Job Description

This is a paid internship that is part of Heaven Hill's Summer Internship Program (running May-August). The role is based at our Bardstown Bottling Facility.

As part of the Heaven Hill Summer Internship Program, you will support organizational strategic goals through hands-on project work and high-impact assignments. Our program is designed to provide meaningful experience, professional development, cross-functional exposure, networking opportunities, facility tours, and intern engagement events throughout the summer.


What the Role Is

The Research & Development Internship offers hands-on experience at the intersection of science, creativity, and innovation. Working alongside the R&D and Innovation teams, you will contribute to projects that shape future products and improve existing liquids within the Heaven Hill portfolio.


You will assist with development work ranging from flavor research to formulation adjustments, while supporting innovation projects that explore emerging trends, ingredients, and technologies. This role provides an in-depth look at how new spirits are created and refined for an evolving marketplace.


How You Will Spend Your Time?

• Innovation & Product Development Projects
  • Support ongoing innovation initiatives, helping explore new liquid ideas, flavor directions, and product concepts aligned with long-term strategic plans.
  • Assist the Innovation Manager with creation of samples for testing, sensory evaluation, and refinement of new or existing formulations.
  • Participate in trend research to understand emerging flavors, consumer preferences, and innovation opportunities within the spirits industry.
• Research & Analytical Project Work
  
  
  • Contribute to R&D studies including flavor stability, shelf-life evaluation, and ingredient performance assessments.
  • Support the continuation of the geosmin study, helping evaluate methods to reduce or remove geosmin so aging inventory can be preserved.
• Hands-On Production & Program Barrel Support
  
  
  • Assist with Program Barrel activities such as filtering, proofing, preparing samples, pouring, and labeling.
  • Gain firsthand experience with batching, blending, and product preparation processes.
• Sensory & Evaluation Experience
  
  
  • Learn how to taste, evaluate, and compare spirits across multiple categories.
  • Support sensory panel preparation and documentation as needed.
• Professional Development
  
  
  • Prepare and present findings and recommendations to internal teams throughout the internship.
  • Deliver a final presentation to the Executive Leadership Team summarizing your project work and key learnings.
  • Participate in developmental workshops, networking opportunities, and cross-functional exposure events.

Who You Are...

Job Tags

Summer work, Summer internship,

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