Heaven Hill Bottle-In-Bond
Is the Hype Real, Kinda Like My Love for Pizza on Friday Nights
Greetings, fellow bourbonites! Today, we're diving into a bottle that has a label as serious as my mom when she found socks on the living room floor when I was a child – the Heaven Hill Bottle-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon. This little gem promises a lot, and let’s be honest, isn't life just one long quest for a decent, affordable bourbon? When I bought this bottle, it was not easy to find. Once sitting on the shelf collecting a bit of dust, the bottles got labeled as allocated during those hard couple of years during lockdown. But currently, I have come across this bottle more than others.
Brief History of Heaven Hill
Founded in 1935 in Bardstown, Kentucky, by the Shapira family and Joseph L. Beam, Heaven Hill Distillery emerged just after Prohibition, growing to become one of the largest bourbon producers in the U.S. Despite setbacks like the devastating fires of 1957 and 1996, the family-owned distillery persevered, rebuilding and expanding its operations. Today, Heaven Hill maintains a diverse portfolio, including top sellers like Evan Williams and Elijah Craig, the coveted Old Fitzgerald BIB, which remains a cornerstone of Kentucky’s bourbon heritage, blending tradition with innovation to shape the future of American whiskey.
The Look - If Bottles Could Talk, This One’s Whispering "Trust Me, I'm a Professional”
First, the bottle of Heaven Hill Bottle-in-Bond doesn’t look like it’s trying to impress you, and there’s something admirable about that. It’s like that one family member who shows up to the BBQ in the same old NC State shirt and Birddog shorts, yet somehow, that is the life of the party. With a no-nonsense label, it’s all business, much like a librarian who’s also a part-time detective.
The Nose - A Sniff Test That Would Make Fido Proud
Upon opening, the bourbon greets you like a golden retriever, enthusiastically but with a hint of sophistication. There’s a waft of caramel, toasted oak, and what I can only describe as "that old book smell" if the book was written by a corn farmer. Take a moment, let it settle, and you might catch a hint of vanilla, like the ghost of an ice cream sundae.
The Taste - A Flavor Rollercoaster That Only Goes Up
Now, onto the main event - the sipping! At 100 proof, I was prepared for my tastebuds to file a complaint for hazardous working conditions. Instead, they were pleasantly surprised by disappointment. The first sip was cozy but drifted away quickly. You could taste a hint of caramel and vanilla, kind of like getting a hug from someone wearing a sweater your grandma knitted. However, the spice hits you harder than you think, just enough of a kick but more like a friendly nudge with a peppery elbow. To be fair, we did try two other bourbons during this taste test. Green River and Willet Pot Still.
The Finish - Lingering Like a Goodbye at the Family Reunion
The finish is warm, lingering longer than your relatives when you mention you might start grilling. It leaves behind a pleasant, oaky aftertaste with just a whisper of smoke – as if someone’s burning leaves three blocks over, and it’s just caught your attention.
Mixability - Because Sometimes You Need a Wingman
Heaven Hill BIB is versatile. I prefer to mix this bourbon in a cocktail rather than neat or on the rocks. But whether you’re crafting a cocktail or just splashing it over ice because it’s Tuesday and you’ve got ice, it holds its own. It’s the kind of bourbon that doesn’t lose its character when introducing it to a bit of vermouth or even a simple cola.
The Verdict - More Bang for Your Buck Than a Garage Sale
So, what’s the bottom line? Heaven Hill Bottle-in-Bond is a solid choice and a good example of how the choice of bourbon varies. My brother-in-law and I didn’t like it, but my father-in-law did. You can't help but mention it’s affordable, which means you can spend the rest of your paycheck on other essential things like, I don’t know, rent or those fancy cheese snacks you like. It’s a bourbon that promises a good time without the frills, much like watching your favorite sitcom reruns. It’s familiar, it’s comfy, and it definitely deserves a spot on your shelf – right between the "emergency" chocolate stash and the good glasses.
Here’s to bourbon that punches above its weight without punching a hole in your wallet! Now, if only finding good parking was this easy.
Cheers to a dram good time! 🥃✨
The Details:
Proof: 100 • Mashbill: 78% Corn • 10% Rye • 12% Barley • Aged: 7yrs • Price: $50
Brown Water Rating Scale:
Nose: 2 • Palate: 3 • Finish: 3 • Uniqueness: 2 • Value: 3 • Overall: 2.6
This is a 5-point scale based on my own preferences. This was also tested by my brother-in-law, another whiskey lover.