The Parker’s Heritage Collection Original Batch 2014 is made from a 51% wheat mash and aged in new, charred, oak barrels thus this is not bourbon at all but it is a wheat whiskey. It is cask strength so bottled directly from the cask without any chill filtering so no surprise that the bottle tasted here was 126.8 proof.
The nose is spicy and a little woody. Carmel and honey come through during the tasting without being overwhelming sweet. The finish comes through a little spicy as well with cinnamon notes. Due to the high abv this is one that may be enjoyed with a few drops of water but it isn’t a must. Brining down the overall abv can at times help to open up some of the flavor profiles.
The Master Distiller Emeritus Parker Beam, for whom the whiskey is named, was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS. So for every bottle purchased Heaven Hill will contribute $5 to ALS research and treatment in honor of Parker. They should have no problems selling out; it is released once a year in a limited run.
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