Diageo found themselves with a glut of super aged stock from other distilleries, which they continue to age in the old Stitzel-Weller Distillery. They place them in very nice looking bottles with these great age statements at prices most enthusiasts wouldn’t scoff at. But more often than not it’s a crapshoot whether or not a release is any good.
Price: $75 for 750ml
Distilled/Owned by: Heaven Hill / Diageo
Region: Kentucky
45.1% ABV
Aged For: 20 Years
Mashbill: 86% corn, 8% malted barley, 6% rye
Cask Type: New charred oak
Chill Filtered: Yes
Color: Copper
Drank: Neat, in a glencairn
Nose: Almond, nutmeg, rye, cinnamon, oak, and caramel.
Taste: Slightly watery, brown sugar, vanilla, oak, and barrel char.
Finish: Good warmth, cinnamon, clove, tobacco and medium length.
Thoughts: A decent nose and finish, this one takes a dip in quality on the palate. It hasn’t been over oaked yet for my preferences, but isn’t better than many bourbons 8 years its junior.
Score: 82 out of 100