Overview
Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky, is Heaven Hill Brands’ modern return to distilling in its hometown. The facility was built as a major investment in American whiskey production and complements Heaven Hill’s long-running Bernheim Distillery in Louisville.
For bourbon fans, Heaven Hill Springs is historically meaningful because Bardstown is where Heaven Hill was founded and where its original distillery was destroyed by fire in 1996. The new distillery reconnects the company’s production identity with the community most closely associated with its founding story.
History
Heaven Hill was founded in Bardstown in 1935 by the Shapira family and a group of investors shortly after Prohibition. The company grew into one of the defining names in Kentucky bourbon before the 1996 fire destroyed its original Bardstown distillery. After that disaster, Heaven Hill acquired the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville in 1999 and used it as its primary production home.
Heaven Hill Springs Distillery officially represents the return of distilling to Bardstown for the company. Public company announcements describe the new site as a state-of-the-art facility and a major long-term investment in whiskey production.
Ownership and Operations
Heaven Hill Springs Distillery is owned by Heaven Hill Brands, the family-owned company behind Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, Henry McKenna, Old Fitzgerald, Rittenhouse Rye, and other whiskey labels. The site expands the company’s distilling footprint alongside Bernheim.
Because Heaven Hill’s portfolio includes multiple mash bills and many brands, specific assignments between Bernheim and Heaven Hill Springs should be verified through current company materials as the new distillery matures and releases whiskey over time.
Brands Produced
The facility is part of the production system supporting Heaven Hill’s American whiskey portfolio. Major brands in that portfolio include Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Larceny, Henry McKenna, Old Fitzgerald, Rittenhouse Rye, Pikesville Rye, Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond, and Bernheim Wheat Whiskey.
Visitor Experience
Heaven Hill’s established visitor destination in Bardstown is the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, which offers tours, tastings, retail, and educational programming. Public visitor access specifically tied to Heaven Hill Springs should be checked directly with Heaven Hill before travel.
Why This Distillery Matters
Heaven Hill Springs Distillery matters because it closes a historic loop: a family-owned Bardstown whiskey company returning production to Bardstown after nearly three decades. It also reflects the long planning horizon of bourbon, where new distilling capacity represents confidence in future aged whiskey demand even when market cycles shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Heaven Hill Springs Distillery located?
It is located in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Who owns Heaven Hill Springs Distillery?
It is owned by Heaven Hill Brands.
Why is Heaven Hill Springs important?
It marks Heaven Hill’s return to distilling in Bardstown after the 1996 fire destroyed the company’s original distillery.
Can visitors tour Heaven Hill Springs?
Visitors should check current Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience offerings and official company announcements for access details.