Editor’s Note: This whisky was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link in this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Bob Dylan is undoubtedly a household name, and I think it’s safe to say that Heaven’s Door Spirits, his collaboration with Chicago-based venture capital firm Spirits Investment Partnership, has quickly risen in the ranks of premium American whiskey. A newer collection from the brand is the Decade Series, a limited release of super-premium American whiskeys aged 10-years, and this year sees Heaven’s Door Decade Series II Straight Rye Whiskey, the second in the series and already amassing great word of mouth. The whiskey has been awarded 93 Points at the 2023 Ultimate Spirits Challenge and has more than held up to the scrutiny that celebrity collaboration can fall under.
The new Heaven’s Door Distillery will open their doors in September of this year in Pleasureville, Kentucky, housed within an idyllic brown barn with all the charm, nostalgia, and promise of a Bob Dylan song embracing the American dream. The distillery will work on sustainable distilling, accessing pure limestone water through underground aquifers, in addition to geothermal heating and cooling of the distillery buildings.
In addition to the distillery, Downtown Louisville will welcome a “brand experience” in a former church, utilizing the space to house a music venue, restaurant and bar, and private event space. Beside this build-out will stand a kind of shrine to Bob Dylan in the form of a 15,000 sq. foot immersive art development, highlighting Dylan’s paintings and metalwork, as well as a curation of other artist exhibitions.
Heaven’s Door Spirits Master Blender Alex Moore says this of the release: “Our Decade Series Straight Rye Whiskey is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the art of craft whiskey. We worked with dozens of carefully selected 10-year-aged whiskeys to arrive at a blend that is rich, full-bodied and has a distinctive flavor profile.”
I’ve not had the pleasure of tasting a Heaven’s Door release, but if this Decade Series II is any indication of previous releases, I am happy to say I’m hooked. There’s a wildly complex flavor profile offered within the bold spirit, with distinct notes and an aging that effortlessly complements the balance of the whiskey.
Vital Stats: Heaven’s Door Decade Series II
Tasting Notes: Mash bill of 95% rye and 5% malted barley. 100 Proof. SRP $99.99.
Appearance: A mellow amber-yellow color with long legs.
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Nose: Bright and luscious on the nose, I got notes of fresh stalk, spicy sweet like a neco wafer, Jordan almond, and raisin.
Palate: A pronounced first burst of flavor and well-balanced heat. Sweet, rich, and bold, the nose and palate are paired, as I tasted oak and Jordan almond, a bittersweet note, along with cocoa and raisin.
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