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Sports and Competition
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Sports and Competition
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This Kentucky brand was named Distillery of the Year at New Orleans Spirits Competition

Heaven Hill Distillery Crowned Distillery of the Year at Prestigious New Orleans Spirits Competition

In a resounding affirmation of its mastery in the world of bourbon and American whiskey, Heaven Hill Distillery has been honored as the Distillery of the Year at the 2025 New Orleans Spirits Competition. This accolade, announced on July 30, 2025, underscores the Bardstown, Kentucky-based distillery's unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and tradition in an increasingly competitive spirits landscape. The win not only highlights Heaven Hill's impressive portfolio but also cements its status as a powerhouse in the bourbon industry, which has seen explosive growth in recent years.

The New Orleans Spirits Competition, held annually in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, is one of the most respected events in the global spirits calendar. Organized by the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, the competition brings together industry experts, distillers, bartenders, and enthusiasts to evaluate entries from around the world. This year's event, which took place from July 20 to 25, featured blind tastings conducted by a panel of renowned judges, including master distillers, sommeliers, and spirits journalists. Categories spanned a wide array of spirits, from whiskeys and gins to rums and liqueurs, with a particular emphasis on American-made products given the competition's roots in the heart of cocktail culture.

Heaven Hill's triumph was comprehensive, with the distillery earning top honors across multiple categories. The judges praised the consistency and depth of flavor in Heaven Hill's submissions, which included standout expressions from their flagship brands. Notably, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon took home a Double Gold medal for its rich caramel and vanilla notes balanced with subtle spice, a testament to the distillery's expertise in barrel aging. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond, a staple for bourbon aficionados, secured a Gold medal, lauded for its affordability without compromising on quality. Other winners included Larceny Bourbon, which impressed with its wheated mash bill and smooth finish, and the ultra-premium Parker's Heritage Collection, which earned accolades for its innovative cask finishes and limited-edition releases.

What sets Heaven Hill apart, according to competition organizers, is not just the excellence of individual products but the distillery's holistic approach to spirits production. "Heaven Hill exemplifies what it means to be a leader in the industry," said Caroline Rosen, president of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, in a statement following the awards ceremony. "Their dedication to heritage, combined with forward-thinking practices, has resulted in a portfolio that resonates with both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike." This sentiment was echoed by the judging panel, who noted the distillery's ability to maintain high standards amid scaling production to meet global demand.

Founded in 1935 by the Shapira family shortly after the repeal of Prohibition, Heaven Hill has grown from a modest operation into the largest independent, family-owned distillery in the United States. The company's origins trace back to the entrepreneurial spirit of brothers Harry, Gary, and Moshe Shapira, who saw opportunity in Kentucky's fertile bourbon landscape. Over the decades, Heaven Hill has weathered challenges, including a devastating fire in 1996 that destroyed seven warehouses and millions of gallons of aging whiskey. Rather than folding, the distillery rebuilt stronger, investing in state-of-the-art facilities while preserving traditional methods like open-rickhouse aging and proprietary yeast strains.

Today, Heaven Hill produces over 1,300 barrels of bourbon per day at its Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, with additional operations in Bardstown. Their portfolio boasts iconic brands such as Old Fitzgerald, Rittenhouse Rye, and Mellow Corn, alongside newer ventures into flavored whiskeys and international exports. The distillery's visitor center, the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, offering immersive tours that delve into the art and science of bourbon-making. This educational outreach has played a key role in demystifying the spirit and fostering a new generation of enthusiasts.

In an exclusive interview following the announcement, Conor O'Driscoll, Heaven Hill's master distiller, reflected on the significance of the award. "This recognition is a validation of our team's hard work and the legacy we've built over nearly nine decades," O'Driscoll said. "Bourbon isn't just a product for us; it's a craft passed down through generations. We're constantly experimenting with new techniques, like our recent explorations in sustainable farming for our grain sources, while staying true to the recipes that made us who we are." O'Driscoll highlighted the role of innovation in their success, pointing to limited releases like the Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Finish, which incorporates secondary toasting for enhanced flavor profiles.

The Distillery of the Year title comes at a pivotal time for the bourbon industry. Kentucky, often called the "Bourbon Capital of the World," produces 95% of the globe's bourbon supply, contributing billions to the state's economy. However, the sector faces headwinds, including supply chain disruptions, tariffs on exports, and shifting consumer preferences toward premium and craft spirits. Heaven Hill's win serves as a beacon of resilience, demonstrating how tradition can coexist with adaptation. Industry analysts predict that this accolade will boost Heaven Hill's market share, particularly in emerging markets like Asia and Europe, where bourbon's popularity is surging.

Beyond the awards, Heaven Hill's commitment to community and sustainability adds layers to their story. The distillery has implemented eco-friendly practices, such as water recycling in production and partnerships with local farmers for non-GMO grains. They also support charitable initiatives through the Shapira Foundation, focusing on education and disaster relief in Kentucky. These efforts resonate with modern consumers who prioritize brands with strong ethical standings.

Looking ahead, Heaven Hill shows no signs of slowing down. Plans are underway for expansions at their Bardstown campus, including new rickhouses to accommodate aging stock and enhanced visitor experiences with virtual reality tours. O'Driscoll teased upcoming releases, including a collaboration with international distillers to blend bourbon with global spirits traditions, potentially bridging American whiskey with Scotch or Japanese whisky influences.

This victory at the New Orleans Spirits Competition is more than a trophy; it's a milestone in Heaven Hill's enduring narrative. As bourbon continues to evolve from a regional specialty to a global phenomenon, distilleries like Heaven Hill remind us of the spirit's roots in craftsmanship, patience, and passion. For enthusiasts, it's an invitation to raise a glass to excellence, whether savoring a neat pour of Elijah Craig or mixing an Old Fashioned with Evan Williams. In the competitive world of spirits, Heaven Hill has proven once again that true quality stands the test of time.

The competition's results also spotlighted other notable winners, providing a snapshot of the industry's diversity. For instance, competitors from Scotland and Japan earned high marks in single malt categories, while American craft distilleries shone in gin and vodka. Yet, Heaven Hill's sweep in the bourbon divisions reaffirms Kentucky's dominance. As the dust settles from the 2025 event, anticipation builds for next year's competition, where Heaven Hill will undoubtedly defend their title with the same vigor that earned it.

In celebrating this achievement, it's worth noting the broader cultural impact of bourbon. From its origins in colonial America to its role in modern mixology, bourbon embodies a uniquely American story of innovation and reinvention. Heaven Hill's journey mirrors this, evolving from post-Prohibition pioneers to award-winning icons. As one judge put it during the awards gala, "Heaven Hill doesn't just make whiskey; they make history."

For those inspired to explore, Heaven Hill's products are widely available, with tasting events scheduled at their distillery throughout the fall. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a curious newcomer, this Distillery of the Year honor invites all to discover the depth and delight of their offerings. In an era where authenticity matters, Heaven Hill stands tall, a testament to the enduring allure of fine spirits.

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Read the Full The Courier-Journal Article at:
[ https://www.courier-journal.com/story/life/food/spirits/bourbon/2025/07/30/heaven-hill-distillery-of-the-year-at-new-orleans-spirits-competition/85378543007/ ]