I’d like to thank Heaven Hill for providing this sample with no strings attached.
Five point four inches of rain fell into my rain gauge last night. In twelve hours! That’s right, I’m the kind of old guy who now has a rain gauge. It’s handy for knowing whether I need to water the new tree in my front yard, but honestly, it’s also just satisfying to see how much that so-called “heavy” rain actually amounted to. You know, typical old guy stuff. Though I think this is still within the limits of acceptable behavior for an almost 50-year-old, but if my yard starts looking like a scientific outpost before I hit 68, someone step in, okay?
Anyway, as I wait for the waters to subside in my backyard, we might as well talk about whiskey. And tonight’s whiskey is a doozy. I’m just going to come right out and say that I was debating the rating of this one right up until I started typing.
See, tonight’s whiskey is the Second Edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, a limited release for 2025. This rye is made from a mashbill of 63% rye, 24% corn, and 13% malted barley. And they’re quick to point out that this is a higher rye content than Heaven Hill’s traditional rye whiskey. The corn used was Beck’s Hybrids 6225, sourced from Peterson Farms in Nelson County, Kentucky. The whiskey was distilled in 2018, entered the barrel at 107 proof, and was aged for over six years at Heaven Hill’s Cox’s Creek rickhouse. It is non-chill filtered and bottled at barrel proof, 105.2 proof (52.6% ABV).
Here is what the company has to say about the release:
“With this second edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Rye, we’re proud to showcase not only the art of rye whiskey making but the full story behind every drop—from seed to barrel to bottle,” said Conor O’Driscoll, Master Distiller at Heaven Hill Distillery. “The unique mashbill and higher rye content bring a bold complexity, while the transparency we provide—from the corn varietal to the barrel entry proof—gives whiskey lovers an authentic connection to the process. This is a rye whiskey that speaks to our team’s dedication to precision and passion for innovation.”
Let’s dig in, shall we?
Heaven Hill Grain To Glass 2025: Rye Whiskey, 2nd Edition
Purchase Info: This sample was sent at no charge by the producer for review purposes. The suggested retail price is $99.99 for a 700 mL bottle.
Price per Drink (50 mL): $7.14
Details: Mash bill: 63% rye, 20% corn, 13% malt. Corn varietal: Beck's 6225. Barrelled at 107 proof. Bottled at 52.6% ABV. Distilled in 2018. Six years old.
Nose: Oak, almond, black tea, and orange zest.
Mouth: Oak, cinnamon, black tea, orange zest
Finish: Warm and on the lounger side of medium length. Notes of black tea, orange zest, a hint of peppermint, oak, and vanilla.
Thoughts: Halfway through the tasting, I checked to see if any of the local liquor store websites had this listed as "In Stock." There is one, and I’ll be picking it up if it remains there. (Notice I’m not saying where that is…)
This is a very, very good rye whiskey. It has enough sweetness to accent all the lovely flavors, but not so much that it overpowers them. I’m really digging the notes of black tea and orange zest. As far as I’m concerned, this is my favorite rye that I’ve had in a very long time. I don’t love the price, but if you can swing it, this is a worthwhile splurge. It is very interesting in the best way possible.
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