In June of 2024 Heaven Hill Grain to Glass was announced. The highly anticipated launched offered three new mashbills which included Bourbon Whiskey, Wheated Bourbon Whiskey and Rye Whiskey.
According to the press release, “The craft nature of this unique line of Whiskeys starts at the very beginning – the seed. The idea for the line began over 8 years ago as the brainchild of Heaven Hill Executive Chairman Max Shapira. Max’s passion for quality and transparency in whiskey-making lead to a partnership with seed company Beck’s Hybrids – a fellow family-owned and lead operation based in Indiana since 1937. Each year, the Heaven Hill Master Distiller works with Beck’s Hybrids to hand select a unique corn seed varietal that has specific attributes desirable for Heaven Hill Grain to Glass, one of which is choosing seed which is best suited for growth in Central Kentucky.
Typically, Whiskey is made with low-starch corn because it produces a higher yield. However, waxy (or high-starch) corn results in better alcohol content. Each year the Heaven Hill master distiller works with Beck’s Hybrids to find the perfect non-GMO corn seed varietal: one with higher-starch content that grows best in Central Kentucky. It can take years, or even decades, to create these hybrids, selecting the best traits of each corn plant and ensuring the resulting hybrid is ideal for Whiskey-making in Kentucky.
Bourbon Review: Heaven Hill Grain to Glass
ABV: 53.5 (107 Proof)
Age: 6 Years
Mash Bill: 52% Corn, 35% Rye, 13% Malted Barley
Corn Seed Varietal: Beck’s 6158
Distilled: 2017
Bottled: 2024
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Location: Bardstown, KY (USA)
The Nose: Initial aromas of green apples and vanilla are easily identifiable along with a fair amount of ethanol which is disheartening. Subsequent pulls of aroma also see toasted marshmallows and a touch of pears.
The Taste: As expected the first sip serves up an abundance of rye spice but there is amazing note of toasted caramel on the backend with a hint of cantaloupe that appears for a split second. Subsequent sips the rye spice remains dominant but there is also some cinnamon, toasted oak and subtle licorice.
The Finish: This is where the bourbon really shines with a complex profile that includes butterscotch, toasted caramel, vanilla and the occasional toasted marshmallow.
Conclusion: One of the things I love about the cigar industry is how they disclose the different varietals of tobacco. To see a liquor company disclose the seed variety is interesting. The corn seed which is developed in Indiana is planted in Kentucky. The cigar geek in me wonders how this corn would change if it was planted in a different state/climate. Some people might think this is a gimmick but living in New Hampshire I have experienced first hand how corn tastes different from farm to farm up in these parts. One day we might look back at Heaven Hill Grain to Glass as being a revolutionary bourbon that changes the way a bourbon blend is revealed to the consumer.
As far as the bourbon goes, At 107 proof there isn’t a lot of heat on this one and there is an incredibly complexity to the pour. Everytime I drink it I pick up a nuance of a flavor profile that I didn’t detect in the past. It is pricey but so very worth it. This is a must have and if you see it buy 2 bottles.
Score: 95
Price: $99.99 (750 ml)
