Heaven Hill
Heaven Hill Distillery, founded in 1935, is one of the most prominent names in the American whiskey industry. As a family-owned company, it has been at the forefront of producing some of the finest bourbons, ryes, and other spirits. Heaven Hill’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and tradition is evident in their diverse range of products, which are beloved by both casual drinkers and connoisseurs. From its flagship brand, Evan Williams, to premium offerings like Henry McKenna and Larceny, Heaven Hill offers a broad selection of spirits that cater to a wide range of tastes.
The History of Heaven Hill Distillery
Heaven Hill Distillery was founded by the Shapira family in 1935, in Bardstown, Kentucky. Bardstown, often referred to as the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” provided the perfect environment for whiskey production with its fertile land and access to pure water. The Shapira family had deep roots in the spirits industry, dating back to the days of Prohibition, where they operated a successful liquor business.
Since its founding, Heaven Hill has remained a family-owned company, surviving various challenges, including a devastating fire in 1996 that destroyed much of its facility. Despite this, Heaven Hill rebuilt its operations and expanded its reach, becoming one of the largest independent, family-owned distilleries in the United States.
Popular Products from Heaven Hill Distillery
Heaven Hill Distillery produces a wide range of whiskey and spirits that appeal to a broad audience. The following products are among the most beloved and recognized in the industry:
- Evan Williams Bourbon: As one of the most popular bourbons in the U.S., Evan Williams is a flagship brand for Heaven Hill. The bourbon is known for its smooth, approachable flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It comes in various expressions, including Evan Williams Black Label, Evan Williams 1783, and Evan Williams Single Barrel.
- Larceny Bourbon: Larceny is a wheated bourbon, meaning it uses wheat instead of rye in the mash bill. This imparts a softer, sweeter flavor profile, with notes of honey, vanilla, and caramel. Larceny Bourbon has garnered attention for its smoothness and approachable flavor, making it a favorite for both seasoned whiskey drinkers and newcomers.
- Henry McKenna Single Barrel: Henry McKenna Single Barrel is a premium bourbon aged for 10 years. This award-winning bourbon has a rich and full-bodied profile, with flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak. In 2019, it was awarded “Best Bourbon in the World” by the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, cementing its status as a standout product from Heaven Hill.
- Rittenhouse Rye: Rittenhouse Rye is a bottled-in-bond, 100-proof rye whiskey. Known for its bold and spicy flavor, Rittenhouse is a favorite among rye whiskey lovers. It has a smooth texture with a balanced mix of spicy rye, sweet vanilla, and oak notes, making it an excellent choice for cocktails like the Manhattan and Old Fashioned.
- Old Fitzgerald: Old Fitzgerald is a line of premium bourbons produced by Heaven Hill. Known for its high-quality craftsmanship and rich flavor, Old Fitzgerald is often bottled as a limited edition and is highly regarded in the whiskey community. The brand has a strong following, especially among collectors and connoisseurs.
Heaven Hill’s Bourbon-Making Process
Heaven Hill is known for its traditional bourbon-making process, which involves using the highest quality ingredients and paying careful attention to each step of production. The process begins with the selection of grains, primarily corn, barley, and rye or wheat, depending on the bourbon being produced. These grains are ground, mashed, and mixed with water and yeast to create the mash.
The mash is then fermented and distilled, often using copper pot stills to ensure that the flavor is rich and complex. After distillation, the whiskey is placed in new, charred oak barrels, where it undergoes the aging process. The time spent in the barrels is crucial, as it allows the bourbon to develop its characteristic flavors of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
Once the aging process is complete, Heaven Hill bottles its whiskey at various proof levels, depending on the expression. Some products, like Rittenhouse Rye, are bottled in bond at 100 proof, while others are bottled at lower proofs for a smoother drinking experience.
People Also Ask: Frequently Asked Questions About Heaven Hill Products
1. What is Heaven Hill’s most popular product?
Heaven Hill’s most popular product is Evan Williams Bourbon. As one of the top-selling bourbons in the United States, it has become a staple in bars and homes across the country. Evan Williams is widely available and offers a range of expressions, including Evan Williams Black Label, 1783, and Single Barrel.
2. What makes Larceny Bourbon different from other bourbons?
Larceny Bourbon is unique because it is a wheated bourbon, meaning it uses wheat as the secondary grain in its mash bill instead of rye. This imparts a smoother, sweeter flavor profile, with notes of honey, vanilla, and caramel. It is known for its soft, approachable nature, making it a great choice for both newcomers and seasoned whiskey drinkers.
3. Is Henry McKenna Single Barrel really that good?
Yes, Henry McKenna Single Barrel is widely regarded as one of the best bourbons available, particularly considering its price. In 2019, it won the title of “Best Bourbon in the World” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, and its 10-year aging process adds depth and complexity to the spirit.
4. What is the difference between Evan Williams Black Label and Evan Williams Single Barrel?
The main difference between Evan Williams Black Label and Evan Williams Single Barrel lies in the aging process and flavor profile. Evan Williams Black Label is a straightforward, affordable bourbon with a smooth, sweet flavor. In contrast, Evan Williams Single Barrel is made from a single barrel, resulting in a more complex flavor profile with nuanced notes of oak, caramel, and vanilla. Single Barrel expressions are typically aged longer than the regular Black Label.
5. Does Heaven Hill Distillery produce any rye whiskey?
Yes, Rittenhouse Rye is one of Heaven Hill’s flagship rye whiskey products. It is a bottled-in-bond rye whiskey, meaning it must be aged for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof. Rittenhouse Rye is known for its bold, spicy flavor and is highly regarded by rye whiskey enthusiasts. It is often used in classic whiskey cocktails like the Manhattan and Old Fashioned.
6. How long does Heaven Hill age its whiskey?
The aging process for Heaven Hill whiskeys varies depending on the product. For example, Evan Williams Black Label is typically aged for around 4 to 5 years, while Henry McKenna Single Barrel is aged for a minimum of 10 years. Premium expressions like Old Fitzgerald may undergo even longer aging processes to develop deeper, more complex flavors.
7. Can I buy Heaven Hill products online?
Yes, many Heaven Hill products are available for purchase online through various liquor retailers. Popular expressions like Evan Williams, Larceny Bourbon, and Rittenhouse Rye are widely available for purchase, though availability may vary depending on your location. Specialty products and limited editions may also be available through select online retailers and auctions.
8. Are Heaven Hill products good for cocktails?
Absolutely! Many of Heaven Hill’s products, particularly Evan Williams Black Label, Larceny Bourbon, and Rittenhouse Rye, are excellent choices for classic whiskey cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour. Their smooth, rich flavors complement a wide range of mixers and garnishes, making them versatile options for cocktail lovers.
The Impact of Heaven Hill on the Whiskey Industry
Heaven Hill has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern American whiskey industry. As one of the largest independent, family-owned distilleries, Heaven Hill has maintained a strong commitment to producing high-quality products while also embracing innovation. Over the years, the distillery has expanded its portfolio to include a wide range of whiskeys and spirits, appealing to a diverse range of consumers.
Moreover, Heaven Hill has been instrumental in preserving the traditional methods of bourbon production. By maintaining a dedication to craftsmanship and quality, Heaven Hill has helped elevate the reputation of American whiskey, both domestically and internationally.
Sustainability Efforts at Heaven Hill
In recent years, Heaven Hill has made significant strides in sustainability, focusing on reducing its environmental impact. The distillery has implemented energy-efficient practices, improved water conservation efforts, and reduced waste throughout its production process. These efforts are part of Heaven Hill’s commitment to producing high-quality spirits while being responsible stewards of the environment.
Heaven-Hill sustainability initiatives are an important part of its broader mission to ensure that its products can be enjoyed for generations to come, while minimizing the ecological footprint of its operations.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Tradition and Excellence
Heaven-Hill Distillery has built a legacy of producing exceptional spirits that span generations of whiskey drinkers. From the approachable Evan Williams to the premium Henry McKenna and innovative Larceny, Heaven-Hill offers products that cater to a broad range of palates and preferences. The distillery’s unwavering commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation has made it a leader in the American whiskey industry.
With a rich history, a diverse product portfolio, and a strong commitment to sustainability, Heaven-Hill is poised to continue influencing the whiskey world for many years to come. Whether you’re enjoying a classic cocktail or sipping a glass neat, Heaven-Hill products provide a true taste of craftsmanship and tradition that whiskey lovers around the world can appreciate.
