A Legacy in Motion: Heaven Hill’s First 90 Years
Heaven Hill Brands, the largest independent, family-owned and -led distilled spirits company in the United States, marks its 90th anniversary on Dec. 13, 2025, reflecting on a legacy shaped by people, perseverance, and a long view of the future.
Founded on Friday the 13th in 1935 with no brands, no inventory, and no stock, Heaven Hill grew from an unlikely start into a leading global spirits supplier guided by generational stewardship, trusted partnerships, and a portfolio of consumer-beloved brands. For nine decades, the company’s success has been rooted in a belief that progress is built together.
That belief is captured in Thriving Together, the company’s refreshed corporate brand platform introduced this year. It reflects enduring values—connection, craftsmanship, and quality—that have carried Heaven Hill from the Great Depression to today’s modern spirits landscape.
“What stands out after ninety years is the character of the people who built this place,” said Executive Chairman Max L. Shapira. “Integrity and hard work have always been the through line.”
A Year of Momentum
The anniversary year featured major milestones, including the opening of Heaven Hill’s new Louisville corporate office, the launch of a unified corporate website, and companywide Spirit Week, which brought teams together through education, recognition, and community engagement. The commissioning and grand opening of Heaven Hill Springs Distillery marked a significant investment in long-term growth and production resilience.
Industry recognition underscored that momentum. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Rye was named Whisky Advocate’s 2025 Whisky of the Year, the first rye to earn the honor. Heaven Hill was also named the Most Awarded U.S. Distillery at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for the second consecutive year and recognized by StateWays as 2025 Spirits Supplier of the Year.
Across the portfolio, Tequila Ocho and Lunazul reached new milestones, American Whiskey brands expanded signature offerings, and Heaven Hill’s visitor centers welcomed more than 300,000 guests.
Impact Beyond the Bottle
Community impact was central to the year through the 90 for 90 initiative, which generated more than 9,000 volunteer hours across 26 charities. Combined with employee and corporate giving, Heaven Hill supported more than 100 organizations nationwide.
Looking ahead, the company continues to invest with a decades-long mindset. “Ninety years in, we’re energized by what’s next,” said Co-President Allan Latts. “New consumers, new markets, and new stories—guided by the values that brought us here.”
