Heaven Hill whiskey: history, overview of taste and types
Whiskey distilled in Kentucky is considered a classic of American distilling.
The Heaven Hill products with the tempting "paradise" name belong to this category of drinks. Bourbon is a classic example of local oily spirits with a light character and mild flavor.
Among the US alcohol companies, Heaven Hill ranks 6th in terms of the amount of spirits supplied and 2nd in terms of aged bourbon stocks (over 1.5 million barrels).
History of Heaven Hill
The independent company Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc."Heaven Hill" was founded in Bardstown shortly after the end of Prohibition - 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 producers.
In the 40s, the company supplied bourbon to the US military.
In 1946, Earl Beam, who came to the company from the Jim Beam Company, became the master distiller of Heaven Hill.
In the 50s, his father was joined by Parker Beam, who was later succeeded by his son Craig.
In 1996, 7 Heaven Hill warehouses were burned to the ground in a massive fire that is still remembered by locals. The buildings were restored, but about 2% of the world's bourbon stocks were destroyed during the disaster.
Throughout the XX century, the company was constantly increasing its capacity, launching new brands, buying distilleries and alcohol brands.
In addition to bourbon, by the end of the XX century, the company's collection included Burnett's Vodka, Burnett's Gin, Harwood Canadian Whisky, Copa De Oro Coffee Liqueur, Dubonnet Aperitif, Two Fingers Tequila and other famous drinks.
In the early 2000s, the company was repeatedly awarded the title of "Distiller of the Year" by Whisky Magazine.
In 2014, the family-owned company changed its name to Heaven Hill Brands.
Specifics of production
The company produces all categories of American whiskey, transforming traditional technologies to 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.
The crushed grains mixed with water are brewed in small batches at specific temperatures. Part of the previous day's distillate is added to the mash.
To activate fermentation, a proprietary yeast strain grown according to a family recipe dating back to 1935 is added to the mash.
Distillation is carried out once in 70-foot column-type stills, using cold water to cool the alcohols.
The whiskey is aged in fired oak barrels made to order by hereditary cooperages.
Types of Heaven Hill whiskey
Elijah Craig Bourbons
A series of premium aged spirits made from corn and grain according to the recipes of Elijah Craig, the inventor of bourbon.
Main notes: vanilla, spices, caramel, burnt wood, fruit, tobacco, chocolate.
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 are aged for a long time in oak, which gives them a rich amber color and a rich, smooth bouquet.
The aroma is dominated by vanilla and mint, the taste is woody, citrus, caramel notes with accents of black pepper and brown sugar.
Heaven Hill Old Style Bourbon
The classic Kentucky bourbon, which has been aged for 4 years, is especially popular among domestic gourmets.
Aroma: soft, sweet, citrus and caramel, with accents of chocolate and nuts.
Taste: slightly sharp, lemony and woody, with a subtle bitterness and a mineral, smoky and 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 and Mellow Corn Whiskey
Authentic American undiluted whiskey, which consists of 81% corn. The remaining part is rye and malt barley spirits.
Aged in new or used charred barrels.
Henry Mckenna Single Barrel
The only drink in the line that is bottled from a single barrel specially selected by the master.
Aged for 10 years.
Color: warm golden amber.
Aroma: vanilla and caramel, with woody and herbal notes.
Taste: smooth, spicy, with accents of oak, spices and honey. Finish: long, sweet, spicy.
Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey
A classic 4-year old blend consisting of at least 51% rye, named after the famous square in Philadelphia.
Used mainly for 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
Wheat whiskey, aged for 7 years, with a sweet vanilla and honey aroma.
Taste: soft, with accents of toffee, berries, spices and fresh mint.
Larceny Bourbon
The drink, which contains a significant proportion of wheat alcohols, has a soft, rounded character and a sweet, spicy taste.
Bourbon components are aged from 6 to 12 years.
Color: bright copper. Main notes: fresh bread, toffee, buttery caramel, honey.
Old Fitzgerald Bourbon
A brand with a 120-year history and 50% strength.
The drinks contain soft wheat alcohols.
Aging is different for each release.
Aroma: multi-layered, with notes of toasted oak, cinnamon and ginger.
Taste: incredibly smooth, sweet and spicy, with a subtle hint of smoke.
Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey
Premium rye whiskey obtained from selected barrels.
Made according to the recipe of the late XIX century.
Age of spirits: at least 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 tones of confectionery spices.
Parker's Heritage Collection
A line of rare whiskeys dedicated to Parker Beam, the company's sixth distiller.
Update: 23.05.2019
Category: Whiskey and Bourbon