Location
Louisville, Kentucky
Type
Renovation
Client
Heaven Hill

Elevating the Bourbon Experience

K. Norman Berry Associates Architects (KNBA) is proud to have partnered with Heaven Hill Brands and Bosse Construction to reimagine the Elijah Craig Speakeasy at the KFC Yum! Center, further enhancing this iconic Louisville venue. As part of Heaven Hill’s ongoing relationship with Louisville Arena Sports and Entertainment Properties (LASEP), this renovation transforms the former Evan Williams Bourbon Bar, which had been a key feature of the Yum! Center since its opening in 2010, into a luxurious, elevated space that reflects the premium quality of Elijah Craig Bourbon.

The design of the Elijah Craig Speakeasy embodies the essence of the brand, creating an inviting, refined environment for both locals and visitors. The aesthetic features sleek, timeless elements, including a stunning Carrera marble arched bar, large-scale Elijah Craig signage, intricate wainscoting, and natural wood accents that enhance the welcoming atmosphere. The signature burgundy color of the Elijah Craig brand infuses the space, grounding it in the company’s rich history while creating a modern, comfortable experience for guests.

A particularly unique element of the design is the bourbon barrel stave wall, which highlights the various charring levels used in bourbon barrel production. From level one to level four, the wall draws attention to the level three char that is key to Elijah Craig’s signature flavor profile. The display, crafted from authentic barrel staves provided by Independent Stave Company, serves as both a functional and artistic feature, representing the craftsmanship behind the brand’s world-renowned products.

For us at KNBA, the design of the Elijah Craig Speakeasy was an exciting opportunity to bring a unique bourbon experience to life within the KFC Yum! Center. Working alongside Heaven Hill Brands and Bosse Construction, we focused on creating a space that is not only visually striking but also deeply connected to the legacy of Elijah Craig as the “Father of Bourbon.” The result is a space that feels both luxurious and approachable, with each design element carefully chosen to reflect the brand’s storied history and commitment to quality.

Sandra M. Moran, Director of Marketing for the KFC Yum! Center, captured the essence of the space perfectly: “You don’t expect to walk under the stands and there be this beautiful, premier and comfortable space. It was a nice upgrade that makes the fans enjoy their experience at the venue even more than they already did while also creating brand awareness for the 50% of fans that come from outside of Kentucky.”

The Elijah Craig Speakeasy offers visitors a chance to enjoy signature cocktails like the Elijah Craig Small Batch Old Fashioned and a classic Manhattan made with Elijah Craig Straight Rye. The bold, rich flavors of Elijah Craig Bourbon are the perfect complement to these spirit-forward drinks, with options for neat pours and limited release offerings also available.

Construction on the project began in June 2023, following design work that began in November 2022. The collaboration between Heaven Hill Brands, KNBA, and Bosse Construction resulted in a space that not only elevates the fan experience at the Yum! Center but also showcases the legacy and future of Elijah Craig Bourbon in a dynamic and memorable way.