Heaven Hill Distillery Wins Back-to-Back Whisky Magazine Distiller of the Year Awards

The 2024 American Icons of Whisky celebrates the largest, independent distillery as best in country at World Whiskies Awards

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (February 15, 2024)– The Whisky Magazine American Icons of Whisky Awards announced Heaven Hill Distillery, the world’s largest, independent American Whiskey distillery, as the 2024 Distiller of the Year at their annual awards banquet in Louisville, Ky. last Thursday. The award marks back-to-back wins for Heaven Hill in this globally acclaimed category. Sustainability Director Rachel Nally was also recognized as Highly Commended in the Sustainability Officer category. This was on top of being named as Sustainable Distiller of the Year in 2023.

The sequential wins emphasize Heaven Hill’s stature in the industry as the largest, independent distillery dedicated to quality and heritage. With more than two million barrels aging across 70 rickhouses, the distillery’s Bernheim facility in Louisville produces over 440,000 barrels of whiskey per year, in excess of 29 million proof gallons. The recognition also showcases Heaven Hill’s continued commitment to the whiskey industry, investing more than $200 million in the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown, Ky. slated for operation by the end of 2024. Initial production is slated for 10 million proof gallons (over 150,000 barrels) a year and will have capacity to increase production to 450,000 barrels annually. This will be in addition to the company’s current distilling capacity at Bernheim in Louisville.

The new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery celebrated a major milestone last August with the installation of the first of three stills, crafted in Louisville by Vendome Copper. At 60 feet tall and weighing more than 22,000 pounds, this still is capable of producing 35,500 proof-gallons per day which is equal to more than 500 barrels per day. Crafted from copper, a material celebrated for its role in distillation due to its exceptional heat conductivity, the still represents a marriage of traditional and modern technology. Three Vendome stills of similar size have been operational at Bernheim since the last expansion of the distillery in 2017.

“As the largest, independent distillery, Heaven Hill is proud to carry forth the tradition of distilling American Whiskey and has been since 1935,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Heaven Hill Master Distiller. “The back-to-back Distiller of the Year award is emblematic of our distilling legacy and commitment to producing the best American Whiskeys across all styles.”

The World Whiskies Awards are the global awards selecting the very best in all the international recognized styles, awarding and promoting the world’s best whiskies to consumers and trade across the globe. In 2023, Heaven Hill was honored to win Distiller of the Year, Sustainable Distiller of the Year, and saw National Spirits Special Lynn House recognized as American Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year. Also in 2023, Master Distiller Connor O’Driscoll was recognized as Highly Commended Master Distiller along with wins in the categories of World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon and Best Kentucky Small Batch Bourbon for Elijah Craig Barrel Proof C922. In 2022 the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience won Visitor Attraction of the Year along with Director of Kentucky Visitor Experiences Jeff Crowe winning Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year. National Brand Ambassador Bernie Lubbers is also a past winner having taken home the prize for American Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year three previous times.

“Being recognized as the best in the industry is an immense honor for Heaven Hill as the largest, independent distillery,” said Chief Marketing Officer Matt Blevins. “We congratulate our colleagues in the industry on their awards and wish everyone the best at the World’s Best competition later this year.”

Sustainability Director Rachel Nally joined Heaven Hill in 2019 and leads the company’s Environmental and Sustainability Team. An expert in the areas of cultivating sustainable practices and creating highly efficient and compliant operations, Rachel works tirelessly to ensure Heaven Hill is on track to reach milestones in the company’s 2030 Sustainability Goals. Most recently, Rachel’s efforts lead to Heaven Hill achieving not one, but two of the Environmental Protection Agency’s first ever ENERGY STAR certifications for the Bernheim Distillery and the Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery in Buda, Texas.

Glentauchers 26 Years Old Mission Gold

£210.00

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TASTING NOTES

A TOUR OF THE ISLES

Home to some of the most remote distilleries and the communities that run them, the Scottish islands produce some of the most highly rated and passionately adored whiskies in the world.

It is easy, and frankly a pleasure, to imagine these distilleries clinging to the seashore as gales roll in from the Atlantic while the islanders toil away in a stage set of gleaming copper and hissing steam.

Certainly, these are Romantic settings, but the business of making whisky relies less on flights of fancy and instead on the gentle evolution of tradition and innovation.

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ISLAY

Unlike the other islands that crowd the Scottish coast, Islay is a Scotch whisky region all of its own. Historically, the island’s whiskies were heavily peated having to rely on peat as a local fuel source and drams like Kilchoman and Lagavulin continue in this vein.

However. peat isn’t the only string to Islay’s bow and you can find bright, briney whiskies from Bruichladdich and Bunnahabhain that have nay a whisper of smoke.

SKYE

For decades Skye had only one distillery, the inimitable Talisker. This has now been joined by Torabhaig. Surrounded by the staggeringly beautiful landscape of Skye it is easy to see why they have both plummed for similar marketing lines, respectively; ‘Made by the Sea’ and ‘Shaped by Skye’.

Indeed both these drams have an elemental quality, whether that’s the brine and pepper of Talisker or Torabhaig’s more obvious peat smoke.

ORKNEY

It is easy to forget that Orkney has two distilleries but Highland Park shares their island home with the smaller Scapa.

Two more different styles of whisky it is hard to imagine. Highland Park makes use of the island’s heathery peat alongside sherry casks for a rich and weighty dram. Scapa instead is full of bright orchard fruit with a lick of sea spray and is prized by blenders for its elegant top notes.

HARRIS

The surging Atlantic, the towering mountains, the purple heather and the white beaches mark Harris out and have made this such a special place for Hearachs to call home. ⁠
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The Isle of Harris distillery was opened in 2015 to give work to the local community whether that’s in the business of making spirits or in running and supplying the busy onsite cafe, breathing new life into the island.

MULL

The only distillery on the Isle of Mull, Tobermory produces two distinct styles of whisky, the more delicate Tobermory and full on peat of Ledaig.

The distillery is hitting its stride with more whisky fans discovering and falling for the Ledaig’s winning combination of smoke, peat and sea spray particularly in more mature expressions. ⁠

ARRAN

In its whisky-making heyday in the 1800s Arran, a convenient stop on the shipping lanes in and out of Glasgow, was home to no less than 50 illicit stills. Today there is only the one whisky company, with two distilleries, and that was founded in the mid-1990s.⁠

Producing whisky at Lochranza and Lagg, in a similar vein to the other islands, the island has both peated and unpeated drams full of light and shade.

RAASAY

The isle of Raasay only recently joined the whisky-making world. The distillery was inspired by traditional whisky making, notably making both peated and unpeated whisky and then blending them together.

The team have also embraced more contemporary styles of cask. The makeup of their flagship malt sees them age their peated and unpeated whiskies separately in ex-rye, chinkapin oak, and ex-Bordeaux wine casks for a full, rich profile.

Dalmore Vintage 2008

Behold! From The Dalmore’s Vintage Collection, this 2008 Vintage was matured in American white oak bourbon casks, with a second maturation in Matusalem sherry and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. Bottled at 45.8% abv, free from chill filtration. From The Dalmore’s Vintage Collection, this 2008 Vintage was matured in American white oak bourbon casks, with a second maturation in Matusalem sherry and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks.

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Hamish Says…

Sazerac “Stolen Goods – Single Barrel Select” Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey (750ml) $50.00 View

Sometimes bars or other retailers don’t take a barrel pick they made for one reason or another. After a certain amount of time the distributor may put them up for grabs. If the whiskey is great – we’re happy to grab all we can! Please note this single cask bottling will have some other bar or retailer’s name on it, not K&L, but the bottle is a cask pick by that account.

Email: wine@klwines.com
Phone: (877) KL-WINES (Toll Free 877.559.4637)
K&L Wine Merchants 3005 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA 94061 USA
San Francisco, Redwood City, Hollywood CA

ralfy review 1015 – Ardnamurchan 01.21:01 @46.8%vol: Best New Distillery (OSWA’s 2023)

THE MACALLAN COLLABORATES WITH CIRQUE DU SOLEIL TO LAUNCH AN EXCLUSIVE SENSORY EXPERIENCE TO MARK 200 YEARS YOUNG 

In celebration of the single malt’s “200 years young” milestone, The Macallan invites Cirque du Soleil to create a unique experience at The Macallan Estate

The exclusive sensory experience marries the unparalleled expertise and craftsmanship of The Macallan with Cirque du Soleil’s mastery in the performing arts

Guests to The Macallan Estate in Speyside will be transported into the extraordinary and unexpected world of Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT, a tale inspired by the Scottish Highlands

The experience will run daily – except Sundays – from 9 May to 31 May 2024

 To commemorate The Macallan’s 200th anniversary, the renowned single malt Scotch whisky brand has come together with Cirque du Soleil to create a bespoke, theatrical and unforgettable experience. Drawing synergies from The Macallan’s unparalleled expertise in whisky craftsmanship with Cirque du Soleil’s indefinable mastery in the performing arts, the result is an unparalleled experience that marries the artistry of both worlds.

The Macallan Estate in Speyside, Scotland – the 485 acres stretch of land in the Scottish Highlands that is home to the brand’s Distillery – will play host to this breathtaking experience. This scenic landscape offers a unique setting to enhance the engaging nature of the event, whilst providing a picturesque backdrop that complements the overarching narrative. With a highly limited run, the experience will run at 8:30pm daily – excluding Sundays – from 9-31 May 2024.

Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT is an exclusive sensory experience which transports guests into the theatrical universe of the Scottish Highlands for an engaging journey. Taking individuals on a journey through taste, smell, sounds and feelings, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness an awe-inspiring performance, whilst feeling immersed in nature.

Jaume Ferràs, Creative Director at The Macallan, said: “2024 marks a momentous year for The Macallan as it celebrates its bicentennial. Celebrating two centuries of unparalleled craftsmanship and tradition, this collaboration brings two iconic brands together, both dedicated to constant innovation; resulting in a one-of-a-kind experience which is uniquely inspired by the Highlands and the story of our brand so far.” 

“Bridging the gap between the art of whisky making and the spectacle of performing arts, creating an unforgettable experience that is deeply rooted in the nature that surrounds us at The Macallan, our rich history, and our bold vision for the future. We look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world to our Estate, offering them the opportunity to take in an exclusive experience and a bespoke whisky tasting surrounded by nature, all unique to The Macallan.”

Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT moves guests through different environments of the narrative experience, immersing them in the feelings, scents, tastes and sounds of the bespoke journey. The experience tells the tale of how reconnecting with nature gives life a force to protect our natural world, offering breathtaking performances, intriguing stagecraft and signature tasting experiences at the Estate.

The story focuses on Davonna, a fierce spiritual guardian of the Scottish Highlands, and a young colourist named Ayla. The daughter of a beloved Master Whisky Maker, Ayla has striven for years to recreate an elusive shade of red that reminds her of her father and the red chalk he would use in his work. Davonna leads their venture deep into the majestic natural landscapes of the realm and through a series of encounters with fantastical folkloric figures along the way, which culminates in a reconnection with nature.

Marie-Hélène Delage, Creative Director at Cirque Du Soleil, said: “Cirque du Soleil SPIRIT is a spectacular collaboration based on mutual respect. Through harmony paralleled with nature and storytelling, we’ve forged a unique partnership that highlights the strengths of both of our brands. With this invitation, we’re welcoming guests to a transformative experience in the timeless beauty of The Macallan Estate. Together, we’ve written a tale that celebrates the beauty, wonder and deep connection we all share with the natural world.”

Information on the experience, along with timings and pricing, can be found below:

Location: The Macallan Estate in Speyside

Dates: 9 – 31 May 2024 with one experience per day, excluding Sundays

Ticket price: £200 per person

Timings: 8:30pm – 10:30pm

Link to purchase HERE

Further information

ABOUT THE MACALLAN

The Macallan is renowned worldwide for its extraordinary single-malt whiskies. Two centuries have passed since Alexander Reid, founder of The Macallan, distilled the first batch of whisky in his curiously small stills in Speyside, Scotland, in 1824, beginning the extraordinary legacy of the single malt Scotch whisky.

An obsession with quality and craftsmanship is the hallmark of The Macallan. The outstanding quality and distinctive character of each whisky is influenced by exceptional oak casks seasoned with sherry wine – a commitment to natural colour underpinned by mastery. Designed by internationally acclaimed architects, The Macallan Distillery is located on a beautiful 485-acre Estate and takes inspiration from the surrounding ancient Scottish hills.

The past 200 years have been a prologue for everything that is still to come. This is a journey through time. This is The Macallan, 200 Years Young.

Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly. Crafted without compromise. Please savour The Macallan responsibly.

For further information visit themacallan.com and become a member of The Macallan Society to explore the stories behind the whiskies.

ABOUT CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the Company brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of defying reality, defining entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity.

Since its creation in 1984, more than 400 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit cirquedusoleil.com

We were recently reflecting on Peter Kwasniewski’s epic global journey as he set out late last year to introduce The Hearach to the world. Of particular recollection was the launch event in Thun, Switzerland where, nestled amidst majestic mountains by the serene Thun Lake, our venue for the evening was the breathtaking Schloss Schadau Hotel.

The evening proved to be an huge  success, as we raised a glass of our whisky together with cherished friends of the distillers. Adding to the moment, we were joined by a local Gaelic singer, Amy Mackay, and the stirring melodies of Scottish bagpipes.

Peter told us… “This event will linger in our memories forever. It served as a reminder that whisky is not just a dram, it is a magical potion that evokes memories from years gone by and creates new ones together.”

Discover our spirits across the world via the button below…

GO GLOBAL WITH US

Last year’s ‘First Release’ of The Hearach single malt whisky sold out in our UK online store in less than five hours. In the following weeks, more bottles reached the shelves of our friends and partners across the globe and were snapped up just as swiftly.

We’re now pleased to build on this auspicious start with the next round of releases from our Outer Hebridean distillery. Next month brings batches 9, 10, 11, and 12 into being and we’re busy behind the scenes bottling each one, ready to share with whisky lovers the world over.

Join us here next week to find out the exact launch dates and how to get hold of what you need. Meantime, learn more about The Hearach and how its woven from People and Place…

DOMAINE DES HAUTES GLACES

Located in the heart of the French Alps, Hautes Glaces is the oldest organic whisky distillery in the world.

Hautes Glaces take complete control in producing their organic whisky. Self-produced seeds and yeasts; local cereals from organic, regenerative and collective farming; water recycling; renewable, local and circular energy; even eco-designed bottles made from wild glass.

We’ve got two almost identical drams released by Domaine de Hautes Glaces, both made exclusively from 100% Rye whisky as well as using identical production techniques. The difference lies within the micro-provenance, the plot where the rye was grown.

It’s fascinating the level of detail involved, head over to Abbey Whisky via the link below to learn more about these exciting new drams.

Available now at a reduced introductory price, along with free UK delivery if both bottles are purchased today.

Serge from Whisky Fun rated these highly, scoring them 91 and 89 points. 

As ever, if you have any questions or queries, please just get in touch.

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Hautes Glaces Epistémè R18P23 Yellow Circle Organic Whisky

£75.80

This elegant organic whisky from France is one of two ‘twins’ released by Domaine de Hautes Glaces, both made exclusively from 100% rye whisky as well as using identical production techniques. The difference lies within the micro-provenance, the plot where the rye was grown. ‘Epistémè R18P23 Yellow Circle’ was distilled during the Summer of 2019 from Rye grown on the slopes of the Vulson, the rhyolitic stone extinct volcano from which the distillery takes its water. Like it’s twin, it’s been matured twice, first in ‘feuillettes’ which are smaller (112L) casks crafted from a mixed of oak staves then in an ex-Cognac cask, one of those which had initially housed the second batch, the mirror expression of this exploration.

Rated 89 by Serge, Whisky Fun.

Hautes Glaces Epistémè R18P23 Yellow Square Organic Whisky

£68.00

This French Organic whisky is one of two almost identical drams released by Domaine de Hautes Glaces, both made exclusively from 100% Rye whisky as well as using identical production techniques. The difference lies within the micro-provenance, the plot where the rye was grown. ‘Epistémè R18P23 Yellow Square’ was distilled during the Summer of 2019 from Rye grown at the foot of the Mont-Aiguille cliffs, in limestone scree fed by the run-off waters of the Vercors and their sediments. Matured twice, first in ex-Cognac casks then in ‘feuillette’ casks, which are smaller (112L) casks crafted from a mixed of oak staves.

Rated 91 points by Serge, Whisky Fun.

Old Perth Palo Cortado Limited Edition

Old Perth’s name pays homage to the Scottish city of Perth, historically the home of many a whisky company. It was the blending capital of the world, where great blended malts were created.  The Old Perth series celebrates the blended malts aged in sherry casks. This limited release was aged in carefully selected Paulo Cortado sherry casks, bringing a complex bouquet of aromas to the whisky.  Paulo Cortado combines the delicacy of Amontillado with the body of oloroso.

NOSE Fragrant honeysuckle, vanilla cream and spiced biscuits.

PALATE Honeycomb, candied nuts and ripe orchard fruits.

£48.00£58.00

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