Research and Development Intern
About The Position
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.
Requirements
- Currently a junior or senior pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, or related science field.
- Interested in the spirits industry, product development, and scientific research.
- Must be at least 21 years old by the start of the internship.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Curious, self-motivated, and comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and analytical thinking.
Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- Assist with Program Barrel activities such as filtering, proofing, preparing samples, pouring, and labeling.
- Gain firsthand experience with batching, blending, and product preparation processes.
- Learn how to taste, evaluate, and compare spirits across multiple categories.
- Support sensory panel preparation and documentation as needed.
- 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.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
