Heaven Hill Grain To Glass Specialty Barrel Chinquapin Oak Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey Kentucky 700 mL - [WA 92]

Distillery Notes:

The Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Specialty Barrel Series builds on the foundation of our traditional lineup while exploring how oak transforms whiskey. Using the same trusted Bourbon mashbill and Beck’s Hybrids corn seed varietals, this series ages in a unique barrel type selected annually by our Master Distiller in partnership with Independent Stave Company.

For 2025, our Kentucky Straight Bourbon was aged seven years in Chinquapin oak, a rare Missouri-grown white oak chosen to amplify depth and complexity. Bottled at 105 proof, it showcases the familiar Grain to Glass foundation with an entirely new flavor dimension, including notes of fruit, honey, and spice.

Proof: 105
Age: 7 years

Tasting Notes:

Aroma: Toasted oak and roasted pecans layered with subtle cedar and a wisp of barrel char

Taste: Rich and viscous on the palate, unfolding with honeyed caramel, ripe red fruit, and a hint of orange peel

Finish: A soft, lingering sweetness of golden honey gives way to spiced oak and a delicate touch of white pepper

Awards/Reviews:

92 Points - Whisky Advocate

"The dual influences of a rye mashbill and chinquapin oak barrels are on full display from nose to finish. Aromas of dill are quickly supplanted by caramel, nougat, toffee, and vanilla saltwater taffy. Fruit pops on the palate, as luscious cherry takes off, accented by dark chocolate-covered espresso beans. The finish sees a return to more classic rye notes, but there’s also plenty of barrel char and toasted sugar, making for a first-rate spicy-sweet sipper."

"The aroma opens with a strong whiff of cinnamon potpourri, then transitions to a blend of berry turnover and brown sugar. The palate starts with a rustic fruitcake note and layers in light-roasted coffee and vanilla butterscotch pudding. The finish continues the berry flavor theme while adding sweet oak, toasted cinnamon, and toasted oak notes.  In the end, it’s the combination of flavors that wins out. The berry mixed with an array of cinnamon and toasted oak results in a satisfying pour." - Breaking Bourbon

"Burly oak notes initially but also quite a bit of wood sugar which helps to offset some of the tannin. As it opens, dark caramel and a little burnt sugar take over and become more well-cooked butterscotch in time. Eventually, things bloom into something considerably richer with undertones of spearmint and baking spice. The palate is big and bold with dark vanilla bean and barrel char right out of the gate and a healthy lacing of black pepper. The spice tempers quickly and gives way to a sweet caramel apple note accompanied by plenty of baking spice, but that apple pie quality doesn’t quite take hold on the midpalate before a wave of baking chocolate and cocoa returns things to a slightly drier profile. The finish simmers with chocolate mints, blackberry, and turbinado sugar." - Drinkhacker