Heaven Hill (Bardstown, KY)

Heaven Hill Distillery offers multiple tasting experiences at its location in the heart of Kentucky's bourbon country.

Heaven Hill Distillery with old-fashioned truck in front.

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is one of those experiences that keeps on giving.

Years ago, we enjoyed visiting all nine of the distilleries on the trail (here's a rundown of what to expect from each).

As the years have gone by and new distilleries like Wilderness Trail and Lux Row have been added, we've gradually been working our way through those too. But we also haven't shied away from re-visiting the older spots.

We recently found ourselves back at Heaven Hill in Bardstown. This location doesn't offer tours (their actual distillery facilities are up in Louisville). What they can offer is multiple tasting options! There are also informative walk-through galleries and a nice on-site bar.

Is Heaven Hill on your list? Here's what to expect from a visit!

Doors labeled "bottling" and "laboratory" at Heaven Hill Distillery.

Types of Tastings at Heaven Hill

We paid for the Whiskey Connoisseur Experience, which features five bourbon and whiskey samples (and a chocolate).

Bottles of whiskey at Heaven Hill. — Bourbons + Whiskies at Heaven Hill

The Magic of the Mashbill tasting is the lowest-priced option. It's a 45-minute education and sampling.

You can also book a bottle-your-own bourbon experience, a Bottled in Bond warehouse tour, or a limited edition tasting.

Plan on booking in advance online.

Table with whiskey samples and water carafe. — Tasting Area

Learning Distillery History

The 1935 Distillery Theater plays an 11-minute video detailing the family history here at Heaven Hill. The theater is (amusingly) shaped like a barrel.

Recessed doors in facade that looks like bourbon barrel. — Entrance to Distillery Theater

You can also visit the Family Gallery, which documents how the Shapira family started this enterprise in 1935, the Elijah Craig Gallery, the Larceny Gallery, the Bottled in Bond exhibit, and the Bourbon 101 exhibit. These each address different aspects of bourbon history or science.

The Bar and Gift Shop

Five Brothers Bar serves cocktails, samples, or straight pours in its lounge or patio area. The bar is open every day.

If you've booked a late-afternoon time slot over in the tasting room, note that the bar may be closed by the time you finish. That was the case for us.

There’s also a large gift shop.

Jars of bourbon hot sauce, olives, Worcestershire sauce, and cocktail mix.

Not only can you browse a large variety of whiskies and bourbons for sale, you can also check out various bourbon-based sauces, condiments, coffee beans, and more.