An Exclusive Cask of Heaven Hill 10 Year with a European Pedigree – American Whiskey News
2009 Heaven Hill 10 Year Old “Archives Whisky From The Whiskybase Team” K&L Exclusive Single Cask #496
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Some of the most exciting projects in the world of whiskey are the bottlings coming from the Whiskybase Team. By taking classic American whiskies and aging them in Scotland, these bottlers have placed a uniquely European imprint on a classic American style. This 10-year-old barrel from the famed Heaven Hill distillery has undergone this unique aging process, and the results are nothing short of breathtaking. Yes, you get all the orchard fruit and vanilla one expects, but there’s also an added element of European refinement that takes things to another level. Wonderfully complex and irresistibly delicious, it is a marriage of styles that whisk(e)y lovers of all stripes will enjoy. Clocking at a whopping 133.2 proof, this is no shrinking violet, but Whiskybase is very adept at balancing the spirit’s heat against its sweetly seductive oak. All it takes is a splash of water to make this beauty sing—and what a song to behold. We couldn’t be more pleased to have access to this exclusive barrel, offering what was once only available in Europe. Our exclusive price of $120 makes this unique expression all the more tempting. For those looking to expand their whiskey horizons, we strongly recommend this spellbinding single cask expression.
The wonderful whiskies coming from the WhiskyBase team are finally available in the US and K&L is the exclusive retailer for the brand throughout California. One of the oddities of the Scottish whisky industry has been the release of several American whiskies from bourbon mashbills aged partially in Europe. These weird, wonderful whiskies have been released by famous names like Cadenhead’s and The Boutique-y Whiskey Company, but we’ve rarely seen these unusual products imported back into the US. Now, thanks to our relationship with the wonderful team making Archives, we’ve secured one of just a handful of these excellent Heaven Hill barrels that have made their way back into the US. There are huge differences in maturation between Scotland and Kentucky, but there’s still something inherently bourbon-y about this special spirit. This whiskey spent six years in Kentucky in used cooperage before making the journey to Scotland for four more years. The aromatics still rest resoundingly in the realm of sweet orchard fruit and vanilla, but instead of caramel and spice, it’s ripe, fresh fruit. Instead of pungent and smoky, the vanilla is subtle and floral. Behind the pretty aromatics are powerful exotic flavors. At an impressive 133.2 proof you’d expect the heat to be overwhelming without the sweetness of new oak, but this remains surprisingly supple and drinkable. We do recommend a splash of water and while its provenance is unusual, it remains a distinctly American spirit unlike any other.
David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: May 26, 2020
This oddity is part of a particular category of American whiskeys aged partially out of the country. This one spent at least six years in Kentucky before making the transatlantic journey to Scotland for further aging and bottling. Distilled at the Heaven Hill facility in Louisville known as Bernheim, it was aged in second use American oak for its entire life. We call this “the devil’s cask,” as it’s bottled at a staggering 133.2 proof, making the abv precisely 66.6%. The nose is fiery and raw at first, arresting, to say the least. Behind the intense nose are candied fruits and dried cinnamon. While I don’t usually recommend adding water to cask strength bourbon (this isn’t bourbon, but still), this loves water as well as any single malt would. Once you’ve added some water, the bourbon character becomes much more evident. It reveals a beautiful balance between sweet stewed fruit, exotic spices, and elegant vanilla. Once it hits your lips, we’re distinctly into bourbon territory, with a rich texture and a bold sweetness. We’ve moved more toward the orchard fruits, dried apple, and hints of mango, with a building spice on the finish. It is an excellent spirit that doesn’t fit any category well, but drinks like a dream. Don’t forget to give it a good splash to unlock its character. It’s a shame this style is considered an oddity, but considering how delicious and unusual this is, I wish we could have stuff like this all the time! Grab it while it lasts, as we’ve only got one barrel for the whole year.
