Editor’s Note: This whiskey 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.
Limited release whiskeys are a tricky proposition. On the one hand, they provide a chance to experience rare and refined taste profiles. For some distillers, limited releases are a way to showcase their signature qualities, unconstrained by the need for a success to be repeatable. On the other hand, you risk finding out you love a whiskey that it’ll be difficult to get your hands on again. You have to hope that the experience gives you something memorable.
For 16 years, the Parker’s Heritage Collection has been a highlight of the Heaven Hill Distillery’s annual release lineup. Heaven Hill, in Bardstown, Kentucky, is best known for the Elijah Craig and Evan Williams brands. It has remained independent and family-owned since its founding in 1935. Their roots in post-prohibition America show in their heavy focus on bottled-in-bond releases and other high proof whiskeys. They held to this tradition even when stronger whiskeys were dropping in popularity during the 70s and 80s, and have enjoyed their recent resurgence.
Their appreciation for tradition is no clearer than in the Parker’s Heritage Collection. The collection is named for Parker Beam, the sixth generation master distiller who worked with Heaven Hill for more than 50 years. The collection celebrates his life and contributions to the art of distilling. In his honor, a portion of each bottle sold is donated to research the cure for ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which took Parker’s life in 2017.
Each new edition of the Parker’s Heritage Collection is unique in production and style. The mash bill has changed between editions, and some were aged in barrels that were charred for a full 90 seconds or used to store French orange curacao. Each of these limited runs has a distinctive character, not likely to be repeated again.
For this review, I’m covering the 16th edition of the series: the Parker’s Heritage Collection Double Barrel Blend. This 2022 release utilizes a novel barreling approach to tune its taste profile. Production began with a Kentucky straight bourbon, aged for 13 years and then moved to American white oak barrels to spend four weeks absorbing a level 3 char. After that, it was mixed with a 15 year aged bourbon to balance the spicier profile. As a mix of two Kentucky straight bourbons, the proof is an impressive 132.2, high even compared to other entries in the collection.
Tasting Notes: Parker’s Heritage Collection Double Barrel Blend
Vital Stats: 66.1% ABV. Blend of 67% 13 year Kentucky straight bourbon and 33% 15 year Kentucky straight bourbon. Mash bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, and 12% Malted Barley. 132.2 Proof. Around $175 per bottle.
Appearance: Auburn
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Nose: It has an oak forward scent, but I can only identify hints of the wood before the high proof asserts itself and the burn overwhelms the scent profile. Alternating between short scents and taking moments to let the burn clear, I can start to tease out notes of caramel accenting the oak.
Palate: The whiskey opens with a woody, creamy feel. For a high proof spirit, there’s a very smooth initial mouthfeel. As the palate settles, it unfolds into the rich, sweeter taste of spiced fig and caramelized banana. I don’t have too long to explore the flavor, though, as the 66.1% ABV makes its presence felt and a back note of cooling mint evolves into an intense burn on the tongue. After I take the swallow and the burn fades, I’m left with a pleasantly warm mouth and the aftertaste of pepper, nutmeg, and lingering hints of cocoa.
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