Episode 5: The Spaces That Hold Us - Distilling with Ken Pierce

Behind the Gates: Building a Whiskey Experience

In this minisode, National Whiskey Ambassador Beth Burrows sits down with Nathan Crosley, COO of the distillery, to pull back the curtain on Heaven’s Door’s new Kentucky home. Together, they walk listeners through the magic of Pleasureville —from the sprawling 160-acre property in Henry County to the historical cabins and the now open “Behind the Gates” visitor experience. Nathan shares stories of the team’s vision, the challenges of building a distillery from the ground up, and the excitement of welcoming guests into a place that blends history, nature, and whiskey innovation. This conversation captures the heart of what makes Heaven’s Door unique: a commitment to craft, a deep respect for tradition, and the creation of truly memorable whiskey experiences.

Seeking Refuge: Redefining Rye at Heaven’s Door

In this minisode of Beyond the Door, National Whiskey Ambassador Beth Burrows and National Ambassador of Mixology & Trade Joseph Michalek dive into Refuge, Heaven’s Door’s bold take on rye whiskey. Together, they unpack the shift from the original Nashville to today’s expression, exploring how this evolution created a whiskey that’s both spiced and approachable. From fruit and baking spice notes to cocktail versatility, Beth and Joseph break down why Refuge challenges old perceptions of rye and delivers comfort, complexity, and a hug in every glass

Episode 5: The Spaces That Hold Us - Distilling with Ken Pierce

In this episode of Beyond the Door, National Whiskey Ambassador Beth Burrows sits down at Heaven's Door Distillery with Master Distiller Ken Pierce to explore the craft and character of distillation. Ken shares stories from his 37 years in the whiskey industry, from choosing whiskey over crackers in his early career to building a new legacy at Heaven’s Door. Together, they dive into grain selection, hands-on distilling, and the artistry of new make whiskey, while reflecting on the unique terroir of Kentucky and the innovations shaping Heaven’s Door’s future. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the people, processes, and place that make great whiskey possible.

Revelation: The Whiskey Drinker’s Whiskey

In this bonus episode, Heaven’s Door Ambassadors Beth Burrows, and Tyler Wang dive into Revelation Double Barrel, one of the brand’s “core four” expressions. They explore its unique three-whiskey blend, Tennessee terroir, and bold 100-proof character, while weaving in humor, tasting notes, and even a spirited debate about how Revelation would hug you. From deep whiskey insights to lighthearted tangents, this conversation captures the complexity and personality of Revelation itself.

Episode 4: Culture in the Glass: Behind the Bar

In this episode of Beyond the Door, host Joseph Michalek sits down with Colby Munck, Heaven’s Door Chicago Brand Ambassador, and Jorge Vallejo, Beverage Director of The Press Room, and Jook Sing, to explore how Heaven’s Door shows up in one of Chicago’s most dynamic cocktail programs. The conversation dives into how Heaven’s Door Ascension and Revelation became the foundation of Jook Sing’s signature barrel-aged Old Fashioned, blending whiskey with rock sugar, house-made bitters, and Chinese teas. Beyond the cocktail itself, Colby and Jorge reflect on how Heaven’s Door’s portfolio fuels creativity, inspires hospitality, and builds connections with culture and community, showing how the brand continues to make its mark behind the bar.