Heaven Hill Distilleries shares one of the first bottles of the limited edition 2012 release of Parker’s Heritage Master Distiller’s Blend of Mashbills with BourbonBlog.com for our review.
The Parker’s Heritage Collection was launched in 2007 to honor Parker Beam of Heaven Hill
There will only be around 7,500 bottles released beginning in September 2012 at around $80 per bottle.
This release features barrels of 11 year old Heaven Hill rye-based Bourbons, used for such renown brands as Elijah Craig and Evan Williams, mingled with select barrels of the wheated mashbill Heaven Hill uses for the Old Fitzgerald line, also aged for 11 years.
Bottled at cask strength, this bottling, much like the highly acclaimed “Gold Anniverary” bottling of 2009, showcases not only the individual whiskeys, but also the skill of the Master Distiller in selecting and marrying them together in the right proportions.
The rye-based Bourbon was pulled from the 4th floor of Rickhouse “R” in Bardstown, while the wheated Bourbon aged on the topmost 7th floor of nearby Rickhouse “T”. Like previous Parker’s Heritage Collection releases, the “Master Distiller’s Blend of Mashbills” is chill-filtered as is the custom for many Bourbon brands, thereby helping to maintain the natural esters and compounds which provide a rich texture and mouthfeel.
The release will comprise of 3 “dumps”, with each having a slightly different barrel proof. The full bottling run will be shipped in the next 4 to 6 months.
We are pleased to bring you the first review of the new Parker’s Heritage Master Distiller’s Blend of Mashbills…
2012 Release of Parker’s Heritage Master Distiller’s Blend of Mashbills Bourbon Review
Bourbon: Parker’s Heritage Master Distiller’s Blend of Mashbills Bourbon
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distilleries, Bardstown, Kentucky
Color: Rich, glowing amber.
Age: 11 yeaar old rye-based Heaven Hill bourbons mingled with select barrels of the wheated mashbill Heaven Hill uses for the Old Fitzgerald line, also aged for 11 years.
Proof: 63.5% , 127 Proof
Nose: Butterscotch, strong warehouse cooperage with light baking spices, nutty and slight peat-like aroma.
Taste: Velvety mouthfeel and enters sweeter than Parker’s Heritage collection we’ve seen in the past.
It goes into a flavorful diffusion of grains as the unique mashbills shine through.
The rye and wheat playing against each other and fighting for your attention while both settling on your palette in a relaxing, luscious fashion. At 127 proof, it is undoubtedly warm ,but doesn’t go in overly hot.
The barrels used for Old Fitzgerald line are a bit more distinct in this particular bottle once analyzed and contemplated after several glasses.
Overall, we most enjoy the smoothness on this unique release and expressions of spice and sweetness showcased with a higher proof while also being approachable and manageable to responsibly drink several glasses of 127 proof.
Finish: Creamy, calm and medium linger.
Previous 5 Releases of Parker’s Heritage Collection
2007 Release: An 11 year-old Cask strength Bourbon
2008 Release: a rich 27-year-old Bourbon, was entered into oak in 1981
2009 Release: Parker’s Heritage Golden Anniversary Bourbon , contains Bourbons from all five decades of Parker Beam’s service – 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.
2010 Release: Parker’s Heritage 10-year-old Wheated Bourbon
2011 Release: Parker’s Heritage Cognac-Finished Bourbon
Photos by BourbonBlog.com and review by Tom Fischer of BourbonBlog.com
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