Heaven Hill 17 Year Heritage Collection Barrel Proof Bourbon (Spring 2022)

Tasting: neat, 2 oz pour in a Glen cairn glass, both with and without 4 drops of water. Nose- Incredibly aromatic. This bourbon truly opens up from the glass. Oak and vanilla are prominent, with a subtle hint of cigar box/tobacco. Palate- Cherry emerges, which was less noticeable on the nose. An oaky richness indicates significant aging. Dark red berries, tart apple crisps, some peanut brittle, and a wisp of smoke appear towards the end, leading to the finish. All this sweetness is balanced by a full spectrum of spices. This is a pour to be savored, dissected, and contemplated. It truly transforms like a chameleon. Finish- It lasts for an extended period, and if this bourbon has ONE flaw, it's that it lingers a bit too long, becoming somewhat drying, tannic, or perhaps excessively woody at the conclusion. As this bottle airs out, I'm eager to see if this changes. The musty, cigar box, old leather book aroma persists subtly, and I appreciate that. Overall- This is an exceptionally good bourbon. It's rich, flavorful, and intriguingly complex, particularly on the palate. My concern was that 17 years in oak barrels might result in a taste like chewing on damp oak—it didn't. I've sampled both Pappy 15 and 23, and in my experience, the 23 becomes somewhat muted, while the 15 represents the upper limit of my preference for aged whiskey. Of course, those are wheated bourbons, and this has more spice due to the rye, but I draw this comparison solely to illustrate that extended aging isn't always superior when it comes to bourbon. My general impression is that this evokes the delightfully potent, high-proof Elijah Craig Barrel Proof bottlings of the past, but with added subtlety.

This is how EC18 ought to be. Quite similar, but much better integrated and less dominated by oak. There's a significant oak and tobacco presence initially, but it's well-executed with a delicate balance of allspice and vanilla. The oily texture on the palate and finish are where it truly excels for me – where the EC18 just became woodier, this continued to develop over a long period. I'm not typically drawn to oak-forward profiles, but this achieves a perfect equilibrium between the proof, oak, and underlying sweet notes trying to emerge. This is a wonderfully harmonious bourbon, and if you appreciate oak, it's an ideal pour—it loses points for its cost and the secondary market frenzy. Between this, EC18, and KC18, the KC18 is the clear winner (though also overpriced in my view).

On the nose, I immediately detect prominent dark fruit notes, specifically cherries and plums. The oak character is fantastic, accompanied by a distinct tobacco aroma and a hint of leather. All the aromas are dark; it's impressive. I'm hoping the taste lives up to it. The taste is incredibly intricate. There's a lot happening, and the finish is exceptionally lengthy. Every few moments, a new flavor profile emerges. Numerous tastes flash by and vanish as quickly as they appear, making way for another sensation. I'm getting chocolate, tobacco, red hot candies, frosted cereal, smoke, leather, and rye. These all seem to come and go. The finish definitely has smoke and char. Overall, it's very good. Exceptionally bold and complex, but significantly overpriced.

Remarkable flavors erupt from this bottle. A bright, peppery, warm, and robust package of traditional bourbon characteristics showcases the delight of a richly aged bourbon. This is so exceptional that a single taste is sufficient to appreciate the dedication and expertise invested in this wonderful spirit. A generous essence of terroir is evident, with summer warmth, aging wood, and venerable spirit all reflecting its origin. You can always count on Heaven Hill's selections, but this one truly excels with intense yet harmonious flavors. Without delving into all the typical flavor notes, suffice it to say this release is a true gem.

Exceptionally good. Potent, complex aged oak on the nose with a hint of sweetness. The palate has just the right oak presence, along with tobacco and brown sugar. The finish is powerful. This one truly stands out. Some bottles you regret after paying premium prices, while others justify the exorbitant markup from the first taste. This bottle is exceptional. Nose 10 / Palate 10 / Finish 9

This is a robust, oak-forward bourbon with impressive complexity and a finish that lasts ages. It offers ample sweetness and a hint of that Heaven Hill nuttiness, but don't anticipate a low-key sipping experience. It demands careful attention and focus to truly appreciate the diverse layers and flavors that emerge across the palate.