Notes: An extension of the Grain to Glass line, This is one of the Heaven Hill Grain to Glass , in this case the Kentucky Straight bourbon 105 Proof. The Grain to Glass series is a ongoing series using a single varietal of corn from from a seed company called Becks Hybrids , a family owned seed company in Indiana.This years varietal Becks 6225- was chosen and grown by a family owned farm called Peterson Farms in Nelson County and just across the road from Heaven Hill.

The 2025 Specialty Barrel Series is meant to showcase the artistry involved ( and the results) of barrel selection and maturation. The three whiskies of this selection include the Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, The Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, and The Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. Each are aged I( not just conditioned in) in char level 3  for a period of 6 years. whiskies.

This expression, the Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey uses a mash bill of 52% Corn, Rye 35%, and 13% malted Barley which is a fairly standard mash bill for Heaven Hill except there is more of the secondary grain (Rye) . but the cronies a very specific stain/genome the Becks 6225, which is also used in the other grain to glass series , but as stated before the additional variable in this series is the Chinquapin Oak to. add a further layer of variation to the mix as it were,

Appearance: Beautiful deep amber in the glass, clear honeyed appearance. On swirling leaves a thicker than usual coating, demonstrating a thicker viscosity than most bourbons, even their Heaven Hill cousins, Not a lot of legs forming, or tears, it seems to almost roll over its own edge line or meniscus on its ever so slow retreat back into the glass.
Watching it do this is my form of Zen.

First Impression: Somewhat intense vanilla notes, with a cigar humidor ( Spanish cedar) notes and caramelized sugars, nuts, crushed acorns, barrel char

Taste: Slightly oily entry with it caressing and teasing the tongue and leaving a nice tingle in its wake. Starts off a touch sweet then dries rapidly. Slightly sweeter with less vanilla than the Specialty Barrel Series Version but many of the same other notes Creme Brulee, vanilla, dry char cinnamon, and some slightly drying at the edges of the tongue on the finish reminiscent of charcoal and dry wood. The higher rye comes out as well as a spicier, sweet/sour rollercoaster and a bit more forward than the standard mach bill .

Drinks: Good on its own if you like wood. Nice Manhattan with the right vermouth ( like a Carpano  Antica to offset the bitter ) Whiskey Sour was also a nice fit with the rye adding a touch more complexity.

Bottle: We did not receive a production bottle so cannot comment.

Other: Take a look at our reviews of other Heaven Hill products, such as the Elijah Craig,  Larceny, Old Fitzgerald, Heaven Hill Parker Heritage, and Evan Williams whiskies.

Final Thoughts: Less intense than the Specialty Barrel, a bit more understated overall, in a good way. whether you chose between this one and its more intense sibling should come to personal preference, much like there are certain scotches which are the same blend but with more peat per PPM ( Parts Per Million) but that comes down to personal taste and preferences rather than any faults. Overall an interesting specialty expression

Website: www.heavenhilldistillery.com/graintoglass

As usual with the Heaven Hill websites in general , they have a fair amount of information – usually a lot more than most but still IMHO lacking in certain details. ( My gold standard is the Waterford Whiskey websites for individual release) . Definitely worth looking at though!

Pour yourself a glass or two of their whiskeys and sit down and read up or listen to their podcasts, Lot of information to absorb and enjoy !