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Today I will begin a series of reviews on visits to distilleries located in Kentucky on the so-called Bourbon Trail and more focused on the Bardstown area.
The Heaven Hill Distillery is located in Bardstown, KY. Founded by the Shapira family in 1935. Heaven Hill is the largest independent, family-owned Bourbon distillery in the world and one of the most iconic distilleries in the Unites States.
The distillery has several whiskey experiences, all available in different rooms on the main floor. There is a small museum showing the history of the brands, one section dedicated to one of the most successful brands in its portfolio, the Elijah Craig Brand. Probably one of the most successful brands with several releases on display, and a modern bar named Five Brothers on the top floor.
This review is for the Whiskey Connoisseur Experience. All Bourbons at Heaven Hill have a mashbill of 78% Corn/10% Rye/12% Malted Barley to provide blending options without compromising consistency of flavor.
The whiskies I tasted at Heaven Hill
Our tasting flight consisted of five Bourbons:
#1: Five Brothers at 90% proof. Named after the five Shapira brothers. This Bourbon is available only at the distillery with notes of vanilla and caramel and a short finish. Very easy to drink.
#2: Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel at 94% proof. Aged in new charred oak barrels and finished for ten months in toasted barrels.
#3: McKenna Single Barrel 10 years old Bottled in Bond (BIB). For Bourbon to be BIB it has to be made by one distillery, made in one distilling season, bottled at exactly 100% proof (50% ABV), and aged at least 4 years in a government bonded warehouse.
#4: Parker’s Vintage. This Bourbon honors former Master Distiller Parker Beam. Bottled at 105% proof and finished for 10 months in orange Curacao. You can expect orange peel flavors, not a common flavor for a Bourbon.
#5: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof at 118% aged for 12 years. To me this was the revelation of the day.
My favorites are: Bourbon #2 because of the balance of caramel, marshmallows, and spicy notes, and bourbon #5 for delivering amplified flavors of chocolate, butterscotch and pepper due to a higher proof.
What are the best valued points of Heaven Hill
- Great Bourbon flight. Every single Bourbon had a story and a distinctive flavor profile.
- Our tasting guide was fun and passionate. You could tell he is doing this job because he loves it.
- The Five Brothers bar is worth checking out because it honors the family heritage and maintains a modern style.
On the other hand, we tried to buy bourbons from our flights from the gift shop and none were available. Whiskey #1 is typically available, but it does not stay on the shelves for too long. Also, no food was available at the Five Brothers bar. I have been told that food will be available soon.
Finally, if you would like fill by hand your own Bourbon you must book the experience at least 2-3 months in advance. The tour name is “You Do Bourbon”.
Score: 4/5 ⭐
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