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Heaven Hill Bourbon Mash Bill Innovations in Grain to Glass Series

Heaven Hill Bourbon Mash Bill Innovations in Grain to Glass Series

Discovering the Unique Charm of Heaven Hill Bourbon Mash Bill

The new series of releases by Heaven Hill, known as the Heaven Hill Grain to Glass series, truly marks a radical departure from the company’s usual practice. Given Heaven Hill’s status as the second-largest producer of Kentucky bourbon, such significant changes are indeed groundbreaking.

The Essence of Heaven Hill Bourbon Mash Bill

Heaven Hill has traditionally centered its production around a core bourbon recipe, primarily relying on a conventional (rye) bourbon mash bill. This new series, however, introduces three innovative mash bills that are unprecedented in Heaven Hill’s history. The ingenuity of this series lies in its utilization of new hybrid corn varieties, in partnership with Beck’s Hybrids, thereby setting the stage for a distinctive whiskey experience.

Experimenting with Hybrid Corn Varieties

The Grain to Glass concept primarily revolves around the use of proprietary corn, which Heaven Hill has never incorporated into its products before. With Beck’s Hybrids, a family-owned seed company, Heaven Hill began exploring new corn varieties for distillation seven years ago. Now, after six years of aging, these experimental batches have finally been unveiled.

Tasting the Distinct Heaven Hill Whiskey Expressions

The Heaven Hill Grain to Glass series features three distinct whiskey expressions:

  • Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Straight Bourbon 2024
  • Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon 2024
  • Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Rye Whiskey 2024

Each whiskey in this series is presented at an advanced proof. Notably, the rye whiskey in the series is bottled at cask strength, boasting a proof of 123.2.

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Straight Bourbon 2024

This rye bourbon stands out with a mash bill of 52% corn, 35% rye, and 13% malted barley, significantly higher than the traditional 12% rye in Heaven Hill’s classic bourbon mash bill. The nose reveals a blend of caramel, vanilla, mint, fresh rye grain, and herbal tones, with hints of apricot fruit, green apple, and anise-like spice.

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon 2024

This wheated bourbon distinguishes itself with a higher wheat content: 35%, compared to 20% in other Heaven Hill wheated bourbons. The nose offers a dusty, grainy aroma complemented by toffee, cherry fruit, and vanilla. The palate brings forth a warm profile with toffee, pepper spice, and doughy wheat, balanced by red fruit notes and a spicy finish.

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Rye Whiskey 2024

The rye whiskey in this series has a mash bill of 63% rye, 24% corn, and 13% malted barley. The nose is bold, with sweet fruit and heavy rye spice, along with baking spices like maple and toasted oak. The palate is rich and spicy, with notes of roasted coffee, black pepper, molasses cookie, and a blend of sweet baking spices, culminating in a balanced heat on both the palate and chest.

Expression Mash Bill ABV Proof
Straight Bourbon 52% corn, 35% rye, 13% malted barley 53.5% 107
Wheated Bourbon 65% corn, 35% wheat 60.5% 121
Rye Whiskey 63% rye, 24% corn, 13% malted barley 61.6% 123.2

Future of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Series

The clear standout for many will be the rye whiskey, thanks to its intense and rich flavor profile. Future installments of the Grain to Glass series will likely continue to impress as they explore new varieties of corn year by year. Enthusiasts eagerly await to see how these hybrid corn varieties will influence the whiskey’s taste over time.

The Heaven Hill Grain to Glass series marks an exciting chapter in the evolution of Heaven Hill bourbon mash bills. With innovative hybrid corn varieties and unique flavor profiles, Heaven Hill continues to push the boundaries of traditional whiskey production.

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Dylan Smith

Dylan Smith

Dylan Smith is a renowned bourbon connoisseur and author, whose passion for the amber spirit has taken him on a journey through America's distilleries, discovering the rich history and complex flavors that define bourbon. With more than a decade of first-hand experience and research, Dylan's expertise is unmatched, offering insights into the art of bourbon tasting, production, and collecting. His writings not only enlighten enthusiasts but also guide newcomers through the intricacies of this celebrated American whisky, making him a revered voice in the bourbon community.