Ken Pierce, Master Distiller at Heaven’s Door, has built a remarkable career on blending tradition with innovation. With over 40 years of expertise, he has shaped the distillation process at Heaven’s Door to focus on both exceptional quality and sustainability. In this interview with Bartender Spirits Awards, we delve into his creative process, where meticulous attention to every detail—ranging from ingredient sourcing to distillation techniques—ensures that each bottle reflects a commitment to excellence. Ken also shares how Heaven’s Door’s sustainability practices, like repurposing barrels and using geothermal energy, are embedded in their spirit production, making each sip a true testament to craftsmanship.

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What does your creative process look like when it comes to creating spirits that are a testament to quality?

Crafting spirits that truly embody quality is a process rooted in dedication, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. It begins with setting a high standard from the outset—quality isn't just a goal; it's a mindset that guides every decision, from ingredient selection to refining distillation techniques.

We start by carefully sourcing the finest raw materials, ensuring that each component meets the highest standards. This often means working with small, local farms or growers who prioritize sustainability, guaranteeing freshness and purity. The goal is to curate a balance of flavors that will shine through in the final spirit.

The distillation process itself is equally meticulous. We're able to bring out the full depth, complexity, and nuance of the raw ingredients by using precise methods like high heat that preserves congeners and high-temperature control that gives low proof.

But true quality isn’t just about ingredients or technique; it’s also about patience and attention to detail at every stage. We never rush the process. Whether it’s allowing the spirit to age for the perfect amount of time in carefully selected barrels or rigorously testing each batch, we prioritize excellence over speed. Every choice is intentional, ensuring that each spirit we create is a testament to craftsmanship and quality.

Image: Master Distiller Ken Pierce

What is the experience you aim to give the consumer when they choose to sit down with a glass of Heaven's Door Spirits?

When someone pours a glass of Heaven’s Door Spirits, we want them to embark on a journey—one that blends tradition with creativity, craftsmanship with innovation. Our goal is to provide an elevated whiskey experience, where every sip reflects our dedication to quality, consistency, and the pursuit of perfection. Each pour isn’t just a drink; it’s a testament to our commitment to refining and evolving our craft.

What sets us apart in the world of spirits isn’t just the whiskey itself, but the thoughtful process behind it. Take our Revelation Double Barrel, for example—a blend of Tennessee whiskey, bourbon, and rye that undergoes an additional aging process in specially toasted, air-dried barrels. This unique approach enhances depth and complexity in ways that traditional re-barreling in charred casks simply can’t replicate.

Our Refuge Straight Finish Rye is another expression of our creativity and craftsmanship. Made from Alberta rye and finished in sherry barrels crafted from our own sherry recipe, it showcases the bold spice of rye complemented by the rich, nuanced influence of sherry cask aging.

Then there’s Ascension Kentucky Straight Bourbon, a perfect marriage of tradition and innovation. Unlike many single-mashbill bourbons, Ascension is crafted from a blend of two distinct mash bills, allowing for greater complexity and a more refined final profile. It’s not about following a secret family recipe—it’s about continuously exploring new possibilities to create something exceptional.

Lastly, Revival challenges traditional boundaries, proving that whiskey doesn’t have to be confined by state lines or rigid categories. This Tennessee bourbon embraces the best of both worlds, standing proudly on its own merits as a bold and distinctive expression.

Ultimately, choosing Heaven’s Door isn’t just about selecting a whiskey—it’s about experiencing a story of craftsmanship, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s a journey that evolves with every bottle, yet always remains rooted in quality.

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Can you share with us the inspiration behind Ascension Kentucky Straight Bourbon?

The inspiration behind Ascension Kentucky Straight Bourbon is deeply rooted in the essence of Kentucky itself—its land, heritage, and the natural resources that have made the state a global leader in two iconic industries: racehorses and bourbon. At first glance, these worlds may seem unrelated, but they share a key element that defines their excellence—Kentucky’s limestone-rich water.

Kentucky is home to some of the purest, most mineral-rich water in the world. Naturally filtered through layers of limestone, this water is enriched with essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. For centuries, it has played a vital role in both raising world-class thoroughbreds and crafting exceptional bourbon. The same water that strengthens racehorses also enhances bourbon production, providing a foundation for smoothness, depth, and complexity.

In bourbon-making, water is everything—it’s the base for mashing grains, a crucial component in fermentation, and a defining factor in unlocking a spirit’s rich flavors. The balance of minerals in Kentucky’s limestone-filtered water helps create a bourbon that is both smooth and full-bodied. Ascension embodies this, delivering a refined profile that reflects the purity and character of its origin.

What sets Ascension apart is its unique blend of two distinct mashbills. This approach gives us greater flexibility in crafting the final product, allowing us to fine-tune the balance of flavors and enhance the bourbon’s overall complexity. By blending these mash bills, we achieve a layered and nuanced profile—one that honors Kentucky’s bourbon traditions while embracing innovation.

Ascension is more than just a bourbon; it’s a tribute to Kentucky’s rich legacy, its natural resources, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Every bottle tells a story of craftsmanship, tradition, and the spirit of innovation that defines Heaven’s Door.

Image: Heaven's Door Production Process

How do you tie in the idea of sustainability with your standout spirits?

At Heaven’s Door Spirits, sustainability isn’t just a concept—it’s a commitment woven into every step of our production process. True craftsmanship isn’t just about creating exceptional spirits; it’s about doing so responsibly, with respect for the environment and the resources we rely on.

One of the key ways we embrace sustainability is through diligent recycling efforts. Distilling high-quality spirits naturally produces byproducts, but instead of viewing them as waste, we find ways to repurpose and extend their life cycle. Take our used bourbon barrels, for example. Rather than discarding them after aging our signature bourbon, we give them a second life—whether in the aging of other spirits or repurposing them for new uses.

Another important sustainability practice is our use of stillage, the nutrient-rich byproduct left after distillation. Instead of letting it go to waste, we supply it as feed for ruminant animals like cows and sheep, turning what would be excess into something valuable.

Energy efficiency is also at the core of our sustainability efforts. We utilize geothermal heating and cooling throughout our facilities and distillation process, significantly reducing our carbon footprint and energy consumption. By running a seamless production schedule and optimizing energy use, we’ve earned a 94% Energy Star Rating from the EPA—placing us among the top five most energy-efficient distilleries in the industry.

By combining sustainable practices with energy-efficient innovations, we ensure that every bottle of Heaven’s Door Spirits reflects not only our commitment to quality but also our responsibility to the planet.

For us, sustainability isn’t an afterthought—it’s an essential part of how we craft spirits with integrity. When you pour a glass of Heaven’s Door, you’re not just tasting excellence; you’re supporting a brand that values both quality and environmental stewardship.

Header image sourced from Heaven's Door

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