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.