Heaven Hill White Label (80 Proof)

This Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey, also known as the Heaven Hill white label, is aged for 3 years and is among the most budget-friendly bourbons at about $10. Why review such an inexpensive bourbon? Because I'm here for the people, and every bourbon drinker, regardless of their budget, deserves a good review. As always, I drank it neat in a Glencairn glass. At only 80 proof, the white label delivered a stronger alcohol punch than anticipated, even after letting it sit for a few minutes. Getting past the ethanol was difficult, but beneath it were notes of corn, vanilla, and raisin. The aroma was unremarkable, but acceptable for a $10 bottle. The mouthfeel is thin and dry, and the taste offers corn and a fleeting brown sugar sweetness. There's virtually no finish, with an aftertaste of tobacco and oak. Is this the best bourbon from Heaven Hill? No, certainly not. Is it the best budget bourbon available? Also no. But is it a bourbon worth keeping on hand for mixing, given its price? Yes, I suppose. Pour some store-brand cola and get drunk for under $12, if that's your thing.

I purchased this bourbon a while ago as it's not often seen in my area, and I believe I paid about $12 for it. The nose has ethanol with vanilla, baking spice, and some wood, but it's not unpleasant. It reminds me of a milder version of Jim Beam white label. The body is pleasant with vanilla and very smooth oak notes. The body is longer than I expected for such an inexpensive bourbon. The finish is nice but short. In cocktails, this bourbon is good but not great. It gets lost in an Old Fashioned and Manhattan, but it's only 80 proof. In bourbon and cokes, it's fine. I enjoy this over ice when I just want an easy-drinking bourbon. Overall, I like this bourbon and will continue to look for it. Enjoy.

I had heard good things about the now-discontinued white label 6-year bottled in bond (now replaced with a 7-year BiB), so I decided to taste it. The Nose has soft banana and vanilla, a little bit of rye. I detect some baking spices after the first sip. Palate has banana, very light leather/rye, corn, and light oak. It has a nice creamy mouthfeel. The finish is on the longer side of short, but I expected it to be fairly short at 80 proof. Overall, this one is fantastic for the price! I bought a 750ml bottle for $8.99, which is unreal for what you get. Even though it's only 80 proof, it still has decent, pleasant flavor and isn't harsh at all.

Purchased in a West Virginia store, as it's not available through the Virginia ABC system. Cost was $8.99, so I decided to try it. Consumed neat in a Glencairn glass at home. The nose exhibits grass, corn, grains, and mild ethanol. It has a slightly dusty quality. The taste mirrors the nose, with hints of caramel and oak emerging mid-palate, followed by a brief touch of spice on the short finish. It's not exceptional, but given the $9.00 price point, I didn't anticipate it to be, and it offers value for the money. It seems like a good base for cocktails. Dated 8/25/19.

Glass: norlan, served neat Color: light amber Nose: cinnamon, vanilla, some alcohol, hint of honey and nuts (reminiscent of a honey candy bar?) Palate: watery, mild sweetness, black tea with some astringency, more honey and vanilla Finish: short, smooth, honey, some oak Uncomplicated, very easy to drink and an obvious choice for a mixer, especially at $17 a handle T8ke scale: 5, good, just fine

An initially musty and unusual aroma and taste, which then gives way to a very mellow and surprisingly smooth character for its price. Nothing particularly offensive, but it doesn't offer much that stands out flavor-wise. I'd place it on par with Jim Beam White Label, though Evan Williams (black or BiB) provides superior quality for a slightly higher price.