BOTTLE DETAILS

• DISTILLER: Heaven Hill Distillery
• MASH BILL: 52% Corn | 35% Rye | 13% Malted Barley
• AGE: Not stated; reportedly six years old
• YEAR: 2024
• PROOF: 107
• MSRP: $99
• BUY ONLINE: Buy Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Bourbon

DREW’S NOTES

SHARE WITH: Heaven Hill fans, duh—andmust high-rye bourbon lovers.

WORTH THE PRICE: Again, you must look beyond the modest age here. Heaven Hill has never released a bourbon like this. Not only is the corn grown locally – which is almost unheard of for large-scale producers – but this is an entirely new bourbon recipe (with nearly three times as much rye as Elijah Craig or Evan Williams). That MSRP, while a bit steep, also includes a ticket to an entirely new flavor experience from one of the biggest and best names in the game.

BOTTLE, BAR OR BUST: Bar. If you want to own the whole, inaugural lineup of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass, I can think of far worse ways to spend your whiskey dollars. That said, the average drinker doesn’t need to own all three. But they should try them all. This is my least favorite in the current lineup, not because the flavor isn’t there but because it’s the least unique in a trio of unique whiskeys. While it’s a new mashbill for Heaven Hill, plenty of high-rye bourbon offers the same drinking experience for less money.

OVERALL: The rye content in this bourbon is really high. So high that I didn’t even bother comparing this one to any other bourbon in the Heaven Hill stable; Pikesville and Rittenhouse rye whiskey only have 1% more rye content in them, so they make better benchmarks.

Like those whiskeys, this is expressive and well-spiced. The nose shows more barrel notes than the wheated release, with plenty of oak and clove, but there’s a thick layer of caramel sauce and gooey apple pie underneath that makes for a silky, sweet aroma. The palate kicks off with caramel apple before turning quickly to lively baking spice and RedHots, but it’s a warming spice without any sharp edges that segues well into a midpalate of cinnamon buns and clove chewing gum. The finish reigns in some sweetness with tobacco, peppery rye spice, and barrel char.

Of the three Grain to Glass offerings, this one showcases the highest proportion of locally grown grain, which is the hallmark of this series. However, that really doesn’t set the flavor apart from other, cheaper high-rye bourbons. While it doesn’t make for an overly unique drinking experience, this is still a quality bourbon.

BRAND NOTES

The first edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey aged for six years in rickhouse W3 on the third, fourth and fifth floors. It was bottled without chill filtration at 107 proof. The corn seed varietal chosen for this release was Beck’s 6158.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Golden amber
• Aroma: Apples and pears with notes of fresh oak 
• Taste: Plentiful orchard fruit with bright floral and spice notes
• Finish: Slight oaky sweetness with peppery spice

Disclaimer: Bourbon & Banter received a sample of this product from the brand for review. We appreciate their willingness to allow us to review their products with no strings attached. Thank you.