The 2023 edition of Parker’s Heritage Collection marks the 17th entry for the brand. The release is comprised of 142 barrels and is the highest aged rye in Heaven Hill’s portfolio. This is the second time a rye has appeared in the collection, with the other being the 2019 Heavy Char Barrels Straight Rye. According to the company’s press release, “the 17th edition is comprised of 10-year-old Rye Whiskey that was barreled in August, October, or December of 2012. The barrels were aged on the first floors of Rickhouses H1 and H2, the fifth floor of Rickhouse FF, the third and seventh floors of Rickhouse BB, and the second floor of Rickhouse DD.”
Once again like all releases starting with 2013’s Promise of Hope, Heaven Hill will contribute a portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold to the ALS Association in honor of the late Heaven Hill Master Distiller Parker Beam.
Nose
The sip starts off with delightful scents of smoked cherrywood, rich rye spice, and spiced raisins. Providing support are bold baking spices with nutmeg and cinnamon powder being the most prominent. Light lemon zest, poached pear, and a slight touch of dried cherries provide the proverbial cherry on top of the delicious concoction of scents. Rich and delightful, the nose is everything you’d hope it would be out of a high-proof, high-aged rye of this nature
Palate
If you weren’t aware of the age of this year, you might be led to believe that it’s older than it really is. Dry oak sets the foundation for notes of cherry cough syrup and cinnamon stick. Rye spice provides an umbrella of cover and is joined with a chocolate syrup note that adds both depth and intrigue in the combination. It’s not overtly spicy due to its “barely legal” rye mashbill of only 51% rye, but the combination of flavors is delightful and works very well together.
Finish
A rush of cinnamon and rye spice billow forward. Light leather and oak weave in, along with a distinct cherry note. A mixed peppercorn spice adds fuel to the fire as the spiciness grows with intensity before ebbing away in a gentle decline as the spice turns to a warming heat. It’s a barn burner of an ending to the sip which provides enough intrigue to keep you coming back for more, while also serving as a firm reminder that even though this may contain only 51% rye, there is no denying what grain is the prominent leader of the bunch.
Uniqueness
Barrel proof ryes, while not completely uncommon, are still the exception to the norm compared to barrel proof bourbons. If you’re willing to go out of your way to find one, you can find good examples in Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye, Michter’s US*1 Barrel Strength Rye, Wild Turkey Rare Breed Rye, Stellium Rye, or even Corbin Cash, which has been making a name of itself as of late. However, the one thing that none of these whiskeys have is an age statement, let alone a double-digit age statement. Sure you could argue that I left out Thomas H. Handy, with its usual 6ish-year age, though most consumers will have to go very much out of their way (and pay well over MSRP) to get a bottle. Although thanks to American whiskey’s resurgence, you could make an argument that the same applies to the Parker’s Heritage Collection.
Parker’s Heritage Collection Cask Strength Rye isn’t
Classification: Straight Rye
Company: Heaven Hill
Distillery: Heaven Hill
Release Date: September 2023
Proof: 128.8
Age: 10 Years
Mashbill: 51% Rye, 35% Corn, 14% Malted Barley
Color: Mahogany
MSRP: $185 / 750mL (2023)
Written by Daniel Davis
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