Parker's Heritage Wheat Whisky Aged 11 Years - 750ml

The 2021 Parker's Heritage release from Heaven Hill continues its heavy char series. The 15th edition of the series is composed of 75 barrels charred for one minute and 30 seconds (Level 5) - as opposed to the traditional 40 second char (Level 3) for Heaven Hill. The wheat whiskey - with a mash bill of 51% wheat, 37% corn, and 12% malted barley - was matured for 11 years on the sixth floor of Rickhouse Y. The whiskey is bottled at 61% ABV and is available as of September, 2021, and as with previous releases, a portion of proceeds will benefit the ALS Association.

The charred barrel definitely comes through on the nose, but you can still find the sweet toasty cereal notes along with caramel and vanilla. There's some apple skins there as well. Drinking straight, the whiskey is a bit tight and hot. But it really opens up with just a splash of water allowing the sweet notes to shine and softening on the palate. The finish is tangy and bittersweet.