Heaven Hill distilleries was founded in Bardstown, Kentucky just after the end of prohibition by the Shapira family in order to produce and market bourbon and premium American whiskeys. Evan Williams founded his distillery in 1783 on the banks of the Ohio in Louisville and became Kentucky's first distiller. In 1789 Rev. Elijah Craig a Baptist Minister and farmer had a fire in his barn which stored whisky barrels, but he still decided to use the charred barrels and thus 'accidentally' disscovered the benefits of maturing whiskey in charred wood.

'Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc.' was founded as a company in 1934 by a group of investors and the five Shapira Brothers. Their first barrel was filled on Dec. 13th 1935. Their 5,500,000th barrel was filled in Nov. 2008.

Heaven Hill operates distilleries in Bardstown & Louisville, Kentucky and their range of brands include; Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Henry McKenna and Old Fitzgerald amongst others.

My thanks to Heaven Hill distilleries for permission to use these photos

Elijah Craig, (Bardstown) General whisky characteristics; Rich, smooth, aromatic, lightly floral

Elijah Craig, 12y, 47% ABV

Typical cost of this bottle; €€€€€

Glass: Classic Malt

Colour: Very dark amber

Nose: Very fragrant, sweet, wood, lightly perfumed

Palate: Smooth but very intense, floral, very rich, reminiscent of a good cognac

With 4 drops of water: Nose is less intense with a little more wood. Palate is smoother and more floral with hints of marzipan

4 more drops of water: Less intense again and also more wood.

Finish: Long. Longer with water.

Overall Impression: Smooth and aromatic, an excellent bourbon.

Evan Williams, Honey Reserve, 35% ABV

Whiskey Liqueur

Typical cost of this bottle; €€€€€

Glass: Classic Malt

Colour: Light yellow

Pour/Consistency: Just like syrup!

Nose: Sweet, satsuma or mandarin peel

Palate: Just like a thick syrup on the palate with a very sweet burst of mandarin (peel). This is followed by sweet marshmallow.

Finish: Long, smooth and rather sweet.

Overall Impression: Rather sweet mandarin peel in syrup form. Did I mention that it's sweet?

This particular bottling of Stitzel Weller Old Fitzgerald is a 6 year old bourbon distilled in 1961 and bottled in 1967

Glass: Classic Malt

Colour: Teak

Nose: Lightly floral toasted coconut macaroon. Lots of rich furniture polish but in a very floral way. Wonderful.

Palate: The floral elements from the nose translate directly onto the palate with the addition of vanilla in the background. This also has a very creamy mouth-feel.

Finish: Long, very long.

Overall Impression: Quite amazing and unique. Delightful.