Heaven Hill just announced the release of the 19th edition of its annual Parker’s Heritage Collection, a lineup of whiskeys that firmly fits into the unicorn category from this Kentucky distillery that is better known for more affordable and attainable brands like Evan Williams and Elijah Craig. This year’s expression is a straight American whiskey that combines three different mashbills, and we have the details to share.
This collection is named after the late Heaven Hill master distiller Parker Beam, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2010. Starting in 2013, a portion of the proceeds from Parker’s Heritage Collection have gone to benefit ALS research, raising over $1.4 million dollars for the cause so far. Each release differs as far as mashbill, proof, cask finishing, and other details are concerned, and this year’s is an interesting blend of styles: 15-year-old Kentucky straight wheated bourbon (aged in Rickhouse A), 11-year-old Kentucky straight corn whiskey (aged in Rickhouses DD, GG, and BB), and 12-year-old whiskey made from rye and malt (aged in Rickhouse Y). The blend consists of just 160 barrels and each component was aged separately before being married together and bottled at cask strength of 122.5 proof with no chill filtration.
“With each release of Parker’s Heritage Collection, we honor Parker Beam’s legacy by pushing the boundaries of American Whiskey,” said master distiller Conor O’Driscoll in a statement. “This 19th Edition is a celebration of innovation and craftsmanship, bringing together three mashbills and age statements to create a complex, bold whiskey that truly stands out. We’re proud that this series not only showcases our team’s blending expertise, but also continues to support ALS research in Parker’s memory.”
We did not get to try the whiskey yet, and the brand did not provide tasting notes, but it certainly sounds like an interesting blend. Past expressions have impressed us, like last year’s 14-year-old malt whiskey that was finished in Cognac barrels, 2023’s 10-year-old barrel-proof Kentucky rye whiskey, and 2020’s 10-year-old bourbon aged in barrels that were much more heavily charred than the ones Heaven Hill usually uses.
The new Parker’s Heritage Collection comes out this September in limited numbers with an SRP of $180, but be prepared to pay much more than that once it hits the secondary market as prices often soar above $500. If you’re looking for something to tide you over, some choice whiskeys in the Heaven Hill lineup are available now at websites like ReserveBar.
Authors
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Jonah Flicker