So, about a month ago we talked about Heaven Hill’s second edition of their Grain to Glass Rye. I was extremely happy to taste that product. So much so that I was already checking to see if it was in stock anywhere while I was doing the tasting. A very unusual occurrence for me, especially with a bottle that retails for what that one did.
Well, not only did Total Wine have the Rye, but they also had the Bourbon (though not the Wheated Bourbon). And my wife enjoyed the Rye enough—shocking in itself, as she isn’t the biggest rye fan—that she felt obligated to grab the bourbon as well. The thought being that if the Rye was good enough to buy, that the Bourbon should be even better.
But before we see if she was correct, let’s see what the producer has to say about it.
Heaven Hill Grain to Glass represents our long-standing commitment to craft, transparency and quality. Each year, we select a specific corn seed varietal, which we proudly display on the label alongside the unique mashbill. The corn seed varietal chosen for the second edition was Beck’s 6225. Distilled in 2018, the second edition of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass went into the barrel at 107 proof and aged for six years in rickhouses W5 and W6 on the third, fourth, and fifth floors. It was bottled without chill filtration at barrel proof, 105 proof.
Alright, let’s dig in, shall we?
Heaven Hill Grain To Glass 2025: Bourbon Whiskey, 2nd Edition
Purchase Info: $114.99 for a 700 mL bottle at Total Wine, Burnsville, MN
Price per Drink (50 mL): $8.21
Details: Mash bill: 35% rye, 52% corn, 13% malt. Corn varietal: Beck's 6225. Barrelled at 107 proof. Bottled at 52.5% ABV. Distilled in 2018. Six years old.
Nose: Floral vanilla, cinnamon, caramel corn, and oak.
Mouth: Caramel, brown sugar, cinnamon, red fruit, oak, and just a touch of mint.
Finish: Warm and on the longer side of medium. Notes follow the mouth with sweetness, cinnamon, and oak.
Thoughts: This is just a delicious bourbon. It’s sweet and spicy, with enough oak influence to positively affect the flavor without overpowering it. I'd describe it as lively—it almost dances on your tongue. As I said about the Rye, this is expensive. But if you can swing it, it’s another worthwhile splurge. I really like it. Though if I had to choose one, I like the Rye better. There is more of a difference between the Grain to Glass Rye and other Rye Whiskeys than there is between the Grain to Glass Bourbon and other Heaven Hill Bourbons.
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