| 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
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Parker & Craig Beam, Master
Distillers |
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.
Courtesy of Heaven Hill Distilleries
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EVANS WILLIAMS BLACK KENTUCKY
STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY "Nose: Light
and minty, some vanilla. Mouth: This whiskey has
grown up well. The body is medium to light, and
the palate bears some leather, tobacco, vanilla
and hints of caramel. The finish is medium to long,
and oh, so warm and soothing.
Overall: Here's an "around the house"
bottling that's a lot more sophisticated than expected.
Drink it on ice, with a splash of water or club
soda, or make above-average cocktails and mixed
drinks with this bourbon."
Tasting Notes by Gary & Mardee Haidin Regan
Co-authors, The Book of Bourbon
Evan Williams is America's second
largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon whiskey.
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THE MACALLAN 55 Year Old
in Lalique (Rare) Nose: Coconut, Vanilla,
Red berry fruits. Emphatic mint toffee.
Palate: Powerful, smooth. Malty, nutty. Orange peels.
Mint leaves. Tightly combined flavors.
Finish: Peach cobbler. Toasted almonds. Slight burned
bitterness.
Comment: Another great vintage from Heaven Hill.
Tasting Notes by Michael Jackson
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Heaven
Hill
Bourbon Heritage Center
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
Courtesy of Heaven Hill Distilleries |
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