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“You marvel on the financial system and this selection of phrases. What number of methods are you able to describe the sky and the moon? After Sylvia Plath, what are you able to say?” – Toni Morrison
The quantity of ink spilled in reward of Heaven Hill’s inaugural Heritage Assortment launch might eat a substantial tome. Take the phrases discovered right here on Malt as however a microcosm of the near-universal acclaim it loved: “This expression has the entire complexity and hallmark Heaven Hill qualities to please followers of the model,” mentioned yours actually on the time. With nice expectations got here an incredible whiskey, and it marked a profitable opening salvo for the brand new product line.
2023’s Heaven Hill Heritage Assortment expression was much less warmly acquired, however it was actually spectacular in that it proved the model was prepared to swing massive! A 20-year-old corn whiskey is unprecedented on immediately’s market and – although the important acclaim was extra tempered on the second go-round – the stakes had actually been raised. How would Heaven Hill comply with up these two hyper-aged expressions?
Right this moment it’s time for us to evaluate their third effort, the Heaven Hill Heritage Assortment 18-Yr-Previous Bourbon. Instantly one is drawn to the truth that regardless of being the third installment, that is actually extra of a sequel to the unique launch. With an extra yr of ageing and equally stately packaging, expectations are once more excessive that Heaven Hill will return to the brilliance of their inaugural Heritage Assortment expression. And why shouldn’t they be? Throughout a plethora of SKUs, Heaven Hill has made it abundantly clear that they know the best way to produce wonderful bourbon; these with double digit age statements appear to be the place they shine brightest.
The class of 18-year-old bourbons appears to be swelling of late. To listing the newcomers: there’s George Dickel 18 Yr Bourbon and Knob Creek 18 Yr, together with the expression we’ll be reviewing immediately. Then there’s additionally essentially the most well-known of all of them, Elijah Craig 18 which can be produced by Heaven Hill. Of observe is the truth that whereas Elijah Craig 18 enjoys a reasonably constructive repute, one of the vital oft-repeated remarks about that product is its modest proof level, bottled at 90 proof or 45% ABV. You could at this juncture, pricey reader, be considering just a few questions. Will Heaven Hill 18 style like a proofed-up (and extra premium priced) Elijah Craig 18? One other comprehensible inquiry is perhaps, will Heaven Hill 18 style like a extra mature Heaven Hill 17? Naturally, one wonders how Heaven Hill 18 will differ from its predecessor.
I’ll try and reply these questions on the finish however first let’s dispense with the remaining pertinent particulars. Heaven Hill Heritage Assortment 18-Yr-Previous Bourbon is bottled at 120 proof (60% ABV) however it was diluted down from an eye-watering 150 proof out of the barrel. The mash invoice of 78% corn, 10% rye and 12% malted barley is identical because the 17-year expression. Moreover, the label notes that this yr’s launch consists of 133 barrels that have been produced in December of 2005, and aged on the third of rickhouse 1I’s 12 flooring.
Let’s dive in!
Heaven Hill Heritage Assortment 18-Yr-Previous Bourbon – Evaluation
Shade: Darkish amber.
On the nostril: Upon first opening this bottle it was surprisingly floral with notes of contemporary figs, graham crackers, and darkish chocolate seizing the lead. After a while, I started to select up aromas like cherry compote, nougat, and peanut brittle together with some Tootsie Roll notes. A bit of contact of torched orange peel additionally makes an look, offering an total well-layered, impressively balanced, and decidedly luxurious nosing expertise. Contemplate me intrigued.
Within the mouth: Once more, there are floral facets mixed with a chocolate drizzled cereal bar observe which lay declare to the palate on the outset. From there I discovered hints of leather-based barreling down the center of the tongue together with oak, allspice, and black pepper, which offered some spicy flourish on the end. On to a second sip, I discovered a great deal of almond meat, caramel, stewed stone fruit, and juicy orange peel, notably at midpalate.
The complexity, because it was on the nostril, is quickly obvious right here; the liquid itself is refreshingly spry, with a liveliness that sometimes eludes hyper-aged bourbon. If given a while you’ll discover that the floral and citrus notes recede a bit – a welcome evolution – as they permits the extra prototypical notes of well-aged bourbon to shine by. Oak, darkish chocolate, tart cherry, and dashes of baking spice all stand tall right here.
Conclusions:
Woah. Whereas I used to be instantly blown away by the Heaven Hill Heritage Assortment 17-Yr Bourbon, it acquired excessive marks for showcasing all of the hallmarks of hyper-aged bourbon and executing them in spectacular trend. The Heaven Hill Heritage Assortment 18-Yr Bourbon is equally spectacular however, by exhibiting a extra fleet-footed texture and a taste wheel resplendent with piquant berries, capricious chocolate notes, and ample spice, it presents much more intrigue than its predecessor.
When you intend to spend prolonged time savoring this pour – and actually it is best to – you then’ll be rewarded with a sipping expertise that’s value ready 18 years for. Merely put, Heaven Hill Heritage Assortment’s 18-Yr-Previous Bourbon has the entire favorable qualities of well-made whiskey at any age. Contemplate your self fortunate when you’re in a position to purchase a bottle.
On that final level, I’d be remiss if I didn’t make point out of the truth that $300 is a steep asking value for many bourbons. Although $300 for a restricted version, 18-year-old, 120 proof bourbon from a heritage distillery feels nearly proper on immediately’s market and with regard to high quality, I’m tempted to dock it a degree for having such a excessive price. Finally, nevertheless, I resisted that urge, as a result of I don’t assume anybody prepared to shell out $300 for all times’s potable pleasures shall be dissatisfied upon tasting this treasure.
Toni Morrison lamented the issue in describing the sky within the wake of Sylvia Plath, and equally I used to be at a loss at how Heaven Hill would comply with the success of their first Heritage Assortment bourbon. I’ll go away you, pricey reader, with the opening traces of “The Rival” and apply it to this whiskey:
“If the moon smiled, she would resemble you. You allow the identical impression
Of one thing stunning, however annihilating.”
Rating: 9/10
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