Parker’s Heritage Malt Whiskey is the 9th annual release in the Parker’s Heritage series. Bottled from a combination of 141 barrels selected by Denny Potter from the 5th and 7th floors of Rickhouse Y in Bardstown this is the first Malt whiskey to be released in the Parker’s Heritage series. Distilled in 2006 by Craig Beam, this year’s release comes with a dose of philanthropy as $5 from every bottle sold goes to support ALS research.
The Parker’s Heritage line got its start in 2007 by then Master Distiller Parker Beam who, in 2013, announced he was diagnosed with ALS. Since then a portion of each whiskey sold goes towards ALS research and to-date Heaven Hill has raised almost half a million dollars to support this research. Supporting this kind of research is fantastic, and I’m sure you’re finding all of this background utterly fascinating, but how about we move on to the reason I’m writing this and you’re reading it. The Parker’s Heritage Malt Whiskey review.
Parker’s Heritage Malt Whiskey Info
Region: Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Heaven Hill
Mashbill: 65% Malt and 35% Corn
Cask: New charred oak
Age: 8 years
ABV: 54%
Non-Chill Filtered
Price: $110*
Parker’s Heritage Malt Whiskey Review
EYE
Reddish orange
NOSE
I was expecting Roughstock, but instead got something better and richer. Solid notes of vanilla, citrus, banana taffy and malty sweetness float up followed by some lighter notes of toffee, spice, Tootsie Rolls and wood.
PALATE
Vanilla, spice, citrus peel, toasted malt and a warm malty sweetness flood the palate, pulling a bit of char along with it.
FINISH
Long, spicy and woody layered with some dark sweets.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great balance, rich full body and a pleasantly slick feel.
OVERALL
Parker’s Heritage Malt Whiskey is interesting and a wee bit weird, but I like it. To be honest I was a bit apprehensive when approaching this bottle because of the mixed reviews I’ve read about it, but after a few glasses, for research, I can confidently say I like it; I enjoy the sweet and malty characters mixed with the lighter rustic tones of wood and char and spice. It’s not the best Parker’s Release I’ve had, Golden Anniversary takes that honor, but it is a solid release.
SCORE: 89/100
*Disclosure: This sample of Parker’s Heritage Malt Whiskey was graciously sent to me by the company for the purposes of this review. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.