-Bond becomes Kentucky’s best-selling Bourbon, establishing Heaven Hill’s early reputation for quality.
- Earl Beam joins as Master Distiller, continuing the Beam family’s legendary distilling legacy.
1942
- Operations pause to support the WWII effort, reflecting a commitment to community and country.
1957
Heaven Hill launches flagship Bourbon, Evan Williams
The debut of Evan Williams in 1957 marked the beginning of a legacy—bold, approachable, and destined to become one of America’s top-selling Bourbons.
1960
- Parker Beam becomes Heaven Hill’s fourth Master Distiller, continuing a lineage of craftsmanship and family tradition.
1961
- Heaven Hill fills its one millionth barrel, a landmark of scale and growing consumer trust.
1967
- Construction is completed on the Bardstown bottling facility—still in operation today as the heart of our bottling operations.
1970s-1990s
The Bridge Period
Heaven Hill evolved beyond its roots—expanding its portfolio, navigating pivotal moments, and making transformative moves that connected past and future under steady family leadership.
1970
Max Shapira Joins as Second-Generation Leader
In 1970, Max Shapira entered the family business, carrying forward his father’s vision and helping shape Heaven Hill into a modern industry leader.
1970s
- The company begins diversifying beyond Bourbon, laying the foundation for a broad and resilient spirits portfolio.
1971
- Heaven Hill completes its first brand acquisition, signaling the start of long-term portfolio expansion.
1980s
- Burnett’s Gin joins the portfolio, marking an early move into clear spirits.
1986
- Elijah Craig Bourbon launches, pioneering the Small Batch category and redefining premium American whiskey.
1993
- Heaven Hill acquires Dubonnet, expanding its presence in the aperitif category.
1996
A Defining Moment of Challenge and Resolve
In 1996, a catastrophic fire destroyed Heaven Hill’s Bardstown distillery—yet through the strength of our people, trusted partners, and unwavering commitment, the company endured and emerged stronger than ever.
1999
- Heaven Hill acquired the historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, securing a new home for its distillation operations. Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond and Christian Brothers Brandy are included in the acquisition.
2000s-2020s
The Modern Era
In the modern era, Heaven Hill emerged as a global spirits leader—advancing innovation, expanding its reach, and redefining what it means to be independently built and family owned.
2000
- Burnett’s Vodka introduces its first two flavored expressions—eventually expanding to a leading 33-flavor portfolio.
- Evan Williams Single Barrel 1991 Vintage named Whisky Advocate’s American Whiskey of the Year; Heaven Hill would go on to earn this honor seven more times through 2025.
2001
- Kate Shapira Latts and Allan Latts join the company, ushering in a new era of third-generation family leadership.
2002
- Heaven Hill acquires Hpnotiq Liqueur, expanding its presence in the lifestyle and cocktail category.
2004
Setting the Standard for Whiskey Tourism
In 2004, Heaven Hill dedicated one of Kentucky’s first stand-alone whiskey visitor center in Bardstown—the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center—now known as the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, and one of the founding stops on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
2005
- PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur launches, pioneering a new segment in fruit-based liqueurs.
2008
- Heaven Hill partners with Tierra de Agaves to launch Lunazul 100% Agave Tequilas.
2011
- Admiral Nelson’s Rum joins the portfolio, strengthening the company’s position in the spiced rum category.
2012
- Heaven Hill launches Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon, extending its wheated Bourbon legacy.
2013
- The Evan Williams Bourbon Experience opens on Louisville’s Whiskey Row—the first distillery to reopen downtown since Prohibition.
- Denny Potter is named Heaven Hill’s sixth Master Distiller.
2014
- Domaine de Canton French Ginger Liqueur is acquired, enhancing the company’s craft-forward portfolio.
2015
Deep Eddy Acquisition Expands Heaven Hill’s Footprint and Facilities
In 2015, Heaven Hill acquired Deep Eddy Vodka, along with its state-of-the-art production facility and tasting room near Austin, Texas—expanding our presence in premium vodka and strengthening our operational footprint.
2017
- Carolan’s Irish Cream joins the portfolio, expanding the company’s global reach in the cream liqueur category.
- Bernheim Distillery is rededicated as the world’s largest single-site Bourbon distillery at that time.
2019
- Conor O’Driscoll is named Heaven Hill’s seventh Master Distiller.
- Heaven Hill acquires Black Velvet Canadian Whisky, including its distillery and production campus in Lethbridge, Alberta.
2020
- Evan Williams Bourbon launches the American-Made Heroes Foundation Fund, supporting U.S. veterans and their communities.
2022
Kate and Allan Latts Named Co-Presidents
Heaven Hill names Kate Shapira Latts and Allan Latts as Co-Presidents, Max Shapira is named Executive Chairman.
2022
- Heaven Hill acquires the Samson & Surrey portfolio of premium craft brands, along with associated distilleries and tasting rooms.
- The Heaven Hill Heritage Collection debuts, featuring rare, age-stated whiskeys from the company’s extensive inventory.
- The Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience is named Global Icon of Whiskey Visitor Attraction of the Year by Whisky Magazine.
2023
- Heaven Hill is named American Sustainable Distiller of the Year by Whisky Magazine.
- Launches Spirited Neighbor, a multi-million-dollar community investment program supporting the places where employees live and work.
- Heaven Hill fills its ten millionth barrel of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
2024
- Heaven Hill Distillery Awarded IWSC 2024 Bourbon Producer Trophy on November 12th
2025
A Historic Homecoming for Heaven Hill
On September 7th, Heaven Hill Springs Distillery Fills First Barrel, returning distilling to Bardstown for the first time in 30 years.
2025
- Heaven Hill Distillery wins back-to-back Whisky Magazine Distiller of the Year
- Heaven Hill Distillery launches Grain to Glass, solidifying support of local farmers through the Farm Family First initiative
- Heaven Hill Brands wins back-to-back award as a “US Best Managed Company” by Deloitte Private and the Wall Street Journal
- Heaven Hill Takes Home Most Awarded U.S. Distillery for the second year in a row at 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Heaven Hill Brands Introduces New Corporate Brand: Thriving Together. New Corporate Office Opens in Louisville on July 7, 2025
- Heaven Hill Officially Opens Heaven Hill Springs Distillery on September 4, 2025
- Heaven Hill Brands Celebrates 90th Anniversary on December 13, 2025
Today
Thriving Together for the Future
For nearly a century, Heaven Hill Brands has grown—patiently, purposefully, and proudly—into one of the world’s largest family-owned spirits companies. With 1,300+ employees and generations of leadership, we thrive together with our people, our brands, our partners, and our communities.
