List of Heaven Hill Distillery Brands

Exploring the Rich Legacy of Heaven Hill Brands

Thinking about American whiskey often brings certain names to mind, and the diverse selection of Heaven Hill brands are prominent among them. This guide explores the vast array of brands from Heaven Hill, from popular Evan Williams bourbon to the coveted Parker’s Heritage Collection.

A Look Back: The Heaven Hill Story

Heaven Hill’s journey started right after Prohibition ended, a pivotal time for American whiskey. In 1935, the five Shapira brothers founded the company, investing in their vision to build a distillery. They chose Bardstown, Kentucky, a place synonymous with bourbon whiskey heritage, sometimes referred to as a ‘heaven on hills’ for distillers. This decision, made during the economic uncertainty of the Great Depression, showed considerable foresight.

The early years presented challenges, but the Shapiras persevered with their bourbon dream. They focused on making good quality whiskey, specifically Kentucky straight bourbon. Their dedication to crafting excellent American whiskeys helped them grow steadily over the decades, establishing the Heaven Hill Distillery as a cornerstone of the industry.

Unlike many distilleries that changed hands, Heaven Hill remains family owned and operated, now in its third generation. This continuity allows them a consistent vision for their business and a commitment to long-term quality. The legacy includes the profound impact of figures like Parker Beam, a master distiller who dedicated his life to Heaven Hill’s bourbon.

A major event was the 1996 fire that tragically destroyed their Bardstown distillery, seven rickhouses, and nearly 100,000 barrels of aging whiskey. It was a terrible loss that could have ended many operations. The following day, fellow Kentucky distillers Brown-Forman and Jim Beam stepped in to help their competitor, distilling whiskey for Heaven Hill until the company could rebuild or acquire a new facility. Even though they were competitors, the bourbon community came together to help one of their neighbors.

To maintain production, Heaven Hill quickly acquired the Bernheim distillery in Louisville from United Distillers. They also courageously rebuilt and expanded their operations in Bardstown, now home to the magnificent Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. This spirit of perseverance is a hallmark of the Heaven Hill brands.

Detailed List of Heaven Hill Brands

Below is a detailed working catalog of Heaven Hill’s whiskey portfolio, organized by brand family and updated through September 2026.

A truly literal list of every Heaven Hill label ever bottled would include hundreds of private labels, export releases, commemorative bottles, gift sets and discontinued proofs. This list focuses on:

• Current nationally or regionally distributed whiskey
• Distillery-exclusive and export expressions
• Recurring limited-edition series
• Historically important discontinued variations
• Whiskey brands produced by Heaven Hill’s acquired distilleries

Heaven Hill operates the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville and ages much of its whiskey around Bardstown and surrounding Kentucky locations. Its primary Kentucky recipes include traditional bourbon, wheated bourbon, rye whiskey, wheat whiskey and corn whiskey. Heaven Hill says Bernheim produces every major style of American whiskey.

1. Elijah Craig

Heaven Hill’s premium traditional-mash-bill bourbon and rye family.

Current and recurring releases:

• Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon
  • Kentucky straight bourbon
  • 94 proof
  • Non-age-stated
  • Formerly carried a 12-year age statement
• Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon
  • Batch release
  • Uncut and non-chill filtered
  • Proof and age vary by batch
  • Generally released three times annually
  • Batch codes traditionally use a letter and number, such as A123, B523 or C924
• Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel
  • Fully matured Elijah Craig bourbon finished in a newly toasted second barrel
  • 94 proof
• Elijah Craig Toasted Rye
  • Straight rye whiskey finished in a custom-toasted barrel
  • Limited or allocated release
• Elijah Craig Straight Rye
  • Kentucky straight rye whiskey
  • 94 proof
  • Uses Heaven Hill’s 51% rye mash bill
• Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old Single Barrel
  • Kentucky straight bourbon
  • Single-barrel release
  • 90 proof
  • Annual allocated expression
• Elijah Craig Private Barrel
  • Retailer, restaurant and private-group barrel selections
  • Available in standard proof and barrel-proof configurations
  • Age and proof vary by selection
• Elijah Craig Barrel Select
  • Primarily a distillery-exclusive or special-market selection
  • Specifications can vary

Important discontinued or historical versions:

• Elijah Craig 12-Year-Old Small Batch
  • Original age-stated version of today’s Small Batch
  • 94 proof
• Elijah Craig 12-Year-Old Barrel Proof
  • Earlier barrel-proof releases carried a consistent 12-year age statement
  • Later releases use batch-specific ages
• Elijah Craig 20-Year-Old Single Barrel
• Elijah Craig 21-Year-Old Single Barrel
• Elijah Craig 22-Year-Old Single Barrel
• Elijah Craig 23-Year-Old Single Barrel
• Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old, older label generations
• Elijah Craig 12-Year-Old, pre-fire and early Heaven Hill versions
• Elijah Craig Beer Barrel Finish
  • Special visitor-center or experimental release
  • Bourbon finished in beer-seasoned barrels
• Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Barrel Proof
  • Limited variations and private selections have appeared

2. Evan Williams

Heaven Hill’s largest and most widely distributed bourbon family.

Core straight bourbons:

• Evan Williams Bourbon—Black Label
  • Kentucky straight bourbon
  • 86 proof
  • The brand’s flagship expression
• Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond—White Label
  • Kentucky straight bourbon
  • At least four years old
  • 100 proof
  • Produced under Bottled-in-Bond requirements
• Evan Williams 1783 Small Batch
  • Small-batch Kentucky straight bourbon
  • 90 proof
  • Pulled from fewer than 200 barrels
• Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage
  • Vintage-dated single-barrel bourbon
  • 86.6 proof
  • Usually approximately seven to eight years old
  • Distribution has become limited, particularly to Kentucky
• Evan Williams Green Label
  • Lower-priced Kentucky straight bourbon
  • 80 proof
  • Regional availability

Premium, export and visitor-center releases:

• Evan Williams 12-Year-Old
  • 101 proof
  • Traditionally associated with Japan and the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
  • Highly allocated in the United States
• Evan Williams 23-Year-Old
  • 107 proof
  • Extremely limited
  • Primarily associated with export markets and special visitor-center availability
• Evan Williams Master Blend
  • Limited Evan Williams Bourbon Experience release
  • Blend specifications vary
• Evan Williams Select Experience releases
  • Special bottles sold through the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
  • May include single barrels, specialty blends and commemorative releases

Flavored whiskey and seasonal products:

These use whiskey as a base but should not be classified as straight bourbon.

• Evan Williams Honey
• Evan Williams Apple
• Evan Williams Fire
• Evan Williams Peach, in certain markets or periods
• Evan Williams Cherry, historical or limited-market
• Evan Williams Egg Nog
  • Seasonal bourbon-based eggnog rather than straight whiskey

Historical variations:

• Evan Williams 7-Year-Old
• Evan Williams 8-Year-Old
• Evan Williams 10-Year-Old
• Evan Williams 15-Year-Old
• Evan Williams Red Label
  • Export-market high-proof variation
• Evan Williams 1783, original 86-proof version
• Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage—numerous annual vintages
• Evan Williams Blue Label and specialty export labels
• Evan Williams Kentucky Cider
• Evan Williams Cinnamon Reserve
  • Predecessor or related product to Evan Williams Fire

3. Larceny

Heaven Hill’s modern wheated-bourbon brand, using wheat instead of rye as the secondary grain.

• Larceny Small Batch
  • Kentucky straight bourbon
  • 92 proof
  • Non-age-stated
  • Generally composed of whiskey approximately six to twelve years old
• Larceny Barrel Proof
  • Batch-released wheated bourbon
  • Uncut and non-chill filtered
  • Proof varies
  • Usually released three times annually
  • Uses batch codes such as A124, B524 and C924
• Larceny Private Barrel
  • Private single-barrel selections
  • Often bottled at barrel proof
  • Age and proof vary
• Larceny Old Label
  • Earlier packaging and batches preceding the current bottle design
  • Same general wheated-bourbon family, although batching specifications have evolved

4. Old Fitzgerald

The historic wheated-bourbon label associated with the lineage that also supports Larceny.

Current releases:

• Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond
  • Introduced as a permanent flagship in 2025
  • Wheated Kentucky straight bourbon
  • 100 proof
  • Seven years old
• Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond Decanter Series
  • Limited wheated bourbon
  • 100 proof
  • Usually released in spring and fall
  • Age varies by edition
  • Packaged in a decorative decanter inspired by a 1950s Old Fitzgerald bottle

The decanter series has included numerous ages, generally ranging from eight to nineteen years, as well as special commemorative bottlings. Heaven Hill describes it as a twice-annual series, although release timing has occasionally varied. Old Fitzgerald Decanter Series

Special editions:

• Old Fitzgerald Very Very Special 2024 Edition
  • 13-year-old Bottled-in-Bond bourbon
  • Released for the 25th anniversary of Heaven Hill’s acquisition of the Bernheim Distillery
• Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 8-Year
• Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 9-Year
• Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 10-Year
• Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 11-Year
• Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 13-Year
• Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 14-Year
• Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 15-Year
• Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 16-Year
• Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 17-Year
• Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 19-Year

Not every age represents a continuing product; many appeared only as individual seasonal editions.

Important discontinued versions:

• Very Old Fitzgerald 8-Year-Old
• Very Old Fitzgerald 12-Year-Old
• Very Old Fitzgerald 15-Year-Old
• Very Xtra Old Fitzgerald
• Old Fitzgerald 1849
• Old Fitzgerald Prime
• Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond—traditional bottle
• Old Fitzgerald 100 Proof
• Old Fitzgerald 90 Proof
• Old Fitzgerald 80 Proof
• Old Fitzgerald 6-Year-Old
• Old Fitzgerald 8-Year-Old
• Old Fitzgerald 12-Year-Old
• Old Fitzgerald 15-Year-Old
• Old Fitzgerald 17-Year-Old
• Old Fitzgerald 20-Year-Old
• Various Stitzel-Weller-produced Old Fitzgerald releases bottled before Heaven Hill assumed ownership

5. Heaven Hill Whiskey Family

These bottles carry the Heaven Hill name directly.

Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond:

• Heaven Hill 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond
  • Kentucky straight bourbon
  • 100 proof
  • Nationally distributed, although often allocated
• Heaven Hill 6-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond
  • 100 proof
  • Kentucky-only value release
  • Discontinued and replaced in practical terms by the 7-year national release
• Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond 6-Year Green Label
  • Historic Kentucky release

Standard and regional Heaven Hill bourbon:

• Heaven Hill Kentucky Straight Bourbon—White Label
  • Often 80 proof
  • Regional and export configurations vary
• Heaven Hill Old Style Bourbon
  • Value-priced regional expression
  • Label and proof have varied
• Heaven Hill Quality House
  • Value whiskey or bourbon line
  • Different market versions have existed
• Heaven Hill Black Label
  • Historical or export-market release
• Heaven Hill Gold Label
  • Historical or export-market release
• Heaven Hill 80th Anniversary Bourbon
  • Limited commemorative release
• Heaven Hill 90th Anniversary Bourbon
  • Anniversary release associated with the company’s 1935–2025 milestone

6. Heaven Hill Grain to Glass

An annual premium series using a specifically identified corn seed variety and distinctive mash bills.

Standard annual trio:

• Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • High-rye bourbon recipe
  • Barrel proof
  • Proof and age vary by annual edition
• Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon
  • High-wheat bourbon recipe
  • Barrel proof
  • Proof and age vary
• Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Rye
  • Rye whiskey with a higher rye percentage than Heaven Hill’s standard 51% rye recipe
  • Barrel proof
  • Proof and age vary

The inaugural edition used mash bills of 52% corn, 35% rye and 13% malt for the bourbon; 52% corn, 35% wheat and 13% malt for the wheated bourbon; and 63% rye, 24% corn and 13% malt for the rye. Heaven Hill Grain to Glass

Specialty Barrel Series:

• Grain to Glass Chinquapin Oak Bourbon
• Grain to Glass Chinquapin Oak Wheated Bourbon
• Grain to Glass Chinquapin Oak Rye

These extend the program through alternative-oak maturation or finishing. Mash bill, proof and barrel treatment may change with each edition.

7. Heaven Hill Heritage Collection

A recurring ultra-premium series highlighting older or unusual Heaven Hill stocks. 2026 features their 20th annual release. See the full list here.

• 2022: 17-Year-Old Barrel Proof Bourbon
  • Blend included 17-, 19- and 20-year-old bourbon
• 2023: 20-Year-Old Corn Whiskey
  • Aged in used barrels
• 2024: 18-Year-Old Bourbon
  • Traditional Heaven Hill bourbon mash bill
• 2025 edition
  • Limited, age-stated Heritage Collection whiskey
• 2026 edition
  • Limited Heritage Collection release announced for 2026

Each edition is a separate whiskey rather than a continuing expression.

8. Henry McKenna

• Henry McKenna Single Barrel 10-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond
  • Kentucky straight bourbon
  • Single barrel
  • Ten years old
  • 100 proof
  • One of Heaven Hill’s best-known allocated bourbons
• Henry McKenna Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • 80 proof
  • Non-age-stated or younger standard expression
  • Limited regional distribution

Historical variations:

• Henry McKenna 4-Year-Old
• Henry McKenna Sour Mash Bourbon
• Henry McKenna Bottled-in-Bond older label generations
• Henry McKenna Single Barrel private or special selections

9. Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey

This is a wheat whiskey, not a wheated bourbon. Wheat is the principal grain.

• Bernheim Original 7-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Wheat Whiskey
  • 90 proof
  • Seven years old
  • Earlier versions carried a six- or seven-year presentation depending on period
• Bernheim Barrel Proof
  • Batch release
  • Barrel proof
  • Age and proof vary
  • Uses a batch-code format similar to Elijah Craig and Larceny

Historical versions:

• Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey—NAS
• Bernheim Original 7-Year—older bottle design
• Experimental or gift-shop Bernheim selections

10. Parker’s Heritage Collection

An annual limited release honoring longtime master distiller Parker Beam. Heaven Hill has used the series for bourbon, rye, wheat whiskey, malt whiskey, finished whiskey and experimental blends. Parker’s Heritage Collection

The major editions include:

1. 2007—11-Year-Old Cask Strength Bourbon
2. 2008—27-Year-Old Bourbon
3. 2009—Golden Anniversary Bourbon
4. 2010—10-Year-Old Wheated Bourbon
5. 2011—Cognac-Finished Bourbon
6. 2012—Master Distiller’s Blend of Mash Bills
7. 2013—Promise of Hope Bourbon
8. 2014—Original Batch Wheat Whiskey
9. 2015—Malt Whiskey
10. 2016—24-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
11. 2017—11-Year-Old Single Barrel Bourbon
12. 2018—Orange Curaçao-Finished Bourbon
13. 2019—Heavy Char Rye Whiskey
14. 2020—10-Year-Old Heavy Char Bourbon
15. 2021—11-Year-Old Heavy Char Wheat Whiskey
16. 2022—Double-Barreled Bourbon Blend
17. 2023—10-Year-Old Cask Strength Rye
18. 2024—14-Year-Old Malt Whiskey
19. 2025—11-Year-Old Kentucky Straight American Whiskey

Some years had multiple barrels, proofs or batches, but each numbered edition shared one principal concept.

11. Rittenhouse Rye

• Rittenhouse Straight Rye Bottled-in-Bond
  • Kentucky straight rye
  • At least four years old
  • 100 proof
  • Heaven Hill’s standard 51% rye recipe

Historical variations:

• Rittenhouse 21-Year-Old Rye
• Rittenhouse 23-Year-Old Rye
• Rittenhouse 25-Year-Old Rye
• Rittenhouse Very Rare
• Rittenhouse 80 Proof
• Rittenhouse 100 Proof older label generations
• Pennsylvania-distilled vintage Rittenhouse releases predating current Kentucky production

12. Pikesville Rye

• Pikesville 6-Year-Old Straight Rye
  • Six years old
  • 110 proof
  • Premium version of Heaven Hill’s rye mash bill

Historical variations:

• Pikesville Supreme Straight Rye
  • 80 proof
  • Three-year age statement on some versions
  • Discontinued
• Pikesville Maryland Rye
  • Older Maryland-produced historical versions, predating Heaven Hill ownership and Kentucky production

13. Mellow Corn

• Mellow Corn Bottled-in-Bond
  • Kentucky straight corn whiskey
  • At least four years old
  • 100 proof
  • Aged in used oak barrels

Historical variations:

• Mellow Corn 80 Proof
• Mellow Corn older label and age-stated versions
• Earlier Heaven Hill corn whiskey configurations

14. Fighting Cock

• Fighting Cock Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • Traditionally 103 proof
  • Formerly carried a six-year age statement
  • Current distribution is regional

Historical versions:

• Fighting Cock 6-Year-Old
• Fighting Cock 8-Year-Old
• Fighting Cock 15-Year-Old
• Fighting Cock Rye
• Fighting Cock 103, non-age-stated
• Older 86-proof or market-specific variations

15. J.W. Dant

• J.W. Dant Bottled-in-Bond
  • Kentucky straight bourbon
  • 100 proof
  • At least four years old
• J.W. Dant Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • Lower-proof regional expression
  • Availability varies

Historical versions:

• J.W. Dant 6-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond
• J.W. Dant 7-Year-Old
• J.W. Dant 10-Year-Old
• J.W. Dant 86 Proof
• Numerous older Dant distillery and pre-Heaven Hill releases

16. J.T.S. Brown

• J.T.S. Brown Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • 80 proof
  • Regional value expression
• J.T.S. Brown Bottled-in-Bond
  • 100 proof
  • At least four years old
  • Strong regional availability, particularly in Kentucky

Historical versions:

• J.T.S. Brown 6-Year-Old
• J.T.S. Brown 86 Proof
• J.T.S. Brown 100 Proof older labels
• Older distillery-produced versions predating Heaven Hill ownership

17. T.W. Samuels

• T.W. Samuels Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • Regional value bourbon
  • Usually 80 proof
• T.W. Samuels Bottled-in-Bond
  • Historical 100-proof variation
• T.W. Samuels 7-Year-Old
• T.W. Samuels 10-Year-Old
• Other older age-stated and export versions

18. Cabin Still

• Cabin Still Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • Usually 80 proof
  • Regional value expression
  • Acquired by Heaven Hill in the 1990s

Historical versions:

• Cabin Still 4-Year-Old
• Cabin Still 5-Year-Old
• Cabin Still 6-Year-Old
• Cabin Still 90 Proof
• Cabin Still Collector’s Decanters
• Stitzel-Weller-produced versions predating Heaven Hill ownership

19. Virgin Bourbon

• Virgin Bourbon 7-Year-Old
  • Kentucky straight bourbon
  • Traditionally 101 proof
  • Limited regional distribution
• Virgin Bourbon 10-Year-Old
  • Historical or less-common age-stated release
• Virgin Bourbon 15-Year-Old
  • Older limited release

20. Echo Spring

• Echo Spring Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • Value or regional release
  • Proof and age statements have varied
• Echo Spring 4-Year-Old
• Echo Spring 6-Year-Old
• Echo Spring 90 Proof
• Echo Spring Bottled-in-Bond
• Older versions from previous owners

21. Kentucky and Regional Value Labels

Heaven Hill has produced or controlled a considerable number of lower-priced and regional whiskey labels. Some remain available only in particular states, while others are discontinued.

• Kentucky Deluxe
  • Blended whiskey
  • Not straight bourbon
• Kentucky Gentleman
  • Bourbon or blended-bourbon configurations have existed
  • Current label specifications should be checked carefully
• Kentucky Supreme Bourbon
• Kentucky Gold Bourbon
• Kentucky Beau Bourbon
• Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • Generic Heaven Hill-controlled label in certain markets
• Aristocrat Kentucky Straight Bourbon
• Distiller’s Pride Bourbon
• Colonel’s Pride Bourbon
• Daniel Stewart Bourbon
• Mark Twain Bourbon
• Mattingly & Moore
  • Blended whiskey
• Philadelphia Blended Whiskey
  • Long-running blended American whiskey acquired with the Dant and Cabin Still portfolio
• Imperial American Whiskey
  • Blended whiskey
• Old 1889 Bourbon
• Mellow Bourbon
• Newport Bourbon
• Jim Porter Bourbon
• Chapin & Gore
  • Historical whiskey label
• Private Cellar Bourbon
• Copa-related and retailer-exclusive private labels
  • Market-specific and often discontinued

Because contract and private-label arrangements change, not every bottle carrying one of these names is necessarily filled with the same recipe or age specification throughout its history.

22. Five Brothers

• Five Brothers Small Batch Bourbon
  • Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience release
  • Blend of five different bourbon ages
  • Named for the five Shapira brothers who founded Heaven Hill
  • Typically bottled at 90 proof
  • Distillery-exclusive or highly restricted distribution

23. William Heavenhill

A visitor-center-exclusive premium series—not to be confused with standard Heaven Hill bourbon.

Known William Heavenhill releases have included:

• William Heavenhill 11-Year-Old
• William Heavenhill 12-Year-Old
• William Heavenhill 13-Year-Old
• William Heavenhill 14-Year-Old
• William Heavenhill 15-Year-Old
• William Heavenhill 16-Year-Old
• Various small-batch, single-barrel and barrel-proof configurations

Ages and proofs depend on the release.

24. Square 6

Small-production whiskey distilled at the artisanal distillery inside the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience.

• Square 6 High Rye Bourbon
• Square 6 High Rye Rye Whiskey
• Square 6 Wheated Bourbon
• Square 6 High Rye Bourbon Finished in Port or specialty barrels
• Other experimental Square 6 releases

These are produced in very small quantities and sold mainly through the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience.

25. Deatsville

• Heaven Hill Deatsville Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • Limited release tied to Heaven Hill’s historic Deatsville aging and distilling legacy
  • Age, proof and release specifications vary
  • Introduced as a premium or limited Heaven Hill expression

26. Acquired Heaven Hill Distillery Brands

Heaven Hill acquired Samson & Surrey in 2022, bringing several independently operated distilleries and whiskey brands into the company. These belong to Heaven Hill Brands but are not distilled at Bernheim.

Widow Jane

Produced and blended through Widow Jane Distillery in Brooklyn, New York.

• Widow Jane 10-Year-Old Bourbon
• Widow Jane 13-Year-Old Bourbon
• Widow Jane 15-Year-Old The Vaults
• Widow Jane Lucky Thirteen
• Widow Jane Decadence
  • Bourbon finished in maple-syrup barrels
• Widow Jane Apple Wood Rye
• Widow Jane Oak & Apple Wood Aged Rye
• Widow Jane Paradigm Rye
• Widow Jane Black Opal
• Widow Jane Baby Jane Bourbon
• Widow Jane Baby Jane Heirloom Corn Bourbon
• Widow Jane Mine Series
  • Limestone Mine
  • Oak & Apple Wood
  • Other experimental releases
• Widow Jane The Vaults
  • Annual older-bourbon blends finished with specially selected oak
• Private-barrel and anniversary editions

Widow Jane often blends sourced bourbon from multiple states, while also distilling whiskey in Brooklyn.

FEW Spirits

Distilled in Evanston, Illinois.

• FEW Bourbon
• FEW Rye
• FEW American Whiskey
• FEW Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
• FEW Bottled-in-Bond Rye
• FEW Cold Cut Bourbon
  • Cut to proof using cold-brew coffee
• FEW Immortal Rye
  • Tea-finished rye
• FEW Alice in Chains All Secrets Known Bourbon
• FEW Smashing Pumpkins Bourbon
• FEW Motor Oil Whiskey
• FEW Breakfast Whiskey
• FEW Single Barrel Bourbon
• FEW Single Barrel Rye
• Specialty cask finishes and collaborative releases

Black Velvet Canadian Whisky

Owned by Heaven Hill and produced at the Black Velvet Distillery in Lethbridge, Alberta.

• Black Velvet Original
• Black Velvet Reserve 8-Year-Old
• Black Velvet Toasted Caramel
• Black Velvet Apple
• Black Velvet Peach
• Black Velvet Cinnamon Rush, historical
• Black Velvet 10-Year-Old, limited or historical
• Other Canadian and export-market variations

Black Velvet is Canadian whisky, not Heaven Hill-distilled Kentucky whiskey.

Practical Summary

Heaven Hill’s most important currently active American whiskey families are:

1. Elijah Craig
2. Evan Williams
3. Larceny
4. Old Fitzgerald
5. Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond
6. Heaven Hill Grain to Glass
7. Heaven Hill Heritage Collection
8. Henry McKenna
9. Parker’s Heritage Collection
10. Bernheim Original
11. Rittenhouse Rye
12. Pikesville Rye
13. Mellow Corn
14. Fighting Cock
15. J.W. Dant
16. J.T.S. Brown
17. T.W. Samuels
18. Cabin Still
19. Virgin Bourbon
20. Five Brothers
21. William Heavenhill
22. Square 6
23. Deatsville
24. Assorted regional and value labels
25. Widow Jane, FEW and Black Velvet through acquired distilleries

The official Heaven Hill site confirms that the same traditional bourbon recipe can become Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Henry McKenna, J.W. Dant or Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond depending on barrel age, location and selection. Its wheated recipe feeds Larceny and Old Fitzgerald, while its standard rye recipe feeds Rittenhouse, Pikesville and Elijah Craig Rye. Heaven Hill mash-bill explanation

A Deeper Dive into Key Heaven Hill Brands

As shown, Heaven Hill produces an impressive lineup of spirits, covering various styles of American whiskeys. Let’s look at some of their most well known labels.

Evan Williams: A Cornerstone Brand

Evan Williams is one of the world’s best selling bourbons and a flagship Heaven Hill bourbon. It’s named after a Welsh immigrant, Evan Williams, who, according to tradition, Williams opened Kentucky’s first commercial distillery in 1783 along the banks of the Ohio River in Louisville. While historical claims can sometimes be debated, the Williams bourbon brand itself is hugely popular worldwide.

The standard Evan Williams bourbon Black Label is known for its consistent quality and value. It offers a solid Kentucky straight bourbon experience at an affordable price, often presenting notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. It’s versatile for sipping neat, on the rocks, or mixing in classic bourbon cocktails; truly a dependable bourbon Evan Williams.

Beyond the Black Label, there’s Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond, also known as Evan Williams White Label. This version is 100 proof and aged at least four years, offering a richer flavor profile for those wanting to experience bottled-in-bond quality. There’s also Evan Williams Single Barrel, where each vintage provides a slightly different taste experience due to its specific aging and unique barrel, a fine example of single barrel bourbon.

Elijah Craig: Small Batch Sophistication

Elijah Craig is named after a Baptist preacher and entrepreneur. He’s often credited with discovering, or at least popularizing, the charring process for barrels in the late 18th century, a critical step in making modern bourbon whiskey. This brand focuses on small batch bourbon production, aiming for a premium bourbon experience.

The flagship Elijah Craig small batch bourbon is celebrated for its balance of sweet and spicy notes, often with rich flavors of toffee, dark chocolate, baking spices, and a hint of smoke. This Craig small batch bourbon is a favorite for many bourbon drinkers who appreciate a complex yet smooth batch bourbon. The bourbon Elijah Craig expressions are highly regarded.

The brand also offers Elijah Craig barrel proof bourbon, a series of uncut and unfiltered releases bottled straight from the barrel. These Craig barrel proof expressions pack a powerful punch of flavor and are highly sought after by enthusiasts. Special releases, like Toasted Barrel, explore different finishing techniques, further showcasing the depth of the Elijah Craig small batch philosophy. You can learn about bourbon standards from resources like the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB).

Larceny: The Wheated Bourbon

Larceny Bourbon stands out because it’s a wheated bourbon, a style enjoyed for its softer profile. This means wheat is the secondary flavoring grain in the mash bill instead of the more common rye. This typically results in a smoother, sweeter flavor profile in this Larceny Kentucky straight bourbon.

The name Larceny pays homage to John E. Fitzgerald, a U.S. Treasury agent from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Legend says Fitzgerald used his rickhouse keys to “steal” sips of the best bourbon barrels. This Larceny Kentucky straight bourbon honors that appreciation for fine whiskey.

Larceny Small Batch often shows notes of fresh bread, toffee, caramel, and honey, making it an easy sipper. It’s also great for cocktails where a less spicy bourbon is desired, as the wheat provides a gentler touch than rye. The smoothness makes it quite approachable for newcomers to straight bourbon.

Larceny Barrel Proof is another popular offering from the Heaven Hill brands portfolio. Like the Elijah Craig barrel proof versions, these are bottled at cask strength. They strongly showcase the wheated profile and are released in limited batches several times a year.

Rittenhouse Rye: A Bartender’s Favorite

Moving away from bourbon, Heaven Hill also makes excellent rye whiskey. Rittenhouse Rye is a classic example of this style. It’s a bottled-in-bond rye, meaning it’s 100 proof, produced in a single distilling season by a single distiller, and aged at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse.

This historic Pennsylvania or Maryland rye style whiskey is known for its spicy character. You’ll find notes of pepper, cinnamon, dried fruit, and toffee. It has a rich mouthfeel and a long, satisfying finish, making Rittenhouse Rye a robust and flavorful spirit.

It is highly regarded for use in classic cocktails like the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, or Sazerac. Many bartenders appreciate its quality, versatility, and value. This makes it a staple in well-stocked bars.

Pikesville Rye: A Step Up

Pikesville Rye has a storied history dating back to Maryland in the 1890s, a time when Maryland rye was a dominant force in American whiskey. Heaven Hill revived the brand, honoring its heritage. Their version is a 6-year-old, 110 proof straight rye whiskey.

This expression is a step up in age and proof from Rittenhouse Rye, offering a more complex flavor profile. Expect notes of cocoa, vanilla, honey, and baking spice, all overlaid with a pleasant, peppery rye spice. It’s excellent for sipping neat or with a little water.

It also makes a very sophisticated cocktail, elevating classic recipes. Pikesville Rye often receives high praise from whiskey critics and has garnered numerous awards for its exceptional quality among American whiskeys.

Henry McKenna Single Barrel: Aged Excellence

Henry McKenna Single Barrel is a Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. What makes this Henry McKenna expression special is that it’s aged for a remarkable 10 years. Each bottle comes from a single barrel, selected for its individual character.

This means there can be slight variations from one McKenna single barrel to the next, which is part of the charm of any single barrel bourbon. It usually shows rich caramel, vanilla, honey, and oak notes, typical of a well-aged barrel bourbon. The extended aging contributes significantly to its depth and smoothness.

Henry McKenna Single Barrel has won numerous prestigious awards over the years. It’s often considered one of the best value 10-year-old bourbons on the market. Finding this McKenna single barrel can sometimes be a challenge due to its popularity and critical acclaim.

Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey

Heaven Hill also produces Bernheim Original, a pioneering American whiskey. This is an American Straight Wheat Whiskey, and it stands as one of the few widely available original wheat whiskey expressions. The mash bill for Bernheim original wheat whiskey features at least 51% wheat, setting it apart from bourbon or rye.

Bernheim Original is typically aged for 7 years in new charred oak barrels, similar to bourbon. It’s known for being light, smooth, and subtly sweet, with notes of honey, vanilla, soft spice, and toasted grain. This Bernheim Original Wheat offers a different kind of American whiskey experience.

It’s great for those looking to explore beyond traditional bourbon and rye profiles. More details on such distinctive expressions like Bernheim Original can often be found on the Heaven Hill Distillery website.

Mellow Corn: A Cult Classic

Mellow Corn is distinct among Heaven Hill brands. It is a Bottled-in-Bond straight corn whiskey, a category with specific production rules. To qualify as corn whiskey, the mash bill must consist of at least 81% corn.

Unlike bourbon, which must be aged in new charred oak barrels, Mellow Corn is aged in used oak barrels (either uncharred or previously used for aging other whiskeys). This results in a lighter color and a flavor profile that emphasizes the corn. It has a light, sweet profile, with notes of corn, vanilla, and a hint of oak.

It’s surprisingly smooth for a 100 proof spirit. Mellow Corn has a dedicated following, and enthusiasts appreciate its distinctive character, historical significance, and affordable price. It truly stands out in the diverse portfolio of Heaven Hill’s American whiskeys.

The Bottled-in-Bond Experience

Several Heaven Hill brands, including Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond, Rittenhouse Rye, Henry McKenna Single Barrel, and Mellow Corn, carry the Bottled-in-Bond designation. This label is more than just a marketing term; it refers to the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. This act was a crucial piece of early consumer protection legislation in the U.S.

To experience bottled-in-bond whiskey means enjoying a spirit that meets specific standards. The whiskey must be the product of one distillation season, by one distiller, at one distillery. It must be aged in a federally bonded warehouse under U.S. government supervision for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume).

Heaven Hill has long championed the Bottled-in-Bond category, viewing it as a mark of quality, authenticity, and tradition. Their commitment to these standards offers consumers an assurance of the whiskey’s pedigree. This focus highlights the integrity behind many Heaven Hill brands.

The Broader Impact

Heaven Hill’s influence extends beyond its own brands. As a major producer, they also supply high-quality whiskey to other companies, including many craft brands that may not have their own distillation capacity. Heaven Hill plays a vital part in the wider American whiskey market.

Their commitment to quality helps maintain high standards for Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey and other styles. They contribute significantly to the reputation of Kentucky bourbon globally. This dedication is important for the entire industry’s health and perception.

Their continuous investment in facilities, barrel cooperage, and inventory shows confidence in the future of American whiskey. They also engage in sustainable practices. Responsible water use and energy management are part of their operations at the Heaven Hill distillery, reflecting a modern approach to a traditional craft.

Conclusion

The range and quality of Heaven Hill brands are remarkable, cementing their place in the spirits market. From accessible daily drinkers like Evan Williams bourbon to premium special releases such as the Parker’s Heritage Collection, there’s something for nearly every palate. Their deep roots in American whiskey history, combined with continuous family ownership and the guidance of esteemed master distillers, create a compelling story.

Whether you prefer bourbon whiskey like the classic Elijah Craig bourbon, spicy Rittenhouse rye, smooth Larceny Kentucky straight bourbon, or even distinct corn whiskey, exploring Heaven Hill brands offers a rich journey.