Introduction
I was intrigued as soon as I heard about Heaven Hill’s 90th Anniversary bottle. Distilled back in December 2014 to mark the distillery’s 80th year, and now released as a 10-year-old bourbon for their 90th, it felt like a bottle carrying real weight — not just symbolically, but potentially in the glass too. Knowing Heaven Hill’s track record with well-aged bottled-in-bond bourbons like their Henry McKenna 10, I went into this pour with measured but high expectations.
Nose
On the nose, it opened with a gentle warmth. There was rich vanilla to start, quickly joined by layers of caramel, seasoned oak, and a dusting of cocoa. With a bit of time in the glass, I began picking up darker fruit — figs and stewed cherries — beneath the more typical bourbon sweetness. The overall aroma leaned mature, carrying the depth of its ten years in oak without overwhelming the senses.
Palate
At 100 proof (Bottled-in-Bond), the mouthfeel struck a pleasant balance between richness and structure. Upfront, I tasted brown sugar and toffee with a rounded sweetness that gave way to spice — clove and black pepper, especially. The oak was there, but integrated nicely, lending grip and a hint of tobacco toward the mid-palate. There’s a dark cherry note that flickers in and out, adding a nice complexity and keeping the sweetness from feeling one-dimensional. It’s a bourbon that feels cohesive rather than flashy.
Finish
The finish stretched out slowly, revealing toasted oak, leather, and a lingering spice that tickled the tongue without becoming sharp. It fades gradually, with a soft return of dried fruit that I hadn’t noticed as clearly on the palate. I liked that the finish wasn’t overloaded with heat — just enough presence to remind you this is bottled-in-bond strength, but not more than it needed.
Price and Value
While this isn’t priced for everyday drinking, it’s also not pushed into the realm of collector-only territory. Given its age, bonded designation, and limited nature, I think the cost is fair for what it offers. It’s a thoughtful bourbon — not something I’d pour casually, but definitely one I’ll return to when I want something with more gravity than the average pour. I’d call it good value for seasoned bourbon drinkers who appreciate history and well-aged stock.
Background
This release marks 90 years since the founding of Heaven Hill in 1935, and the whiskey inside was distilled on the anniversary of their 80th year in 2014. All the barrels came from Warehouse 1, making this a tighter and more deliberate batch. Heaven Hill has long been a quiet giant in Kentucky – behind names like Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, and a deep roster of bottled-in-bond expressions. This release reflects that legacy without veering off into gimmick.
For those interested in the technical side, the mashbill follows Heaven Hill’s standard high-corn bourbon recipe: 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye. Aged for 10 years and bottled-in-bond (as mandated: 100 proof, one season, one distillery), it checks all the boxes for those who seek traditional, straight-talking bourbon.
Final Notes
I’d definitely consider buying a second bottle if I came across one. It won’t be a repeat shelf-stocker like Elijah Craig Small Batch, but it earns its place as a special pour. For newer bourbon drinkers, it might lean too oaky or lack the sweeter, flashier elements of younger expressions — but for those who've tried a few bonded bourbons or enjoy mature flavors, it’s a great one to sit with.
As for the right moment to pour it, I think it's best shared — ideally with someone who’ll understand and appreciate the story behind the bottle. It makes a good contrast against other bonded bourbons too; compared to Henry McKenna 10 or E.H. Taylor Small Batch, this Heaven Hill feels slightly more grounded — a bit less showy, but no less satisfying.