Heaven Hill Distillery Unveils Unique Specialty Barrel Series
Three unique expressions aged in Chinquapin Oak barrels highlight craft, heritage, and innovation
Heaven Hill Distillery has proudly announced its inaugural release of the Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Specialty Barrel Series, which expands the acclaimed Grain to Glass line. Upholding a legacy of quality and sustainable practices established since 1935, this series emphasizes the artistry involved in barrel selection and maturation.
Introducing the 2025 Specialty Barrel Series
This exciting 2025 Specialty Barrel Series showcases three distinct Kentucky Whiskeys: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey, and Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. Each whiskey has been aged for six years in custom-selected Chinquapin Oak barrels, chosen through a collaboration between Heaven Hill's distilling experts and the Independent Stave Company. These barrels impart unique and enriching characteristics, adding depth to the beloved Grain to Glass recipes.
Honoring Tradition and Innovation
The journey of Heaven Hill Grain to Glass begins with the selection of a single seed. Each year, Heaven Hill collaborates with Beck's Hybrids, a family-owned seed company, to identify a corn variety that thrives in Central Kentucky's soil conditions. For the 2025 release, Beck's 6225 was selected and cultivated by Peterson Farms, a multi-generational family-run farm located conveniently near Heaven Hill's distillery.
Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill, emphasizes, "Since our founding, our family has been committed to long-term growth, building products and partnerships meant to last. The Specialty Barrel Series serves as a testament to our tradition, innovation, and transparency in the distilling process while honoring our legacy."
The Unique Characteristics of Chinquapin Oak
This Specialty Barrel Series diverges from the traditional Grain to Glass releases, typically aged in #3 char white oak barrels. The 2025 series explores the distinct maturation properties offered by Chinquapin Oak, a native American white oak known for its higher vanillin content. This unique wood imparts flavors such as butterscotch, crème brûlée, toasted nut, chocolate, and coffee, delivering an equally bold and layered finish.
According to Conor O'Driscoll, Master Distiller at Heaven Hill, "Choosing Chinquapin Oak for our first Specialty Barrel Series provided an exciting opportunity to further delve into the relationship between wood and whiskey. These barrels elevate the mashbills and allow each whiskey's unique character to flourish at barrel proof."
What to Expect from the 2025 Special Barrel Series
Each whiskey expression within this year's Specialty Barrel Series is bottled at a robust proof:
- Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey – 105 proof
Mashbill: 52% Corn, 35% Rye, 13% Malt - Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon Whiskey – 105 proof
Mashbill: 52% Corn, 35% Wheat, 13% Malt - Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey – 107 proof
Mashbill: 63% Rye, 24% Corn, 13% Malt
Each whiskey is barreled at 107 proof, an homage to the traditional entry proof utilized by Heaven Hill's founders, and bottled non-chill filtered at chosen proofs to retain the bold and unique flavors bestowed by the Chinquapin Oak.
As an allocated release, the 2025 Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Specialty Barrel Series will be available nationally in limited quantities at a suggested retail price of $129.99. Each bottle, available in a 700ml bespoke design, is elegantly embossed with "Family Owned Since 1935." The beautiful craftsmanship includes jewel-toned labels unique to each mashbill, a gold-coin cork, and information detailing the corn varietal, mashbill, and years of distillation and release, all complemented by custom illustrations reflecting the traditions of Bernheim Distillery and farming in Kentucky.
Recent Awards and Recognition
The Grain to Glass line has received impressive accolades over the past year:
- Grain to Glass Kentucky Straight Wheated Bourbon was awarded Double Gold at the 2024 SIP Awards and was a Best of Class finalist at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- At the 2025 World Whiskies Awards, Grain to Glass Wheated Bourbon won Gold, and Grain to Glass Rye Whiskey was recognized as Best American Rye.
- Grain to Glass Bourbon was rated #5 in Whisky Advocate's Top 20 Whiskies of 2024, achieving a score of 94.
These distinctive whiskeys reaffirm Heaven Hill's commitment to transparency, family values, and exceptional whiskey craftsmanship from seed to sip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Heaven Hill Grain to Glass Specialty Barrel Series?
The Specialty Barrel Series is a collection of three unique Kentucky Whiskeys aged in Chinquapin Oak barrels, emphasizing quality and craftsmanship.
When will the Specialty Barrel Series be available to purchase?
The release will be available nationally starting in November 2025 in limited quantities.
What makes Chinquapin Oak special for aging whiskey?
Chinquapin Oak provides higher vanillin content, imparting rich flavors such as butterscotch and chocolate to the whiskey.
Why was Beck's 6225 corn variety chosen for the 2025 release?
Beck's 6225 is ideally suited for Central Kentucky soils, ensuring quality in the whiskey's production process.
Can I find these whiskeys at my local retailer?
The Specialty Barrel Series is an allocated release, so availability may vary; check local retailers for stock.
