Bourbon Powerhouse Heaven Hill Dominates 2025 San Fransisco World Spirits Comp

Forbes

11-06-2025

Wooden bourbon barrels stacked up and aging in a rickhouse in Kentucky
In the ever-evolving world of American whiskey, there's no shortage of distilleries touting heritage and craftsmanship. But accolades speak louder than marketing. Heaven Hill Distillery just proved that again in a big way, being named the most-awarded U.S. distillery at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Their haul: 12 golds, 10 double golds, one platinum, and five Best of Class finalists. It's more than a headline—it's a declaration. One that reminds the industry this family-owned powerhouse isn't just preserving bourbon's past; it's helping chart its future.
That platinum distinction, awarded to Elijah Craig, 18-Year-Old Bourbon, for earning a Double Gold three years in a row, represents more than consistency—it signals legacy-level excellence.
Platinum Medal winner Elijah Craig 18-Year-Old SIngle Barrel Bourbon.
That future is rooted in nearly 90 years of history. Founded in 1935, just after Prohibition's repeal, the Shapira brothers had no brands, no aging stocks, and little hands-on whiskey experience. But what they did have was a vision—and the foresight to partner with none other than Joseph L. Beam, a member of the iconic Beam whiskey family. That decision set the tone for what Heaven Hill has become: America's largest independent, family-owned whiskey company, still stewarded by the Shapira family today. That continuity—rare in the modern spirits world—has enabled a long-term view, one that privileges quality over quick wins and builds credibility one barrel at a time.
But success hasn't come easy. On November 7, 1996, disaster struck. A massive fire tore through their Bardstown facilities, leveling the distillery and destroying nearly 90,000 barrels of bourbon—a loss of almost 8 million gallons. Flames shot skyward. Barrels exploded. Local witnesses recall a literal river of fire. It could have spelled the end. But Heaven Hill didn't fold. They improvised, bottling whiskey distilled elsewhere, and soon acquired the historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville. That decision not only ensured survival—it laid the groundwork for a new era of expansion and innovation.
Today, Heaven Hill's core remains bourbon, but its footprint is deep and wide. Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Old Fitzgerald, Henry McKenna, Rittenhouse Rye, and their eponymous Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond are among the most recognizable names on shelves. Their newer Grain to Glass series—crafted from grains sourced within 50 miles of Bardstown—is a nod to transparency and a celebration of local terroir. It's a move that connects discerning drinkers with Kentucky's soil, water, and climate—the very essence of bourbon.
And while many producers fixate on product, Heaven Hill understands the importance of experience. Their Bardstown-based Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, first opened in 2004, is a premier destination for bourbon tourism. It educates and immerses guests in the heritage of whiskey while helping to cement Bardstown's claim as the bourbon capital of the world. And now, with the opening of their new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery, they've returned to full-time distillation in Bardstown for the first time since the fire—completing a full-circle moment nearly three decades in the making.
The Heaven Hill Springs Distillery.
Heaven Hill isn't just making great whiskey; they're shepherding a legacy. Their involvement in the Kentucky Bourbon Festival, their ongoing commitment to Bottled-in-Bond offerings, and their investment in both heritage and innovation all underscore a simple truth: this distillery doesn't just represent where American whiskey has been. It shows where it's going.
So yes, those 28 medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition matter. But what they really signify is something deeper: the enduring strength of independence, the value of generational vision, and the staying power of doing things the right way—even when it's hard. Heaven Hill's not chasing trends. They're building a dynasty. One barrel, one bottle, one bold move at a time.
"These awards are a true reflection of the craft, innovation, and legacy that define Heaven Hill Brands," said Kate Latts, Co-President and third-generation family member. "To be recognized again as the 'Most Awarded U.S. Distillery' is not just an honor, it's a validation of our commitment to making spirits that resonate with consumers and connoisseurs alike."
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