Sipp’n Corn Tasting Notes: Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond 7-year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Until just over a year ago, Heaven Hill had the hands-down best price performer in all of Bourbon—a six-year age stated Bottled in Bond for only $11.99.  In previous posts I had called it the standard-bearer for all of the new “craft” whiskies; if one of those new $50.00 whiskies couldn’t be better than Heaven Hill 6-year Bottled in Bond, then why bother?

But it was such a limited release and there really wasn’t any way that it could be profitable for Heaven Hill.  We Kentuckians loved having it and outsiders loved finding it when they visited, but I think that everyone knew that it couldn’t possibly survive the bourbon boom.

After being rumored a few times, the news finally became official—Heaven Hill discontinued its namesake 6-year Bottled in Bond.  Some stores immediately raised the price, all local stores limited the number of bottles that could be purchased, and the secondary market price reached $40-50 per bottle and higher.

Then last June came the announcement that many of us figured was destined to follow—the release of a new 7-year Bottled in Bond in a beautifully-labeled bottle with a real cork closure and a suggested retail price of $39.99.

Heaven Hill was already the leading distillery with the most Bottled in Bond brands.  It’s a nod to history, quality, and heritage, and I’m thankful that Heaven Hill embraces the tradition of Bottled in Bond.  This new 7-year brand also brings with it a style that among Heaven Hill’s other Bottled in Bond brands is only outdone by the gorgeous Old Fitzgerald decanter series.  I was excited to receive a bottle because it has limited distribution which does not include Kentucky, and I wanted to compare it to the former 6-year brand.

Heaven Hill 7-year Bottled in Bond Tasting Notes

Bourbon:        Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery:       Heaven Hill
Age:                7 years
ABV:              50% (100 proof)
Cost:               $39.99

Appearance:
Amber copper.

Nose:
Beautiful oak with traditional caramel and vanilla, layer of mint, and leather.

Taste:
Caramel and vanilla, of course, and more rich sweetness like toffee, balanced with cinnamon, oak, and that leather-tobacco flavor that I usually find only on older bourbon.  The balance is tremendous.

Finish:
Medium in length, again with great balance.  This is an absolute classic bourbon.

Bottom Line
Let the people gripe about losing a value; Heaven Hill 7-year Bottled in Bond is delicious and worth every penny of its price.  It’s still a value and a must-try.

Currently you’ll only be able to find Heaven Hill 7-year in California, Texas, New York, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, South Carolina, and Colorado, but hopefully Kentucky is not too far behind.

Disclaimer: The brand managers kindly
sent me a bottle for this review, without any
strings attached. Thank you.