LOUISVILLE, Ky., May 13, 2026 — Heaven Hill brands is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2026 US Best Managed Company for the third consecutive year. Sponsored by Deloitte Private* and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies and the achievements of their teams.
The 2026 designees are U.S. private companies that have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, commitment to their people, and strong financial performance and governance. This year’s class was recognized for making meaningful investments in innovation and digital transformation, including AI capabilities, while continuing to drive sustainable growth and resilience in a rapidly evolving business environment.
“We are honored to once again be recognized as a U.S. Best Managed Company,” said Allan Latts, Co-President of Heaven Hill Brands. “As a family-owned and led company approaching 91 years in business, we’ve always believed that long-term success starts with people, strong relationships, and a shared commitment to growth. This recognition reflects the dedication of our teams across the organization and the momentum we continue to build together.”
The recognition follows a milestone year for Heaven Hill Brands as the company recently celebrated 90 years of family ownership and leadership. Over the past year, Heaven Hill opened its new Louisville corporate office, unveiled a refreshed corporate brand centered on the company ethos of “Thriving Together,” and continued strategic investments across its operations, tourism experiences, and award-winning portfolio. The company also continues to expand its footprint in Kentucky through investments including the Heaven Hill Springs Distillery in Bardstown and ongoing enhancements to the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, recently recognized among the industry’s top visitor attractions.
Applicants are evaluated and selected by a panel of external judges focused on assessing hallmarks of excellence in four key areas: strategy, ability to execute, corporate culture, and governance/financial performance. Honorees join a global ecosystem of companies from more than 44 countries recognized by the Best Managed Companies program.
About the Best Managed Companies Program
The Best Managed Companies program is a mark of excellence for private companies. U.S. designees have revenues of at least $250 million. Hundreds of private companies around the world have competed for this designation in their respective countries through a rigorous and independent process that evaluates four key criteria in their management skills and practices — strategy, execution, culture, and governance/financials. U.S. program sponsors are Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. For more information, visit www.usbestmanagedcompanies.com.
ABOUT HEAVEN HILL BRANDS: Founded in 1935, Bardstown, KY-based Heaven Hill Brands (www.heavenhill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned and led spirits company of brands, as well as the world’s second-largest holder of Kentucky Bourbon. Heaven Hill has been named a 3x Best Managed Company from 2024-2026 by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal. Heaven Hill’s diversified portfolio of brands includes the Heaven Hill Whiskey family of brands, Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Widow Jane, Larceny, Old Fitzgerald, and Henry McKenna Bourbons; Rittenhouse Rye Whisky; Deep Eddy Vodka; Admiral Nelson’s Rum; Black Velvet Canadian Whisky; Lunazul and Ocho Tequilas; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; and Carolans Irish Cream Liqueur.
