William Heavenhill Small Batch 15 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon (109 proof)

15 years. 109 proof. Small batch. Named for William Heavenhill — the farmer on whose land the original Heaven Hill Distillery was established in 1935 — a tribute to the founding provenance of one of Kentucky's great bourbon families.

Heaven Hill Distillery was established in 1935 by the Shapira family in Bardstown, Kentucky. The name "Heaven Hill" derives from William Heavenhill, the farmer who originally owned the land on which the distillery was built. The William Heavenhill Small Batch release honors this founding connection — a premium expression named for the land's original steward.

At 15 years and 109 proof, the William Heavenhill Small Batch sits above the standard Heaven Hill lineup and alongside the Heritage Collection in the distillery's prestige range. The high-rye Heaven Hill mashbill at 15 years produces a profile of deep caramel, dried fruit, and warm rye spice — the extended aging integrating what would be a bold, assertive character in younger expressions into something more measured and complex. At 109 proof the full aromatic and flavor intensity is preserved without the extreme challenge of barrel-strength proof.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Deep amber from 15 years in new charred American oak.
• Nose: Caramel, dried fruit, warm rye spice, and aged oak — the Heaven Hill high-rye character at 15-year maturity.
• Palate: Rich and complex at 109 proof — brown sugar, dried fruit, vanilla, and baking spice in a fully integrated profile.
• Finish: Long and warm — rye spice and oak fading through a deeply satisfying close.

Specs

• Distillery: Heaven Hill Bernheim Distillery, Louisville, Kentucky (est. 1935)
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Small Batch
• Age: 15 years
• Proof: 109 (54.5% ABV)
• Size: 750ml

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Who was William Heavenhill? William Heavenhill was the farmer who originally owned the land on which the Heaven Hill Distillery was established in 1935. The distillery's name derives from his family name. The William Heavenhill Small Batch release is a tribute to this founding provenance.
• How does William Heavenhill relate to the Heritage Collection? Both are premium annual Heaven Hill releases above the standard lineup. The Heritage Collection (spring) and Parker's Heritage Collection (fall) are the distillery's flagship prestige programs. William Heavenhill occupies a similar tier — a named premium expression at extended age and elevated proof.
• Why 109 proof for a 15-year bourbon? At 15 years, bourbon has lost significant volume to evaporation but its natural proof can vary. 109 proof is slightly above standard elevated-proof releases, preserving more of the aromatic intensity than 100 proof without the extremity of barrel strength. It's an intentional balance point for this specific expression.
• Is the William Heavenhill Small Batch still available? In limited quantities. This is a premium annual release not available through standard retail.