Parker’s Heritage Collection 12th Edition Review
In-Depth Review
Parker’s Heritge Collection is one of Heaven Hill’s halo brands – a yearly release that explores the upper echelon of what Heaven Hill can make. Created by Parker Beam, former Master Distiller at Heaven Hill, Parker’s Heritage Collection (PHC) has always been an adventurous line of whiskies. Everything from a 24-year bottled-in-bond release to exotic finished bourbons, Heaven Hill has never been afraid to experiment with the PHC. And since the passing of Parker Beam from ALS in 2017, PHC has come to represent a charity near and dear to many in the bourbon community – ALS research. A portion of Parker’s Heritage Collection sales go towards ALS funding and Heaven Hill has said that they have successfully raised over $1 million dollars in just the last 7 releases alone. Now in its 14th expression, Parker’s is one of the most sought-after releases of the year with its history of excellent expressions, and innovative approach to barrel management, and its unique charitable angle.
For the 12th Edition of PHC, Heaven Hill is experimenting with a rather unique finish in the bourbon industry – Orange Curacao barrels. Heaven Hill has taken 7-8 distillate and dumped it into barrels that previously held Orange Curacao liqueur. The finishing process takes 4 months and is barreled near cask strength at 110 proof. And if you’re like me and didn’t realize that Curacao was even aged in barrels, this seems like a potentially odd pairing. Would the orange overwhelm the flavors? Would it even taste like bourbon anymore? I had my reservations. But as a once a year release, at 110 proof, and coming from one of the best bourbon distilleries in the world, I’m ready to dive in and take the 12th Edition of Parkers Heritage Collection for a spin.
Age: 7-8 years
ABV: 55%
Cask: New Charred Oak barrels plus 4 months finishing in ex-Orange Curacao barrels
MSRP: $90
Distillery Name: Heaven Hill
Review Date: 6/3/21
Color: Vibrant Amber
Nose: Finishing in Curacao barrels isn’t something you normally see walking down your local liquor store aisle and the effect of the orange is immediately felt on the nose. Strong, juicy, fresh cut orange, almond cream, milk chocolate, with hints of antique wood furniture. Imagine the smell of the furniture in your grandparent’s house and you are on the right track. The nose isn’t as deep or rich as I was expecting, and instead reminded me most closely of sugared orange slices you’d get in a small-town candy store. It’s refreshing without being totally boring. There’s a soft and delicate nature to the nose that sure doesn’t come off as 110 proof.
Palate: And while the nose comes off as exotic, the palate reminds you this is a bourbon after all. There are more traditional notes of toasted oak, sweet vanilla, toffee, and marzipan. It’s only as you continue to sip that the Curacao barrel influence really start to come through with the candied oranges mixing well with notes of milk chocolate that brings back memories of Terry’s Orange Chocolates. But that’s fitting with the personality of Parkers Heritage 12th, as it reminds me more of light and playful milk chocolate more than rich, deep dark chocolate. The longer the whiskey sits in the glass, the more tropical it becomes with strong fruity notes with light brown sugar and a touch of coconut. The mouthfeel is excellent, with a helping of heat from the 110 proof that never distracts from the sweeter nature of the dram.
Finish: Parker’s Heritage 12th Edition has a surprisingly long finish that starts like orange creamsicle before it moves into more drying oak. Walnuts, crystalized sugars, and oak all dominate the finish with the heat from the 110 proof leading to a long and satisfying finish.
Final Thoughts: As some others have previously mentioned in reviews of Parker’s Heritage 12th Edition, the orange has a strong effect on the bourbon. It’s like an Old Fashioned in a bottle. This is a dessert drink, an after-dinner special that may not appeal to your ever day bourbon drinker. And while the nose isn’t as dramatic as I expected, the palate brings a fantastic orange vanilla cream vibe that beguiles its 110 proof. The Curacao barrels play very well with the 7-8 Heaven Hill distillate and creates one of the most unique bourbon experiences I’ve had in recent memory. Heaven Hill took a risk with finish in Orange Curacao, but I think it ultimately paid off. I love what Parker’s Heritage 12th Edition represents – an experiment in an industry that can sometimes struggle to innovate.
Score: 94
