William Heavenhill 12 Year Barrel Proof (7th Edition)

I was given a sample bottle and shared it with 2 friends. This bottle is amazing and almost received a perfect score. I can't say how full the bottle was. Poured into a Glencairn and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. High proof deliciousness needs time to prepare. Nose (4.5): As soon as I poured it, I detected a wave of creamy vanilla, but the initial sniff was a bit subdued. Even with my nose deep in the glass, I couldn't detect much. I noticed slight hints of sweetness, and that's all. After a taste, the aroma truly emerged. I suppose my senses needed to awaken. Strong cherry appeared first, then a fantastic balance of vanilla and oak. Palate (5): Wow. The first sip brought an explosion of robust cherry and brown sugar flavors, all smooth on the tongue. The second sip, swirled around, had the same intensity, and my tongue definitely felt the alcohol content. The vanilla theme arrived. Vanilla oak. Vanilla cherries. Vanilla whipped cream. Vanilla bean. The remarkable thing is that despite all the vanilla, the other flavors were not lost. Finish (5): This lingers indefinitely. A warmth arrives on the second sip and softens. Just the right amount of warmth that suggests affection. I appreciate when oak is present in the finish without becoming bitter. Vanilla, of course. I tasted dark chocolate on the upper rear of my tongue that changed to milk chocolate. Similar to milk with a bit of Nesquik stirred in. Overall: Robust, amazing flavors throughout. My senses needed time to adjust initially. The alcohol content doesn't cause the burn you might expect. I believe Knob Creek single barrel at 120 proof offers more intensity. It's not intricate, but with the balance and strength of flavors, complexity isn't necessary to classify it as unique. $249 is difficult for me to justify. If I received a bonus or visited the distillery, I would likely purchase it. If the price dropped to $200, I would buy it. It's just outside my usual spending range.

This is one of those bottles that would be extremely difficult to explain to someone unfamiliar with the exorbitant, rapidly increasing costs of the hobby and the increasingly complex differences between bourbons from the same producer. It costs $250. It's 12 years old. Just yesterday, I found Evan Williams 12's $129 price tag questionable, but this is on another level. Comparing this to the distillery's own Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, it's genuinely hard to justify the cost. Both have the same age statement, originate from the same distillery stock, and are sometimes separated by less than a single proof point (e.g., ECBP A119). And the ECBP costs $75-80. Despite all that... I must commend these producers because Heavenhill is a stunning drink. On the nose: fresh florals, intense perfumes, ripe plums, and blackberry pie. Each sip combines those Elijah Craig notes of cherry and dry oak, but there's also so much hazelnut and chocolate in its profile that it borders on parody. The tannins are so strong that this bourbon practically makes my teeth stick together. That distinct hazelnut note is what sets this apart from the less exceptional offerings in Heaven Hill's range. Is that worth an additional $170? Not to me, but everyone has different preferences.

The aroma is dominated by charred wood, nicely balanced by a jolt of earthy rye spice and dried blossoms. Softer hints of vanilla, cooked brown sugar, and bread smooth out the intensity. There might be some subtle fruit notes in the background, but overall, it presents as very substantial and quite assertive. The taste is dry and has a chewy texture, initially hit with strong peppery heat, followed by charred oak and rye. After the initial taste, it becomes somewhat calmer, offering smoke and ripe fruit alongside the dry, spicy oak. Not much changes with further sips; it stays bold and intense. The finish is lengthy and spicy, leaving a persistent dry, chewy sensation. Most other flavors fade quickly, but if you're looking for a hot and oaky experience, this delivers it and more.

Potent, with herbal, peanut, and toast notes, plus raisins, strong spice, pepperiness, oats, and caramel, with a slight grassy aroma. The finish is long and spicy. Revisited on March 29, 2024: Sweet, nutty caramel, marshmallow, and perhaps cherry? On the palate, it starts with dry cola and dill. The peanut flavor is prominent. The middle brings more nutty character with rye spice. The finish has a kick with baking spices and a long graham cracker aftertaste. Oak emerges.

An intense wave of alcohol and cinnamon. It coats the mouth with a rich, oily spice that blooms into a gentle warmth. It's not harsh, but its presence is undeniable. The sensation lingers long after it's gone. This doesn't drink like its stated proof. It shares similarities with high-proof George T Stagg, but with considerably more spice. Excellent and recommended.

A relative picked this up in 2019 during a bourbon journey. The aroma offers cherry, abundant vanilla and oak, possibly a hint of pie crust. At 134.4 proof, it delivers a potent and intricate taste. It feels creamy and velvety. Flavors of vanilla, oak, and chocolate pie are present. The finish is exceptionally long, sweet, and full of baking spices.