Tag: Heaven Hill Distilleries Page 2 of 3

Heaven Hill Distilleries Inc. is a private, American family-owned and operated distillery founded in 1935 and headquartered in Bardstown, Kentucky, that produces and markets the Heaven Hill brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and a variety of other distilled spirits.

The Heaven Hill brands include:
Elijah Craig Bourbon, Evan Williams Bourbon, Heaven Hill Bourbon, Pikesville Bourbon, Rittenhouse Rye whiskey.

Sazerac Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/28/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Comparison: Sazerac Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye whiskey side by side
It is exciting to see more and more rye whiskies becoming available in South Africa. It adds a rich dimension to the whiskey tasting options available. Rye whiskey in South Africa is still relatively unknown, but slowly I am getting the opportunity to taste more and more of these spicier drams.

Today I am looking at a comparison between Sazerac rye vs Rittenhouse rye whiskey. From one of the first rye whiskies that I tried, the Rittenhouse rye to the latest rye whiskey I have tried, the Sazerac rye whiskey

Before Prohibition in the USA, rye whiskey distilleries dotted the Pennsylvania landscape. Rye was a popular grain in America. Rye grain is easy to grow and durable. Surplus rye was fermented and distilled, which was a cheaper option than transporting it to other areas. Rye has a more spicy palate compared to bourbons.

Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey

Review and tasting notes: Sazerac Rye Whiskey with glass Comparison: Rittenhouse Rye vs Sazerac Rye Whisky
Sazerac rye whiskey is produced at the Buffalo Trace distillery. Other brands in the Buffalo Trace portfolio include WL Weller bourbon, Eagle Rare bourbon, Blanton’s bourbon and Fireball Cinnamon.

Sazerac Straight rye whiskey is aged for around 6 years and the mash bill is not disclosed. It is suggested that the mash bill is the minimum required, around 51%. I love the old school bottle shape that stands out compared to the other standard bottles on my whisky shelf.

Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey

REview and Tasting notes: Rittenhouse Rye whiskey with glass comparisong rittenhouse Rye vs Sazerac Rye whiskey
Produced in the tradition of the classic Pennsylvania or “Monongahela” rye whiskies, Rittenhouse Straight rye whiskey is an acclaimed rye enjoying a comeback throughout the USA.

Heaven Hill Distilleries produce Rittenhouse rye. It is aged for 4 years. The mash bill is not disclosed.

Sazerac Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey

Sazerac Rye vs Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey Comparison

	Rittenhous Rye Whiskey	Sazerac Rye Whiskey
Type	Rye whiskey	Rye whiskey
ABV	40%	45%
Colour	Dark Gold	Dark gold with hints of red.
Nose	Spicy and rich. Notes of nutmeg, eucalyptus and vanilla. Faint hints of fresh cut grass, lemon blossom and liquorice.	Sweetness blended with a variety of spices. Bits of pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon. Woody notes with red berries, vanilla and caramel.
Palate	Freshly baked lemon and sugar biscuits and spices. Adding water releases more vanilla notes. Rich spices including warming pepper with a hint of dry oak. Medium Body.	Toasted oak notes with spices mixed with red berry and orange flavours, bits of toffee. Cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper heat with a vanilla and caramel creaminess. Medium body. Water tones down the spicy heat and makes it very drinkable.
Finish	Medium length that end in spicy lemon pepper notes .	Medium length ending in pepper spice and orange sweetness.
My Rating	Excellent	Excellent
Comments	Delicious and different.	Smooth and easy drinking.
Price	$30	$35
Pairs well with	Milk chocolate, ribs and savory cornbread	Aged cheddar, jambalaya

If I had to do a blind taste test between these two rye whiskies, I don’t know if I will be able to tell them apart. They are so incredibly similar. From the colour to the spicy notes, these two rye whiskies are very much alike.

What the side by side tasting has shown, is the subtle differences between them, which was interesting.

The Rittenhouse rye whiskey has a more lemony profile. Hints of nutmeg, eucalyptus and rye spices mingle with fresh cut grass and vanilla.

The Sazerac rye whisky has a more orangey profile. Caramel, cinnamon and oak mixed with red berries and black pepper.

Looking at only the oak notes, these also differ slightly from dryer oak notes in the Rittenhouse Rye to more toasty oak notes in the Sazerac.

I prefer the Sazerac Rye when I have these two side by side. The Sazerac Rye is somewhat smoother and more drinkable, but only marginally.

Also Read: Pikesville Rye Whiskey

Elijah Craig 12 yo vs Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 08/05/2019

In Whisky Comparison

Welcome back to another exciting whiskey comparison. This time, we’re delving into the world of bourbon to pit two stellar releases from the renowned Heaven Hill Distillery against each other: Elijah Craig 12 yo vs Evan Williams single barrel bourbon whiskey.

These two gems hail from the heart of bourbon country, Louisville, Kentucky. They stand as the flagship brands of Heaven Hill Distillery, a heavyweight in the American alcohol industry, ranking as the 7th largest alcohol supplier in the USA, boasting an impressive portfolio of bourbons and spirits.

But let’s cut to the chase – how distinct are these two bourbons when you put them head-to-head? Are there traces of a shared “family resemblance” when sipping them side by side, or are they so unique that you’d never guess they came from the same lineage?

First, let’s take a closer look at each of them individually.

Also Read: Chivas 12 vs Johnnie Walker Black Label Whisky

Elijah Craig 12 year old Bourbon Whiskey

Review and tasting notes Elijah Craig 12 yo bourbon with glass Elijah Craig 12 yo vs Evan Williams Single Barrel
The origins of our first contender, Elijah Craig, can be traced back to the late 1700s when Reverend Craig founded a distillery in Virginia. Legend has it that after a fire damaged his barrels, the thrifty Reverend decided to fill the charred ones with whiskey.

Surprisingly, the whiskey from these charred barrels turned out to be superior. Thus, whether deservedly or not, Reverend Craig has been dubbed the “Father of bourbon whiskey.” Elijah Craig 12 year old bourbon is the result, featuring a mash bill composed of 78% corn, 12% malted barley, and 10% rye.

Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey

Review and tasting notes Evan Williams Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon whiskey 2006 Vintage with glass Elijah Craig 12 yo vs Evan Williams Single Barrel
Meanwhile, our other contender, Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon, reigns as the second-largest-selling Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey in the United States.

The Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon, in particular, stands out with its vintage distinction, being a 2006 release. Each bottle proudly displays the year it was laid down in oak (in my case, 2006), the bottling date (April 16, 2015), and the unique serial number of the single barrel from which the bourbon was drawn (Barrel No. 108).

Aged for approximately 9 years, it’s hand-selected by the Master Distiller before being bottled as a Single Barrel release. Evan Williams boasts a mash bill comprising 75% corn, 13% rye, and 12% barley, distinguishing it from its Elijah Craig counterpart.

Also Read: Jim Beam Doubled Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

Elijah Craig 12 yo vs Evan Williams Single Barrel Bourbon

Elijah Craig 12 yo vs Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon comparison

	The Elijah Craig 12 yo	Evan Williams Single Barrel
Type	Bourbon whiskey	Bourbon whiskey
ABV	47%	43.3%
Mash bill	78% Corn, 12% Malted Barley, and 10% Rye	75% corn, 13% rye and 12% barley
Colour	Dark red polished copper	Dark amber with hints of red
Nose	Quite spicy with bold notes of toasted oak spice, pepper, toffee, Christmas pudding and cinnamon baked apples. Floral notes, hints of jasmine flowers.	Sweetness and richness with buttery Christmas pudding. Cloves, cinnamon and oak as well as cherries and candied fruits. Faint hints of condensed milk and caramel.
Palate	Sweetness with touches of vanilla and nutmeg. There are notes of citrus peel, candy apple and warm oak. Medium bodied. Water softens the spicy notes and smooths the citrus.	Spicy pepper and cinnamon mixed with oak and bits of fruit. Medium body and not as sweet as the nose suggested. Water makes it easier drinking.
Finish	Medium length with sweetness and hints of flowers mixed with the vanilla and nutmeg.	Quite a long finish and ends in notes of spicy pepper and lemon peel.
My Rating	Very Good	Very Good
Comments	More sweetbness and nutmeg spice with vanilla	Warming pepper spices with oak
Price	$35	$33
Pairs well with	Aged Cheddar Cheese, salami and cold meat platter, KFC Chicken wings	Apple Pie, Flapjacks with maple syrup and bacon,

Now, onto the tasting notes. Elijah Craig 12 year old bourbon whiskey greets your senses with a spicy kick on the nose and a peppery bite on the palate. Hints of bold oak and nutmeg dance on the taste buds, and when you think you have it figured out, the finish surprises you with a delightful sweetness.

On the other hand, Evan Williams Single Barrel bourbon whiskey opens with sweeter notes, including vanilla and cinnamon, but takes a spicier turn toward the end, making for a longer and more fiery finish compared to Elijah Craig.

In the showdown between these two bourbons, I preferred Elijah Craig. It is sweeter with a better balance between the oak and nutmeg spices than the Evan Williams.

I’m not alone in this sentiment, as feedback from friends on Twitter and Instagram echoed a similar sentiment. Many favoured the fruitier sweetness of the Elijah Craig 12 year old bourbon.

It’s truly fascinating to witness the stark differences between these two bourbon whiskey expressions originating from the same distillery. Elijah Craig and Evan Williams Single Barrel are prime examples of the rich diversity within the world of bourbon, offering unique flavour profiles that cater to a wide range of palates.

So, whether you lean towards the sweeter complexity of Elijah Craig or the spicy allure of Evan Williams, one thing is clear – Heaven Hill Distillery knows how to craft exceptional bourbons that stand out in their own right.

Cheers to the wonderful world of whiskey!

Also Read: Singleton 12 vs Glenfiddich 12 yo Whisky

Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2006 Bourbon

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 11/21/2016

In Bourbon whiskey

Today I look at the Evan Williams single barrel vintage 2006 straight Kentucky bourbon whiskey. This blog post marks the final chapter of my bourbon-tasting journey for 2016, and what a year it’s been – a whirlwind of flavours and experiences. Throughout the year, I had the privilege of sampling six bourbons and two rye whiskies.

But only two left an indelible mark on me. While my trusty Maker’s Mark and Bulleit bourbon bottles are nearly finished.

The bourbon releases I tried during the year from Heaven Hill left me wanting more. I used some Evan Williams Black Label in bourbon coffee, which used up some of the bourbon. The Heaven Hill Old Style bourbon is a delightful nectarine bourbon smash.

Fortunately, my cousin’s Texan husband is visiting soon, so I might have the perfect excuse to share these cocktails with him. However, I suspect these bottles might be in my collection for quite a long time before I can finish them.

After my recent experiences with bourbon releases, I’m somewhat hesitant to open another bottle. Nevertheless, sourcing affordable bourbon in South Africa has become increasingly challenging. Thus, I had no choice but to try Evan Williams Single Barrel, as it’s one of the few remaining options I’ve yet to explore.

Also Read: Evan Williams vs Jim Beam Bourbon

Founded by Evan Williams in 1783, it stands as Kentucky’s second-largest-selling bourbon whiskey in the United States. Evan Williams Single Barrel sets itself apart with its vintage designation. Each bottle proudly displays the year it was put into oak – in my case; it’s 2006 – as well as the bottling date (16 April 15) and the unique serial number of the single barrel it was drawn from (Barrel No 108).

Opening it can be a bit of a challenge due to the thick black wax seal. This bourbon ages approximately nine years before the Master Distiller selects and bottles it as a single barrel release.

Being a single-barrel bourbon means each bottle originates from an individual ageing barrel, resulting in a limited supply. It also means there’s no uniformity in colour and taste; each vintage offers a unique experience. Evan Williams single barrel vintage bourbon is available in South Africa and retails for around R450.

Now, the question arises: should I hunt down more cocktail recipes to savour this bourbon, or does it deserve a special place alongside my beloved Maker’s Mark? Let’s dive into the tasting.

Evan Williams Single Barrel Vintage 2006 Bourbon Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 43.3%

COLOUR: Dark Amber with hints of red and copper.

NOSE: Evan Williams Single Barrel greets you with a quintessential bourbon nose. There’s an enticing sweetness reminiscent of buttery Christmas pudding, accompanied by notes of vanilla, oak, cherries, and candied fruits. In the background, subtle hints of condensed milk and caramel lurk.

PALATE: The palate delivers a twist. The sweetness and buttery richness the nose hinted at has taken a backseat. Instead, you’ll find a spicy interplay of vanilla and cinnamon mixed with oak and hints of fruit, all with a mild alcohol burn.

The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and not as sweet as the nose may suggest. Evan Williams Single Barrel isn’t overly complex. Still, when water is added, it coaxes out the sweetness, making it more approachable and tempering the alcohol burn.

FINISH: The finish is relatively long, with the journey culminating in notes of spicy pepper and a subtle hint of lemon peel.

RATING: VERY GOOD

The Evan Williams Single Barrel’s nose had me brimming with excitement, promising a rich, creamy experience one would expect from a 9 year old bourbon. Unfortunately, the taste didn’t quite match the grandeur of the nose, leaving me slightly disappointed. It’s a classic case of over-promise and under-deliver.

With the addition of water, some sweetness emerges, and the overall profile becomes gentler. However, I wonder if it might end up in a cocktail. My quest for something new, fresh, exciting, and affordable continues.

As part of my exploration, I conducted a side-by-side comparison between this Single Barrel release and the Elijah Craig 12 yo bourbon, and it’s remarkable how distinct they are despite both hailing from the same company.

Also Read: Koval Single Barrel Bourbon

Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 10/10/2016

In Rye Whiskey

My first experience with rye whisky was earlier in the year when I tasted the Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye. Rye based whisky is relatively unknown in SA. I liked the spiciness of rye and looked around for some more.

I saw a few more releases, such as the Pappy van Winkle Family Reserve 13 yo at R 19 000 a bottle. Hmmm; slightly out of my budget. Fortunately for me, I found this bottle of Rittenhouse Straight Rye whiskey at WhiskyBrother for a lot less.

Before Prohibition, rye whiskey distilleries dotted the Pennsylvania landscape. Rye was the most popular grain American farmers’ distilled regularly. Rye grain is easy to grow and durable. Surplus grain was fermented and distilled, which was a cheaper option than transporting it to other areas.

Also Read: Michter’s Single Barrel Rye

Produced in the tradition of the classic Pennsylvania or “Monongahela” rye whiskies, Rittenhouse is a well-known rye enjoying a comeback throughout the USA, as today’s American whisky consumer re-discovers classic whiskey styles.

Likewise, the brand is beloved by mixologists for its robust style and enjoys a renaissance as cocktails regain popularity. Prohibition destroyed the rye whiskey industry. After Prohibition, Americans adjusted their palates towards the softer Canadian whiskies and sweeter bourbons.

Rye whiskey was relegated to the back room. However, slowly over the years, rye crept back. Micro distilleries across Pennsylvania and New York are releasing new rye whiskies regularly. Rye has increasingly been in demand since the 2016 Whisky Bible rated the Crown Royal Northern Harvest rye as their top whisky. A rye whiskey reawakening.

The Crown Royal Northern Harvest Rye was a polarizing whisky. Some people loved it; some people could not understand the hype. For me, however, it opened a new taste avenue.

I find rye whiskies slightly spicier than the traditional bourbons, and the new flavour nuances have interesting possibilities with food pairings. Heaven Hill Distilleries produce the Rittenhouse rye. The Rittenhouse rye is aged for 4 years.

Rittenhouse Straight Rye Whiskey Review

COUNTRY: USA

ABV: 40%

COLOUR: Dark gold

NOSE: Spicy and rich. Notes of nutmeg, eucalyptus and vanilla. Faint hints of fresh-cut grass, lemon blossom and liquorice.

PALATE: Freshly baked lemon sugar biscuits and spices. Adding water releases more vanilla notes.

FINISH: Medium length that ends in spicy notes.

RATING: EXCELLENT

Probably not the best rye on the market, but a decent mouthful. My brother, not usually a whisky drinker, joined me for the tasting. He finished his glass, without water, even before I could finish writing down my tasting notes.

So it can’t be too bad. It might be that I rate this rye whisky highly because of my limited experience with rye whiskey. But I will look out for more rye releases so that I can do a better comparison. John liked the spiciness of Rittenhouse Rye, and I liked the sweeter notes.

I paired this Rittenhouse Rye with some Cadbury Milk chocolates. I have also done a side by side comparison between the Rittenhouse Rye and the Sazerac Rye whiskey to see how much they differ.

I have also tasted a Scottish Rye whisky, the Arbiki Highland Rye release. A different spice profile, but interesting.

Also Read: Pikesville Rye Whiskey

Bourbon and Coffee

By Jeannette Wentzel

On 09/07/2016

In Cocktails

Bourbon Coffee Evan Williams Kentucky Bourbon
Coffee – the magic beans that get me going in the morning. I love coffee. What smells nicer than opening a bag of freshly ground coffee beans and inhaling deeply? No wonder it is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Coffee has been the magic bean getting people going for a long, long time. There is evidence of coffee drinking around the middle of the 15^th century in Yemen.

Small artisanal coffee roasters have sprung up everywhere, offering their special blend of the roasted magic bean. According to some research, there are more than 150 independent coffee roasters in South Africa. That is a lot of magic.

Just give me a nice hot double caffè macchiato in the morning. Serve it in my beautiful red Le Creuset Espresso cup with one of my Dutch silver spoons and my day starts perfectly.

My coffee machine has been in for maintenance for the last week, and getting up in the morning without my double shot of espresso has been difficult. But it is coming back today! Let’s make a Bourbon and Coffee to celebrate.

Also Read: Cuba Libre Cocktail

Bourbon Coffee Evan Williams Kentucky Bourbon
Hot coffee in winter is great. It warms me up while I relax and watch reruns of The Big Bang Theory on the Series Channel. But in summer, hot coffee is not ideal. How to get all the comfort without the heat?

I decided to play around with coffee and bourbon to see if I can find the perfect cold coffee with a kick. And after a bit of testing and re-testing, this was my favourite recipe – bourbon coffee.

Also Read: Mint Julep Recipe

Bourbon Coffee Evan Williams Kentucky Bourbon
Using a traditional Kentucky coffee idea where you add bourbon and cream to a hot coffee, I kept the coffee cold. It is summer in the Southern hemisphere after all. I added some cacao powder to enrich the coffee and bring out the sweeter notes in the whiskey. Hot or cold, bourbon and coffee is always a winning combination.

Bourbon Coffee Evan Williams Kentucky Bourbon

Bourbon and Coffee Recipe

Ingredients

10 ml brown sugar
15 ml hot water
2,5 ml cacao powder
60 ml bourbon (I used the Evan Williams bourbon)
90 ml strong coffee
50 ml heavy cream

Method

For Cold Coffee (Perfect for hot summers day)

Put serving glasses in the freezer an hour before the time.
Dissolve the sugar in the hot water. Allow to cool.
Brew the coffee and allow to cool down.
Add all the ingredients except the cream to a shaker with some ice and give it a good shake.
Pour into the iced glass and top with heavy cream.
Sprinkle the cacao powder over and enjoy.

For Hot Coffee (If you need something warmer to heat you up)

Brew the coffee and dissolve the sugar directly in the coffee.
Add the bourbon and stir.
Top with the cream and sprinkle with the cacao powder.

Also Read: Slate blended bourbon