Evan Williams
Kentucky Straight BourbonWhiskey
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
1064 Loretto Road
Bardstown, KY 40004 USA
Phone: (502) 348.3921
Viewer's Comments about Evan Williams

Evan Williams, born a Welshman, settled in Virginia and moved to what would become Kentucky (but was then Fincastle County of Virginia) in about 1780. Like most frontiersmen, he grew crops, but getting them to market over narrow trails and steep mountains was a daunting task. Williams soon learned that converting his corn and other grains to whiskey made them easily transportable, prevented the excess grain from simply rotting, and gave them a little welcome diversion from the rough life of the frontier.

Tradition holds that Evan Williams rolled the first barrel out of his Louisville distillery in 1783, thereby assuring himself of a place in history as Kentucky's first commercial distiller. Bourbon hadn't yet been invented and whiskey might well have been "aged" only as long as it took to transport a barrel of product to a willing customer who tapped it on the spot. "Quality Control" was an unknown concept, and a distiller's recipe, or "mashbill" varied with the availability of raw ingredients.

Most distillers in Evan Williams' time were farmers who practiced distilling as a way to turn a profit from excess corn they couldn't sell any other way. But Evan Williams was a distiller - pure and simple. He likely bought grain from neighboring farmers, then cooked it up at his distillery, which stood at the foot of 5th Street near the Ohio River. It was a practical location when it came time to roll the filled whiskey barrels down the embankment to the wharf where they were loaded onto outgoing vessels bound first for St. Louis, then down the Mississippi to New Orleans.

Williams showed considerable business acumen from his very first “run”. He obviously emphasized quality, knowing full well that others would follow his lead. Many could distil a whiskey, but only the gifted few would have the talent to produce a truly superior product. A premium whiskey was Williams practical means of bettering the competition which would inevitably follow.

Nature smiled favorably upon his efforts, too. The limestone water in the area imparted a particularly desirable taste - an important reason for the continued popularity of Kentucky-produced whiskies even today. Even the shortage of money conspired to encourage production of whiskey which was used in barter. It was not unusual for the consideration of contracts to be for a stated number of gallons of “good and marketable whiskey”. As the distiller, it is logical that Evan Williams’ product was used as a standard for quality.

Williams’ reputation for honesty and fair dealing made him a natural leader in the community. Although the Town of Louisville had been established in 1778, its Board of Trustees was relatively inactive. Citizens seemed to have a natural distrust of government, the man who was attracted to the frontier tended to be a rugged individual who depended upon his abilities instead of collective action. The Board, which was appointed by the Governor, had little authority and tended to be relatively inactive. There are no records of it even having met between 1793 and 1797!

An Act of the Kentucky General Assembly in the latter year, however, expanded the power of local government and called for the popular election of the Board of Trustees. Evan Williams was one of seven selected by citizens to serve on the newly created Board. And even though spirituous liquors were not allowed during board meetings, Evan Williams who was well known for his hospitality, surprised no one by bringing a jug of his whiskey to the first meeting. Neither the Chair nor other members officially acknowledged the refreshments, but it was reported that Williams left the meeting with an empty jug.

Williams was later appointed Harbor Master of the port of Louisville, and supervised construction of the Jefferson County Jail in 1802-03. He died on October 15, 1810, in Louisville. The skill which he developed in the art of distilling superior whiskies, however, continues and has been passed down through generations of men who are dedicated to excellence.

Some things have changed since the days Evans Williams made his first whiskey, barreled it, and shipped it out to folks who were eager to buy. And thanks to his business savvy and knack, he set the first markers on the Bourbon trail that others would blaze with distinction.

Today the Evan Williams brand is owned by Heaven Hill Distilleries and is America's second largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Shortly after Prohibition ended in the United States, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., was founded in Bardstown, Kentucky by the Shapira family to produce and market Bourbon and premium American whiskies. At the time, it was as speculative a new business venture as the dot com start-ups of the 1990s -- a company fo

Parker & Craig Beam, Master Distllers

unded with no brands, no available stocks of whiskey, and at the height of the Great Depression. Today, the company has overcome these initial challenges and grown to become the largest independent, family-owned producer and marketer of distilled spirits in the country.

According to industry analysts, Heaven Hill is now the seventh largest spirits supplier in the United States and is the second largest holder of aging Bourbon whiskey in the world with an inventory in excess of 675,000 barrels. Over the last two decades Heaven Hill has moved beyond its traditional focus on American whiskies to become a broadly diversified spirits supplier. Heaven Hill's portfolio includes both domestically produced products, such as Evan Williams Bourbon and Christian Brothers Brandy, as well as a growing line of selected imported brands from around the world, such as Hpnotiq Liqueur and Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça.

Operating Hours
Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 am until 5:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 (March thru December only)
Monday: Closed

Last tour starts ONE HOUR before closing.

Holidays
Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Admission is FREE!

Pure Distilled Enjoyment
As you pass the second largest supply of Bourbon in the world, and enter the elegant white oak and limestone Center, you suddenly realize this is more than just another distillery tour. Whether you love Bourbon, Kentucky lore, filmed entertainment, shopping, local legends, or interactive excitement, you’re going to have a barrel of fun!

The Center features a unique design of copper, limestone and oak, important elements in the traditional distillation process. Legendary figures, including Elijah Craig and Evan Williams come to life in our themed movie. Early American charm blends with a distinctly American spirit.

From Our Family To Yours
“Even though we emphasize good times at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center, we take the art of distilling Bourbon very seriously. We are proud of the exceptional brands we create and the traditions we follow. This commitment to excellence has helped make Heaven Hill Distilleries the largest independent, family owned producer of distilled spirits in the nation. We invite you to come share our heritage and sample our unbridled Kentucky spirit.” - Harry J. Shapira

The Tour - A Treat For All Your Senses
Immerse yourself in the magic of the only distilled spirit native to America. Experience our Award-winning movie in the Evan Williams Theater. Feel the old-fashioned craftsmanship in our working rickhouse, where your favorite brands are aged and mellowed in traditional white oak barrels. Hear the legend and lore spun by your personal Bourbon Host. Enjoy the mix of old and new as you explore the history of Bourbon in our museum using our state-of-the-art interactive exhibits.

Our Tasting Barrel - Your Own Private Taste of Heaven
Learn to appreciate all the subtle flavors and tones from people who really understand the craft. Our experienced Bourbon Hosts guide you through a personalized tasting of some of the world’s finest Bourbons in our "Taste of Heaven" tasting room.

Before you know it, you’ll be able to distinguish a younger spirit from an Elijah Craig 18-year-old single barrel premium Bourbon. Your senses will be heightened to detect the unique color, aroma, taste and smoothness that place Heaven Hill brands among the world’s most highly prized distilled spirits. Our world-famous "Taste of Heaven" tasting room offers a sampling experience beyond compare. Impress your friends, as you learn the skills of a true Bourbon connoisseur.

Bourbon & Bardstown – The Perfect Blend
Nestled in the heart of Historic Bardstown, the Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center is just one of the enchanting attractions available in Kentucky’s second oldest city. Old Bardstown Village, Civil War Museum, the oldest stagecoach stop still in existence, the first Catholic Cathedral west of the Alleghenies, and the legendary My Old Kentucky Home. You’ll be swept away by Southern charm and hospitality.

Heaven Hill Trolley
Our Heaven Hill Trolley takes you on a tour of popular Bardstown sites, with a stop at the Bourbon Heritage Center. The personally guided and narrated trolley tour departs from the Trolley Stop on Old Courthouse Square: three times a day Tuesday thru Sunday. You can purchase your trolley tickets at the Bardstown Tourist office.

Tuesday thru Saturday Trolley Schedule
10:00 am: History Tour & Tasting
1:30 pm: History Tour
3:00 pm: History Tour & Tasting

Sunday Trolley Schedule
Noon: History Tour
1:30 pm: History Tour
3:00 pm: History Tour

The complete tour of Historic Bardstown will take approximately 40 minutes. For recorded Trolley information on timetables, call 502-337-9590.

Directions
From Louisville Take I-65 South to Exit 112 (Clermont/Bardstown). Turn left onto 245 South. Take 245 South to the end, and then make a right onto 150 West. Turn left at the first light onto 49 South (by the McDonald's®). Follow 49 South one mile to Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center.

From Lexington Take Bluegrass Parkway west to exit 25 (US 150), turn right onto US 150 west. Turn left at the first light (by McDonald's ) onto 49 south for one mile to Bourbon Heritage Center.

Contact Us
Bourbon Heritage Center
1311 Gilkey Run Road
Bardstown, KY 40004 USA
Phone: {502} 337.1000