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Bernie Lubbers, Heaven Hill's bourbon ambassador, shares insider knowledge on the distillery's operations, history, and production scale while discussing their impressive portfolio of whiskeys.
• Heaven Hill produces 1,500 barrels daily, operates around 70 rickhouses, and maintains 2.1 million barrels in inventory
• The Shapira family has maintained ownership for nearly 90 years, with three generations actively running the business
• Time is the most expensive ingredient in bourbon production, requiring foresight and patience for investments that take decades to mature
• Heaven Hill has preserved historic bourbon brands like JTS Brown, JW Dant, and Rittenhouse Rye through strategic acquisitions
• The company produces numerous bottled-in-bond expressions, maintaining a tradition that represents American whiskey's gold standard
• Recent increased availability of some Heaven Hill products reflects production expansions made over a decade ago
• The team discusses their experience selecting an Elijah Craig barrel that yielded only 72 bottles with unique honey notes
• Heaven Hill's new Spring Hill distillery in Bardstown represents their first distilling operation in the town since the 1996 fire
• Their portfolio includes innovating with traditional American whiskey styles like corn whiskey and wheat whiskey
If you're interested in trying Heaven Hill products, consider picking up their Bottled-in-Bond expressions or visiting their visitor center in Bardstown for exclusives like the Five Brothers Small Batch.
Step into the world of bourbon legacy and craftsmanship as Bernie Lubbers, Heaven Hill's renowned Bourbon Ambassador, takes us behind the scenes of one of America's most important distilleries. With remarkable candidness and passion, Bernie shares how Heaven Hill has grown to maintain 2.1 million barrels in inventory—representing a staggering 20% of the world's bourbon supply.
What makes this conversation truly special is Bernie's insight into the family-owned operation that has survived when other major distilleries faltered. The Shapira family, now in its third generation of leadership, continues to oversee daily operations with the same dedication that began nearly 90 years ago. As Bernie aptly puts it, "Time is the most expensive ingredient in making whiskey and bourbon"—a philosophy that has guided Heaven Hill through decades of industry fluctuations.
Bernie reveals fascinating details about Heaven Hill's dedication to bottled-in-bond products, explaining how these expressions became cornerstones of their portfolio while other distilleries abandoned the category. We explore their strategic acquisition of historic brands like JTS Brown, JW Dant, and Rittenhouse Rye, preserving pieces of bourbon heritage that might otherwise have disappeared. The conversation also dives into Heaven Hill's newest innovations, from their recently opened distillery in Bardstown to special releases that showcase their mastery of traditional American whiskey styles.
For bourbon enthusiasts, collectors, and casual drinkers alike, this episode offers rare insights into the business decisions, production challenges, and long-term planning required to maintain quality and consistency in whiskey making. Whether you're familiar with Heaven Hill's extensive portfolio or just discovering these storied brands, Bernie's stories and expertise provide a deeper apprecia

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