Heaven Hill Select Stock Bourbon

Barrels #44829-44835 An 8-year-old wheated bourbon that spent 21 months in Cognac casks. Nose - (without water) Deep simple syrup, caramels, milk chocolate, sweet glazed roasted nuts, sweet leather/tobacco. (with water) The nose remains but becomes softer, lighter, brighter, and less intense. Taste - (without water) Sweet dark caramels, a cinnamon/white pepper heat/tingle, milk chocolates, sweet macadamia praline, sweet leather/tobacco dryness. (with water) The initial heat/tingle is reduced, it becomes slightly drier, and the heat/tingle is delayed until the very end while retaining all the undiluted flavors. Finish - (without water) Lingering heat/tingle, rich spicy caramels, milk chocolate, a light oaky/dark chocolate bitterness. (with water) The heat is intensified here, with a similar finish but without the bitterness. Score - 92/100 Final Thoughts - This is truly amazing. It possesses all the classic bourbon characteristics, is very well-balanced, and while the cognac influence isn't overwhelming, I believe it contributes a subtle fruity smoothness to the spirit. This whiskey responded exceptionally well to water, which actually enhanced the nose and palate by delaying the heat/tingle. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Yes Would I buy a bottle? - If I could find one at a fair price.

I had the opportunity to sample this during my journey along the bourbon trail and at the distillery's tasting. I genuinely enjoyed it. I considered it among the finest bourbons I tried that week. The cognac finish was very distinct, giving its flavor profile a unique character compared to the other bourbons we sampled. Despite the high proof, I found it quite smooth with delightful flavors. The notes of dark chocolate-covered cherries were the most prominent.

A strong alcohol presence on the nose, along with orange zest and unexpectedly, new car and mothballs. After a short wait, honey scents appear. It hits the tongue intensely, with the bitter orange zest from the nose carrying through. Sweet, with a woody and bitter finish that persists. Adding a few drops of water reveals brown sugar and vanilla on the nose, and more traditional bourbon flavors on the palate.

This whiskey is remarkable. Regardless of the batch the previous reviewer sampled, this bottling left a strong impression. Its complexity and mouthfeel are quite similar to George T. Stagg. It offers a more concentrated flavor profile than Elijah Craig Barrel Proof. If you have the opportunity to taste this at the distillery or buy it, seize it!

On the nose: an earthy aroma with red apple, a hint of barrel and leather. Subtle medicinal notes of grape. Pear and abundant bright, clean fruit notes. On the palate: a significant amount of spice on the tongue accompanied by floral notes. Some salty, sweet flavors. On the finish: the finish mirrors the palate, continuing all the way down.

Unexpected spice for a wheated bourbon. Very complex with notes of vanilla, toffee, and a hint of apricot. I only detect a slight floral note. It's pricey, but I think it's excellent.