Distillery: Heaven Hill
Proof: 94
Age: No Age Statement
Mashbill: 78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, 10% Rye
Price: $85-$90
Company
Heaven Hill, located in Bardstown, is one of the most iconic bourbon distilleries out there—producing brands like Elijah Craig, Larceny, Evan Williams, Henry McKenna, Old Fitzgerald, and more.
Production
According to their site, Toasted Barrel is the result of the standard Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon being finished in a second, custom toasted new oak barrel. This second barrel is toasted, then flash-charred with moderate temperatures.
Nose – 95/100
Delightful toasted marshmallow with hints of caramel and chocolate. It’s one of the best bourbons I’ve ever smelled.
Palate – 92/100
The sweetness from the nose carries to the palate, but with more noticeable notes of oak, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Finish – 96/100
The finish starts with a blast of rye spice and hints of leather and oak, then fades into warm brown sugar.
Value – 90/100
There’s a lot of hype around this bottle, which has driven up the price and the demand a good bit. Its MSRP is $50 but it’s frequently going for $85 at liquor stores that get an allotment. I have no issue buying it for $85 since it’s so unique, but I feel like $60 is a more reasonable price.
Verdict – 93.25/100
We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.
Scoring System:
- Platinum – 95+
- Gold – 90 – 94
- Silver – 80 – 89
- Bronze – <80
Hunter Branch is the Founder and Director of Editorial for Bourbon Inspector. He has been writing about and professionally reviewing bourbon since 2020 (and has been drinking it for much longer). He’s been able to interview big names in the bourbon industry like Trey Zoeller from Jefferson’s Bourbon and his work has been featured in publications like TastingTable, Mashed, and more.