Parker’s Heritage Collection Heavy Char Barrels
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Aged 10 Years
60% ABV
$120-150
Website
What the Distillery Says
The 14th edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection features Heaven Hill’s traditional rye Bourbon mashbill, aged in specialty barrels that were charred for a full minute and a half, as opposed to our traditional 40 seconds. These “Level 5” barrels were aged for a full 10 years, where the heavier char allowed the Bourbon to penetrate further into the barrel, bringing forth caramel and maple sweetness. These 102 barrels were aged on the sixth floor of rickhouse Y, and developed a pleasant smokiness after 40 Kentucky seasons of maturation. It is bottled without chill filtration at 120 proof.
TASTING NOTES
Color: Deep copper
Nose: Balanced and fruit forward.
Taste: Smooth, rich marmalade. Sweet but not cloying.
Finish: Very long & warm. Cloves & cinnamon linger.
What Gary Says
Nose: Dark chocolate, graham cracker, roasted marshmallow, caramel, walnuts and oak.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, turtle brownies with chocolate, walnuts and caramel, nutmeg and brown sugar.
Finish: Long, syrupy fudge with subtle oak.
Comments: Damn this is just a lovely bourbon! The Parker’s Heritage Collection rarely (can’t say never) disappoints, and this is no exception. This is just a delicious, intense, well balanced pour. I do miss the days when I could find these behind the counter of my local liquor store, but am always thankful for having the opportunity to try someone else’s (thanks Dad!) This was the 2020 release, although my tasting notes are from the summer of 2024. If you see this laying around – I can’t imagine not grabbing it (aside from outrageous overpricing).