Review by: TOModera

I will calmly and bluntly state that I know very little about Bourbon.

Seriously, very little. I know the legal definitions, I’ve reviewed some, I’ve found what I like and don’t, however I’m not going to act like I know everything or really that much.

So when dros_guy stated he had some samples of whiskies he didn’t particularly like, and they were Bourbons, and he was willing to trade for Scotch, I was pretty excited. And that they were wheaters, which… I’m guessing means there was wheat in here. At least based on the websites I found (none official).

And it has a high score by Jim Murray… granted, what non-sherried whisky doesn’t these days.

Okay, so this is a Heaven Hill product, and I’m going to try it, and I’m excited. And it’s bourbon, so let’s all be happy in my ignorance and have a dram.

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Distillery: Heaven Hills.

Bottler: Distillery Bottling.

Region: Kentucky.

ABV: 45%.

Age: 12 years.

Cask type: Virgin Oak.

Price: N/A.

Color: Burgundy

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Nose: Molasses, peach, pepper, horseradish, straw, perfume

At very, very first, if I didn’t know better, I’d say this was an experimental rum. That quickly subsides, and there’s a mixture of peach, pepper, heat, vegetal, and floral notes.

I’m somewhat afraid. What have I gotten myself into?

Taste: Toffee, sea salt, wheat, Szechwan pepper

Wow. I mean, not “This is so complex” wow, but… the notes it does have… wow. Really punches above its weight here. Don’t know what’s causing it.

Granted it’s a tad watery, but it’s nice.

Finish: Asparagus, peppers, fennel, salt, olive oil, mint

That’s a really unique, grassy finish on this one. Goes from watery to oily right at your throat, like a porn star.

I like the finish (not the porn star part).

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Conclusion: I actually like this quite a bit. Granted it’s not winning most complex or setting off memories in my head, however… well, I just like drinking it. It’s really quite nice. I’d recommend it as a nice “sit back and relax” dram, and thus it gets higher than other whiskies of similar complexity.

Final Score: 81.

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.
• 0-49: Blech.