Heaven Hill Brands celebrated its 90th anniversary on December 13, 2025, marking the milestone with a year of major investments, a refreshed corporate brand, and significant industry awards. The largest independent family-owned spirits company in the U.S. capped its anniversary year with the commissioning of the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery and the launch of a commemorative nine-year-old Bourbon.
The Bardstown, Kentucky-based company was founded on December 13, 1935.
“What stands out after ninety years is the character of the people who built this place,” said Max L. Shapira, Executive Chairman. “Every generation brought its own strengths, but the through line has always been integrity and hard work. We’re committed to keeping that spirit alive.”
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READ THE STORYThis year, the organization introduced its refreshed corporate brand, centered on a platform called “Thriving Together.”
“Our new identity helps us tell that story more clearly,” said Kate Latts, Co-President. “It’s a unifying moment at a time when connection truly matters.”
The anniversary year included several milestones, such as the opening of a new corporate office in Louisville and the launch of a new company website.
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A major investment was realized with the grand opening of the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, designed to support long-term growth and production.
The company also received notable industry recognition, with its Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye named Whisky of the Year by Whisky Advocate. This was the first time a rye whiskey earned the publication’s top honor.
For the second consecutive year, Heaven Hill was named the Most Awarded U.S. Distillery at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. It also earned the 2025 Spirits Supplier of the Year title from StateWays Magazine.
Within its portfolio, Lunazul Tequila surpassed 2 million cases sold. The company’s other agave spirit, Tequila Ocho, continued to earn distinction for its additive-free production.
The Old Fitzgerald brand introduced a new 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond signature expression.
Across its Kentucky visitor experiences, the company welcomed more than 300,000 guests in 2025.
Deep Eddy Vodka expanded its flavor range with the introduction of Deep Eddy Pineapple.
Heaven Hill launched a companywide community initiative called “90 for 90,” which invited employees to donate 90 minutes of service. More than 1,099 employees contributed over 9,098 volunteer hours across 26 charities.
“As an independent, family-led company, we have the privilege of thinking in decades, not quarters,” said Allan Latts, Co-President. “Ninety years in, we’re energized by the possibilities ahead, new consumers, new markets, new stories to tell, and guided by the values that brought us here.”
To round out the year, Heaven Hill introduced a special 9-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon to commemorate the anniversary. The whiskey was crafted from barrels laid down on the company’s 80th anniversary.
