Heaven Hill is the most awarded American whiskey maker at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition

We spend a lot of time talking about the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. And for good reason. Since it was founded in 2000, the annual judging has grown in stature and prominence to become one of the premiere industry events of the calendar year. The producers and brands that collect “Best In Show” hardware there often see their sales soar as a result.

Although it convened back in April, we’re just now able to exclusively report on a key winner from the 2024 competition: Heaven Hill out of Bardstown, Kentucky is the most awarded US whiskey maker of the year. The legendary producer of bourbon and rye took home a total of 29 medals across 13 of its marquee labels. That’s enough to make it not only the most lauded whiskey maker, but the most successful American distillery, full stop, among all categories of spirit.

It’s not even close when you also factor in the additional 35 medals that Heaven Hill collected for some of its subsidiaries. Remember that in 2022, the company acquired Samson & Surrey—a portfolio which includes FEW as well as Widow Jane. Those two popular whiskey brands accrued a respectable count of 12 medals between them this year at SFWSC.

Evan Williams and Elijah Craig, prestigious brands from Heaven Hill Distillery, garnered numerous accolades with 7 and 6 medals respectively. The highest honor of Double Gold was awarded to their Bottled-In-Bond and two distinct Barrel Proof expressions. Barrel Proof.

It was indeed a remarkable year for the family-owned company, marked not only by achievements in San Francisco but also by introducing three new products in the Grain To Glass series, alongside the latest Elijah Craig Toasted Rye. These introductions have been met with extensive critical acclaim. three new expressions as part of its Grain To Glass.

The consistent accolades can be attributed to the proficient leadership of master distiller Conor O’Driscoll, whose expertise and dedication to quality maturation have been cornerstones of the brand since its inception by the Shapira family in 1935. This dedication now encompasses a vault of over 2 million barrels. Conor O’Driscoll.

The remarkable aspect of Heaven Hill in 2024 lies in its ability to deliver top-notch products across various price ranges. For instance, the Evan Williams Bottled-In-Bond, a Double Gold winner, retails for about $18. Additionally, this March saw the release of a sophisticated 18-year-old bourbon from their Heritage Collection, made with a high-corn mashbill typical of Evan Williams, known for its caramel sweetness. Despite its $300 price tag, it rapidly clears the shelves.

And that’s to say nothing of the Old Fitzgerald label, a brand flaunting semi-annual releases which can often fetch four figures on secondary markets. A fall 2023 offering of the liquid—brandishing an 8 year age statement—was among the select few bourbons to take home that all-important Double Gold certification this year in San Francisco. It’s currently selling for just north of $400 a bottle. Fingers crossed it remains relatively close to that after this most recent news.

If you want to stay ahead of the inflated pricing, keep it parked here as we always endeavor to give you the latest, exclusive intel from the wondrous world of spirits.

Our Bourbon Trail adventure ended back where it started, in Louisville, but this time at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience on the city’s Whiskey Row.

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