Parker's Heritage 2014 Release 13yo Wheat Whiskey (63.4%): This year Heaven Hill pump-faked all the Parker's Heritage Collection fans with their first non-bourbon release: It is a thirteen year old wheat whiskey from the very first batches of Bernheim Original dating back to 2000. The mash bill contains mostly wheat with small percentages of corn and malted barley. The casks are aged on the top floors of Heaven Hill's Rickhouse Y. $5 from each bottle go to ALS Association. It is bottled at cask strength and unfiltered. Color: Deep red-orange amber, cognac like. Nose: Pretty much muted at this abv but I can get some vanilla, thick wool scarf and allspice aromas. Very chalky and dusty. Adding water immediately helps: Chestnut honey, grape soda, salted butter and warm apple pie. Palate: Very very hot on the palate without water. It hurts... Toasted oak and burnt skillet pie crust. No need to try more. First notes after adding water are more wood, unsweetened cranberry juice and tart cherry rhubarb pie. I expected a sweeter whisky but not at all. Subtle cinnamon, black pepper and red gummy bears. Finish: It is long even after I cut it nearly to the half of its proof. A consistent and sizzling burn with jalapeno and cherry coke notes. Overall: No surprises here. It tastes exactly like an older Bernheim Original. It's not a very adventurous release (Deep inside I might be hoping for it, but well...) and definitely not a batch which will frustrate the PHC fans who were waiting for another bourbon this year. It's as close as a wheat whiskey can get to the bourbon profile without losing its characteristics. It's hard to find around since it sells out very quick every year and it's on the very expensive side of the spectrum as far as American whiskey goes to be honest but if you see it somewhere on the shelf it's definitely worth to try. It's holiday season after all and this bottle fits perfectly well to the concept...
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