Bardstown, Kentucky, known as the Bourbon Capital of the World, just got a little more spirited. Heaven Hill Brands, the largest family-owned spirits company in the U.S., officially opened the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, marking a homecoming for distilling in Bardstown for the first time since 1996.
This $200 million investment isn’t just another facility—it’s a statement. Production kicked off in April 2025, and the distillery joins Heaven Hill’s Bernheim facility in Louisville, significantly expanding the company’s Bourbon footprint. With this expansion, Heaven Hill secures its position as the largest independent Bourbon producer in the world, a feat built on decades of intentional growth and family stewardship.
Built for the Long Game
From the outside in, Heaven Hill Springs Distillery is a marvel of modern Bourbon production, blending heritage with innovation:
- A 60-foot Vendome copper still producing over 33,000 proof gallons daily.
- In-house live yeast propagation using Heaven Hill’s proprietary strain.
- Advanced sustainability features, including a wastewater pretreatment system, a 22-gallon beer system reducing water consumption by over 24,000 gallons a day, and integrated energy efficiency systems.
- Restoration of white oak woodlands and native prairie habitats, plus stormwater management that protects local ecosystems.
This facility is a centerpiece of Heaven Hill’s 2030 Environmental Sustainability Strategy, proving that long-term craftsmanship and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.
Honoring the Past, Crafting the Future
The first barrel rolled off the line in April, filled by Charlie Downs, the only Heaven Hill employee to have worked at all four of the company’s distilleries. The new distillery also celebrates the legacy of Parker Beam, whose 56-year career helped shape Heaven Hill’s identity and elevate American Whiskey globally.
To commemorate the opening, Heaven Hill released Master Distillers Unity, a limited-edition Bourbon that blends barrels spanning three distinct eras of production. This one-time release, bottled at 107 proof and sold exclusively onsite, features the last barrel distilled at the original distillery in 1991, mingled with 14-year-old, 8-year-old, and 6-year-old barrels from Bernheim—celebrating 34 years of continuous craftsmanship.
Design That Tells a Story
Every detail of Heaven Hill Springs was designed to honor the brand’s heritage:
- Custom copper tanks inspired by the historic Glencoe facility.
- Benches handcrafted from reclaimed wood, one in memory of Parker Beam.
- A striking two-story bar with warm brass and back-painted glass.
- Salvaged bricks from the Thomas Speed House integrated into the landscaping.
This attention to detail extends beyond aesthetics. Heaven Hill’s new Heritage Rising Tour, launching September 8, gives visitors a small-group, behind-the-scenes experience with transportation between the Bourbon Experience in Bardstown and the new distillery, culminating in a guided tasting at the facility’s signature bar.
Investing in Community
Heaven Hill isn’t just investing in Bourbon—it’s investing in Bardstown. The company pledged $500,000 to the Bardstown Aquatic and Sports Center and continues to prioritize forestry education, pollinator habitats, and native landscaping on site.
As Co-President Allan Latts puts it, Heaven Hill is “building for the next 90 years the same way we’ve led for the past 90: staying true to our values, investing in our people, and committing to the communities that make Bourbon possible.”
Bourbon lovers, it’s time to mark your calendars. Bardstown just became a little more essential to the American Whiskey story, and Heaven Hill Springs Distillery is leading the charge.