Frequently Asked Questions
Crafted with over 85 years of distilling expertise, the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 20-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Corn Whiskey exemplifies the pinnacle of American whiskey craftsmanship. Aged for two decades in hand-selected American white oak barrels and bottled at a robust 115 proof, this ultra-premium release features a traditional mashbill of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. The nose unfolds with warm notes of toasted corn and oak spice, while the palate reveals layers of aged oak, walnuts, and a subtle sweetness reminiscent of corn and wood spices. This limited-edition gem, drawn from only 110 barrels aged in Heaven Hill's historic Rickhouse 1K, is a testament to meticulous aging and innovation. Packaged in an elegant box adorned with the signature Heaven Hill insignia, it's a must-have for collectors and connoisseurs alike, offering a rare, refined tasting experience that celebrates tradition and heritage.
Process & Profile
The Heaven Hill 20-Year-Old Bourbon is a masterpiece of time and technique. Distilled from a mashbill of 80% corn, 8% rye, and 12% malted barley, this bourbon undergoes a remarkable 20-year aging process. It is matured in second-use barrels, which impart lighter tannins while allowing the spirit to retain a uniquely balanced profile of oak influence and delicate sweetness. Bottled without chill filtration at 115 proof, this bourbon delivers an intense, undiluted experience brimming with authenticity and flavor.Tasting Notes
Nose: An alluring complexity greets you with aromas of toasted corn, butterscotch, and oak spices, complemented by vibrant citrus, cinnamon, and clove. Palate: The rich, layered profile unveils aged oak, candied orange peel, licorice, and hints of walnuts. Subtle spice and a touch of cherry provide depth, while a velvety mouthfeel speaks to the bourbon's refined aging. Finish: A bold, lingering finish showcases wood spices and faint corn sweetness, balanced by rye-forward heat and earthy undertones. It's a finale that commands attention.What Makes It Special
- Heritage and Craftsmanship: Produced by Heaven Hill Distillery, a family-owned company since 1935, this bourbon embodies generations of dedication and expertise.
- Aged to Perfection: A rare example of a 20-year-old bourbon, its extensive aging develops unparalleled depth and complexity.
- Exclusivity: Part of the prestigious Heaven Hill Heritage Collection, this limited-edition release was drawn from only 110 barrels, adding to its collectability and prestige.
- Unique Aging Process: The use of second-fill barrels lends the bourbon a lighter color and an exceptional flavor profile distinct from other long-aged spirits.
How to Enjoy
The Heaven Hill 20-Year-Old Bourbon is best enjoyed slowly to savor its depth and nuance:- Neat: Savor the full spectrum of its complexity in a Glencairn glass.
- With Water: A few drops of water can open up the flavors, revealing caramel, vanilla, and subtle fruit notes.
- Paired with Fine Foods: Enhance your tasting experience by pairing with premium dark chocolate, aged cheeses, or roasted nuts.
- Special Occasions: Perfect for celebrations or gifting to whiskey connoisseurs, this bourbon is not just a drink but an experience of heritage and craftsmanship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mashbill of the Heaven Hill 20 Year Bourbon Whiskey?
The mashbill for this whiskey consists of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye, giving it a distinct flavor profile with a high corn content that sets it apart from traditional bourbons.
How is this whiskey aged, and what makes it unique?
This 20-year-old whiskey is aged in used bourbon barrels, rather than the new charred oak barrels required for bourbon. Aging in used barrels softens the oak influence, allowing nuanced flavors of toasted corn, oak spices, and aged complexity to develop, which is rare for corn whiskey.
What flavor notes can I expect from Heaven Hill 20 Year Bourbon Whiskey?
This whiskey offers a nose of toasted corn and oak spices, followed by a palate with aged oak, walnuts, and a finish of wood spices with lingering hints of corn sweetness. It also displays spicy notes of cinnamon and clove, supported by touches of fruit, butterscotch, and subtle vanilla.
What is the proof of this whiskey?
Heaven Hill 20 Year Bourbon Whiskey is bottled at 115 proof (57.5% ABV), balancing the boldness of flavor with the strength of the spirit.
Why was this whiskey aged for 20 years?
The extended aging of 20 years highlights Heaven Hill's commitment to craftsmanship, allowing the whiskey to acquire deep oak characteristics and a complex flavor profile through decades of Kentucky's seasonal temperature changes.
How rare is this release, and how was it produced?
This limited-release whiskey is part of the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection. It was distilled in 2002, aged in 110 barrels from Rickhouse 1K, and showcases Heaven Hill's oldest and most carefully selected inventory, making it highly exclusive.
How is this whiskey different from traditional bourbon?
Unlike bourbon, which requires aging in new charred oak barrels, this whiskey is aged in used bourbon barrels. This difference offers a lighter influence of oak, allowing unique flavors to develop, such as toasted corn and subtle sweetness, that distinguish it from traditional bourbon.
What is the origin of Heaven Hill Distillery?
Heaven Hill Distillery was founded in Bardstown, Kentucky in 1935, and it continues to be a leader in American whiskey production, maintaining traditions while innovating with releases like the Heaven Hill Heritage Collection.
Can this whiskey be shipped directly to consumers?
Due to legal restrictions, Heaven Hill does not ship directly to consumers. However, bottles can be located through local retailers using Heaven Hill's brand finder tool, and some e-commerce retailers may ship depending on regional laws.
What is the price of Heaven Hill 20 Year Bourbon Whiskey?
The suggested retail price for this limited-edition release is $289.99 for a 750ml bottle.
Unfortunately, we're unable to ship to PO Boxes and APO addresses.
Adult signature (21+) required upon delivery.