We are offering select whiskey connoisseurs unparalleled access to Heaven Hill Distillery.
Apply for membership in the Connoisseur Circle and embark on a year-long journey that explores the defining elements of our whiskey, as shared by the team behind them.
Along the way, enjoy a guaranteed opportunity to acquire some of our rarest whiskey bottles to commemorate your newfound understanding of Heaven Hill—our way of welcoming you into our family circle.
“When our family first took a chance on bourbon, no one could have imagined how deeply our story would become part of the American whiskey tradition. A big part of that is you and your appreciation for an exceptional sip. Let’s raise a glass to the unparalleled Heaven Hill pour— and story—together.”
2nd-Generation Leader
3rd-Generation Leaders
Exclusive access to Heaven Hill's rarest bottles
Exclusive gatherings with special guests
VIP treatment and discounts
Connoisseur Circle Application Process
Submit the application to learn more about the Connoisseur Circle and reserve your seat.
An unforgettable year of unparalleled whiskey.
Connoisseur Circle is an exclusive, members-only community designed for passionate Heaven Hill Distillery enthusiasts. As a member, you'll gain access to exclusive events, rare and allocated bottles, and unique insights directly from the Heaven Hill Distillery team.
Membership is by invitation only*
Individual Membership
Designed for one person, this membership grants access to all benefits for the one-year journey of the Connoisseur Circle Membership experience.
Please note: Memberships are non-transferable.
Memberships can be purchased annually only, and are sold individually.
- Annual Plan: One-time payment of $2,000
Applications for the Connoisseur Circle are open year-round to all interested enthusiasts through this link: connoisseurcircle.vip/apply
At the start of each enrollment period, invitations to enroll will be emailed to applicants who qualify based on the factors outlined below. Membership capacity is limited to ensure a high-quality experience for all members.
If capacity is reached, qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist and invited to enroll as spots become available. If the current year remains sold out, waitlisted applicants may receive an invitation to enroll in a future membership year.
Please note: receiving an invitation to enroll does not guarantee a spot in the membership
The membership experience is designed around in-person events for our biggest enthusiasts. Applicants are considered for membership if they:
- Attended a Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience in the last year
- Have the ability to attend in-person events
- Have the ability to purchase and pickup bottles in person
Applicants must also be 21 years or older to participate. While meeting these qualifications is important, space is limited and enrollment is filled on a first-come, first-served basis as the process begins.
If you are placed on the waitlist, you will be considered when enrollment opens again. The enrollment period is usually in the spring of each year (March and April). However, due to limited availability, placement on the waitlist does not guarantee acceptance in future enrollment periods.
Exclusive Events & Guaranteed Bottle Purchase Opportunities
Enjoy access to purchase four (4) different bottles of Heaven Hill Distillery’s finest allocated whiskeys and join us for six (6) different exclusive member events hosted throughout the year.
Virtual Experiences:
Participate in a welcome ceremony and closing ceremony, both virtual.
Premium Welcome Box:
As part of your membership experience, you'll receive a premium membership kit.
Free Bourbon Experiences:
Each member receives one complimentary ticket to all standard tours & tasting at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Heaven Hill Springs Distillery and the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, providing access to our full range of offerings.
Discounts:
- 20% off food at Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen
- 20% off retail merchandise (excluding alcohol) at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Heaven Hill Springs Distillery and Evans Williams Bourbon Experience.
- 20% off all merchandise on the Heaven Hill Distillery webstore - featuring items from Heaven Hill Distillery, Evan Williams, Elijah Craig and Larceny Bourbon.
Invites are non transferable. Each invite contains a special application code meant only for the person the email was sent to.
Guest access varies by event. While we aim to offer plus-one opportunities whenever possible, guest availability is not guaranteed and depends on the specific event format, capacity, and venue. Event details — including whether guests are permitted — will be communicated in advance of each event.
Each membership year, Connoisseur Circle members will have the opportunity to purchase a curated selection of limited and special releases. Specific offerings may vary year to year and will be announced in advance of enrollment and release. Final selections are subject to availability.
Please note: Membership fee does not include the cost of the bottles. These are paid for separately. Bottles purchased pursuant to the membership are not for resale, except in accordance with Kentucky law.
Bottles will be released at designated times throughout the membership year, with events and/or dedicated purchase opportunities marking each official release. Members will be notified when each release becomes available.
Following the initial purchase opportunity, members may also visit the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience during regular business hours to complete their purchase. From the date of the first purchase opportunity, members will have 60 days to purchase their bottle. If additional time is needed, we ask that members communicate with us in advance. Bottles not purchased within 60 days without prior communication will be considered forfeited for that release.
Please reach out to the concierge with any questions or assistance regarding bottle purchases: concierge@connoisseurcircle.vip
No. Bottles must be purchased and picked up in person by the member. Members are required to present their membership card and valid photo ID at the time of purchase.
No. Bottle purchases must be completed in person at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. Bottles are reserved for members during their designated release window and cannot be purchased over the phone.
No. Bottles must be purchased within 60 days of their official release date, according to the release schedule established by the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience. Early pickup is not permitted.
No. Each bottle must be purchased within its individual 60-day release window. Bottles cannot be held beyond their release period or combined for pickup at a later date.
No. Bottles cannot be shipped. All purchases must be completed in person at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience during the applicable 60-day release window. Bottles not purchased within that timeframe will be considered forfeited.
Membership Term
Membership is valid for one year from the date of enrollment. There is no automatic renewal. Active members may have the opportunity to enroll in the Legacy tier following the completion of their first year, subject to availability.
Membership Transferability
Memberships are non-transferable.
Age
All Connoisseur Circle members must be 21 years of age.
Cancellation
Memberships can be canceled at any time. You will receive a prorated refund for the remaining period of your annual subscription.
Contact Us:
For membership questions, please contact the concierge team: concierge@connoisseurcircle.vip
Please note: This FAQ is not exhaustive. For any additional questions, please refer to the contact information provided above.