Day 7 of DB's Bourbon Trail 2024 Advent Calendar

Cheers and welcome to our 5th Annual Advent Calendar!

This month, we’re embarking on a high-end bourbon journey, reviewing 25 bourbons from award-winning distilleries across the United States. From December 1st to December 25th, we’ll explore everything from small batches to single barrels, all packed with flavor. Join us in toasting to another incredible year as we share some of our favorite bottles with you!

Our reviews are done using a Glencairn glass and neat, but remember, it’s your bourbon! Enjoy it however you like—over ice, with water, or in a cocktail. The key is to enjoy it your way and not let others influence your experience.

Enough of me rambling. Now, let’s dive into what brought us here!

Day 7 of DB’s Bourbon Trail 2024 Advent Calendar

HEAVEN HILL 7 BOTTLED-IN-BOND

Proof:

100 Proof (50%)

Distillery:

Heaven Hill Distillery (Bardstown, KY)

Message on the bottle:

"Bottled-in-Bond: Under U.S. Government Supervision. This Kentucky bourbon pays tribute to the earliest days of the distillery's history when in 1939 it released Heaven Hill Bottled-in-Bond. The namesake brand quickly became the number-one-selling bourbon whiseky in the state of Kentucky. Still today, the craftsmanship poured into this bottle by the same founding family meets exacting standards first set forth in the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. This historic offering reflects on the company founders' firm belief it takes patience and perserverance to make something of great quality."

Price Point:

At DB’s Bourbon Trail, we use BoozApp (not sponsored) to ensure fair pricing on our bourbon purchases. Nothing is worse than overpaying due to supply and demand games.
- Average MSRP:
  - $44.97
- Fair Price:
  - $62.72
- Shelf Price:
  - $84.99
- DB’s Bourbon Trail Instant Buy Price:
  - <$45.99

Review:

What does Bottled-in-Bond mean? As referenced in Heaven Hill's Website to be labeled as Bottled-in-Bond, a whiskey must:

Be the product of one distillery and distilled during just one distillation season, which can run from January-June or July-December

Be aged for at least four years

Be bottled at exactly 100 Proof

Bear the name and number of the Distilled Spirits Plant (D.S.P.) where it was produced, and, if different, the D.S.P. number of the bottling facility

I have went on record in the past to say - 100 proof is my favorite to drink. I still stand true by this and I think it's mainly about consistency. I would assume that comes from the regulated process in making Bottled-in-Bond (BiB) bourbon. Now, will BiB bourbon always provide the most flavor or depth? No and that is where proof will always win and have the upperhand. BUT - if I am having more than one or two pours - Bottled-in-Bond all the way.

This bottle follows suit here and is one of my favorite every day sippers!

Nose:

When you think of bourbon, this is the aroma you most likely anticipate. It boasts a rich profile of vanilla and caramel sweetness, with unique notes of toasted oak and toffee that set it apart.

Palate:

The sweetness from the nose transitions seamlessly to the palate, accompanied by just the right amount of heat and cinnamon spice. As the palate develops, it reveals warm notes of toffee, vanilla, and a sweetness reminiscent of pralines.

Finish:

The warmth from this pour definitely lingers, and I'm all for it! The toasted oak flavor from the nose is evident, and the cinnamon heat on the palate sticks around for the entire pour.

Final Thoughts:

If it wasn't clear at the start of this review, let me emphasize it now – BiBs are my absolute favorite! This is a solid pour that you can't beat if you find it at MSRP. Its sweetness pairs wonderfully with a cinnamon spice, making it perfect for sipping on a cold night by the fire. Who's up for a bonfire?

Cheers y’all! 🥃

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