In the rolling hills of Bardstown, Kentucky, where bourbon is more than a drink—it’s a way of life—Heaven Hill Distillery has unveiled a new chapter in its storied legacy. The Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Artist Series Collection, launched in September 2025, is a celebration of craftsmanship, tradition, and the soul of Kentucky bourbon. This limited-edition release transforms the distillery’s acclaimed seven-year-old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey into a collector’s treasure, with each bottle adorned with original watercolor artwork by Louisville-based artist Bri Bowers. It’s a marriage of fine bourbon and fine art, designed to capture the heart of anyone who appreciates a good pour and a good story.
The Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Artist Series is no ordinary release. It pays homage to nearly nine decades of the distillery’s history, weaving together the grit and pride of Kentucky’s bourbon-making heritage with the vibrant creativity of Bowers’ illustrations. Each of the five unique labels tells a story of the people, places, and traditions that have shaped Heaven Hill since its founding in 1935 by the Shapira family. From the weathered rickhouses of Bardstown to the towering brick structures of Louisville’s Bernheim Distillery, the artwork brings to life the settings where Heaven Hill’s award-winning whiskey matures.
The bourbon itself is the same liquid that has made Heaven Hill’s Bottled-in-Bond a favorite among whiskey enthusiasts. Aged for seven years in federally bonded warehouses, it meets the strict standards of the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897—a law that ensures quality and authenticity by requiring the whiskey to be the product of one distillery, one distilling season, bottled at exactly 100 proof, and aged for at least four years. The result is a golden amber spirit with a warm, inviting nose of vanilla, honey, and caramel sweetness. On the palate, it delivers a smooth, rich experience, balancing subtle rye spice with notes of caramel, honey, oak, and a touch of char. The finish lingers long, leaving a satisfying warmth that invites another sip.
What sets this release apart is the artistry on the bottle. Bri Bowers, a Kentucky native who honed her craft in New York City before returning to Louisville, was chosen as the inaugural artist for the series. Her watercolor illustrations capture the essence of Heaven Hill’s legacy with a style that’s both nostalgic and fresh. “Being asked to be the first artist for this project was an honor,” Bowers said. “The thought of my work representing Kentucky on shelves across the country is a thrill.” Her designs grace five distinct labels, each highlighting a different facet of Heaven Hill’s story:
- Heaven Hill Rickhouses: These Bardstown warehouses, some standing since the 1930s, are where the distillery’s barrels age to perfection. Bowers’ artwork depicts the rustic charm of these structures, evoking the quiet patience of bourbon maturation.
- Bernheim Rickhouses: Located in downtown Louisville, these iconic brick buildings rise up to twelve stories, a testament to the distillery’s urban footprint. The illustration captures their grandeur against the city skyline.
- Heaven Hill Springs Distillery: Set to open in September 2025, this new Bardstown facility marks the return of whiskey production to Heaven Hill’s birthplace after a devastating fire in 1996. Bowers’ design celebrates this homecoming with a nod to the future.
- Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience: Exclusive to the distillery’s Bardstown Visitor Center, this label showcases the award-winning experience that draws bourbon lovers from across the country to learn about Kentucky’s native spirit.
- Heaven Hill’s Championship Barrel Rolling Team: Also exclusive to the Bardstown Visitor Center, this artwork honors the distillery’s barrel rolling team, a group that carries forward a Kentucky tradition of strength and skill through competitive barrel rolling relays.
For collectors and bourbon fans, the exclusivity of the series adds to its appeal. The Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience and Championship Barrel Rolling Team labels are only available at Heaven Hill’s two Bardstown Visitor Center locations, making them a must-have for those visiting the heart of bourbon country. The other three labels will be available nationwide starting in September 2025, but with limited quantities, they’re expected to sell out quickly. Priced at $49.99 MSRP, the bottles offer a remarkable value for a seven-year-old Bottled-in-Bond bourbon, especially one wrapped in such distinctive packaging.
Adding to the excitement, Heaven Hill has introduced the Golden Cork Sweepstakes, a nod to the magic of a “golden ticket.” Select bottles in the Artist Series contain a hidden golden cork beneath the capsule, offering lucky winners a once-in-a-lifetime Kentucky bourbon experience. The prize includes visits to both of Heaven Hill’s world-class distilleries, guided tastings with Master Distiller Conor O’Driscoll, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access never before offered to the public. The sweepstakes, open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. states (except Utah and Vermont) who are 21 or older, runs from September 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025. Details can be found at the official sweepstakes website.
Heaven Hill’s commitment to quality is evident not only in the bourbon but in the distillery’s broader legacy. Founded in 1935 by the Shapira family, Heaven Hill has grown into one of America’s foremost whiskey producers, with over 2 million barrels aging across more than 70 warehouses in Nelson and Jefferson Counties. The distillery’s portfolio includes iconic brands like Elijah Craig, Evan Williams, Old Fitzgerald, and Henry McKenna, and it has earned accolades such as Whisky Magazine’s Distillery of the Year in 2023 and 2024, as well as the 2023 Icons of Whisky World’s Best Small Batch Bourbon. The Bottled-in-Bond Artist Series is a fitting addition to this legacy, blending the distillery’s dedication to tradition with a forward-thinking approach to storytelling through art.
“This series is a love letter to Heaven Hill’s history and to Kentucky itself,” said Kelly Hendriksen, Senior Brand Manager at Heaven Hill Distillery. “Bri’s work captures the pride and passion that have defined our bourbons for nearly ninety years.” For bourbon lovers, the Artist Series is more than a bottle—it’s a piece of Kentucky’s soul, a sip of history, and a chance to own a work of art that tells the story of one of America’s great distilleries.
For those eager to get their hands on the Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Artist Series, checking with local retailers is a must, as the limited release is sure to be in high demand. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual sipper, this bourbon offers a chance to taste the craftsmanship of Heaven Hill while celebrating the artistry that makes Kentucky bourbon a cultural treasure. And who knows? You might just find a golden cork and unlock an adventure in the heart of bourbon country.
