Heaven Hill Distillery has launched Family Farms First, an initiative supporting family-owned farms in partnership with nonprofit Farm Rescue, alongside the release of its second edition Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
The new program will see the distillery commit up to $100,000 annually from Grain to Glass sales to Farm Rescue. The Farm Rescue nonprofit has provided free agricultural assistance to over 1,000 farm families across eight states since 2005. Along with Heaven Hill, Farm Rescue will continue to offer support to family-run farms in the U.S.
Perfect Timing
The timing aligns with Heaven Hill’s upcoming 90th anniversary in December 2025. Each annual Grain to Glass edition features unique corn varietals chosen in collaboration with Beck’s Hybrids.
This year’s release uses Beck’s 6225 corn, grown by Peterson Farms in Nelson County, Kentucky. The 105-proof bourbon features a distinctive mashbill of 52% corn, 35% rye, and 13% malt – higher in secondary grains than Heaven Hill’s traditional recipe. After six years aging in the Cox’s Creek rickhouse, it’s bottled non-chill filtered and at barrel strength.
“In 2017, we embarked on a journey to create a one-of-a-kind Grain to Glass Whiskey by partnering with family-owned seed companies and farms,” said Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill Brands. “These innovative mash bills feature hand-selected, unique grain varieties grown locally by Kentucky family farms. Heaven Hill Grain to Glass is a testament to the important legacy of family farmers, who are the lifeblood of our country.”
Farm Rescue’s Mission
Farm Rescue assists farmers facing major hardships, injuries, or natural disasters by providing planting, harvesting, commodity hauling, and livestock feeding services. Family farms constitute 97% of US agricultural operations.
“Farm Rescue’s mission is to keep family farms intact during times of crises,” said Bill Gross, Founder and President of Farm Rescue. “Family farms, which make up 97% of U.S. farms, are vital to sustaining our communities and our future. Our collaboration with Heaven Hill Grain to Glass will bolster our ability to provide essential support to more farm families, ensuring they can continue their operations and sustain their livelihoods.”
The partnership extends Heaven Hill’s commitment to supporting fellow family businesses, particularly within agriculture. The Grain to Glass series launched in 2017, emphasising the connection between farm and bottle.
“We are honored to partner with Farm Rescue as part of our Family Farms First initiative,” Shapira continued. “Their efforts align perfectly with our values at Heaven Hill, where we understand the dedication and resilience needed to keep a family business thriving for generations.”
Heaven Hill’s Influence
Tim Sullivan, Executive Director of Farm Rescue, noted the partnership’s importance.
“Support from companies like Heaven Hill profoundly impacts our capacity to assist family farms in need,” Sullivan said. “Their commitment to quality and community resonates deeply with our mission, and we are grateful for their partnership.”
Heaven Hill’s initiative arrives as agricultural communities face ongoing economic pressures and climate challenges. By linking whiskey sales directly to farm support, the distillery creates a tangible connection between consumers and the grains that become their spirits.
The Second Edition Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is now available. For more information about the program, visit Heaven Hill Distillery or Farm Rescue.
Read the full article at Heaven Hill Supports Family-Run Farms With New Initiative
