Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon Chinquapin Oak (2025 Release)

Intro Last year's 2024 wheated bottling from Heaven Hill’s Grain-to-Glass series made a significant impact, becoming one of my top bourbon selections for the entire year. This time, however, I've encountered a different, even more distinctive product. For 2025, Heaven Hill is presenting two separate Grain-to-Glass lines: the regular yearly collection (Straight Bourbon, Wheated Bourbon, and Rye), and the "First Edition" Specialty Barrel series, which focuses on unconventional wood types for aging. The bottles I have are from this specialty line and were aged entirely in Chinquapin Oak, a variant of American oak noted for imparting richer spice, more intense tannin, and a warm, baked-sweetness. With an ABV of 52.5%, this 2025 First Edition Wheated Bourbon is less potent than the previous year's bottling. However, due to its unique barrel character and scarcity, I was eager to explore its profile and assess how this new approach compares. I'm already planning to find the standard 2025 wheated release to draw a comparison. Nose The initial pour presents a surprising blast of ethanol, giving the impression of a higher proof than it actually is. After a minute of aeration, the heat mellows, and the aroma unfolds with notes of fruit, yeast, and gentle sweetness. Brown sugar, a touch of vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon lead the olfactory experience. Deeper sniffing reveals darker fruit notes—overripe cherry, dried apricot, and a bittersweet citrus quality resembling orange peel. A subtle note of dry roasted nuts emerges at the very back, remaining understated behind the fruit and citrus elements. Taste The palate starts with a robust base of brown sugar and vanilla that persists throughout most of the flavor profile. The texture is notably thick, contributing a slightly yeasty characteristic that, combined with baking spice, evokes a cinnamon roll without the frosting. Beyond the midway point, the bourbon becomes drier, and the spice intensifies. The cinnamon becomes more prominent, and a distinct tannic oak presence becomes apparent. A bittersweet orange peel note appears in the latter half, supported by the bourbon's dense, coating mouthfeel. It resembles a thick, bitter orange oil—more citrus rind than fruit, lacking the sweetness of marmalade. Finish The finish begins with a strong impact of tannic oak, immediately taking center stage. A fleeting hint of vanilla carries over from the palate before dissipating. As the finish evolves, a blend of orange peel and mild spice emerges—a bittersweet citrus with a gentle warmth reminiscent of peppercorn or cinnamon. Towards the conclusion, as everything dries out, a faint dry nuttiness appears, echoing the nose and completing the fade. In summary, it's a finish of moderate length: oak-dominant initially, briefly sweet, mildly spiced, with a citrus undertone, concluding with a subtle dry nuttiness. Conclusion This First Edition Specialty Barrel bottling is a strong and intricate offering—complex, carefully crafted, and markedly different from the typical Grain-to-Glass profile. While I still slightly prefer the 2024 wheated release, this chinquapin-oak expression holds its own confidently, presenting a novel interpretation with deeper tannins, warm spice, and a more adventurous finish. As this is part of the Specialty Barrel series, it exists alongside the standard annual Grain-to-Glass selections, meaning I will certainly seek out the regular 2025 wheated bourbon as well. The disparities in general ratings suggest subtle flavor variations that I am keen to investigate. The First Edition bottles are still attainable based on availability, and although they carry a higher suggested retail price, their limited production and unique aging process justify the purchase. Overall, this is a unique, well-rounded wheated bourbon that brings an exciting new dimension to the Grain-to-Glass range.

Fantastic. Full-bodied, drinks smoother than its alcohol content suggests, excellent flavor, and a superb finish.