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Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience

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Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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Bourbon Reviews, Distillery News and Information

Bourbon Obsessed℠

Heaven Hill You Do Bourbon Experience Review

• November 25, 2021
• Distilleries

Heaven Hill You Do Bourbon Experience Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, Bardstown, Kentucky $40, advanced reservations recommended 75-90 minutes https://heavenhilldistillery.com/

Please enjoy our Heaven Hill You Do Bourbon Experience Review!

The Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience

Heaven Hill recently performed a huge renovation and expansion of their visitor center. They also did a bit of rebranding. The visitor center was formerly known as the Bourbon Heritage Center, a name which frankly, I found confusing. It took me a while to realize that it was actually Heaven Hill’s visitor center. The new name, Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, is much more suitable, and definitely more self-explanatory.

You Do Bourbon Experience

One of the three current “experiences” that is available at the new interactive visitor center is “You Do Bourbon”. The name pretty much says it all. The experience is described on the website as “At this interactive, elevated tasting experience, you can taste, bottle and personalize your very own bottle to take home.” And that is exactly what you do.

Education and Bourbon Tasting

Our You Do Bourbon Experience started in the classroom. Each “student” took a seat in front of a set of tasting glasses, each filled with a sample of the day’s whiskeys. We had four. We were also provided with a notebook, pen and small dropper bottle of water. Our guide/teacher, Herb, introduced himself and we didn’t waste any time getting right into the bourbon. After all, it was already 11:30AM and we were burning daylight!

Herb explained each whiskey that we tasted in great detail. This was something I really enjoyed about the You Do Bourbon tasting, and was one aspect that really made it special. While three of the four whiskeys we would sample came from Heaven Hill’s main brands, the versions we tried were unique and only available at the You Do Bourbon Experience.

The Bourbons and Wheat Whiskey

Elijah craig barrel proof bourbon.

We started with Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon, making our first sip of the day a gentle 131 proof pour. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, or ECBP to its friends, is a 12 year old bourbon, which is released 3 times a year. The batches are named based on the month and year that they are released. For example, the 2021 releases were A121, B521 and C921, released in January (1), May (5) and September (9). The release that we tasted was Y521, specially selected and mingled for the You Do Bourbon Experience.

Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon

Next, we moved on to Larceny Barrel Proof Bourbon. Larceny is one of Heaven Hill’s wheated bourbons, meaning that in addition to corn, wheat is also used in the mash bill, rather than the more common rye. Like the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon, this was also mingled specially for the You Do Bourbon Experience. It is also batch Y521 and comes in at a refreshing 126.6 proof.

Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey Barrel Proof

Taste number three was Bernheim Barrel Proof, or Bernheim Original, as it says on the bottle. Bernheim is not a bourbon, but rather a wheat whiskey. Whereas corn makes up the majority of the mash bill in a bourbon, in a wheat whiskey that distinction goes to wheat. This one is truly unique to the Heaven Hill You Do Bourbon Experience. While versions of Larceny and Elijah Craig Barrel Proof can be purchased elsewhere, this represents the first time that Bernheim has been made available at Barrel Proof. Bernheim was matured on the 4th floor of the warehouses and comes in at a soothing 128 proof and is 7 years old.

Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience Bourbon*

Last, but most definitely not least, was what might have been the star of the show based on its popularity with our group: the bourbon quite aptly named Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience Bourbon. As per its moniker, this bourbon is only available at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience, and specifically at You Do Bourbon. It’s made using Heaven Hill’s standard bourbon mash bill (78% corn, 10% rye, 12% malted barley) and was aged 8 years on the 6th floor of the warehouses. It comes in second highest of the day in proof, at 129.6. This bourbon’s packaging is surprisingly similar to that used by the William Heavenhill bourbon line.

*NOTE: There is not always a 4th whiskey available on the You Do Bourbon Experience. The Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience Bourbon has since been replaced by Select Stock as of July 2022. When Select Stock runs out, there will probably be only 3 whiskeys available for a while until another special one comes on.

Our Heaven Hill You Do Bourbon Review continues after the photos

Fill your own bottle

With our tasting and lessons complete, we were offered the option to fill and purchase a bottle of our choice. While this is an optional part of the You Do Bourbon Experience, needless to say, there was no one in our group who did not exercise it. Since there were two of us, my wife and I, we could choose two bottles. We chose the Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, which is one of my all-time favorite bourbons, and the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience Bourbon.

Herb then shepherded the class into the bottling room. Once inside, following Herb’s precise guided instructions, an eager volunteer demonstrated the bottle filling, capping, and labeling process. With the first demo completed, it was now our turn.

The bottle filler is really pretty foolproof. We pulled one handle and a cylinder filled with a premeasured volume of bourbon. We pulled a second handle and the bottle was raised to the spigot and bourbon was released into it. Pushing back the second handle, the bottle was freed from the spigot. We then removed the bottle and placed it in the corking tool.

Once the cork was secure in its place, the labelling station was the final stop. We filled out the label with the whiskey’s specific details: proof, barrel number, date bottled, and bottled by. Finally, by the magic of peel and stick, we adhered the labels to the bottle. That was it. Easy-Peasy. We then placed the filled and sealed bottles in a cart. The cart was then sent to the gift shop, and the bottles were waiting for us to pick up and pay for them when we were ready to leave.

But that’s not all!

In addition to the You Do Bourbon Experience itself, the ticket includes an opportunity to explore the small adjacent hands-on lab as well as admission to Heaven Hill’s interactive exhibit galleries, which highlight the history of Heaven Hill Distillery.

I really enjoyed the You Do Bourbon Experience. It’s like no other, in that the detail given about each whiskey we sampled was far more than what is provided at the average tasting. The experience certainly exceeded expectations. Leaving with our own bottles of these special bourbons is also a definite plus. You Do Bourbon is definitely one to add to your list of things to do on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail!

We hope you enjoyed our Heaven Hill You Do Bourbon Experience Review! Would you like to see a video about the new Heaven Hill rickhouse ! It’s really cool! Also, if you want to learn more you can check out our  full write up about the Heaven Hill Distillery Bourbon Experience  at BourbonObsessed.com. 

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Heaven Hill Distillery Tour – Bardstown, Kentucky

Heaven hill distillery tour with bourbon town tours: a journey through kentucky’s bourbon tradition.

The Heaven Hill Distillery Tour, presented by Bourbon Town Tours, stands as an immersive experience into the history and craft of Kentucky bourbon. Situated in the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country, the Heaven Hill Distillery Tour provides an insightful look into one of the state’s most esteemed bourbon producers. Bourbon Town Tours, specialists in curating exceptional bourbon experiences, brings visitors to Heaven Hill Distillery, known for its rich history and commitment to the bourbon tradition.

Experience at Heaven Hill Distillery

Participants in the Heaven Hill Distillery Tour, facilitated by Bourbon Town Tours, are treated to a comprehensive look at the bourbon-making process. The tour starts with an overview of Heaven Hill’s storied past, outlining its founding, development, and evolution into a bourbon industry leader.

  Heaven Hill Distillery Tour: Insights into the Bourbon Crafting Process

A key highlight of the Heaven Hill Distillery Tour is the detailed exploration of the bourbon production process. From grain selection to bottling, visitors witness the intricate steps of mashing, fermentation, distillation, and aging. Each phase of the process is thoroughly detailed, offering a deep understanding of the expertise behind Heaven Hill’s acclaimed spirits.

Tasting Sessions: Sampling the Distillery’s Finest

The tour culminates in a tasting session, where guests sample a range of Heaven Hill’s bourbons. These tastings, expertly guided by Bourbon Town Tours, allow participants to appreciate the distinct flavor profiles that characterize Heaven Hill’s products, deepening their understanding of bourbon tasting.

Heaven Hill’s Role in Kentucky’s Bourbon Heritage

As part of Bourbon Town Tours, the Heaven Hill Distillery Tour places significant emphasis on the distillery’s contribution to Kentucky’s rich bourbon heritage. The tour explores how Heaven Hill maintains traditional bourbon-making practices while embracing modern techniques.

Sustainability and Innovation at Heaven Hill

Throughout the tour, the focus is also on Heaven Hill Distillery’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Visitors learn about the distillery’s efforts in implementing environmentally responsible practices, reflecting a dedication to quality and ecological stewardship.

Exploring Beyond the Distillery

In addition to distillery operations, the Heaven Hill Distillery Tour encourages exploration of the broader Kentucky bourbon culture. The tour acts as a gateway to the region’s rich bourbon heritage, inviting guests to discover local culinary experiences, historic sites, and other bourbon-related activities.

A Tour Designed for All Bourbon Fans

Catering to a diverse range of interests, the Heaven Hill Distillery Tour is designed to appeal to both seasoned bourbon enthusiasts and newcomers. The informative and interactive nature of the tour ensures that every participant gains a deeper appreciation for the art of bourbon making.

Engaging with the Bourbon Community

The tour also highlights Heaven Hill Distillery’s active role in the local bourbon community. The distillery’s involvement in regional events and its impact on the bourbon industry are showcased, emphasizing its contribution to the cultural and economic vitality of Kentucky.

Join the Heaven Hill Distillery Tour with Bourbon Town Tours

The Heaven Hill Distillery Tour, as a significant part of the Bourbon Town Tours, offers an enlightening and comprehensive exploration of bourbon crafting. This tour is an invitation to experience the legacy, craftsmanship, and spirit of Heaven Hill Distillery, a key figure in the bourbon world.

We invite you to join the Heaven Hill Distillery Tour with Bourbon Town Tours and immerse yourself in the rich tradition and contemporary innovation of Kentucky’s bourbon making. Book your tour today and be part of an unforgettable journey through the heritage and modern artistry of Heaven Hill Distillery, a distinguished name in the global spirits landscape. Don’t miss this chance to explore the artistry, flavors, and stories that make Heaven Hill a cornerstone of Kentucky’s bourbon heritage.

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Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey – Heaven Hill Distillery

Pikesville Straight Rye Whiskey – Heaven Hill Distillery

Parker’s Heritage Bourbon Collection – Heaven Hill Distillery

Old Fitzgerald BIB Bourbon – Heaven Hill Distillery

Mellow Corn Corn Whiskey – Heaven Hill Distillery

Larceny Bourbon – Heaven Hill Distillery

Henry McKenna 10 Year Bourbon – Heaven Hill Distillery

Heaven Hill BIB Bourbon – Heaven Hill Distillery

Fighting Cock Bourbon Whiskey – Heavens Hill Distillery

Evan Williams Bottled in Bond Bourbon – Heavens Hill Distillery

Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon – Heavens Hill Distillery

Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon – Heavens Hill Distillery

Elijah Craig 10 Year – Heavens Hill Distillery

Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey – Heaven Hill Distillery

Vacation starts with our tours around kentucky, enjoy amazing tours along the kentucky bourbon trail with a great team of expert guides..

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Heaven Hill 7 Year Bottled in Bond Bourbon Review

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When I first got into bourbon, I would take frequent trips down to Kentucky to really immerse myself into the scene. Along the way, I picked up on the fact that there were a few “Kentucky-only” releases that I should be bringing back home. Heaven Hill “White Label” (6 years old, Bottled-in-Bond) was the one everyone said to get. After talking to some store owners, I learned it was going to be discontinued soon and that I should stock up before they ran out. In early 2019, the prophecy came true and Heaven Hill discontinued it.

While I managed to secure a few bottles for myself, I didn’t honestly think much about it. Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond was just an okay bourbon to me. I’m not the type of person to drink the same bottle frequently, but I’m sympathetic to the people who find a bottle that they want to drink every day. These people are the ones who probably felt the loss because of the great value it held – a bottle typically ran about $15.

The Death and Rebirth of Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon

I wasn’t all that surprised when I read the headlines later on in 2019 that Heaven Hill was bringing back their namesake Bottled-in-Bond label. Only this time it was going to be an extra year old and carry an increased pricetag. I was expecting something in the realm of $30 but was shocked when I saw it would retail for $40. Why were they almost tripling the price?

When I did eventually find the bottle on the shelves, I never could find it for the $40 that it was initially projected to be priced at. My first experience finding one was in Illinois in 2020 for $55. Since then, the prices have only increased. My local stores in Indianapolis have it priced anywhere from $55 to $60. This is a lot of money compared to other bonded whiskies from Heaven Hill – or other distilleries for that matter.

I just can’t get behind spending “Henry McKenna money” for a bottle with less age. At least that’s the lens I view a purchase like this through. I have never pulled the trigger on buying a bottle because I know what other bottles I can get for around the same price.

I don’t even like the design. The bottle shape is downright unattractive with a label that has too much going on. But I must be in the minority on this because the popularity only seems to be increasing. For the past two years, people post sightings of where they saw this on sale and the comments section is filled with people who are genuinely disappointed they can’t find one. I’m dumbfounded when I see this.

So have I been avoiding one of the best-kept secrets in bourbon since 2019? I sure hope not. But I refuse to pay stupid money on mediocre bourbon. Luckily, my amazing neighbor Brad has offered to share his. Now’s the time to find out if it’s worth the hype. I sampled this neat in a glencairn.

Tasting Notes

Nose : A sweet smelling nose with a very mellow body. Notes of Caramel and vanilla along with a touch of roasted nuts relay the typical backbone of most Heaven Hill products. There’s some nice seasoned oak scents too. Everything has enough “oomph” behind it to make the nose attractive, but a little boring.

Palate: The first sip comes off as very similar to Elijah Craig – only it’s less developed and with a little less oak. What it lacks in the oak of Elijah Craig, it makes up for with baking spices like Cinnamon and allspice. Surprisingly, cherry lays it on thick – a rare treat for Heaven Hill products. I even find some chocolate too – even better! One of the notes that also sticks out for being uncommon is a raw sort of rye note. This is fine by me though because it makes it a little more interesting.

I must say that while each sip is mostly pleasant, I do find an underlying grainy note that doesn’t ruin the dram, but does perk up my taste buds to the fact that this is not a the 8-12 year blend that most Elijah Craig batches are made up of.

Finish: The finish turns much darker than its seven year age statement would suggest. The oak turns more into dried tobacco leaf and there’s a decent amount of chocolate that follows. Combined with the caramel flavor and it almost has a Tootsie Roll vibe to it. Additionally, vanilla and cinnamon spice also linger for a while. I enjoy the ending.

Score: 6.5/10

Yes, my expectations weren’t that high when I first came into this dram. I am leaving it with the knowledge that this is a very nice bourbon that’s perfectly servicable for multiple occasions – but overall I just don’t get the hype. Wild Turkey 101 has more spice and a bolder profile. Most MGP bourbon have a thicker mouthfeel and more balance. But perhaps its biggest outright competitor, – Knob Creek 9 Year Small Batch – seems to be right on par with everything I experienced here for almost half the price. Heck, even Knob Creek 12 Year (which is also around $60) would be an upgrade to this.

I’m still scratching my head to understand the hype behind this bottle. Is it because Heaven Hill releases it in spurts so it seems more rare? Or do the people who are hunting it just channeling their excitement based on the nostalgia of previous releases? Whatever the reason is, if you’re worried about missing out, don’t be. This is just average bourbon.

Final Thoughts  

I understand why Heaven Hill went down the path that they did for this bourbon. The bean-counters showed them a lot of fancy charts with how much more profitable it would be if they made it a national release and raised the price. The only problem is that there are dozens of other bottles that are infinitely more interesting, cheaper and more available than Heaven Hill 7yr BiB. Having done this review renews my confidence to continue walking past this bottle on the shelf.

One of my main grievances against Heaven Hill’s price increase has been that it has only gone up in recent years. I have never been able to find this bottle for less than $55. Most of the time I see it, it’s approaching $70. That’s simply too much money compared to other similarly spec’ed bottles from Heaven Hill and other distilleries. That is why to this day I have never bought a bottle for myself… and I’m recommending you don’t either.

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Saturday 11th of May 2024

5/11/24, The Michigan Road Costco in Indianapolis has the Heaven Hills 7 year BIB for $40. Right next to it was a Russell's Reserve 10 year for $30. I chose that and am enjoying it now.

Sunday 18th of February 2024

Sams Club has it for $38.00. Bought a bottle yesterday.

Mike & Mike

Monday 19th of February 2024

It appears that most retailers are getting with the times and lowering their prices down to the $40-ish mark that it was always supposed to be at. Great price though!

Wednesday 7th of February 2024

Unfortunately, I’ve not had the 6 year so I have no prior experience w heaven hill bib other than the 7 yr. Having said that, I find the 7 year very enjoyable from nose to finish. It’s all over St Louis for $49. Well worth the price and I just bought a second bottle.

Sunday 31st of December 2023

Totally get your points. I can buy it for upper $40s and do so because B-in-B is sort of my baseline. I was, meh, at first but it has grown on me. I would probably give it a 7, maybe utimately a 7.5. Glad to have it in rotation.

Saturday 30th of December 2023

I think this bourbon is delicious and I’ll pay $50 for it again should it become available again. Sweet, caramel, cherry, vanilla and some mild oak with hardly any burn. Fantastic straight and mixed in cola. It deserves the hype, IMO.

Heaven Hill Bourbon Review

Our verdict

Overall rating

Price comparison.

The longer review

T o date, the craftsmanship poured into this bottle by the founding family meets the standards set in the Bottled-in-bond act of 1897 that specifically spells out the requirements of whiskey to be labeled as such.

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Heaven Hill Bourbon History

In 1935, Heaven Hill put its first whiskey into barrels, but it wasn’t four years later that the original Old Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon was released. From 1939 until 2019, Heaven Hill released a 6-year-old Bottled-in-Bond bourbon available exclusively in Kentucky. In 2018 when Heaven Hill announced that it would be discontinued, bourbon lovers were sad to hear the news.

On 24th June 2019, Heaven Hill announced the details of the bourbon that would replace the now-retired 6-year-old fan favorite. Aged for an additional year and sporting an updated label, the new Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond would become the flagship bourbon for the company after its release in October 2019/. It was made available in California, Texas, New York, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, South Carolina, and Colorado. Kentucky, Heaven Hill’s home state and once the only state to obtain the age stated Bottled-in-Bond bourbon, was not included in the initial product release.

Where is Heaven Hill Bourbon Made?

Heaven Hill Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Heaven Hill Distilleries, a private American distillery headquartered in Bardstown, Kentucky. Its current distillery facility, the Heaven Hill Bernheim distillery, is in Louisville, Kentucky.

If bourbon is your thing, the Heaven Hill name should be something you’re very familiar with. This legendary Kentucky-based producer has a relatively long history of iconic releases, even if it only dates back to 1935. Heaven Hill Distillery is the 7 th largest alcohol supplier in the US, the 2 nd largest holder of bourbon whiskey inventory in the world, the largest independent, family-owned, and operated producer and marketer of distilled spirits in the US, and the only large family-owned distillery headquartered in Kentucky.

How is Heaven Hill Bourbon Made?

Heaven Hill Bourbon is made in the same distillation season (no multi-year blends), at the same distillery, and aged in a federally bonded warehouse. It’s then bottled at no less than 100 proof. The result is a smooth spirit with warm sweet notes of caramel and honey with a long finish.

Heaven Hill Bourbon Whiskey Variations

Heaven Hill Bourbon produces two variations with particular flavor and age profiles. Each one of the offerings has a unique selling point:

1. Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

This expression pays tribute to the earliest days of Bottled-in-Bond. The name is mercifully shortened as the Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond or B n B. Not only is it relatively available, but it’s also damn cheap for what it is and readily available to mere mortals.

This whiskey has aromas of vanilla, caramel, and aged oak with a long cinnamon spice finish and a caramel sweetness in a perfect balance.

2. Heaven Hill Bourbon Blended Whiskey

Unlike the Heaven Hill Bourbon, which is 100% straight and can only be made with uncut natural ingredients i.e, corn, malted barley, and rye, Heaven Hill Blended whisky employs a less expensive and broader range of ingredients and production methods.

It’s made up of 20% straight bourbon and 80% neutral grain spirits – these are similar to grain alcohol with no color or smell. Neutral grain spirits can be aged in used oak barrels or not aged at all. On the other hand, Heaven Hill Straight Bourbon MUST be aged a minimum of 2 years in new charred oak barrels.

Tasting notes .

What to expect

This rich and complex bourbon with a warming smoothness is a good taste for the ordinary person.

Aromatic and flowery - Caramel, candied cherry

Beautiful clear Baltic Amber appearance with a slight red tint to the gold

A delicious subtle entry with notes of crushed almonds, hazelnut crème, and chocolate mousse with mandarin orange. There’s a lingering dried fruit and tobacco finish.

How to drink Heaven Hill Bourbon

Heaven Hill Bourbon is tasty and sweet yet not overwhelming so that it may be enjoyed neat. Drinking Heaven Hill Bourbon neat is not like a Johnnie Walker Blue, but it does not have that harsh charcoal taste that cheaper whiskies have. While Heaven Hill Bourbon is good enough to sip on its own, adding a few drops of water opens it up.

It also mixes exceptionally well. So it’s excellent for any whiskey-based cocktails that you throw in such as the Sazerac, Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, and Manhattan. In my opinion, if you’re looking to make a smooth, potent, and reliable cocktail, use Heaven Hill Bourbon.

The Whiskey Rocks verdict.

Is it good?

The Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon is enjoyable and unequivocally not basic. It brings new meaning to its namesake Heaven Hill Brand. We feel that the bourbon is quite underrated because it gave the Heaven Hill Distillery its original glory.

The satisfying bold flavors in Heaven Hill Bourbon will charm lovers of strong bourbon.

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Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 18 Year Old Straight Bourbon

Capsule review.

Classification: Straight Bourbon

Company: Heaven Hill

Distillery: Heaven Hill

Release Date: March 2024

Age: 18 Years

Mashbill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye

Color: Dark Gold

MSRP: $300 / 750mL (2024)

Official Website

Press Release

Cherry cough syrup | Cherry cola | Musty oak | Graham cracker | Molasses

Charred oak | Cooked Morello cherries | Light root beer | Vanilla extract

Musty oak | Barrel tannins | Leather | Baking chocolate | Touch of smoke | Light dryness

While a 120 proof, 18 year old bourbon from Heaven Hill is likely on everyone's wishlist, aging bourbon for so long can be a vexing muse to conquer.

The Heaven Hill Heritage Collection was launched in 2022. According to the company’s press release, “Each spring, this annual, highly limited release will feature some of the distillery’s oldest inventory of aging whiskey, continuing the standard of excellence Heaven Hill has practiced since 1935.” Each year’s release highlights one of the distillery’s six mashbills, and this year’s release features one of the company’s most popular, as it is utilized in their Elijah Craig Bourbon brand. Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 18 Year Old Straight Bourbon is made up of 133 barrels produced in December 2005 and pulled from the third floor of Rickhouse 1I. Given this release’s age and mashbill, this could be considered a cask strength release of Heaven Hill’s annual Elijah Craig 18 Year Bourbon . That in itself is a treat because outside of some distillery-only releases of William Heavenhill and Heaven Hill Select Stock , this is a rare occurrence. Of course, even though this is a national release, this whiskey will likely just be as hard to track down as those distillery-only releases. The bourbon opens with rich cherry scents that waffles between cherry cough syrup and cherry cola. That’s not a bad thing once it goes up against musty oak, because it combines to surprising effectiveness. The nose is further rounded out by agreeable scents of graham cracker and molasses. The palate keeps with its aroma by starting with charred oak and cooked Morello cherry notes. This is where the sip begins to trend slightly bitter and a touch sour tasting, which is where the Morello cherry note originates from. It is followed by a light root beer and vanilla extract note that generally works well. The finish turns again to a musty oak note, with a ramp-up of barrel tannins. It never takes the tannins too far, as leather and baking chocolate take over and temper them out. The annual Elijah Craig 18 Year Bourbon is never quite the showstopper you’d expect it to be, and the same is true for Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 18 Year Old Straight Bourbon. As is usually the case for high aged bourbon, oak and tannins tend to overpower many of the bourbon’s more flavorful fruity and savory notes. On paper, a cask strength Elijah Craig 18 Year Bourbon sounds utterly fantastic. But as fun as this bourbon is to experience, it comes up a bit short. Heavy oak, influential tannins, and a big price are hard to overlook in this case, and after the stellar showing of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Bourbon Batch C923 last year, the shortcomings of this year’s Heritage Collection are more evident than they might have been otherwise.  

Written By: Eric Hasman

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Review: Heaven Hill Heritage Collection Bourbon 18 Years Old (2024)

Heaven Hill’s inaugural Heritage Collection release in 2022 was such a standout that it earned a spot on our Top 10 Whiskeys of the year list. The 2023 follow-up — a 20-year-old corn whiskey — didn’t quite impress the same way, but its unique composition was a bit of an oddity that at least provided some level of explanation.

For 2024, Heaven Hill has returned to bourbondom, upping the 17 year old age statement from last time around with an 18 year old offering. Per the company, “This 2024 edition features Heaven Hill’s Bourbon Whiskey mashbill, comprised of 78% corn, 12% malted barley and 10% rye, and is bottled at 120 proof. With an age statement of 18 years, this release is made up of 133 barrels produced in December 2005 pulled from the third floor of Rickhouse 1I.”

Those looking for a reprise of the masterful 2022 release will likely be immediately surprised by what’s in the bottle here — with a nose that is immediately quite weird and overtly beefy, exuding a sustained light smokiness. Imagine a big barbecue brisket with a fruity glaze — blackberry and cassis — and you’re on the right track, all of which makes for a daunting and somewhat off-putting introduction to the whiskey.

The palate sticks close to the above with a heavily tannic lumberyard quality that mixes fruit and umami elements somewhat haphazardly. Notes of Umeshu, soy sauce, ripe plums, and London broil all hit the palate with a cascading cacophony of flavors. Thick and bittersweet, it’s not particularly sawdust-driven but more dense and peppery as it takes its meandering and scattered route to the carving station.

You can temper all of the above with time in glass (lots of it) or water (less of it), the latter of which helps to soften things up and bring out notes of sesame, sweet tea, and more of a white pepper quality. It’s a terrific pro move for this whiskey, which at full strength just doesn’t seem to know what it wants to be.

B / $300 / heavenhilldistillery.com [ BUY IT NOW FROM FROOTBAT ]

Heaven Hill Heritage Collection Bourbon 18 Years Old (2024)

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Christopher Null is the founder and editor in chief of Drinkhacker. A veteran writer and journalist, he also operates Null Media, a bespoke content creation company.

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Heaven Hill 7 Year Bottled in Bond Review [In Depth]

Heaven hill 7 year bottled in bond.

Heaven Hill 7 Year Bourbon Details

Distillery:  Heaven Hill

Type & Region:  Bourbon, Kentucky, USA

Alcohol: 50 %

Composition: 78% corn, 10% rye, 12% barley

Aged:  7 years in virgin American white oak

Color: 1.3/2.0 on the color scale (russet muscat)

Price: $40-50

From the Heaven Hill website:

“This Kentucky Bourbon pays tribute to the earliest days of the Distillery’s history when in 1939 it released Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond. The namesake brand quickly became the number-one-selling Bourbon whiskey in the state of Kentucky. Still today, the craftsmanship poured into this bottle by the same founding family meets the exacting standards first set forth in the Bottled-in-Bond act of 1897.”

Company Website

Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond overview

As an FYI, I bought and use these Glencairn glasses for everything (they’re the best):  Glencairn Crystal Whiskey Glass Set of 6 , Set of 4 ,  Set of 2 ,   or just one . Full transparency, this is an affiliate link, so I may earn a commission if you buy this or something else from Amazon.

Heaven Hill 7 Year Bottled in Bond smell

Heaven hill 7 year bottled in bond taste & aftertaste.

Heaven Hill 7 Year Bottled in Bond Rating

I have far too much fun writing about whiskey and singlehandedly running The Whiskey Shelf to bring you independent, honest, and useful reviews, comparisons, and more. I’m proudly Asian American and can speak Cantonese, Mandarin, and some Japanese.

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• OUR DISTILLERY

We're proud of the spirits we've crafted right here in the heart of Bourbon country. Discover the brands that have been Lifting Spirits since 1935.

• MEET OUR DISTILLERS
• MEET THE SHAPIRA FAMILY
• Distillery Awards

Discover the story behind our Bernheim Distillery, the largest independent, family-owned Bourbon Distillery in the world.

Heaven Hill Distillery has been perfecting the craft of distilling, aging, and selecting award-winning whiskeys for decades.

Since 1935, the Shapira family has been at the helm of the largest family-owned and operated distillery in America. Discover their quintessential American success story.

For over 85 years, we've devoted ourselves to the craft of fine American Whiskey. We're proud of the spirits we've crafted, and grateful the critics agree.

• WHISKEY 101
• Experience Bottled-in-Bond
• Bernheim 3D Tour
• Sustainability
• From Bark to Bottle
• KENTUCKY LIMESTONE WATER
• Grain to Glass
• How To Enjoy
• OUR WHISKEY
• OUR RICKHOUSES
• OUR BARRELS

We’re proud to produce more Bottled-in-Bond products than any other American Whiskey distiller.

Just west of downtown Louisville sits Heaven Hill’s Bernheim Distillery—the only heritage distillery to produce every major style and type of American Whiskey, with five signature mashbills.

Part of crafting high-quality whiskey for years to come involves protecting our natural resources.

Cork is a 100% natural material that’s sustainable both environmentally and economically. It also happens to have much more in common with American Whiskey than you may think.

Discover the people, places, and stories behind every step of our most adventurous whiskey production ever.

Discover how our famed local water helps shape the flavor of American Whiskey.

We've put together a guide to whiskey tasting for newcomers and experts alike. But remember, how you drink your whiskey is your decision. We’re just here to make sure it’s an experience you enjoy.

• HOW TO ENJOY
• Evan Williams Bourbon Experience
• Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience
• DRINK RECIPES
• WHERE TO BUY
• Merchandise

At You Do Bourbon, you can taste different products specific to the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience®, choose your favorite, and then if you decide to purchase, you’ll bottle and personalize it yourself. At any time, there will be three mashbills available. The fourth tank may also have a rotating VIP option available. For each bottle purchased, we’ll donate $5 to a local non-profit organization. Visit the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience page for more details.

Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

To sip Elijah Craig Barrel Proof is to experience Bourbon in its purest form—uncut, straight from the barrel and without chill filtering. This batch was specifically mingled for the You Do Bourbon experience, so proof may vary. Additionally, it’s made from fewer barrels than what’s offered on the shelf, making for an exclusive sipping experience.

Proof: Varies by Release

Age: Varies by Release

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep amber
• Aroma: Big butterscotch and oak notes
• Taste: Chocolate and hazelnut bomb; sweet, soft and complex
• Finish: Balanced and complex; lots of spice with a little char

Bottle for a Cause

At Heaven Hill Distillery, we are committed to serving the greater good. One way we do this is by supporting initiatives focused on sustainability efforts and bettering the communities we serve. As part of this commitment, for each bottle purchased through You Do Bourbon, we'll donate $5 of the proceeds to a local non-profit organization, up to $15,000. Now through April 2025, we are raising money for The Stephen Foster Story , an organization focused on bringing people together to celebrate history through music, dance and drama.

Larceny Barrel Proof

At the You Do Bourbon Experience, you can steal a taste of the first Wheated Bourbon to ever be named Whisky Advocate's “Whisky of the Year.” But what makes this batch even more arresting is that it’s mingled from fewer barrels than you’ll find in stores. Larceny Barrel Proof is a welcome reminder of just how good wheated Bourbons can be.

Age: 6-8 Years

• Color: Dark sepia
• Aroma: Toasted bread, rich, maple syrup
• Taste: Sweet and complex; rich dark fruit notes
• Finish: Complexity continues; sweetness with cinnamon spices

Bernheim Barrel Proof

You won’t find a bottle of Bernheim Barrel Proof anywhere but the You Do Bourbon experience. Named for the famed Bernheim Distillery in Louisville, this barrel proof expression of Bernheim Original Wheat Whiskey offers a mellow taste that’s refreshingly smooth when served straight or in cocktails

Age: 7 Years

• Color: Bright amber
• Aroma: Soft; honey with baked apples
• Taste: Dried grass and hay, with a slight char; caramel and toffee
• Finish: Soft with subtle spice and peppery notes

Discover Our American Whiskey

You've heard of Evan, Elijah, and Larceny. Now discover our entire American Whiskey portfolio.

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