Heaven Hill Select Stock Brandy Shelf Review

Shelf Review

Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.

Heaven Hill’s Select Stock line is how Master Distiller Conor O’ Driscoll lets his hair down. Select Stock is known for featuring some of Heaven Hill’s wildest and wackiest experiments – with tequila, sherry, and a much-maligned coffee finished whiskey all being released in recent years. But with hyper local distribution (mostly at the distillery only) and super high price points (around $150), few will ever get the chance to taste these. So for those who get the chance, is it worth the plunge?

Today, we dive into their 2023 Select Stock Brandy expression to find out. Using a combination of 7 and 12 year bourbon finished for an additional 4 years in used brandy barrels, it’s on paper specs look promising. Bottled at 100 proof, Heaven Hill has offered it periodically to those who wait in line in the early morning hours at the distillery giftshop. So, if you’re in line, and this is offered, is it worth the high price tag? Let’s dive in and find out.

Age: Blend of 7 and 12 year old bourbon finished for an additional 4 years in brandy barrels

ABV: 50%

Cask: New oak finished in brandy barrels

MSRP: $150

Distillery Name: Heaven Hill

Review Date: 1/5/25

Nose: Bright red fruits, toasted maple wood, cornmeal, fresh red grapes, and dusty oak are layered over a classically nutty Heaven Hill profile.

Palate: Fresh baked cornbread covered in a berry jam. Caramel nut brittle, clove toffee, and strong oak. Mouthfeel is fine –but can overpowered by the brightness of the oak. 

Finish: Medium length finish with a burst of heavy drying oak that leaves cinnamon sticks, graham cracker crumbs, and fading vanilla.

 Score: 86

Would I buy again? Despite its intricate finishing and extended age, Heaven Hill’s 2023 Select Stock Brandy release never reaches its remarkable potential. At times, it feels overly hot and oak heavy and is missing the deep, dark richness you’d expect at this age. At $150, it promises a lot but never quite sticks the landing. So, while I don’t regret buying this, I won’t be purchasing another bottle – even if I did wait a few hours at the distillery giftshop.