Founded in 1935, Heaven Hill Brands is one of the largest independent, family-owned and operated distilled spirits companies in the United States. Headquartered in Bardstown, Kentucky—the heart of Bourbon Country—Heaven Hill has grown from a small, post-Prohibition distillery into a globally recognized industry leader with a portfolio of iconic American whiskeys and a broad spectrum of premium spirits.
Core Business and Product Offerings
Heaven Hill’s core business lies in the production, marketing, and distribution of distilled spirits. The company owns and manages more than 50 brands across multiple categories, including bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka, rum, tequila, liqueurs, brandy, and gin.
Flagship Product Categories:
- Bourbon Whiskey: Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Larceny, Old Fitzgerald, Parker’s Heritage Collection, Henry McKenna, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond, Five Brothers Bourbon
- Rye & Wheat Whiskey: Rittenhouse Rye, Pikesville Rye, Bernheim Original
- Corn Whiskey: Mellow Corn, Georgia Moon
- Vodka: Deep Eddy Vodka, Burnett's Vodka
- Rum: Admiral Nelson's Spiced Rum, Blackheart Premium Spiced Rum
- Tequila: Lunazul, Two Fingers
- Liqueurs & Cordials: Carolans Irish Cream, PAMA, HPNOTIQ, Dubonnet, Domaine de Canton
- Brandy & Cognac: Christian Brothers, Ansac, Coronet VSQ
- Gin: Burnett’s London Dry Gin
- Specialty Spirits: Sacred Bond, Cinerator Cinnamon Whiskey, Copa De Oro, Fulton’s Harvest
Specialization and Unique Value Proposition
Heaven Hill is distinguished as the world's second-largest holder of aging American Whiskey, with over 2 million barrels aging across multiple sites. The company is one of the only remaining large-scale producers still family-owned, allowing for long-term brand building, quality control, and legacy stewardship.
Notably, Heaven Hill is the only distillery to produce products in all major American whiskey categories: Bourbon, Rye, Wheat, Corn, and Malt. This cross-category capability underscores its role as a versatile, legacy-rich player in the spirits industry.
Financial Performance
As a privately held company, Heaven Hill does not publicly release full financial statements. However, based on market intelligence and industry estimates:
- Annual revenue is estimated to exceed $1 billion, placing it among the top 10 spirits producers in the U.S.
- Heaven Hill maintains a global footprint with exports to more than 100 countries.
- Its flagship brand, Evan Williams, consistently ranks as the #2 best-selling bourbon globally, with annual sales exceeding 3 million 9-liter cases.
Shipment and Export Records
According to international trade data platforms like Volza and ImportYeti:
- Heaven Hill has recorded hundreds of export transactions annually, primarily to Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
- Key markets include the UK, Germany, Japan, Australia, and Mexico, reflecting strong global demand for American whiskeys.
- Notable growth has been seen in emerging markets such as India and South Korea, where bourbon consumption has been rising.
Target Market
Heaven Hill targets a diverse spectrum of consumers:
- Premium Whiskey Enthusiasts: High-end releases like Elijah Craig Barrel Proof and Parker’s Heritage Collection are targeted at connoisseurs.
- Mass-Market Consumers: Brands like Evan Williams and Admiral Nelson’s appeal to value-conscious buyers.
- Cocktail Culture and Mixologists: Liqueurs, vodkas, and gins are tailored to the on-premise bar segment.
- International Spirits Consumers: Export-driven growth supports its positioning as a global spirits house.
Capabilities and Infrastructure
- Production Facilities: Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience (Bardstown), Bernheim Distillery (Louisville)
- Barrel Warehousing: Over 65 warehouses across Nelson and Jefferson Counties in Kentucky
- Aging Capacity: Over 2 million barrels in inventory
- Bottling Plants: Fully integrated bottling, labeling, and packaging facilities
Certifications and Compliance
Heaven Hill maintains full compliance with U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) regulations and is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Certifications include:
- BRCGS Food Safety Certification
- Kosher certifications for select products
- LEED-certified warehouses and visitor centers, showcasing their commitment to sustainable practices
Customer Testimonials and Industry Recognition
Heaven Hill’s products are frequently recognized by leading industry authorities:
- Elijah Craig Small Batch has won multiple “Best Bourbon” awards at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition
- Parker’s Heritage Collection is widely regarded as one of the top limited-release bourbon series globally
- Deep Eddy Vodka has received accolades for purity and mixability from spirits rating bodies like Wine Enthusiast and The Tasting Panel
Major Achievements
- Opened a new $19 million visitor experience center in Bardstown in 2021
- Celebrated its 85th anniversary in 2020, marking decades of family-owned heritage
- One of only a few bourbon producers to operate both a tourist destination and an active production facility on site
- Recipient of the “Distiller of the Year” award from Whisky Advocate
With a steadfast commitment to quality, heritage, and innovation, Heaven Hill Brands continues to elevate the American whiskey tradition while diversifying into a broad array of premium spirits categories. Its integrated approach—from grain to glass—ensures control over quality and brand integrity, helping it thrive in both domestic and international markets.
