Heaven Hill Distillery Wins Top Awards from 2022 American Icons of Whisky

Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Jeff Crowe recognized as winners

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 11, 2022

BARDSTOWN, Ky. – The Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky awards announced the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience as Visitor Attraction of the Year and Jeff Crowe as Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year. In a virtual presentation hosted on both Whisky Magazine and American Whisky Magazine’s Facebook pages, the visitor center and Crowe were announced as winners and finalists in the upcoming World’s Best competition in London on March 24.

Unveiled on June 14, 2021 as the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, the expansion and renovation of Heaven Hill Distillery’s visitor center in Bardstown are the culmination of a multi-year $125 million investment in Kentucky’s signature industry and model for the future of tourism since 2018. The state-of-the-art experience received a $19 million upgrade to become an interactive, educational space offering signature exhibits unique to the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. First opened on Oct. 15, 2004 as the Bourbon Heritage Center under the guidance of the late Harry Shapira, Heaven Hill’s presence as one of the first visitor centers on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail has played an instrumental role in establishing Kentucky as a top tourist destination.

First joining Heaven Hill in 2013, Crowe now serves as the Director of Kentucky Visitor Experiences for Heaven Hill Distillery. Crowe oversees the development and management of teams and programs at both the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Louisville, Ky. and the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. Through the difficult circumstances of the past two years, Crowe’s patience and perseverance in development and training led to the successful opening of the new Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, along with continued success at both visitor centers. His continued involvement and leadership in trade, tourism, and hospitality organizations have paved the way for innovative, inclusive and strategic partnerships throughout the industry.

“I am humbled and grateful for the recognition, one that would not be possible without the support of my team and partners in the industry,” said Crowe. “We get to showcase the best of Kentucky Bourbon and the Commonwealth every day and I’m honored to work for Heaven Hill Distillery to shine a light on our tourism and hospitality.”

As noted by Phoebe Calver, editor of American Whiskey Magazine, “This year’s winners have proven themselves to be a shining light in the industry during tough times. It’s such a pleasure to be able to watch the development of the American whiskey industry and the way that distillers are challenging perceptions, while pushing standards higher and higher.”

Several Heaven Hill brands were also recognized during the World Whiskies Awards segment of the presentation, including brands within the recently acquired Samson & Surrey portfolio. Notable awards include Widow Jane 10-Year-Old winning Best Non-Kentucky Bourbon, Widow Jane Oak & Apple Wood Aged Rye winning Gold in the Rye category, and Henry McKenna winning Gold in the Bourbon category. More information, including silver and bronze medalists, can be found at www.worldwhiskiesawards.com.

ABOUT HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY: Founded in Kentucky by the Shapira family in 1935, Heaven Hill Distillery continues its legacy as one of the foremost American Whiskey producers. Heaven Hill has cultivated the traditions and history of America’s Native Spirit with its fierce independence, passionate family ownership, dedication to quality, and thoughtful innovation. Today, Heaven Hill Distillery maintains over 1.9 million barrels aging in 63 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson Counties. It is home to an award-winning collection of American Whiskeys including Elijah Craig Bourbon, Larceny Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Pikesville Rye Whiskey, Rittenhouse Rye Whisky, Parker’s Heritage Collection, and Old Fitzgerald along with its extensive Bottled-in-Bond label collection. Heaven Hill Distillery currently holds the title of 2020 Whisky Advocate Whisky of the Year, the second Whisky of the Year for Heaven Hill Distillery in the past four years. In 2019 Heaven Hill Distillery was named San Francisco World Spirits Competition Distillery of the Year, Best in Show Whisky, and previously held the titles of 2018 San Francisco Spirits Word Spirits Competition Best Bourbon, 2016 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year. For more information, please visit www.heavenhilldistillery.com.

Heaven Hill reminds you to “Think Wisely. Drink Wisely.”

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Cherry Newcomb
Heaven Hill Distillery
[email protected]