Whiskey distilled in Kentucky is considered a classic of American distillation.
Products “Heaven Hill” with a tempting “paradise” name belongs to this category of drinks. Bourbon is a classic example of local oily spirits with a light character and mild taste.
Among the US spirits companies, Heaven Hill ranks 6th in terms of the number of hard liquor supplied and 2nd in terms of stocks of aged bourbon (more than 1,5 million barrels).
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History of Heaven Hill
Independent company Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. was founded in Bardstown shortly after Prohibition ended in 1935.
The main initiators of the project were 5 Shapira brothers: David, Ed, Gary, George and Mose.
The first brand released by the family distillery, which employed only 12 people, was called “Bourbon Falls”. Despite the difficult time for business development (the height of the Great Depression), the company managed not only to stay afloat, but also to grow to one of the largest manufacturers.
In the 40s, the company supplied US military personnel with bourbon.
In 1946, Earl Beam, who had joined the company from the Jim Beam Company, became Heaven Hill’s master distiller.
In the 50s, Parker Beam joined his father, who was later replaced by his son Craig.
In 1996, 7 Heaven Hill warehouses were burned to the ground by a powerful fire, which is still remembered by local residents. It was possible to restore the buildings, but during the disaster, about 2% of the world’s bourbon stocks were destroyed.
Throughout the XNUMXth century, the company constantly increased its capacity, launched new brands, bought up distilleries and alcohol brands.
In addition to bourbon, by the end of the XNUMXth century, the company’s collection included Burnett’s Vodka, Burnett’s Gin, Harwood Canadian Whiskey, Copa De Oro Coffee Liqueur, Dubonnet Aperitif, Two Fingers Tequila and other famous drinks.
In the early 2000s, the company received the title of “Distiller of the Year” from Whiskey Magazine more than once.
In 2014, the family business changed its name to Heaven Hill Brands.
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Production specifics
The company produces all categories of American whiskey, transforming traditional technologies for its own recipe:
The raw materials for the production of beverages (corn, rye, malted barley, wheat) have been sourced from local farmers for many decades. Lime water is taken from Kentucky springs.
Crushed grains mixed with water are boiled in small batches at certain temperatures. A portion of the previous day’s distillate is added to the mash.
To activate the fermentation, a proprietary strain of yeast grown according to a 1935 family recipe is included in the wort.
Distillation is performed once in 70-foot column stills, using cold water to cool the spirits.
The whiskey is aged in charred oak barrels, custom-made by hereditary coopers.
Types of Heaven Hill Whiskey
Elijah Craig Bourbons
A series of premium aged drinks made from corn and grain according to the recipes of Elijah Craig, the inventor of bourbons.
Main notes: vanilla, spices, caramel, burnt wood, fruits, tobacco, chocolate.
The color varies from bright copper to dark brown.
The bourbons of the line have repeatedly won prestigious awards.
Evan Williams Bourbons
A series of bourbons named after the founder of the first Kentucky distillery.
The drinks undergo a long aging in oak, as a result of which they acquire a rich amber hue and a rich, smooth bouquet.
Vanilla and mint tones predominate in the aroma, woody, citrus, caramel notes with accents of black pepper and brown sugar in the taste.
Heaven Hill Old Style Bourbon
Classic Kentucky bourbon, aged for 4 years, which is especially popular with domestic gourmets.
Aroma: soft, sweetish, citrus-caramel, with accents of chocolate and nuts.
Taste: slightly harsh, lemon-woody, with a subtle bitterness and a mineral-smoky-bready finish.
Fighting Cock Bourbon
A drink of increased strength (51,5%) with a powerful masculine character, aged for 6 years.
Main notes: vanilla, honey, caramel, apple, pepper.
Georgia Moon Corn Whiskey и Mellow Corn Whiskey
Authentic American straight whiskey, 81% corn. The rest is rye and malt barley spirits.
Aged in new or used charred barrels.
Henry Mckenna Single Barrel
The only drink in the line, bottled from one barrel, specially selected by the master.
Aged for 10 years.
Colour: warm golden amber.
Aroma: vanilla-caramel, with woody and grassy notes.
Taste: smooth, spicy, with accents of oak, spices and honey. Finish: Long, sweet, spicy.
Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whisky
A classic 4 year old blend of at least 51% rye, named after the famous square in Philadelphia.
It is mainly used to create cocktails.
Color: mahogany. The aroma is dominated by notes of dried fruits, toffee, sweet pepper.
Taste: clean, rich, with accents of cocoa, citrus, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla. Finish: spicy maple.
Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey
A 7-year-old wheat whiskey with a sweet vanilla-honey aroma.
Taste: soft, with accents of toffee, berries, spices and fresh mint.
Larceny Bourbon
The drink, containing a significant proportion of wheat spirits, has a soft, rounded character and a sweet, savory taste.
Bourbon components are aged from 6 to 12 years.
Colour: bright copper. Top notes: fresh bread, toffees, buttery caramel, honey.
Old Fitzgerald Bourbon
A brand with a 120-year history and a strength of 50%.
The composition of drinks includes soft wheat alcohols.
The excerpt is different for each release.
Aroma: Layered, with notes of toasted oak, cinnamon and ginger.
Taste: Incredibly smooth, sweet-spicy, with subtle hints of smoke.
Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey
A premium rye whiskey from selected casks.
Made according to the recipe of the end of the XNUMXth century.
Age of spirits: not less than 6 years. Color: copper.
The aroma is dominated by notes of cocoa and toasted oak.
Taste: dry, spicy, with accents of honey, rye, cloves.
Finish: soft, vanilla, with hints of confectionery spices.
Parker´s Heritage Collection
A line of rare whiskeys dedicated to the company’s sixth distiller, Parker Beam.
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Relevance: 23.05.2019
Tags: Whiskey and bourbon, Whiskey brands