Whisky Magazine announced recently the awarding of Distiller of the Year 2008 and Visitor Attraction of the Year 2008 at the opening of Whisky Live London.

In awarding Distiller of the Year, Whisky Magazine Editor Rob Allanson cited Heaven Hill’s “launch of the Parker’s Heritage Collection (of rare whiskeys), their continuing commitment to producing five distinct styles of American Whiskey, and for continuously investing in their operations and brands.”

The Bardstown-based company, the world’s second-largest holder of aging American Whiskey, produces such critically acclaimed brands as Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage Bourbon, Elijah Craig Bourbon, Rittenhouse Rye, Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey and the Parker’s Heritage Collection of American Whiskeys, all crafted under the watchful eyes of sixth and seventh generation Master Distillers Parker and Craig Beam.

Heaven Hill was awarded Visitor’s Attraction of the Year for their Bourbon Heritage Center, which upon its opening in October of 2004 immediately raised the bar for all other hospitality facilities along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. The Icon of Whisky award praised Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Heritage Center for “continually educating an increasing number of visitors in its barrel tasting room and offering a wide range of tours to suit novice to expert.
It is a beacon for Kentucky Bourbon.”

In 2007 the Bourbon Heritage Center welcomed nearly 50,000 visitors to Bardstown, making it the most visited attraction in the historic Nelson County city.

“It would have been a great accomplishment and honor to have won just one of the Icons of Whisky awards,” stated Heaven Hill Distilleries President Max L. Shapira. “But to have won not only Distiller of the Year, but also Visitor Attraction of the Year, is like the grand slam of accolades. On behalf of my family, of Parker and Craig Beam, of the staff of the Bourbon Heritage Center and all our Heaven Hill employees, we can only say that we are humbled and most appreciative.”

Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second-largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio includes: the full line of The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler’s Rum; Burnett’s Gin and Vodka; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Agua Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaca; Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, KY.