Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/898117
november 2017 / the tasting panel / 101 Built on Legacy: HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY Finding success often requires taking a leap of faith into the complete unknown. After Prohibition, those invest- ing in the spirits industry gambled their money on an enterprise with an uncertain future. When the five Shapira brothers were approached with a business opportunity at a distillery, they knew nothing about the production of whiskey and were forced to learn quickly after they assumed ownership. That's how Heaven Hill Distillery came into existence more than 80 years ago in 1935. Since then, the family has gained a wealth of knowledge in the whiskey industry and brought both classic and innovative brands to market. Master Distiller Denny Potter preserves the signature brands of the company—no matter if it's bourbon rye, corn whiskey, or one of the many other Heaven Hill whiskeys—through an unwavering attention to quality. Whenever they develop a brand, the team at Heaven Hill pulls from their collective expertise within the sector to create an expression that upholds the distillery's legacy. With 1.3 million barrels aging in 55 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson counties, Heaven Hill's portfolio speaks for itself with pillars like Evan Williams and Elijah Craig, fresh additions like the wheated-Bourbon Larceny based on the Old Fitzgerald brand, and on- premise favorites Rittenhouse and Pikesville. As the contemporary whiskey boom has turned new consumers onto the spirit and renewed interest in its history and process, Heaven Hill sits in a particularly favorable position by maintaining the highest standards of quality in its production methods. With its strong footing in the past and present, Heaven Hill's future looks especially bright. Tasting Notes Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey ($28) At 100 proof, this Pennsylvania-style rye is Bottled in Bond, meaning it meets the strictest U.S. government requirements. Aromas of salt water taffy, mandarin orange, and cooked pineapple are pleasing, if not downright pleasurable. The flavors of spiced cinnamon toast soften the savory cigar leaf, while it finishes with a lingering, unctuous textural mouthfeel of apricot nectar. 95 —M.M. HEAVEN HILL DISTILLERY Since then, the family has gained a wealth of knowledge in the whiskey industry and brought both classic and innovative brands to market. Master Distiller Denny Potter preserves the signature brands of the company—no matter if it's bourbon rye, corn whiskey, or one of the many other Heaven Hill whiskeys—through an unwavering attention to quality. Whenever they develop a brand, the team at Heaven Hill pulls from their collective expertise within the sector to create an expression that upholds the distillery's legacy. With 1.3 million barrels aging in 55 warehouses throughout Nelson and Jefferson counties, Heaven Hill's portfolio speaks for itself with pillars like Evan Williams and Elijah Craig, fresh