Henry McKenna 10 Year Bottled in Bond Bourbon

Henry McKenna Single-Barrel Bottled-In Bond They say you can't select your relatives, but you can choose your companions. And much like encountering an old friend, I never grow weary of Henry McKenna. I selected it for a reason: it is multifaceted and comforting simultaneously. It is complex. It requires little effort: it does not need ice, or bitters, or simple syrup, or an elaborate glass. Certainly not a pretentious garnish. It possesses a certain dignity. It is not overlooked, and has something to communicate, but not in an extreme manner. There are no rough edges, unless you approach it aggressively—in which case it will retaliate, and you will be unceremoniously dismissed. Mutual esteem. Old friends are familiar. The bottle remains unchanged. The color is the same (mahogany consistent with its maturation period). The demeanor is the same. Like a friend's occasional new hairstyle, subtle variations in the flavor profile exist from one year, or one barrel, to another. This bottle displays abundant bourbon character in a direct manner: vanilla wafer, pomander, Cocoa Puffs cereal, a hint of barbecue sauce funk, apple cider, and chocolate-covered cherries. Juicy on the palate with more apple cider, more vanilla, and a pleasant warming sensation. Long finish with additional vanilla wafer and Cocoa Puffs, along with the oak that contributes to this. For a period in this region, Henry McKenna became difficult to locate, and when found, prices were excessive. I now observe it regularly in the $60-65 range, which is a relative bargain. Would I purchase it again? I already have; there are a few bottles in stock. 4.5 out of 5 stars. Tasted in a Glencairn glass (old friends encourage considerate assessment). 100-proof. 10-year age statement. Barrel #15163; barreled on 6/6/2013.

Exhibits a pleasing golden-orange, copper hue with decent legs. The aroma is wonderful, presenting abundant oaky wood shavings alongside lovely vanilla, caramel, and toffee notes, complemented by clear nuttiness, earthy leather, and a hint of the spice cabinet. This profile strongly suggests a typical bourbon, yet possesses refined touches that distinguish it. The palate mirrors the nose, possibly with slightly less intricacy, but the theme of common bourbon characteristics enhanced by subtle elegance persists. Its texture is opulent and substantial, leading to a rather dry conclusion. In summary, this is quite excellent, and I’m pleased with my purchase (even if its cost has risen beyond bargain levels – still quite attainable given the current scarcity of double-digit age statements). Thoughts on Beer - Numerous items are aged in Henry McKenna barrels. My experience with them is limited, and most have been components of mixtures, such as Bruery Black Tuesday Blender’s Choice (2022). That’s a superb beer, but McKenna was just one of six barrel types used. I am expecting a bottle of Evil Twin’s Great Northern series #44 soon; it contains stout aged 35 months in an 11-year Henry McKenna barrel, blended with barleywine aged in Lairds. It’s another blend, but I anticipate gaining a good understanding of McKenna’s impact. Without question, I would be inclined towards a beer aged in these barrels, as they appear perfectly suited.

Barrel 2996, bottled on 3.14.2006. This bottle has been in my possession for several years. While not my first experience with this 10-year-old single barrel bourbon, it's always a pleasure. Enjoyed neat. Appears light copper with average coating legs in the glass. The nose is delicate, offering sweet floral notes with a subtle hint of baking spice in the background. The palate is characterized by sweet, soft grain, caramel, and toffee. Spicy rye and sweet grass emerge alongside vanilla oak. The mouthfeel is light, with a slight ethanol bloom and honeysuckle sweetness. The finish presents a tingle of spice and mint, with notes of cherry, charred oak, and tannins, lingering softly. Overall, this is a sweet and smooth bourbon, well-balanced without any single flavor or off-note dominating. At 10 years old, one might expect pronounced oak and vanilla char; while present, they don't overpower the other components, which develop and recede sequentially. It's an easy drinker, complex enough for contemplation, and dependable like an old friend. Consistently so, year after year. Quite remarkable for single barrel bottlings. I previously awarded this 5 stars in 2018. My palate has evolved since then, but... I'll give this a friendly 4.5 tonight.

It has been slightly over a year since I last reviewed this bourbon (11/24/24), and I don't believe I've had any since. That's regrettable. Sweet, with notes of fruitcake, cocoa powder, orange oil, apple cider, a touch of leather, and oak, followed by some cool licorice. Pleasant viscosity on the palate. Oak, vanilla, and some caramelized sugar on the finish. I regard Henry McKenna similarly to how I view Blanton's. It's not pretentious or flashy. It embodies what quality bourbon should be. It's classic. Timeless. It's not Pappy or William Larue Weller. Staying within the Heaven Hill portfolio, it's not Parker's Heritage or Old Fitz. However, it has age, it has proof, and it exhibits bourbon characteristics. And it is more accessible—and less expensive—than Blanton's. I think I need to conduct a Bottled-In-Bond Showdown. This one will be challenging to surpass. Henry McKenna can be found for a little over $60, which represents solid value for a Bottled-In-Bond bourbon with a ten-year age statement. Would I purchase it again? Absolutely. 4.25 out of 5 stars.

The nose presents an alcoholic bite with a delicate vanilla spiciness. On the palate, caramel and oaky notes create a substantial, almost oily mouthfeel. A faint cocoa and tart cherry note precedes the finish. The finish is exceptionally long, spicy, and citrusy, leaving a warmth that lingers long after the sip is gone. It's an ideal bourbon for sipping neat, if you can find it. I'm in a region where it's still readily available, though the price has increased over time. Considering what I paid, it remains reasonable, but if this bourbon garners more attention or accolades, it will likely become as scarce as Weller 12.

Nose: Sugary brown notes, caramelized butter, and maple syrup. Palate: A whisper of vanilla at first, then rapidly shifting to baking spices, tobacco, worn leather, and rye grain. Finish: Brief. I've noticed variations between different bottles of this particular bottling, which highlights the individuality of single barrels. At its typical price range, it's a solid purchase, but significantly above that, the worth diminishes. It's aged for a decade, bottled under strict regulations, and comes from one cask. The aroma is fantastic, and the taste offers a complex profile driven by oak and spice. The sole downside is the brief, clean finish. Nevertheless, this characteristic makes it a highly drinkable bottle.