Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Bourbon Review

Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery—Bardstown, KY

Proof: 105.0 (52.5% ABV)

Age: Six Years

Mashbill: 52% Corn, 35% Rye, 13% Malted Barley

MSRP: $100

---

Full Traceability, High-Rye Character, and a Purpose-Driven Pour

With the second edition of their Grain to-Glass line up—Heaven Hill’s 2025 release steps into somewhat new territory—offering a whiskey where every step of production is accounted for, from seed to Rickhouse to bottling.  While many craft distillers have built their brands around grain-to-glass, it is not  common for a major producer to offer this level of traceability and accountability.

The mash bill features 52% corn, 35% rye, and 13% malted barley.  Bottled at 105 proof after six years of maturation, all the grains were sourced from a single farm in Kentucky.  Beck’s 6225, a non-GMO hybrid variety prized for its resilience and consistent starch content, is not an heirloom grain.  However, it was chosen for both yield and flavor neutrality, helping to highlight the grain’s origin without introducing novelty into the bourbon.

Maturation took place in standard Heaven Hill rickhouses using barrels coopered internally furthering  this release’s traceability.  While it doesn’t carry the bottled-in-bond label, the release has many of those production hallmarks—single-season distillation, extended aging, and a deliberate proof point—but not the legal constraints that comes with a bottled-in-bond expression.

In short, this isn’t just another limited edition or gimmick.  It’s a reflection that one of America’s largest distillers embraces production transparency and agricultural intent—all without losing sight of what’s important in a Kentucky Straight Bourbon.

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Bourbon Review: Tasting Notes

Nose – 4.25/5

Notes:  The Nose leans grain-forward in the best way.  Notes of fresh cornbread, dry peanuts, straw bale, and light stone fruit.
Strengths:  Draws your clear attention to the grain-driven identity.  It’s not trying to impress with a flashy Nose—it feels rooted in where it came from.

Why It’s Not Higher:  While distinctive, the Nose lacks the complexity or evolution found in older, single-barrel, or secondary-finished releases.  It opens strong but doesn’t move into layers like dark fruit or leather and it misses some of the rich notes (like toffee or brown sugar) that might push it into elite territory.

Rating Justification:  The Nose earns its score.  It’s better than many 6-year bourbons on the shelf.  But the relative simplicity keeps it under Platinum tier.

Palate – 4.25/5

Notes:  honey graham cracker, black pepper, and roasted grain, followed by notes of red apple. Full and rounded mouthfeel—viscous but not syrupy—plenty to carry the flavor without feeling heavy.  A laser focused spice mid-Palate adds “energy” without overpowering the underlying sweetness.
Strengths:  The high-rye mash bill really shines here on the Palate.  It drinks warm but not hot.

Why It’s Not Higher: There’s a bit of flatness in the mid-Palate.  Additionally, it lacks a true standout flavor or “wow” moment that might elevate it to into the elite category.  It’s satisfying but doesn’t quite move past core notes.  

Rating Justification: Flavorful and textured—a standout for those who enjoy rye edginess.

Finish – 4.25/5

Notes:  Medium length–graceful in taper.  Notes of dry oak, cinnamon spice, roasted peanut, and a gentle rye bitterness round it out. The Finish leans dry and lingers more than might be expected for six-year aging.
Strengths:  The Finish brings it all together very nicely.  There’s a subtle bitterness that keeps it from feeling overly sweet.  It’s well-structured and gently warming—lingering longer than expected for a six-year whiskey.

Why It’s Not Higher:  While consistent and pleasant, it doesn’t hit the layers of complexity found in older or some double-barreled bourbons.  The dryness toward the end distracts from the softer, richer tones that preceded it.

Rating Justification:  The Finish does exactly what it should:  ties the whiskey together.  It earns its score by being complete, even if it doesn’t venture into bold or unexpected territory.

Value – 3.9/5

At $100 for a 700ml bottle, Grain to Glass clearly aims for the enthusiast market. While a six-year, 105-proof bourbon at that price might raise eyebrows, this release isn’t trying to compete based on its proof or age.  Rather, it sells the uniqueness of transparency and traceability.  For enthusiasts who value this level of visibility the Value is here.

Strengths:  What you’re paying for here is process, sourcing, and a story that lines up with craft values.  The mash bill is unique in the Heaven Hill portfolio, and the farm-grown grain differentiates this release.

Why It’s Not Higher:  Put simply–at $100, many buyers will expect either higher proof, older age, or a 750ml format.  With that in mind, this bottle might feel light on specs, especially for enthusiasts who don’t prioritize the grain-to-glass story.  It also faces some stiff competition from bonded-in-bond bourbons, single barrels, and special releases in the same price range—some of which offer more intensity or oak depth.

Rating Justification:  The value relies heavily on its intent and transparency.  For enthusiasts who appreciate that perspective, the price is justified.  For those focused on maximizing age, proof, or bottle size, the value may be harder to see. The 3.9 score reflects that balance—premium pricing; niche appeal.

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Bourbon Review: The Verdict

Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Bourbon shows what happens when a legacy distiller acts like some craft producers and controls every variable—from seed to barrel.  With its grain-forward character, high-rye complexity, and transparent production integrity, this release is a rare offering inside the Heaven Hill portfolio. While the price may make it a niche pick for enthusiasts, the quality and story still hold up.

Verdict – 4.2/5

We score each bourbon based on nose, palate, finish, and value.

Scoring System:

• Platinum – 4.5 – 5
• Gold – 4 – 4.5
• Silver – 3 – 4
• Bronze – <3