Heaven Hill Fills First Barrel at New Heaven Hill Springs Distillery,

Cementing Status as Largest Independent Bourbon Producer

Milestone marks return of distilling to Bardstown for the first time since 1996  

Bardstown, Ky. (April 2025) – Heaven Hill marked a historic milestone with the first barrel filled at the new Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown. Nearly three decades after a fire destroyed the original facility, the event celebrates the return of distilling to the Bourbon Capital of the World and ushers in a new era for Heaven Hill as the largest independent Bourbon producer in the world.

This first barrel also signals the start of production at the new $200 million facility, with full completion of the project anticipated in September. The project sets the foundation for Heaven Hill’s next chapter as the company approaches its 90th anniversary on December 13, 2025—exactly 90 years after the Shapira brothers filled their first barrel in 1935.

“Filling this first barrel is both a homecoming and a major step into the future of Heaven Hill,” said Allan Latts, co-president of Heaven Hill Brands. “The Heaven Hill Springs Distillery reflects our deep roots in Bardstown, our long-term commitment to American Whiskey, and our investment in building for the next 90 years with care, intention and pride.”

The Heaven Hill Springs Distillery will initially produce 150,000 barrels annually, with capacity scalable up to 450,000 barrels. It joins the company’s historic Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, which has remained a cornerstone of Heaven Hill’s distilling operations since 1999. As the largest single-site Bourbon distillery in the country, Bernheim has played a critical role in carrying forward Heaven Hill’s legacy, producing award-winning whiskeys such as Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond, the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection and Elijah Craig. Together, these two world-class distilleries position Heaven Hill for continued leadership in American Whiskey.

With this expansion, Heaven Hill cements its position as the largest independent Bourbon producer in the world, a result of their dedicated leadership in the industry and decades of intentional growth—combining new investment in Bardstown with an established footprint in Louisville to support long-term flexibility, innovation and American Whiskey stewardship.

The new facility was designed with sustainability at its core, incorporating highly efficient production systems, advanced wastewater pretreatment, stormwater management and habitat restoration. Onsite energy creation and recovery systems further reduce environmental impact. These features reflect Heaven Hill’s commitment to protecting the natural resources that make Bourbon possible. That leadership was recently recognized when Rachel Nally, Heaven Hill’s director of environment and sustainability, was named Sustainability Officer of the Year at the 2025 Global Icons of Whisky Awards.

A full-circle moment rooted in history

To commemorate the occasion, Heaven Hill invited Charlie Downs, Master Distiller Emeritus, to serve as honorary master distiller for the day leading up to the first barrel filling. Downs is the only employee in company history to have worked in operations at all four of Heaven Hill’s distilling sites: the original Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown where he began his career in the 1970s, the Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience Artisanal Distillery, and now the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery.

From overnight shifts in Bardstown to crafting one barrel a day for visitors on Whiskey Row, Downs spent more than four decades shaping Heaven Hill’s distilling legacy. His return for the first barrel filling at the new Springs Distillery serves as a powerful bridge between the company’s past and its future.

“Filling this first barrel brings full circle a journey nearly 90 years in the making,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Heaven Hill master distiller and 2025 Icons of Whisky America Master Distiller/Master Blender of the Year. “Having Charlie here to mark this moment connects our heritage to our future in the most meaningful way. It reflects the craftsmanship and commitment of the Springs team, whose work brought this facility to life and set the tone for the next chapter of Heaven Hill whiskey.”

The return to Bardstown represents more than the opening of a new facility—it is a legacy investment that honors Heaven Hill’s past, strengthens American Whiskey production today, and ensures continued leadership for decades to come.

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 2 million barrels aging in nearly 70 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 2024 and 2023 Whisky Magazine Distillery of the Year and 2023 World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon from the Icons of Whisky, as well as the 2022 Large Spirits Producer of the Year from the Ascot Awards. Heaven Hill Distillery held 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.

Killowen Catch-Up 

At Killowen, we don’t over communicate! Instead, we publish the odd note with important and exciting updates.

First and foremost, we would like to begin by stating how truly thankful and humbled we are by all of you, our wonderful Killowen supporters, as we celebrate 6 years in business. We wouldn’t be where we are today without the loyalty, enthusiasm, and belief from everyone who has joined us on this journey. The past 6 years have been a blast, but the past year alone has definitely been one to celebrate!  Over the past 12 months, Killowen Distillery has proudly garnered prestigious accolades, just to name a few:

• Craft Producer of the Year 2025 at both the Icons of Whisky & Icons of Whisky Ireland Awards

• A coveted spot in the Top 50 Most Admired Whiskies in the World, ranking as the second highest Irish distillery on the list

We have released many wonderful Barántúils this year which we have been delighted to see being opened and enjoyed all across the world. This year saw the release of our first ever 5 year old whiskey, along with the launch of our Sagaland Series and a collaboration with The Irish Whiskey Collection at the Duty Free in both Dublin and Cork Airports. We also worked with some fantastic off-sales across Ireland such as Green Acres in Wexford, in which our Barántúil was finished in a bespoke Chambolle Musigny Ex-Pinot Noir Wine Cask from Domaine Bruno Clair.

So what’s next? We have a very exciting few months ahead with many more Barántúil releases coming your way! To kick us off, we are absolutely delighted to announce that a very special collaboration with none other than the iconic Temple Bar in Dublin is soon to be released via The Irish Whiskey Reserve. This particular whiskey spent its entirety in an Ex-Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask, but more information on this one coming very soon!  We will also be releasing the next instalment of our much anticipated Sagaland series and we can’t wait to share this with you all, as you know, this chapter of our Barántúil is very special to all of the Killowen team.

And just in case you missed our social media campaign, we have an exclusive auction happening from April 30th – May 4th with Irish Whiskey Auctions. This particular auction will feature some Killowen gems from the archives of none other than the man himself, Brendan Carty. Be sure to sign up as it’s one not to be missed!

Check out the bottles here

To all the Killowen fans out there, the OG’s and the newbies, thank you for making what we do here worth while! The past 6 years have been a blast and we are so excited to share with you all the amazing releases to come. We hope to see some of you at Whiskey Live Dublin on the 16th & 17th of May!

Sláinte

The Killowen Distillery Team

The Pinnacle of Highland Elegance.

The Dalmore — a name that speaks to elegance, patience, and the transformative power of sherry cask maturation.

Nestled along the Cromarty Firth in the Scottish Highlands, The Dalmore has long been synonymous with prestige — favoured by collectors, revered by connoisseurs, and shaped for over 50 years by Master Blender Richard Paterson and now his understudy, Gregg Glass, whose visionary cask curation continues to define its unmistakable house style.

This year at Spirit of Toronto, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a rare vertical tasting from this storied distillery, capped by an extraordinary Signature Selection: The Dalmore 25 Year Old.

Matured in a meticulous sequence of American white oak, Matusalem sherry, and first-fill bourbon casks, it’s a whisky of quiet grandeur that’s seldom poured, and almost never available for public tasting.

Just One Night.

Alongside it, guests can savour the deep, nutty richness of the 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Select, the velvety decadence of the Cigar Malt Reserve, the fruit-forward opulence of the Port Wood Reserve, and the layered complexity of King Alexander III, finished in no fewer than six different cask types. Also featured is the Dalmore Vintage 2009 — a limited release drawn from a combination of first-fill bourbon barrels and aged Tawny port pipes, offering notes of honeyed citrus, roasted chestnut and dark fruits.

It’s a regal and structured lineup, anchored by one of the evening’s most exclusive pours — and the kind of rare and rewarding opportunity guests have come to expect from Spirit of Toronto.

#JustOneNight

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PAUL JOHN VISITOR CENTRE WINS GLOBAL ‘VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR’ AT ICONS OF WHISKY 2025

India’s first dedicated single malt whisky experience secures top global honours at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards 2025.

Goa, India (April 2025): Paul John Visitor Centre, India’s first single malt whisky experience, has been named the Global Winner – Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Icons of Whisky 2025, of the World Whiskies Awards 2025. This recognition places Paul John Visitor Centre with the world’s top whisky destinations, celebrating its outstanding contribution to whisky tourism and education.

Proudly celebrating its top accolades at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards and 2025 Icons of Whisky Awards, the Paul John Visitor Centre has once again reinforced India’s position on the global whisky map. The awards, presented on 27th March, recognise the world’s finest whisky brands, experiences, and innovations created for both consumers and the global drinks trade.

“This award is a proud moment not just for Paul John Whisky, but for India’s growing whisky community,” said Paul P. John, Chairman Paul John Whisky. “The Paul John Visitor Centre was envisioned as a space where whisky lovers could experience the journey behind our single malts. To be recognised on such a prestigious international platform is a testament to the passion, craftsmanship, and dedication that define Paul John Whisky. It is a great honour bestowed and a point of pride for us at Paul John Whisky—and for Indian whisky at large—to have been instated into this auspicious list.”

A WORLD-CLASS WHISKY EXPERIENCE IN INDIA

Located in Goa, the Paul John Visitor Centre offers an immersive whisky experience unlike any other in India. From guided tours that showcase the art of whisky-making to exclusive tastings of award-winning Paul John single malts, the centre provides an unparalleled insight into the world of Paul John Whisky, one of Asia’s most celebrated single malt brands. Since its inception, it has welcomed whisky aficionados from across the globe, offering a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and hospitality.

ABOUT THE ICONS OF WHISKY & WORLD WHISKIES AWARDS

The Icons of Whisky, of the World Whiskies Awards, founded in 2007, celebrates excellence in the global whisky industry by recognising outstanding brands, individuals, and experiences, selecting and celebrating the finest whiskies and whisky experiences across the world. These awards serve as a benchmark for quality and craftsmanship. Judged by an expert panel of master distillers, whisky connoisseurs, and industry specialists, winning a World Whiskies Award is a mark of global distinction.

The Paul John Visitor Centre’s victory reaffirms India’s growing presence in the world of premium single malts, demonstrating the country’s ability to craft world-class whisky experiences.

For more information about the Paul John Visitor Centre and its award-winning experiences, visit www.pauljohnwhisky.com.

About Paul John Whisky

Paul John Whisky, the internationally acclaimed Indian single malt from John Distilleries, is known for its exceptional craftsmanship, tropical maturation, and bold flavour profiles. Produced in Goa, Paul John’s range of single malts has earned global recognition at leading whisky competitions with over 320 prestigious awards, establishing it as one of Asia’s most awarded single malt whisky brands.

The Spirit of the Past, Poured for the Present

Rare Drams. Hidden History. One Unmissable Event.

Join Dean Jode, our Head of Whisky Creations and the Murray McDavid Team on Saturday 3 May for Drams from the Archives at the beautifully preserved Dallas Dhu Distillery, a rare time capsule of Scotch whisky heritage.

You’ll explore the distillery’s original Victorian machinery, walk the same floors as whisky legends Alexander Edward and Charles Doig, and then sit down to a masterclass of five vintage Dallas Dhu single malts, all distilled in the 1970s and 1980s.

Here’s a little taste of what we’ll be pouring…

This one-of-a-kind event is already in the running for Best New Event at Spirit of Speyside 2025 — and as one of our mailing list friends, we’re giving you an exclusive 10% discount on tickets!

But hurry – places are limited, and this is the kind of whisky history you don’t want to miss.

We look forward to raising a dram with you!

BOOK NOW

Slàinte,

The Murray McDavid Team

Some things are worth the wait.

This year, Spirit of Toronto is pleased to be finally welcoming Bruichladdich — Islay’s great iconoclast, and the unapologetically experimental distillery that has redefined what a single malt Scotch whisky can be.

Known for transparency and integrity, Bruichladdich has become a cult favourite among serious whisky drinkers, with every bottle of natural colour, unchillfiltered, and traceable to its origins — from field to warehouse.

But it’s the broader philosophy that sets Bruichladdich apart: a relentless pursuit of provenance, starting with Islay-grown barley, slow distillation, and full maturation on the island itself. Add to this a refusal to compromise on flavour or clarity, and you have one of the most progressive, principled and — dare we say? — ‘terroir driven’ producers in Scotch whisky today.

We’ve long admired the distillery for its boldness, its clarity of purpose, and its range — from unpeated whisky to the world’s most heavily peated malts. Guests should be as excited as we are to finally see Bruichladdich featured at Spirit of Toronto.

Just One Night.

For its long-awaited Toronto debut, Bruichladdich is bringing a full showcase of its core range, beginning with the Classic Laddie and the Port Charlotte 10 Year Old — both bottled at a robust 50% abv and offering a vivid contrast between Bruichladdich’s elegant unpeated style and its bold, smoky facade.

Rounding out the lineup are two Signature Selections making their first public appearance in Toronto: the newly released Bruichladdich 18 Year Old — a luxurious, full-bodied dram, brimming with tropical fruit, butterscotch and a saline edge — and the powerhouse Octomore 15.1, clocking in at a hefty 108.2ppm and distilled from 100% Scottish barley.

Four distinctive whiskies, each one a statement of intent from this self-proclaimed ‘Progressive Hebridean Distiller’.

And all available for guests to sample at Spirit of Toronto, for just one night.

#JustOneNight

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Our first all-VIP edition.

Fewer crowds. Less rushing. More whisky.

And a setting designed for the fullest appreciation of truly exceptional spirits.

Attendance is limited, so book soon.

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Elijah Craig Bourbon to Serve as Official Bourbon of the 2025 PGA Championship, Celebrates with Limited-Edition Commemorative Bottle Release

Award-winning Bourbon marks its continued commitment to golf with a special 94-Proof Small Batch Bourbon honoring the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club

LOUISVILE, Ky. (April 2, 2025) – Elijah Craig, one of America’s premier Bourbon brands, is proud to announce its designation as the “Official Bourbon” of the 2025 PGA Championship, taking place at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, from Monday, May 12 through Sunday, May 18. To mark this prestigious partnership and celebrate the championship, Elijah Craig will release a special commemorative bottle of its iconic 94-Proof Small Batch Bourbon.

The limited-edition release features a unique design, including special labels that proudly display both the “Official Bourbon” designation and the official 2025 PGA Championship logo. Each bottle is sealed with a gold coin cork, further highlighting the special nature of this release. Additionally, the commemorative bottles are crafted from carefully selected barrels from Heaven Hill Distillery’s Q and H1 rickhouses, paying homage to the PGA Championship’s return to Quail Hollow Club.

“The partnership between Elijah Craig and the PGA Championship underscores our shared commitment to excellence,” said Max Stefka, AVP, Global Whiskey Brands at Heaven Hill. “We’re thrilled to honor this prestigious event and its iconic venue, Quail Hollow Club, with a special limited-edition release that celebrates the spirit of golf and the legacy of Elijah Craig Bourbon.”

In addition to the limited-edition release, Elijah Craig will host on-course activations throughout the championship, providing attendees with exclusive opportunities to experience the rich, full-bodied flavor of this award-winning Bourbon. These activations, including the Elijah Craig Speakeasy will offer fans the chance to enjoy Elijah Craig craft cocktails, interactive experiences, and learn more about the brand’s legacy as the First to Char Oak Barrels to make Bourbon. Furthermore, Elijah Craig has invested in many out-of-home advertising outlets across the greater Charlotte area.

“Elijah Craig remains an integral element of the onsite experience at the PGA Championship,” said Jessica Burdett, Director of Corporate Partnerships at the PGA of America. “We are confident that spectators will enjoy Elijah Craig’s award-winning bourbon and premium activation experiences while watching the strongest field in golf compete at Quail Hollow Club this May.”

Elijah Craig continues to leave its mark on the golf world through its partnerships with PGA TOUR® professionals, including Max Homa and newly announced team members Robert MacIntyre and J.T. Poston, along with professional sports broadcaster Amanda Balionis, who all proudly represent Elijah Craig.  The brand is also recognized as the Official Bourbon and Whiskey Supplier of the PGA of America, the Ryder Cup, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, and as an Official Partner of the PGA National Club Championship. These partnerships further emphasize Elijah Craig’s deep connection to the sport and its dedication to supporting golfers who embody the same values of craftsmanship and excellence that define Elijah Craig Bourbon.

The commemorative 2025 PGA Championship Elijah Craig edition will be available in limited quantities, nationally, with each bottle displaying specific information about the Major Championship and the special barrels used to craft it. The product will begin shipping in March with a suggested retail price of $36.99.

ABOUT ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON: Elijah Craig Bourbon bears the name of the Reverend Elijah Craig, known as “The Father of Bourbon,” who established his distillery in 1789 on the banks of Elkhorn Creek in modern day Georgetown, Kentucky. He is credited with being the first distiller to age his wares in charred oak barrels. The clear, unaged corn liquor became transformed into a bold amber liquid with a distinctively smooth flavor that makes Bourbon what it is today. Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, the family of whiskeys includes Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Straight Rye Whiskey, Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon and Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Rye, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Elijah Craig Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. First brought to market in 1986, Heaven Hill Distillery’s Master Distillers were selecting a small number of barrels of the finest Bourbon to make Elijah Craig Small Batch long before the term “small batch” even existed. It is this attention to detail and superb craftsmanship that give Elijah Craig an ideal balance of age, robust body, and rich flavor. Elijah Craig accolades have included Whisky Advocate’s Whisky of the Year, Best Small Batch Bourbon, Best Single Barrel Bourbon (aged 11+ years) and Best Straight Bourbon at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and Excellent Highly Recommended honors at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. For more information, please visit www.elijahcraig.com

ABOUT THE PGA OF AMERICA: The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X, Instagram and Facebook.

Monthly Tasting Events

in our Whisky Shop

Join us in our Tasting Room for an exclusive Tasting Experience for only £10 per person.

Our monthly events give you the chance to experience and sample A. D. Rattray Whiskies and other guest brands.

Plus your £10 ticket price is redeemable against a purchase on the day.

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Macaloney’s Distillery wins 4 more Gold Medals at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards, securing global recognition

Victoria’s Macaloney’s Island Distillery continues to make waves on the international whisky stage, claiming four prestigious gold medals at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards (WWAs). With these latest accolades, Macaloney’s has now amassed an astounding 17 gold medals since 2020—placing it among the world’s top 4 most awarded distilleries.

This comes at a critical time when Canada needs to increase inter-provincial trade and diversify its export markets away from dependency on the U.S..

Only three other distilleries worldwide, including the most revered names in American, Scotch, Japanese, Irish, and Canadian whisky, have secured more golds. This comes after Macaloneys recently dominated the Canadian Whisky Awards, taking home more golds than any other distillery, including Canadian Whisky of the Year.

Macaloney’s impressive wins at the WWAs included:

•  Best Canadian Pot Still Whisky – Peated Kildara
•  Best Canadian Small Batch Single Malt – Peat Project Sugar Kelp Peat, Red Wine Barrique
•  Best Canadian Single Cask Single Malt – Peat Project, Washington Peat, ex-Bourbon Cask
•  Category Best Single Malt Gold – Peat Project, Islay Peat, ex-Bourbon Cask

“To be recognised to this unprecedented extent at the global industry’s most competitive awards is a tremendous honour,” said Dr Graeme Macaloney, President & Master Whiskymaker. “These awards will hopefully show Provincial liquor buyers across Canada, and international buyers, that craft Canadian whisky is world-leading”

A defining feature of Macaloney’s whiskies is their deep exploration of terroir and merroir – trademarked as The Peat Project™. By incorporating peats from different regions and maturing whisky in a diverse range of cask types, Macaloney’s has created whiskies that showcase remarkable complexity and nuance. The interplay of peat sources (from Islay, USA, and Canada, enhanced with seaweed) with ex-bourbon, red wine, and other casks allows whisky lovers to embark on a sensory journey through unique maritime and regional influences.

Macaloneys continues to establish itself as the premier name in whisky, proving that exceptional single malts are ‘Made in Canada’. With an ever-expanding list of accolades, the distillery is cementing its status as a respected player in the global industry, competing—and succeeding—against the finest whiskies from the USA, Scotland, Ireland and Japan. At a time of such uncertainty, it is a welcome relief to know that Canada’s craft whisky industry is excelling.

 https://macaloneydistillers.com/shop

Join the journey into the world of whisky at The House of Ian Macleod, featuring the new Tamdhu 43yo, along with tastings of the Tamdhu 18yo and Cigar Malt. The exquisite 43yo single malt is set to impress with its rich notes of sherry, treacle toffee, dried coriander, berries, citrus and dried spice. It’s not just a tasting; it’s a celebration of craftsmanship and tradition. An unforgettable afternoon awaits, filled with amazing flavors and great company!

Book your tickets and join us at this year’s

The Nth Las Vegas April 23-25, 2025

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