Heaven Hill Phoenix Marks 30 Years Since the Distillery Fire With a One Time 18 Year Old Bourbon

Thirty Years After the Fire

Heaven Hill Distillery has introduced Heaven Hill Phoenix 75cl, a limited, one time Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that commemorates a defining moment in the brand's history.

On 7 November 1996, wind driven flames destroyed Heaven Hill's original Bardstown distillery, built in 1935, along with seven rickhouses, consuming nearly 100,000 barrels of aging bourbon. No lives were lost and no employees lost their jobs, and the company's proprietary yeast strain survived intact.

Past and Present in One Blend

Phoenix begins with 18 year old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey produced in March 2008 and fully matured in heavy char barrels. Within the blend, 30 year old whiskey distilled at Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery is mingled with the heavy char bourbon, giving each bottle a tangible connection to the original distillery. It is bottled at 107 proof, which is 53.5% ABV.

Conor O'Driscoll, Master Distiller at Heaven Hill, said: "Heaven Hill Phoenix balances the mature oak and length of its 30-year-old component with the structure of 18-year-old Bourbon aged in heavy-char oak." Max L. Shapira, Executive Chairman and second generation family owner, said the release honors the employees, community members and industry partners who refused to let a single night define generations of craftsmanship.

Tasting Notes and Presentation

Heaven Hill describes a nose of polished oak, cinnamon, nutmeg and caramel. The palate offers butterscotch, caramel, cinnamon and baked apples, balanced by subtle oak tannins. The finish is warm and long, with sweet apple pie and a peppery spice.

The 750 ml bottle comes in a special edition gift carton showing a phoenix rising from the ashes, with the words "Remember. Rebuild. Rise."

Availability and Price

Heaven Hill Phoenix began shipping to select markets in October 2026 and is also available at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in Bardstown, Kentucky. The suggested retail price is around €292 ($325) for the 750 ml bottle. No bottle count has been published.

On Spiritory it is listed as Heaven Hill Phoenix 75cl.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Heaven Hill Phoenix?

A limited, one time Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Heaven Hill that marks 30 years since the 1996 fire at its original Bardstown distillery.

What is in the blend?

18 year old bourbon produced in March 2008 and matured in heavy char barrels, mingled with 30 year old whiskey distilled at Old Heaven Hill Springs Distillery before the fire.

How strong is it and what size is the bottle?

It is bottled at 107 proof, which is 53.5% ABV, in a 750 ml bottle with a special edition gift carton.

How much does it cost?

The suggested retail price is around €292 ($325). No bottle count has been published. It is listed on Spiritory.